Beyond - Legends Whispers in the Dark - EU/AU Mara, Obi, others - Action/Mystery *Epilogue 12/1*

RebelMom

Looks Luke and Cela are safe, but the others are in worse trouble than before.

You?re right, they are safe. As for the others? They have a battle to get through ? in more ways than one.


SWpants666

I hate Reynard. Just thought you should know

LOL. Good, you?re supposed to! He?s a nasty man and wait until you see what he does.

Glad Luke & Cela are safe.

So am I.

I love how Han is as cocky as ever.

I adore Han and I try to keep true to the character.

I hope Obi-Wan & Bail get through everything all right. I found it funny that they were smiling at "the little problem".

I think Obi and Bail make a good team but they both don?t want to face Padmé?s wrath.


RedGold

i'm sure they will think of something........

Oh, you?ll see. Reynard is far from done yet.


JediMaster_Jen

Thanks for the PM.

You?re very welcome.

Glad to see that Luke and Cela are safe. Just wish everything else was that well.

Good work.

Thank you. I knew Luke couldn?t let Cela down but don?t worry, I still have a few?things?up my sleeve.



Hope everyone had a fantastic 4th!

 

EGADS..NOT ANOTHER CLIFFY..YOU NEED TO GET THEM OUT OF THERE AND MAKE HER SAFE.. SCARY!!

I am late getting here but it is still exciting as ever. Keep up the good work.
Master Barriss

 

Uh oh, too many cliffies. Sorry about that. Well this next chapter won't end in one. I'm glad you're able to keep reading, my dear!!!






*gets ready to post the next installment.. *

 

Friday the 13th has always been a good day for me and I hope it has been for all of you as well.


Enjoy.



Chapter XXXII ? The Exchange ? Part I

Mara stretched out with her senses via the Force as she discreetly walked into the fortress. She couldn?t detect anyone in the area, which she considered peculiar. Reynard didn?t radiate a trusting type of personality and she fully expected a skirmish of some sort once she entered. Finding herself somewhat disappointed, especially since she?d had her share of frustrations lately, she ventured further inside.

?And here I was hoping to physically vent,? Mara disdainfully complained. Keeping her senses attuned for the slightest noise, her eyes gazed at her surroundings. Turning her head, she gave an appreciative nod at the décor.

Columns of white marble with intricate gray and black strands interwoven in the beautiful stone ascended high above her head inside the foyer in which she stood. Her gaze swept across to the left to a plush burgundy armchair and then followed around to the harmoniously placed, mildly fragrant tall potted trees and plants, which mingled effortlessly with the ornate flowers that adorned an onyx table in the center of the foyer.

?He has impeccable taste,? Mara stated approvingly as she glanced at the glossy marble floor, its stone identical to the columns. Her sightseeing came to an abrupt end as the sound of multiple voices reached her sensitive ears. Maintaining the blaster in her hand, she darted to the nearby grand staircase and silently thanked the Force that her energy had returned as she leapt up them two at a time.


No sooner had Mara reached the top of the stairs when she heard more voices. Having changed her mind against a confrontation, she decided she didn?t wish to be discovered just yet ? there was too much to explore first. She quickly checked the nearest door hoping it would yield to her.

?Damn!? she quietly cursed, finding the first door locked. Turning briskly, she quickly went across the hall to the opposite door. Again, she pressed the green rectangular button on the wall next to the door and smiled as it slid aside.


Quickly locking the door from the inside, Mara turned and inexplicably shuddered. Her eyes narrowing, she looked around the opulent chamber. She was alone?but she felt a presence. Through the Force, she searched the room more diligently but quickly determined no one else was inside. Still, the presence she felt made her spine tingle and intrigued her curiosity.

?Who?? she wondered aloud as she idly ventured further into the suite. Something familiar tickled her mind, just out of reach and she struggled to grasp it. ?A warning of some kind?? she said to herself as she wandered into the study. Enamored by the room, she casually walked by the elegant white marble fireplace, dragging her fingertips lightly across the smooth surface, only to stop suddenly in front of a large oval shaped mirror. She stared at herself, her gaze stuck in some kind of stupor, and then noticed the subtle change in her face. She was older, her jaw more pronounced, a slight difference in the shade of her hair?

