Just found and binged this whole fic in a day. This is possibly the best SW fic I’ve read on this site. It’s really nice to see a new take on the events of the OT. Also Mara’s inclusion in this fic is a huge bonus since she was always one of my favorite characters in Legends.

Perfectly makes sense for Obi-Wan to leave the Alliance, especially considering the escalation in the Imperial efforts to get him and Luke, as well as the situation with Vader.

It is also good to see all the exertion to catch up with Obi-Wan too, considering his age and the recent events he’s gone through. The Tatooine sequences I surprisingly found I liked quite a bit. Luke isn’t entirely a brick, since he’s perceptive enough to see the changes in Obi-Wan, and the burden he wears a bit more openly now. Also a nice touch with the dreams too.

Personally I’m not too fond of anything beyond a platonic relationship between Obi-Wan and Padme, and to me it seems rather odd for Obi-Wan to have a holorecording of his friend dying in childbirth, but I get the reasoning behind this scene. Given the sequence of less-than-stellar successes and unexpected failures it’s perfectly reasonable, and I think expected, for Obi-Wan to reminisce and become more burdened with regret – especially one who no longer stringently keeps to the Code as he used to.

I don’t really buy Mara Jade as a commander/replacing Vader in the “enforcer” role; she’s too much of a behind-the-scenes spy/agent type. Neither do I see Thrawn replacing Tarkin: the Empire’s too humanocentric for that. However, it is plausible in the scheme of the Emperor’s machinations, and in that light it does seem like a situation deliberately meant to play his major subordinates against each other, largely with the aim of antagonising Vader even further.

Sympathetic for Mara here – she seems set up to fail with a situation which she’s unsuited for and which has everyone questioning her competence. I do like how this plotline goes in future chapters, especially the portrayal of Vader. Normally I would say that Mara wouldn’t be entirely fazed by Vader, but given Vader’s humiliations in the story so far, I can absolutely see him being a complete maelstrom of anger.

Her shedding a tear at the end might be a little out of character since it’s her first real scene, but that’s the only qualm I had. I generally like her portrayal, too: she’s also cocky and impulsive in addition to having seeds of self-doubt; her lack of experience also comes through well, especially in how others snipe at her, including the rank and file troops. She's isolated, and here her "protection" from the Emperor is basically gone, since she's in a field which is dominated by vested interests which have existed since the fall of the Republic (i.e. Vader and Tarkin).

Thrawn isn’t also a supergenius here, which is always appreciated. And it’s also nice to see the political side of him, allying with Tarkin which reeks of the survival attitude both men have even if they probably hate each other.

I do rather like that last scene with the three Imperials, along with the one in the last chapter between Sidious and Vader (even if I questioned its place there). It really shows the cut-throat nature of the Empire, both in terms of casual violence as well as Byzantine politicking. Anyhow, I liked the chapter in general – sets up the future, especially Mara’s direction too.

It’s been quite a while since I left a review, but I’ll try and continue where I left off. I have followed the fic up to the latest chapter at the time of me writing this (Chapter 29), so this will be coloured somewhat by knowledge of future events in the story. That said, this review’s done during a re-read, so there will have been stuff I’ve forgotten in prior or later chapters.

Chapter 14

I don’t have much to say about Chapter 14, it generally seems alright. The sequence of ambush-standoff-ambush again in the arc was getting a little repetitive by this point; while the Rebels in the control centre getting rescued by Beta team made sense, I think the scene cutting to them preparing to breach the control centre did reduce the tension regarding the standoff.

I’ve mentioned Obi-Wan’s power spikes in the past, and here I have to say I wasn’t fond of the timing of Obi-Wan communicating with Qui-Gon mid-battle. The conversation and the resulting education of Obi-Wan was good in demonstrating how Obi-Wan was still ultimately constrained by the Jedi Code and showing the start of his way off it, but there’s something about the time stop which I don’t particularly like, and I can’t exactly place it.

I think that’s an issue with this chapter, and perhaps this arc in general – the action stops and starts a lot, broken up with long dialogue. It doesn’t really help the tension or the flow.

Chapter 15

Sidious oozes malevolence and contempt here, both in mannerism and in speech. Vader’s sequence of breakdowns and humiliation continues, driving him further away from the light, though he’s still clearly a force to be reckoned with. However, Sidious’ mastery is also not left in doubt here – he’s quite clearly still the unquestioned hegemon of the Sith and of the Empire. But while I did very much enjoy the scene, it did seem like an odd addition here.

