The Fan Fiction Archive updates with four new stories this week. Here's a taster of the fourth story, "Degrees of Death" by Jaina Fel, which depicts Padme's struggle after Anakin has turned to the Dark Side.

Degrees of Death by Jaina Fel

Summary

In the aftermath of the Republic?s fall and Anakin?s turn to the Dark Side, Padm? flees to Alderaan with baby Leia. There, she contemplates her life, and comprehends that one does not necessarily have to stop breathing in order to die.

Excerpt

I am dead.

Not deceased in the literal sense, for my body still functions. But my soul and spirit are lifeless within me.

I am on Alderaan, now. This planet is so like my old home of Naboo it makes me ache inside. It is so peaceful, so full of beauty. It is not fair that loveliness should survive here while Naboo has been ravaged, all its beauty stripped away. Why? I want to cry to the universe. However, I do not cry out. I know why. Read more here.

You can check out the other stories posted this week at the links below:

• Stars in the Night Sky
• At the Homestead
• My Shadow in the Sun