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Author	Topic: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Completed April 1
Raptor517 Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 3/13 10:31am Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12
	Interesting post...I like how Bariss was smart enough to be onto Palpatine from the start. Hope Anakin listens to her. Awesome update! Raptor517 -----signature----- Piercing the Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28010631/p1/?1 His Brother's Words http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/26020497/p1/?3 Metamorphosis http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24997946/p5/?7 Hunter's Vendetta http://
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KELIA Title: Fan Fiction Moderator Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 3/13 12:53pm Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12
	They had just entered the tunnel exit when an alarm sounded I can only hope Dooku and his minnions will be too distracted by Obi-Wan's escape to notice Barriss and Anakin. Perhaps they can avoid the slaughter if Barriss manages to get the warning message to the Council Great update -----signature----- "Do or do not, there is no try." Master Yoda A Light In The Darkness: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28150602/p1/?8 Undue Circumstances: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28530583/p1/?10
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obsessedwithSW Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 3/13 2:41pm Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12
	Luminara nodded back the way she'd come, opening herself to the link she and Obi-Wan had once shared. Using it - for she felt his acceptance of the necessity in the circumstance - she sent images of where they were headed, and the impression of absolute secrecy. An image of Anakin and Barriss came next followed by a transmitter. I still have to gulp and sigh at this- I stubbornly cling to OBi/Siri pairing but for the sake of this fic I will accept it. I found it interesting that Luminara's and Obi-Wan's connection was acknowledges by the council. Does that mean that bonding like that are part of the Jedi order although not discussed and openly approved of? In that case things might go better with the council than either Anakin and Barriss expect. I love the raw power and force in the bond between them. I wouldnt resist it Barriss it's too good! -----signature----- Yes Darth Maul -bring sexy back! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW8kOYvwVng Avid SiriWaner ! Stories in Bio
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LuminaraFan4Evr Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 3/13 4:51pm Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12
	this is amazing! so now Obi's free, what's going to happen next? -----signature----- 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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Mira_Jade Registered: Jun '04	Date Posted: 3/15 9:54am Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12
	Wonderful update! ~MJ -----signature----- "In order to fly, all one must do is simply miss the ground." ~ Douglas Adams "The Drabble Drop" http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/29101933/p1/?0
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EverydayAngel Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 3/16 1:56pm Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12
	That chapter had some great action for that very hot kiss. They can't deny what the Force wants for them
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EGKenobi Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 3/16 4:54pm Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12
	Awesome story!! Please PM me when you update this!! EG -----signature----- The Shifting Future: http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=24571153&brd=10476&start=25321338 Event Horizon: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24429782/p1/?4 Padawan to Courtney_Solo Jesus Freak
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Kevin_Solo Registered: Jun '07	Date Posted: 3/17 6:46am Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12 - Date Edited: 3/17 6:48am (1 edits total) Edited By: Kevin_Solo
	I loved this update! It was well worth waiting for! We get details about the Luminara/Obi-Wan relationship: She'd felt the pull of Kenobi's pure presence from the ship well before they'd landed. Their friendship had been built and forged in difficulties, both physical and mental, through which they had supported one another. What she hadn't told her Padawan was that the relationship she and Obi-Wan had formed was one that still continued to this day - and was done without the approval or knowledge of the council. So that's what happened, and it's still going on! Not good at all! If only Palpatine knew... He'd certainly use this to discredit the Jedi Order. I liked this description of Luminara's skills: Cloaked in shadow, Luminara carefully drew the Force around her. She was careful to do so slowly, to prevent the ripples she knew Count Dooku would feel. Once she had enough power for her needs, that power was harnessed into her own body. With a careful flip, she threw herself into a roll as the guards passed beyond sight for several moments. When they reappeared, she was inside the holding area several meters from the holding cell in which Obi-Wan was being held. She moved as the sentry turned away, distracted by something one of its companions had said - or rather it thought its companion had said. Luminara didn't have Obi-Wan's affinity for making other people