The_Page_of

The Page of Swords

by Jacynthe Demorae (JacyntheDMorae@aol.com)

Archive: Yes to M_A, my page

Category: AU, POV

Author's Webpage: http://jdemorae.slashcity.net/index2.html

Rating: PG

Series/sequel: same AU as "Temperance."

Feedback: welcomed at JacyntheDMorae@aol.com

Notes: A little something that helped chip away at the writer's block. This was originally a scene cut from the forthcoming "Five of Swords." Interpretation of the Page of Swords included at the bottom.

// Martial law to quell religious war. And they wonder why the initial peace talks failed. //

I rubbed the back of my neck, wincing. Unreleased tension knotted my muscles and stiffened my joints. The Force-currents here -- especially at the governor's mansion--felt slimy, moved sluggishly. Even the air felt stale.

Ironic--as a child I'd loathed meditation. Few things bored me faster than sitting in one position and thinking of one thing for an hour or more. Now, I'd cheerfully trade minor body organs in order to restore my center.

I wanted *off* this planet. The Order's wisest, the Republic's greatest diplomats, and the Guardians of the Mind's Eye together couldn't end this war. No amount of words could change hearts that had embraced hatred.

The recorder wands lay on my worktable, evidence of concentration camps and mass graves. I didn't want to send for Qui-Gon...but oath and duty demanded it.

~Finis~

Interpretation: The qualities of grace and dexterity, diplomacy and understanding. Certain types of spying. An upsetting message. --Eden Gray, Mastering the Tarot.