Disclaimer:
I am in no way affiliated with Lucasfilm Limited. I have
incorporated bits of dialogue from each of the Star Wars
films in writing this story for the sole purpose of moving
my story forward and keeping in character. I am not
profiting from this story in any way.
Rating: PG
Summary: The timeline for this story covers the end
of the Clone Wars and through Return of the Jedi. What
could have been if Anakin hadn’t turned into Vader and
Padmé lived. Birth of the twins.
Cast: Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala Skywalker,
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke & Leia Skywalker and various
other characters from the Star Wars universe, in addition
to outside characters of my creation.
** Italics denote a person’s silent thoughts,
an emphasis or mind speaking. **
Prologue
Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought of
you…The closer I get to you…I can’t breathe… Anakin Skywalker
I truly…deeply…love you… Padmé Naberrie
Amidala Skywalker
Sunlight etched through the thick transparisteel of the
Senatorial suite casting a hazy glow throughout the room.
The dark paneled walls encircling the chamber cast a
foreboding presence its occupant never considered to
acknowledge. Pictures depicting scenes of natural beauty
hung throughout, pleasing to the eyes that beheld them.
Next to the enormous bed stood a nightstand, a single holo-image
graced its smooth surface and brought comfort to the
room’s occupant on numerous occasions. Unfortunately,
the image was only visible when a woman of incredible
beauty and intelligence happened to occupy the room –
her room – and her memories…
This is her story…
**********************************
The
Clone Wars are at last coming to a close. Anakin Skywalker
and Obi-Wan Kenobi have served the Republic prestigiously
and faithfully as the war raged on from one world to the
next.
Although their time apart was more of a span of time than
they would have chosen, Padmé and Anakin made the best of
their predicament. A love such as theirs knew no bounds…
Coruscant – for centuries it had remained the capital
city of the Republic. Now, four years into the Clone Wars,
it continued to be a steadfast security blanket for the
Republic and its citizens. The attacks on the capital city
had been few and damage remained minimal. Chancellor
Palpatine ruled over the Senate in dictatorship fashion
– a type of authority not always well received. As there
are two sides to every coin, so it was in the Senate when
the Chancellor’s leadership was questioned. Many of the
Senators were blindly enamored by him and just as many saw
through his veneer and attempted to challenge his
authority without success. One Senator in particular, a
powerful and well-respected member, questioned this
rulership and although she had voiced her opinions openly,
she did not share all of her doubts. She had to be
careful. Her beloved was in the maelstrom of the war and
she would act upon nothing that would endanger him.
We still live under the shroud, beloved. How I wish we
could dance into the Senate and the Jedi Council and prove
to them how wrong they are. Our marriage, the depth of our
love, can conquer the darkness… Her thoughts drifted
off as sadness gripped her heart. Soon, my love…Soon
you will be out of harm’s way and into my arms once
more…How I miss…Her head lightly fell to her chest
as she stifled the tears that desperately wished to be
shed. My agony will end at last…
Chapter I – Awakening Part I
Padmé sat in quiet contemplation in her Senatorial
bedchamber, knowing she wouldn’t be disturbed. As she
had done numerous occasions, she tried to piece the puzzle
of Chancellor Palpatine together. His enigmatic persona
etched itself into her mind. There was something there,
something she couldn’t quite put her finger on and it
haunted her almost relentlessly. Such a gnawing,
persistent quandary, she mused before a quiet knock
startled her from her ruminations. Dormé? Now what?
she thought, her expression revealing her slight
annoyance. Rising, she walked over to the door and flung
it open. She had informed her staff that she wasn’t to
be disturbed and found it quite irritating that her wishes
were so easily dismissed. Her demeanor changed instantly
as she gazed into the cerulean eyes before her.
A devilish grin played across the man’s face as he
greeted her. “Hello, Mrs. Skywalker.”
Padmé smiled at her husband’s playful grin. He had
arrived back on Coruscant just over a month ago –
permanently. According to the Jedi Council, and to the
couple’s sheer delight, Anakin’s service to the war
effort had concluded, to which they had summarily
celebrated accordingly in the darkened hours of night in
her quarters. Smiling devilishly, Padmé grabbed his tunic
and pulled him inside the chamber. Anakin barely had a
chance to Force close the door as his wife crushed her
lips to his and continued to pull him farther into the
chamber. It had only been a few weeks [13 days, Padmé had
been counting] since they had last been together, but
their sheer desire for one another was evident. In spite
of the passage of time, the honeymoon was far from over.
Anakin scooped his wife into his capable arms and laid her
on the bed, continually teasing her with his kisses.
Suddenly their eyes locked and held, their undeniable
passion for one another displayed within those eyes.
Slowly, Anakin bent down and brushed his lips with hers
and delighted in their softness. A chill raced through his
body as he connected with his beloved and the excitement
building within him made his heart palpitate. He had
dreamt day and night of kissing her when he had dwelled in
the cold confines of space. Now that the realization lay
before him, he wanted to taste those opulent lips
again…and again. Padmé groaned her contentment as her
fingers traced through his hair and then down his back.
