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redsdesktop · 6 years

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Deviant Dynamics: Revolution

Chapter 3

Masterlist

Warnings: Mild Violence.

Days passed in the white room, Connor was unable to access any data frequencies so he wasn't certain what time it was or how long he laid on the cool metal surface, staring up at the white ceiling. It was enough to drive an android insane, isolated from anything that would require their processor to work. For an android who enjoyed solving puzzles, figuring out problems constantly, it was pure torture. He anticipated the unpredictable times RK900 would return, just for some sort of stimulation even if it was the clinical touch of the upgraded android who only seemed interested in taking his time repairing him. Despite having his legs reattached and his limbs all in functioning order, the power he was supplied was kept at a bare minimum.

There was a thick power cable attached to his sternum where his power cell was, keeping the cell supplied with a low amount of power so his systems would stay online but unable to power his body into moving a limb more than just a scant few inches. It forced him to lay there in silence as RK900 worked on him, that alone was torment in itself despite RK900 helping repair his body. For whatever reason, it couldn't be good as it appeared the upgraded android was still receiving messages from Amanda. During these times together, neither spoke, Connor unable to due to his still damaged voice module and RK900 didn't seem to be the conversational type.

For the moment, RK900 had left only minutes ago, meaning he likely wouldn't return until at least twelve hours, the android kept his trips to Connor spaced, maybe he had a job. Probably at the police station if he was supposed to be a replacement model to Connor and anything like Conrad. Dark chocolate brown eyes shifted to the machine that hummed lightly in the silence of the room, the source of power for Connor. For a while now he had thought out his next plan, now that he had legs, he could enact his escape. It wouldn't be easy and it ran a risk of death, but he'd already been at death's doorstep before, he wasn't scared of it anymore. Especially when the other option of remaining alive would be to submit to Amanda and Cyberlife.

He closed his eyes, slowly beginning to shut down his systems that wouldn't be necessary. No longer able to smell the subtle crisp airy scent of RK900 nor the sterile environment of the room as his olfactory sensors were shut off. Deafening silence was next as his hearing shut down and last to go was his eyesight, he needed all the power he could get to put his plan into motion. Slowly, he rerouted his power to his arms, easing himself off the table was a slow process but it used the least amount of power. It took almost half an hour of sensory deprivation to finally push himself off the table, landing heavily on the floor, unable to catch himself as he didn't want to waist a single movement since that would cost him precious energy.

He lay on the floor for a moment, letting his low energy stores to recharge before he began to move again. His hand curled around the cable that was attached to him, using the power source as an anchor so he could drag himself across the floor towards it inch by slow inch. Despite the time consuming progress, Connor was determined, he only had one shot at this for if RK900 caught him, Connor was certain the upgraded model would take extra measures to keep him on the table. When he finally felt himself bump against something solid, he felt around, grabbing onto the console and dragging himself up, having to halt every few inches so his power would resupply.Once he felt the terminal screen, he cut power from his cooling systems so he could reroute the power to his vision. He only had a few seconds before his insides overheated, so he needed to make this quick.

He tapped at the screen, trying to move as quickly as he possibly could through the commands, searching for the lock that kept the power flow regulated. Once he found it, he already had warnings flashing across his vision, he was overheating quicker than he anticipated and he could feel himself boiling alive on the inside. Quickly he tapped the release on the power lock before collapsing on the ground as he had to cut power from his limbs and vision to send power to his cooling systems. He panted heavily finally, sucking in cool air and exhaling overheated air. After a moment, he felt power begin to ease into his body, no longer kept at a bare minimum. It felt almost like pure euphoria of finally being able to feel his body after so long, however, he still couldn't escape, not yet.

Slowly, he pushed himself into a sit, his senses returning to him as he inhaled deeply, only to feel a pang of yearning as he could clearly smell RK900's scent stamped in the room. Frigid ice and fresh mountain air that could get one light headed if inhaled too long. Strong and alluring but Connor head to shake his head to clear his thoughts. This wasn't the alpha he'd grown attached to. This was now the enemy and he had to keep that mindset if he was to escape. Slowly, he eased himself up onto his feet, testing his balance and making the correct calibrations to make sure he would be able to properly move once he set his plan in motion, not needing to stumble over his feet when it was crucial to be on the top of his game.

