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Topic:
OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy) - 6/23- (13) The trouble with Anakin
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Anakins_Kiss
Registered:
Jan '06
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Date Posted:
10/6/07 9:57am
Subject:
OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy) - 6/23- (13) The trouble with Anakin
- Date Edited:
6/23 7:17am (28 edits total)
Edited By:
Anakins_Kiss
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Title: Overcome
Author: Anakins_kiss
Characters: Anakin, Padme, Obi-wan, Sidious
Genre: Drama, Angst, Romance, AU
Timeframe: ROTS
Keywords: A/P, Angst, Drama, AU
Disclaimer: These characters (except Avaryce) are not mine, but the maker's (GL). I just like manipulating them.
Summary: Anakin's life is falling apart. Everyone turns their back on him. Those closest to him has hurt him the most, including Padme, who has fallen in love with another man. Life is spinning out of control. Nothing is as it once was for him. As Anakin struggles to regain control, it's only a matter of time for he gives in.
WARNING: If you've always loved Padme's character, that will quickly change in this story. In this story, you will loathe her and wish for her comeuppance. Keep in mind there is always hope at the end of the tunnel. Throughout the story you will see different sides of her. We will see moments when she is like the canon Padme and moments when she is definitely not. All questions in that respect will be answered at the end of the story. Still if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
BETA'D BY ONE OF THE BEST! - Thank you Kelia!
~~~~~~~~
Prologue – Looking down from above
(Almost two years ago…)
In dignified silence, he stood before the view port on the bridge of his battle cruiser and observed the combat ensuing over Sullust. The war was going as planned and it seemed that eventually the Republic would fall.
For five years, the galaxy suffered under a fog of uncertainty as the war waged on. Every quadrant groaned with the things of conflict and hostility as the Separatist dispute spread inwards from the outer rim. The number of war-torn systems mounted just as the count of causalities continued to climb. Each life abruptly ended like a thread that suddenly snapped without rhyme or reason.
With smiling brown eyes, he watched the Republic cruisers diminish into a desperate few and retreat. Their attempt at retaking Sullust was now a failure and Separatist control was sustained.
He exhaled a contented sigh and absently rested his hand on his belt. His master would be pleased to know that his work is being done precisely as commanded.
The droids busied themselves behind him about the bridge checking the scanners and maintaining the ship’s position. He ignored them as usual and allowed himself a moment to consider his future.
If he learned anything from Lord Sidious, he learned that timing was of utmost importance. He believed that the time would come when he would follow Sith tradition and promote himself to master via assassination. He understood his master’s grand scheme to take control of the galaxy and he quietly planned his coup.
The creation of the empire would soon be upon them, and Lord Sidious's reign as a newly self-crowned emperor would be extremely short. Over his many years, he learned patience brought many opportunities. It'd be only a matter of time before he executes his coup, so he planned.
The ascending sound of whirring gears forewarned that a droid was drawing near. Again, he ignored it.
A smug countenance reflected the comparison of his status fifteen years ago as opposed to now. He was proud of the decision he made in leaving the Jedi Order. It disgusted him that they dishonored their legacy by continuing to serve a debased body such as the galactic senate. As a Jedi master, he suddenly saw them as a contemptible faction, unworthy of his devotion. On leaving the Order, he knew he’d embark on a greater destiny and rise above all those who would remain under the soiled boot of the Jedi high council. He looked forward to his future as a Sith master and a newly crowned emperor of the galactic empire. He would seize the opportunity to achieve his destiny by whatever means. Integrity had become a mere footnote for him. The end justifying the means made more sense than the value of life.
“Count Dooku,” A droid’s mechanical voice broke his thought. "Lord Sidious wishes to make contact."
Without a word, Count Dooku immediately turned on his heels and walked toward his quarters. Only a matter of time.
~~~
"Greetings, my Master." The Count bowed submissively before a whitish blue likeness of his lord.
"What news do you have of your mission?" The large semi transparent image of Darth Sidious glowed in the center of Dooku’s quarters.
"The unit is finished. Completed down to the last detail you supplied. It is ready to serve your will, Master."
"Where is it now?"
"On board, as you've commanded."
"Good. It must go to the coordinates I am sending you now. I have much it must do before we begin the next phase."
"Of course." Count Dooku reverently bowed his head.
"What is the status of the Death Star?"
"Construction has begun as planned. It is in the Nai system, orbiting the planet Tanis. The shield generator is up and operational."
Darth Sidious paused for several seconds as he quickly pondered his calculations. “In six months time, we will begin the next stage in the plan. At that time, you will turn over supervision of construction to Governor Tarkin.”
“I understand, Master.”
There was another short pause. Unrelenting glowing yellow eyes peered at him from beneath a shroud. "You have done well, Lord Tyrannus. When the time comes, you shall be rewarded for your efforts." There was a hint of silent contempt in the pit of his voice.
Count Dooku, once again bowed. When the time comes.
~~~
(Six months later…)
It was unseasonably warm that night at Varykino. The flowers gracing the meadows swayed back and forth along a gentle breeze. A person with a keen eye standing on the balustrade of the estate could make out a depression in the midst of the meadow where two people lay wrapped in each other’s arms. The distant crushing sound of the waterfall and the advancing-retreating waves of the waters on the shores nearby muffled the joys of love uttered by them as they lay on a bed of flowers and beneath the majesty of the heavens.
Padme shifted her head from Anakin’s chest gazed up at the stars. "This is so beautiful."
Anakin shrugged and said indifferently, "I've seen better."
He looked down towards her and waited for her response.
She furled her brow and looked at him incredulously, prepared to question his judgment, but Anakin’s knowing gaze and warm smile interpreted the true meaning behind his words. She blushed and returned the smile. Even now, he still possessed the ability to command her bashful—a former queen and sovereign ruler and now senator.
She looked back to the stars and sighed, "This was such a great idea, sleeping beneath the stars."
“Sleeping?” Anakin quirked an eyebrow and looked at the stars. He smirked naughtily. “We haven’t done much of that.”
Padme chuckled. It had been so long since she last did that. It only reminded her of how much she missed him.
The sound of her laugh was soothing to his ears and warmed his heart. It made him wish the night could pass a little slower and delay tomorrow’s arrival. From the moment he was reunited with Padme, he couldn’t shake the foreboding sensation that their future was uncertain. He felt like he had to savor every minute with her as if they were together on borrowed time.
Anakin sighed heavily, pushing the dread away. "I've never seen a more starry night."
She didn’t respond right away. It was as if she was listening to his thoughts or sensing his feelings. Her smile slowly vanished. In a grim voice, she said. "You'll be up there tomorrow."
He looked down toward her again. "Yeah, but my heart will be down here…” He gently brushed a finger along her jaw line, “with you."
Padme avoided eye contact with him. She kept her gaze on the stars. "The next time I look up there, I might be looking at you." She tried to reclaim the smile that professed her utter joy but it was a forlorn attempt.
He could sense Padme attempting to restrain a mish mash of fear, anger, anxiety and despair. He wanted to keep the mood light. Anakin looked back up at the sky. "You never know, I might be looking back."
Normally she would have a response but all she offered was silence.
Whether she wanted it or not, tomorrow was only a couple hours away, the countdown to his departure and her agony would begin.
"I think I'll miss you more than ever this time." Padme spoke softly.
Her words came as an eerie warning that echoed the dread slowly re-emerging in his heart. He turned to her and looked at her intensely. "I’ll miss you too, Padme."
