Author: JediSenoj451  (signed)
Date posted: 5/11/2004 8:16:47 PM
JediSenoj451's Comments:

An enormous thank you to my betas in the order that they read and reviewed: DarthSnuggles1121, Nade Naberrie, Digizord, and Valeda Kor. Your suggestions were priceless.

I’d also like to thank Gaylen Kenobi for agreeing to do the cover art. The final product is beautiful, dear!

Author: geo3
Date posted: 5/12/2004 9:51:52 AM
geo3's Comments:

*OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH*

That's the sound of me letting out the breath I've been holding from the very beginning of this story. I have some badly chewed fingernails, too, and I've edged so far forward in my seat from the sheer tension of it all that only the computer table is holding me up...

Stars, that was fascinating! I was absolutely terrifed about this visit and worried about everything that would be said and what would happen. I needn't have. In your hands it all happened so believably, so plausibly that I found myself saying, "yes, absolutely, exactly so..." The wonderful, atmospheric details, (Luke's "aggravating wisdom LOL!), real insight and loving handling of the characters ("Her aura had shades of darkness, of ice that he did not remember. He must have done that to her. He had created that darkness.") and attention to detail mae this a VERY satisfying read. Thanks for this!

(...this "Sith-forsaken planet - LOL!)

Author: Nade_Naberrie  (signed)
Date posted: 5/12/2004 5:19:50 PM
Nade_Naberrie's Comments:

You already know how I feel about this one, but I simply MUST reiterate...

This piece is brilliant. Eloquence, tragedy, beauty, and a sense of completion all summed up in one of the greatest fanfictions that I've had the priveledge of beta-reading.

Excellent job, yet again!
*hugs*
-Nade

Author: rhonderoo
Date posted: 5/12/2004 9:06:30 PM
rhonderoo's Comments:

Very powerful! This is the best fanfic I have read in a long time. You had the characterizations dead on, and in an AU! By the end I was begging them to embrace. Beautiful!

Author: Snuffles
Date posted: 5/12/2004 11:42:17 PM
Snuffles's Comments:

Wonderful story. I thought that you really nailed both Padme and Luke. You did a respectable job with Vader as well. It's difficult to imagine him saying some of those things. But we've never really seen him like that, so it's difficult to judge. Vader's stuff must have been the most difficult to write, and I feel you did an admirable job.

Author: JediSenoj451  (signed)
Date posted: 5/13/2004 7:37:53 AM
JediSenoj451's Comments:

Thanks for all the comments! They mean a lot to me. Really.

Ah, and so a point of contention between one of my betas and me comes up. LOL. I’ll explain my thinking behind the characterization since others probably have the same issue with it…I understand where you’re coming from, Snuffles. Indeed, the DV we love to hate wouldn’t say those lines in the context of the OT. When I began writing this story, however, I decided to portray Anakin as, well, Anakin because he isn’t Vader any longer. He’s a Skywalker again, a Skywalker who has been scarred by darkness, but a Skywalker nonetheless. I know others who would choose to bring out the Vader side more. Different strokes for different folks. As you said, it’s hard to determine which characterization is “right” in an AU context. :)

Author: Ldihawk
Date posted: 5/13/2004 11:37:31 AM
Ldihawk's Comments:

Well, better late than never, I guess. This is one of the best fanfics on the site. The characters and dialogue were believable in a story that was so poignant that it almost made me cry. Excellent writing. Please write more!

Author: Snuffles
Date posted: 5/13/2004 6:18:27 PM
Snuffles's Comments:

My comments weren't so much a 'a point of contention' as it was a personal observation, or even a personal hangup if you will. Obviously other than a short 2 minute scene at the end of ROTJ we don't really have any sort of idea what a post Vader Anakin Skywalker would have been like. There's nothing really to go on, at least nothing that conforms to movie canon. Your whole take on the post Vader Anakin Skywalker character was a logical, believable, and interesting extension to the character that we learned so much about in the OT.

Author: leia__naberrie
Date posted: 5/14/2004 2:43:45 AM
leia__naberrie's Comments:

Gazing at the Tatooine sky now, Padmé felt that same sense of awe, of happiness she'd felt as a child, knowing that the storm was over. And as she admired the mountains and desert sprawled before her, the aged woman suddenly remembered that red did not only represent blood or pain. It was also the color of redemption. And forgiveness.


I have to confess - I did not know what to expect from this story. From the start I could tell that it would not be a simple post-RotJ reconcilliation tale... Certainly nothing could have prepared me for such a deep and realistic potrayal of these characters. It is a melancholy tale - with a finish that left my eyes stinging with tears - at all that was lost, such a perfect love thrown away, thwarted ... for Nothing! But still an end that was worthy of these two magnificent characters - filled with hope, resolution... and maybe, a second chance ....


Padmé knew she would see Anakin again, not only at his trial, but Force be willing, in the next life as well. There, they would not be old, broken people who were wary of life's hardships, but young, carefree, innocent. They would be happy and not suffer for it.

