Beyond - Legends My Brother, Myself **Legacy Child Challenge** Complete!

Oh, so good! What in the world is Jaryn up to? And how does Ben's welfare connect to Omas's death????

ARRG!!

This is really destroying the whole family. How sad! Why is Jaryn so determined to die that he lashes out when someone tries to save his life??

 

It was just too comforting to see him?alive.

That was a hint. That right there was a hint! I know it was!!!

And so the truth drips out word by word and your faithful readers stand below the leak with out rain buckets, ready and waiting to catch it.



More!!!

 

*bangs head against wall*



Every chapter, I think we'll get some answers, yet you just weave more and more questions into this fantastic tale!

Perhaps he should allow his parents to visit. Who was he kidding? It was hard enough seeing Ben as often as he did, but he couldn?t turn his brother away.

It was just too comforting to see him?alive.



Wha--? I'm intriged! Jaryn seems like quite the character, very much like Mara in a way, but he takes responsibility like Luke, I think. Great job with your OC!

Can't wait for more, as always, lady!!

 

A SUPERB update!

?Lin and you? Why Ben, that sounds positively?romantic.? Jaryn saw his brother blush and shove his hands into the sleeves of his robes. He wished for the hundredth time he could feel the Force again. It was painful not being able to touch Ben that way.




And I wonder what Jaryn saw??

I can't wait to find out.

 

So....Jaryn killed Omas in order to keep Ben alive....interesting...and you've thoroughly smashed my theories that he did it just to get Ben an Lin together....



Great post, more soon please!

 

Loved hearing more from Jaryn and getting a better picture of his personality. I like him. Quite the combination of Luke and Mara.

It was just too comforting to see him?alive.

Da-da-dum!!! So it seems Jaryn felt he had to make a choice between his sruples and family...the Skywalker curse raises its ugly head.

 

Ooooo so much going on! So Jaryn chose to possibly do something to save Ben... its getting very interesting.

Your last update was great too - loved the Luke and Mara interaction, very in character. Sorry I didn't get to post - workload got in the way.

I wonder whether jaryn will give in and see Luke and Mara? Look forward to your next update.

s_r

 

It's a good thing I don't have a paper version of this book in my hands, because I'd be flipping ahead to find out why the blue milk Jaryn has thrown himself on his sword to save his brother...

I'm amazed at the suspense you've woven and maintained here, J_P!


*waits not-so-patiently for more*

 

I'm truly enjoying this story. It's told from a unique perspective, and all of the characters are extremely engaging, especially Ben, Jaryn, and Lin. I'm very glad that I ventured out of The Saga board, where I usually hang out, and found this story.

Keep up the great work, and I look forward to your next update!

 

A/N: And now we come to it.

WyoJedi: "Such great intrigue. I can't wait to read more."

Thank you, Bro! We keep twisting and turning, don't we?

Jade eyes: "And that last line--there seems to be a connection between killing the chief of state and Ben being alive instead."

Very good! Thank you for reading and for your insights.

divapilot:"Why is Jaryn so determined to die that he lashes out when someone tries to save his life??"

Good question. Some people have a difficult time dealing with certain emotions. Thanks, Sister-pilot.

Meredith Kenobi: "That was a hint. That right there was a hint! I know it was!!!"


Yes, a big whopping hint! Thank you for reading!!

ginchy: Thank you! Well, I have to keep you guessing! How's your hand?

VaderLVR: "A SUPERB update." Awwww....gee, thank you!

Kidan: Thank you! And your next theory is spot on.

Blue Milkshake: So it seems Jaryn felt he had to make a choice between his scruples and family...the Skywalker curse raises its ugly head.


Da-da-da-dum is right! Thank you Blue!

Smiley rancor: There's much more to come...I think Luke will find a way to get in to see his son. Thank you so much for reading.

JediTrace: Thank you, girl! It's always something with the Skywalkers isn't it?

Darth Vastor: Welcome! We're a very friendly bunch here and always enjoy new readers. Thank you for stopping in and taking a look at my ff.

 

Part #9


He is walking as if through stagnant water, his limbs heavy and slow to respond. The double doors to the Galactic Alliance Senate Building are open and waiting for him. He enters, turns his head and grins at the pretty brunette behind a large sleek reception desk. She smiles coyly and leans toward him, her hair cascading over her shoulders. She laughs at something he?s said and rises from her chair, sending it spinning in her wake.