More silence. He could sense that the strength of her emotional barrier was waning. Anakin begged that she would say something—anything. He could feel the intensity of her emotions grow, igniting the guilt in his heart.
"See the group of stars over there?" Padme pointed to the cluster of stars. Despite her attempt to sound more upbeat, he could still hear a slight shakiness in her voice.
Grateful for the distraction, Anakin turned his head away from her and followed the point of her finger. "Mmm hmm"
"That's Hephisto."
He furled his eyebrows. "What's Hephisto?"
"Hephisto was a mythical fire breathing bird. It was said that he and his kind were the guardians of the ancient Nubian monarchy before it became a democracy."
She pointed to another constellation. "That one is called Filis. Some believed it to be the portal through which the gods watch over us. It is said that if your heart is pure, your wish will be granted."
"They all just look like a bunch of stars to me." Anakin said softly. He eyed a curious shape amongst a cluster of stars and asked, “What’s that one? That one kind of looks like a flute."
"It is.” Padme smiled. “It's the symbol of Dephion's love for Bria. They are part of an old myth about two people in love separated by their waring families. He played a love song for her before he…" The words died before she could utter them.
The tragic story of the mythical lovers had a beginning eerily similar to Padme and Anakin’s life together. It seemed that she never realized it before that moment. Anakin looked back at her.
Padme was taking deep breath to calm herself, bu that did nothing for her.
Slowly she sat up and covered her mouth with a shaky hand. She closed her eyes against the hot tears that had already begun to fall along her cheeks.
“Padme?” Anakin shifted and supported himself on his elbows. With furled eyebrows, he watch the long wavy brown tendrils play against her naked back along the gentle breeze. Anakin sensed that the barrier within Padme, that held back her feelings had broken.
They had little more than six hours left together before he had to leave. He hated leaving her. He hated putting her through so much. The guilt in the pit of his heart only added to the dread in the pit of his stomach.
He would do anything to spare her this pain. Leaving the Order would be the only way he could secure their marriage and put an end to her agony, but he knew she would never allow it. Even though being a Jedi gave him purpose, Padme gave him direction.
"I'm sorry, Anakin.” Her trembling voice was evidence that she had lost all reserve. “I was trying so hard to keep this inside. I didn’t want to ruin our last few hours with my tears and sentiment. I didn’t want to make it harder for you.”
Of all the times that he had to say goodbye and leave her for months of combat, he never once saw a sign of her breaking down. If she ever did, she was careful not to let him know. Padme was not superhuman. He should have expected this.
Wiping the spent tears with a trembling hand, she went on. “The long absences are difficult, but waiting and wondering whether or not you’re hurt or... is agony. Now you’re back and I am able to breathe again, but what makes it bitter sweet is the fact that it’s only for two days. I am grateful for the time I get with you, but it’s like I am falling into an abyss, never knowing whether or not I’ll ever hit the bottom. I know I do not fall alone.”
She looked over her shoulder at him. Anakin met her gaze and instantly his heart grew unbearably heavy. He parted his lips to speak but his voice failed him. Padme’s brown eyes were drowning in the pools of tears. He swallowed hard and dropped his gaze.
She sniffed and said, “I dread having to relive the agonizing weeks and months. Not knowing if…I am sorry to put this on you now, Anakin. It just had to come out. It’s just so hard letting you go. You risk your life out there saving lives and fighting this war. I feel guilty and selfish for saying this. You don’t need to hear it. You have enough to think about.” Padme lowered her
Anakin sat up. He gently held her chin and raised her head to face him. He wiped her tears with a thumb. He looked deep into her eyes and said, “Don’t apologize. I needed to hear this. My responsibilities do not only involve being a Jedi Knight but also being your husband. I want to make you happy, Padme. I know it’s not fair that this war keeps us apart for long periods of time and only allows us a few days in between. Believe that I will return to you safe and sound. Once the war is over, we’ll probably be inseparable and eventually, you’ll get sick of seeing me. The only way you’d become my widow, is if I drive you crazy and you kill me.”
The sorrow on her face broke and a smile appeared. Only Anakin could do that.
He pushed a lock of hair from her face and said, “My ability with the force is nothing compared to my love for you. I have made it through the most impossible circumstances and defied even death because of my will to be with you. That will never change. I promise you. I hate to see you this way. I would give it all up for you at a moment’s notice.”
Padme’s eyes widened. She shook her head and said, “I would never want that, Anakin. Being a Jedi is something you’ve worked hard for and dedicated your life to.”
“I have dedicated my life to you. You are the most important above all else.”
“Anakin, you are an asset to the Order and to the republic…and right now they need you the most.”
Anakin blinked. He was taken and stroked her cheek. “You are an amazing woman.” He leaned in and closed his lip around hers. “I love you.”
They laid back down on the blanket and pulled the sheet over themselves. As she rested her head against his chest, the scent of her hair wafted to his nose. She once told him that the beat of his heart was so comforting that it would lull her to sleep.
“I love you, Ani.” Padme muttered in a small drowsy voice.
With one arm wrapped around his beloved and the other tucked behind his head, Anakin gazed at the constellations above and gently rubbed his hand against the small of her back.
TBC…
READ  - RELISH  - REPLY 
It’s a bit of mush, but every story needs a little sweetener to bring out the flavor.
NEXT UPDATE 10/14 (-/+ 1 DAY):
ONE – As They Seem
Senators gather. Obi-Wan completes the mission. Anakin meets Padme’s new love
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Anakins_Kiss
Registered:
Jan '06
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Date Posted:
10/6/07 10:00am
Subject:
RE: OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy, Dooks etc...)- 10/6 - (Prologue) Looking down from above
- Date Edited:
10/6/07 10:01am (2 edits total)
Edited By:
Anakins_Kiss
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sorry clicked post by accident 
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KELIA
Title: Hostess: 20 Questions and Bet Your Knowledge
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
10/7/07 1:45pm
Subject:
RE: OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy, Dooks etc...)- posted 10/6 - (Prologue) Looking down from above
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*bumps*
I could read this prologue over and over, it's so beautiful
Great beginning
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Anakins_Kiss
Registered:
Jan '06
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Date Posted:
10/12/07 12:57pm
Subject:
RE: OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy, Dooks etc...)- posted 10/12 - (ONE) As They Seem
- Date Edited:
10/12/07 8:35pm (3 edits total)
Edited By:
Anakins_Kiss
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Kelia - Thanks!
~~~
ONE – As They Seem
(Two months later…)
“It’s clear that Palpatine is abusing his role as Supreme Chancellor. That alone cannot be ignored. I don’t believe that this matter will go away diplomatically.” Senator Fang Zarr scoffed. “A vote of no confidence will not work this time.”
C3po silently walked around the five senators offering a beverage from the tray he carried. The glint of the setting sun shown on his body as he leaned down beside Padme.
“Thank you, 3po.” Padme glanced up at him as she took a cup from the tray. She returned her attention back to the old senator. “What you are suggesting, Senator, will only add to the turmoil already in play. I agree that action must be taken, however our initial movement should be subtle. A petition would an appropriate start.”
“A petition? Populated by whom? The installment of the regional governors and the moffs is a direct challenge to the power of the senate and still the senate is preparing to vote more emergency power over to the chancellor including control of the Jedi Order. What good would a petition do?”
