Beloved Monster (Story previously begun on Tears of An Angel)

Thanks for the support folks... and yes, Darth RL has struck. Working tonight, but will try to get something up tomorrow after I get a couple hours of rest.

 

Belle, that's fantastic. And regardless of what has been said on another board about what we will see or not see in EP II, I still think the scene was great. Very well thought-through and very logical and believable. Not to mention well written, too.
(Sorry about not telling you earlier. )

-Red

 

Thanks again for the support. Just getting my act together, writing-wise and came up with this tear-jerker scene. Not my usual style, but I'm a bit melancholy at the moment.

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Amidala becomes deeply involved in helping the refugees, to her health's detriment. Meanwhile, Anakin has returned to fly with his old squadron and proves his courage and cunning repeatedly. The threat of the Emperor becomes a memory for all but the Jedi, who continue to fall beneath the Mandalorian onslaught...

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Sabé watched her former monarch and current best friend work herself to exhaustion, knowing and empathizing with the reasons behind it. At times side by side, but frequently independently, the two ministered to those who had lost as much as the Naboo. Rarely did Anakin contact Amidala and only through survivors' tales and Obi-Wan's communiqués with Sabé did any information leak through.

"He's made himself quite a hero and an asset in bringing defeat to the Mandalorians closer," Obi-Wan told the former handmaiden in one of his short messages. "I can only hope this war ends soon, for I fear the Republic may never recover."

The Jedi Knight paused, a rueful smile flitting across his holograph's face. Then, he spoke more quietly.

"I miss you, Sabé... More than I can say. Perhaps after this is over... " He stopped, as if aware he could make no promises. "Tell Queen Amidala I will continue to keep an eye on Anakin and that we will return to Alderaan as soon as we can."

The message ended abruptly, leaving Sabé staring at the space where the tiny image had flickered. She didn't know what to tell Amidala. The Queen's sadness worried her, as did her tightly wound state. Esmé had attempted to stop Amidala from spending so much time in the refugee camps, insisting she needed her rest as the pregnancy progressed. Amidala had grown heavy with the child, yet she continued to work twelve hours and more each day.

A recent outbreak of Dafier influenza concerned Esmé even more, driving her to seek out Sabé to see if she had any more influence in getting Amidala to slow down. Sabé told Esmé she would do what she could. She went to Amidala, voicing this newest threat, only to be greeted with a wave of Amidala's hand.

"Begin searching for a vaccine. I'll stay away from the worst of it, but I refuse to stop helping these people."

"Your Majesty--"

"Stop calling me that, Sabé. You and I both know it's an empty title." A haunted look passed over Amidala's face. "Indeed, I'm not even certain I can call myself Anakin's wife any longer."

"What?" For a moment, Sabé thought Amidala would relax her barriers and speak of her deepest personal fears. The moment passed and the shutters closed even tighter.

"Never mind. Tell Esmé to stop worrying so much." She straightened and turned away. "Now, I must go. I promised to see a woman in the Anoat camp this afternoon."

Sabé watched her leave, tempted to follow her. As if sensing her friend's intentions, Amidala turned and shook her head. Reluctantly, Sabé let her go, for Obi-Wan's message chose that moment to arrive.

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Amidala fled to the refugee camp, praying Sabé wouldn't go against her wishes and come after her. She couldn't bear her friend's concern another moment. The child inside her kicked in protest, as though sensing her distress. Why hadn't Anakin at least written a short message? It almost seemed as though he had forgotten her and the life they had created together with such love.

Tears streamed down her face unheeded as she rushed through the cool winter afternoon. Once she reached her destination, she stopped to compose herself. These poor people didn't need to see her misery for they had enough of their own. She pasted a wan smile on her face and stepped through the door.

The sight that greeted her wiped the attempt from her lips. Family members lay side by side, their bodies covered with terribly discolored splotches. Amidala bit back a cry, beginning to back from the cramped ro

 

Just got awakened by my hubby (who has a sneaking suspicion just how late I stayed up last night) and wanted to give a shameless up to this thread before going off to excercise (and wake up a bit more).

