Iteration is an Alternate Universe fic set in the Expanded Universe. (Yes, yes. I know. Even if you really hate the EU, do give this series a shot. The post-Thrawn EU didn't have to suck, you know. ^_-) This cookie is a flashback to a scene from an alterna-version of Tim Zahn's Dark Force Rising, so one or two lines of dialogue belong to him. ^_- This also contains a minor spoiler for the series. If you'd rather not know (sort of) what has become of Mara in the Iteration universe... Run! Quick like a bunny!
from iteration
For these each Spring has been a bride,
And lonely worlds were spawned and died.
Chaos for them in birth-throes cried.
Far out in seas of Space forlorn
This crescent wave was slowly born
That thunders on the beach of morn.
All Time, expectant of their bliss,
Hangs fearful. Space through her abyss
Shudders if they this hour should miss.
For if their kiss they went without,
The stars would be a raining rout,
And time in anguish flicker out.
-- "A Pair of Lovers in the Street", Arthur Adams
Mara was waiting when he returned from meeting with Mon Mothma, Fey'lya, and the other Republic officials.
She stood at the far end of the suite, the whole of her attention focused on something beyond the ornately carved window.
"Mara?" he said, poking his head through the open door. "Come in here, please."
She started slightly at the sound his voice, a shadow crossing her face as she met his gaze. He retreated into his room and took up position by the computer terminal.
"What's gone wrong?" she asked.
"I'm not entirely sure," he said, pulling a datacard from the terminal's copy slot. "I want you to leave tonight for the Trogan system."
Her expression wavered again for a split second before she regained control. He frowned, but continued, handing her the datacard as he spoke.
"Best guess is that's where Aves will have holed up. Make contact and tell him I want everything we have that can both fly and fight to rendezvous with me at the Katana fleet as soon as possible."
Organa Solo had come then and hurried Mara off to find a ship while Karrde began preparations for his own trip to the Katana fleet. He was still trying to devise a way to deal with the Bothan councilor, Fey'lya, when the door to his suite opened quietly and Mara slipped inside.
He looked up. "I would have thought you'd be off by now."
"I'm on my way as soon as I'm done here." Mara hesitated, bit her lip. "I..."
He frowned again. Her face was drawn and tight. When he looked into her eyes they reflected the same expression she'd worn on Rishi when she'd been forced to give him over to the Imperials.
"I'm having visions, Karrde. I never..." she began, then held up a hand. "No, don't stop me. I have to get this out. I think I finally understand where my destiny is taking me. I just needed... I don't know." The words were slipping through cracks in her normally controlled exterior. "If things continue to happen the way I've foreseen, I just need to know you'll understand."
He had not understood, but nodded and allowed her take his hand in both of hers. Impulsively she reached up and pressed her mouth against his. The contact was chaste and passionless, the familiar kiss of a beloved or a betrayer. She tasted of copper and salt, as though her lips were stained with blood.
He hadn't truly seen her again until Wayland. And then she'd looked him straight in the eye and walked purposefully into death's waiting embrace.
~click here to read iteration at fanfix~
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