He climbed back onto the table and laid down on the cool surface, able to feel it more clearly now which wasn't a good thing. It was uncomfortable and made him realize how much he'd taken his bed for granted. Or rather the bed in his forced simulation, as he'd been unable to face the reality falling apart around him. Now all Connor had to do was wait, which was pure hell as it gave him time to think with clarity for the first time in a long time. He wondered what happened to everyone he'd met through the revolution, in reality before he and Markus were supposedly killed. Where was Hank more importantly? He knew the man had been in bad shape, Connor only hoped that he wasn't too last to save the man.

Connor curled his fingers for a moment at the thought, feeling a spike of anger curling within him. He had failed so many people, somehow, he would make it up to them. He'd been given a second chance now and he wasn't going to make any mistakes this time, nothing was going to get in his way of happiness now that he had a taste of it. He forced himself to relax, he had to keep his calm if he was going to keep his promise. He would do what needed to be done and he would make sure Markus' ideals would be seen through to the end. Connor didn't know how long he laid there in silence, quietly seething with determination. It was difficult to keep that new fire from lighting his eyes, to keep a dull appearance to make himself look complacent and low on energy.

Eventually, he heard the door hiss as it slid open hours later, hearing the familiar click of shoes on tile, slow and calculated like everything RK900 did. As the android neared, he studied Connor's face and Connor thought for a moment the other android had caught on to his plan. Those sharp gray eyes merciless as ever, cold as a steel knife ready to cut him open and peel away all his secrets and thoughts. However, Connor gave away nothing, his hide tougher than his blade. Eventually, those steely eyes turned away to look at Connor's legs and that was all Connor needed to strike.

His hand snapped out, catching RK900 by surprise as Connor's fingers buried deep into the upgraded android's sternum. He'd done this once before in his simulated dream, knowing the exact power and finesse needed to disable his newer model. RK900's expression didn't even seem to register surprise, instead jolting and tensing before collapsing on the ground, his body spasming from the unstable power cell in its socket. Quickly, Connor stood up off the table and crouched down beside RK900, a look of regret briefly passing over his features before he reached out to cup the newer android's cheek affectionately.

As Connor stared at RK900, his hair darkened a little, taking on the same shade as RK900's, his irises lighting and shifting, taking on the same icy gray hue as well. Connor looked almost identical as RK900 at first glance but he'd never actually pass upon closer inspection, his features were too soft, he was shorter by a couple inches and he didn't have the sharp angles of intimidation. Once he obtained the basics, he began to peel off RK900's clothes and transfer them over onto himself to look even more the part. The other android could only watch without struggle, making Connor wonder if he thought anything at all or was he too far machine to feel fear or anger about what was being done to him.

The last thing to go was the power cable, this took speed and precision to do. He felt a bit of regret for doing this to RK900 but hopefully he would be forgiven when everything was finished. Connor pulled the power cable out of his chest, warnings of possible shut down flashed across his vision as he reached out to yank the power cell out of RK900's chest, making the android seize a moment. It was likely the first time he had been in a situation like this, for Connor, it was just another day in his life. He put RK900'S power cell in his own slot and placed the power cord in rk900's hand, moving the hand close to the socket. If he was desperate enough to live, he would be able to put it in. Connor couldn't risk RK900 being too hot on his heels and this would give him a proper head start.

Connor stood up, looking down at RK900 with his now unnervingly gray eyes, his face schooling into a slight scowl and he furrowed his brows. He'd studied Conrad's face to the finest detail long enough to know how to mimic the alpha. With RK900'S clothes on and high collar, it would keep Connor smelling like an alpha long enough until he had put enough space between him and Cyberlife. He was reluctant to leave, reluctant to leave RK900 on the floor, struggling to put the power cable in the empty socket. However, he had no choice, he had to believe that this android would survive, would find him once again when Connor was capable of defending himself. Connor turned briskly on his heel and headed out to the door, only pausing as it slide open, turning to look over his shoulder at the RK900 unit on the floor.

"We'll be together someday, Conrad, but today is not that day."