One of the things about the (at this point, still-incomplete) Citadel Arc which made it interesting was in being cut off from the Alliance and the greater galaxy; as such the lack of POVs from outside Lola Sayu helped in C13 and C14, making the focus much more limited. The Vader-Sidious thing feels like it would have been better off after the completion of the arc.

Also, while Sidious demonstrating his power showed his ability and terrible wrath, I would be concerned about him showing his power too often. I don’t think a continued escalation of power which ends up with everyone teaming up on Sidious in a Final Battle type thing would work. He is the ultimate evil Obi-Wan and the Rebels seek to vanquish, but that’s not Obi-Wan’s main goal – his main priority is Luke and Anakin. And the main thread that’s run through so far is the quest for Anakin Skywalker, not so much the fight between Jedi and Sith. The psychological thing between Sidious and Vader appeals more to me than the sheer fighting prowess of the two.

Cody’s quite a tragic figure here, and I like it. It paints his earlier activities against the Empire as not necessarily a more-or-less true believer in the cause like Rex, than as a broken figure trying to find absolution for his deeds.

Obi-Wan becoming a conduit for the Living Force is almost too short. Him becoming it and coming to terms with his regrets is really well done, really hyping up the power flooding through him, and then it’s sort of over. I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing or not.

On the one hand, the lack of description of the combat (well, curbstomp) illustrates the sheer power flooding through him, the alien and unworldly nature of it. But on the other hand, it’s again stop-start, “enemies are gone”. No real pay off, since the Inquisitors weren’t that major of a threat in the first place: the “wow” factor of them getting wounded in an instant – not even killed – isn’t so pronounced. But on the other hand, it does also fit with Obi-Wan being the Negotiator, one who has never revelled in combat, never revelled in killing: it’s done and over with, as befits his personality.

The scene with the two dying Inquisitors likewise is rather peculiar. Namely, why are they bleeding out, when their wounds should be cauterised? I guess you could say that it’s the Force’s will for them to be somewhat redeemed prior to their deaths, or to at least see the wrongness in the Dark Side, but that’s not entirely clear either. That it comes after the others are evacuated doesn’t help really.

Always nice to see Mara Jade (especially since I asked for her to make an appearance), though I do think it’s breaking “plausibility” (if you can even call it that in terms of fictional media) to have her openly commanding Vader, especially when she’s meant to be the Emperor’s Hand, not an open instrument like Vader or the Inquisitors. I know how this turns out in the future chapters, and it is a plausible way for her to end up the way she does in Chapter 29, but the “start” of her path is the implausible bit. That said, it will also get addressed in later chapters to some degree too.

Personally I’m not a fan of the Leia and Han scenes since I’m not too invested in their love plot, but I will say that it is well developed and doesn’t seem too sudden or out of character. While Leia is a tough and stubborn woman, she has deviated somewhat from her canon personality now that the Rebellion is swimming with other potential leaders who could provide the advice or leadership she didn’t have in canon. Considering past events it also makes sense that she would still feel keenly the loss of her parents; given the feats Obi-Wan has pulled so far, I imagine she might partially blame herself (more?) over their deaths – if she had gotten to Tatooine faster, Obi-Wan might have been able to disable the superlaser, saving Alderaan.

I did enjoy the two chapters, even though I’ve spent the review largely pointing out what I didn’t like. That said, it did feel like the arc went on a bit too long and overstayed its welcome for what it achieved. In itself rescuing Cody and the off-screen Rebel prisoners isn’t a major advancement in the plot – it’s mainly Obi-Wan becoming more of an adherent in the Living Force and the consequences of the raid for Vader and Mara. Those are important developments themselves, though.

Wow! This chapter was excellently written! Loved the duel between Luke and Vader, with Luke consistently wavering between Light and Dark almost the entire time. I can empathize with him wholeheartedly! I'd be doing the same thing if I were to have to battle a Sith Lord, too. I'm very glad that Mara showed up when she did, giving Luke a much-needed boost during the battle and being there for and with him. Please believe me when I say that this chapter was NOT a waste of time, it was wonderful! At the end where he and Mara gazed into each other's eyes and made the decision to jump together... *tears*! That made the conclusion to this chapter that much more epic!

I totally understand how much energy it takes to write fanfiction, and how much it takes out of us as well. I'm in the same predicament. I'm in the middle of writing two stories, and that was about seven years ago that I started them. I've worked on them but by not through the years but dealing with depression and physical health problems has put them on hiatus more often than not. I just can't seem to summon the energy right now to finish them, although I have great plans for them both and I do eventually plan on completing them... some day. So don't worry about having to take a break. You need to take care of YOU, first and foremost. Writing can wait for a while, it'll still be there when you feel ready to return, and so will I and all the others who have thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and who understand the rigors of everyday life.