:((

You should write more often.

Author: Gaylen Kenobi
Date posted: 5/14/2004 2:24:51 PM
Gaylen Kenobi's Comments:

Again, I love your work. I wish I could write nearly half as well as you.

Call on me anytime, hun. :up: ;)

Author: leandar
Date posted: 5/15/2004 11:57:55 AM
leandar's Comments:

You simply MUST write the next chapter!!!! The trial begs to be told!! Please consider it, this was a very good story!! :)

Author: Valeda Kor
Date posted: 5/16/2004 8:36:16 AM
Valeda Kor's Comments:

I'm so pleased that others recognize the excellence in this story! I knew it from the first beta-reading. A rare treasure, to read something so well constructed.

We do need to see more from this talented writer. Luckily, she's assured me that other stories are being created. Once again, well done!

Author: MstrDurron
Date posted: 5/16/2004 11:29:53 PM
MstrDurron's Comments:

Good story, but It could have been much better had you had padme run into anakins ghost, keeping in continuity as far as we know, at this point, we dont know if Padme dies in Epi III or not, but we know anakin dies at the end of Ept IV

Author: rhonderoo
Date posted: 5/17/2004 12:09:39 PM
rhonderoo's Comments:

I admit I was wary going in to this fic because so many people don't get the Anakin/Padme relationship and the depth of her feelings for this man. I've read too many where she turns her back on him completely and becomes this sanctimonious harpy. This story was a VERY pleasant surprise! You have all three characters nailed. And I can see this being a post-Vader Anakin. How many of us thought he would kill the Emperor before ROTJ? I love his trepidation at himself.

Author: jedi_michele
Date posted: 5/17/2004 8:13:28 PM
jedi_michele's Comments:

i cried a little at this. it was so wonderfully written and so incrediably sad. good job and mtfbwya.

Author: Obi-Wan Kenobi-
Date posted: 5/21/2004 4:20:41 PM
Obi-Wan Kenobi-'s Comments:

Actually, we do know that Padm'e dies. If you watch ROTJ, on Endor just before Luke surrenders to Darth Vader, Luke asks Leia if she remembers her real mother. She replies "Yes, but she died when I was very little." But overall, it was a good story.

Author: Kingringwraith  (signed)
Date posted: 5/21/2004 6:39:37 PM
Kingringwraith's Comments:

Wonderful. One word explains all the feelings that this story has left inside me.
Wonderful. Again.

Author: queenie
Date posted: 5/21/2004 7:09:03 PM
queenie's Comments:

oh, this was such a good story. bittersweet to the end! keep writing, my friend! it was great.

Author: Dusk147
Date posted: 5/21/2004 7:45:43 PM
Dusk147's Comments:

Fantastic, that's all I can say.

Author: Steve Schlachter
Date posted: 5/22/2004 1:20:57 AM
Steve Schlachter's Comments:

This was an incredibly well written story I would have easily shelled out money to read. Thanks for the freebie!!! I saw the comment about Lea knowing her mother had died, but Vader died too. So that's not even a point. The only thing that got me was Vader taking a lightsaber to Palpatine. He threw him down the shaft. We all hope you write more. You should really be published and a Star Wars writer. If GL reads this site he should really consider giving you permission to write stories to be published using these characters. Thanks again so much for the story and again I hope to see more.

Author: Steve Schlachter
Date posted: 5/22/2004 1:21:30 AM
Steve Schlachter's Comments:

This was an incredibly well written story I would have easily shelled out money to read. Thanks for the freebie!!! I saw the comment about Lea knowing her mother had died, but Vader died too. So that's not even a point. The only thing that got me was Vader taking a lightsaber to Palpatine. He threw him down the shaft. We all hope you write more. You should really be published and a Star Wars writer. If GL reads this site he should really consider giving you permission to write stories to be published using these characters. Thanks again so much for the story and again I hope to see more.

Author: SpiritJedi
Date posted: 5/22/2004 6:16:07 AM
SpiritJedi's Comments:

I have to say it but - excuse me? Vader was quite killed in ROTJ. If you're going to take an ill-advised trip through an alternate universe, you had better bring provisions. How was Vader turned? He killed Palpatine with his lightsaber? But Luke cut off the hand with the saber! So you're saying that fight didn't take place? Then what turned Vader???

It would have to be a MONUMENTAL incident, but you've given us nothing. You've done none of the homework to make this story believable in even an alternate world. Vader somehow turns back to Anakin and - even in the Vader outfit (you think that he would at LEAST get different armor after he turned!!!) he helps Luke in secret rebuild the Jedi Order, but somehow still is pissed at Obi-Wan? And Luke TRUSTS him?

Sorry, but your story rings hollow and untrue on almost every level. You've tried to build a little tear-jerker, but it just falls flat without any foundation to build on. I felt no sorrow for Anakin, because I was given no background REASON to. "Ooops, guess I screwed up" was hardly the kind of guilt or self-recrimination one would expect from a former genocidal villain.

