| Author |
Topic:
Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Completed April 1
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Jade_Max
Registered:
Jun '02
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 4:59am
Subject:
Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Completed April 1
- Date Edited:
4/1 3:54am (12 edits total)
Edited By:
Jade_Max
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Are you people sick of me yet? :Þ
I blame this bunny on Jedi Trace - she's instilled in me a desire for more Barriss/Anakin stories
Disclaimer: It's George's sandbox; I'm simply destroying the sandcastles
Title: Tragedy on the Landing Pad
Author: Jade_Max
Genre: Angst
Timeframe: AotC AU
Summary: The assassination attempt on Padmé has succeeded and she died on the landing pad; Anakin, upon hearing the news, find comfort from an unexpected source. Anakin/Barriss.
Tragedy on the Landing Pad
"It is with a heavy heart and trembling lips that I bring to you the news of the tragic assassination of Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo. This morning, while arriving at great peril to herself, her transport was hit with an explosion that killed everyone on the landing pad. Senator Amidala was known for her strength of character and conviction and was willing to place her duty as a Senator representing her people above all other concerns; including her own life." The Chancellor stopped, bowing his head as if overcome by grief.
The Senate hall sat in silence at the Chancellor's words. Padmé had been well known, well loved and, while she had her enemies they respected her.
Palpatine finally looked up, and those closest to him could see that it appeared a heavy burden had been added to his shoulders. "No one will miss Senator Amidala more than I. But we cannot let tragedies like these continue. No Senator, no voice in this Republic should live in fear of going unheard. To honor her memory and in the light of all that has occurred, I urge the Senate to take the vote she gave her life to attend..."
Anakin Skywalker stared at the holo-news cast in stunned silence, his brain unable to process the information in any coherent fashion.
Padmé.
Assassinated.
Beautiful, angelic Padmé; he still remembered her, still thought of her; could still see her in his mind's eye as the beautiful young woman who'd entered Watto's shop and spoke to him. Her voice had been musical, a balm to ears that heard little more than Huttese all day; ears that had been clipped when he'd been bad. She's been beauty in a world sadly lacking in it; rain in the desert.
And now she was dead.
He turned from the news-cast, unable to bear watching the Senate deal with the loss so expeditiously. He was shocked; appalled by their callous disregard for the life of one of their own. But there was business to be done, motions to pass into law.
Life went on.
He swept from the room, unaware of the gazes that followed him. Stalking through the halls of the Jedi temple - he'd only just returned from Ansion with Obi-Wan - he headed for the training salles. He was numb inside, his grief for the young woman he'd known and admired from afar a hollow ache in the pit of his stomach. One he couldn't yet express and didn't really know how to.
So he would train.
He shrugged out of his tunic when he arrived, hanging it on the supplied peg, and pulled his lightsaber from his belt. Without thought for how he must appear clad only in his leggings, he sprang into the middle of the room. The lightsaber twirled in his hands, up down, left right, the motions to fast for the human eye to follow.
Anakin's thoughts focused, coalesced into unity, his sadness for the loss of someone he'd considered a friend, driving him through a rigorous routine. Few could keep up with him; he knew that. Only his Master Obi-Wan Kenobi had ever managed to go through several rounds and win. But Anakin wasn't facing a real opponent. He was facing the death of silent dreams and hopes, the knowledge that his path would never again cross Padmé's. His lightsaber came down in a powerful attack move, a blur of color against white-washed walls.
And stopped.
Anakin was jolted out of his dark thoughts by the unexpected jarring that ran through his arms. His gaze came back into focus as the blue blade that had intercepted his twirled in a basic move and pushed his lightsaber aside. Two eyes came into focus; surrounded by a line of distinctive tattoos he'd have recognized anywhere.
"Barriss." Anakin lowered his lightsaber, small beads of perspiration only beginning to form on his chest. His voice was strained; unnatural.
Barriss kept her blade in the en-guarde stance, but her gaze held compassion. "I understand you lost someone close to you today."
"Just someone I knew."
