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Author	Topic: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Updated 11/7 Xan and Obi encounter
jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 6/4 5:16pm Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 5/26 On Naboo
	earlybird-obi-wan: Love how you get Zane and Thaddeus interacting with the canon characters. Thanks And I hope Zane will be safe during the things to come. We shall see -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 6/4 5:18pm Subject: RE: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 6/4 Palace - Date Edited: 6/4 5:23pm (1 edits total) Edited By: jacen200015
	Chapter 10 Padme and the two padawans easily made their way to the throne room where they were announced at once. Inside the throne room they were greeted by many smiling faces. Zane recognized Sio Bibble who was Padme’s trusted advisor when she was Queen and who now served the present Queen. The Queen, Jamillia, Padme said her name was, wore a great headdress and flowing embroidered robes, the same type of outfit that Padme had worn when she was Queen. There was something about the whole outfit that made any women who wore them to look so regal. In the throne room there were advisors, handmaidens, and guards. It seemed that Queens never tended to be alone, even on peaceful planets like Naboo. Queen Jamillia, standing perfectly straight so that her headdress did not topple, rose and walked over to take Padme’s hand. “We’ve been worried about you. I’m so glad you’re here, Padme,” she said, her voice rich and laced with a stronger accent than Padme’s. “Thank you, Your Highness. I only wish I could have served you better by staying on Coruscant for the vote.” “Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has explained it all,” Sio Bibble interjected. “Returning home was the only real choice you could have made.” Padme gave him a resigned nod. Yet Zane could tell that being told to return home still bothered her when she had work so hard to defeat the bill that would allow the creation of a Republic army. “How many systems have joined Count Dooku and the separatists?” Queen Jamillia asked bluntly. Small talk was not in her nature. “Thousands,” Padme answered. “And more are leaving the Republic every day. If the Senate votes to create an army, I’m sure it’s going to push us into civil war.” /It’s really that bad?/ Zane said to Anakin while listening to the conversation. /Why weren’t we told this?/ /We’re not supposed to be investigating. Although Obi-Wan may know now that he is investigating./ Anakin responded. /It explains why she is so vehemently fighting this bill. The Republic army was disbanded soon after the Republic was formed because of the treaties that had been made that would prevent a galactic civil war….at least in theory./ Sio Bibble punched his fist into his open hand. “It’s unthinkable!” he said, gnashing his teeth with every word. “There hasn’t been a full-scale war since the formation of the Republic.” “Do you see any way, through negotiations, to bring the separatists back into the Republic?” Jamillia asked, staying calm despite Sio Bibble’s obvious agitation. “Not if they feel threatened. The Separatists don’t have an army, but if they are provoked, they will move to defend themselves. I’m sure of that. And with no time or money to build an army, my guess is they will turn to the Commerce Guild or the Trade Federation for help.” /If they want war then it doesn’t matter if the bill passes or not./ Zane muttered through their bond. /Don’t say anything to them./ Anakin warned. /Not yet./ “The armies of commerce!” Queen Jamillia echoed with anger and distaste. “Why has nothing been done in the Senate to restrain them?” “I’m afraid that, despite the Chancellor’s best efforts, there are still many bureaucrats, judges, and even Senators on the payrolls of the guilds,” Padme admitted. “Then it is true that the guilds have moved closer to the Separatists, as we suspected,” Queen Jamillia reasoned. Sio Bibble punched his open palm again, drawing their attention. “It’s outrageous!” he said. “It’s outrageous that after all those hearings and four trials in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still the viceroy of the Trade Federation. Do those money-mongers control everything?” “Remember, Counselor, the courts were able to reduce the Trade Federation’s armies,” Jamillia reminded, again holding her calm and controlled voice. “That’s a move in the right direction.” Padme winced, knowing that she had to report honestly. “There are rumors, Your Highness, that the Federation’s army was not reduced as they were ordered.” Clearing his throat, Anakin Skywalker stepped forward. “The Jedi have not been allowed to investigate,” he explained. “It would be too dangerous for the economy, we were told. However, Zane and I believe that investigation should have been done sooner.” Zane stepped forward and continued. “As upsetting as a possible civil war sounds, we have reason to believe that it will be inevitable. If the bill is not passed and the Separatists do want war then they will do whatever it takes to push the Republic into one.” The mood in the room, already heavy, became even heavier from the revelation the two Padawans had given. “I am certain that my Master will find out the Separatists real motives during his investigation into the assassinations attempts on Senator Amidala. I am also certain that he will do everything he can to prevent war from breaking out.” Anakin told them. Sio Bibble shook his head in disgust. “Their demands are reasonable. Changes do have to be made in the Senate.” “It appears that way and that’s most likely what some of them truly want, leading to the theory that the one behind the Separatists is the same one who was behind the Trade Federation blockade ten years ago.” Zane responded. Queen Jamillia studied the Padawans for a moment before speaking. “Do you have proof to back up your claims?” “No, M’Lady.” Anakin respectfully answered. “However, the Sith Master continues to elude the Jedi even after ten years of extensive search. It’s not unreasonable to believe the Sith is influencing events in some manner.” Queen Jamillia looked to him and nodded, looked back to Padme, then squared her shoulders and firmed her jawline, looking regal in the ornate raiments—very much the planetary ruler obedient to the Republic. “We must keep our faith in the Republic,” she declared. “The day we stop believing in democracy can work is the day we lose it.” “Let’s pray that day never comes,” Padme quietly answered, still absorbing everything that Anakin and Zane had said. “In the meantime, we must consider your own safety,” Queen Jamillia said, and she looked to Sio Bibble, who motioned to the attendants. All of them, advisers, attendants, and handmaidens, bowed and quickly left the room. Sio Bibble moved near to Anakin and Zane, the appointed protectors, then paused, waiting for the others to be gone. At last he spoke. “What is your suggestion, Master Jedi?” “Please, address me as Jedi Skywalker, Counselor. I am still only a senior Padawan.” Sio Bibble gave a slight bow of his head. “My apologies, Jedi Skywalker.” A smile twitched at Padme’s lips as she watched Anakin respectfully, humbly, correct the Counselor. She had wondered herself how one was supposed to address a senior Padawan. “I was thinking I would stay in the Lake Country. There are some places up there that are very isolated.” Sio Bibble nodded in agreement. “The Lake Country is the most remote part of Naboo. Not many people up there, and a clear view of the surrounding terrain. It would be an excellent choice, a