Author: Moshe72
Date posted: 5/22/2004 9:23:30 AM
Moshe72's Comments:

Simply excellent. A 10 doesn't do the way you captured the moments properly, but it is all they offered.

God bless

Author: JediSenoj451  (signed)
Date posted: 5/22/2004 11:31:53 AM
JediSenoj451's Comments:

To respond to a few comments…

Yes, I’m aware the two characters died in the films. (Or maybe in Padme’s case, off film. I don’t follow Ep. III spoilers, so I can’t say.) The idea here is to consider what would happen IF they had survived to meet briefly in a post-ROTJ setting. A “ghost story” in which they meet in the afterlife wouldn’t serve my purposes because in this piece I intended to explore the quality of forgiveness—the giving up of hope for a better past. I’d imagine that those in the afterlife do not suffer the same anger, trepidation, and doubt of those who are alive. Thus, setting the piece in such a context wouldn’t have worked and might even have been less believable.

Which brings me to an interesting point rhonderoo made. This story was actually written in response to the many pieces in which Padme goes running into Anakin’s arms crying, “Everything’s going to be all right, honey! I blindly forgive you and now we’re going to live happily ever after forever.” That possible play out of events has never rung true for me. But I’m happy you think I didn’t go to the other extreme by turning her into a “sanctimonious harpy.” (LOL!) I tried to reach a middle ground because I knew that although Padme would ultimately forgive, the finding of that forgiveness would not be easy.

SpiritJedi. Whew! Some harsh comments and strong accusations there. Firstly, I did *not* want to delve into the technicalities of Anakin/Vader’s survival for five pages. I did in fact do my “homework” as you put it, but I ultimately deemed that a lengthy tangent on Anakin/Vader/Luke’s escape from the Death Star would not have enhanced the themes of this story. “Vader was quite killed in ROTJ…But Luke cut off the hand with the saber!” Actually, in the context of this story, he didn’t. It’s an alternate universe. The fight does take place but Vader/Anakin, realizing his mistakes much earlier, cuts the Emperor down. Hence, ONLY the shaft scene and the severing of Vader’s hand do not occur, but Anakin’s epiphany still does, just in a slightly different context. In this case, I, along with others who helped me with this story, did not think it needed to be spelled out in great detail. How would doing so have developed Anakin and Padme’s reconciliation? And a change of armor? Once again, how would that have added to the themes? “Alternate universes,” in my humble opinion, shouldn’t be about putting forth lengthy justifications on why events turned out differently. They are about keeping an open mind and imaging what if, just what if a change of events occurred. How would the characters react in such setting? This is a character story, first and foremost, and not a story of plot. If this “little tearjerker” still doesn’t work for you, well, we’re all entitled to our opinions!

And yes, Valeda is right. I do plan to keep writing. As for a sequel? I’m not sure. Others have composed the “trial” story so brilliantly I don’t think I could compete! :-)

Author: Blight
Date posted: 5/23/2004 9:03:26 AM
Blight's Comments:

Excellent, however vader would have died, the dark side is what resurrected him. Viola!

Author: SpiritJedi
Date posted: 5/23/2004 9:08:50 AM
SpiritJedi's Comments:

My strong comments and harsh accusations all ring true, though. As a writer, it's your job to present a believable, supportable story, and you haven't done that here.

>>I ultimately deemed that a lengthy tangent on Anakin/Vader/Luke’s escape from the Death Star would not have enhanced the themes of this story.<<

Yet, you found the time to mention how Padme came out of hiding, and that was a more believable posibility. You stretched credibility well past the breaking point by NOT saying how Vader survived the Death Star - his being ALIVE (the contention of your alternate universe) HAS to be presented in order for any of the rest of the story to gel. You can't just expect your readers to "get it" and blindly move on believing Luke just up and forgave his murderous father - the very sort of "blind forgiveness" you mock other writers for including.

>>The fight does take place but Vader/Anakin, realizing his mistakes much earlier, cuts the Emperor down.<<

But HOW? WHY? The whole crux of ROTJ was Luke, seeing that he was becoming like Vader in mindset and body (mechanical hand) turned away from the dark side, thus prompting Anakin to do the same. What was the important event in your alternate universe? How can you deem this turning point a TANGENT?? If you expect us to believe that Vader turned good, is STILL wearing the Vader outfit, you had BETTER give us the context for how that happened. You don't, so your Vader/Anakin never comes to life.

>>In this case, I, along with others who helped me with this story, did not think it needed to be spelled out in great detail. How would doing so have developed Anakin and Padme’s reconciliation?<<

By showing HOW Anakin changed would give us a measure of who he's become - not just that he helped Luke from the sidelines. You've cheated your whole story just to have the two have a reconciliation that - ultimately - is neither needed, nor which has any change or effect on your characters. It just ends with a cosmic "Oh, well."