Terr Taneel raised her palm against threepio’s offering. “We, as senators, must speak up. He is obliged to listen to us. We need to impress upon him our desire for him to release emergency powers upon the end of this war.”
“Impress?” Fang raised his eyebrows in interest. “You mean pressure him.” He clarified.
Terr pursed her lips before answering. “In a manner of speaking.”
Fang chuckled at her political maneuvering. He leaned forward in his seat, resting his elbows on the arms of the chair. With keen interest in his tone, he furled his brow and asked, “How different is that from forcing him out of power?”
“Senator Zar, Chancellor Palpatine has the support of many senators and politicians. If we were to force him out of power, he could easily spin it to his favor and gain more support from sympathy and outrage.” Senator Mon Mothma raised her chin and eyed each of her colleagues. “The organization must not take any action until all diplomatic actions have been exhausted.”
“We must play our hand carefully. Despite Palpatine’s support, we can still gain substantial backing.” Senator Bail Organa took a cup from 3po’s tray and took a sip.
“I agree.” Padme nodded. “We should contact as many senators as we can and get their signatures.”
Fang sighed and looked down at his hands in thought. He looked up again and said, “What action would this petition concern?”
“We want to stop the creation of any more amendments,” Padme stood up and walked toward the window of the sitting room, “and we want Chancellor Palpatine to release emergency powers upon the end of the war.” She looked over her shoulder at Fang. “This will effectually nullify the offices of the governors and the moffs.”
“I do not believe Palpatine wants to end this war.” Fang spoke much softer than previously. It appeared the other senators were wearing him down. “He has gained so much because of it. He will not willingly give up his control. He is supported by corrupted senators and politicians. It’s obvious he is corrupt as well. He will not listen to us. He will merely humor us and shelf our concerns. We are being replaced and the last of senatorial influence is dying out. The number of legitimate politicians has dwindled to a minority. There are only a handful of us left.” Fang Zar looked around at the other senators. He wanted immediate action to be taken before it was too late.
“I believe it’s fair to state most of us share that sentiment, Fang.” Mon Mothma tried to relate. “However, for now and while we still have influence, Palpatine cannot ignore a petition with a significant number of signatures.”
“Palpatine will be forced to increase his efforts to end this war.” Terr furled her eyebrows in thought. “Perhaps we should consider asking him to enter peace talks with the Separatists.”
“The Separatists are not interested in peace talks.” Fang shook his head and leaned back in his seat. “General Grievous and Count Dooku have made that clear. Thousands of people including Jedi and clones have died since the start of this war.”
Padme inhaled and held her breath.
“Yes,” Mon Mothma sighed dejectedly. “As a matter of fact, there are several funeral services taking place this week including a funeral pyre for a well known young Jedi knight.”
Bail asked, “You mean Anakin Skywalker?” He placed a cup on the table and waited expectantly for her response.
“The very same,” She confirmed, nodding her head dolefully. “His body was found three days ago.”
Padme slowly turned toward the window and focused her gaze to the Coruscanti skyline.
“I have been hearing the rumors of his death for weeks now. I didn’t think they were true.” Fang stroked his salt and pepper beard. With a lift of his brow, he continued, “I had hoped they weren’t. He was so talented and he saved many lives.”
“The funeral pyre will put all of the rumors to rest.” Mon Mothma looked at each senator and shook her head. “This war must be brought to an end. Lives are being lost every minute.”
“Palpatine is not beyond reasoning.” Bail looked over towards Padme, whose back was still turned towards them. “We can get him to at least agree to stop creating more amendments.”
Fang dropped his hand from his beard and said, “I still believe he has his own agenda. This petition and this meeting will not be successful.”
“Perhaps instead of us all appearing before him, one could go and set up the meeting and briefly discuss our agenda. It would alleviate any tension that may arise if he was made aware of the nature of our cause.” Bail said.
The senators considered the idea and then nodded.
Mon looked toward Padme. “Padme, I believe you would be the best person to go. He was your senator during your term as queen, was he not?”
Padme didn’t answer right away. From behind it appeared that she was wiping or rubbing something from her face. “Yes, Mon. He was.” Her tone was soft and laden with sorrow. Without turning to face them, she cleared her voice and continued, “He would be more receptive, I think.”
“Excellent.” Terr smiled.
Bail narrowed his eyes as he continued to look at Padme. “Senator Amidala?”
The other senators looked at her as well.
Padme turned around abruptly. “Yes?”
“Are you alright?” Terr shifted in her seat. “You look a little pale.”
“Oh,” She chuckled softly, pulling a small smile across her face. “I’m sorry. I haven’t been feeling like myself lately.” She sniffed and put a hand to her chest, “I think it must be my allergies acting up again.”
Bail furled his brow.
Padme raised her chin. “I’ll meet with him as soon as possible and set something up.”
“Palpatine is quickly becoming the most powerful man in the galaxy. No one would dare go against him while he is supported by the courts and the senate.” Fang placed his cup on the table. “If we do not act quickly we may never get another opportunity to stop him.”
“If in the case that diplomacy does not work and Palpatine does not restore the republic, we will have to consider the use of force.” Bail looked at each senator. “We should prepare ourselves in the meantime. The organization should begin preparations.”
“Rebel against the chancellor?” Terr was aghast. “The senators would see this as treason and it would be civil war without end. There would be no turning back after we submit this petition.” She shook her head and cast an uneasy gaze toward Padme.
“We have to do whatever is necessary to keep the republic a democracy. As of right now, it appears as if it is slowly becoming totalitarian.” Padme agreed.
Fang said with smirk. “It sounds as if you don’t believe diplomacy will avail us either.”
“Preparation is key if democracy is to be maintained.” Bail squared his shoulders and with a firm voice he spoke. “The time is now, senators, for each of you to decide whether you’ll join the fight, and how far you are willing to go to restore the integrity of the Republic.”
~~~
Obi-Wan was grateful for the clone trooper armor he was wearing as he crept on his hands and knees through one of the crawl spaces in the ice temple of Xinos. After experiencing the bitter cold weather of the planet Belsavis without the armor, he realized it was best. However he refused to wear the helmet or forego his Jedi robe. ‘It’s definitely a different look,’ he thought. But it was one he wouldn’t miss once the mission was completed.
Ahead of him, Obi-Wan could see a few moving shafts of light and the feet of a few droids. The room the crawl space led to was obviously so dark the droids needed to use their lighting equipment. He realized this would be the perfect cover. He slowed down as he got the exit and quietly crawled out and stood up in the large dark room. There were battalions of battle droids combing the temple for any Jedi or remaining Belsavians. He leaned against the cold wall and waited for the right time to draw their attention.
“They must be here some where. Blasters up! Fan out!” said the commanding droid.
It was imperative that he distract them long enough to give the Belsavians a chance to escape. Usually a rescue mission such as this would have been handled more efficiently if there were two Jedi instead of one. But this was no time to dwell on the unfortunate circumstances. Obi-Wan pushed those thoughts away and continued to wait in the dark, flush against the wall.
Occasionally the beams of light came close to illuminating a limb or a part of his torso, but he was never worried. He knew exactly what he was …
Suddenly small ice fragments from the wall near the ceiling fell to the ground due to the apparent movement of the escaping Belsavians one level up. There was no noise to give them away but the weight of all of them moving affected the integrity of the supporting walls. The droids instantly reacted.
“What’s that?” A droid called out.