?She?s here!? Mara exclaimed. ?My mother? she said spitefully ?has been in this room!?

__________________________________*****__________________________________

?Take her to my lab,? Reynard snarled scornfully to one of the guards standing by.

?Yes, sir!? the guard snappily responded. He hurriedly bent down, picked up the unconscious woman and then threw her over his shoulder.

?Wait!? Reynard called as the guard turned for the stairs. He approached Sakoya?s limp form and grabbed a fistful of hair. Yanking her head up, he hovered over her and menacingly said, ?I?m going to enjoy watching you die?in absolute agony.? None to gently, he released her hair as she fell against the guard?s back.

The guard no longer hesitated and quickly disappeared with the Jedi bobbing against his backside.

?YOU!? Reynard angrily shouted, pointing at an

 

Mara is completely dupped and evil here. I hope her mother can get through to her.

 

Enamored by the room, she casually walked by the elegant white marble fireplace, dragging her fingertips lightly across the smooth surface, only to stop suddenly in front of a large oval shaped mirror. She stared at herself, her gaze stuck in some kind of stupor, and then noticed the subtle change in her face. She was older, her jaw more pronounced, a slight difference in the shade of her hair?

?She?s here!? Mara exclaimed. ?My mother? she said spitefully ?has been in this room!?

That's cool that she can see that.
I hope that she ends up helping/saving Sakoya


Bail cast a sideways glance at his friend and laughed. ?You sound quite smug for a Jedi.?

Hehehe, I love Bail


?Correction ? not in your employ. You pay me sixty-five percent in advance and then once I deliver your goods I receive the remainder. Once the transaction is complete we?re settled up.?


looks like what I hoped isn't going to happen any time soon Oh, I don't like seeing this side of Mara. I really hope someone gets a hold of her and helps change her.

 

Yes, she has a nasty streak but I have something in mind for her.

Just keep an eye on her...you'll see.

 

Mara!!

 

I've been trying to get this new chapter up but DRL kept getting in the way. It's another long one but there really wasn't a way to break it up. Enjoy.



Chapter XXXII ? The Exchange ? Part II

Reynard was escorting Mara to his lab when Vuron approached and informed the scientist of the security system failure.

?I have our best technicians working on it, sir,? Vuron offered.

?See to it personally, Captain Dantes. I want it repaired immediately!? Reynard seethed. ?And send a squad to my lab!? When the Clawdite hesitated in carrying out his orders, he became quickly perturbed. ?Is there something else, Captain?? he asked.

Vuron glanced at Mara, who was still harboring a blaster, and then back at the scientist before answering. ?One of our intruders is believed to be a Jedi.?

?ANOTHER ONE?? Reynard shouted. ?Find them and kill them on sight! Do you understand??

He glanced again at Mara and then settled once more on Reynard. ?Perfectly, sir.? Turning on his heal, the Clawdite quickly disappeared.

?Sounds like you have some problems,? Mara quipped with a lopsided grin.

__________________________________*****__________________________________

Back in the caverns?

The two men remembered the illuminated area of the cavern as they neared the private docking bay. They both were relieved as they left behind the last of the stalactites and saw the ship that had delivered them from Kuryn.

Quickly covering the short distance, Obi-Wan tapped on the controls outside the ship, which lowered the ramp. Before it settled onto the ground both he and Bail were racing up it and inside.


?I?m going to get you and the evidence off planet before the security is back in place,? Obi stated as he sat down in the pilot?s seat and began the initiation sequence. ?Then I?ll rendezvous with our troops and find Sakoya and Xar?ek.?

Bail sat down in the co-pilot?s seat. ?I?ll hail Admiral Ackbar,? he stated as he activated the comm system and set it to the appropriate secure channel.