>>And a change of armor? Once again, how would that have added to the themes?<<

By showing what kind of man Anakin had become. AND by being consistent to the world you've created. You've chosen to turn a blind eye on all this drastically important details and the result is an alternate world that has no life. You can't just conveniently ignore such things for the sake of your "reconciliation." Your universe doesn't ring true - Anakin, now supposedly redeemed, chooses to continue to wear the black armor of his genocidal dark side self? That makes ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE, and as a writer you're just taking the lazy way out by saying "Uhm, it didn't matter to my story." That armor represented his evil self, and if your Anakin didn't take the slightest step to separate himself from that image, then he hasn't changed.

It DID matter.

>>How would the characters react in such setting? This is a character story, first and foremost, and not a story of plot.<<

And you've not GIVEN us character, because you short-changed the MAJOR change to Anakin's life, to the way he views himself, to the way he knows others will view him. You wanted this meeting to happen so badly that you neglected some of the major CHARACTER BITS so needed to complete your alternate universe, and make the mistake of asking the reader to pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

Your story falls apart because there is no glue to your universe.

Author: Obi-Wan Kenobi-
Date posted: 5/23/2004 10:47:55 AM
Obi-Wan Kenobi-'s Comments:

If both characters die, and we know that this never will and never can happen, then what is the point of making this unrealistic story?

Author: RonCerr
Date posted: 5/23/2004 11:53:59 AM
RonCerr's Comments:

That was absolutely terrific, the best fanfic I've ever read by a long straw. Makes me a little sad that Anakin died above Endor, even after his redemption, and I'll always be sorry for whatever lonely way Padme met her end,

Author: Snuffles
Date posted: 5/23/2004 5:02:07 PM
Snuffles's Comments:

I myself am glad that JediSenoj451 didn't bog down her story in pointless and what would have ultimately been boring exposition, and instead went straight to what was clearly the crux of the story; that being the 'Reconciliation' of two lovers that have been long separated.

The how and the why of Vader's epiphany is not important to this story. We all know that Vader/Anakin Skywalker is the chosen one, the one who brings balance to the force. The fact he is the chosen one is the why, the how is irrelevant. Anyone who has seen ROTJ has seen Vader's epiphany, and the author of this story moreover makes the assumption that the reader will take the leap of faith and believe that the Darth Vader in her story has had the same epiphany, despite the fact that circumstances around it have changed. All that it is needed for the story is that the reader understands that the Anakin Skywalker that survived the confrontation in the second Death Star only to die in Luke's arms shortly after instead survived within Jedisenoj's alternate universe. It is a simple leap of faith that the author asks the reader to take. IMHO the author probably thought that Anakin cutting down the Emperor with his lightsaber and having his epiphany without seeing Luke being tortured by force lightning and therefore not necessitating Vader's being injured was an easier pill for the reader to swallow than Anakin surviving the terrible injuries that he sustained in the storyline we're all familiar with in ROTJ.

As far as adding unnecessary exposition such as Anakin getting new armor, well that would have bogged the story down and had it been in the story it would have probably never been archived. The reader knows that Anakin's injuries necessitate the life support systems within the black armor. Moreover, Anakin is a man in hiding so it would have been difficult for him to go to the nearest medical facility to remove the armor and replace it with something else. The author made clear that Anakin despises the fact that he himself is now a 'technological terror'.

Vader's apprehensions, self loathing, and pain as presented in this story is exemplary IMHO; and is consistent with that of a fallen Jedi Knight who has committed atrocities. Presenting the reader with unnecessary exposition such as Anakin getting new armor, and reliving the confrontation at the second Death Star would have only bogged the story down. The whole point of the story is two lovers meeting after being estranged for decades. To divert to away from that would have done nothing but distract and bore the reader.

Author: jedijake
Date posted: 5/24/2004 1:39:04 PM
jedijake's Comments:

Excellent story. I was blown away by this alternate ending to ROTJ. Keep writing.

Author: Dusk147
Date posted: 5/24/2004 10:54:14 PM
Dusk147's Comments:

I read it again and still think it's fantastic. Most of the negative comments I've read seem to be nitpicking, the story was good all on it's own. Afterwards I thought of what so many of the evil bad guys in real life would say if they suddenly turned. Just think, how would Hitler explain his actions if he suddenly wasn't evil? My only real criticism is not a criticism but just what I would have liked. I would've like maybe an extra sentence about Vader/Anakin striking down Palpatine. I like the idea that he got it together and killed him with his saber early than was shown in ROTJ but I think a maybe a sentence or two of how it happened would've been good. Not too much, that would've taken away from the story, but about as much as the explanation of how Padme survived.

Author: Dusk147
Date posted: 5/24/2004 10:55:58 PM
Dusk147's Comments:

I read it again and still think it's fantastic. Most of the negative comments I've read seem to be nitpicking, the story was good all on it's own. Afterwards I thought of what so many of the evil bad guys in real life would say if they suddenly turned. Just think, how would Hitler explain his actions if he suddenly wasn't evil? Vader wasn't any better than him, worse when you get down to it. My only real criticism is not a criticism but just what I would have liked. I would've like maybe an extra sentence about Vader/Anakin striking down Palpatine. I like the idea that he got it together and killed him with his saber early than was shown in ROTJ but I think a maybe a sentence or two of how it happened would've been good. Not too much, that would've taken away from the story, but about as much as the explanation of how Padme survived.