believe what he wanted them to believe; for affecting their minds. She did however have other skills at her disposal and she used them now. Channeling the Force through her body, she called upon it to leap into the shadowy overhang of Obi-Wan's prison. Flattening herself against the dome, she slid partway back until she was positive she was completely cloaked in darkness. Geonosians weren't known for their observation skills - it was something she was counting on. Placing her palms flat against the rocky substance making up Obi-Wan's cage, she pushed, focusing on the tiny grains of material between them. The granules rotated in a small, silent circle, gathering momentum before Luminara carefully directed them down. The grains acted like a boring tool, digging into the surface quickly and without a sound. Several minutes of intense concentration later, they were through and she had a peep hole. Well done! She's able to hear Count Dooku tell Obi-Wan what he told him in Episode II. I liked her reaction to the revelation: "The truth. What if I told you that the Republic was now under the control of the Dark Lords of the Sith?" "No, that's not possible. The Jedi would be aware of it." “The dark side of the Force has clouded their vision, my friend. Hundreds of Senators are now under the influence of a Sith Lord called Darth Sidious.” What Dooku was saying began to penetrate beyond simple listening and a chill stole over her. What if he was right? What if he wasn't lying? There was something in his speech that rang true - despite the fact that his very presence seemed tainted with darkness. Sith were master manipulators, but could they make a falsehood ring as true sounding as this? She didn't know and a part of her denied the possibility. But the alternative, that Dooku really was telling the truth, was almost as horrific to contemplate. It's like Luke realising that Darth Vader was right in ESB when he said, 'I am your father'. Luminara shows good leadership in wanting to get this information to the Council as soon as possible: Risking detection, Luminara stretched out to Barriss through their Master and Padawan link and focused on a single image. The council, one way or another, had to be warned. And she gets through to Barriss, the latter being helped by Anakin: He was already shaking his head before she voiced her objection. He didn't speak, simply lifted his hand to cover hers... and lights exploded behind her eyes. Unconsciously, she controlled the exposure to the raw Force that Anakin channeled and directed it to where it needed to go. Anakin's presence was strong beside hers, supportive as it hadn't been before and didn't struggle against her control. A measure of his new awareness and what it had done to her the last time. The image her Master was trying to send her burst into sharp focus - only it was accompanied with words; something she'd never before experienced. The Senate may be under the direct influence of a Sith Lord. Warn the Council. Trap! I liked Barriss's realisation that Palpatine was the Sith Lord, and Anakin's attempt to deny this: "I have to warn the Chancellor." Her grip on his twitched and he opened conflicted eyes to meet hers. "I have to warn them all!" Barriss balled her hands into fists, gripping a part of his tunic, and shook with every muscle, rattling Anakin's composure as she jerked him slightly off his feet and back to them with a hard wack. "Snap out of it! If the Senate's under the control of a Sith, than that Sith is a person of power." The facts added together quickly in her mind - and she didn't like the conclusion one bit. "Only the Chancellor has that kind of sway right now, Anakin!" "But he's not... he couldn't be..." Anakin shook his head, disoriented and reeling by her sudden attack. He wasn't really seeing her - but he didn't let go. \| \| "Snap out of it!" The order was harsher for her low tone. "If the Chacellor is a Sith, he's fooled everyone - not only you. The Council could be in greater danger than you think." "Master Luminara said may be under the sway." Anakin seemed to be grasping at straws, but Barriss could tell his panic was subsided, his control returning even as she watched. "We can't be sure." "We have to tell them anyway." Barriss shook him lightly by the lapels. "We're almost at transmitting height. If My Master is right then this whole set up, including Obi-Wan's, capture is a trap for the Jedi; a way to lure us into a slaughter. They need to be warned!" Good for Barriss! Poor Anakin! Although my sympathy for him is a little strained, when he argues some more with her: "She just said trap, you can't know the context." Barriss searched his gaze. "Anakin, you saw the same images I did. The same cell, the same Sith who's holding Obi-Wan captive." "I don't know him." "Neither do I, but my Master did. I know it, I feel it - and she's worried, Anakin. If you'd look beyond your own self-centered outlook, you'd feel it too." "I'm not self centered!" "Then don't act like it." She released his lapels, her hands sliding down to rest lightly on his collar bone for lack of a better place - and no space to drop them further. "This is bigger than you or I, Anakin. Bigger and more dangerous." Shut up, Anakin! Yes; you are self-centered! At least you have enough sense to fall for Barriss, which will mean no whining children, like Luke in ANH. Did I just talk about Anakin and Barriss having children? Your writing is good, Jade_Max! Anakin decides to respond, with very interesting consequences: "Are you sure about that?" Barriss sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes widening when his head suddenly came down. She tried, in that split second to avoid his kiss, but she didn't move fast