?Ready to lift off,? Obi-Wan informed his friend.

?Let?s go,? Bail replied and then turned his attention back to the comm again. ?Admiral Ackbar, this is Senator Bail Organa.?

A moment later the familiar beep of an incoming transmission echoed in their ears. ?Senator Organa, it?s good to hear from you,? the Mon Calamari officer replied. ?We received your beacon and have begun transporting troops to the planet surface. Captain Solo has also arrived and is proceeding to the surface.?

?Excellent news, Admiral. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and I will rendezvous with you shortly aboard your ship. Organa out.?


Senator Organa glanced sideways at his friend and chuckled. ?I think we both need to get out of these ill fitting clothes. You especially.? His jocularity suddenly cast aside, a frown now marred his brow. ?What?s wrong, my friend??

?Senator,? Obi-Wan began as he glanced at Bail, his eyes conveying his distress. ?It?s Sakoya. Something is terribly wrong!?

Senator Organa didn?t require Jedi senses to see the agitation in his friend. ?Go. I?ll fly the ship to Reef Home II. The evidence will remain safe.?

?I can?t abandon my duty to you, Bail,? Obi-Wan countered.

?You aren?t. You?ve done enough and I insist. Besides, I?m quite a capable pilot.? When the Jedi still hesitated, Bail added, ?Change first. You?ll fare much better in clothing you can maneuver more naturally in.?

??Thank you.?

Bail nodded and smiled. ?Thank me when this is over and everyone is safe.?

__________________________________*****__________________________________

The Millennium Falcon landed close to the New Republic Gunship LAAT/i?s that were already dispensing armed troops. Although these old craft dated back to the well-known Clone Wars, they were still useful thanks to the salvaging technicians of the Republic.

Han and Chewie quickly disembarked and met up with the commander as he was instructing his troops.


?I?m waiting for one mo

 

?Sounds like you have some problems,? Mara quipped with a lopsided grin.

Yeah, just a few.
He deserves it though, so it's okay


?I can?t abandon my duty to you, Bail,? Obi-Wan countered.

?You aren?t. You?ve done enough and I insist.

That's why I love Obi-Wan. Ah, but sometimes he's too duty-bound for his own good.
And that's why I love Bail Heh, I like how he told Obi to change into more comfortable clothing. Great idea!


Bren looked up at Han?s partner and retorted, ?Well, at least Chewbacca is here to keep you in line.?

Point! Ah, he knows Han so well



The thin strip of plastex tightened further, leaving him gasping for air but no sympathy came from his employer. Refusing to look, Reynard instead walked around his dying servant and over to the cell where his other intruders were held.

Poor Zula. And ugh, he should at least watch what he is doing. That man has no heart.


Reynard?s indifference to the suffering of his servant reminded Mara so much of herself and it suddenly made her feel sick.

Oh, wow. I'm so very glad something has started to change her mind. It really sucks that it had to be the way Reynard reacted to Zula's death, but I'm glad something is breaking through her shell.

I really don't like Reynard.


The Jedi Master bowed his head and knew it was time to act and invade Reynard?s fortress.

Yes, and kill him. And get Sakoya, Xar'ek, Luke, Cela, Han, Chewie, Mara and anyone else I forgot out of there. And kill Reynard. Because I hate him.



Great update. I can't believe it's been 32 chapters already!

 

Yeah! Mara is starting to see the light.
Obi-Wan is just finding out that Luke is there and can't feel him. After losing Anakin, it must be hard on him.

 

finally, mara is coming around!

And now everyone is going to invade at once... this is going to be one big CRUNCH

 

Wonderful. Can't be easy for Obi not being able to feel Luke.


At least Mara is finally seeing the light.


Can't wait for more.

 

OH yes.., Mara will see the light and help them... yeah.. so happy I am dancing...

 

SWpants666

LOL! Yeah, Reynard deserves what?s thrown at him.

As for Obi ? yes, sometimes he is too duty bound for his own good but that?s one of his strengths too. Bail just pointed out the obvious to the Jedi. Sometimes he can?t help himself.