The thought of having him in her arms again, to feel his
warmth, to feel complete serenity – a wave of emotion
overtook her and she lost herself in his embrace. Yes,
they knew how to please each other and were more than
happy to comply with such requests.
Padmé snuggled up against Anakin’s chest, exhausted
from their lovemaking, albeit happily exhausted, and
glanced up at her husband’s face. Equanimity and peace
filled his features as he slept. As Padmé snuggled even
closer, Anakin’s arms subconsciously wrapped more
protectively around her and she too, drifted off to sleep.
************************************
Dawn was nearing, evident through the soft streams of
light filtering through the as yet darkened chamber,
unable to wake the slumbering couple. However, like a
storm cloud, danger hovered.
Padmé awoke with a start and bolted upright in her bed,
her eyes blazing with fear and her heart pounding so
fiercely she thought it would be ripped from her chest.
Her eyes scanned the chamber nervously only to find
nothing out of place. Startled awake, Anakin sat up,
wondering what had caused his wife to be so
terror-stricken. He stretched out his senses using the
Force, finding only Padmé’s panic.
Anakin wrapped his strong arms around his wife and
whispered in her ear, “Ssshhh, everything is fine,
nothing to worry about.”
Padmé tried to relax but the dream was still so vivid in
her mind. Was it a dream, a nightmare? she
wondered. In spite of her husband’s warmth engulfing
her, Padmé pulled her bedcovers up to her chin, her lithe
body still trembling and her heart beating wildly.
Anakin grew worried; this was unlike Padmé and it made
his body tense as much as her own. “Beloved, what’s
wrong?” His tone implied his concern.
Padmé drew in a deep breath and closed her eyes –
concentrating on calming herself – before she answered.
“I-I had a…dream… A nightmare.”
The Jedi held her closer. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect
you,” he whispered into her ear, his hot breath making
her shudder.
Padmé turned around to face her husband. She could only
smile as she gazed at his adorable face, his eyes
twinkling with mischief. Slowly, her smile faded and she
looked downcast. “I’ve been thinking…” Her hand
absently caressed his shoulder.
Anakin interrupted her, “Uh, oh. What’d I do now?”
Padmé smiled slightly. “Nothing, my love. I’ve been
having uneasy feelings…about the Senate…one person in
particular.”
Anakin tilted his head to the side. “Who?” he
inquired, his handsome face expressed a child-like sense
of wonder.
Padmé knew he wouldn’t like her answer but she’d held
this in long enough, it was time to share her doubts with
her husband. “…Palpatine.”
“The Chancellor?” Anakin asked, surprised. “I
thought you felt highly of him.”
“I did…” Padmé stammered, “once.”
“What changed?”
“It’s more of a feeling I get. I don’t know how to
explain it.” Padmé’s eyebrows knit together in
confusion. “I’ve been watching him more and he seems
to speak in riddles… As far as everyone else is
concerned, he’s making perfect sense.” Her shoulders
slumped and a look of frustration marred her beautiful
face. “I wish I knew how to explain this to you.”
Anakin brushed away the strands of hair that partially
covered his wife’s face. “I’ve grown to trust the
Chancellor, but I would never doubt you. Are you sure
about this?”
Padmé sighed. “Master Yoda once told me that he
believed the Force resided within me. I never thought much
about it… However, even if I do, I think it’s a very
insignificant piece.”
Anakin gently took hold of Padmé’s face and gazed into
her eyes, “The Force does reside within you, my love. It
is how we’re able to feel one another’s presence. What
made you think of that?”
“I…” She paused a moment, unsure if she should
continue. “I thought, maybe, this was a vision. I’ve
had similar dreams of Palpatine before.”
“If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll see if I can
sense anything from him.”
Padmé’s eyes suddenly widened in shock, “NO! Stay
away from him! You above all!” She suddenly clutched his
arms fiercely.
Anakin was confused; perhaps Padmé had been working too
hard lately and needed a good rest. Maybe a vacation would
do her some good. “Why beloved? You are so upset? Why
don’t we run away for a few days? You could use the time
off.”
“My dreams or whatever they are show me how Palpatine is
torturing you, over and over and over…” Tears began to
stream down her face.
As she wept, Anakin again hugged his wife, unsure of what
to do or say. “I will be watchful if that will make you
feel better.”
Padmé wasn’t about to be placated. She pushed herself
out of his embrace and got out of bed. “Jedi Skywalker,
don’t speak to me as if I were a child!” She stormed
from the room and headed straight for the refresher.