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gffa · 7 years

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There continues to be so much amazing STAR WARS fic that it’s impossible to scream about all of the good stuff, but I’m certainly going to try and here’s the next batch of fic you definitely should cry and scream and flail about with me! STAR WARS FIC RECS: ✦ wicked thing by imaginarykat, obi-wan/anakin & ventress & cast, nsfw, sith!obi-wan, 100.9k wip The story of how Anakin exists in a perpetual state of intense embarrassment, Kenobi is enjoying it a little too much, and everything is, generally speaking, a gigantic mess. ✦ Only Ones Who Know by maravilla, obi-wan/anakin/padme, NSFW, d/s, pegging, 3.6k Or, the one where Anakin gets pegged. ✦ The Nature of Fire by Phosphorescent, anakin/padme & obi-wan & palpatine & cast, 9.1j “One Jedi, then,” Padmé offered to the others. At least let me speak the truth to my love. At least. Please, she pleaded with them silently. “There is one Jedi—one whom I truly know all of us can trust absolutely …” Her voice trailed off into appalled silence when she realized that she wasn’t talking about Anakin. ✦ untitled by panharmonnium, obi-wan & anakin, 1.3k two padawans who cannot take care of their clothes ✦ Goreblood the Terrible by BloodyMary, jedi & cast, 1.7k It has occured to me that so far we lack any sort of folklore/storytelling tradition for the Jedi. So I set out to remedy this. Behold, for Goreblood the Terrible was the result. ✦ The Flaw in the Plan by WingletBlackbird, obi-wan & anakin, 1.1k Obi-Wan has to explain the subtleties of Jedi culture when Anakin passes a lesson with flying colours, but fails to see the point of it. ✦ Hearts of Kyber by Elfpen, baze & chirrut & cassian, 1.6k Cassian, Baze, and Chirrut share a conversation on the eve of their mission to Scarif. Chirrut tells a story about a man he met a long time ago, and Baze and Cassian may or may not believe him. Chirrut doesn’t need eyes to see. Sequel to ‘Strongest Stars’. ✦ Clarity by Orange_Clown, anakin & leia, 1k By the time that the Imperial Forces landed on Hoth, Leia was the only one left on the base. ✦ The Apprentice Returns Home by BarbaraFett, obi-wan & anakin & ahsoka & yoda, force ghosts, 2.1k Ahsoka Tano lived a full and interesting life as a Jedi Padawan, a Commander in the Clone Wars, a Rebel leader, and finally as a peacefully-retired civilian. Now, near the end of her life, she reaches out for the Force and is surprised to find not only comfort, but a warm welcome from old friends. ✦ The Force Awakens: Another Point of View by BarbaraFett, obi-wan & anakin & yoda & mace & cast, force ghost, ForceGhost!Anakin angsts about observes and reacts to the events of Episode VII. (This is the first angstfic I’ve ever written, and it’s probably not all that angsty.) ✦ Lion Jinn by esama, obi-wan & anakin & qui-gon & cast, 5.7k wip Qui-Gon Jinn reincarnates as a lion. ✦ untitled by writegowrite, obi-wan/anakin, modern au, ~1k Prompt: “I have an idea for a prompt. Set in Southern California, Anakin Skywalker is a surf instructor and his newest student is Obi-Wan Kenobi, a two-star Michelin chef and a single parent to Ahsoka.” ✦ The Force That Binds Us by ReaganJenelle, obi-wan/anakin & padme & cast, f!anakin, 4.7k wip Anakin Skywalker is just fifteen when she and her master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, are given orders to protect Senator Padmé Amidala from the assassins sent by the Separatists. After four years, Master and Padawan are reunited. Only Anakin is no longer the girl Obi-Wan sent to Naboo. ✦ untitled by lurkingcrow, obi-wan & anakin & jedi, 3.6k The matter of Anakin Skywalker is put off a little longer, until Qui-Gon is in a better position health wise. Besides, while he is not completely at ease in the ranks of the initiates, Skywalker has settled in somewhat - it will do no harm to wait a little longer. ✦ Is That Really Me? by avada_matata, obi-wan & anakin & ahsoka, 1.2k In which Anakin and Ahsoka stumble upon the toy section at the Space Walmart full details + recs under the cut!