The healer in Barriss saw through the lie immediately. She could see that Anakin had held the Senator from Naboo in high regard; in fact, it appeared he'd idolized her. And now, tragically, she was gone. "Grief is a dangerous thing, Anakin."
His eyes narrowed. "What do you know of grief? What do any Jedi know of grief?" His words were soft, barely a hiss between his teeth, his hand clenching about his lightsaber, the blade wavering in his hand, twitching as if looking to do battle. At least, battle with a foe he understood.
"Jedi may rejoice in another becoming one with the Force." Barriss' words held little comfort. "But that does not mean we do not feel grief. Fight me."
"I'll hurt you." He didn't want to risk that; he'd just lost one friend, he wasn't about to risk another at the end of his own blade.
She struck at him, and he automatically raised his lightsaber to block. "Fight me, Anakin. Let go; give yourself a chance to heal!"
He backed away, parrying her attacks easily. "It's not that simple."
"It is if you let it be. You don't think your Master grieved when Qui-Gon died?"
Anakin felt like she'd slapped him. "Obi-Wan wouldn't..."
Barriss stepped up the tempo of her strikes, coming in left and right, forcing him to move, to draw on the Force. In drawing on it, in opening himself to the flow, he also opened himself to her. Something she could tell he was trying to avoid. Anakin's Force presence resonated with grief. Not just grief for the woman who had been killed, but the kind that comes from broken dreams. The kind that comes from regrets of what could have been, and what should be.
She struck him with a flurry of blows. "Obi-Wan is human, despite that polished exterior. All Jedi will grieve when Master Yoda finally passes into the Force; only they'll do so in their own way."
"Their way!" Anakin stepped into one of her blows, throwing his weight into it and her, knocking her away and off step. "The Jedi don't know how to grieve! They don't understand the definition of pain!"
Barriss regained her footing with remarkable agility, rolling with the spin and coming back from the right, forcing him to quick step to avoid having his feet removed as she came in low. She was sweating, her hair plastered to the back of her neck, the sides of her face. But her compassionate look never changed.
Anakin let out an incoherent yell and came at her with speed and strength she had no hope of matching. She gave ground, deflecting the blows, using her superior agility to avoid those she couldn't, Anakin's lightsaber passing bare inches from her skin. His eyes smoldered with suppressed rage and pain, the powerful emotions feeding the ferocity of his attack.
Barriss felt the first stirrings of concern for her own safety; Anakin didn't appear to be in control of himself. She focused on the Force and jumped neatly away, flipping in mid air to block his furious strike, and landing half a room away. "Look at yourself, Anakin!"
"What do you know?"
She gestured to him forcefully. "You're out of control. What, do you want to hurt me too?"
"You don't understand! You can't."
"I know you're hurting. I know you're in pain. Let me help you." Her gaze softened. "I want to help you; I want to understand."
Her soft, passionate words seemed to penetrate the darkness that was eating away inside him. His shoulders slumped and his lightsaber dropped from suddenly nerveless fingers. He fell to his knees, appearing to crumple, his hands covering his face as he slumped forward.
Barriss didn't think; she reacted. At the first sign of his break, she darted forward. She slid to her knees, catching him in her arms as he slumped forward. Silent, heaving sobs racked his frame. His arms came around her, his hands gripping her waist in an almost bruising fashion as he clung to her, his face buried in her shoulder.
Barriss' eyes filled with empathetic tears as his feelings swept over her, released from their carefully controlled cage. Her shoulder grew damp as his tears soaked her shirt. She clutched his tighter, saying nothing as she let her hands talk for her. She stroked his hair and rubbed his back, pulling the image of comfort from the jumble of emotional images surrounding his thoughts. He reacted as she'd hoped, giving in more, letting the grief pour forth more naturally, his sobs coming in great heaving gasps.
She didn't know how long they sat their, Anakin clutching her as if she were the last thing he had to keep his sanity; and she didn't care.