“Uh, oh.” Anakin knew he found trouble any time Padmé
addressed him that way [which happened on a few
occasions]. Knowing his wife would be a while he dressed
meagerly, for the room was entirely too warm. He then took
the time to think about what she had said and decided to
delve into an impromptu meditation session. She had been
so frightened, so convinced, there had to be a reason for
it. When he had first began his Jedi training, meditation
had been impossible, but gradually, and with Obi-Wan’s
teachings, he had learned some degree of control and now
found it easier to slip into that semi-conscious state at
his choosing. He considered Padmé’s comment about
Palpatine torturing him. But why? We’ve always been
loyal supporters of the Chancellor – it made no sense.
Crossing
his legs into a comfortable position and his arms to lay
where they may, Anakin closed his eyes and breathed
deeply. In and out, he told himself, rhythm
breathing. Further and further he immersed himself,
into the deepest trance he had ever experienced,
stretching out his senses and allowing the Force to guide
him. He had to find a way to give Padmé peace and he
would move the heavens to do so.
Some time later, Padmé emerged from the refresher, no
longer feeling angry – only disappointed. She glanced at
her meditating Jedi husband and paused to enjoy the view
as his bare, muscular chest rose and fell with his steady
breathing. A sigh escaped her lips as she reminded herself
that she still needed to dress and prepare for yet another
Senate gathering in a few hours. After finding a suitable
dress – a yellow and gold combination with intricate
lacing and sequins and a high necked collar – and
attending to her hair [which simply proved unruly today]
she sauntered over to her desk and began pouring over all
the information she needed for the assembly.
More than an hour later, Padmé noticed Anakin still
meditating and found that quite odd. He had been in these
trances for extended periods before, but this one troubled
her and for a reason she couldn’t seem to grasp.
“Ani?”
He didn’t move.
“Ani!”
Still no response.
She walked over to the bed and warily sat down, studying
his face, which to her surprise erratically contorted –
though not to any great degree, just slightly. Carefully,
she crawled over and knelt in front of him. On the verge
of shaking him awake, his body began a series of spasms.
He shook violently, twisting and turning uncontrollably
then he began gasping for air. Padmé jumped back, unsure
what to do, especially since this had never happened
before. Should she try to shake him awake or would that
harm him more? His hands were grasping his throat, as if
he were being choked before her eyes. She reached out to
touch his arm and he reacted by bringing one hand up and
backhanding her across the face. The sheer force of the
blow twisted her body, making her lose her balance.
Consequently, she fell backward, toppling from the bed and
landing unceremoniously on the floor. Tears stung her
aching cheek, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t let
him die, but she didn’t know how to help him either.
Getting to her feet, she pounced on the bed and grabbed
his arms, not caring if he struck her again and shouted
his name.
“ANAKIN! ANAKIN, WAKE UP…ANI, PLEASE!” she begged,
her voice trembling.
***********************************************************************
Chapter
I – “I have news…” Part II
Anakin’s eyes flew wide open and his body slumped onto
the bed. Free of his trance, his breathing came in the
form of raspy gasps.
Padmé crawled over to his side and cradled his head in
her lap. “Oh, Ani…”
“I…I’ll be…okay,” he coughed, fighting for air.
“I…found something…something…that didn’t”
Anakin took a deep breath, “want to be found… It tried
to kill me.”
“What was it?”
“I-I don’t know…it was very dark…cold. I-I’ve
never felt its like before.” Anakin groggily sat up and
then noticed his wife’s blazing cheek, the bruise
already beginning to develop. “Beloved!” He coughed
again. “What happened?” he asked, touching her cheek
gently.
Padmé winced in pain at the light touch. “I tried to
wake you.” She hadn’t really felt any pain until now
– when she consciously thought of the wound.
Anakin stared at her incredulously. “I-I DID THIS…TO
YOU?” He quivered as he reached out to her then snapped
his hand back. “Oh, my angel, how could I – ?” His
voice trailed off. Anakin looked down at his hands, the
mechanical one in particular. True, it appeared to look
like any other hand of flesh and bone, thanks to
technology, except that wasn’t the case and the
probability of it being the culprit of her injury was very
plausible. “No, I can’t hurt you – never – my
shining light.” Anguish took control as he curled his
body into itself on the bed, sobbing and mumbling
incoherently.
The outpouring of torment from her husband besieged Padmé
and it nearly crushed her to see him so. “Anakin,” she
said softly, stroking the curls of smooth sandy blonde
hair through her fingers. She laid her upper body over
him, holding him as his sobs wracked his body. “Beloved.
Look at me.”
Slowly, he sat up but held his gaze downward.
Padmé’s face expressed her love as she gingerly lifted
his chin and made him look at her. She was the last person
in the universe he would ever dream of hurting.
“Anakin” she began, her tender words and expressive
eyes locked with her husbands, “I love you and I
understand. You didn’t realize you were striking me –
you were fighting for your life. Don’t punish yourself,
please my love.” Her delicate fingers reached up and
smoothed away the tears on his cheeks.
Anakin looked at her through his blurry, reddened eyes and
grabbed her, pulling her in close, “By my soul, I would NEVER
hurt you. I’m so sorry.” He took deep breaths,
attempting to quiet his frayed nerves.