enough and Anakin was determined to make his point. She resisted him, attempting to fight both his insistent mouth and the zing that arced through her system with the touch of his lips. This wasn't what she'd been speaking of when she'd considered dangers, but maybe she should have been. The volatile chemistry between them exploded as she gave in, unable to escape pinned as she was against the pillar. Not that she wanted to escape. The force of the kiss, the urgency of it, coupled with the intimate press of their bodies fired the blood and spiraled her thoughts into oblivion. Despite the very danger of their situation, Barriss was lost in seconds to an embrace she hadn't expected or prepared herself for. The Force sang at the contact, igniting a fire within her that had nothing to do with physical yearning. She reached for Anakin unconsciously, embracing him with both physical and mental arms, and pulling him that bit closer. Anakin somehow tore himself away before the pounding of the blood in his ears carried him beyond the edge of sanity. Barriss clung to him, her breathing ragged against the bare skin of his throat as he was sure his was against hers. There was unfinished business between them, uncertainties, unknowns and the very real possibility of expulsion of the Jedi Order. But it didn't matter. Without words, the Force had made Anakin's case for him. Whatever it was that lay between he and Barriss, the urgings of the Force couldn't be denied. It wanted them together. It needed them together. And in a fashion neither quite understood, but their instincts seemed to grasp. What Anakin wanted to know was why the Force seemed to need this so desperately - not that he objected. If Barriss would simply agree and put him - and the Force - out of their misery the subtle insistences would stop. Or so he believed. Holding Barriss in his arms, he sneaked a look around. Their interlude hadn't been caught, they still hadn't been spotted, but the Force - closer than ever when Barriss was in his arms - had alerted him to both of their Masters anxiousness. But it wasn't something immediate and neither was in danger. It was like the Force was determined to prove him right. Hot stuff! And it's all the Force's fault! I'm listening to the chattering of keyboards of some of the GFFA's atheists blaming religion for all this, saying that things would be better if the Force didn't intrude into people's personal lives! Barriss is as affected as Anakin, but does not allow this to turn her brain to mush: Her burst of laughter was muffled against his neck before she pulled back, her expression solemn despite the dancing of her eyes. "I don't know what's more dangerous." The mirth in her eyes faded into wariness. "We shouldn't be doing this Anakin." He eased his grip on her, allowing her to step off the toes of his boots and back to the floor once more. He cocked an eyebrow. "You're an eager participant for something we shouldn't be doing." Barriss flushed and dropped her arms from around his neck. "I... I can't seem to help myself." "Then you know how it feels." "Anakin-" "I know. Bad timing." He sighed and stepped back, scanning the area beyond her. Something - anything - to keep his gaze off her flushed face. "This thing between us isn't going to go away, Barriss. Each time I touch you it's like I can't stop - I don't want to stop. And with the Force..." he stopped. "I know." Her whispered acceptance was painful. "But we have a mission to complete before anything else." "Then let's send that message and collect our Masters before this place comes down around our ears." Barriss offered no protests as Anakin led the way towards the upper levels once more. There was nothing to say that wouldn't make things worse and in her most private of places where even her Master couldn't penetrate, she silently admitted that Anakin was right. Fighting whatever was between them seemed silly - pointless - with how volatile it was. But there lay the source of her caution. Would she be able pull away if she gave in and allowed nature to take its course? Could she do so and still remain instact, her heart free from entanglements? She knew nothing of love - not the way Anakin did - but what little she did know forced her to err on the side of caution. Something told her that a fling with Anakin Skywalker - an indiscretion as her Master had so delicately put it - wasn't something she'd be able walk away from with herself intact. So the question remained now as it had before; was it worth the risk? That's the question: Does she want him to be her Chosen One? Luminara's rescue of Obi-Wan was good, particularly this part: There was no help for it - she had no time to fiddle with the controls before they sent someone to check on the video feed. Obi-Wan's eyes flew open at the telltale snap-hiss of a lightsaber's activation. "Miss me?" "Ara! How-" "Later." Luminara told him sharply and thrust the blade into the control panel for Obi-Wan's cage. The lights flickered and abruptly died, releasing the trapped Jedi and eliminating the Force restriction. Obi-Wan landing on the balls of his feet inside the containment unit. He stepped out, and Luminara didn't give him the chance to ask questions. She turned, gesturing to the roof, and then leapt. Shooting through the hole, she rolled gracefully once out and spun, catching herself on the lip with one hand. Obi-Wan was right behind her, understanding without words the urgent need for speed. The moment he was through, the plug went back into the roof - not that it would matter. Of, course this then had to happen: They had just entered the tunnel exit when an alarm sounded. I'll be looking forward very much to the next part! Well done, Jade_Max!