All of them pointed their blasters and lights toward the ceiling and searched for the cause. Obi-Wan had to act before they realized the people were escaping.
He withdrew his lightsaber from beneath his robe and a blue shaft emerged from the hilt. As the droids turned towards him, he began deflecting blasts, turning and twisting and cutting down the first few that were in front of him. There was no need to fight them all now. He only needed to get their attention. He ducked and dodged several blasts, but as one just missed his head, he turned and sped out of the room.
As he ran through out the temple, he realized he could no longer sense the people in the network of frozen passageways. He guessed that they must have made it out and were heading to the rendezvous point by now. Obi-Wan looked over his shoulder and realized that there were more droids following him than before. Apparently every droid in the temple was alerted. They were firing at him from behind and getting closer to the mark. He made a left down a passageway, and then a right and he disappeared.
The droids that pursued him continued running down the corridor and never realized that he had jumped up into an air shaft above them. Obi-Wan braced each foot and hand against the wall before him and behind him in an effort to stay out of sight. He had seen Anakin do this once years ago and decided to borrow a page out of his book. If Anakin were there to see him, he’d never let him forget it. Even though the entire temple and all of Belsavis was made of ice and snow, he thanked the force the walls were not slippery. Despite hearing the fading sound of many droid feet running into the distance, it seemed he could even hear one of them communicating on a comlink.
Strange that it sounded so close, but he knew that they had all passed him. He frowned at that thought and looked up. The top of the shaft normally offered square shaped perspective of the sky. But this time there were two obstructions in his view. The shaft was dark and the night sky above didn’t make identification any easier. He furled his brow, questioning what he was seeing.
Suddenly a beam of light illuminated him from each obstruction.
“There he is! Get him!” A mechanical voice thundered through the shaft.
Obi-Wan’s eyes widened.
DROIDS!
Instantly he pulled his arms and legs to his sides and fell back toward the ground. Landing on his feet with a thud, he began running back the way he came and continued toward another exit.
It wasn’t long before the droids were on his tail again. With droids gaining on him, he decided it was time to end this. He made a sharp right and jumped into a dark circular shaped opening. He quickly realized the cylinder shaped tunnel was made of pure ice and it was at a 45° incline. He slid on his feet along the floor of the tunnel and was going at such a speed, he was confident there would be a great distance between himself and his pursuers.
At the end of the tunnel was the light of the moonlit sky. He realized he was almost out. More lights appeared from behind him and he looked over his shoulder to see numerous battle droids sliding along the tunnel a few meters behind. Again, it seemed all the droids in the temple were after him and eventually they would draw fire. He had to think quickly.
He ignited his lightsaber and pierced the roof of the tunnel as he slid. The ice above loosened and dislodged, crushing a few of the droids that pursued and blocked the others from firing. But now there was a bigger problem. Not only did some of the droids maneuver around the large pieces of ice to get a clear shot, but now, the pieces of ice itself and droid parts were sliding down behind him as well.
If he didn’t get blasted, he would certainly get crushed. To make things worse, Obi-Wan looked ahead and saw a super battle droid suddenly appear at the opening preparing to fire. The droids behind him were about to fire as well.
Thinking fast, Obi-Wan knew he had to time this right. As they fired, he quickly laid flat on his back and allowed the blasts from both droids to hit and destroy each other.
He reached the opening and immediately rolled out of the path of the ice and debris. The snowy icy surface only extended a few meters before meeting the water’s edge. The ice, droid parts and remainder of his pursuers quickly slid straight into the frigid water that surrounded the ice temple.
He finally slowed down and stopped. He took a deep breath and thanked the force. Obi-Wan stood up at the bank and watched the droid parts sink to the depths. He looked out at the mainland across the water and the broken patches of ice. The last of the Belsavians entered cave. The smile on his face for a successful mission was short lived when he heard…
“Alright Jedi, drop your weapon!”
With unimaginable speed, Obi-Wan spun around with an ignited lightsaber and began cutting down the droids that were beginning to grow in number.
Obi-Wan deflected and fought for as long as he could. It seemed that there were more droids appearing with every few he cut down. Super battle droids were pushing passed the smaller droids to get a clear shot. He wasn’t sure how long he could hold out. The droids were outnumbering him and eventually he would be surrounded.
But then instead of firing at him, he noticed some of the droids were firing at a shadow approaching with tremendous speed from the mainland. It was leaping and flipping across the water from ice patch to ice patch. The shadow dispatched each blast with relative ease and landed beside Obi-Wan. Together he and the shadow, who wore the same clone trooper armor and Jedi robe, cut down and force pushed the remaining droids into the frigid water.
When the last droid fell, the shadow removed his hood revealing a tall young Jedi knight with wavy blonde hair, piercing blue eyes and smug expression on his face.
With as much dignity as possible, Obi-Wan dusted the snow from his shoulder and said, “This doesn’t count, Anakin…I was the diversion.”
~~
His eyes lazily opened to an awe inspiring view of the Coruscanti sunrise. The first beams of light had burst through the horizon and called him from his sound slumber. He sighed still feeling the tingling remnants of last night. The familiar sweet smell of Nubian flowers wafted to his nose as the warmth her body reaffirmed her everlasting presence. Beneath the thin fabric of the sheet, they both remained unclothed and enjoying the closeness it brought. With his hand he traced the curves of her angelic face, shoulders, arms and hip in appreciation of what she continued to provide him. She stirred and smiled, but her eyelids did not grant him the pleasure of looking into her eyes.
But something was different. He felt different. Anakin looked at his right hand and quizzically turned it back and forth. He opened and closed it as if he were seeing it for the first time. How can this be? But somehow it was. His right hand did not contain gears or wires or connectors. It was flesh. He was whole again. Slowly and gently he slid from beneath Padme and walked to the mirror hanging on the wall across from the bed. The room was still dark in the areas that the sunlight had not yet touched. On the floor was a pair of shoes that he certainly did not own. He furled his brow and cocked his head to the side, bewildered. He sensed no other presence but his and hers. Whose shoes are those?
Strange
On the dresser beside the mirror he saw the Jappor Snippet that seemed to have been haphazardly tossed there. Whenever Padme was home, she never took it off. He looked at himself in the mirror and his mouth dropped. He didn’t recognize himself. He touched his face and hair in shock. His hair was shorter, straight and black. His eyes were green instead of the piercing blue ones. The scar over his eye was gone and his body lacked the signs of years of training in the temple. He didn’t recognize who this man was. He stood there naked before the mirror realizing that he was in the body of another man—a man making love to his wife—in his bed.
What’s going on?!
Anakin grew angrier in those few seconds than he had ever been since his mother died. How could she give herself to another man? Did this mean that she gave up on him? Was this going on while he was away risking life and limb on the Outer Rim?
He looked at Padme’s reflection in the mirror as she stepped out of bed and approach him from behind. He was more angry and confused than he had been in his life, but somehow his body did not react to his emotions. It was as if there was a lack of communication between his mind and heart and body. His muscles remained relaxed and welcomed her touch as if nothing were wrong. He wanted so much to avoid her touch. He was repulsed by it. But suddenly he was not in control anymore. She wrapped her hands around him and leaned her head against his back. She said, “I can’t believe our night is over, Palo. The sun is coming up. I don’t want to you leave again.”
Padme’s hands traced up and down his arms and grabbed his hands. Pulling him back toward the bed she looked at him through her eyelashes. With an impish grin, she said, “Come on, and let me show you one more time, how much I love you.”