place where you would have a much easier time protecting Senator Amidala.” “Perfect!” Queen Jamillia agreed. “It’s settled then. Padme,” Queen Jamillia went on, “I had an audience with your father yesterday. I told him what was happening. He hopes you will visit your mother before you leave. Your family’s very worried about you.” How could they not be? Padme thought, and it pained her to consider that the dangers her strong positions were bringing to her were affecting other people whom she loved. How could they not? It was the perfect reminder of why family and public service didn’t usually mix. She looked at Zane and wondered how Master Kenobi was able to do it, to have a family and serve the Jedi at the same time. How did others do it who mixed family and public service together? She never understood. Not really. Years ago she had made a conscious and definite choice: public service or family. She hadn’t been worried about her own safety at all through these trials, willing to make whatever sacrifices were necessary. But now, suddenly, she had to remember that her choices and positions could affect others on a very personal level, as well. She wore no smile as she walked with Anakin, Zane, Sio Bibble, and Queen Jamillia out of the throne room and down the palace’s main staircase. ~~~ Green specks danced in the darkness. The darkness was heavy, suffocating. The green specks began to whirl around, faster and faster until they became huge globs of green. The green globs imploded into orange specks, they hovered and then began to dance, continuing the same pattern as before but with different colors. The pattern became more rapid with each sequence and the darkness slowly began to lift. There was a deafening roar and a blast of white light. A chest began to slowly move up and down. There was a sharp intake of breath into a nose, eyelids flickered, lips parted as breath was released. Eyelids fully opened and blinked to moisten the eyes. Sheets rustled as the huge body sat up and stretched on the slab of metal before standing up and continuing to stretch the unused muscles. Whipping off the sheet from the slab, the person wrapped it around their waist and walked across the cold floor to the door. ~~~ Zane was grateful that they had time to change before heading to Padme’s home. He always felt out of place if he wore anything other than Jedi apparel. He trailed along next to Anakin who had also changed back into Jedi robes as they followed Padme who was now dressed in a simple blue dress with a white cloak. Behind them he could hear Artoo whistling as he moved along the path. They left another shadowed stone archway behind them and turned to the right where there was a smaller archway that had stairs leading up to it. “We’re here,” Padme said suddenly, “this is my house.” Tiny feet pattered down the stairs. “Aunt Padme! Aunt Padme!” Zane and Anakin watched as Padme intercepted the two girls, kneeling down so that she could embrace them both in a hug. The taller of the pair had shoulder length, straight brown hair while the youngest had short, blonde, curly hair. “Ryoo! Pooja!” Padme said in delight and kissing the top of their heads. “I’m so happy to see you!” She stood up, taking them by the hand and led them to Anakin and Zane. “This is Anakin and Zane. Anakin and Zane, this is Ryoo and Pooja!” The girls looked shyly up at Anakin and Zane and said hello. They looked beyond the two padawans and saw Artoo chirping merrily along. Laughing, they ran over to Artoo and hugged him. “Artoo!” Zane, Anakin, and Padme laughed at the girls’ enthusiasm and then moved along into the house. In the entryway inside the house they were met by a woman who was a bit taller than Padme and had brown hair and blue eyes and was wearing a simple dark blue, long-sleeved, dress. “Sola!” Padme said and embraced her sister. Turning she introduced Sola to the two Padawans. Sola nodded to the two Padawans and then looked back at her sister. “Mom and Dad will be so happy to see you. It’s been a difficult few weeks.” Padme frowned, the reality fully settling upon her. While she didn’t let things like assassination attempts worry her, they did indeed worry her parents and sister. Taking off her cloak, she hung it on a wooden peg and the two Padawans also hung their cloaks on some nearby pegs. “Mom’s making dinner. As usual, your timing is perfect.” Sola said and started to walk toward the dining room that the entryway led into. Inside the house was simple, cool, and comfortable all rolled into one. The smell of rich spicy food traveled throughout the house, causing those who had stopped thinking about the fact that they were hungry to begin thinking it again. Zane walked over to a large open window and placed his hands on the smooth, cool, grey stone surface and looked outside. He saw a distant flock of birds, a couple of stone buildings and below a small, well tended garden, well, small if compared to the gardens in the Temple. He turned away from the window as he heard the sound of approaching footsteps and Padme introduced him and Anakin to her parents, Ruwee and Jobal. Ruwee was a tall man with short brown hair that was graying at the sides and blue, compassionate eyes. He had a plain, but strong face and was strong-shouldered. Jobal was the shorter one of the family and had brown hair that she pinned back and brown eyes. Jobal bade those in the room to sit down at the table before heading back into the kitchen where Sola was collecting some stoneware plates and mugs from the kitchen. Ruwee sat on the seat at the head of the table and Padme sat down in the chair to her father’s left and Anakin took the seat across from her while Zane sat down in the seat next to Anakin. Already on the table was a basket full of freshly baked, sliced bread. Soon after they were seated, Sola came out of the kitchen and placed the plates, mugs and silverware on the table beside Padme and Padme passed them around. Jobal came out of the kitchen next caring a large bowl of hot steaming rice and set it on the table Sola came out of the kitchen again with an equally large bowl of thick brown substance with lumps of meat in it. Zane didn’t recognize it, but it smelled wonderful. Jobal sat down in the seat across from Ruwee and a few seconds later Sola returned from the kitchen with two large pitchers of water. “I hope you are all hungry.” Jobal said with a warm smile. “A little,” Anakin answered, despite the fact his stomach said otherwise. They had passed the opportunity for one last meal on the transport in favor of looking forward to eating a home cooked meal. “He’s being polite, Mom,” Padme said. “We’re starving.” She finished serving herself some rice and passed the bowl to her father. “Well you’ve come to the right place at the right time.” Ruwee remarked as he served himself some rice. All was quite as everyone busied serving themselves, the only sounds were the thump of bowls being passed around and the clink of ladles scooping up food. Once everyone was served, Jobal broke the silence. “It’s so good to see you safe, we were so worried.” “Dear-” Ruwee said, locking gazes with his wife. “I know, I know! But I had to say it. Now it’s done.” Jobal said with a dismissive wave of her hand and went back to eating. Zane and Anakin smiled when they saw Ruwee’s expression. It seemed that not only was Jobal a fantastic hostess, she was also a very to the point type of person and when something weighed on her mind, she would more than likely speak it sooner than later. “Well this is exciting,” Sola said after taking a sip of water and everyone turned their attention onto her. “Did you know,” she said to the two