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HandmaidenVeme Registered: Jun '04	Date Posted: 3/17 7:59pm Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12
	It's a good thing Bariss is so level headed...well,except for when Anakin's kissing her. -----signature----- Angel #1 the "Mischievous" one "Anakin Skywalker's Towel Girl" Team Edward!
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dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 3/18 9:07am Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12
	Great job with the two sets of Jedi. I loved that Luminara heard Dooku and pieced things together and even better that Bariss figured it out. Poor Anakin, always thinking with his heart and not his head. There was nothing to say that wouldn't make things worse and in her most private of places where even her Master couldn't penetrate, she silently admitted that Anakin was right. Fighting whatever was between them seemed silly - pointless - with how volatile it was. But there lay the source of her caution. Would she be able pull away if she gave in and allowed nature to take its course? Could she do so and still remain instact, her heart free from entanglements? She knew nothing of love - not the way Anakin did - but what little she did know forced her to err on the side of caution. Something told her that a fling with Anakin Skywalker - an indiscretion as her Master had so delicately put it - wasn't something she'd be able walk away from with herself intact. So the question remained now as it had before; was it worth the risk? Ah, a good question. Is it worth the risk? I guess we'll find out! Good job. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 9/22/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 11/20/08 jedidas3's Master At last - Hope for our country
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Jek_Windu Registered: Jan '03	Date Posted: 3/21 8:31am Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12
	Great post! I really feel the need for someone to yell at Anakin and Barriss- "Oi! There's a war on!" -----signature----- Tryanids: You don't have enough bullets! Imperial Guard: YES WE DO! R.I.P. Trini
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Jade_Max Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 3/23 8:02am Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12
	VaderLVR64 – Thanks I always pegged Luminara for a very level headed Jedi Valairy_Scot – Well, there’s got to be a way to balance the force now that Padmé’s dead – and no Luke and Leia - it only makes sense it would insist that Anakin have a partner… he is the chosen one after all. PadawanMom5610 – Thank you Well, it’s simple really. No Padmé means no Luke & Leia. So no balance. As for Obi-Wan and Luminara… I ain’t saying Raptor517 – Barriss is one smart cookie and able to see things from outside the fold. Anakin’s a little too close. Which will make things interesting once Luminara and Barriss get to talk... KELIA – Or vice versa – perhaps they’ll be after Anakin and Barriss to let Obi-Wan and Luminara escape obsessedwithSW – I know, I know Don’t worry, it’s all a bad dream laughsIt’s a crack!ship fic, what can I say? I found it interesting that Luminara's and Obi-Wan's connection was acknowledges by the council. Does that mean that bonding like that are part of the Jedi order although not discussed and openly approved of? Ah ah. Their friendship is acknowledged by the council as is their ties as such. Masters and Padawans bond – it’s only natural – so it seems likely that bonds of friendship would be allowed and encouraged. It’s when those bonds move beyond the permitted boundaries that the Masters would likely step in – if they knew about it I wouldnt resist it Barriss it's too good! LOL! Indeed LuminaraFan4Evr – Thank you; and what comes next is next up Mira_Jade – Thank you! EverydayAngel – More action to come, and more hot kisses to follow – maybe. My muse must be in the right mood EGKenobi – I’d be happy to PM you when I update, thank you for reading! Kevin_Solo – Thank you. So that's what happened, and it's still going on! Ah yes. But then, they’re Masters and able to separate themselves from the emotional to enjoy the physical – or so they’d keep telling each other If only Palpatine knew... He'd certainly use this to discredit the Jedi Order. Indeed, indeed Shut up, Anakin! Yes; you are self-centered! At least you have enough sense to fall for Barriss, which will mean no whining children, like Luke in ANH. Did I just talk about Anakin and Barriss having children? I believe you just did indeed laughs That's the question: Does she want him to be her Chosen One? Indeed, indeed Luminara's rescue of Obi-Wan was good Thanks – that was the part I enjoyed writing the most grin Glad you’re enjoying it, thanks for reading! HandmaidenVeme - laughs indeed! Barriss has a good head on her shoulders… when Anakin’s not trying to corrupt her. dianethx – I was doing some reading on the Mirilian Jedi (Barriss and Luminara) and their skill set is supposed to be something crazy even within the Jedi, so it made sense to have them put the pieces together Jek_Windu – There’s a war on? Really? laughs Not yet there isn’t remember, they’re on Geonosis right now so the war hasn’t yet started grin It’s still considered a “border conflict” Please note: In the interest of not spamming my readers (and having masses of unopened PMs), if you've asked for PMs but haven't opened the last one you received for an update on this story, I will not be sending another PM until the first one is read. I'd rather not spam you guys if I can help it. Thanks for reading everyone! -----signature----- 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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Jade_Max Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 3/23 8:05am Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 12 - Date Edited: 3/23 8:06am (1 edits total) Edited By: Jade_Max