With a sudden deep gasp, Anakin wrenched himself from slumber, from his cot, and away from that horrible scene. The wind was knocked out of his chest. Air entered his lungs unevenly and in jagged breaths. He was covered in sweat and tears were already pouring down his cheeks. The immense anger and pain he was left with was great and terrible. It was almost more than the he could bear. He trembled under the weight of it and prayed that it was just a nightmare and not a vision.
Please let it not be true. She couldn’t. She wouldn’t.
TBC…
Read - Relish - Reply
NEXT UPDATE 10/21 (+/- 1 or 2 days):
TWO – Negotiating Disaster
Padme meets with Palpatine. Dooku & Gen. Grevious prepare to attack Coruscant. Obi-Wan and Anakin receive word and hope to arrive in time.
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Anakins_Kiss
Registered:
Jan '06
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Date Posted:
10/12/07 8:32pm
Subject:
RE: OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy, Dooks etc...)- posted 10/12 - (ONE) As They Seem
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H-hello? Is anybody there?  Where is everybody?
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Kyana-Morgaine
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Date Posted:
10/13/07 1:37am
Subject:
RE: OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy, Dooks etc...)- posted 10/12 - (ONE) As They Seem
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Great update!!!!
Please add me to your PM list! 
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KELIA
Title: Hostess: 20 Questions and Bet Your Knowledge
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Date Posted:
10/16/07 9:51am
Subject:
RE: OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy, Dooks etc...)- updated 10/12 - (ONE) As They Seem
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What a time to ask Padme to meet with Palpatine, though I can't blame the Senators for their choice. If the rumors weren't swirling, she would be the best choice to talk to him.
Poor Ani - talk about the worst nightmare one can have!
Great update
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Anakins_Kiss
Registered:
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Date Posted:
10/19/07 9:22am
Subject:
RE: OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy, Dooks etc...)- updated 10/19- (TWO) Negotiating Disaster
- Date Edited:
10/19/07 10:22am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Anakins_Kiss
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Kelia - I can relate. Sometimes I have had the worst kind of nightmares (such as one about the end of the world), and it seemed to real. And when I wake up I am like --Thank God!
Kyana Morgaine - You got it! Thanks so much. 
NOTE: I got mid terms on 10/27. So, from now until then I will be studying my "lightsaber" off. I will not be able to post anything for that weekend. So the next update after this will be 11/4 (-/+ 1-2 days). Wish me luck!
TWO- NEGOTIATING DISASTER
Anakin gazed out at the sky as the sun’s first rays burst over the horizon. Thick soft tufts of cloud captured radiant colors of yellow, red, pink and orange, mixing them into a majestic symphony to splay across the sky. The reflected light over Belsavis’s frigid waters added to a calming and awe-inspiring scene. He stood just outside of the ice cave dwelling where he, Obi-Wan and several clones had set up a command base. With his hands clasped behind his back, he watched meditatively as the glow of a new day chased away the vestiges of night.
Anakin had been suffering with the same vision for a few nights and was unable to maintain a full night’s rest. The visions would leave him, horrified, shaken and weak. There were times when he tried as much as possible to avoid sleep but even the chosen one could not keep that up for long. Enduring the sight of another man kissing her neck and Padme savoring someone else’s touch was too much for Anakin to bear on a nightly basis. He was not one to let things get the better of him, however these episodes were successful in stripping him of his Jedi reserve.
The last nightmare invoked so much of his wrath that he awoke force screaming and nearly brought down the mountain, causing an avalanche and sealing the entrance to the cave. It had been a long time since he felt such rage. Anakin could not completely explain to Obi-Wan what happened in the dream to cause such a reaction. Telling him would involve revealing his marriage. Luckily, Obi-Wan did not press and offered meditative exercises to help control his emotions and prevent using the force in his sleep. Anakin was grateful but it did not appease the lingering insecurity and the underlying fear he found such difficulty repressing. At first light, he was already up attempting to purge the memory from this mind and the assault from his heart through meditation.
And it often worked. It would always dull the harshness of the visions he hoped and prayed were not true. But today was strange. Today during his meditation, he wondered if perhaps the vision were of the future? Padme would never betray him. She loved him almost more than life itself. She constantly worried for his safety, and he could feel her concerns and cares dissipate once they were together. He could feel her love of him matched his of her.
He probed deeper into this possibility. He wondered if there had to be a sensible explanation. Perhaps this was a vision of Padme moving on after their marriage somehow dissolved. Anakin quickly dismissed divorce. That was too ridiculous.
Death
Yes, of course. Jedi are gifted, not invincible. He constantly fought on the front lines of the war. He risked his life numerous times and defied death on many occasions. Eventually his time would come. It would definitely explain the feelings he’s had for months that for some reason time was running out. He looked down at his feet as he realized that this scenario, although painful and heart breaking, was more acceptable. He would meet his end during the course of the war and after some time, Padme would find someone else to love her. Anakin was a Jedi, trained to put himself last. His mission and the well being of others matter most. He was trained in the belief that death was inevitable, that it was necessary in order to begin the next stage in life. He would always have to be prepared if and when it came. It was unfortunate that their marriage would come to an end like this, especially when it had only just begun. But Padme was strong, intelligent and beautiful. She would be able to make it without him and eventually she would find someone else to make her happy. Anakin knew that even in death his spirit would never leave her. He exhaled a long sigh, slowly dropping his shoulders.
“Did you get any sleep last night?” Obi-Wan approached from behind.
“Not much.” Anakin glanced in his direction.
“I am afraid you won’t have a chance to catch up.” Obi-Wan’s grim tone caused him to turn toward him.
Anakin furled his brow. “What’s up?” He cast a watchful eye on the troopers in the distance that were mobilizing. “What’s going on?”
“I’ve just received word from Master Vos on Exocron. He has just intercepted a message from a droid convoy. Count Dooku and General Greivous are going to kidnap the Chancellor and force the republic to submit. Since we are closer and under better circumstances than he and his troops, we will gather as many clones as we can and intercept them.”
He pressed his lips into a thin line and his face became like stone. Anakin counted the Chancellor Palpatine as one of his closest and most trusted friends. He was a mentor to him when at times he didn’t have anyone else to talk to. He was not about to let anything happened to him.
Without utter a word, Anakin walked toward the snowy plane where two astromech droids were preparing the star fighters for take off. He glanced at Obi-Wan beside him. “We’ll have to move quickly if we’re to have a chance.”
“Indeed. It seems they have a couple hours head start.”
A clone quickly approached with his helmet tucked under his arm and said, “General Kenobi, the troops are ready and await your signal.”
“Then the time is now, Cody.”
With a short nod, Cody ran back to the waiting transports.
R2 greeted Anakin with a series of beeps and whistles.
He smiled, “Good R2. Fire up the engines.” He climbed into the cockpit and looked towards Obi-Wan. “Shouldn’t we contact the council so they can protect the chancellor in the mean time?”
“I would agree.” Obi-Wan said climbing into his fighter, “However long range transmitters are out and there’s no time to repair them.”
“Then hopefully we can raise the alarm once we are closer to Coruscant.” Anakin flipped some switches and strapped himself in.
~~
With a low hiss, Palpatine’s office door opened revealing his Rodian assistant, Dar Wac. Dar walked humbly into the center of the red walled office and waited humbly to be acknowledged.