Author: Bescin Prix
Date posted: 5/25/2004 7:56:53 AM
Bescin Prix's Comments:

There really aren't many words to explain how I feel about this story that would make it justice...

An excellent piece! I am not one to read much fan-fiction. The few I have read were... well, dissapointing. But this one, it is by far the best story I have read, and a more fitting chapter in the story of Anakin Skywalker we have come to follow thanks to GL. Personally, I think this would have been a better ending to ROTJ, rather than Vader dying (though I would have still cut his hand off - necessary for Luke to realize how much like his own father he is/could be).

If GL hadn't killed both characters, I could see this being part of an Episode 7 movie!

Congratulations, and please keep on writing these wonderful stories!!!

Author: Bescin Prix
Date posted: 5/25/2004 7:57:21 AM
Bescin Prix's Comments:

There really aren't many words to explain how I feel about this story that would make it justice...

An excellent piece! I am not one to read much fan-fiction. The few I have read were... well, dissapointing. But this one, it is by far the best story I have read, and a more fitting chapter in the story of Anakin Skywalker we have come to follow thanks to GL. Personally, I think this would have been a better ending to ROTJ, rather than Vader dying (though I would have still cut his hand off - necessary for Luke to realize how much like his own father he is/could be).

If GL hadn't killed both characters, I could see this being part of an Episode 7 movie!

Congratulations, and please keep on writing these wonderful stories!!!

Author: DARK_RADER
Date posted: 5/25/2004 12:09:32 PM
DARK_RADER's Comments:

I AM ASTONISHED!tHIS FAR EXCEEDS ANYTHING OF THIS GENRE I HAVE EVER READ OR PROBABLY WILL IN A WHILE,UNLESS YOU CONTINUE TO WRITE ON THIS THEME.AS I GREW UP I WANTED TO BE VADER,MY LAST NAME IS RADER,SO BAD AND POWERFUL.NOW I AM A MARRIED MAN AND STILL CAN RELATE TO THE CHARACTERISTICS OF VADER/ANNI. FACING THE ONE YOU LOVE AND ADMITTING FAILURE/WRONGNESS IN YOUR DECISIONS IS ADMITTING A WEAKNESS THAT YOU FEEL BOUND NOT TO SHOW TO HER AND THE WORLD,AFTERALL YOU VOWED TO SUPPORT THEM FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. PLEASE CONTINUE THIS THEME THROUGH ANNIKAN'S TRIALS.LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MORE FROM A WRITER WHO NOW HOLDS MY HIGHEST ESTEEM

Author: DARK_RADER
Date posted: 5/25/2004 12:10:12 PM
DARK_RADER's Comments:

I AM ASTONISHED!tHIS FAR EXCEEDS ANYTHING OF THIS GENRE I HAVE EVER READ OR PROBABLY WILL IN A WHILE,UNLESS YOU CONTINUE TO WRITE ON THIS THEME.AS I GREW UP I WANTED TO BE VADER,MY LAST NAME IS RADER,SO BAD AND POWERFUL.NOW I AM A MARRIED MAN AND STILL CAN RELATE TO THE CHARACTERISTICS OF VADER/ANNI. FACING THE ONE YOU LOVE AND ADMITTING FAILURE/WRONGNESS IN YOUR DECISIONS IS ADMITTING A WEAKNESS THAT YOU FEEL BOUND NOT TO SHOW TO HER AND THE WORLD,AFTERALL YOU VOWED TO SUPPORT THEM FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. PLEASE CONTINUE THIS THEME THROUGH ANNIKAN'S TRIALS.LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MORE FROM A WRITER WHO NOW HOLDS MY HIGHEST ESTEEM

Author: SpiritJedi
Date posted: 5/30/2004 12:59:19 PM
SpiritJedi's Comments:

It amazes me how constructive and valid criticism can be deemed "nitpicking."

I'm certain the author WANTS to improve his work and future stories, and simply saying "best story I ever read" does not do that.

It would not be boring for the reader to find out how and why this alternate Vader redeemed himself, any more than it was boring to read what Padme has been doing all of this time and how she chose to reveal herself. In fact, the revelation of how Anakin redeemed himself is far more important to this story because it gives the reader a true barometer of who this redeemed Anakin is.

- This post has been edited by Herman.

Author: Snuffles
Date posted: 5/31/2004 2:49:24 AM
Snuffles's Comments:

In a short story the pacing must be swift and decisive. In a short such as this the author has to drive home the point of the story, and cannot indulge in diversions from what is the crux of the story.

This is a story of reconciliation, not of redemption. So while yes, in another story it would have been interesting to read of Anakin's redemption, in this story it is unnecessary, and is thankfully omitted.