boys, “that this is the first time Padme has brought two boys home at the same time?” “Sola!” Padme exclaimed and shook her head. “It’s not what you think. They are Jedi assigned by the Senate to protect me.” “Bodyguards?” Jobal asked with great concern. “Oh, Padme, they didn’t tell us it was that serious!” Padme’s sigh was mixed with a groan. “It’s not, Mom,” she said. “I promise. Anyway, Anakin and Zane are my friends. I’ve known them for years, although I haven’t spoken to them in ten years. Remember when I talked about the two boys who were with the Jedi during the blockade crisis?” Padme hoped this would distract them from the topic she did not want to discuss as ah’s sounded from her family members, but she was sorely disappointed. “Honey, when are you going to settle down?” Jobal went on. “Haven’t you had enough of that life? I certainly have!” “Mom, I’m not in any danger,” Padme insisted. “Is she?” Ruwee asked Anakin. “Yes, I’m afraid she is.” Anakin answered truthfully and sensed a flare of annoyance from Padme. “But not much,” Padme added quickly. Anakin continued. “The Senate thought it prudent to give her some time away, and under the protection of the Jedi. My Master, Obi-Wan, is even now seeing to the matter. All should be well soon enough.” Ruwee and Jobal seemed to relax somewhat, and Padme’s annoyance faded. The conversation turned to more pleasant topics for the rest of the meal. -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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GeneralKenobi7 Registered: Jan '09	Date Posted: 6/5 5:35am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 6/4 Palace
	Wow, I have to say Anakin is much more humble in this story! Well writetn chapter -----signature----- Ewan Mace:"Sometimes a Jedi's most important duty is to stand and wait. I presume you've mentioned that to Anakin on occasion?" Obi-Wan: "Not more than twice a day." Proud Padawan to EG Kenobi
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 6/8 9:34am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 6/4 Palace
	GeneralKenobi7: Wow, I have to say Anakin is much more humble in this story! Indeed Well writetn chapter Thank you -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 6/8 9:42am Subject: RE: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 6/8 Tatooine
	Chapter 11 The visit was brief as Anakin and Zane felt time was running out. After the meal Padme went to her room to pack some things she wanted from her closet while Anakin had a short chat with her father outside in the garden. Zane quietly helped with the dishes, his mind focused on the possibility of there being a war. After saying goodbye they headed for a private hangerbay that was reserved for Senatorial transports. Padme sent a quick message to the house in the lake country so that the servants would know not to expect them for a couple of more days. Padme allowed Anakin to pilot the ship and soon they were off to Tatooine. The trip was spent mostly in silence as the two Padawans meditated. Padme took this opportunity to finish reading a novel she had taken from her bedroom in hopes of finally finishing it. The next day the sandy planet of Tatooine appeared before them as they came out of hyperspace. They flew to the city of Mos Espa and after receiving clearance to land in docking bay 94 they did so without hesitation. Anakin spotted a floating rickshaw pulled by an ES-PSA droid as they left the hangerbay and quickly waved it down. Anakin gave it the address of Watto’s shop while Zane helped Padme climb aboard. The two Padawans hopped on just as the floating rickshaw went off almost like a stampeding Bantha. Down the streets it rushed, expertly avoiding the heavy traffic and blasting a shrill sounding horn whenever someone didn’t move away fast enough. “Do you think Watto is involved somehow?” Padme asked. Anakin shook his head. “I doubt it. Mom always said that Watto was safer to be with than Gardulla the Hutt.” Before long the rickshaw came up to the shop and Anakin told the droid to stop. As soon as the rickshaw slid to a halt, Anakin jumped out and helped Padme down and Zane told the droid to wait for them before joining Anakin and Padme. They entered the shop and into a midst of chaos as pit droids scrambled around the shop, doing more harm than good. Watto entered the shop from the back and yelled at the droids, “Go ana bopa!” and shook his fist at the droids as they shut down and snapped into their storage position. Ignoring the visitors, Watto went behind the counter and began tinkering with a droid part that was on the counter. “Chut chut, Watto.” Anakin greeted as he approached the counter. “Ke booda?” Watta said in surprise, looking up at the three visitors. “Ding mi chasa hopa,” Anakin offered, taking the broken droid part from Watto’s hands and expertly fiddled with it. Watto’s eyes widened as he watched. “Ke booda?” he asked. "Yo baan pee hota. No wega mi condorta. Kin chasa du Jedi.” “Mi boska di Shmi Skywalker,” Anakin bluntly stated. The Toydarian studied Anakin’s face carefully, wondering if perhaps it was who he thought it was. “Ani? Little Ani?” Anakin’s answer came as he easily twisted the machine part and the small part began to hum to life. With a wide smile he handed the part back to Watto. Watto took the part and then set it on the table as he exclaimed, “You are Ani! It is you!” His wings beat heavily in the air as he launched himself to the other side of the counter. “Ya sure sprouted!” “Hello, Watto.” Anakin said. “A Jedi! Waddya know? Hey, you cana help wit the Tusken Raiders who’ve—” “My mother—” Anakin prompted. Watto frowned, annoyed at getting interrupted. “She’s not mine no more. I sold her to a moisture farmer named Lars.” Something like a smile crossed Watto’s face. “Believe it or not, he freed her and married her. Can ya beat that?” Anakin blinked and shook his head, trying to digest it all. His mother was free? She was married? Watto actually sold her? “Do you know where they are?” Zane spoke up. Watto nodded his head. “Long way from here. Someplace over on the other side of Mos Eisley. Let me check my records.” Watto flew back over the counter and dug through a file cabinet before pulling out a large, worn, record book. /Anakin, Watto was saying something about the Tusken Raiders. Your mom is now living on a moisture farm, you don’t suppose that—/ He left the thought unfinished, nothing more needed to be said. “Ah, here it is.” Watto turned the book around so that Anakin could take a look at it. “Thank you, Watto.” Anakin said after taking a quick look at the location and the group began to make there way out of the shop. “Wait a sec, Ani. Since ya’ll headed over there. I have an R4 droid and an R5 droid out back that need to be delivered to the Lars.” Anakin looked at Watto and nodded his head and he and Zane went out back with Watto to collect the droids. Padme was waiting for them on the Rickshaw and helped them load the droids onto the back and tie them securely down. Anakin and Zane hopped onto the rickshaw and Anakin ordered the droid to take them back to hanger bay 94. Watto watched them leave from the entrance of his shop and shook his head in amazement, “Ani du Jedi.” Within minutes they were blasting their way out of the hangar bay and heading for the moisture farm. Anakin drummed his fingers impatiently on a buttonless area of the console as Zane flew the ship. Not a word was spoken during the short journey and they were soon landing a couple of feet away from the homestead. Padme ordered Artoo to stay with the ship as she followed the Padawans out of the ship and back into the glaring, unforgiving suns. Just