 

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::falls off perch on edge of seat:: OOF! You see what happens? You give us a cliffhanger like that I end up landing on my bum! Doesn't she know she's having twins? Hmm...

 

I really love this last post, Belle. The best characterization of Amidala so far, IMO! And what you write about Ani, the way he changed: he is still a hero, people around him cannot see that there are problems with him,- only Amidala knows. For the others he is just a bit too cold, not so friendly, with some contempt toward the folks around him- but they forgive him that: he is a hero, it is acceptable for them till he saves the Universe... but his soul is in danger...

 

Aack!! You leave us hanging there?? Hurry and get us off this cliff, or I will turn to the Dark Side and smite you! Just kidding, I think. But hurry!! The suspense is positively sithly!

 

Okay, get out the hankies! The suspense is over... sort of... Hehehe...

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An enraged Anakin turns his fury on the Mandalorians and the tide of the war swings in the Republic's favor...Tragedy strikes the Skywalker family yet again and Anakin rushes back to Amidala, once again too late... Palpatine, though not happy with the drift of events, makes the best of the situation...

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He heard Amidala's cry as he flew against yet another Mandalorian battle group. *Don't get distracted!* No one could afford for him to lose focus at this point. The clones out manned and nearly outgunned them two to one in this engagement. He rolled his ship and followed his wingman to the left to cover the medical ship against a pair of fighters who had broken off from the main battle.

"Gold One, this is Gold Leader... Don't let them through, Isaad," Ani warned, then let loose with a burst of laser bolts at the junques fleeing before them.

"I copy, Gold Leader," his second responded, breaking off to pursue one of the pair who sped toward the unprotected med ship's flank. She clipped the fighter's starboard engine, then continued to pound the wounded ship until it blew into a thousand pieces.

Anakin smiled grimly at his wingman's success, then proceeded to ensure the other junque joined its mate's fiery destination. The others in his squadron reported similar victories.

"Good work, Gold Squadron. Regroup and follow me. We're taking out that Mandalorian base on Urbax that provides them sanctuary and supplies."

"But, sir! Our orders are to escort the medical frigate to Ord Mandell," Isaad protested.

"I know, Gold One, but unless we get rid of their resources, nothing will keep that frigate or the Republic safe. Now... Follow me or leave me, but I'm going down there and put an end to it...here and now."

He didn't wait for them as his hatred and anger at the Mandalorians grew apace with his worry for Amidala. As he descended on the otherwise agricultural backwater planet, he sent a spear of thought to her.

*I'll come to you soon, love. I promise. I just have to take care of this first.*

*Ani...* She seemed so weak, so much in pain. Had something gone wrong?

He clamped down on his concern, putting all his concentration on discovering the hidden clone base. Using his Force abilities, he stretched his senses out... looking for that odd Force signature he'd first felt on Mandalore from the ranks of soldiers outside the General's palace.

There... in that stretch of woods. Something... out of place. That had to be what he sought.

"Did you find it, boss?" Isaad's voice broke into his thoughts.

"Glad you could make it, Gold One."

"We wouldn't miss it for the world, Gold Leader," she responded and he noted on his screen the tiny green dots of his entire squadron. A rueful smile tugged at his mouth.

"Following me into perdition, eh?"

"Wherever you go, we go, Ani. You know that," she told him. "Now where are we going?"

"Down there at five o'clock. The base lies beneath the trees' canopy."

"What about the locals?"

"We can't afford to hold back because of them. Bomb the place...turn it into rubble. Any survivors, we'll question them later to find out what they know."

"Copy, Gold Leader," Isaad replied in a neutral voice.

Anakin detected the discomfort his pilots felt on attacking the base with the possibility of taking out innocents as well. He almost told them the end justified the means, but he thought better of it. Bitterly, he realized they would most likely tell Obi-Wan about this whole thing and such words would only damn him further in Kenobi's eyes.

"Let's go, Gold Squadron. Angle your vector to five point two and try to hit that off colored sector of woods. That's where the base is. We'll go down afterwards and search for any further information."