As she threads her arm through his and whispers in his ear, he can feel the tickle of her warm breath on his neck. Her intoxicating perfume reminds him of Naboo night flowers and fills his head with a giddy sensation. She escorts him to the hall entrance and presses her lips against his cheek before releasing his arm. He tosses her a wink and meanders down the long non-descript hallway.

His heart thunders in his chest. So loud, he fears that they?ll hear it as beads of perspiration gather and then drip down his back. His palms, too, are moist as he struggles to hide his shaking hands in the sleeves of his robes. He passes one armed sentry with a nod of acknowledgement. He turns the corner and swaggers up to the main checkpoint, smiling to the guards and exchanging pleasantries. He places his hand on the scanner and waits for the tone that indicates he is granted access.

Almost there. His breath is ragged?everything has slowed down to an agonizing speed. His legs move of their own accord, as he fights the panic welling within him. Two more guards, two more nods. He reaches the door and palms the handle as he comes to another desk with another young lady behind it. She looks up and smiles, activating the comm unit in front of her.

The second door on the right opens. It is Cal Omas.

The Chief of State smiles and extends his hand and then gestures towards his office. Omas allows him to walk in first and then closes the door. He feels his breath leave him now as his throat convulses. He reaches beneath his robe and pulls out his lightsaber, activating it and bringing it into attack position.

Omas stares, puzzled. The droning in his ears makes him dizzy as he fights the nausea rising in his throat. With one swift stroke he severs the politician?s head from his body, casting it onto the flimsiplast laden desk. The body falls to the floor as he retracts his saber and drops to his knees, sobbing.


*********


?NO!? Luke sat up startled, trying to catch his breath. He glanced to his left and saw Mara sleeping quietly, her golden red hair fanned out across the pillow. A dream?it was a dream. He eased out of bed and padded to the fresher flicking on the muted light switch near the mirror. Filling a glass with water from the sink, he gulped the cool liquid and then brought the glass to his forehead. Luke stared at his reflection recalling the entire sequence he had just experienced. More than a dream?he thought. He had just relived the series of events that led up to Omas? murder, through his son?s eyes.

Luke had felt every emotion that his son had, held the hilt of the lightsaber in his hand as it slashed Cal Omas? head from his body. Had felt his knees hit the floor and the cries wrack his body. Stars Jaryn! How could you? But Luke suddenly understood. It had taken everything his son had in him to do this?and at a terrible cost.

?Luke??

?Here, my love.? He turned and extended his hand toward his wife.

?Is everything all right??

Luke sighed, pulling her into his arms and burying his face into her sleep tousled hair. It was always like this. No matter what he?d had to face in his life, holding Mara always strengthened him, gave him the courage to do what was necessary. But it was even more than that. She nurtured his soul in a way no one else ever could. He smiled, knowing she would snort and quip a caustic remark had he told her that.

?Bad dream?maybe more than that??

She lifted her head and stared into his worried eyes. ?A vision? Are you sure??

?No, but I know how to find out.?

Realization flashed across her f

 

heh....and here I was hoping she'd smack him for it.


Great post as always, more soon please?

 

Wow! That whole Force vision thingy was powerful.

Great update. Thanks for tossing us a bit more info!

 

Loved the vision! Really gives us an insight into Jaryn. Now if Luke can just get him to open up and explain the whole thing!

And Mara is so sweet and understanding to let Luke go and meet with Jaryn alone. I'm sure it is taking a lot for her to step back and allow this to happen. She is a strong lady!

Cheers,
Wyo

 

Loved the vision - really vivid, and gives great insight into Jaryn's character. I hope that the chat between Luke and Jaryn produces some answers - why did he do it???! You've written Mara very well as she shows her desire to see her son but at the same time shows common sense.

Can't wait for more!



s_r

 

Woo!!!!!! Intense vision there!!! I have a feeling Luke was gonna tell Mara after he went, except for the vision happened. Hee!!
So she nurtures his soul? They nurture mine!!!
Fave part:
Luke pulled Mara to him and as they stretched out fully onto the bed. ?At least the first time. I think it would be less like we are ganging up on him.?

