A long time ago, in a galaxy right here ...

I am not George Lucas, and I do not own the recognized characters in this story. This is an unapologetically alternate universe, and there are characters of my own creation, worlds of my own creation, and some of the characters you might otherwise recognize have been stood on their heads and look or sound quite different than they did in the movie. While it is not necessary to read my previous work to enjoy this story, it may be helpful.

The term "chiaroscuro" was one I had not come across until I saw it as a chapter title in the novelization of Episode III. Once I looked it up, however, I was captivated by the word. I decided I had to fit it into a title, and so here it is: Star Wars AU Episode II subtitled "Art of the Chiaroscurist". Yes, both of my episodes do have the same initials, and that is conscious--though the subtitles themselves do have meaning, not just jamming together words that fit. My working title for AU Episode III also has the same initials as the canon Episode III, though I am unsure whether I will continue that pattern through AU Episodes IV-VI.

My opinions on good and evil will begin to come into play significantly in this episode. I do not believe that evil announces itself with the obviousness of a cartoon villain. Evil is far more subtle, making itself wear a mask of good so as to seduce the unwary. It is for this reason that in this telling, the Jedi will speak of the light and dark sides of the Force; those who do not eschew the dark side will speak of "the full power of the Force" or "the full potential of the Force" rather than open recognition that they are in thrall to evil. This is not to say that I believe evil is more powerful than good, despite the fact that evil will be ascendant during much of this entire saga (I am planning episodes three through six which are presently in various stages of random notes, broad plot points, and outlines). In fact, I believe that good (or light) is far more powerful than evil (or darkness).

There are some significant divergences from the canon story, as well as numerous minor differences. I apologize for neither major nor minor. While you read and (hopefully) review, I hope you enjoy this telling for the story I have chosen to write. I shall outline here some of my major departures from canon.

This episode will not end with a wedding between Anakin and Padmé. The rest of the relationship, I will leave for the telling of the tale, but consider this to be fair warning that my story here will bring disappointment to devoted fans of the Anakin-Padmé pairing. But you never know--you just might like what I have on offer after all. And for those of you who are now wondering how I will get back to Luke and Leia being twin children of Anakin and Padmé--the answer is that in this AU, they are neither twins nor even siblings--though Luke is not entirely without siblings. You may consider that statement a slight teaser for Episode III.

Also worthy of note is the fact that Ianthe Naiia will not be standing in for Padmé in the Senate, nor does she serve in the Senate at all. I confess that I rather miss her, but the inclusion of the character would be self-indulgence at the price of story. Furthermore, Anakin and Padmé will not be spending time on Naboo, as I do not believe a celebrity of the stature of Padmé Amidala would be able to visit Naboo without attracting far too much notice and fanfare for the circumstances.

I have changed the actual name and the Sith name of Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus. In the first place, I suppose that having children for whom bathroom humor is the height of hilarity completely ruined the Dooku name for me, enough said. Tyranus ... in keeping with my philosophy regarding good and evil, a name with such obvious negative connotations had to go. So--the suave, well-educated man whose road to hell was paved with good intentions became Count Rex Austerus of Serenno, also known as Darth Apollon.

I have also made substantial revisions to the family trees of the Antilles-Organa lines on Alderaan. In this AU, Breha Antilles (her father being Bail Antilles, the Senator from Alderaan in The Puppet Master) was born in 69 BBY. She then married Mazic Organa, and Bail Organa (born in 50 BBY) is her son. I suppose I could believe Breha might name a son after her father, but the father and husband sharing the name was just a little too Electra-complex for my taste, especially in view of the canon ages of the characters. I've made other minor adjustments, and will note such developments when plot-relevant.

Other divergences from canon are intentional--the aforementioned are just the ones worthy of note at the outset. As in The Puppet Master, a few notes on conventions that I am using: italics with no quotation marks indicates thought or other such interior action, like dreams; italics inside double quotation marks indicates that the speaker is using a foreign language comprehensible to the POV character. Such languages will be evident either by the species of the speaker or be identified at the beginning of the dialogue.

-Z