Without waiting for their acknowledgments, he dove toward his goal, guns blazing. The woody cover crumbled beneath his attack, revealing grounded junques and buildings obviously quick

 

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*sniff* That was awful! Poor Ami...And she is so right: if only Ani could be healed too. He's in more danger than she is.
At least I know Luke and Leia are coming -- but that doesn't mean it's going to be happy!

 

::sob:: That was so sad! Belle, you outdo yourself.

 

I'm crying too...

 

O, Lady of Darkness Belle...

You so bad! This is the reason I normaly only read AUs. The 'real' stuff is just to depressing. I don't know but, now I'm reading the canon stuff.

Yub yub,
~Jennifer

 

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Sorry, Darth Real Life has taken his toll again. Major issues and working last night and tonight. Just a teaser to give everyone an idea where I'm going. Palpy's letting his nasty side start to show to everyone except Anakin (boy, can you say blind?). Amidala recuperates under Ani's TLC, but he and Obi-Wan become even more estranged when OW tries to point out the baaaad things Palpy's doing to the galaxy. Then Yoda and Mace give a total nix to Ani taking his trials and it just gets worse... Aaaargh! I hate Darth RL... I want to put up more, but I've got to get some sleep now or I'll be comatose tonight. Patience, my loyal readers. I promise I'll work on this Thursday (I have a seminar to go to tomorrow after working all night so I'll be comatose when I get home tomorrow evening).

 

Back from the living dead! Next in the ongoing saga of Anakin's transformation to Vader. Warning for the second part... a pretty hot scene between Ani and Am.

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Palpatine declares the Imperial Senate will only accept human-dominated worlds' participation in the Empire's government. He relegates current non-human members to status of observers only, thereby canceling any method of truly addressing any grievances. Meanwhile, Anakin remains with Amidala during her convalescence. Obi-Wan goes to Yoda and Mace Windu and together the three make plans to salvage what they can of the Jedi order....

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A stunned silence hung over the Senate chambers at the Emperor's last declaration. The non-human members remained quiet, uncertain how to respond as they looked around at the large number of Stormtroopers standing at the room's exits, all under the direction of the red-cloaked and helmeted Imperial Guards that appeared beside each detachment.

"I appreciate your cooperation in this. Indeed, I have appointed an Imperial Governor, a Grand Moff, to preside over each sector of the galaxy. Those systems with human inhabitants will have direct access to the Grand Moff for their area. Non-humans will ally with a human government, who will act as representative for them." He paused, then threw the next bomb at them "Additionally, the Empire requires a larger Army since the war to ensure order. All member systems are to provide current lists of young men between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five for conscription. Current Navy and Army personnel will be utilized to train them. The Mandalorian threat has ended, but the Empire must never be at the mercy of such ruthlessness again." *Unless it's mine and mine alone.* Palpatine leaned forward, a chilly smile on his lips as he searched the huge room with his Force senses.

Good... He had them terrified. All he had to do now was wait for one of the non-human fools to object or do something imprudent so he could make an example of how unwise crossing the Emperor could prove. He sensed the indignation of some of the humans, which amused him to no end. Just like the Jedi, they believed all creatures created equal. Hah! Like those disgusting Gungans on his own home world of Naboo. Trying to make themselves out as more than they were, they constantly got in the way and provided nothing in the larger scheme of things.

He nodded to the Captain of his guard, then rose. "This session is closed. You may all return to your homes to make arrangements for the new Governors' visits to each of the systems in their jurisdiction within the month. Decide among yourselves who will represent the non-human worlds and give the names to those I have chosen when they arrive."

Without another glance back, he swept from the chamber in a swirl of black robes, his scarlet garbed guard surrounding him as he returned to his quarters. Behind him, he could feel the explosion of fear and anger. It fed him, sustained him and he barely repressed a laugh of satisfaction. How he loved being Emperor! Not one of the Sith in the past had dared be so bold or had gotten so far. All that remained to do was finish the Jedi... And for that, he needed young Skywalker.