His sobs slowly quieted, though the shuddering through his frame continued. Barriss continued to stroke his hair, the warmth of his skin making her palm tingle as her hands gently rubbed his back. Anakin pulled away reluctantly, her hand falling from his hair to the side of his face.
Anakin grasped it as she made to move away, keeping it pressed to his face. His eyes were red-rimmed and puffy from his grief, his face slightly swollen, and her heart went out to him. He turned his head, his gaze never leaving hers, and placed a single, gentle kiss in the palm of her hand.
Barriss watched him, her hand twitching as his lips touched it. Then his lips moved, still against her palm and she would have jumped if she'd had the ability. Instead she just felt like jelly.
"Thank you, Barriss." Anakin released her hand and wiped his face, the tear lines still visible despite the lack of moisture. "I'm sorry about..." he gestured to her shirt.
"It's alright, you needed it." She searched his face questioningly. "Are you going to be alright?"
He nodded, his throat tight, feeling more weary than he had in his life. "I think I just need some sleep. I'm sorry if I scared you."
Her answering smile was relieved. "Just remind me to never cross blades with you in actual combat." She pushed unsteadily to her feet and offered him her hand. "Here; I'll walk you to your quarters."
He took her hand, rising to his feet with a Force-assisted pull, and looked down at her. Gently, hesitantly as if he didn't know how she's react, his fingers lifted to brush a strand of hair from her face and tuck it back around her ear. "Will you stay with me?"
She had the distinct feeling her wasn't just asking for her company. She regarded his pained expression and her indecision melted. She extended her hand to him. "Yes, Anakin. I will stay with you."
He took her proffered hand and let himself be led back to his tunic and out of the training salle. Somehow, with Barriss' help, he knew he would get beyond his grief.
To be continued...
Author's Note: This has the potential for a much larger story, but my muse is fickle so we'll see if he gets inspired! :Þ
Edit: My muse decided this was interesting enough to play with - so expect more. On that note, I will be keeping a PM list, please let me know if you'd like to be added. And yes, I know that was fast, but I've been bombarded by ideas all morning lol! Ever since I put it up. It's good for the muse...
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You'll Like me when I'm Dead - V/P Dark Drama - http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29236355 Don't think, write. And have faith that your subconscious mind is smarter than you.- lazy RIP my little Nibbler
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leia_naberrie
Registered:
Sep '02
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 5:30am
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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You killed Padmé!  how can I still like this so much? 
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JediVegeta
Registered:
Dec '00
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 5:47am
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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Aw. Poor Anakin. But I did like how Barriss handled the situation...and Anakin and Barriss 
And actually, when I read your last fic, I was hoping to read one where Padme was out of the picture as well...
Got my wish, strangely 
I would love for you to continue..I want to see where this paring goes! 
Thanks for the PM as well!!!
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JOIN THE MUFFIN SIDE DEXTER!!!!
Igiari!!!!
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots
Registered:
Feb '04
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 7:26am
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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Loved it! If you have a PM list, put me on it. I think I have a standing order anyway!
She struck at him, and he automatically raised his lightsaber to block. "Fight me, Anakin. Let go; give yourself a chance to heal!"
He backed away, parrying her attacks easily. "It's not that simple."
"It is if you let it be. You don't think your Master grieved when Qui-Gon died?"
Anakin felt like she'd slapped him. "Obi-Wan wouldn't..."
Barriss stepped up the tempo of her strikes, coming in left and right, forcing him to move, to draw on the Force. In drawing on it, in opening himself to the flow, he also opened himself to her. Something she could tell he was trying to avoid. Anakin's Force presence resonated with grief. Not just grief for the woman who had been killed, but the kind that comes from broken dreams. The kind that comes from regrets of what could have been, and what should be.
She struck him with a flurry of blows. "Obi-Wan is human, despite that polished exterior. All Jedi will grieve when Master Yoda finally passes into the Force; only they'll do so in their own way."
"Their way!" Anakin stepped into one of her blows, throwing his weight into it and her, knocking her away and off step. "The Jedi don't know how to grieve! They don't understand the definition of pain!"