Hoping that you enjoy your vacation in Italy! Please stay safe and may the Force be with you!

You’re very welcome and equally glad to be of help in they regard. Oh my word, this was a outstanding magnificent, gloriously awesomely incredible epic humdinger of a new chapter and a splendid addition to this fantastic story.

Oh my word and god have mercy, the duel between Luke and Vader was an absolutely mind blowing terrific and marvellously scintillating incredible wonderful battle of skill, power and the force between two its favourite dons.

Found it fantastically amazing that you turned it into a battle of the minds as well as if the body and the heart with Luke having to walk a tight rope rope between the light and the dark and letting his emotions get the better of him to his determent. That said found it awesomely amazing that Luke with extra training stood up even better to Vader than in cannon but was eventually overcome with experience, raw power and wounds sustained.

Have to say that my favourite part of the duel was the team up between Luke and Mara at the end. With her initially turning up like a beautiful fiery angel descending to save the day and then when she cannot get the stubborn farmboy to see reason after succeeding to do so before Vader’s reappearance does the only thing she can do and try and bake sure they both get on off their alive. Oh that was a brilliant switch upper to have Mara lose her fans instead of Luke.

Utterly loved the camaraderie and friendship that Luke and Mara have built up with each other in minutes and the trust and possible love to be formed between them and how totally in sync they are without another that they cared and comforted each other following their defeat and revelation of Vader’s identity. Reminding the dark lord of himself and Padmé and being ready Banda how to trust in each other and the force to reject Satan and the dark side and take that leap to freedom, safety and a new life.

Well done as always may the force be with YOU

nooooo not another cliffhanger. i really love this story so far and im super excited for the time travel. hope u update soon.

Nooo not another cliffhanger right when the action is about to start. I'm guessing based on yodas comment mara is either going to save the day or at least keep bespin from being the disaster it was in empire. I'm curious if luke had not have gone or came back sooner would he have put up a better fight against the emperor or even have won.

YAY you updated! Hurrah! I actually had to go back a chapter cuz I was like... wait what's happening again? I loved this good job.

Oh, wow! I knew that Luke was going to go and save Han, Leia and Chewie so that wasn't surprising at all. The confrontation with Boba Fett was pretty awesome, and how was Luke able to send out that Force wave like that? Was it in him all along or did he really have help? Or maybe it was a little of both.

I'm glad that Mara was able to escape with Obi-Wan's help, and that she's decided to help the Rebels. I can't wait until she and Luke meet! I know she's gonna be pivotal in helping Luke with Vader and help rescue everyone.

OMG, I cried when Leia joined Han! And your description of the carbon freezing chamber being hell, Vader being the devil and Lando being the fallen angel was spot on! Again I love your descriptions of people and scenes, feels like I'm literally right there!

I'm anxiously awaiting your next chapter, and I how your vacation is going well, and that you're staying safe with this COVID-19 virus starting to ramp up again. It's just so sad that so many are now contracting it that are in the younger age demographic. I want to encourage everyone to keep wearing their masks. I work in the Healthcare field and I can tell you that not only are you protecting yourself, you're protecting others as well. Some people are out and about that aren't even aware they've contracted the virus because they're asymptomatic, which means that they have no outward symptoms to warn them and others that they have it. One person gets it and that person comes into contact with two or three people, and then those two or three people contract it and THEY infect two or three more, then all of a sudden an entire community has come down with it. It's just not worth the risk. So please, wear your masks and keep washing those hands. Wash your hands every hour if you're in contact with people throughout the day, sanitize high touch surfaces and above all, if you feel sick, STAY HOME. Better to be safe than sorry!

Ok, enough of my PSA. Please stay safe and healthy, everyone! I can't wait until I get the notification that you've posted another chapter! I'm enjoying this story so, so much! I can't wait to see the epic showdown between Vader and Luke! Hoping that he gets to keep his right hand in this story! Wondering how the Luke in your story will react to Vader being Luke's dad.

May the Force be with you!,

This story gets more and more fascinating and wonderful with each chapter! I'm so sad that Rahm died and that he had to kill the Padawan so she wouldn't be tortured and possibly turned to the Dark Side. Han's angry reaction to Leia saying that the Rebellion needed him, and not her personally, actually really surprised me. He doesn't seem like the type to fly off the handle that way, but then again his feelings for Leia are so strong and she'd unknowingly hurt him very deeply by not admitting that she has feelings for him, too. I remember being her age (MANY years ago as I'm now in my forties), and being so in love a couple of boys during those years who didn't reciprocate that the feeling of anguish was so awful that I also reacted physically. I remember trashing my dorm room once in college due to feeling so hurt when one of the boys I dated decided he wanted my new room mate instead of me when he met her, because she was literally built like a Barbie Doll. So maybe it's not so surprising that Han trashed the Falcon when his hurt and rage became uncontrollable. At least Leia reciprocates his feelings for her. And I LOVED the way she was able to calm him down, almost like what you'd do for a wild animal when it's hurt, cover their eyes and hold them, and soothe them with soft, kind words and empathy.