Heehee, can?t have Han flying around w/o Chewie there to keep him in line.

Zula?s death was unfortunate but necessary. He sacrificed so much for someone he cared alot about regardless of the consequences. Reynard never deserved Zula?s loyalty.

Oh, wow. I'm so very glad something has started to change her mind. It really sucks that it had to be the way Reynard reacted to Zula's death, but I'm glad something is breaking through her shell.

I really don't like Reynard.

I admit that my writing of Mara changed from what I planned for her but that?s ok. Sometimes the characters have a way of evolving themselves and I?m just their instrument to get it across.

LOL about Reynard. Yeah, he?s not one I?d want to chum around with.

I can't believe it's been 32 chapters already!

Neither can I! Wow! Not too far to go now.


RebelMom

Yeah! Mara is starting to see the light.
Obi-Wan is just finding out that Luke is there and can't feel him. After losing Anakin, it must be hard on him.

It took her a while but, yes, she?s making her way into the light, but she?s not there yet. But you?ll see?

Obi has had to face quite a bit recently but he?ll relax once he knows where Luke is.


RedGold

finally, mara is coming around!

And now everyone is going to invade at once... this is going to be one big CRUNCH

Yes, she is but the fight isn?t out of her yet.

Yep, some serious butt kicking is about to happen.

JediMaster_Jen

Wonderful. Can't be easy for Obi not being able to feel Luke.


At least Mara is finally seeing the light.


Can't wait for more.

No, it isn?t easy on him but he?s got a lot going on too.

That?s not all she?ll be seeing.

I think you?ll find a little excitement in the next installment and maybe more after that.


qingauk

OH yes.., Mara will see the light and help them... yeah.. so happy I am dancing...

I see a recurring theme here ? Mara?s transformation. I?m glad all of you are happy about her change of heart. Although, it?s no simple matter I assure you, but you?ll see what I mean.



The story is near the end and thank you all so much for sticking with it and continuing to read. I appreciate it very much!

 

Oh my! I hadn't realized it'd been so long since a new post. My bad. Sorry about that. I guess I'd better get this new one up right away then.



Chapter XXXII ? The Exchange ? Part III

?Get to the main entrance,? Vuron shouted as a squad leader approached him for orders. He still had no communications, only the main entrance vidcam was intermittently functioning and most of the security had yet to be repaired. From what their best technicians had ascertained, the delicate circuitry was a mass of molten wires due to an enormous surge of power.

?Sabotage,? Vuron lamented under his breath. He had instantly sounded the general alarm, which was on its own circuit and sent his command leaders scurrying to him for orders. He quickly dispatched them to their respective areas but he had no way of instructing his troops that were in the caverns other than he knew they would hear the bellowing alarm.

?Switching to secondary systems ? again,? Vuron spoke to himself as pandemonium erupted all around him. He waited?and waited?and then slammed his fist down on the console.

He took a deep breath and stepped backward. ?Well done?well done indeed.?

__________________________________*****__________________________________

?Both of you,? Reynard pointed at two of his guards, ?come here.?

The two guards responded immediately and hastened to their master?s side.

With a sneer, Reynard growled, ?Go to the holding cell entrance and level your weapon at them both. One wrong move and they both die. Now, imposter, you first.?

?Wait!?

Reynard turned toward the male occupant in the holding cell. ?Why??

Xar?ek stammered and said, ?I?ll go first.?

Reynard cast the Corellian an icy glare. ?No.?

The venomous look in Reynard?s eyes told Xar?ek he had been defeated. His own daughter was watching this spectacle and doing nothing and he was about to lose Sakoya for the third time. He lost her through his own foolhardiness long ago and then more recently to Obi-Wan ? he didn?t want to risk it again. The anger rose up in him and he decided if he was going to die, it would be on his own terms. ?You worm-ridden filth!? he savagely shouted.

?I couldn?t care less for your puny insults, vermin. But don?t worry, once you?ve watched your companion die, you?ll be next.?