	Sending the message proved to be an easy task once Anakin set his mind to it. They were able to find an exterior balcony and he quickly dispatched the information. He'd kept it short and to the point, leaving the remote transmitted on thirty second bursts every two minutes while Barriss stood watch. It was picked up immediately, indicating that the rescuers were likely closer than anticipated, but no return messages were sent. The set up allowed him time with his thoughts - and time to mentally berate himself for kissing her. He shouldn't have touched her. Shouldn't have kissed her. The second his fingers touched her skin, it was like he was a lost cause. And maybe he was. There was just something about Barriss that was compelling and irresistible regardless of how much he wanted to respect her wishes to deal with this volatile pull between them after this mission, he was starting to suspect that wouldn't be possible. Not because he didn't want to, but because the Force was urging him to. Urges that were becoming more and more difficult to keep in check. "Are you done yet?" Anakin didn't look up from checking the transmitter's power couplings. "The signal is sending, but it something is generating interference. I don't know if the whole message is getting through." "Part of it is better than nothing." Barriss' tone held a note of urgency that hadn't been there before and Anakin was suddenly flooded with a sense of foreboding. "We need to move." He flipped the side panel shut and stood. "What is it?" "Something's changed. Shifted." She didn't look happy about it as her hand went to her lightsaber hilt. "We'd better go." Anakin checked their surroundings, peeking from the balcony to the inside of the hive before glancing back to Barriss. "Are you alright?" "I'll be better once we're back on the ship." Anakin took the hint. Leading the way back into the winding corridors, he retraced his steps down and around the interior hallways. Each step they took, the feeling increased, gnawing on his gut, propelling him to move more quickly but giving no clue as to why. They entered a large cavern, the darkness stretching out and beyond their line of sight. It was a room they'd circumvented the last time, shying away from the open area, but Anakin's feet had led him straight back to it. Uneasy, he suddenly stopped and the Force pulsed a warning. Holding his hand, lightsaber extended but not on, to the side to halt Barriss' progress, he scanned the darkness. "Wait." She unhooked her lightsaber from her belt, feeling the same compulsion from the Force but not understanding it. "What is it?" Anakin shook his head. He didn't know. It was simply a feeling, the knowledge that they were in danger... A strange sound, like wings flapping, came from above and his lightsaber blade clicked on without conscious thought. It swung upwards in a defensive arc even as Barriss turned, putting her back to his and ignited her blade. The smell of cauterized flesh and the death shriek of the creature plummeted towards them but Anakin's swipe left the creature in two pieces. "Run!" Anakin didn't question Barriss' order as she suddenly ducked under his arm, grabbing it as she went by, and sped across the room with Force assisted speed. They dodged, using their lightsabers to clear a pathway where there was none as a swarm of things, of flying being suddenly descended on them. At an all out run, Anakin and Barriss darted into the tunnel, using their Force assisted speed to get ahead of the flying creatures - only to be met by more in the hallway. The very walls and ceilings seemed to have sprouted wings, arms and legs, and they were pressed on all sides. Lightsabers whirled as they fell into a defensive stance, back to back, their lightsabers working in tandem as they moved in a slow circle. Step by cautious step, they fought for ground. Slowly, body parts and the dead littered the path behind them - but the Geonosians kept coming. With no regard for their own lives, they threw themselves at the whirling wall of energy that stopped every attack. An intersection approached and a quick glanced proved that they weren't likely to be able to get back to the Nabooian ship - the hallway was clogged with a teeming, swarming mass of Geonosians. They blew right by the entrance, breaking free of the surrounding mob and darting down another side passage. They crossed a threshold, the door slamming shut behind them, and the echo of Geonosian bodies slamming