Chapter
II – Deliverance Part I
Never before had Coruscant been such a city of chaos. News
of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine pronouncing himself
Emperor spread through the city planet at lightspeed. The
holonet news broadcasts were filled with unrest and
skepticism as shown by the random citizens that were
interviewed. A small margin of the populace saw the new
Emperor as their salvation yet others were fearful of what
was to come. More than one face turned ashen during their
interview at the sight of hundreds of stormtroopers as
they began to patrol the streets. Looters that had taken
it upon themselves to take advantage of the city in
turmoil quickly barged into various shops, scavenging for
whatever they could get their hands on only to flee as the
white uniformed troops closed in on them. Blaster fire
erupted throughout the capital streets serving a dual
purpose – the consequence of the actions taken by
unscrupulous scoundrels and an undeniable warning to
everyone else. Those whose characters were less than
savory, found an open opportunity to increase their
already illicit cash flow and anticipated a fortuitous
future ahead.
Coruscant would never be the same…
One hour became two and then three and there was still no
sign of Masters Yoda or Windu. Obi-Wan Kenobi was growing
agitated at the situation, but Anakin was on the verge of
exploding even as he managed to contain himself. His main
concern was for his wife and her safety and that of their
child and Obi-Wan knew he wouldn’t hold out much longer.
“Where are they?” Anakin demanded, his frustration
clearly exposed in his voice and expression.
Thus far, the only message they had received was from
Master Yoda and he had told them to hide in the cargo hold
of the transport, Meleè, and that they would meet them
there as soon as possible. Obi-Wan and Anakin weren’t
able to secure a ship on their own as the chaos was far
too rampant now. All they could do was wait.
“I wish I knew.” Obi-Wan muttered, not wanting to
think that something had happened.
Anakin suddenly drew in a deep breath, as if he had been
gasping for air. “Master Windu,” he stated just above
a whisper.
Obi-Wan then felt it too, the life Force of Master Windu
dwindling to the point of nonexistence.
“What happened?” Padmé prodded.
Obi-Wan turned his head and looked sadly at Senator
Amidala, “Master Windu is one with the Force,
Senator.”
“Oh, Obi-Wan, no!” Padmé exclaimed, surprise etched
in her beautiful brown eyes and she covered her mouth with
her hand just as Anakin wrapped his arms around her.
“Why? No! Why?” The tears that couldn’t be staunched
flowed down her cheeks – a combination of aggravation
and sadness.
The sound of someone tapping something on the cargo hold
permeated through the hull and the three fell instantly
silent. At this point, it could be anyone looking for them
but then a wash of relief came over Obi-Wan’s face as he
sensed Master Yoda’s presence. He opened the hatch and
the Jedi Master strode in, looking extremely downtrodden.
“Know of Master Windu, do you not?”
“Yes, Master,” Obi-Wan cast his gaze downward.
“How?”
Yoda took a deep breath, Mace had been a close friend to
him. “The Master of the Sith. Many Jedi did he contact
before he met his demise.”
“Did you see…?” Anakin couldn’t finish. He and
Mace had never been more than polite to each other but he
was still saddened at the Master’s loss.
“No, young Skywalker, I felt his pain, suffering.
Powerful, this Sith is!”
“Do you know what is happening in the Senate?” Obi-Wan
asked the diminutive Jedi.
Yoda shook his head, the sadness in his eyes told them
volumes. “Arrested are those who oppose the Emperor.
Before our eyes, collapsing the Republic is.”
Everything is happening so fast, Padmé thought, I-I
have to hold myself together. I can do this! But even
as she tried to convince herself, Padmé’s eyes filled
with tears. Tears that she was determined not to shed.
There was enough pandemonium raging around her, she
didn’t need to fall apart as well. “Noooo.” She
moaned.
“Evaded Dooku, did you?”
Anakin bowed his head, “Yes Master, but our paths will
cross again.”