up ahead they spotted a light brown man with dark hair working on a fence sensor. As they got closer, Zane noticed a familiarity in the man’s presence. “Kitster?” The young man looked up and after a moment a grin split his face. “Anakin? Zane?” Anakin and Zane nodded their heads and Kitster came forward and gave them both a hug and a slap on the back. “It’s so good to see you guys. How are you guys doing? I’ve heard a few stray stories in the cantina now and again. Did you really walk on a sentient planet?” Anakin and Zane glanced at each other with raised eyebrows and then looked back at Kitster. “People are telling stories about us?” Zane asked. Kitster shrugged. “Honestly, mainly about Anakin. There are a few who venture off Tatooine who try to find out what the winner of the boonta eve podrace is up to while they’re about their business.” “Master Kitster,” a metallic voice rang out. Behind Kitster came a thin protocol droid with gray weatherbeaten metal coverings. The droid walked stiffly and once in a while something creaked loudly from the droid’s joints. “Master Owen has returned from-” “Good.” Kitster interrupted and handed his tools to the droid. “Finish repairing this sensor please.” “Threepio?” Anakin said in recognition. Threepio turned his head to look at Anakin and jerked in surprise. “Oh my!” His arms waved in his excitement, almost clobbering Kitster. “Oh, my maker! Master Anakin! I knew you would return! I knew you would! And this must be Master Zane and Miss Padme.” Zane and Padme said hello back. “Oh, my circuits! I am so pleased to see you both!” “Threepio.” Kitster glared at him and the droid fell silent. Looking at the others he said, “We’d better go indoors. The sooner we can explain what’s happened, the sooner a decision can be reached on what should be done.” Zane glanced at Anakin who had a hardened look on his face. He tried to send reassurance through their bond but was blocked. He watched as Padme took Anakin’s hand in her own and gave it a squeeze. A feeling of doom seemed to surround and press down on them as they followed Kitster to the homestead. They entered the kitchen where a young man was sitting down in a chair with a cup of water on the table next to him. A young women sat down next to the young man, and an older man sat at the head of the table in a hover chair. One of the older man’s legs was heavily bandaged while the other was missing. “Cliegg, Owen, we have guests.” Kitster said and the people at the table looked up at them. “I’m Anakin Skywalker,” Anakin said. “These are my friends, Zane and Padme.” Owen seemed to perk up and sat up a little bit straighter. “Anakin?” “Anakin the Jedi,” the young women whispered. Owen stood up and walked around the table and extended his hand. “Owen Lars.” He gestured to the young women sitting at the table. “This is my girlfriend, Beru Whitesun.” Beru nodded and said, “Hello.” “I guess I’m your stepbrother,” Owen said, his eyes never leaving the young Jedi of whom he had heard so very much. “I had a feeling you might show up.” The sound of the hoverchair behind him caused Owen to move aside to let the elder past. “Cliegg Lars,” the man said, extending his hand. “Shmi is my wife. Come sit down, we have a lot to talk about.” Soon they were all seated around the table and Beru was fixing some cool drinks and snacks for their guests. “Almost a month ago, just before dawn a band of tusken raiders came upon the homestead.” Cliegg began explaining. “They came out of nowhere,” Owen added. “We don’t know what might have provoked them.” Kitster put in before Cliegg continued. “Your mother had gone out early, like she always did, to pick mushrooms that grow on the vaporators,” Cliegg explained. “From the tracks, she was about halfway home when they took her. Those Tuskens walk like men, but they’re vicious, mindless monsters. “We’d seen many signs that they were about,” Owen piped in. “She shouldn’t have gone out!” “There are always signs!” Kitster responded heatedly. “We can’t live huddled in fear!” Cliegg scolded Owen, but he calmed at once and turned back to Anakin. “All signs were that we’d chased the Tuskens away. We didn’t know how strong this raiding band was-stronger than anything any of us have ever seen. Thirty-one of us went out after Shmi. Five of us came back.” He grimaced and rubbed his leg, and Anakin and Zane felt the man’s pain clearly. “I’d still be out there, only…after I lost my leg…” Cliegg nearly broke down. “I just can’t ride anymore,” Cliegg went on. “Until I heal. Owen and Kitster take turns going out to search every day when they can, but even if we found where they have taken her, we don’t have enough man-power to do a rescue.” The proud man drew in a deep breath and forcibly steadied himself, squaring his broad shoulders. “This isn’t the way I wanted to meet you, son,” he said. “This isn’t how your mother and I planned it. I don’t want to give up on her, but she’s been gone a month. With each passing day we have less hope that she’s lasted this long.” Anakin and Zane immediately stood up and headed for the door. Seeing this as a cue that they were going to go look for Shmi, Owen stood up and followed them. “You can use the landspeeder. It’ll need some fuel first.” Zane looked at Anakin, “Anakin, I’ll go get a medkit from the ship while you and Owen get the speeder ready.” Anakin nodded at him and Zane dashed off to the ship. Fear gripped Padme’s heart but she squelched it with a reminder that Anakin and Zane were trained Jedi and have gone on more dangerous missions than this. Padme looked over at Beru who was standing over the tearful man, hugging him. “I wish he’d have come a bit earlier,” Cliegg lamented. Having no words to say, Padme rushed out to join Anakin and Owen. By the time that she reached Anakin and Owen, Owen was already heading back to the house and Anakin was standing near the speeder, staring out over the empty desert. “You’re going to have to stay here,” Anakin said to her as she hurried to his side. “These are good people. You’ll be safe.” Zane reached them then, having used the Force to enhance his speed. Stashing the medkit under the passenger front seat, he leaned against the speeder and silently watched the interchange between Anakin and Padme. Padme hugged Anakin tightly. “Find her,” she whispered. “We won’t be long,” Anakin promised. He went around to the driver’s side and hopped in. Zane climbed into the passenger seat and within seconds they were zooming off into the empty desert. After five minutes into the drive, Anakin spoke. “Owen told me that he was sure that he was close to finding the camp during his last run. We should get there by the time it gets dark.” -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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earlybird-obi-wan Registered: Aug '06	Date Posted: 6/8 10:15am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 6/8 Tatooine
	excellent chapters and with Zane accompanying Anakin things can go differently. -----signature----- writer and Star Wars fan FANART [link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_art/b10020/25793899]fanart[/link] stories in my bio
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 6/10 7:40am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 6/8 Tatooine
	earlybird-obi-wan: excellent chapters and with Zane accompanying Anakin things can go differently. Thank you. Yes they can -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 6/14 10:11am Subject: RE: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds.Updated 6/14 The rescue