into it reverberating through the room they'd entered. "What now?" "Plan B." Anakin looked around the room they'd entered. Hauling out his datapad, he flicked it on and called up a readout of the hive - one of the things he'd been able to obtain on their way in. "We're here," he pointed to a section half a dozen levels down from the main hangar bay. "I think - and we need to get here." "Through that?" "Hopefully not." Anakin fiddled with the readout. "Ah. Here we go. There's two other entrances to this chamber. One leads from the pits - I think that's their central entertainment area - and the other leads from the creatures pens." "Creature's pens?" Barriss echoed him incredulous. "They keep animals for sport?" "It's not uncommon," Anakin replied absently. "And better animals than sentient beings." "Anakin!" "What?" He looked up. "If we can release those creatures we should be able to cause enough of a distraction to allow us to escape in the confusion." "We shouldn't sacrifice them to save us." "Our death here also serves no purpose. If it really is a trap, we ned to get off planet and intercept the Jedi before they land." Barriss grimaced. She didn't like it, but she didn't have any better ideas. "Can we get to the landing bay from there?" "It'll be dicey - we've got to climb up about six levels and likely through corridors like that." He nodded towards the door where the sound of bodies impacting the surface could still be heard. "No problems then." "Exactly." Anakin checked the readout one last time and then pocketed it. "Hopefully our Masters will have as much luck as we do and can meet us there." Barriss didn't respond as she moved to follow Anakin deeper into the dark staging area halls for the arena. If their Masters were able to get to the landing pad - two Masters with one lightsaber between them - she would be very surprised. A sense of foreboding settled in the pit of her stomach as they moved towards their destination. Something phenomenal would have to happen if they were all going to escape intact. The halls were quiet as Luminara and Obi-Wan passed through with the signs of their Padawan's passing painfully obvious in the litter of broken bodies and limbs. The walls were hollow, except where one of the Geonosians had crawls in to try and heal, and few obstacles obstructed their pathway. It also, unfortunately, told the tale of their Padawans inability to get to the Nabooian cruiser. The diversion caused by Anakin and Barriss had allowed their Masters to escape back to the ship relatively unmolested, but the younger Jedi them deeper into the Hive. Luminara seemed torn between getting back to the ship and going after the Padawans. Obi-Wan made the decision for them. "You set up a second rendezvous point, right?" Luminara nodded, her eyes slightly unfocused as she checked on Barriss through their bond as Master and Padawan. "Anakin insisted." "For all his faults, he knows his tactics. They're cut off. We are not. I suggest taking the ship to your secondary point so we can extract them there." "Sound advice, Master Kenobi." Luminara shot him a look. "Being a Master to Anakin must have given you wisdom." "It's been a long journey. Come on." "They're going for the ship." "I know." "Shouldn't we try and get back?" "Too late now." Anakin used an aggressive overhand chop to dismember another Geonosian before whirling to face another. "We're almost at the hangar bay. Knowing Obi-Wan, he'll try and pick us up there." Barriss gracefully hopped over a strike at her ankles as she decapitated the wielder of the staff. "Then we shouldn't waste any time." "This," Anakin grunted, "isn't a waste of time; it's called survival." Barriss turned, dropping the point of her lightsaber towards the floor and stretched out one hand towards the oncoming hallway. Opening herself up to the Force, pulling on her link through Anakin, she tapped into the brilliant essence and pushed. The effect was more than she'd hoped. Body after body of live Geonosian stumbled backwards, some thrown to the ground, all momentarily stunned by the unexpected invisible attack. Anakin didn't waste the opportunity. He ducked into the hallway they'd been aiming for and sprinted ahead. Barriss turned with a grin, easing back her connection to the powerful force, and sprinted after him. Anakin turned a corner, opened a hatchway and motioned her through before following. It closed behind them, trapping them together in a five by five space with a ladder leading upwards, and downwards, in one corner. Their lightsabers were extinguished immediately, throwing the room into darkness. "I can't climb in the dark." "Afraid of heights?" His tease echoed upwards. "Just your flying. I like to be able to see where I'm going through." "Just a second." There was the sound of rummaging and then a greenish light emerged from Anakin's hand, illuminating the room weakly. He passed it to Barriss and then cracked a second glow rod with a wink. "I've learned to come prepared. It's amazing what Master Obi-Wan and I need when we think we won't." "The utility belt?" He nodded. "They're a good investment." Barriss rolled her eyes and glanced upwards. The ladder extended into the darkness further than she could