Yoda nodded, “All too soon, young Jedi, all too soon.”
************************************
The transport they hid themselves in fired up its engines
and before long was out into space. Yoda was thankful he
had met up with Senator Organa and was able to secure safe
passage to Dagobah from him. They needed time to regroup
and devise a plan of action against this new threat but
what kind of plan was up to the Force…
Bail Organa had witnessed firsthand what had become of the
Senators who boldly opposed the new Emperor. “Emperor,
indeed!” he scoffed. Somehow, and he wasn’t quite sure
how, he was able to escape not only the Senate floor but
the building as well, unnoticed. When he had run into
Yoda, the Jedi Master mentioned something of the ‘will
of the Force’ or some such philosophy. Bail had been
intent on one thing – leaving Coruscant and getting to
Alderaan as soon as possible. He was a clever diplomat and
right now he wanted to make sure he would be around not
only to help his own planet, but those of other systems.
He had to make the Emperor believe he supported him while
undermining him at the same time. Then there was the fact
that the Jedi Master had explained the situation of
Senator Amidala, a woman he had always been proud to call
a friend and ally. If she needed his help then, so be it,
he would make himself available. In this critical time,
she and I will become the most powerful allies this
so-called Emperor has ever seen. Systems will rally to us
and we shall emerge into a new order of the Republic!
************************************
“Why don’t we go to Alderaan with Bail?” Padmé
prompted then bowed her head, knowing the answer. “No,
that would place him in a precarious predicament. They
would look for us there.”
Yoda nodded in affirmation, “Agree with you I do,
Senator. Endanger him, we would.”
“Is everyone regrouping on Dagobah, Master?” Obi-Wan
ventured to ask.
Yoda suddenly looked grievously sad, “A few hundred, all
there will be. Count Dooku…”
“They will be avenged, Master, I promise you!” Anakin
spat the words out like they were venom.
Yoda irritably taped his cane on the floor, “NO! Revenge
is not the Jedi way. Still you let the anger control
you!”
Anakin swallowed hard, being admonished by the Master Jedi
was not a good way to begin this arduous journey and he
knew it. Anakin looked to Padmé for reassurance and found
her loving smile that told him she understood and his
anger subsided. “I apologize, Master. You are right, of
course.”
“Perhaps when we arrive on Dagobah, meditation would be
in order. This is a time to think clearly, not quickly.”
Obi-Wan stated. He grieved the loss of so many Jedi and
was having his own difficulties maintaining his placid
manner.
Yoda nodded in agreement. “Sleep now, rest we must.”
An eerie silence fell over the small group as they
realized their journey had just begun. The shroud of
darkness was quite visible indeed.
************************************
“No trace you say?” Irritation seeped out of the voice
hidden beneath obsidian robes.
“Yes, my Master.” Darth Tyrannus answered, unafraid to
speak the truth. “Skywalker has vanished in addition to
Masters Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi and Senator Amidala cannot
be accounted for.
“All in due time, my apprentice.” A sly smile formed
on the thin lips beneath the hood. “All in due time.”
************************************
Once the Meleè was well out into hyperspace, Bail Organa
set the autopilot controls and went to see to his
passengers. The stuffy cargo hold would be uncomfortable
to say the least and it had never been designed to carry
humans within its space. He activated the mechanism that
would open the hatch then pressed the button that would
send light streaming into the hold. Four pairs of eyes
gleamed up at him, thankful that they would soon be free
of such a cramped area.
“Ahhh, I’m glad to be out of there. Where are we?”
Anakin groaned and stretched his cramped muscles, Padmé
giving him an appreciative glance as he did so.
“We’ve been in hyperspace for quite a while. I wanted
to be sure we were far enough away before I let you out.
There’s no telling who would try to stop us or ask
questions.”
“Danger is at every turn, Senator, careful we must
always be.”
