Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Here's chapter 2! Thanks for all the reviews. Enjoy and let me know what you think.
Age check on the kids:
Luke and Leia: 11
Mara: 10
Kimberly: 9
Jayden, Jenna, and Natalie: 7
Shattered Peace: A Forever Destined Vignette
Part 2/?
Padme hummed pleasurably, as she lay in her husband's arms. They were cuddled on the sofa in the playroom, just watching their children play. It had truly been a perfect day. They had done nothing, but relax and spend time with their precious babies. Jayden played with his toy ships, while Jenna and Kimberly played with their dolls. Their two oldest were engaged in one of the latest, popular holovids. And they enjoyed just being in each other's arms.
"This was such a good idea. I'm so glad I let you talk me into it," Padme said. He smiled.
"Me too. We both needed a day off. It's been too long since we just stayed home and spent the whole day with the kids," Anakin replied.
"Yeah. They seem pretty happy about it too," she replied. He smiled.
"Well, I'd say mommy's pretty happy about it too," he said. She shared his smile.
"I'm very happy," she replied, as she captured his lips in a passionate kiss.
"Excuse me, Master Ani," Threepio interrupted. Anakin groaned in annoyance.
"Threepio, you have really rotten timing," he said.
"I'm terribly sorry to bother you and Miss Padme, but there's someone at the door," he announced.
"Who is it?" Padme asked.
"I believe it is someone named Prince Xizor," Threepio answered. Padme sighed.
"Checking up on me, no doubt," she said.
"You stay here, angel. I'll deal with Prince Slimy and tell him exactly where he can go," Anakin said, as he stood up. None of them had bothered to change out of their pajamas. Padme still wore just her husband's shirt and he still wore just his sleep pants. He slipped his black muscle shirt on and closed the playroom door behind him, as he headed toward the door. He opened it, finding Xizor standing there.
"I asked to see the Senator; not you, Skywalker," Xizor said.
"My wife isn't feeling well and not up to any company. The sight of you would only make her more sick," Anakin retorted.
"Very funny, but I think we both know that Padme isn't really ill," he replied smugly.
"Excuse me, but I don't think I need you telling me anything about my wife. She's not feeling well and I'm taking care of her today, not that it's any of your business," Anakin snapped.
"But it is the Chancellor's business and she doesn't believe her little illness claim," Xizor replied. Anakin looked at him incredulously.
"Well, I don't care. I'm not dragging my wife out of bed, especially not for you," Anakin said shortly.
"Mon will not be happy about this," Xizor warned.
"My heart bleeds. Now get off our floor, because if I have to remove you myself, then it will be in pieces," Anakin snapped, as he slammed the door in his face.
"Creep," Anakin mumbled, as he returned to the playroom. Anakin plopped down on the sofa.
"So what did he want?" she asked. He shook his head, as he looked at her.
"Was he really here checking up on me?" she asked in disbelief. He nodded.
"Yep, I told him you were in bed and I was taking care of you. And that if he didn't get off our floor that he was going to be leaving in pieces," Anakin explained. Padme giggled.
"And you were really hoping that he would give you the chance to make good on that threat?" she asked.
"I really was. I really wanted to rip him to shreds, but..." he replied, with a pause.
"It's not the Jedi way," she finished.
"No, it's not. But it's the Skywalker way," he replied, with a sly smirk. She giggled again.
"I have to admit, though I never advocate violence, I would love to see you beat up that slimy green prick," she replied, as she cuddled against him.
"Mommy, what's a prick?" Jayden asked innocently. Anakin and Padme burst out laughing. The children looked at them strangely.
"It's an adult word, sweetheart and you shouldn't use it. I'm sorry, baby," Padme said, as she lifted him into her lap. Padme kissed his cheek and Jayden hugged her, before scampering down.
"Mommy, I'm hungry," Jenna said.
"Wow, I guess it is almost dinner time," she replied.
"I'll order in for us tonight," he suggested.
"Okay, I'm going to go grab a shower," she replied. He raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Need some help?" he asked.
"Very much so," she replied, as they stood.
"Mommy and Daddy will be back in a little while and dinner will be here soon. Keep an on them, Threepio," Padme said, as she and Anakin headed upstairs for a shower.
As they approached the front entrance to the prison, two Jedi guards blocked their way, wielding Force pikes. The Jedi that were sent to Bandomeer had never completed their training, but did possess remedial Force training. Unfortunately, they would be no match for what was to come.
"Stop! We must see your security clearance," one of the young men ordered. Xanatos smirked.
"Of course," he said, as he ignited his crimson saber. The two young guards barely had time to cry out, before they were cut down in cold blood.
"Do it," Kendra ordered, as Boba planted a thermal detonator on the door. They stood back, as it exploded and the door crumbled. The guards were disoriented by the blast, as Xanatos and Kendra burst through with blazing red blades. Jango and Boba opened fire, killing all in their path. Kendra found the control panel and unlocked all the cells. Xachius had gone ahead and found his family. As Xalazar's cell unlocked, he and Xachius shared a brotherly hug. Along with Anya and Devan, they joined the Fetts, Kendra, and Xanatos. On the way, Xachius had explained everything to his cousin.