	Chapter 12 Aeryn walked down one of many corridors of the quarters area of the Temple until she came to the apartment that she was going to. The lights in the corridor were dim as night slowly began to envelope the Temple and the surrounding area. When she reached her destination, Aeryn quickly checked her surroundings to make sure no one was watching and then typed in the code. The door slid open with barely a hiss and Aeryn slipped into the lit quarters. She sensed her mom was in the kitchen and after checking with the Force that her mom’s apprentice was not around, she ran into the kitchen. “You’re back!” Siri put the kettle of water on the stove as Aeryn embraced her and she hugged her daughter back. “Yes, for a little while.” She smiled and kissed the top of Aeryn’s blond head of hair, so like her own. Aeryn backed up and looked up at her mom’s face. “Will you be at the lightsaber tournament tomorrow?” “I’ll be there. Did you have supper yet? Bant left a casserole in the fridge, but Ferus has been delayed in returning to the Temple for a couple more days.” “No. Can I help heat it up?” Aeryn asked, already headed for the fridge. “Yes you can.” Siri said as she finished making her tea and began to prepare some iced tea for Aeryn. Aeryn took the casserole out of the fridge and put it into the miniheater and pressed the reheat button. “Dad took me out to eat at Dex’s last week.” “Really and how is Dexter doing?” Aeryn got the plates and silverware and set the table. “He’s well. He helped dad identify the origin of a dart.” She sat down on a chair next to the head of the table and Siri handed her a glass of iced tea. “Zane and Anakin are protecting a Senator from Naboo. Naboo has a lot of plants, I hope I get to go there someday.” Siri sat down on the seat at the head of the table with her tea and took a sip of the cooling liquid. “Maybe. You’ll get to visit many planets once you’re a padawan.” “Have you ever been to Naboo?” “Once briefly. It is very pretty.” The heater dinged, indicating the casserole was ready and Siri went to get it “I like it when Bant makes her casserole dish.” Aeryn said as Siri put some casserole on Aeryn’s plate. “Yes she does know how to cook.” Siri agreed as she served herself some. “She has been meaning to teach me how to make this casserole, but I don’t ever seem to have time.” Aeryn swung her legs beneath the table as she ate. “She can teach me to make it.” “That’s a good idea.” Siri agreed. “I think Master Adi Gallia is going to choose me to be her Padawan.” Aeryn said randomly, stuffing another piece of casserole into her mouth. Siri paused halfway to bringing another forkfull into her mouth. She had been under the impression that her former Master had decided not to take another Padawan. Quickly recovering from her surprise, Siri finished another bite of the casserole before speaking. “She’s a very good teacher. Just don’t be disappointed if she doesn’t choose you.” Aeryn nodded. “I know. But it would be cool to be trained by your former Master.” Siri simply smiled even as she worried that her former Master might be reminded of her former padawan if she trained Aeryn and figure out Aeryn’s parentage. ~~~ As Anakin and Zane traveled along the route that Owen had indicated, they passed by a burial site and a burnt out speeder, possibly the site where the farmers had attempted the rescue. The two suns made their slow descent into the horizon and before long disappeared completely. The air began to chill, bringing a welcome relief from the scorching heat. By the time they passed the location Owen had arrived at before turning back, Anakin and Zane had a better reading through the Force on the location of Shmi. The full moon shone down on them as Anakin slowed the speeder on top of a high dune. Zane jumped out of the speeder and scouted the area ahead and looking down of the edge of the dune he spied a Tusken encampment. /The encampment is below us./ Zane said, Anakin having opened his end of the bond. Anakin grabbed the medkit from under the passenger seat and he headed over to where Zane was. He could sense is mother even more clearly now, her pain radiated strongly from within the camp. They carefully climbed down the dune, using the Force to create an illusion of nothing, they crept toward the camp. They moved from hut to hut, staying flat against any of the hut walls and when there were no huts to hide behind they belly-crawled across open spaces. Slowly but surely they crept to the one guarded hut and before long were behind that hut. The wall of the hut was soft, but strong, Zane noted, a little bit stronger material than the other huts. Zane checked to make sure there were no tuskens inside the hut and then handed Anakin a knife that Zane had hidden in his boot. Anakin took it and quickly cut a hole into the tent, using the Force to enhance the blade’s ability to cut through the material. Once he finished he handed the knife back to Zane and crawled through the small opening he had made and then Zane followed right behind him after checking to make sure the guards were still unaware of their presence. “Mom,” Anakin said and his legs became weak. There were dozens of candle lighting up the room, and a hole in the top of the tent let in the light of the moon, illuminating the figure of Shmi. She was tied facing against a rack to the side of the tent, her arms were outstretched and bound at bloodied wrists, her face showed the weeks of beatings. Moving past Anakin, Zane quickly cut Shmi down and gently lowered her to the ground. Willing some strength back into his body, Anakin stepped forward and dropped down to the ground and cradled his mom’s head in his arms. “Mom…Mom…Mom,” he whispered softly, repeatedly. Zane grabbed the medkit that Anakin had dropped to the ground and opened it up. Taking out a small portable medical scanner, Zane scanned Shmi’s body to find out the extent of her injuries. Shmi’s eyelids fluttered open as much as Shmi could manage to get them open due to swelling and dried blood. “Ani?” She whispered back. The harsh wheezing confirmed the reading on the scanner that many of her ribs were cracked, maybe even crushed. “Ani? Is that you? Gradually her eyes focused more on Anakin’s face and a thin, weak smile came onto her battered face. “I’m here, Mom,” Anakin told her. “You’re safe now. Hang on. Zane and I are going to get you out of here.” His voice choked and tears burned in his eyes. “Ani?” Her eyes drifted until they focused on Zane. “Zane?” Her eyes flicked back to Anakin. “You look so handsome.” “Save your strength, Mom,” Anakin said. “We’ve got to get you away from here.” “My son,” Shmi went on, and she seemed to be in a different place than Anakin, a safer place. “My grown-up son. I knew you’d come back to me. I knew it all along.” Zane’s face was pale as he searched frantically through the medkit. The medkit supplies could only help so much. Moving her would be dangerous because of her ribs, there was evidence of eventual eternal bleeding, infection, dehydration, and possibly several other things that the scanner might not have detected. He could sense her life force dwindling with every passing second and cursed under his breath in huttese. “I’m so proud of you, Ani. So proud. I missed you so much.” “I missed you, too, Mom, but we can talk later…” Zane cursed again, louder this time as he took out a small injector of pain killer and a mild sedative and injected each into Shmi. “Don’t you let go now!” Zane said. Anakin glanced at Zane and reopened the bond he had closed again to sense waves of fear and anger, determination mixed with rising hopelessness. Zane was gifted with an unusual ability in the living Force that allowed him to detect medical conditions in a person and whether or