?Mara ? do something!? Xar?ek shouted to his daughter.

Reynard chuckled at the pathetic display. ?So, you know who she is? I?m not surprised. As for your plea, she?s not interested and why should she? Moreover, she has much more important matters on her mind.?

The scientist?s words stirred the woman. ?You presume to speak for me,? Mara coldly snapped and there was no mistaking the venom in her voice. ?A practice others have found fatal. You are not the Emperor so do not assume you know what I am thinking.?

Reynard looked at her menacingly. ?You would risk our deal for?this??

Accustomed to such glares, Mara ignored the look but her voice remained steely. ?I simply stated that I speak for myself. I don?t need anyone else to do it for me.?

?Deal?? Xar?ek said in surprise.

Mara glowered at the Corellian. ?It?s not your concern.?

Although she didn?t know what deal had transpired between Mara and Reynard, Sakoya sensed something from her daughter. She couldn?t pinpoint it as Mara was shielding herself but a small glimmer had escaped.

?You two!? Reynard ordered the guards standing by the only entrance. ?Join the others at the cell. I want this proletariat to watch every moment!?

The guards rushed over to where they had been directed and held their blasters at the ready.

In one hand, Reynard still held the fusion inhibitor, with the other; he reached into another pocket and withdrew another small remote. He grinned as he anticipated what was about to transpire?and pushed the button on the far right.

Xar?ek and Sakoya heard the click at the same time but the Corellian rushed past the

 

He lost her through his own foolhardiness long ago and then more recently to Obi-Wan ? he didn?t want to risk it again. The anger rose up in him and he decided if he was going to die, it would be on his own terms.

Well...I'm glad to see he's trying to keep her alive. Because I don't want her to die either.


?You presume to speak for me,? Mara coldly snapped and there was no mistaking the venom in her voice. ?A practice others have found fatal. You are not the Emperor so do not assume you know what I am thinking.?

KILL HIM!
Ah, damn. Well that sucks. I wish it was more than a "I can speak for myself" I would like Reynard to die.


but more importantly she could also see her lightsaber foolishly displayed on the table.

Yes!



Reynard?s cruelty elevated in the Jedi Master?s mind and he wondered how people could live with themselves with such a lack of humanity.

I wonder that too. And I hope he gets that device to help the Clawdites.


Without any conscious thought, Xar?ek jabbed one of the guards in the stomach with his elbow and then twisted his torso just enough, brought his fist up and jammed it into the same guard?s jaw. The sudden movement surprised them all but enabled Xar?ek the moment he needed to grab the blaster from the guard he attacked.

YES! Oh yay, oh yay, he's doing something, they're getting somewhere and Reynard is going to die!

That was a very awesome update, I hope we don't have to wait almost another month for the next

 

Yeah for Xarek! Obi better hurry as well and Mara needs to do something!

 

Gah, Mara, do something!

Though by the fact that we didn't get any pov from her this time around makes me believe that maybe thoughts are already forming in defiance.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about Sakoya.
Ok, I get it, you hate Reynard. But then you're supposed to.
I'm so glad you're enjoying the story and no, you won't have to wait another month. I'm getting a few chapters back from my beta and then I think I'll be able to post 1x a week from then on.

Xar'ek is selfish but he does have his moments.
I think you'll be surprised at what happens.

 

A new post to end the work week. Enjoy!



Chapter XXXII ? The Exchange ? Part IV

Outside the main lab?s door, Obi-Wan continued to let the Force flow through him to search for his wife, hoping she would be inside. His heart leapt as he felt her but his elation swiftly turned to despair as he felt her agony. ?Oh no!? he exclaimed. His lightsaber still glowing in his hand, he used the Force to open the twin doors and rushed inside.


?Wha?? Mara cried out as Obi-Wan burst into the lab followed by a Clawdite.

Upon seeing Mara, the Jedi Master quickly brushed off his initial shock and turned toward Tironis. ?Don?t let her leave!? he ordered.