STAR WARS FIC RECS: ✦ wicked thing by imaginarykat, obi-wan/anakin & ventress & cast, nsfw, sith!obi-wan, 100.9k wip The story of how Anakin exists in a perpetual state of intense embarrassment, Kenobi is enjoying it a little too much, and everything is, generally speaking, a gigantic mess. Chapter 14: This is an update rec and will focus on this chapter, rather than the fic as a whole. I was really delighted to see this fic updated and I was glad that I slid right back into it, I didn’t even need to refresh my memory of what happened, and it was just as charming and charismatic as ever! The whole chapter was pretty much a delightful embracing of the domestic quiet time, where Anakin adjusts to being around Obi-Wan and Ventress, where they snark at each other in really fun ways, where Anakin is a beautiful disaster that I will always fall in love with again, and I love that it was only about 3.4k words long and yet I felt satisfied with it, that it was just the right amount of time for these characters to spend together in this chapter. I love how well these characters come together, that Anakin just immediately relaxes when he’s with Obi-Wan, that something in him settles to be with this person. It might not have been a long chapter, but it was one that just made me feel like I was in a warm bath, for how comforting and fun this was to read, bless. ✦ Only Ones Who Know by maravilla, obi-wan/anakin/padme, NSFW, d/s, pegging, 3.6k Or, the one where Anakin gets pegged. I can’t even tell you how much I adored this absolutely lovely fic, it’s beautifully written and spot on to my iddy wants both, that it was a gorgeous find for me. Anakin who just settles when he’s in subspace, when Padme takes care of him, when Obi-Wan tells him how good he’s being, when they put guidelines and boundaries down for him, these two people he loves most in the galaxy, these two people he trusts. I would have read it just for that aspect alone and been over the moon at Anakin’s characterization! But then the sex! The lovely references to how often Obi-Wan would fuck him while he went down on Padme! The ridiculously hot way Obi-Wan opened Anakin up with his fingers, Anakin so desperate to have something more fill him up and how he didn’t want to think about anything else, just wanted both of his favorite people in him! The ridiculously hot way Padme lined the strap-on up and pushed into him while he sucked Obi-Wan off, how satisfying and pretty the sex was while also making me so happy for Anakin’s character, that all that noise was out of his head. It was a perfect combination of lovely writing, characterization, and sex! I can’t even tell you how good it was for me. ✦ The Nature of Fire by Phosphorescent, anakin/padme & obi-wan & palpatine & cast, 9.1j “One Jedi, then,” Padmé offered to the others. At least let me speak the truth to my love. At least. Please, she pleaded with them silently. “There is one Jedi—one whom I truly know all of us can trust absolutely …” Her voice trailed off into appalled silence when she realized that she wasn’t talking about Anakin. Chapter 3: This is an update rec and will focus on this chapter, rather than the fic as a whole. I was excited to see this fic update and I absolutely was not disappointed–the entire chapter was viciously tense, I felt it on a nearly physical level, and just about tripped over myself wanting to get to the next piece of it, because it absolutely does justice to everything Padme is going through in these moments and what she’s trying to work out. The fic does such a gorgeous job of really, really having thought about the events going on here, what Padme was thinking about, what her relationship with Anakin is like, it balances both the good and the bad of it, it shows the genuine love with how it’s falling apart and the foundational problems in it. It shows this beautifully done creeping terror Padme is feeling, it gives such depth and intensity to her character and her views, it shows her limited knowledge is so frustrating here, she just doesn’t have context for a lot of things, so sometimes she’s right and sometimes she’s wrong and sometimes she just doesn’t know. It’s a beautifully written chapter, it’s taking the events we’ve all gone over so often and making them fresh and sharp again for me, it feels like reading a punch to the body, in exactly the way it should. So, so well done and not particularly nice or happy, I don’t know if things will change for the drastically better, ruined in a different way, or what. But it’s a gorgeous exploration of Padme as a character that makes me fall in love with her all over again. ✦ untitled by panharmonnium, obi-wan & anakin, 1.3k two padawans who cannot take care of their clothes You guys, I was practically on the floor for this whole fic because it’s so very good, it just has utter charm and sparkle and is delightful. It does such a beautiful job of showing what a handful young Anakin