Best that he make a visit to Alderaan and look in on the convalescing Queen, expressing his appropriate sorrow at the couple's loss and extending any aide he might provide. Once she recovered enough, he must be certain to allow Skywalker time to get her with child again. Palpatine made a disgusted moue at the thought of those two mating like a couple of wild cats. Once Skywalker turned, Palpatine fully intended to show him other ways of pleasure. Women just did nothing for him, though perhaps he might take a concubine or two just to see if he could get one with child himself. After all, he always needed an extra hand to play... just in case.

With the arrangements for his trip finalized, Palpatine boarded his Imperial shuttle and settled back for the journey to Alderaan. His mind never rested as he con

 

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Gee Yoda, thanks for all the optimism...

Wonderful post. I really like the way you address the important issues we assume we'll be in the next two episodes. Didn't mind the A/A scene one bit... after all, if anyone should be getting that way, it's the two of them.

 

Wonderful Belle! I'm glad DRL left you alone long enough to write it.

Oh yes, Yoda is quite the optimist, eh?

 

How depressing it must be for Yoda to know that there's pretty much no hope. Kind of like us. But at least we know the very end, which Yoda apparently doesn't. But Ani has to get more evil before he becomes good again.

I wonder if it will be possible to end Episode III with even the slightest ray of hope. Like how the Skywalker twins are the hope for the future, or something, anything! I just couldn't stand a completely depressing ending.

(Thanks for the warning; I was able to skip the steamy parts.

 

Well, I was careful not to read the A/A scene in front of my boss
I've decided I don't really want to be a jedi knight- poor Ani has no private life at all- he almost hasn't been with his wife yet, and the whole jedi temple is speaking about it and the future of their children...
Great post Belle!

 

Sorry about the length of time between posts, folks. RL still is a major black hole here. Then, when I felt like posting something, the board was down yesterday. Now, I'm brain dead after working last night and twenty minutes on the treadmill this morning. Will try to get up the energy to be creative this afternoon, if I don't go comatose. Hang in there, things are coming to a head here very soon.

 

Sure a lot happening here. Very intense scenes and heartwretching too.
There had better be a little ray of hope at the end of Ep III.

Hope you're creative this afternoon Belle. Good work.

 

Sorry, remained comatose most of yesterday. Here's a bit for the end of the last scene that I didn't get posted earlier. Then more in the next chapter.

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"My condolences, Queen Amidala," Palpatine told her with a slight bow to her. "I was most distressed to hear of your recent loss on top of our other troubles."

"Thank you, Senator. These have been most troubling times indeed." Amidala refused to call him Chancellor, let alone Emperor.

He kept his face neutral at his old title, remanding himself to patience. It wouldn't be long before she outlived her usefulness. Only a little while longer would he need to put up with her insubordinate attitude. If he could just speed her recovery and spur Skywalker to do his duty then it would be a matter of a year or so before he could make certain she met with an 'accident.'

"Rest assured, my dear. Any time you or your husband require assistance, you may feel free to call upon me." He extended his hand. She seemed reluctant to place hers within his grasp, but at last she laid her fingers in his palm. Quickly, he assessed her condition and sent along certain subliminal messages to her body with the quick touch. *Heal and become fertile.* With a reassuring squeeze, he released her, then gave her a warm smile.

"Don't fret, my dear. You're young. I'm certain given time you'll be able to have other children. Though I have none of my own, I empathize with your grief. Enjoy your husband's presence and concentrate on getting well," he told her in a solicitous tone. "Now, I fear I must return to Coruscant. As you know, much remains to be done to rebuild after the ravages of the war."

Amidala dipped her head in acknowledgment, studying him intently until he couldn't help wondering if she picked up on his intervention. Hmmm... He tightened his shields and took his leave. This would bear watching. He regretted not seeing Anakin, for he wished to see how his apprentice-to-be had fared recently. Though he could sense the young man's presence, he didn't wish to probe deeply for fear he would reveal too much, too soon.

No matter. If the Sith could wait two thousand years for this, he could afford to wait awhile longer himself.

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Appropriately Sithly, don't you think? ;>