Chancellor Palpatine sat behind his desk studying data pads and applying seals to certain documents. Without lifting his eyes from the reports before him, Palpatine said, “Yes, Dar. What is it?”
“Chancellor, Senator Amidala has arrived.” Dar’s mouth twitched as he spoke.
“Good.” Palpatine placed a small black device in the top drawer of his desk and locked it. “You may send her in.”
He raised his voice slightly and said, “Guards, wait in the outer office.”
He leaned back in his chair and watched the Red Guards silently take their leave behind Dar.
Moments later, a young woman appeared dressed in a brown dress embellished with beads and lace. Her brown tendrils were swept up and secured atop her head with brown beaded headpiece.
A broad smile stretched across Palpatine’s aged face as he stood. “Senator Amidala. Please come in.” He welcomed her in, extending a hand toward the visitor’s chairs before his desk.
Padme smiled pleasantly. “Thank you for making time for me, Chancellor. I am aware you are very busy. This shouldn’t take too much of your time.” With both hands, she lifted her dress and ascended the four steps leading to the platform were Palpatine’s desk rested.
“Can I offer you anything? A beverage, perhaps?”
“No thank you, Chancellor.” Padme sat in the chair and arranged her dress.
At the nod of the Chancellor’s head, Dar Wac turned and immediately exited the room.
Sitting down in his chair, he said, “It’s been a while since we last met and with everything that’s going on, I rarely have time for anything else outside of politics. I can’t tell you the last time I returned home to Naboo.”
“Since the war began, it seems our duties are never complete. Unfortunately our busy schedules keep us moving in separate circles.”
“Of course.” He sighed and raised his eyebrows. “It has been overwhelming at times, but hopefully the little we can do will eventually make a difference. It displeases me that things had to come to this.”
Padme’s shift from pleasant to staidness was seamless. “I’m afraid, Chancellor, I have come to see you in a more official capacity.”
“Oh?” Palpatine furled his eyebrows curiously.
Padme paused as if considering her words. “I am part of a delegation of senators and representatives deeply concerned with the effects this war on the republic as well as the changes being made within it.”
Palpatine’s voice lowered. “Specifically the amendments that I have made and, more recently, the sector governance decree?”
He had faced scrutiny for these changes and more. Resting his hands on the arms of his chair, he looked at her with deep interest. The chancellor seemed calm and yet poised to engage the young senator subtly or blatantly. He has dealt with rash young senators before and exuded confidence of another success.
“We’d like an opportunity to express our concerns...”
He furled his brow and interjected. “How many are in this delegation?”
“Right now,” Padme knitted her fingers together. “Little more than a thousand.”
“I see.” Palpatine nodded his head slowly in thought. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think this were some kind of coup. And the Senate rotunda is unfitting because…” He raised his eyebrows expectantly.
“There are many who feel these regional governors will eventually disrupt the established political system and that the amendments you’ve created will negatively impact the Republic. Five delegation members presenting the matter in the Supreme Chancellor’s office instead of the Senate rotunda would be much less chaotic.”
Palpatine leaned forward and rested his clasped hands on the desk. “I assure you, Senator, I have only done what I believe is best for the republic. The regional governors are only in place to help the senators manage the demands of war on each system and ensure the Republic continues to function as one unit.” He sighed dejectedly, “It disturbs me that you have grown a lack of confidence in me.”
Padme looked at him incredulously, “Chancellor, the amendments you’ve made, the creation of this—decree—has shaken our faith in your judgment. Many of us wonder about the direction the republic is headed in. You should be aware of the gross number of politicians that are disturbed by the actions you have taken...”
He leaned back in his chair and tapped his finger on the arm of his chair. While she spoke, he considered that perhaps she is not like the other senators that previously questioned his decisions. She would not be distracted from her quixotic objectives with an offer to placate any superficial desire. Padme Amidala was an idealist—in politics it was a thing that could yield tragic consequences.
“…These issues are an underlying concern for many in the senate, if not given the proper attention it could develop into a bigger problem.” Annoyed, Palpatine narrowed his eyes at Padme’s words, but he allowed her to continue. “There is already much conflict within the senate. This issue will only add to it. The delegation wants an opportunity to avoid that.”
She was irritation him—one he could do without. He knew all too well how persistent she can be and when pushed to a certain point, she is surprisingly resilient and bold. He had to admit she was a gifted politician. These attributes made her a triple threat. Even though he knew this was a weak attempt at stopping him, neglecting it would only make it stronger and could have an impact on his plans. She was right. The proper attention was required and he had to deal with this issue now. Chancellor Palpatine did not allow this to ruffle his feathers. He smiled despite her being a nuisance. Eventually Senator Amidala would no longer matter to him or anyone else. For all that he hopes to gain, she’d be a mere stepping stone to greatness.
~~
General Grievous stood on the bridge of the Invisible Hand and silently watched the orange and yellow glow of Coruscant. He looked down at the console before him and saw all ships were in position. He coughed as the sound of the bridge doors hissed open. He raised his yellow eyes toward the tall Sith lord who stepped onto the bridge.
Count Dooku walked over to him and said, “The time is now, General. I have just received the signal.”
Grievous said, “Excellent. Everything is prepared and waiting you.”
“Good. Make certain all frequencies are jammed.”
“Of course.”
“It is important you give me as much time as possible. Expect an attack from all directions. Make sure nothing gets passed you.” Count Dooku continued walking toward the turbolift. The cyborg followed.
“If you encounter any Jedi, which I expect you will, destroy them.” The Count stepped into the turbolift and turned. “They’re primary target will be this ship.”
“Understood, Count,” General Grievous nodded as the turbolift doors closed between them.
~~
Red and yellow Jedi starfighters led a large group of ARC-170s deep into the Separatist fleet in a desperate attempt to stop Count Dooku. The Coruscant orbit space was teeming with droid starfighters and trade federation cruisers, namely the Invisible hand.
“Do you think we missed him?” Anakin spoke through the comlink, blasting a wing off a droid starfighter.
“Not likely. It appears we arrived just after they did. Try to contact the chancellor. I will...” Obi-Wan maneuvered his ship away from an explosion, “try to contact the council.”
“Incoming!” Anakin spotted missiles. He dodged one, out maneuvered and blasted another. He prided himself on the modifications he made to his fighter. His self-satisfied smile was short lived when he realized that the two missiles he avoided were coming around.
He pivoted and dipped underneath a cruiser, but it seemed the missiles were on his ion trail. He attempted the smuggler’s reverse to bring the ship around 80 degrees and throw off the closing missiles. The attempt failed with the port side thrusters malfunctioning.
Taking a mental note of the repair needed, Anakin ordered, “R2, boost the power on the engines.”
With a whistle, the astromech droid complied.
Anakin increased the speed and headed straight for a droid cruiser. He couldn’t help the smirk already forming as he checked his scanners for the missiles. He fired torpedoes at the starboard side of the cruiser and created a huge explosion. Anakin took a sharp nosedive, causing R2 to scream wildly, and narrowly missed the impact. The two missiles slammed into the cruiser igniting another explosion and bringing the ship down.
Anakin chuckled at R2’s reaction.
He pivoted again, turned upward and reunited with Obi-Wan. “Master, it’s no use. I can’t get through. All transmissions are being jammed. I doubt if anyone even knows what’s going on out here.”
“Then our only hope is to stop Dooku before he reaches the chancellor.”