I can't wait to see what happens next. And oddly, I don't miss Padme! Oh no! I've been hanging around my daughter too much!
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If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories.
Proud New Army Mom - off to bootcamp!
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KELIA
Title: Moderator: Fan Fiction
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 7:51am
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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I loved how Barriss was able to get Anakin to finally grieve and let go.
Perhaps she will be the one to help him get over his idolization of Padme.
Great job on this
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Luminara_Kenobi
Registered:
Sep '06
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 8:17am
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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I'm interested! I love Anakin and Barriss, though I usually put them in more of a sibling relationship. I'd like to be pm'd please!
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Oafie & Lulu Long Live the original JA series--  why did it go out of print?! Long Live Freedom of Speech!!! Constantly thinking of new and innovative ways to shave Obi-Wan  I miss you, too.
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LuminaraFan4Evr
Registered:
Sep '06
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 9:18am
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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Amazing! I am so glad I found your other A/B story with Google! (Go Google!) Please please please continue to pm me! I loved this story.
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Proud Member Of The Lumi Fan Club
I'm a Lumi/Wan shipper. If you are too, PM me!
"If God had meant for you to have just one cookie, you wouldn't have two hands." - My Grandpa
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Handmaiden_Azul
Registered:
Dec '05
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 9:29am
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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Oh, please add me to the PM list!
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Daenarrah
Registered:
Nov '05
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 9:50am
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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Yay! Anakin/Barriss. I absolutely love this. It's sad that Padme was killed but Barriss was there to help him with the grief. It was appropriate how she did it too. I echo what KELIA said about getting him to let go. And getting it out. Please add me to the PM list. I definitely want to follow this one.
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MoAngel
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 10:13am
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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I was really reluctant to start yet another story, as there are sooo many jumbling around in my head now, it's hard to keep up with every single one! But when I saw who the author was, I thought, heck why not, this is bound to be good! And so it is. Please add me to your PM list and update asap.
Mo
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'It's just like the Sith Lords, man, there's always only two of them'
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Rhodna
Registered:
Nov '06
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 12:17pm
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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Oh, an Anakin/Barriss story! Oddly enough, I really enjoy this pairing, almost as much as A/P! I'm really sorry that Padme is out of the picture, but it was necessary - things would have gotten far too complicated otherwise!
Please add me to the PM list as well!
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Padawan to Kelia & Padawan Sister to BrentusofGath Old Communist Man: The corn-mash does not explode. On a Tom-the-cat voice: Don't you believe it! Dragonborn - http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25787900/p1/?1 Links to fics in Bio
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Raptor517
Registered:
Sep '06
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 1:29pm
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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Interesting. To be honest, I didn't miss Padme at all. Great fic! PM's, please!
Raptor517
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_ThatJediScum_
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 1:49pm
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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OMG! You killed Padme! I can't believe it.
But please, add me to the PM list. I'm having wonderful images of Anakin and Barriss dancing in my head.
bran
Happy Belated Christmas!
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WiseOldYoda
Registered:
Feb '06
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 3:08pm
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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Could you add me to the PM list, too? I'm all for Anakin angst/mush.
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bek
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 5:17pm
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. Angst
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Okay, I'm definitely hooked. Please add me to your PM list.
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Update 10/2/08- Chapter 40- Life Beyond the Code (Obi-Wan/Anakin) - http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/20820324 Update 9/3/08- Chapter 26 - Not Myself - (Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon/Oc's) - Before the Saga Update 9/3/08 - Part 6 - Strength to Begin Ane
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EverydayAngel
Registered:
Sep '06
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Date Posted:
12/26/06 9:00pm
Subject:
RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin, Barriss, AotC AU. (Short Story, possibly epic)
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Thank you for the PM and yes definatly add me to the PM list.
Great start. I would love to read more.
I love Padme but don't mind that she died. This is an A/B fic 
I love how she came to him and challenged him then got him to cry on her shoulder.
And the kiss on her palm was soo
Can't wait for the update.
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