Padmé held her Jedi; his love for her reached beyond
infinitude and she knew it all too well. “I know you
wouldn’t…I didn’t know how to help you.”
“My precious…” he mumbled into her hair as he held
her protectively. “I’ll heal you.” Reaching into the
Force, Anakin stroked her cheek lovingly. Within moments,
the redness and the dawning bruise were nothing more than
a memory.
“Ani, did…did you…go over…” She couldn’t
finish – the mere thought terrified her.
“To the dark side?” Anakin paused, still trying to
absorb what had happened to him in addition to further
allaying his own fear. “Yes. I was free for a time” He
paused to take a deep breath “then I was suddenly
choking. An unseen force felt like ice on my throat,
draining me.”
Padmé visibly shivered. “Please don’t do that
again.”
Anakin appeared quizzical. “I tried to find something
about Palpatine. What I found…I don’t know who or
what. To be sure, there is a danger! I should speak to the
Council.”
“Anakin,” Padmé’s tone implied the gravity with
which she spoke, “You must promise me that you will
never go to the dark side.”
Anakin looked at her curiously. “As I have you in my
life, there is no reason,” he stated resolutely.
Padmé stared into her husband’s eyes intently. “Even
if something should happen to me, you must always stay in
the light. Never make the mistake of Tatooine again.
Promise me not only as my husband but as a Jedi!”
Anakin bowed his head at the reminder of what he had done
when his mother had died at the hands of a band of Tusken
Raiders. Tatooine…Mom…he silently recalled. His
voice dripped with sadness as he spoke and he placed a
hand to his forehead. “I’ve learned more control since
then…you know that. Please don’t remind me of
that...time.”
Padmé leaned forward and caressed his cheek then kissed
him lovingly. “I must remind you. You feel so much,”
she lowered her voice and with her index finger, she
tilted his head up to meet her gaze, “and we are each
other’s anchors. I firmly believe we are at the
threshold of dangerous times and I want you to remember
you are a Jedi Knight. You must stay true to that path!”
“You make it sound like you’re going to die!” he
retorted hoarsely, his anguish at such a horrid thought
obvious.
“No, my love. I know you’ll protect me with your last
breath.” Padmé hesitated a moment, considering her
words – the proper phrasing. “I just want you to know
that we have something else very precious to take care
of…together…or alone.”
Anakin looked perplexed and didn’t know what to think.
Padmé smiled, realizing her news would send him into
another sea of emotions. “I’m…with child.”
Anakin stared at his wife – not comprehending what she
had said then unexpectedly grabbed her arms and thrust her
away from him and looked down at her belly. “What? A
child? When? How long have you known?” He found himself
wanting to caress that sacred area where their child grew,
but wary at the same time as he cautiously moved his hand
near then jerked it away.
Padmé found herself chuckling, “The doctors believe I
am only about a month along. I actually just found out for
sure. Apparently, your homecoming proved to be more
enlightening than we thought.” A sly grin graced her
face before Padmé began to laugh again. “So, you see my
husband, you have more reasons than me to hold on to the
light,” she commented with a smirk.
Anakin abruptly froze – a child. His child. Padmé’s
child. THEIR child. As the realization actually struck the
Jedi, his face expressed a multitude of emotions. His body
shook with trepidation as he reached out again to grasp
Padmé’s arms. He appeared to be in shock as his eyes
were bulging and then he suddenly blurted out, “A
FATHER! BLESS THE FORCE, I’M GOING TO BE A FATHER!”
Without thought, Anakin began to shake Padmé as he held
her arms.
“Anakin. ANAKIN STOP!”
“What?” Anakin looked bewildered.
“Beloved, let go.” Padmé glanced down at her reddened
arms.
“Oh Force, I’m so sorry, angel!” He released her
arms only to throw his arms around her in a fierce hug.
“D-did that hurt – my hug?” he asked sorrowfully as
he withdrew away from her.
Padmé giggled. She knew the news of the baby would have
an effect on him, but she hadn’t expected it to be quite
so – daunting. “I’m fine love.” She smiled then
added playfully, “Dizzy, but fine.”
Anakin’s watery eyes danced from Padmé’s eyes to her
belly and back up again. “Mrs. Skywalker, I love you!”
He leaned forward and gently brushed his lips across hers
as Padmé smiled in delight. Stroking his wife’s back,
Anakin ever so gently laid her back onto the bed and let
their passions erupt once more.
************************************************************************
Chapter
I – Goodbyes Part III
Ecstatic hardly described Anakin Skywalker and he could
barely contain himself as he walked the long corridor to
the Jedi Council chamber.
He
was going to be a father! A child of his own! His child
will never see a life of slavery, but one of freedom and he relished such a wondrous thought.
His
excitement was soaring at lightspeed, unwilling to stop.