Bail Organa nodded his accession. “I will set up a
secure signal once I reach Alderaan for transmissions
between us. When I learn more of what is happening, I will
inform you.”
Padmé smiled at her friend, “Thank you, Bail.”
“It’s the least I can do.” He nodded as he turned
toward his friend, the consternation vivid on his handsome
face. “I don’t know how many Senators or other
government officials managed to escape the capital… For
all we know, you and I are the only ones. Padmé…”
Bail Organa paused, reflecting on his thoughts, “the
turbulent times ahead will test each of us…our strength
of character, our resilience, our trust…”
Padmé smiled at her friend. “I know Bail and my faith
in you has never wavered. However, we must not only stand
together, but unite the many star systems and build our
own Alliance.” Her eyes brightened at the thought and
she said, “An Alliance of the Republic.”
Senator Organa smiled brightly. She is as regal now as
she was when she reigned over Naboo. Leave it to Padmé to
find the glimmer in the darkness. She truly is my
greatest ally. “The Emperor has met his match in you
my friend.”
A slight crimson graced Padmé’s cheeks, as she glanced
at everyone around her. “No, in all of us.” She
countered.
************************************************************************
Chapter
II – Deliverance Part II
Exhaustion gripped Padmé though not just physically,
emotionally she felt drained and wanted nothing more than
to cry until she could cry no more. She wanted to release
all that she felt without allowing anyone else, including
Anakin, to see. She knew she had to be stronger than
before, now and in the future but all the uncertainties
plagued her. Looking down, she caressed her belly where
their child grew and realized a safe haven was paramount
now more than ever. Padmé had been thrilled with the news
of her pregnancy but couldn’t help wondering if it was
such a blessing after all. NO, she told herself, this
child will be a blessing, a motivation to go on and create
a safe future for all of us! Her silent musing was
interrupted as the chime to her quarters sounded.
“Enter,” she called out as she gathered her composure.
Anakin entered the room and within a few strides was
holding his wife. It took everything Padmé had left to
keep herself from falling apart in his arms. Anakin…she
sighed inwardly, relieved that through these turbulent
events, he would be at her side. Her husband’s arms
wrapped protectively around her, the arms in which she
felt so loved and secure.
A stray tear slid down Padmé’s cheek and she barely
managed to restrain further ones. Anakin felt her distress
yet said nothing. He knew only too well how she struggled
with her feelings and was content to simply hold her. He
silently vowed he would keep her steady and catch her
should she falter.
“Are you hungry?” he asked softly as he nuzzled her
luscious brown locks.
Padmé sniffled. “A little,” she answered, her voice
just above a whisper.
Anakin smiled, she was eating for two now and the thought
made his heart leap with joy in spite of their current
circumstances. Breaking their embrace, he walked over to
the bed and joyfully fluffed and propped up the pillow
then waltzed over to his wife and took her hand.
“Milady…” He bowed, a distinct grin on his face.
Leading Padmé over to the bed, he prompted her to sit.
Ever so gently he helped her shift her body to rest
against the pillow then lifted her legs out straight in
front of her. “Better?” he asked.
Padmé smiled lovingly, “Yes, thank you.”
“I’ll get you something to eat. Just rest.” He
kissed her forehead then got up and disappeared into the
adjacent room.
Padmé laid her head back onto the pillow, sighing in the
comfort the cushion provided, permitting her the luxury of
banishing moiling thoughts from her mind and the ability
to drift into the world of dreams.
************************************
Anakin returned a short time later only to find his wife
sleeping peacefully, a slight smile formed on her rosy
lips. For a moment, he watched her breathing – her chest
rising and falling in a relaxed, steady beat. Setting the
tray of food containing various fruits and breads on a
table near the bed, he gently lay down beside his wife,
careful not to disturb her slumber. Leaning over, Anakin
placed a feathery kiss on her forehead and smiled as he
sat up. He couldn’t halt the movement of his eyes as
they slowly roamed every delectable curve of her body. The
beat of his heart increased as he drank in the sight of
his beloved and the tranquility on her face. He reflected
on the last few years they had shared together as husband
and wife and he knew such memories were priceless. Their
time apart had been excruciating but the reunion’s were
bliss and cherished more than words could convey. His eyes
continued their exploration until they rested just below
Padmé’s naval, bringing him came back into the present.