Mara yawned, pulling the sheet over them. ?I can?t believe you?ve known this for almost two days and haven?t told me!?

?I can?t believe you haven?t boxed my ears because I didn?t.?

Mara snuggled closer. ?The night is young, farmboy.?
And with those two, it always will be.

You continue to amaze. *indicates siggy*

 

Excellent update! I loved the vision. It was intense, emotional and very real. Excellent job.


You have to feel sorry for Cal Omas. The poor guy didn't see that one coming.

The question in front of us now is why does Luke see these visions? Is Jaryn sending them to his father? Or is Luke so emotionally involved in the situation that he is "overlapping" into Jaryn's distress?

Terrific!

 

Oh, wow!! Intense update! That vision is so scary. I can't imagine that Jaryn just did that to be evil, especially after his reaction to having done it. How do you just decide to do that one morning? I guess this is kind of like that Star Trek episode that Jerry keeps forcing me to watch, "City on the Edge of Forever" I think it's called. (I don't really know ST) but the idea--is one life worth the world (galaxy)?

Loved it, and:

?I can?t believe you haven?t boxed my ears because I didn?t.?

Mara snuggled closer. ?The night is young, farmboy.?

hee! That's our L/M!

Love it!!

 

The second door on the right opens. It is Cal Omas.

The Chief of State smiles and extends his hand and then gestures towards his office. Omas allows him to walk in first and then closes the door. He feels his breath leave him now as his throat convulses. He reaches beneath his robe and pulls out his lightsaber, activating it and bringing it into attack position.

Omas stares, puzzled. The droning in his ears makes him dizzy as he fights the nausea rising in his throat. With one swift stroke he severs the politician?s head from his body, casting it onto the flimsiplast laden desk. The body falls to the floor as he retracts his saber and drops to his knees, sobbing.

Whoa! Intense vision!

I can't wait to see what will happen next. And this meeting between Luke and his son should be quite interesting!

 

Omas stares, puzzled. The droning in his ears makes him dizzy as he fights the nausea rising in his throat. With one swift stroke he severs the politician?s head from his body, casting it onto the flimsiplast laden desk. The body falls to the floor as he retracts his saber and drops to his knees, sobbing.

eep!! Why, Jaryn, why??!!

But Luke suddenly understood. It had taken everything his son had in him to do this?and at a terrible cost.

You understand, eh, Luke? Mind enlightening us?

I look forward to seeing how this conversation with Jaryn goes

 

A/N: Do the pieces seem to be falling into place?

Kidan: Mara knows when to smack and when to...smack! Thanks, Kidan!

Blue Milkshake: Wow! That whole Force vision thingy was powerful.

Thank you! How strange an ability would that be?

WyoJedi: Thanks, Bro. I think Mara realizes she can be intimidating at times.

smiley rancor: Thank you! But will Jaryn open up to his father? Hmmmm....

Jade eyes: Thanks, girlfriend!

divapilot: Thank you sister-pilot! But is Cal worth our sympathies? Ah, the mystery contiunes...

ginchy: Has Jerry been peeking over my shoulder????? Thank you for reading, ginchy lee!

VaderLVR: And this meeting between Luke and his son should be quite interesting

*in best Yoda voice* "It will be....it will be..." Thanks, Vadey!

Meredith Kenobi: Thank you. Yep...the interview is next!

 

Part #10

Luke drew the hood of his cloak tighter as he ascended the stone stairway that led up to the grey prison building. The sun?s rays were just now breaking the horizon, touching the tall columns and casting long fingered shadows towards the entrance. His robe billowing from him, Luke quickened his step and entered the doorway.

?Master Skywalker,? said a uniformed prison guard with a slight nod. ?I?m Mr. Reed. I?ll be escorting you to your son?s cell. If you?ll follow me, sir.?

?Thank you.? Luke fell in step with the tall, dark-haired man. ?Does he know I?m here??

The guard stopped, looking him full in the face. ?He knows you are coming, sir. He just doesn?t know when.?

Luke nodded sensing the guard?s concern. ?You do not approve of this visit, do you Mr. Reed??

?It is not for me to say, sir.?

Luke pulled a wry grin. ?Perhaps not, but that doesn't stop you from harboring resentment towards me.?