With omitted un-needed exposition such as Vader's redemption, or logistically difficult technical diversions such as Vader changing armor; the author has made her story more poignant and powerful.

Author: kayladie
Date posted: 5/31/2004 2:24:21 PM
kayladie's Comments:

I normally don't care for A/P stuff, or V/P stuff for that matter, but I was very impressed by this. I thought the emotions between Luke and Padme, and between Padme and Anakin were very well expressed. I thought Anakin's reactions to his past deeds and to seeing Padme again were very realistic. I also thought it very realistic that there was no mushy, happy ending. (And I love mushy, happy endings! ;) )

Was the story perfect? Of course not, there's no such thing. Every story and every author has room for improvement. But I think some of your reviewers missed the AU part of this...yes, we know that Anakin and Padme die in GL's world. That's the whole reason we have fan fiction, to give our take on his universe.

EDIT: Please leave comments only about the story and the author, not other people who have commented. - Herman

Author: SpiritJedi
Date posted: 6/1/2004 3:16:28 PM
SpiritJedi's Comments:

>>With omitted un-needed exposition such as Vader's redemption, or logistically difficult technical diversions such as Vader changing armor; the author has made her story more poignant and powerful.<<

To the contrary, the much needed explanation of this alternate universe's Anakin was vital to any story attempting to reconcile these characters, and the necessity of giving this redeemed Anakin a new attire was not only something needed, but could have been skillfully done in a paragraph or less, clearly and visually defining who this character has become.

Author: GaylenKenobi
Date posted: 6/2/2004 3:49:30 PM
GaylenKenobi's Comments:

Well, given that the author addressed your comments already, it would seem as though she put a great deal of thought into those topics and decided to do it her way. What is 'needed' in a fanfiction story is very much indefinite and subjective.

You don't like it, thats fine. You've made your opinion known, as have the others who enjoyed the story. Time to move along, methinks.

Author: Jedi Master Voolviff Mon
Date posted: 7/3/2004 1:26:51 PM
Jedi Master Voolviff Mon's Comments:

Great Story, emotional, powerul. The characters were potrayed exactly as they are and I see no need for you to have expanded your story to satisfy what happened to Vader on the Death Star. Some things can be left alone for you to imagine. If you are an avid reader then you must know you see this in writing (especially short pieces)all the time. The theme of the story captured the spirit of Star Wars. It was great and worth my time. My compliments to the author.

Author: Durhelediel
Date posted: 7/7/2004 1:06:32 AM
Durhelediel's Comments:

My hat is off to the author. I believe this story to be well-written and thought out. I agree that to deviate any more to take time to explain Anakin's actual actions on the Death Star would take away from the main point of this fic: reconciliation. It is a wonderfully written piece that is very true to the showing of human emotions in the Star Wars characters. I do thank every person who has commented for having the strength to let their thoughts be known--that is the purpose of a review, after all. But none of us readers should lose sight of the fact that this is a very well-thought out piece that does what it sets out to do: reconcile the main characters after decades of fearing, hating and ignoring each other. Very well done! Bravo!

Author: darth dave
Date posted: 7/8/2004 12:02:55 PM
darth dave's Comments:

I don't think it matters much HOW DV survived... for the purposes of this story, he did.

And as for this story...

WOW.

Author: darth dave
Date posted: 7/8/2004 12:03:22 PM
darth dave's Comments:

I don't think it matters much HOW DV survived... for the purposes of this story, he did.

And as for this story...

WOW.

Author: Anita
Date posted: 7/9/2004 11:39:55 AM
Anita's Comments:

I abosultley love it! Honestly, great job!

Author: Kelly M.
Date posted: 8/27/2004 6:58:24 PM
Kelly M.'s Comments:

That is a very wonderful story, one of the best I've read on Padmé and Anakin. It made my me cry, and was written very wonderfully.

~* Kelly

Author: StarvingWampa
Date posted: 10/1/2004 11:06:10 AM
StarvingWampa's Comments:

I thought this was a well written and poignant story. Bravo.

I have to say that the whole killing palpatine with the lightsaber bit threw me. I know it was an AU story, but my first impression was that you got it wrong, which seemed odd since everything else was so brilliant. Perhaps a few more lines to make the alternate ending to the fight scene clear, without "bogging" down in technical details. Or maybe Im just slow and everyone else got it:) *shrug*


In a side note to SpiritJedi, if I may, without getting flamed: "Constructive criticism" as you inaptly misname your comments, is rarely, if ever, half as acidic as your comments were. If you were truly trying to help the author, your posts could have been more professional by several orders of magnitude. *zips up flame-retardant jumpsuit and flips down welders mask*

With that said, great story, keep writing!