not their death was imminent. Anakin knew that Zane blocked this ability to the point of shunning it which was why Zane didn’t detect that Qui-Gon’s health was going to fail. Now, Anakin could sense that Zane had unblocked this ability, resulting in the high level of emotions and stress he was detecting. Zane was drawing close to a breaking point, the Force swirling around uneasily, an emotion filled tumult, dwarfing Anakin’s own pain, fear, and anger. If Zane didn’t calm down, the results-. Not finishing that train of thought, Anakin reached over and gripped Zane’s shoulder in a firm hold. “Zane, this is not helping.” Zane’s face turned to Anakin, but his eyes looked past Anakin to something unseen. Zane’s eyes had shifted to a stormy gray and there was a blank look in them. Dread wormed in his gut and he looked back at his mother who was drifting into sleep from the mild sedative, but weakening with every passing second. Anakin looked back at Zane and was about to say something when a loud shrill pierced the air, a sound like a huge wave knocking onto a beach followed it and then, darkness. ~~~ Deep in his meditations, peering through the darkside, Master Yoda felt a sudden surge of anger, pain, confusion, and other emotions surge wildly beyond control. The diminutive Master’s eyes popped open wide at the overwhelming strength of the new emotion that now mixed into the disturbance, rage. Making a cue noise, he lurched forward to come out of his trance just as the door opened and Mace Windu rushed in. “What is it? Mace asked. “Pain. Suffering. Death! I fear something terrible has happened. Young Kenobi and young Skywalker are in pain. Terrible pain.” Yoda slowly shook his head. ~~~ Obi-Wan jerked awake in his starfighter as he sensed an overwhelming combination of strong emotions rip through the Force. After the wave passed him he gasped fro breath and bent his head down. Once he had regained his breath he massaged his head with his fingers as a headache blossomed. He reached out to the bond he had with his son, but found it shut closed and hot to the touch. He reached out this his Padawan and also found the bond blocked and hot to the touch of his Force touch. He had a sudden urge to go to his son and padawan but immediately pushed that feeling away. He had a mission to accomplish. They will be alright. I must trust in the Force. The farther the starfighter flew from the disturbance the more his gut twisted with guilt. Again he took the hindering feeling and released it into the Force. There are many others in need of help, but if one can’t focus on only one then nobody gets the help they need. Balance is the key, he quoted to himself a saying from one of his class instructors. ~~~ Darra gratefully relaxed in the seat of the cockpit as she made the jump away from Ryloth. Her first solo mission had gone quite well, although it was a task a junior Padawan could have easily accomplished on their own. She was about to drift off to sleep when she felt a disturbance in the Force in the Tatooine system. Since Tatooine was on her way, she decided to go investigate. She instructed the computer to take her out of hyperspace when a safe spot opened up. As she closed in on Tatooine she detected two very familiar Force signatures coming from the planet. ~~~ The twin suns were rising in the sky, breakfast was eaten, and chores were being done, all without a word from Anakin or Zane. Padme walked back to her ship, worry etching her face. She slept little that night as she waited for their return. A roar sounded above her and she looked up to see a small Jedi starfighter coming in for a landing beside her ship. The ship had barely finished its shut down sequence when the cockpit opened and a human female vaulted out of the cockpit, bright, golden brown hair flying upwards as she landed. Padme spied a padawan braid as the girl ran up to her, indicating that she must be a senior level Padawan. “Senator Amidala,” the girl said, immediately recognizing the senator as she came to a stop. “Where are Anakin and Zane?” The disturbance in the Force continued to pound at her senses and she could feel the Force urging her to move quickly. “They went to rescue Anakin’s mother from the Tuskens. Why, what’s wrong?” Padme asked, now believing that something was definitely wrong to have brought a senior Padawan to Tatooine. Rusty colored eyes flashed as the girl looked out into the wide open desert. “I’m not sure.” She whispered. “Do the Lars have a speeder bike I can use?” Padme nodded, “There’s one in the garage.” She quickly led the way to the garage where Owen was currently working and quickly explained the need for the speeder. As soon as Owen let the female Padawan take the speeder and gave her the direction that Anakin and Zane had gone, the girl jumped onto the speeder bike and roared away. Owen and Padme watched from the doorway of the garage as the speeder disappeared in the distance, both wondering what had happened to Anakin and Zane. -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 6/14 10:23am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 6/14 The rescue
	oh, boy...oh, boy. Pain and suffering... and now a new character into the fray. Loved to see Aeryn with Siri. Do we get to see Siri (with or without kids) with Obi? -----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. 2007-2008 the quality years
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GeneralKenobi7 Registered: Jan '09	Date Posted: 6/15 5:51am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 6/14 The rescue
	Who's the female Jedi Padawan, I wonder? I hope Zane and Anakin are all right -----signature----- Ewan Mace:"Sometimes a Jedi's most important duty is to stand and wait. I presume you've mentioned that to Anakin on occasion?" Obi-Wan: "Not more than twice a day." Proud Padawan to EG Kenobi
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 6/20 5:29am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 6/14 The rescue
	Valairy_Scot: oh, boy...oh, boy. Pain and suffering... and now a new character into the fray. Yep. Loved to see Aeryn with Siri. Do we get to see Siri (with or without kids) with Obi? It will be a while yet. GeneralKenobi7: Who's the female Jedi Padawan, I wonder? She's from the JQ books. The mission that Zane was remembering in the beginning of the fic where Anakin had tried to humiliate Ferus was the mission where she had originally been killed. Because Zane prevented that from happening, she is alive and well. I hope Zane and Anakin are all right Well... -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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earlybird-obi-wan Registered: Aug '06	Date Posted: 6/20 6:16am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 6/14 The rescue
	a very intense update with Shmi, Zane and Anakin. are they alright? And great writing with tha scene with Siri. Love the update -----signature----- writer and Star Wars fan FANART [link=http://boards.theforce.net/fan_art/b10020/25793899]fanart[/link] stories in my bio
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 6/20 11:57am Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Sequel to Family Bonds. Updated 6/14 The rescue
	earlybird-obi-wan: a very intense update with Shmi, Zane and Anakin. are they alright? mmm And great writing with tha scene with Siri. Love the update Thank you -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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jacen200015 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 6/20 12:01pm Subject: RE: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Updated 6/20 Thanks for the nom(s)!