Mr. Reed resumed walking towards the back of the courtyard. ?Your son has made his wishes known and now his wishes have been ignored. What little control he?s had in his life has now been taken from him.? The guard swiped his passkey next to the large durasteel door that led to the segregated wing. ?Imagine what that would be like.?

Luke paused, sensing a great deal of emotion from the man next to him. ?You have been a friend to my son.?

Mr. Reed nodded. ?As he has been to me.?

?Then I am in your debt.?

?It has been my pleasure, Master Skywalker.? The guard placed his hand on the scanning device screen. The door opened and both men entered the small anteroom.

?Good day, Mr. Reed.?

?Hello Stevens. Is everything ready??

?Yes, sir,? said the younger guard, rising from the metal desk and opening the locker. ?Master Skywalker if I may have your lightsaber, please.?

Luke looked at the young man, his jaw clenched. ?I did not bring it with me, son.?

Mr. Stevens paused as if unsure what to do next.

?It?s all right, Stevens. I?ll take it from here.?

?Thank you, sir.? The young man resumed sitting, his fingers tapping on the keyboard in front of him.

?This way, please.? Mr. Reed gestured towards the locked door, leading the way.

Luke heard a scanner of sorts activate and stopped, raising an eyebrow very like his wife might do.

?All part of the procedure, sir.?

Luke stepped forward and allowed the guard to search him. They passed through the door and towards a long hallway.

?I feel it necessary to warn you of the ysalamiri, Master Skywalker.?

?Thank you Mr. Reed. I was wondering when we would encounter them.? Luke took three more steps and felt the pressure building as he punctured the bubble.

?Just a little further.?

Luke took a deep breath and nodded. To have to live like this for over a year without access to the Force was beyond his comprehension. The guard opened the last door at the end of the hallway.

?I?ll be outside if you need anything, sir.?

?Thank you Mr. Reed?for everything.?

Luke entered the small room and was taken aback by the starkness of the small transparisteel cell. There sitting on a thin gray mattress with his back against the wall was Jaryn.

Luke fought for composure and swallowed. ?Hello son.?

?Father.?

Moving the chair out of the way, Luke sat down on the floor closest to the clear wall. Barely a meter away, but unable to reach out and hold his youngest son, he drank in the sight of him. ?I?ve dreamt of this moment for over a year now and can?t seem to think of a single meaningful thing to say.?

Still not looking at him, Jaryn nodded. ?How is Mom??

?Mad as a wet krayt dragon.?

Jaryn laughed. ?How did you persuade her not to come??

?She?recognized the logic of me coming alone the first time.?

They sat there in silence for a few precious moments.

?Son, can you tell me??

??no.?

Luke sighed and rested the back of his head against the duracrete wall. ?I just want to understand?need to, actually.?

?There is no understanding this,? Jaryn whispered.

?Will you at least look at me??

?I c

 

Great update! I really liked the tension going on between Reed and Luke... and the understood mutual respect between them as well.

It was good to hear Jaryn explain somewhat about his reasoning. And I'm sure it was good for Luke to hear it too, even if he can't understand it. But I wonder what will happen now?



Cheers,
Wyo

 

Ah, so that explains it somewhat now. Jaryn really made a hard choice. Very moving conversation.

Lands, how can this resolve itself? Jaryn will either receive the death penalty or rather refuse to have it rescinded, or it it is, he'll be riddled with guilt forever. Whatever happens their family is totally going to be blown apart by the tragedy of it.
I don't think Jaryn regrets what he did for his own sake and would probably make the same choice again, but I sure wish it hadn't been necessary or that somehow, it could all be undone.
This is really intensely, compellingly angsty
I'm totally invested in all the characters and want them to pull through all this and find a measure of joy, again, eventually.

 

Luke stood and faced his son. He smiled sadly at the tall, lithe figure of his youngest boy. ?I know you, Jaryn. I know that you?d never do something like this without a good reason.?

?But was it reason enough??

Interesting question. Did Jaryn put his own personal wishes, to keep his brother alive, in front of another man's wish to live?

Very good chapter. You can really sense the anguish from everyone involved. And Mr. Reed makes a good point about taking away what little control Jaryn has.

Will there be any hope for Jaryn Jade Skywalker, or is his fate sealed?