"Mistress Kendra, you may tell your Master that the De'reux family is at his service...and his disposal," Xalazar announced.
"That's good to hear, Mr. De'reux. Now, do you think you can convince your former inmates?" Kendra asked. Xalazar chuckled.
"I assure you that I can," he replied, as prisoners began filing out of the prison.
"My friends, may I have your attention?" Xalazar called.
"You gonna help us get off this rock?" one man called.
"Hey, I know you. They said you're the leader of the most dangerous crime family in the galaxy," another called.
"And the most lucrative. But you are right. My name is Xalazar De'reux and we all owe our freedom to the Sith Master known as Darth Tyrannus," Xalazar announced.
"Let me guess, he wants us to work for him," one called.
"Oh it is completely voluntary. But working for me through him will make you all very rich. The Sith want to strike back at the Jedi, but in order to be successful, he needs our help," Xalazar said.
"The Jedi ain't no pushovers. We're not interested in a suicide mission," another called.
"There is no room for cowards in this operation. We are attacking and destroying Agri-Corps tonight. Those who can't handle it may leave, but those who are thirsty for revenge against those who imprisoned you, may join our attack. My Master's revenge against the Jedi will be gradual, but it will begin with a bold strike. He promises those who pledge their loyalty to him will receive substantial compensation, a steady line of work, and a place to live. You can accept or try fending for yourself. If you're with us, then you will follow," Kendra announced, as she and her accomplices started down the mountain. Everyone followed...
The alarm blared to life in short, staccato blasts. It startled and disturbed all, as it awoke them from their sleep in the middle of the night. Many scrambled from their beds to see what was happening. Two men and two women, the four head leaders at Agri-Corps, rushed to the front gate.
"What's going on?" One of the women questioned their two night watchmen.
"We're under attack," one replied.
"That's absurd," one of the male leaders said, as they opened the view window. It was then that they saw the army of people approaching , as the flood lights beamed down on them. Dead security personnel littered the ground around the invaders.
"Sweet Force," he uttered.
"The prison!" the woman called in alarm, as she spotted the burning structure up in the mountain above.
"Get word to the Temple immediately!" he ordered. But as he said that, the gate exploded and they cried out, as flames consumed them. The army of villains rushed into the Agri-Corps barracks and began their killing spree. Xanatos smirked evilly, as the Fett's set fire to everything in their path.
"And so the reckoning begins..." he chuckled evilly.
The Coruscant cityscape was beautiful at night when it was all lit up and their apartment veranda was a favorite place for the Skywalker family to spend their evenings. Padme had decorated it lavishly with royal blue and white decorum and upholstery. Floor lights lined the railing, all the way around to the apartment entrance, which was lined by two grand, white pillars. The most envious structure was the fountain in the center, which at night was lit with purples, pinks, and blues. The plush, royal blue sofas and chairs, as well as the pristine white marble dining table and chairs completed the area. Padme had to admit that she was quite proud of their beautiful home and often thanked the Force for their good fortune. Dinner was done and they now munched on dessert. Four of their children were playing by the fountain, while Jenna sat in her father's lap, eagerly accepting bites of his dessert.
"That's good, isn't it?" he asked, as he fed her another bite.
"Uh huh," she nodded. Jenna looked up and saw her brothers and sisters running to the speeder that landed on their personal lading pad.
"Great Grandpa!" she called, as she hopped down and went to join her siblings. Right away, Anakin could sense something was wrong, just by the look on his Grandfather's face. The grief melted slightly, as his great grandchildren gathered around him. He could have never guessed that he and Elana would be so blessed with a large family when had adopted Qui-Gon so many years ago.
"Hello young ones," he said, with a soft smile.
"Papa, are you sad?" Jenna asked.
"Something bad has happened, hasn't it papa?" Jayden asked knowingly.
"I'm afraid so my little ones," he said, as Anakin and Padme approached.
"What is it, Grandfather? What's happened?" he asked. Yan sighed.
"There is no easy way to tell you this, but Agri-Corps has been...completely destroyed," he said. Anakin and Padme's mouths dropped open in disbelief.
"What...how is that even possible?" Anakin questioned.
"What happened?" Padme asked.
"There was a massive prison break out. Xanatos, the Fetts, a man we've identified as Xachius De'reux, and an unidentified female armed with a light saber stormed the prison, killing all personnel. Then somehow, with the help of Xalazar De'reux, they rallied the freed prisoners to their cause. Xanatos led a revolt against Agri-Corps. They were armed with light sabers, blasters, flame throwers, and explosive devices. The death toll is already catastrophic. Many survived, but while some have only minor injuries, others are critically wounded. The crops and harvest were completely destroyed as well. We are launching a massive relief effort right away. Med transports are already en route, as well as several transports full of Clones and supplies. We're leaving in thirty minutes. Your grandmother and you mother are coming, as are Jobal and Sola. If you want to leave the children behind, they'll have to stay at the Temple, unless you choose to stay behind, Padme," Yan said. She shook her head.