Padmé had wisely advised her husband to take the long way
to the Council Chamber in order to compose himself. He
simply couldn’t believe his dreams were coming to
fruition! He had a gorgeous, intelligent and spirited
wife, and now he would have a child to complete the cycle.
Anakin suddenly paused as his mind drifted to his mother.
He smiled to himself recalling all the good times they had
shared. They may have been slaves but Shmi had dedicated
herself to making sure her son found happiness and
contentment. Yes, I found that peace with you, Mom,
even though the resentment of our captivity was still
present. You were my light, my life…and then I met Padmé
and the light intensified. Anakin smiled. Mom, you
would be so proud. Thrilled that I’ve found such
happiness. You would’ve loved to see your grandchild…
At
times, Anakin still saw her in his dreams or through his
meditation and she always smiled warmly at him. As if on
cue, he suddenly halted in his steps. A short distance
before him loomed the twin doors of the Jedi Council.
Anakin Skywalker took a deep breath and shielded his
personal thoughts and then completed the last remaining
strides that separated him from the chamber. As he reached
them he paused momentarily; his hands resting on the soft
wood before he swung open the doors and strode in.
Confidently, Anakin walked into the center of the Jedi
Council and waited. He found himself staring out into the
Coruscant skyline, admiring the hundreds of ships of
various sizes and shapes as they flew by while the members
shifted in their seats and chose to address him. Even
after all this time there was still apprehensiveness to
any visit he had before the Council.
Master Windu broke the eerie silence. “What is this
grave news you have for us Anakin and where is Master
Obi-Wan? He should be with you,” he questioned.
“I am no longer a Padawan, Master,” Anakin answered,
careful not to sound aggravated.
Mace grinned. “Ah, yes. You have recently completed your
trials. My apologies, Jedi Knight Skywalker.”
The suppressed smile on Anakin’s face belied the true
smile he felt inwardly at being addressed in the proper
context. “However,” Anakin cleared his throat, “I
did wish to explain this to him, but he was not in his
quarters. Since I believe my news to be dire, I dared not
wait to find him.”
Master Yoda nodded his acquiescence, “Tell us, news you
have.”
Anakin cleared his throat a second time – even through
the passage of time he couldn’t find a comfortable niche
when he had to speak to the entire Council. He always felt
like he was on display for them to criticize. It was no
secret that they didn’t fully trust him, but in the last
few years, he had changed dramatically. He wanted to
believe that they were slowly coming around. I wish
Obi-Wan were here, he wistfully thought.
Anakin took a deep breath. He had memorized exactly what
he was going to tell the Council –and what he wasn’t.
“I began my morning meditation and decided to let myself
explore the Force. I was greeted with serenity as it
surrounded me – I could feel myself merging with it.”
His eyes took on a glassy appearance at the recollection,
but he quickly gained his self-control. “The more I let
myself relax and release my inhibitions the deeper I went
– deeper than I have ever gone before. Soon after that,
without warning, something took hold of my throat, pulling
the air from my lungs. I fought against it and was finally
able to break free, but it was quite a struggle.”
Master Windu rubbed his chin as he always did when he was
contemplating something. “Do you know who or what did
this?”
“The dark side you felt, young Skywalker,” Master Yoda
chimed in.
“Yes, I believe it was. I felt something in the Force. I
can’t describe it other than it was cold, like ice,”
Anakin looked at his feet, “and I sought it out hoping
to understand it only to have it almost kill me!”
“An emergence of another Sith?” Mace Windu glanced
over at Yoda.
Yoda shook his head, resigned, “Never at one time are
there two Sith Lords. Knew of a remaining Sith we did,
from the Naboo war. Perhaps…”
Ki-Adi-Mundi looked on in indifference to the suffering
Anakin had endured, a look in which Anakin noticed but
paid no heed. A few years prior such a dismissive look
would have infuriated the young Jedi but time and a degree
of temperance had disciplined him.
Mace looked up at Anakin, “Thank you, Jedi Skywalker. We
will look into this matter.”
Anakin bowed respectfully and eagerly left the chamber.
However, the relief he felt would wash over him after he
shared his finding with the Council never came to bear.
************************************
Anakin hurriedly walked through the Jedi Temple, nodding
in cordial greeting to fellow Jedi whom passed by him,
their own agendas plaguing their thoughts even as his own
plagued him. His mind reeled from one revelation to the
other and he found himself subconsciously quickening his
pace to reach his former Master’s chamber.
Simultaneously, they arrived at the door. “In a
hurry?” Obi-Wan Kenobi asked.
The young Jedi Knight smirked and followed the Master
inside his apartment. “I just came back from addressing
the Council,” he announced.
Obi-Wan stopped mid-stride and gave him a quizzical look.
“Oh? What about?”
Anakin had an almost puzzled expression on his face as his
hand trailed through his sandy locks. “Something that
happened to me today while I was meditating… I was being
choked by someone or thing…from the dark side. I can’t
tell you if it was a living being…or something entirely
different.”