Author: Ani-maniac  (signed)
Date posted: 11/23/2004 11:34:21 PM
Ani-maniac's Comments:

First, I want to say that I do not consider myself an overly emotional person. But, I had to wait for the tears in my eyes to clear up before I could post my response. This is among the BEST AU fan fiction I have ever read. It was well written, and captured the characters perfectly. They acted just as I would expect them to IF they were in that situation. Padme' would undoubtedly be bitter, but her kind nature would still be there. Anakin would still be touched by darkness, and would feel pain and regret. I LOVED it!!! I also wanted to respond to some of the other comments I saw about this story. I don't think it is at all necessary to give a detailed account for why events differ in an AU. In someways I think that it takes away the fun. AU is supposed to give you a chance to explore your favorite characters in endless situations. For example, STAR WARS: INFINTIES. I realize that it isn't for everyone. But Star Wars fans have it easy. I am an X-men fan as well, (though Star Wars will ALWAYS BE THE BEST), and there are so many alternate universes that you can never tell where the actual story line is supposed to take place. But, I realy enjoy playing in the Star Wars universe. I have many of my own ideas I hope I will have the time to send in. (IF YOU READ THIS POST PLEASE RESPOND. I'd like your opinions on some of my ideas.) Anyway, I just wanted to say that by over analysing, you miss the fun to be had in AU. And I wanted to encourage JediSenoj451. Your story was great!!!! Keep writing, the Force is with you!!!

Author: Pokey1984
Date posted: 11/25/2004 11:08:06 PM
Pokey1984's Comments:

Honestly? I did not like it. This story was well written, I can not find any real errors of any kind. And yet, it falls flat. The whole story feels forced. I can't identify with the main chararacters at all. I liked your take on Padme's reaction. Of course she wouldn't go running to Anakin with open arms, but at the end of your story she did just that. You never showed her development. Why and how did she forgive him? Surely just seeing his face wouldn't be enough.

And Anakin, why does he suddenly want to seek out the New Republic? He's been hiding all this time, what are his motivations?

I fully agree with your decisions as to what should be omitted and what should be included, that is not even a question. It is, in fact, the authors perogative. However, I feel like the story wasn't complete. The ending does not feel like an ending.

I suppose that is alright, though. At no point did I feel the desire to know what happened next. This is not meant to be a flame. Truthfully, I just wanted to share my point of view here. I don't know why I feel this way about it, nor what could be done to correct the problem. That is, assuming, there is a problem that resides somewhere other than my own perceptions.

Thank you for listening and I'm sorry my review could not glow the way some other's have.

-Pokey1984

Author: eridani
Date posted: 12/23/2004 6:51:06 AM
eridani's Comments:

Personally, I really enjoyed your story. Like everything you read, there are little bits that the reader might not see 100% eye to eye on, but that's okay- because those little bits are different for everybody and a writer shouldn't be trying to please anyone but themselves.
Truthfully (and perhaps this is betraying my lack of obsessive knowledge of the SW universe), the author's alteration of events during the confrontation with Palpatine didnt register very obviously to me. I was so busy paying attention to the other things going on in the story that whatever inconsistencies that may have existed more or less passed me by. AU doesn't always have to be about validation of events and circumstances, otherwise authors would spend half their time recounting meaningless details. When the occassion calls for it, it's at the author's discretion to determine how neccessary they deem explanations.
Usually, from my somewhat limited experience, AU stories seem to be written with the purpose of manipulating the characters into new situations and putting the human condition through it's paces. An experiment really. So if that's the author's intention, why beat around the bush?
I guess in the end this argument is a bit pointless- what the reader brings to the story ultimately decides their interpretation, and no amount of argument will change a persons instinctive opinions.
Aside from all that, congratulations to the author. I found it to be one of the best variations to this common theme. And I think that maybe that's a good quality to have as a writer. To be able to take something that has become mundane and boring and turn it into something creative and original.

Author: Jessica
Date posted: 5/13/2005 12:25:49 PM
Jessica's Comments:

OMG SpiritJedi, what is wrong with you ? Holy crap I've never seen someone so insulting on a site in all my life. I've been to so many different FanFis sites, and believe me ! Some of them are way off from the movies they're based on but people read and love them nontheless. And the owners of those sites do nothing but comment on the good things, never the bad and are supportive all the way.

These people aren't creating prequels or sequels to the movie here, they're not gonna end up on the big screen in front of millions of viewers. They're creating their own fantasized stories for everyone to enjoy. I mean, give them a break ! Why don't you say something nice for a change, 'cause practically every story I've read so far you've done nothing but criticize them !

Point out all the things they did wrong, and how they didn't follow the movie at all.. how so and so didn't die, how this didin't happen.. how that didn't happen.. here there when where.. WHO CARES ! THESE ARE MADE UP STORIES AND TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH, I HAVN'T FOUND ONE FLAW IN ANY OF THEM !

So this is a shoutout to all of you who have been criticized. You're stories are wonderful and I truly enjoyed reading them.. being an ultimate fan of Starwars, I cannot wait to see the third one either.. and it puts me in awe to read such creative stories, alternate endings and to hear the thoughts of the characters in certain happenings.

- Jessica

Editor Note: Comment has been edited. Please refrain from name calling and using inappropriate language.