see. "After you." "Nervous?" She snorted. "I just don't want you looking up my robe." Anakin laughed, hooking the glow rod through one of his wrist bands before putting his hands and feet on the rungs. With a heave and a slight Force assistance, he jumped into the darkness and grabbed a hold of the ladder further up. He looked back down, his teeth a slash of white in the darkness as he smiled. "They're sturdy - come on!" Barriss followed his lead, hooking the glow rod through one of her wrist bands before grasping the rungs and using the Force to jump upwards. They crawled upwards, using the Force every now and again to propel themselves further. Passing two landings, they were able to judge their progress - which was surprisingly unhindered by Geonosians. Barriss' sense of foreboding increased as they climbed, making her jumpy and nervous. Finally, as they emerged on the second last landing some five minutes later for a break, she couldn't keep it in any longer. "Anakin." "Hmm?" "Something's wrong." He looked up from examining the map of the hive. "Wrong? We're almost home free." "You don't sense that?" "Sense what?" She waved one hand to encompass the level they still had to get to. "The higher we climb, the closer we get to disaster. Like something is waiting, wanting us to fail. To die." Anakin's brow creased and she could feel him reaching for her through the bond they shared. Opening herself to him, she allowed him to feel the sense of unease that was eating away at her. Even as he did, she could tell he hadn't felt anything. Was it just nerves about their talk then? Something that was beyond this, beyond the rescue operation? Was it something that had nothing to do with them being on the planet, but everything to do with what would have to happen once they left? "I don't feel anything, Barriss. Not on my own anyway." Yet the feeling stayed. Despite it all, the feeling twisted her gut into knots. "I know. I can't explain it." Anakin was silent. "Then we proceed cautiously together, alright?" "Alright." The tension inside her eased somewhat at Anakin's words, as if they were a part of her trepidation - or rather, his independence was. "You promise you won't go running off without me?" "Promise." He pushed to his feet. "Come on. I've about had enough of this place." "Anakin?" He turned from the ladder, his eyes reflecting blue-green in the light of the glow rod. "Something else on your mind, Barriss?" She hesitated, opening her mouth to speak but nothing came out. Wetting her lips and swallowing, she tried again. "Could... I... I mean... could we..." "Could we what?" She took a deep breath. "Can I have a good luck kiss?" Anakin's eyes darkened and he stepped towards her. "I thought we agreed to talk about this later." "We did." She swallowed against the lump in her throat. "And we will. I just... it might help." "Help what?" He took another step so they were standing face to face, Barriss having to crane her neck to look up at him. His hand lifted, his thumb and forefinger capturing the pointed tip of her chin as he searched her eyes in the dim light. "Your nerves?" Barriss nodded; it was as good of an excuse as any. Anakin's head came down slowly, watching her face for any sign of reluctance, but Barriss had none. In this moment, at this time, this was the right thing. She didn't know why, she didn't understand, but it was enough that this felt right. Her eyes closed as his lips met hers. It was a chaste kiss, a soft kiss - a kiss of promise and question - but it was by far the sweetest kiss they'd ever shared. As Anakin pulled away, the flutter in her stomach eased, almost ceasing all together. The knowledge that they would be facing whatever danger lurked above in wait for them was no longer a cause for unease. Anakin's kiss had been not only a talisman but a promise - and one she was going to hold him to; they would face what waited together. -----signature----- 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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EGKenobi Registered: Apr '05	Date Posted: 3/23 8:35am Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 23
	Awesome update. Glad Obi and Luminara are OK, much prefer this Anakin too EG -----signature----- The Shifting Future: http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=24571153&brd=10476&start=25321338 Event Horizon: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24429782/p1/?4 Padawan to Courtney_Solo Jesus Freak
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Valairy_Scot Title: PT Rewrite Winner Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 3/23 11:59am Subject: RE: Tragedy on the Landing Pad - Anakin/Barriss, AotC AU - Updated March 23
	There was the sound of rummaging and then a greenish light emerged from Anakin's hand, illuminating the room weakly. He passed it to Barriss and then cracked a second glow rod with a wink. "I've learned to come prepared. It's amazing what Master Obi-Wan and I need when we think we won't." Somehow that just cracked me up - humor in the midst of danger. Great update. -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. Proud master of several padawans
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