Slowly, tentatively, his hand reached out to touch…
Quivering, his hand halted in midair. Why am I afraid
to do this? he asked himself. This is our baby.
Nothing to fear. Casting his hesitation to the wind,
Anakin touched Padmé where their child was growing.
Closing his eyes, he sank into the Force, curious about
the babe. In mere moments, his expression changed from
wonder to shock and then elation at his discovery –
encased within her womb were not one but two beings, their
Force signatures strong. Even if the sun shone at its
brightest it would pale in comparison to the smile gracing
the Chosen One’s face. Two my angel, two tiny beings
you carry. My happiness…I-I cannot express.
Anakin’s thoughts milled in his mind. He could hardly
wait to tell her but for now, she needed sleep and sleep
she would have.
************************************
A few hours later Padmé stirred and slowly sat up in bed,
not knowing how long she had actually been asleep. She
smiled down at her husband who slept contentedly at her
side. Casting a quick glance over at the tray of food made
her face suddenly contort. Clasping a hand to her mouth,
she clamored out of bed and ran into the refresher.
Anakin awoke to the abrupt movement of the bed in time to
see the retreating figure of his wife close the door of
the refresher. Not understanding what was wrong, he got up
and walked over, knocking gently on the door. “Angel?
Are you alright?” Anakin asked. A few minutes later, he
stepped back as Padmé opened the door. She had a sickly
look to her face and she practically dragged herself over
to the bed and lay down again. “Beloved, what’s
wrong?” He asked, his eyes wide with concern.
Padmé shook her head and grimaced then bolted for the
refresher again, barely making it in time. “Morning
sickness.” She managed in between breaths.
“What’s that?” he asked innocently as he followed
after her. He had never been around a pregnant woman
before and was quite limited in that type of knowledge.
“Something very irritating,” she gasped.
“Should I get you something?”
“NO!” She shouted then reprimanded herself for
sounding harsh. “I’ll be okay. It’s because of the
baby.”
“Ohhh,” Anakin nodded, not quite understanding.
“Please just let me rest. I’m sure Obi-Wan has some
duty for you to do.” Padmé sounded miserable as her
head began to throb.
Anakin’s eyes opened wide. “You want me to
leave?”
Padmé was growing exasperated [raging hormones are such a
wonderful thing] and just wanted to be alone in her
misery, at least for the time being. “Yes.”
“As you wish, my love. I’ll check on you later.” His
voice rang of dejection and he left without another word.
“Anakin, I’m sorry.” Padmé emerged from the
refresher only to find him already gone.
************************************
Anakin slowly walked through the ship, trying to
understand his wife’s strange behavior. She had never
spoken to him that way and it took him so aback that he
hadn’t known how to respond and simply honored her
request and left. Wandering aimlessly, the Jedi Knight
soon found himself nearing the cockpit of the ship where
he heard Obi-Wan’s voice and decided to impart the
advice of his former Master.
Yoda faced the young Knight as he entered the cockpit.
“Senator Amidala, how is she?”
“She’s fine…I think.” Anakin looked perplexed and
turned toward Obi-Wan Kenobi. “Master, what is
‘morning sickness’?”
Bail Organa looked thoroughly astounded and nearly choked
on the beverage he had been drinking. “She’s
pregnant?” he inquired, setting the beverage down.
“How? Who?” Had his ears deceived him or had he just
heard correctly? The chaste Nubian Senator, his friend –
pregnant?
The slouch Anakin carried into the cockpit immediately
transposed, as he stood more erect. “She carries our
child.”
