Broken Vows (Post AOTC) - A/P's Marriage is Discovered: The Consequences (Preview for next story!)

I am pleased to present Broken Vows, the sequel to The Love of a Jedi, my story about how Anakin and Padme decide to get married, despite all the obstacles in their way. If you wish to refresh your memory, you can find that story here.

When we last left our beloved couple, they had just become husband and wife, but were soon split apart by their respective duties. Now, their marriage is about to be discovered by the powers that be. How will everyone react to this shocking discovery? And what will happen to Ani and Padme? If you want to know, read on to find out!

Disclaimer: The characters, places and locations used in this story are the sole property of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the authors who created them. They are being used only in a non-profit manner!

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Prologue - Bitter Winds
Part One

Over the battle-scarred system of Naboo, the first ships of the Republic relief convoy began to emerge from hyperspace.

Captain Arden of the Republic cruiser La?aertia grimly reviewed the latest reports of damage and casualties streaming in from Naboo Command. Until recently the separatists had concentrated their efforts on seizing and advancing down the major hyperspace routes, trying to cut off the Republic?s outlying systems from the Core. With few exceptions they had not attempted to seize or even attack the outlying settlements themselves. The attack on Naboo a week ago was a new and unwelcome change of events. Protecting the systems along the Outer Rim would tie up precious resources which could be better used elsewhere, to take the war to the enemy and break the frustrating stalemate that now existed. Now, he and his task force were instead detailed to secure the Chommell Sector, and prevent any further assaults from occurring here. Well, this is the home system of the Supreme Chancellor. Perhaps they were sending him a message...

The Naboo defense forces and the Republic reinforcements from Rodia had done their job well, judging from the claims of enemy losses. Still, they had suffered equally in turn. Most of the space facilities in the system had been destroyed; the colonies on Ohma-D?un had suffered tremendous damage, and the planet itself had come under assault. Fortunately, the damage to civilian areas was minimal, but it would be some time before commerce would return to normal. In his mind, Arden began to consider how best to deploy his starfighter squadrons and clone companies to defend the system, when the swish of the turbolift doors opening broke his thoughts.

Turning, he watched as their special passenger, Senator Amidala, strode onto the bridge, accompanied by her own security detail. Short in stature but towering in importance, she was clad in a stark black gown, perhaps befitting the troubled situation before them. Her hair was braided in an elegant weave, curving downwards. Momentarily, Arden was transfixed by the sight of her; Amidala?s beauty and elegance was legendary in the Senate, and many a Senator or two had made the mistake of underestimating her for it, not seeing past her beauty to the steel mind and will beneath it.

Getting up from his seat, Arden bowed before her and said, ?Senator, our forces have deployed and are now in place. We have secured the system.?

The Senator bowed in return, and said, ?Thank you, Captain. I wish to see the damage reports.?

?As you wish, Senator.? He got up and escorted the Senator, pointing out the various reports being shown on different terminals. She had requested to be on the bridge when they arrived at Naboo; not even her legendary calmness could vanquish the grim look she had. As she continued her circle about the bridge, he couldn?t help but feel annoyance; she had insisted on joining his convoy and coming back to Naboo to survey the damage herself, a maneuver which struck Arden as being more for public relations than for any substantive reason. Then he remembered his place; this was, after all, he

Poor Naboo! Poor Padme!

More please

Yes! The much anticipated sequel is here! Awesome start, I'm loving all of the free-flowing emotions already!


*SB*

Can't wait for the nest post.

Hello Scruffy! At last, you take pity on us, and deliver the story we have been craving. As always, your writing is fantastic. Anakin and Padme speak and act true to character. But I can't handle just one post a day! It's at once tantalizing and cruel . . .
*Camry pouts and camps in front of computer, hoping for more*

Camry

I just found this - I read the entire 1st story (prequel?) and then this. Great work so far!

Yayy a sequel. To bad I already know its not going to end happy ever after. I don't like happy ever after, but I dont like Ani going Vader either. I think by the time epIII is out, I'll need to replace my M&M's with Prozac to get thru it. .

hugs A/P. It'll be alright..

Considering what they go thru in some of my fics, that's a rather interesting statement.

Keep up the posts Scruffy. I really enjoyed this one. That was very well done!

Uppers!

It was great Fred!! I can't wait for more... And for the Ani/Padme reunion.... And are they telling the Council..... OOhh This is gunna be good!

~*Taryn*~

It's always nice to have fans!

PLJ - Don't worry, Naboo is still there! And as for Padme... well, she'll still be alive by the end of the story!

StarBlazer - Always good to see my most loyal fan! It's going to get emotionally wrenching; good guys versus good guys, a no-win situation...

anakin-player - Thanks, next post coming soon, not long now...

Camry - Happy to oblige! Please don't pout!

starwoid - Thanks for the thumbs up! What did you think of Love of a Jedi?

Zam - You may be surprised by the ending of Broken Vows. Just remember the old saying: be careful what you wish for...

PLJ - What are you still doing here? Get back to work on Destinies Entwined!

Anakin's Goddess - Oh yeah, the JC have a few issues with A&P!


I'm on campus now, so when I go back home I'll post the next part. Check back around 6PM PST. Until then, here's a teaser:


"Mom, Dad, I have something to tell you..."


Later!
Fred

Prologue ? Part Two


Padmé stepped out of the ground shuttle and took a deep breath. The moment was now here.

She walked unsteadily towards the entrance to her parent?s house. Mom, Dad, Anakin and I are? she shook her head. Do you remember Anakin? no, that wouldn?t do. Good news! She blanched. Whatever will be, will be; I?ll let it come out naturally. It did nothing to keep her heart from blazing away in her chest.