MariahJade2

Author: BloodRaven77
Date posted: 6/29/2005 2:21:08 AM
BloodRaven77's Comments:

This was just an amazing tale I don't know how else to say it! The tension and the unspoken pain between Padme and Vader just blew me away! My only complaint is that it wasn't longer...I really wish there were more chapters...I don't suppose you have plans to add more to this (ie. details of the trial etc) do you?

Author: BloodRaven
Date posted: 6/29/2005 2:21:42 AM
BloodRaven's Comments:

This was just an amazing tale I don't know how else to say it! The tension and the unspoken pain between Padme and Vader just blew me away! My only complaint is that it wasn't longer...I really wish there were more chapters...I don't suppose you have plans to add more to this (ie. details of the trial etc) do you?

Author: Bloodraven77  (signed)
Date posted: 6/29/2005 2:22:45 AM
Bloodraven77's Comments:

This was just an amazing tale I don't know how else to say it! The tension and the unspoken pain between Padme and Vader just blew me away! My only complaint is that it wasn't longer...I really wish there were more chapters...I don't suppose you have plans to add more to this (ie. details of the trial etc) do you?

Author: BloodRaven
Date posted: 6/30/2005 11:52:15 AM
BloodRaven's Comments:

I'm hoping this finally goes through my other attempts to post comments has failed miserably! *kicks comp*

I just wanted to say this was an amazing tale! I loved the interaction between Padme and Vader how neither were portrayed OOC yet it is clear there is still much love between them. I enjoyed the fact that Anakin had to admit the truth of his actions to her. I loved how both thought the others ones affections were limited to apperances only to learn to their relief/joy (?) their love went much further. But what i loved best is the fact that Anakin admits that Vader will always be a part of him that he isn't cocky enough to say that the evil inside is perminantly destroyed. It is realistic and added to the believability of this story. I enjoyed the ending as well but it makes me wish there could have been more to it. I'm dying to see what happens to him in the trials. If things begin to mend between him and Padme or if the chasm will always remain uncrossed...

Author: Shenzy
Date posted: 7/23/2005 9:14:37 PM
Shenzy's Comments:

That FanFiction was fantastic! I had always wondered what it would be like if Anakin and Padme got back together when Anakin had the 'Vader' suit on, and now I know. Thanks a ton for the story, it's absulutely amazing! I just loved it. I loved how Padme kissed Anakin's cheek, I thought that was really powerful. It was great, keep up the good work!!! :)

Author: Darth Slaya
Date posted: 8/26/2005 5:57:38 PM
Darth Slaya's Comments:

Wow just wow this is the second time i have read this story and it still leaves me breathless. it is a great alternative to what could have happened if she nethier died (according to the movies) or joined Vader (pretianing to the story 'By The Grace Of Lady Vader' and the squil 'Acsention Of The Queen' -my favorite fan fics in the whole wide world-)*warning to anyone who may want to read those 2 stories it is very sad and brought tears even my eyes who has never cried for but 1 movie and never a book. It will leaving you fealing like saying "WHAT HOW CAN THAT HAPPEN" although it is very actiony and dramay but if you are prepared with a box of tissue and fake nails -to keep you from chewing on the real ones- i would strongly recommend these fics even if they are rather long!*

Author: elfrio
Date posted: 12/27/2005 6:34:16 PM
elfrio's Comments:

Hey i thought the story was great. There are some negative comments on here, but considering this fiction is an AU i dont think that there really is any major negative points to be made. I thought it a very touching, emotional fiction.keep writing!

Author: Magnus2179
Date posted: 10/18/2006 7:09:22 AM
Magnus2179's Comments:

I think the story was great. As for the negative critics, they're crazy. If they're so pent up about the hows and why's then they miss the point stated right in the title. Its called Reconciliation not Redemption. Even Vader states it, he fears the darkness is still a part of him. (I would personally think it would be too) Anakin/Vader is the balance of the force, both light and dark, power and weakness, love and anger. I think the story was great and left openings for you to think the how's and why's of what happened and what will happen.

Author: Magnus2179
Date posted: 10/18/2006 7:09:43 AM
Magnus2179's Comments:

I think the story was great. As for the negative critics, they're crazy. If they're so pent up about the hows and why's then they miss the point stated right in the title. Its called Reconciliation not Redemption. Even Vader states it, he fears the darkness is still a part of him. (I would personally think it would be too) Anakin/Vader is the balance of the force, both light and dark, power and weakness, love and anger. I think the story was great and left openings for you to think the how's and why's of what happened and what will happen.

Author: QueenNaberrie
Date posted: 12/17/2006 7:07:40 PM
QueenNaberrie's Comments:

Beautifully written. BRAVO! You had me practically in tears. I would love to see a sequel to this...if there isn't one.

Author: QueenNaberrie
Date posted: 12/17/2006 7:07:53 PM
QueenNaberrie's Comments:

Beautifully written. BRAVO! You had me practically in tears. I would love to see a sequel to this...if there isn't one.