Senator Bail Organa was beside himself at the news and
wasn’t sure what to say. Usually, his calm demeanor
carried him through the most difficult of deliberations
but this…this was completely unexpected. “Your
child? Pardon me Jedi Skywalker for saying so but this
is hardly the Padmé Amidala I know. She would never give
herself to another in such a way without…”
Anakin pondered his thoughts but only for a moment. He
knew what he was about to admit would be exceedingly
detrimental to his status as a Jedi Knight and could only
hope the current upheaval played to his advantage as well
as Padmé’s. “Her honor has not been sullied if
that’s what you are implying. Padmé and I were married
over four years ago.” He stated confidently, withholding
the discovery of the twins, believing his wife should be
told first and foremost.
Bail’s mouth fell so far open it could have touched the
floor. “Married?” He couldn’t believe the
incredulous news he was now privy too.
Obi-Wan cleared his throat, the obvious tension rising
steadily. “Morning sickness is an unbalance between
mother and child that usually lasts for the first three
months, also known as the first trimester, but it can go
on longer. Some food she will tolerate and some she will
vomit at first glance. You’ll notice many mood swings as
she progresses in the pregnancy from anger and resentment
to pure joy.”
Anakin groaned, “Three months? I think I’ll be
meditating much more over the next few months.”
Yoda frowned upon hearing that the couple has sanctified
their relationship through marriage but said nothing –
for the moment. He would deal with this grievous
transgression in proper course, which was not at the
present. “Yes,” Yoda nodded, “meditation you need,
solitude to think.” The subliminal message went
overlooked by everyone in the cockpit.
“I recommend treading carefully regarding the Senator,
Anakin.” Obi-Wan covered his mouth with his hand,
masking his chuckle from the young Knight. He had no idea
what was in store for him.
Recovering quickly from his initial shock, the Alderaanian
Senator wondered when all this had transpired. He and Padmé
were long time friends yet she had never confided such a
profound event to him. “Isn’t marriage forbidden for a
Jedi?” He blurted out, indubitably still stung from the
news. After all, he harbored feelings for the Nubian
Senator despite the fact he had never indicated those
feelings to her. How adept she has been at masking this
from me! He thought.
Yoda turned toward Senator Organa; he could sense the
confusion the man was feeling more profoundly than
Bail’s words implied. “Forbidden it is.” Yoda
glanced at Obi-Wan then back to Bail. “New to me, this
ruse is. Not new to others, I believe.”
Obi-Wan nodded, evading Yoda’s piercing, scrutinizing
gaze. “Anakin told me not long ago, a matter of a few
weeks actually. I had suspicions but nothing palpable. To
present such accusations to the Council without proper
evidence was inappropriate in my opinion. Also, he was
very good at camouflaging himself as was the Senator.”
Obi-Wan looked at his former Padawan. “I must admit…
I’ve noticed the change in him, ever since the Geonosis
battle. Anakin has gained a sense of calm the likes of
which I have never witnessed in my tutelage of him. In the
past he would charge ahead, regardless of the consequences
whereas now he weighs the possible outcome – he thinks
it through clearly. I believe,” Obi-Wan smiled at
Anakin, “I share any influence on him with Senator
Amidala and I have begun to realize that she is the
pivotal point that enabled him to create this foundation.
She is not his weakness but a part of his strength. He has
made wonderful progress. I’m proud of him.”
Anakin smiled gratefully at his former Master. Finally,
Obi-Wan Kenobi freely admitted, and with witnesses, his
pride in his former Padawan. Anakin had his fair share of
trials and tribulations under Obi-Wan’s guidance, but
his one wish had always been that his Master would feel
this way toward him – although, he ventured that such a
wish would never be granted. The Jedi Master consistently
called him unpredictable or reckless…but now that Anakin
thought about it, he had been that way – but he
had also changed dramatically since he and Padmé had wed.