I also really liked that Luke was able to visit Padmé's mausoleum and get some closure, and hopefully Obi-Wan will eventually learn that her death was not his fault, and learn to honor her memory by being able to let her go. It's one of the hardest things we as human beings have to do when a friend and/or a loved one passes away, it's the greatest act of honor and love that we can show to them. To remember them fondly, accept that they're gone, and know that we'll be reunited with them when our time comes, knowing that they'll help lead the way home.

Wow, Mara actually saw Vader without the mask and felt through the Force that he's just a shell of who he was when he was a Jedi, AND she survived! Kind of out of character for Vader to let someone live after witnessing that, but then again she is one of the Emperor's Hands, and Sidious would have severely punished Vader for hurting or killing her. Hoping to see an epic battle between her and Luke, soon, and for Luke to convince her that she's just a pawn to Sidious and that he's just using her to get what he wants, that he doesn't give a rat's butt about her as a person.

I'm so happy that I came upon this story!

As for the depression and writer's block, I TOTALLY understand! I suffer with clinical depression and anxiety myself, which in turn contributes to writer's block more often than not. Sometimes I'll just sit in front of my computer, staring at that daunting blank screen, and all the ideas I've brainstormed and written down just seem to coalesce together into a huge, jumbled mess and my thoughts are just incoherent at best. It really sucks!

Ok, onward to the next chapter! Wonderful, wonderful job on this story! I've spent many late nights reading this when I should be sleeping, lol!

May the Force be with you!

I REALLY love this story! You make Obi-Wan so bad ass and I love the idea of him being old but still formidable! I haven't seen Clone Wars or Rebels but I have heard of the other characters, and I think it's cool that they're also in this story, especially Ahsoka!

Three things I noticed spelling wise that I need to point out. You spell Han's ship, Millennium 'Faulcon'. It's actually spelled 'Falcon'. And it's Tatooine instead of Tattooine. And Kashyyk has two y's.

Other than those three things, you've done a stellar job with this story! You've kept me engaged the entire time, your descriptions of the people and scenery are like I'm right there in the story experiencing it myself. And you're staying true to all the the characters' traits and quirks, too. If this were a book, I'd be eagerly turning the pages!

The lava creature you've described is quite fascinating and I'm glad that Obi-Wan and the crew have it as an ally to help break Cody out of prison! Looking forward to what Darth Vader's reaction will be!

MtFbwy!

Oh my word, although it was a long wait, this latest chapter was worth it’s weight in solid literally gold of the highest quality and epic perfection.

Must say that the imagery that you conjured up iof the Carbon freezing chamber as hell on Bespin with Vader as its devil, Fett as his Demon snd Calrissian as their deluded and tricked fallen angel was absolutely exquisite and utterly in the money. Well Leia that is one way of hiding your force potential from Vader and beautiful romantic swan song of letting your heart guide you as she follows it into the abyss and darkness of carbon freeze prison with Han, together and forever as they are meant to be.

Was brilliant to see that for all his training and years as a Jedi in training Luke is still as vulnerable to falling prey to emotional stimulus and going off half cock and dangerously so with the force, a fact that the guards looking after the carbon slabs learn too late. Ah that was a magnificently glorious little confrontation between Luke and Fett ending in a draw as Fett uses his advantage to get Luke to back down and setting up antagonist desire for a rematch day at Jabba’s palace later.

Awe Artoo is so cute in that cliffhanger ending in trying to prevent Luke confronting Vader without having the full facts and not being ready for him and attempting to protect him from the hurt of learning the truth. Unfortunately destiny and Luje have other plans as he steps up to confront his destiny.

Looking forward to the next chapter and the equally epic titanic duel between Luke and Vader and to see how and if either of Mara or Lando intervene to help him or rescue Chewie and three pip from the empire.

Like the Jedi the will be with you always cant wait for this epic fight

I have always giggled at the hypocrisy displayed by Yoda and Obi-Wan... It is okay if the good guys do something, but anyone else is evil. Someone needs to go to and sit them both down, and tell them it is not okay to be sad about the end of the Jedi Order.

After all... "Mourn them, do not. Miss them, do not. Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed, that is."