The contingent of Royal guards respectfully took their positions in front of and around the house. After an eternity, the door opened, and her mother Jobal greeted her. She was beaming.

?Padmé! You?re home at last!? She raced out and embraced her in a huge hug, then quickly dragged her inside. In the foyer, her father Ruwee stood next to her sister Sola. Both were smiling broadly. In the living room, she could see Ryoo and Pooja playing with a holographic puppet.

?Welcome home, dear!? her father said happily.

?We?ve all been worried about you,? Sola added with a smile. Jobal dragged Padmé to the dinner table, as her father and sister followed along.


?It was terrible; alarms going off all over town,? Ruwee said, stretching in his seat. ?The holonews broadcasts were off the air, as were the datalinks; all we could rely on was scattered messages on our personal comms. That, and old man Hitem running around next door screaming bloody murder.? Ruwee gave out a grim chuckle; Jobal lowered her gaze and looked away. ?That was the worst thing, not knowing what was going on.?

The more her father recounted the events of the recent attacks on Naboo, the more Padmé lost the will to tell them what she came to tell them. They?ll just worry about us; why burden them with that? Dispirited, she poked and prodded her meal, chewing with no great enthusiasm.

Sola noticed her demeanor and stepped in. ?Don?t worry, Sis. None of the attacks took place anywhere near here. And now that the Republic?s here, there won?t be any more attacks. Right??

?I hope so,? Padmé said softly. ?I can?t bear the thought of you all being in danger.?

Jobal?s composure finally broke down. There was a loud clang as her silverware dropped on her plate; she broke down and began to weep.

?Mom!? Padmé got up and went to her. Ruwee was holding her, trying to comfort her.

?Padmé, why do you put yourself in such danger!? she sobbed. ?What were you thinking, going to that Geonosis place? You could have died! How can you keep doing this to us?? She said those last words with a tinge of anger.

Padmé began to speak, trying to get out the words. But before she could say it, Sola had come to her side, putting an arm on her shoulder and giving her a warning look.

?Mom, it?s okay. Look, she?s here, safe. In fact, she?s never looked better!? Grinning, she gave Padmé a quick hug.

Padmé could not bear seeing her mother in pain anymore. ?Mom, please, don?t worry,? she said soothingly, placing her arm on her shoulder. ?Ever since then I have remained in the capital, always under guard. I came to Naboo with a Republic army. I won?t put myself in harm?s way again, I can promise you that.? Her mom flinched, then broke free of her husband?s embrace and hugged her tightly.

?Please remember your promise young lady, the next time you decide to run off to Tatooine or some other place like that,? her father said from behind Jobal, in a tone that was half-joking, half-warning.

I only went there because I was in love? It was time. Breaking free of her mother?s embrace, she spoke in her official voice. ?I will. Mom, Dad, Sis, there?s something very important I have to tell you all.?

They all noticed her change of tone; she had their complete attention. Padmé continued: ?After I tell you what I am about to tell you, you must promise me not to tell anyone else what you know.?

They nodded, although they were all confused. Is she going to tell us something about the war, Sola wondered. Is the Republic losing?[

Fantastic beginning, Scruffy. Well-written as always. Looking forward to the next post!

Hey it was great Fred!! We can wait as long as needed! This is great!!


I got glasses!!!!! The computer screwed up my eyes!!!

~*Taryn*~

A nice refreshing post with Padmé's family, characters that have been greatly overlooked, IMO. Now that Padmé has broken down about Anakin's safety, maybe now she understands how her parents feel...

Great post Scruffy, I'm with ya to the end!


*SB*

WOW! I'm Speechless right now,so I can only say WOW!

* Camry struggles to compose herself in the face of the tormenting news that Scruffy's real life will prevent him from posting this story as quickly as she would like. Camry changes color, grumbles, thinks about calling someone names, or hitting the computer. At last she manages to choke out through clenched teeth-*

Oh Fred, we understand that you have a real life. We are just grateful for the story you can give us at your pace. As always, it is great. I truly, deeply love it.

* Camry puts her head down on the keyboard and weeps openly for a long, long time.*

Don't worry, I understand all too well about Darth Real Life, making the funner things harder to get done.

Do it as you can do it.

Wonderful so far..

Scruffy,

I just got back into town and finally had a chance to read your prologue. Great story as expected. You know I've always liked your writing style. You did a wonderful job describing Padme?s loving family. And it appears that Anakin is well on his way to becoming a legendary warrior. Looks like this story will be every bit as good as ?The Love of a Jedi?. I?m looking forward to your next post. Don?t leave us hanging too long!

Up! Up! Up!

MBJ

Take your time Scruffy. It'll be better unrushed.

*Having cried herself out, Padme as Camry stayed with head bowed for a long time. When she finally did look up her eyes glistened with a firm resolution to do her duty, supporting Scruffy-looking in his real life. But in her heart she knew she would yearn for the touch of his story again. She didn't waver, but a last tear silently rolled down her cheek.*

Wow, Camry, that was beautiful; you should do some writing yourself!

Up

Darth Real Life sucks!

Doesn't he know that we all want to spend 24x7 screwing around writing stories and reading stories on TF.N? What do you mean we need to work for paychecks for little things like rent, bills, car payments, food....urrrghhh!!!!

Great Prologue BTW

Great story, Scruffy. Looking forward to more whenever you can post it.

Hello Fred/Scruffy....
I am a member of the AAEF mailing list. I have just now started to catch up on my mail, and I was lucky enough to find your wonderful work.

This story is beautiful....truly. Wonderfully written. I must say that some of the scenes took my breath away.

I am really looking forward to following this series to conclusion. Great work! And thank you!