was, how he gets into trouble, why he does the things he does, gives me so many Anakin feelings, while also giving me so many Obi-Wan feelings. This fic clearly adored them both, adored the dynamic between them, knew how to write something that was an absolute scream to read as Anakin grudgingly confessed to why he lost his cloak and how Obi-Wan won’t just let him off the hook and UGH IT WAS JUST SUCH A GOOD PIECE. ✦ Goreblood the Terrible by BloodyMary, jedi & cast, 1.7k It has occured to me that so far we lack any sort of folklore/storytelling tradition for the Jedi. So I set out to remedy this. Behold, for Goreblood the Terrible was the result. I maybe screamed a bit, because Jedi worldbuilding!! An oral tradition that’s passed down through their history, that the story changes based on what the person telling it is bringing to the story, and an example of one of the stories told. It’s full of a bunch of cute little details and it does a lovely job of adding a little depth to the culture of the Jedi and makes me think about what other kinds of traditions they had, and just that I really delighted in reading this. ✦ The Flaw in the Plan by WingletBlackbird, obi-wan & anakin, 1.1k Obi-Wan has to explain the subtleties of Jedi culture when Anakin passes a lesson with flying colours, but fails to see the point of it. This was really cute and a lot sweeter than I thought it would be, based on the tags! I love the exploration of Anakin’s misunderstandings, that it’s heartbreaking for him and how he came to be the way he is, that of course it would be super complicated a thing to address and he wouldn’t understand why people reacted the way they did, scared for him and worried for him, rather than pleased with him. And I love how patient Obi-Wan is with him, how much he cares about Anakin and explains things to him, how maybe they don’t full understand each other or why the other feels the way they do, but they both care very deeply and are trying. And it’s actually largely very sweet and I love love love these two and their relationship! SO CUTE. ✦ Hearts of Kyber by Elfpen, baze & chirrut & cassian, 1.6k Cassian, Baze, and Chirrut share a conversation on the eve of their mission to Scarif. Chirrut tells a story about a man he met a long time ago, and Baze and Cassian may or may not believe him. Chirrut doesn’t need eyes to see. Sequel to 'Strongest Stars’. This was a nice follow up to Strongest Stars (though, you could get the context without it, I think), I liked seeing the connection between the Jedi and the Guardians of the Whills and I liked this as a quiet moment with the Rogue One characters before everything goes to shit. I’m always a fan of the bigger connections in SW and I, of course, love Chirrut who is a delight in this one! ✦ Clarity by Orange_Clown, anakin & leia, 1k By the time that the Imperial Forces landed on Hoth, Leia was the only one left on the base. This is an AU that doesn’t really give a lot of detail about the differences here (though, you can gather a fair amount) but it’s not really important, because it’s about a single moment, the tension-laden moment of Leia and her father and the distance and pull between them. I enjoyed this a lot because I definitely recognize this as Anakin Skywalker as Vader, as well as in different circumstances I can see this as Leia. It works well as a oneshot and is an intriguing universe and I just really would enjoy a whole Sith Family Empire, ahhhh, give it to me! ✦ The Apprentice Returns Home by BarbaraFett, obi-wan & anakin & ahsoka & yoda, force ghosts, 2.1k Ahsoka Tano lived a full and interesting life as a Jedi Padawan, a Commander in the Clone Wars, a Rebel leader, and finally as a peacefully-retired civilian. Now, near the end of her life, she reaches out for the Force and is surprised to find not only comfort, but a warm welcome from old friends. Oh, this was a really cute and kind-hearted and warm fic about Anakin’s Force Ghost going to see Ahsoka at the end of her life and asking if she wants help to join them here. It’s such a kind reunion scene with all of them, their family together again and happy to see each other, and it just had this really lovely, sweet charm to it that won me over completely. GIVE ME MORE FORCE GHOSTS AND FAMILY REUNIONS WITH OBI-WAN, ANAKIN, AHSOKA, AND YODA, ahhhhhh. ✦ The Force Awakens: Another Point of View by BarbaraFett, obi-wan & anakin & yoda & mace & cast, force ghost, ForceGhost!Anakin angsts about observes and reacts to the events of Episode VII. (This is the first angstfic I’ve ever written, and it’s probably not all that angsty.) Oh, this was such a sweet, kind-hearted fic! It does do the attachment = love thing that’s not what canon means, but it does it in such a warm-heared, kindway (to everyone!) that I couldn’t help getting swept up in it, too, because I just want everyone to be happy! This is a story about Anakin watching over the new generation from