Tironis looked at the woman and then back at the Jedi again but before he could respond, Obi-Wan was already further into the lab.


*Mon aimé!* Sakoya mentally linked to her husband as she felt his presence and then saw him burst into the lab.

?Don?t stand there ? SHOOT HIM!? Reynard angrily shouted to his men.

Mara stared at Reynard with a bewildered look on her face, but all she saw was Palpatine. As memories of the past surfaced and took hold, she began to see images she had repressed for years. Recollections Sidious didn?t want her to remember and it made her wonder if that had been the purpose of his medallion. Her gaze moved from Zula?s dead body on the floor over to the table where the syringes lay and the lightsaber beside them. The energy building inside her felt incredible ? and deadly. It struggled within her to be released and Mara knew just where to direct it. Using the Force, she silently called the weapon to her hand and grasped it tightly. Instantly the emerald blade hissed to life.

Oblivious to the exchange from the others, Mara strode forward, her eyes focused solely on Reynard. A few more steps, she silently grumbled, and freedom is mine!. Now that she was within striking distance, she raised her blade, poised to let the plasma weapon swing. With a vicious slash, the lightsaber came down?only to be blocked by another emerald saber.

?No, Mara, he needs to stand trial,? Obi-Wan gently said, detecting the build up of Force energy within her and sympathizing with the wild look in her eyes.

?NO! He must die!? Mara fervently protested as her lightsaber continued to sizzle against the Jedi Master?s blade.

Sakoya watched her husband hold her daughter at bay and hoped her voice would reach the young woman?s ears. ?Then his victims? fates have been for naught. Please Mara?please let justice prevail.?

Mara glanced over at Sakoya, her mind registering who the woman was, and then her gaze went back to Obi-Wan.

He could sense her confusion but there was something more to it than that ? he just couldn?t quite discern it. ?Please, disengage your weapon and give it to me,? the Jedi Master entreated.

Xar?ek watched his daughter with interest, yet maintained his hold on Reynard despite the pain he felt. Even the scientist?s men were watching the scene unfold. They weren?t sure what to do at this point.

Finally, Mara deactivated the lightsaber but instead of giving it to Obi-Wan, she clipped it to her belt.

Although not entirely relieved, Obi-Wan sensed that he could safely ask Mara to do something very important. Calmly, he entreated, ?Will you please free Sakoya??

Your father. Such simple words had bore into her mind but never before had they held such meaning and Mara couldn?t ascertain what was going on. Belatedly, she heard what the Jedi had said to her and dazedly walked over to the table, stopping in front of Sakoya. ?Your name is Sakoya?? she asked, still in a state of disorientation.

Obi-Wan watched the two women for a moment and then turned toward the guards who still looked confused themselves. ?By order of the Supreme Chancellor, leader of the New Republic, I have been directed to apprehend Reynard Sindre. I ask that you put away your weapons and adhere to this edict. Comply with my request and your lives will be spared.?

R

 

I just realized after reading this that it is close to the end. Very nice chapter though. Everybody is back safe, except Anakin. Reynard met his end appropriately - killed by those who he harmed the most.

 

?No, Mara, he needs to stand trial,? Obi-Wan gently said

No, Obi-Wan he needs to die. MUST he be so noble all the time? *grumbles*

But I'm so glad, so very glad, that Mara has started to change


Even the scientist?s men were watching the scene unfold. They weren?t sure what to do at this point.

Gotta love confused cronies


Mara reached up and rubbed her forehead. ?I need time. I need to think.?

She does. But I'm SO GLAD she's not pushing Sakoya away!


Bail turned his attention to Sakoya, Mara, and Xar?ek who were engaged in a conversation a short distance away. ?Not the ideal circumstance for a family reunion,? he forlornly admitted.

No, but the fact that it's a family reunion is all the more awesome


I can't believe it's almost over! But this chapter was great, I'm so glad things are looking up and Reynard is dead finally!

 

Well, so far things are starting to look up! Mara is going to need to get her head on straight though... eek