As the distance between them and General Grievous’s ship grew shorter, another squadron of droid fighters issued from another carrier. Obi-Wan and Anakin separated from each other.
R4 bleeped and whistled. Two fighters were on his tail and closing. Obi-Wan increased in his speed slightly and then suddenly slowed down allowing the two fighters to pass him. Obi-Wan blasted one ship, which caused it to spin uncontrollably into the other ship.
From the corner of his eye, Anakin spotted a small vessel emerging from the hangar bay of the Invisible Hand. It was not a droid fighter and was definitely not engaging in any battle.
“R2, give me the readings on that ship at 3 o’clock.”
Seconds later the readings appeared on the console, Anakin realized that it was Count Dooku and he was on his way to the planet’s surface. “Master, Dooku has left the Grievous’s ship. He’s on his way down.”
“Can you get a clear shot?” Obi-Wan dodged a missile and dived beneath an exploding ship.
Anakin out maneuvered two droid fighters and attempted to lock on to the errant shuttle. “No. He is just out of range.”
“Then we’ll have to follow him.” Obi-Wan realized another projectile was launched straight for him. He fired and suddenly it burst into many small particles. These pieces came to life, and attached themselves to his fighter and began hacking and sawing at the hull of the ship.
“Buzz droids,” Obi-Wan groaned. “Anakin, go after him. You still…a chance…stopping Dooku before he…to..chan…”
The buzz droids were working quickly and had already taken down the communication system on Obi-Wan’s ship. Anakin looked around for Obi-Wan's ship but could not see it. It would be a matter of time before Obi-Wan became a sitting duck or worse – space debris. It took Anakin all of a fraction of a second to decide what to do.
“R2?”
The droid beeped.
“Locate Obi-Wan’s ship.”
TBC…
READ – RELISH - REPLY
NEXT UPDATE: 11/4 (-/+ 1-2 days)
Three – Caught Unawares
A meeting in the chancellor’s office, Padme greets an old friend.
 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  (What do you guys think of my costume? I wasn't able to get a blaster)
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KELIA
Title: Hostess: 20 Questions and Bet Your Knowledge
Registered:
Jul '05
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Date Posted:
10/19/07 9:52am
Subject:
RE: OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy, Dooks etc...)- updated 10/19- (TWO) Negotiating Disaster
- Date Edited:
10/19/07 9:53am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
KELIA
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I don't know if it was wise of Padme to reveal how many Senators are in the delegation. Something tells me Palpatine will only use that information to his advantage.
Evil cliffie at the end but great update
PS - love the costume!!
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LovedAnakin
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
10/25/07 8:48am
Subject:
RE: OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy, Dooks etc...)- updated 10/19- (TWO) Negotiating Disaster
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Great update. This story sounds pretty good so far. keep it up.
BTW, I love the costume. Wish i could look as good in it, though. 
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Anakins_Kiss
Registered:
Jan '06
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Date Posted:
11/3/07 10:00am
Subject:
RE: OVERCOME- (A/P, Obi, Palpsy, Dooks etc...)- updated 10/19- (TWO) Negotiating Disaster
- Date Edited:
11/5/07 6:44am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Anakins_Kiss
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LovedAnakin - thanks
Kelia - thanks
~~~~~~~~~~~
Three – Caught Unawares
He supported the side of his face on his fingertips and set his eyes on her as if he were calculating an equation. “The delegation was wise to send you, Senator.” He sighed. “Very well, I’ll meet with them and see what we can make of this.”
Padme smile pleasantly and said, “Thank you, Chancellor. I hope that…”
The hiss of office door cut Padme’s concluding sentence. A tall man bustled into the reception alcove of the office carrying a large rectangular flat package. “Chancellor, I have your portrait ready! I think…” Vibrant green eyes widened in embarrassment as he stopped mid sentence and mid stride. “Oh! Forgive me. I didn’t mean to…,” he stammered and pointed a thumb over his shoulder at the door. “Your assistant was away from his desk. I can come back…”
Palpatine smiled pleasantly as he recognized the young man standing in the alcove. “No need to explain. Please, come in.” He stood and descended the steps towards the approaching young man.
There was a complete shift in the energy in the room—from guarded to engaging.
Padme didn’t bother turning to see the intruder standing a couple meters behind her. She rolled her eyes and shook her head, irritated by a lack of discretion.
The young man continued. “I can’t stay long. I just wanted to drop this off.” He slightly raised his arm, indicating the package tucked under his arm. He glanced beyond Palpatine toward the back of Padme’s head.
“Superb! The portrait is completed!” Palpatine opened his arms, then clasped his hands together.
“I hope you approve of it.” His eyes still wandered in Padme’s direction as he handed over the painting. “I know you have been waiting quite some time for it, sir.”
Palpatine smiled encouragingly. “A masterpiece cannot be rushed, Palo. I understand that more than anything.”
The name caused Padme to straighten in her seat and slowly turn around. Upon seeing, her eyes narrowed in disbelief. “Palo?”
She stood and walked down the steps. “Palo? Is that really you?”
His perfectly shaped lips parted as if to speak. He cast a cautious glance toward Palpatine and smiled. “Padme?” He slowly rolled his eyes over her from head to toe and chuckled. “Wow. It’s-It’s good to see you again.” He lifted his eyebrows emphasizing his approval. “Really.”
She chuckled sheepishly, casting a hesitant eye toward the chancellor. “How long has it been?”
“Seems like ages.” He looked at her thirstily as he walked closer to her.
She replied nervously through her teeth, “It does.” Padme swallowed uncomfortably and clasped her hands before her. Her brown eyes moved carefully down from his tall slender frame.
Palo shared Anakin’s height and girth. Though he lacked the extent of Anakin’s definition, it appeared that he kept himself in shape. His vibrant green eyes were alluring as if there was a light behind them and nearly matched the color of a blade of grass. His jet-black hair looked like silk and seemed hastily arranged as if he quickly ran his hand through it before walking in. A few unruly strands fell over his forehead.
Palpatine raised his brows. “I take it the two of you know each other?”
“Yes. The senator and I dated for a short time years ago.” Palo explained.
Palpatine couldn’t help the smug expression on his face as he observed their awkward exchange. They continued staring at each other as if everything else faded to black and they were the only two people in the galaxy.
He cleared his throat startling them out their trance and said, “As you may well know, Senator, the portrait of every chancellor we’ve had in the past hangs in the halls of the Senate building.”
Padme inhaled, “Oh! Y-yes. I have noticed your portrait was missing. I wondered if you had plans to install one.”
“I’ve never been able to get around to commissioning one, but I thought it best not to put things off.” Palpatine ascended the steps, taking the portrait to his desk and began to unwrap it. “At the risk of sounding a bit biased, I believed an artist from Naboo would set the bar high.”
Though he was speaking to Palpatine, Palo’s eyes remained set on Padme. “If you don’t mind me saying, this is the best yet.” It seemed he was referring to something other than his artwork.
With the painting fully uncovered, Palpatine’s lips parted slowly. He spoke as if mesmerized by the sight, “I agree. It is astounding.” He looked up at Palo. “Absolutely magnificent.”
Smiling once again, Palpatine nodded his head in approval, “You have done well, my boy. An exquisite piece if I must say so.”
Palo stepped around Padme and looked at Palpatine. He gratefully said, “There were so many renowned artists you could have chosen instead. I offer my deepest gratitude for this opportunity, Chancellor.”