Bliss crept over him and calmed the wild fires that raged
in his soul. He had truly found his soul mate and she
would always light his path.
“But disobey the Jedi directives, he did. Now, dire
times upon us, they are. Concentrate on the Sith, we must
do.” Yoda admonished the young Jedi Knight.
“I won’t let you down, Master Yoda, I promise you.”
Anakin stated, bursting with confidence.
“For your sake, I hope so.” Yoda responded, his face a
mask from the inner disturbance that was churning within
him at Anakin’s disclosure.
“Anakin, may I speak with you?” Bail interrupted.
“Of course, Senator.” Anakin bowed to his Masters,
“If I may.”
Yoda simply nodded.
Bail swept his hand out in front of him, “This way.”
************************************************************************
Chapter
III – Dagobah Part I
Bail tried to find the right words to express himself and
Anakin easily sensed the Senator’s turmoil. Together
they walked various areas of the ship with no real
destination in mind as Bail only wanted to speak privately
to the young Jedi. He was still wrestling with the idea of
Padmé being married and to a Jedi no less! There was no
eloquent way to place his words so the Senator decided to
just improvise as he went along.
“How did your marriage come about? I didn’t realize
you even knew each other very well.”
Anakin sensed Bail’s feeling for his wife and it filled
him with gratification. There were no doubts, no anxieties
as he thought of Padmé; she was loyal to him mind, body
and soul. A feeling of calmness cascaded over him as he
pictured his angel in his mind. He surmised that Senator
Organa had never voiced his own feelings to Padmé.
“We met when Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi were
escorting her to Coruscant. Their ship had mechanical
problems and couldn’t make it to the Capital until it
was repaired which is why they landed on Tatooine. Qui-Gon
and Padmé came into the shop I worked in and that’s
when I saw her for the first time.” Anakin’s
countenance changed as he relived that precious moment.
“She was so beautiful, I asked her if she was an
angel…”
Bail didn’t quite know what to say. The emotional
intensity coming from Anakin left him speechless. Too
love someone so much… he smiled at the thought.
Anakin brought himself back from his reminiscing and
continued, “I ended up helping them and then leaving
with Qui-Gon to become a Jedi. I also helped during the
Trade Federation occupation… I knew from the moment I
laid eyes on her that I would marry her...” Anakin’s
smile lit up the dim corridor. “It took a decade for us
to meet again but the same feelings were there.”
But this is not the Senator Amidala I know, impetuous
behavior is not something she does, he silently mused.
“Ten years? It took ten years before you saw each other
again?” Bail found himself more and more astounded as
Anakin related his story.
The young Jedi grinned, “Yes. As you know, my Master and
I were assigned to protect her after the assassination
attempt. We were together for hours daily up until and
after the Geonosis battle that began the Clone War.” His
brow furrowed as the vivid image of Count Dooku invaded
his mind but he quickly banished it. “Our love was
undeniable and though we struggled with the ramifications,
we could no longer deny our feelings and our need to be
together. I knew that I could only honor her with my love
by marrying her. A decision neither of us has ever
regretted.”
The Alderaan Senator sighed in resignation. He considered
how he could take this new revelation and concluded that
there was only one decision he could make. He had his own
deep feelings for Padmé, but her happiness was more
important to him than his own desires. Although he was
pleased to know that she had found someone she loved so
deeply and who loved her equally, if not more, in return.
Still, he had to maintain a degree of control on his
disappointment. After all, he still had her friendship.
“You took a great risk, to both of your careers.”
“We weighed the risks…Padmé was adamant that I
complete my training and I was just as insistent about her
Senatorial duties. Through it all, our love outweighed the
obstacles.”
“Where did you marry? If I may inquire.”
Smiling at the memory now flooding his mind Anakin
answered, “On Naboo…where our love truly took on a
life of its own. It’s indescribable… A Holy Man on
Naboo performed the secret ceremony.”