"There's no way I can stay behind when so many are suffering. We'll bring the kids with us and shelter them from the worst images. But I think it's important for them to learn the values of helping those in need. Helping those refugees when I was a young girl changed my life for the better," Padme said.
"We want to help," Leia said. Luke nodded.
"Yeah, we're not staying behind," Luke added. Yan nodded.
"Padme's right. This is something we all need to do," Anakin said.
"Good. Pack quickly and be at the landing pad as soon as possible," Yan said, as he got back into his speeder.
"All right, let's get packed quickly," Anakin called.
"I'll contact Bail on the way and make arrangements to attend the next session by hologram," Padme said, as they started up the stairs to get packed.
"Sifo-Dyas is behind this and he's gone too far this time," Anakin said. He was determined to make those who had done this pay...
"Master," Xanatos bowed. Sifo-Dyas' hologram.
"What do you have to report?" he questioned.
"Only good things, My Master. The former prisoners have joined our cause and Agri-Corps has been completely destroyed. Med transports have arrived and we are hiding in an underground bunker. They believe we have fled and I expect the Jedi and their Clones to arrive anytime," Xanatos reported.
"They think they are coming to help with the relief effort, but they are really walking into a war. Commander Calmek is on his way with android soldiers, as well as a few additional bio androids to aide you. Kill all that you can," Sifo ordered.
"Yes My Master," Xanatos said with a bow, as the transmission blinked out.
Anakin sighed, as he jumped their large family cruiser into hyperspace.
"Keep an eye on things, Artoo," he said, as he picked up a large silver case and ventured back into the common area, where his whole family and extended family was gathered. He set the case down and opened it, revealing several sleek, silver medium-sized blasters.
"What are those?" Sola asked.
"For protection. One of these is powerful enough to destroy their android minions and powerful enough to at least slow down a bio-android," Anakin said.
"But I thought those awful people had gone after their rampage," Jobal said.
"We can't take any chances. I have a feeling there will be more than just relief work waiting for us," Anakin said.
"We have felt an uneasiness in the Force that leads us to believe the same thing," Qui-Gon added.
"The dark side is blanketing Bandomeer. That's why we have dispatched so many Jedi, as well as Clones. We will provide defense if necessary, so everyone else may help as many as possible," Yan said. Anakin picked up one of the blasters and handed it to his wife.
"I want you to carry this, angel. Don't go anywhere without it," he said, as their eyes met.
"You think he could be there?" she asked. He nodded.
"It's a very strong possibility. I'm having second thoughts about you coming," he replied.
"Would you rather I be alone at home? Or by your side?" she questioned. He gave her a half smile.
"I suppose you and the kids are safest with me," he replied.
"That's right. Divide and conquer. That's what they're hoping to do to us, because they know we're stronger together. I feel safe knowing you'll be there to protect me," Padme replied.
"She's right. I feel better about having her nearby," Riley said, as he put his arm around her. Anakin smiled and handed Riley one the Sentry blasters.
"Wow...this is one hellava weapon," Riley said, as he examined it.
"Sure you can handle this, sweetness?" he asked. She looked at him indignantly.
"Of course I can. I am your daughter, after all," Padme replied.
"So, this thing will really mow them mechanical bastards down?" Riley asked.
"Language around the kids, Daddy," Padme scolded, knowing very well that their young ones would repeat what they heard.
"Sorry sweetness," he apologized.
"Yes, it should destroy the android minions and at least slow the bio ones down," Anakin replied, as he handed a blaster to both Tyler and Neela, then his mother, grandmother, Jobal, and Sola.
"Hopefully, we don't have to draw our weapons and hopefully we can help and save as many people as possible," Anakin said. Padme wrapped her arms around his waist and he held her close, tucking her head beneath his chin. Sola looked at her weapon uncertainly. She hated weapons, but she would do anything for her babies. She was certainly glad she had chosen to leave Pooja and Will in the hands of the Temple caretakers. It would be no place for them. It was really no place for children at all, but Ryoo and the Skywalker children were all Force sensitive. Even the youngest ones were learning to wield light sabers.
"Are you all right, darling?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Yes. I just don't have much experience with using a weapon," Sola replied.
"Perhaps a little target practice is in order," Obi-Wan suggested, looking to his little brother, who nodded.
"I've set up special absorbent targets in the training room. You should all try out the weapon for practice," Anakin said. They agreed and began filing down the corridor toward the training gym. The ship continued its journey through hyperspace. Their comfortable peace had been shattered once again by evil and now, they would all fight to restore peace to the galaxy and destroy the evil that threatened the balance of the galaxy...