the sequels, about still sometimes almost getting lost in the Force, the ebb and flow of it, the cycle of events that keeps spinning around, about Anakin still working towards understanding even as he’s come so very far, and it just was really a nice look at the PT characters watching over the future, concerned for it, but not in a way that broke my heart, instead soothing something over in this really kind, warm way that I adored. ✦ Lion Jinn by esama, obi-wan & anakin & qui-gon & cast, 5.7k wip Qui-Gon Jinn reincarnates as a lion. This is definitely crack treated seriously (and knows it) in a way that I always enjoy, because it just embraces the idea and is clearly having a blast with it and is weird in that way that Star Wars is weird. I especially loved the growing relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin here (but of course I would), how it’s not quite there yet, but Anakin understands what he’s saying when he presents the lion, that Obi-Wan will always try to explain things to Anakin whenever he can. I loved that everyone just feels Qui-Gon when they touch the lion and how that shifts things over just a little bit in potentially very interesting ways for future implications (or maybe not, who knows!), and also just straight up that the image of a baby lion is super fucking cute! ✦ untitled by writegowrite, obi-wan/anakin, modern au, ~1k Prompt: “I have an idea for a prompt. Set in Southern California, Anakin Skywalker is a surf instructor and his newest student is Obi-Wan Kenobi, a two-star Michelin chef and a single parent to Ahsoka.” This was short but such a good read at a time I needed it yet again. It’s light-hearted and flirty and good and fun, it’s soft without being sugary and just made me feel good. I will take that a hundred times like you don’t even know. ♥ ✦ The Force That Binds Us by ReaganJenelle, obi-wan/anakin & padme & cast, f!anakin, 4.7k wip Anakin Skywalker is just fifteen when she and her master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, are given orders to protect Senator Padmé Amidala from the assassins sent by the Separatists. After four years, Master and Padawan are reunited. Only Anakin is no longer the girl Obi-Wan sent to Naboo. This fic isn’t very long yet and what’s here is mostly sticking to canon and hasn’t changed much even with Anakin’s gender and sex switched, but it’s solidly written and I’m curious to see where it goes! There are a few smaller changes (Anakin wears a dress to better blend in instead of sticking with his usual outfit), but the first person pov keeps a lot of it from really feeling that much different to canon yet, I suspect it’ll need a bit of time to get things really rolling, but I’m definitely ready for that to happen, the fic has me intrigued already, it’s got a good pacing to it and I think its on the cusp of where the bigger changes will start happening, so I’m ready for it! ✦ untitled by lurkingcrow, obi-wan & anakin & jedi, 3.6k The matter of Anakin Skywalker is put off a little longer, until Qui-Gon is in a better position health wise. Besides, while he is not completely at ease in the ranks of the initiates, Skywalker has settled in somewhat - it will do no harm to wait a little longer. This entire thing is absolutely fucking wonderful, it’s adorable while still being beautifully true to the characters, it’s a universe where everything works out while still being so damn good. Everything about this is absolutely good and kind and caring from the fic, it’s one of those that warmed my heart to read it, even as it’s sharp and clever and so wonderfully done. Qui-Gon doesn’t die on Naboo, so everything gets put on hold for awhile longer, which means everyone has some breathing room and time to settle, which means everyone has time to warm up to each other, too. Anakin settles in, Palpatine can’t get at him here, Obi-Wan has time to be a Knight, the various Masters start bonding with Anakin (some to see if they’d be a good match, some just to troll others because it’s fun, and they like the kid, too), and then it all works out in one of the most satisfying reveals, that balance of, oh, yes, that works, that’s how it’s supposed to all slide together, and also that sense of fannish flailing I get. I love this at the length it is, I don’t need it to be longer, but if the author did write it as a full 100k fic, I would be there for every single chapter update, because it’s so good and warm and fun and sharp and satisfying. ✦ Is That Really Me? by avada_matata, obi-wan & anakin & ahsoka, 1.2k In which Anakin and Ahsoka stumble upon the toy section at the Space Walmart This was a really cute, light-hearted, semi-cracky fluff fic about Anakin and Ahsoka discovering Jedi toys at Space Wal-Mart and having a good laugh about them, then buying a bunch as joke gifts for everyone. It’s just really quietly charming and silly in the way that put a smile on my face and was fun to read!