“The pleasure is mine indeed.” Palpatine picked up the portrait and said, “If you’ll excuse me for one moment while I secure this in the anteroom.”
~~~
Palo watched Palpatine exit through the doorway on the right side of the office. He immediately turned his attention toward Padme and moved within arm’s length of her. Again, he dropped his gaze to her feet, and slowly navigated up her body. An appreciative smirk crept across his face and a naughty gleam twinkled in his eyes.
With a deep husky voice, he said, “You are more beautiful than the last time I saw you.”
Padme blushed. “Thank you, Palo.” She took a step back and smiled uncomfortably. She glanced nervously in the direction where the chancellor exited. Palo was clearly making her attempt at maintaining her senatorial reserve difficult, and he was enjoying it. Padme looked away from him, searching the room desperately for something to draw her interest. Amongst the adornments, there was nothing she could find to appease her search. She sighed in frustration and asked, “How-how long have you been in Coruscant?”
Palo lifted his eyebrows and raised his squared chin. He was impressed by her ability to remain in character considering what transpired between them only a few hours earlier nearly made her late for the office. He remembered she honed this gift in her training for public service years ago. He admired her skill. He answered, “Almost six months.”
“Really? This is the first time I have seen you.” Padme furled her brow. She seemed sincerely curious.
“Coruscant is a big place.” He was growing tired of the elaborate pretense, but for her sake, he continued anyway. Palo folded his arms. “I am aware that Senator Amidala is a very busy woman.”
Padme smiled. “Both are true, but I am capable of making time for old acquaintances. I think my schedule will allow me a few minutes to catch up.”
Laughing to himself, he turned and took several steps away from her. He shook his head. “No. I think we’ll need much more than just a few minutes.” He turned to face her again and lowered his chin. “You know that already.” Hoping to break through her façade, a devilish grin slowly tugged on the corners of his mouth, revealing his dimples.
Padme’s eyes widened. “What?”
Frustrated by his stymied attempts, Palo rolled his eyes and sighed. “My love, I know this is supposed to be kept quiet, but we are alone now.” He was wry. “Don’t you think you are over doing it?”
The bridge of her nose wrinkled and a vertical line appeared between her furled brows. “What are you…”
A deafening explosion violently shook the building, causing Padme and Palo to stumble into each other. It felt like the entire planet was violently trembling. The floor rumbled and the sound of shattered glass and falling debris drowned out any other sound.
Padme looked up at Palo and shouted, “What was that?”
~~~~~~
The outer halls of the chancellor’s suite quickly filled with dust and debris. A ramp extended from a docked shuttle beside the Executive building into the corridor. Amid horrified screams and shouts from fleeing personnel, several battle droids clattered down the ramp through the blasted hole. With their weapons at the ready, they shot at anything that moved in their sight.
Six super battle droids entered the corridor followed by Count Dooku and followed the battle droids toward the outer office of the Chancellor’s suite.
The droids gained access into the administration area where Dar Wac greeted and often intercepted any visitors wishing to see the chancellor. At that moment, Dar was not visible, but the chill moving down his reptilian spine loudly announced to his presence to the passing Count. Dooku didn’t bother to look in his direction since he was not the intended target. The mission would only be a success if they moved quickly.
He continued to follow his droids toward the entrance to Chancellor Palpatine’s office. The doors were coded and sealed securely, but a nod from Count Dooku prompted the droids to plant small charges at the base and sides of the door.
Seconds later another ground shattering blast erupted, echoing throughout the building and blowing the entire doorway into twisted metal and rubble. Padme’s screams instantly placed a smile on Count Dooku’s face.
Three of super battle droids entered the room with weapons draw and ready to fire, while the other three remained in the outer office with several other battle droids. Count Dooku casually entered the reception area, flanked by the droids, and looked up and down the red walls of the suite.
His eyes searched around the room and stopped on his right in the entrance leading to the anteroom and the private office. He smiled predatorily. “Hiding will do you no good, chancellor. I can sense your presence.” He looked to his left and sensed two people crouched behind the pedestal of a life-size statue. “I can also sense that you are not alone.”
There was no response.
He walked towards the center of room. “If you wish your guests no harm, you will reveal yourself.”
There was a few seconds of silence before rustling of fabric was heard. “There is no need to harm anyone.” Chancellor Palpatine slowly emerged from the anteroom. “I am here.”
“I am glad you are able to see things my way, Chancellor.” Count Dooku said charmingly, “Now if you please…” He elegantly gestured toward the door with the wave a hand.
As Palpatine had taken several steps forward, Count Dooku had dropped his hand and turned suddenly toward the reception alcove.
Through the gapping hole, he could see two Jedi knights moving in with weapons drawn and slicing through the droids blocking the entrance.
Moments later, Obi-Wan and Anakin cautiously stepped through the mutilated entrance.
Count Dooku was the embodiment of elegance and charismatic charm. However, his admirable traits were tainted with traces of deceit and treachery. He was like a lethal sword sheathed in class and savor fairer.
He smiled and said pleasantly. “We meet again, Master Kenobi.”
The super battle droids instantly aimed their weapons at the Jedi and waited for the command to fire. “I shall enjoy this encounter.”
Anakin quickly scanned the room. He sensed two other presences and masked his surprise when he detected one of them was Padme. He could sense that she was afraid, hiding on the other side of the office behind the statue pedestal. Her proximity to danger brought a twinge of anxiety.
Sensing a battle would ensue, Palpatine stepped away from what was to be an interesting confrontation. He slowly moved back until his back was against the wall. He watched while master, knight and Sith slowly circled each other, with weapons ignited and poised to engage at any moment.
“You’re plan will not succeed, Dooku,” Obi-Wan said sternly.
Anakin glared at the Count. “And you won’t get away either.
A smirked tugged on the corner of his perfectly trimmed goatee. “Young Anakin Skywalker.” Count Dooku chuckled to himself. “I am certainly glad to hear that your handicap as not diminished your skill. Let’s see how well you have adapted.” He removed his weapon from his belt and turned it on.
Anakin’s mouth slightly twitched at the remark. The loss of his right forearm was a constant reminder of his impetuousness five years ago. The smug on the Count’s face only stoked the anger Anakin was repressing. He replied coldly. “My powers have doubled since our last meeting, Count.” Twirling his lightsaber, he continued. “You will discover that in a moment.”
They stopped circling and the energy in the seemed to heighten.
“Careful.” Dooku warned mockingly. “A vice like pride can lead to your downfall. I thought you’d have learned that by now.” Dooku lunged at them and the battle began.
The two knights engaged the Sith lord, vigorously exchanging sweeps and strikes. The room flickered with the light from each clash of the lightsabers. Obi-Wan and Anakin moved in unison, often switching sides, alternating the alacrity of their work, which forced Dooku to take several steps back.
Pieces of furniture were cleaved. Singe marks quickly appeared on the walls and the floor where contact was made with tips of the lightsabers. Dooku kicked Obi-Wan sending him to the ground. The smaller battle droids took aim and started firing on him. Obi-Wan blocked and deflected the blasts back to the droids, destroying them. Anakin continued to work on Dooku. Dooku swung his blade from side to side blocking Anakin’s attempts at neutralizing him.
Obi-Wan rejoined the duel and together he and Anakin continued their collective assault. In a smooth continuous movement, Dooku blocked Obi-Wan’s strike and force pushed Anakin across the room. He slammed into the bronz | |