“You went to the dark side?” Obi-Wan stared at his
former Padawan, a look of shock registered on his face.
“Why?”
“Padmé has been…uneasy lately. I was trying to
alleviate her fears.”
“I realize Padmé is slightly Force sensitive but,”
Obi-Wan frowned as he walked over to the nearby table,
“why would you take such an enormous risk?” he asked,
picking up the datapad and glancing over his agenda for
the day.
Anakin walked over to the couch and sat down, a look of
consternation on his face. “It wasn’t so much what she
said but what she felt. She had a nightmare and it
absolutely terrified her.” He leaned into the semi-soft
cushion, tilted his head back and let his fingers course
through his hair, massaging his head at the same time.
“And she’s not one easily frightened.”
Anakin concurred. “No. We both know that there’s not
much that frightens Padmé Amidala.”
“Did you tell that to the Council?” Obi-Wan knew the
answer before he even finished the question.
“Of course not. You are the only one who knows about
Padmé and myself.”
“Information that is detrimental to my health and
well-being I’m sure,” Obi-Wan commented as he rolled
his eyes in mock sarcasm.
Anakin suddenly grinned so brightly it made Obi-Wan groan.
He knew that mischievous grin and was afraid to ask what
it meant.
“And…what are you bursting to tell me?” Obi-Wan
crossed his arms, the exasperation in his voice rang
through clearly.
His excitement erupting forth, Anakin ignored the Jedi
Master’s barbs and jumped from the couch and hugged his
former Master. “I’m going to be a father! Can you
believe it? Me! A parent!” His bright smile only added
to the already luminous room.
“Anakin, I’d like to breathe now.”
The excited Jedi released his former mentor. “Oh,
sorry,” he said, slightly embarrassed and still grinning
from ear to ear.
“Oh, Force help the child you produce!” Obi-Wan smiled
then shook Anakin’s hand as he patted him on the back.
“Congratulations!” Having gone through so much turmoil
with his former Padawan over the years, Obi-Wan knew just
how important this news was to Anakin. Although, he
couldn’t help wondering how it would impact the Jedi
Order and its future.
“You get to be an uncle!”
“A monkey’s uncle you mean, since it’s your
offspring!”
Obi-Wan had become more than a mentor – he had become
the Jedi’s friend as Anakin laughed at his former
Master’s comment then his face changed, his tone more
serious.
“Oh Force, now what?” Obi-Wan asked teasingly. There
were times Anakin’s mood changes still caught him
unprepared.
“Padmé is worried about the Chancellor. She doesn’t
seem to trust him anymore.”
Obi-Wan glanced at his former Padawan, “And this
disturbs you? I’ve told you several times not to trust
politicians.”
“My wife is a Senator, remember?”
Obi-Wan grinned roguishly, “Yes, I remember. There are
exceptions to every rule.”
“I’ll remember that when you give me my next
lecture!” Anakin countered.
The Master Jedi groaned, a groan Anakin had heard
countless times throughout the years. “What does she
fear?” he prodded.
At this question, Anakin looked perplexed, unsure how to
answer. “She can’t seem to explain it… She says
it’s more of a feeling. That’s why I ventured where I
did in my meditation, to see what I could find.”
Obi-Wan crossed his arms again and raised an eyebrow at
his former apprentice. “And instead of answers you were
almost killed. Good work.”
Anakin ignored the comment. “Padmé helped pull me out
of it. I heard her calling and finally I broke free.”
A look of contemplation graced Obi-Wan’s face as he
walked over to the couch and sat down. He then motioned to
Anakin to do the same. “I’ve been watching Palpatine
for some time now…”
Anakin interrupted, “You haven’t mentioned this
before.”
The Jedi Master sighed, “The Council doesn’t know
either.”
Anakin’s eyes lit up, he was actually listening to his
Master admit that he had done something without the
Council’s knowledge. “Why?” The newly appointed Jedi
Knight leaned back on the couch, relaxing in its comfort.
“I sensed what Padmé did. An unease. Something
just…not quite…right.” Obi-Wan rubbed his bearded
chin nonchalantly. “I don’t know if the Council has
realized it as well.”
“I trust Padmé, it’s not like her to act this way…
I think I should keep watch of him as well…” Anakin
rubbed his neck, considering his next move.
A soft chime sounded in the main area of Obi-Wan’s
apartment signaled someone was at his door and broke the
two Jedi from their thoughts. Anakin politely stood up to
greet the new visitor while Obi-Wan went to see who was
waiting for him. The door slid open revealing a very
distressed Nubian Senator who quickly rushed inside.
“Anakin!” Padmé rushed over to her husband and
embraced him.
“What’s wrong?” Anakin pulled her just far enough
away from him to study her face – she appeared
horror-struck.
“The Chancellor has declared himself Emperor! He
affirmed in the Senate session that the Clone War was now
over and his guidance was crucial. He refused to lay down
the emergency powers he had been granted and then troops
of clones began marching into the Senate!”