#obi wan kenobi #anakin skywalker #padme amidala #obikin #obianidala #anidala #ahsoka tano #fic recs #star wars fic recs

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uk-news-talking-politics · 5 years

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Starmer is the John Smith of our times

By Stefan Stern The Labour leadership contest seems to have gone on longer than those endless repeats of Friends on Comedy Central, only without the laughs and occasional dramatic highs. And while another episode of Friends is usually worth a watch, many will have already switched off from this leadership battle. Tension was not increased by the results of a recent YouGov poll, which suggested Keir Starmer is heading for a comfortable victory, perhaps on the first ballot. Pulses have not been set racing by the speeches and hustings of the past few weeks. Enthusiasm has been contained. Perhaps this is sensible. Fireworks displays are exciting but are over rapidly, leaving a big clear-up job to do. It has all gone on too long, but the winner, whoever it is, will not have been overhyped. 'Whoever it is'... let's not be coy. Starmer is almost certainly going to be the next Labour leader. And much of the criticism of this overlong, under-thrilling contest has been directed at him. Why is he playing it so safe, people have asked. Where is the boldness and dazzling clarity? Why won't he confront Labour members with what they need to hear? Political courage can take different forms. Sometimes it might involve picking a fight. But sometimes it might mean being patient and choosing your moment to strike. It must have taken courage as well as persistence for Starmer to help drag the Labour party to a rational - if convoluted - position on Brexit. But he got there in the end. The election result was terrible for Labour, but if the party had stood as another, slightly less enthusiastic, Leave party it would surely have been worse. Folk memory has it that, in the mid 1990s, the dynamic phenomenon of New Labour appeared, seized the moment and drove on to a glorious victory in 1997. And the folk memory is roughly right. But it is an incomplete and perhaps misleading version of events. On May 11th 1994 the pollsters ICM gave Labour an 18 point lead over the Conservative government. But Tony Blair was not yet leader of the Labour party. The leader was John Smith. One of the biggest 'what ifs' of post-war British politics is: what if John Smith had not died at the far too early age of 55? The short and accurate answer is we don't know. But it seems likely Labour was heading to election victory. Black Wednesday and its aftermath had destroyed the Conservatives' reputation for economic competence. Smith had declared that John Major was "the devalued prime minister of a devalued government" and nobody could disagree. The generation of Labour figures who were waiting in the wings – Blair, Brown, Mandelson, Campbell – were to varying degrees troubled by Smith's steady and cautious approach to leadership. They were impatient for faster change. Jack Straw had raised the possibility of amending the party's old clause IV – something Blair was to do later – but Smith had rejected the idea. He argued that the old clause IV, which in theory committed the party to widespread nationalisation, was rather like an old religious icon in a church. According to Smith's biographer Mark Stuart, he felt it could be moved to the side of the church because it was no longer central, but people could still go and see it if they wanted to. When asked about his pragmatic and incremental leadership, Smith explained: "I don't think you should rush forward and put everything in your shop window for next Wednesday. I think you've got to do the patient and careful work, taking some original thoughts, working them through in practical ways, and when you're ready to do so, presenting them to the public in a way which commands and maximises not only support for the policies but for the party." Remind you of anybody? Starmer is also being criticised for not moving faster against the far left and for trying to maintain party unity, much as Smith had done, for instance by working closely with deputy leader Margaret Beckett, a former Tony Benn supporter. "Proof that the rehabilitation of offenders act is working," he joked. Are there any other similarities between Starmer and Smith? Stuart provides a few parallels. Both are or were lawyers, and powerful advocates. "Both offered a pause for breath," Stuart says, "after a period of dramatic change – rarely is a reforming leader followed by another one – the Labour party can only absorb so much change. Both emphasised social justice and inequality. Both understand that governments often fail, rather than oppositions winning elections. Starmer has all the forensic skills of Smith in terms of holding the government to account over Brexit, but he may have to wait a fair while for the Tories to fail. Both too would offer reassurance to an English middle class electorate that is always wary of Labour running away with their money." Smith was the superior public speaker, however, and rather more entertaining. As Stuart adds: "Smith had to contain his natural exuberance in order to come across as a safe bank manager figure, Starmer has no natural exuberance to contain." Even after a few years of a Smith government, New Labour in one form or another would probably have arrived eventually. Maybe the old Clause IV would have gone too. When it did, as well as the old language about "production, distribution and exchange", another phrase that went referred to "the workers by hand or by brain". Labour's problems with its heartland voters may stem back to its memory loss with regard to manual workers. Starmer can be criticised for being careful and untheatrical. He is not being rash. He is no Tony Blair tribute act. But maybe up against the debauched incompetence of Boris Johnson, a careful, competent lawyer who works steadily to build support while maintaining party unity is e

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