	Chapter 13 Darra pressed the gas pedal even harder, trying to get as much speed out of the speeder bike as she could. She could have taken her starfighter, but she was afraid that might escalate whatever trouble Anakin and Zane were in. She used the Force to provide a protective shield around her body so the flying sand wouldn’t bother her and go somewhere she didn’t want it. She stretched out with the Force to where she felt the disturbance and was almost thrown off the bike from the strength of the vibrations the disturbance was causing. A couple hours later she came to an abandoned Tusken encampment, although not completely abandoned as she sensed three people in a hut. Parking the speeder near the first hut she came to, she ran toward the hut she sensed was occupied. She slowed as she noticed two dead, badly burned, Tusken guards near the hut and picked up a small stick near her foot and threw it at the hut. The stick got within five centimeters of the wall before an invisible force pushed it away and caused it to rapidly burn up. Darra gaped in astonishment and slowly approached the entrance as close as she dared. “Anakin? Zane?” She called and used the Force to probe the barrier. The probe caused the barrier to shift and part before the entrance like a curtain. Without wasting time thing about it, Darra dove into the hut and saw Anakin, who seemed to be in a trance, cradling an unconscious woman and Zane lying flat on his stomach on the ground. She knelt down next to Zane and shook his shoulder. “Come on Zane, wake up.” When that didn’t work, Darra rolled Zane over onto his back and checked his pulse even though she sensed that he was breathing normally and his vitals were normal. Next she went to the badly beaten woman and checked her pulse and found it weak. She placed her hand on Anakin’s arm and gave it a gentle squeeze, not wanting to jerk Anakin out of his trance to abruptly. “Anakin, snap out of it.” When her efforts of waking the two Padawans failed she sat down on the sandy floor and absently chewed on her padawan braid in thought. A few seconds later she flung her braid aside, closed her eyes and examined the area from within the Force. She could see the Padawans and the woman’s signature in the Force, she saw the Force swirling around the different objects in the room and… Her eyes snapped open in realization. “You both are crazy!” She yelled at the Padawans and jumped to her feet. “You won’t do her any good by killing yourselves in this attempt!” She paced the only free area of the hut, again chewing on her braid. They are going to owe me big time. Releasing her braid, Darra stood between Zane and Anakin, closed her eyes and brought the Force to bear on the thin yellow connection she had discovered. She created a thin Force barrier and, like a knife, brought it down onto the link, severing it. The result sent her flying out of the hut that, thankfully, no longer had the barrier around it. She landed on the ground outside with a thump, but kept her head from impacting the ground. She grunted as she sat up, quickly assessing herself for any injuries. Satisfied that it was just a few scrapes and bruises, she ran back into the tent where Anakin was starting to come to. Striding forward, she smacked him upside the head. “That’s for me having to come to your rescue.” “Ow,” Anakin said and freed one hand to rub the back of his head. “What are you doing here, Darra?” “Do I really need to repeat myself? What in blazes were you two thinking?” Darra responded as she checked to see if Zane had awakened yet. Ignoring her for a moment, Anakin looked down at his mother and with a quick scan with the Force noted with relief that her vitals had improved somewhat, giving them enough time to get her proper treatment. “Honestly, I’m not quite sure what happened. Healing her with our life force was not what we had in mind.” As the fog in Anakin’s mind continued to clear he became aware that his whole body ached and for a moment he felt lightheaded. Darra shook her head. “Where’s the speeder you guys took?” “On top of the dune.” Anakin said and rubbed his forehead. “I’m going to get you guys some water and then I’ll get the speeder. Is your mother stable enough for travel?” Darra asked. “Yes.” Anakin answered. Without another word Darra left the hut and searched the camp for some water. She found a vaporator with some water in it and filled a small water pouch she kept folded in her utility belt with water and went back to the hut. She handed Anakin the water and then went back outside. Anakin took the water gratefully and allowed it to slowly trickle into his mouth. The water helped to clear his head a little bit more, but has he brought the water down, he gasped as his arms felt like it had been pulled hard by a Wookiee. “Force, how are we supposed to get safely out of this Tusken camp if I’m feeling this bad?” Anakin looked over at Zane who had not woken up yet and tried to wake Zane through their bond but was blocked. Anakin shrugged off his cloak, folded it, and then gently laid Shmi’s head on it. He pushed himself over to Zane, his legs refusing to obey him, and shook Zane’s shoulder. “Come on Zane, you need to get up.” Movement at the entrance caused Anakin to jump in surprise, but he relaxed when he saw that it was Darra. “Oh, it’s you.” His forehead wrinkled in confusion. “Um, how did you get past the Tuskens?” “You really are out of it aren’t you?” Darra asked and smiled, enjoying the rare moment that Anakin ever showed confusion. “Apparently the stunt you guys pulled that caused the disturbance in the Force roasted the two guards outside and sent the rest of the Tuskens fleeing deeper into the desert. “I’m sure this put the fear of, whatever deity they believe in, into them. Maybe their story will keep the Tuskens from attacking moisture farms, or anyone for that matter, for awhile.” Anakin struggled to stand up, leaning on the wall of the hut for support. “Sit down, you’re in no condition to be standing.” Darra ordered and used the Force to help her carefully lift Shmi. “I’ll be right back.” Anakin watched her leave and slid back down to the ground, he felt so tired. He clumsily called the Force to him to give him strength and on his knees, he grabbed under Zane’s armpits and pulled him toward the opening. He had managed to get Zane all the way out of the hut when Darra returned. Darra used the Force to lift Zane and carried him to the speeder and sat him in the front passenger seat, buckling him in. She looked back at Anakin who had managed to get on his feet again and was approaching the speeder. “Are you up to driving?” “I think so.” Anakin said walking around to the driver’s side. Darra frowned. “Are you sure? I don’t want you falling asleep at the wheel.” Anakin gave his trademark grin and buckled himself into the driver’s seat. “This will be easier than walking right now. Besides, you can always wake me