Anakin looked over at his former Master, “You don’t
think…”
Obi-Wan stroked his beard again, “He’s being
controlled by a Sith? I remember what Dooku said on
Geonosis, about the Senate being controlled by a Sith. I
didn’t believe him then…”
“Wasn’t Dooku killed during the clone war?” Padmé
asked.
“It’s not clear, rumors have a way of migrating to
unclear paths.”
“The question is, is Palpatine a puppet for a
Sith…?” Anakin mused, his face alight with concern.
Obi-Wan finished the sentence, “Or the Sith himself?”
“Either way, Padmé could easily be a target now!
She’s one of the leading Senators who could rally others
against Palpatine’s rule. I must get her to safety!”
Padmé stood with her hands on her hips and stated
defiantly, “Anakin Skywalker! Please don’t talk as if
I were not here! How can I leave now? The Senate will need
me in this crisis!”
Anakin cupped his wife’s beautiful face in his hands.
“Beloved, you carry that which is most precious to us!
You must consider the safety of yourself and our child!
Palpatine will find a way to destroy you if you defy him
and he knows you will!”
Obi-Wan stepped forward. “He’s right Padmé. We must
get you to safety.” He then turned to Anakin and stated,
“I’ll inform the Council and meet you at your
apartment. Quickly gather together only what is necessary,
leave the rest. We must be careful.”
The Jedi nodded and wrapped one arm protectively around
his wife. “We will wait for you, Obi-Wan.”
“Anakin – ” Padmé began to protest but her husband
quickly stopped her.
Anakin gently squeezed the hands of his wife, his heart
was racing and he was trying to remain composed. He looked
into her eyes and beyond to touch her soul – to make her
truly hear his words. “Beloved, what good can be done if
you are being tortured in some detention cell? You know
Palpatine would do whatever is necessary to get you to
side with him and where would that leave the rest of the
Senate? All would cower to him if he defeated you and then
where would the galaxy be? And where would I be? I could
never let that happen to you and the only way I could be
stopped is if I were dead.”
Padmé visibly shook as the words hit her directly. Her
eyes welled up with tears that she would not allow to be
shed. She straightened her back and stood proudly,
realizing her decision must be not only for her unborn
child and her husband, but the greater good of the worlds
that would soon bear witness to the new system of
government that was arising.
“Our time will come and we will emerge from the ashes
– strong and confident,” she said with heartfelt
conviction.
Hugging his wife, Anakin whispered into her ear, “Come,
my Queen, we have a future to live for.”
**********************************************************************
Chapter I – Goodbyes Part III cont.
Obi-Wan stood before the Jedi Council’s twin doors for a
moment. Everything was changing rapidly and he had the
sinking feeling that it wouldn’t be for the better. His
hand went to the door but he suddenly stopped. Behind him
was the familiar sound of a lightsaber igniting and
without the slightest hesitation, Obi-Wan ignited his own
and spun to face the challenger.
“DOOKU!” Obi-Wan gasped. “Where? Why?”
The Count smiled maliciously. “The Emperor wishes for
the Jedi Council to make an audience with him. But I
believe we have unfinished business to attend to first.”
Count Dooku, or as his Master referred to him, Darth
Tyrannus, gave his opponent a saber salute and assumed a
defensive stance.
Obi-Wan circled the Count, never taking his eyes off of
him. “What does Palpatine want with the Council?”
“To put them to trial, of course.” Dooku snidely
answered.
“Trial?” Obi-Wan was shocked. “Why?”
“The Emperor has learned of the Jedi Council’s
traitorous plans to destroy him and the Republic. Now they
will suffer the consequences of that action.”
“What plans?” the Jedi probed, “No such plans ever
existed!”
The two had continued to stalk one another, like animals
ready to devour their prey, when the Count suddenly
lunged, momentarily knocking Obi-Wan off balance. He was
quick to recover and block the next strike. Again, the
dancing circle took on a life of its own then Dooku lashed
out again.
“The Emperor indicated otherwise and it is what the
majority of the Senate believes!” he snarled.
“The Senate? How could the Senate believe such a lie?”
A malicious grin formed on Count Dooku’s lips as he spat
out, “The Emperor has ‘proof’ and the Senate is far
more cooperative than you might imagine.”
“Impossible!” Obi-Wan shouted as his lightsaber kept
pace with the Count’s. Each combatant slashed and
parried in every direction – the colors of the weapons
whirling through the air, chasing one another in deadly
woven arcs. Obi-Wan utilized the Force to keep himself in
the ferocious mêlée, tapping into the mystical power in
order to gain an advantage on his adversary and that this
battle would not be a repeat of Geonosis.
A quick change of direction of the Count’s lightsaber,
in addition to another powerful lunge, sent Obi-Wan
stumbling back a few steps. “The Emperor will maintain
control of the Senate and when Skywalker turns, the Sith
will control the universe!” Dooku laughed.