up if I fall asleep.” “Just do us a favor and don’t fall asleep, okay?” Darra sighed and ran off to get the speeder bike. ~~~ Padme stood outside of the homestead, looking out into the distance for any sign of Anakin, Zane, and the girl padawan. It was already late afternoon, almost time for last meal. “I’m sure that they’ll be fine.” Kitster reassured her as he came up beside her. “I should have gone with her.” Padme said in almost a whisper. Kitster shrugged, “Maybe, but you are supposed to be hiding from assassins.” Padme’s reply was drowned as the distant sound of a speeder and speeder bike approached. “See, they’re back.” Kitster said with a grin and ran to go get Owen and the others. The speeder and speeder bike came to a stop near the garage and Padme ran up to them. Anakin, having regained some strength during the drive, leaped out of the speeder and carefully lifted his mother out of the backseat. “You found her, will she be all right?” Padme asked, saving her other questions for later. “She’s in pretty bad shape,” Anakin admitted. Owen and Beru ran up to the group as Anakin began moving toward the homestead. “How is she?” Owen asked. “We managed to stop the potential eternal bleeding, but she’s not out of danger yet.” Anakin responded. “We finished setting up the bacta tank. We were getting ready to have Cliegg use it for his leg but that can wait.” Beru stated. Anakin looked at Beru in concern. “Is Cliegg all right?” “He seems to be developing an infection in one of his wounds and had a fever this morning. Padme had her medical droid take a look at him and it gave him something to fight off the infection.” Beru explained. “The bacta will help his leg heal faster so he’ll be less prone to infections.” Anakin nodded. Perhaps I should reconsider and take a couple of those medical classes at the Temple when I get back. One class in basic first aid and other healing basics just doesn’t seem to cut it. ~~~ Meanwhile, back at the speeder, Kitster was helping the female padawan get Zane out of the speeder. “So what’s your name?” Kitster asked. “Darra.” She answered as she pulled Zane’s right arm across her shoulders and wrapped her arm around his waist. Kitster did the same on the opposite side. “My name’s Kitster,” He said as they made their way to the homestead. “So what happened out there?” “I’m still not sure myself except for the part I witnessed. Though I can tell you one thing, the Tuskens won’t be coming by any farms for a while. Anakin and Zane did something that frightened them so badly that they fled their encampment like a demon was after them.” Darra chuckled, “At least I imagine that’s how they ran.” They took Zane to Kitster’s room and Kitster helped her get Zane onto the bed. “How long has he been unconscious?” Kitster asked. Darra sat down on the bed beside Zane and laid her hand on his chest, feeling the reassuring thump of his heart. “A couple of hours.” She looked at Kitster, “Can you have the medical droid brought here after it finishes examining and treating Mrs. Skywalker?” Kitster nodded, “Sure. Can I get you anything?” “No thanks, I’m fine.” Darra said and turned her attention back to Zane. ~~~ Shmi was now in the bacta tank that Padme had so thoughtfully given to the Lars and almost everyone was in the small med room with her. Cliegg sat in his hover chair close to the tank, his face pale as his body continued to fight the infection that was plaguing him. Owen sat on a stool beside his father and Beru sat on Owen’s lap with an arm around his shoulders. Anakin and Padme stood next to them as they watched Shmi float in the healing bacta. Padme felt Anakin sway and wrapped an arm around his waist to steady him. “Are you alright?” She asked. “I’m just a little tired.” Anakin admitted. “Come on, you should go take a nap, or would you like a hot meal first?” Padme asked as they left the room. “Mm, a nap is more appealing right now.” Anakin said. Padme brought Anakin to the room that she had slept in and as soon as Anakin pulled off his boots and laid his head on the pillow he was fast asleep. Just a little tired, Anakin? Padme smiled and quietly closed the door behind her as she left the room. ~~~ The medical droid left the bedroom after stating that Zane was in a deep sleep due to extreme exhaustion and had given him an injection of nutrients before leaving. Darra sat back down at Zane’s bedside and ran her fingers over his cheek. “What happened out there, Zane? All Jedi know the risks of using one’s own life force to heal someone.” The door of the room slowly opened and Padme stepped in. “How is he?” “Exhausted, that’s what the med droid said.” Darra responded, looking at Padme as she took a stool from the corner of the room and put it by the bed to sit on. “How is Anakin and his mother doing?” “Shmi’s in the bacta tank. The med droid said that she has a good chance of recovery. Anakin is asleep right now.” Padme said. “What happened out there?” Darra shrugged, “I wonder the same thing. When I found them they were using their life force energy and the Force to heal Mrs. Skywalker, but according to Anakin it was an accident that this happened. Using one’s life force energy is extremely dangerous and is not recommended.” “Thank you for coming to help.” Darra smiled, washing away the seriousness on her face. “I’m always glad to help. I was on my way back from a mission when I sensed the disturbance on Tatooine. I only wish I could have helped sooner. Ryloth is not far beyond Tatooine and I could have made a quick stop here before continuing on to my mission.” Padme smiled kindly back at her. “Perhaps, but you didn’t know and Shmi is back and recovering. If one stopped to help every single person who needed help while on their way to help someone they started out to help, one wouldn’t get very far.” Darra nodded. “This is true, unfortunately. One of my class teachers is very fond of reminding us of that.” The bed shifted and Darra turned her head to look down at Zane. The bedroom door creaked open some more and Beru peered in. “I’m about to start preparing lastmeal. Would you both like to come help chop some vegetables?” “Sure.” Padme answered. “I’d love to help.” Darra added and, with a last glance at Zane, followed Padme and Beru to the kitchen. -----signature----- If I review then PM me when you update. thanks so much. Send me your completed 'the saga' stories! Check out my new story Descent Into Darkness Don't quote me the odds. I shall do as I must. Do or do not, there is no try.
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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 6/20 1:01pm Subject: Descent Into Darkness AOTC AU A/P, Z/?, O/S, Xan. Updated 6/20 Thanks for the nom(s)!
	Ah, now we really veer into unknown territory as to what's to come. Nice 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. 2007-2008 the quality years
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