Quickly recovering his footing, Obi-Wan was shocked by the
Count’s declaration. “Anakin? What does he have to do
with it?” he demanded.
Dooku sneered with confidence, “Surely you realize that
he IS the Chosen One? My Master will make him his
servant!”
The Jedi’s face changed from one expression to another
in rapid succession as he threw his questions at the
Count. “Who is your Master? Anakin will never turn to
the dark side! You underestimate him, traitor!”
“You’ll find out soon enough whom I call Master but if
Skywalker will not welcome the power of the dark side then
he will die beside you!”
The flash of blades erupted in renewed intensity in the
corridor outside the Jedi Council chamber as Obi-Wan
deflected one parry after another. After a series of
blocks, Obi-Wan took the offensive and forced Dooku to
retreat. A quick flick of Dooku’s wrist and a reversed
slice put Obi-Wan back on the defensive again. The Count
was good – very good – and the Jedi was beginning to
tire against the powerful dark-Force assaults. Suddenly,
the twin doors to the Council chamber flew open and
Masters Yoda and Windu stepped forward.
Count Dooku took advantage of Obi-Wan’s distraction of
seeing the two Jedi Masters and, using dark Force
lightning, slammed Obi-Wan into a wall as he once did his
apprentice on Geonosis – rendering him unconscious.
Darth Tyrannus knew time was of the essence and didn’t
want to waste it battling the two Jedi Masters. Instead he
removed a small device from his cloak and pushed a green
button.
“I present the verdict from your trial. May the Force be
with you, Masters!” He saluted and was gone before
anyone could react.
Using the Force, Yoda and Mace Force-leapt over to
Obi-Wan. No sooner had they knelt at his side than an
explosion rocked the once imposing Jedi Council chamber,
turning it into a mass of blood and rubble. Shards of rock
and debris flew in every direction and the Jedi shielded
themselves against the onslaught. The polished marble
floor beneath their feet cracked and vibrated from the
blast but held – much to the Jedi’s relief. Dust
littered the corridor causing Mace and Yoda to cough in a
vain attempt to clear their lungs. An intense sadness
overcame them as they looked over at the gaping hole that
had once been the grand chamber of the Jedi Council –
every Jedi within the room perished before they even knew
what had happened.
Mace and Yoda sensed no one remained alive and bowed their
heads in respect. “May the Force be with them…” Yoda
stated profoundly distraught.
Obi-Wan stirred, fighting the tingling sensation that
still coursed through his body. Is this how Anakin felt
when Dooku used the lightning on him? And yet, he still
managed to attack the Count with such ferocity?
Incredible! he thought. He groaned as Mace helped him
sit up then cried out in agony when he saw what remained
of the Council chamber. “NOOOOOO!! Dooku, oh no! How
could he – he was once one of us…” The sorrow
encompassing the Jedi nearly overcame him until he
suddenly remembered what the Count had said to him.
“Dooku is going for Anakin, to turn him to the dark
side. He must be stopped!”
“He seeks the Chosen Ones power, use it to corrupt, he
will.” Yoda shook his head.
Mace regarded Obi-Wan determinedly, “Will he succumb?”
Obi-Wan knew that the Masters were still hesitant of
Anakin in spite of the fact that he had been slowly
proving his commitment to them over the course of the
Clone War. Time and again he had proven his strength and
determination. Yet, in the same token, he also realized
that his former Padawan could still be very dangerous if
he were placed in the wrong position.
“The only way would be if –”
Yoda finished the sentence for him, “Senator Amidala.”
“She-she carries his child.” Obi-Wan felt dejected to
reveal such information but didn’t see the choice. “If
anything happened to her or the child –”
Neither Mace nor Yoda seemed to find the news surprising.
“It would send him into anger and hate.” Mace stated.
“The dark side, he would go, embrace him it would.”
Yoda agreed.
“Masters? You don’t appear surprised. You know of
Anakin’s involvement with the Senator?”
Mace and Yoda exchanged knowing glances. “We suspected,
apparently correctly, despite the lack of tangible
proof.” Mace sighed heavily. “But other dire matters
call to us now and we must act upon them.”
“Danger surrounds us all. Leave we must. Warn the
remaining Jedi.”
Mace Windu nodded his agreement and he helped Obi-Wan to
his feet. He spoke gravely and looked like he felt
defeated. “Obi-Wan, you must get to Skywalker, let him
know what has transpired and that he is a pawn in this
hive. We will contact all the Jedi we can and send them
into hiding. If Dooku is blatant enough to do this
himself, he can’t have hesitated on other systems.”
“Where will I rendezvous with you?”
Yoda looked up at Mace then turned to Obi-Wan. “One
planet I know, safe it is. Dagobah.”
“We will meet you there, Masters.” Obi-Wan
Force-called his lightsaber back into his hand, shut it
down then placed it back on his belt. “May the Force be
with you,” he said with all sincerity and, gathering his
strength, ran down the corridor.
**********************************************************************