“I understand the reason for secrecy, however, what of
Padmé’s family?”
“They know and they understand the complications.”
“That must be difficult on them. Padmé’s family is
very protective of her.”
“Yes, they are but they also recognize how deep my love
for Padmé is. She is my life.”
The light in Anakin’s eyes reassured the Alderaanian
Senator as to how enraptured this man was with his wife.
Convinced that his friend was loved so genuinely, Bail
offered his hand to the Jedi. “Congratulations.”
Anakin shook the offered hand. “Thank you.”
“If she should ever need help…” Bail stammered.
“She would be grateful that she has your friendship and
that she can count on you.”
The Senator nodded his assent and continued walking though
the ship with the young Knight.
************************************
The days passed uneventfully and the passengers and crew
busied themselves with routine tasks to keep themselves
occupied. Padmé’s bouts of morning sickness were
sporadic – she would eat sparingly or gorge herself with
the most unusual dishes, causing everyone to wrinkle their
noses in disgust. Just as quickly, she was running to the
nearest refresher and emptying her stomach after which,
Anakin would normally escort her to their quarters to rest
– a slight deviation of room assignments that Bail had
willingly accommodated. One unfortunate aspect of
pregnancy is the hormonal changes resulting in mood swings
that can range from elation to sorrow and everything in
between. In Padmé’s case – no one was exempt or able
to escape from her outbursts - although they wished they
could.
Relief filled the ship as Senator Organa’s message
echoed over the comm.
“We’ve finally reached the Dagobah orbit, I’ll be
landing soon.” Bail sounded just as thankful as the rest
of the ship’s complement.
************************************
“Do you know what this ‘Dagobah’ is like?” Padmé
inquired.
Anakin turned to his wife, “No. I know Master Yoda once
lived here.”
“Do you think it’s safe enough? Maybe we should take
Bail’s offer?”
“We’ll be fine, angel.”
“But the baby, I’ll need to have a doctor to check my
progress…”
Anakin sighed; they had already had this conversation,
more than once. Remember what Obi-Wan said, ‘raging
hormones’, he told himself. “Beloved, he told you
that he would send you a nurse and a doctor of the non-droid
persuasion. Everything will be fine. Besides, the
Chan…Emperor will be looking for us and if he finds you
with child…”
“Does he know of us?”
“I made the mistake of confiding my feelings for you to
him long ago.” Anakin answered glumly. “When I found
it difficult to express myself…in certain ways…to
Obi-Wan.”
Padmé took a deep breath, “We’ll just have to be
vigilant. I know he wanted to turn you and if he found
me…” She shivered at the thought. “Anakin – I
don’t blame you for confiding in him but promise me
again that you will NEVER go to the dark side. No matter
what happens to me or our child!”
Even as guilt tore at him for his lack of judgment, Anakin
pushed away his distressing thoughts. Padmé was his main
concern and as distraught as this pregnancy had made her,
he still hadn’t told her of the twins growing within
her. She had been vomiting throughout most of their
journey from the Capital and he didn’t want to make her
any more upset. He was thrilled about his unborn children
but then again, he wasn’t the one who couldn’t seem to
keep food in his stomach.
“I promise, my love. Nothing will ever turn me away from
you. I will remain at your side through eternity, I
promise you that!” He hugged her and lightly kissed her
lips. How he missed kissing her. Even the use of the Force
on his wife only managed to calm her queasiness for short
periods of time. The few tender moments they managed in
between her bouts of sickness were too infrequent for
either of them. Instead of viewing their situation with
chagrin, each of them reveled in simply being with one
another and taking advantage of the closeness it provided.
These twins were going to be a handful, Anakin grimaced,
but a wonderful handful.
************************************
The Meleè set down and the whine of the engines powering
down echoed in the ears of its passengers as they
disembarked. They had been in the ship for far too long
and cabin fever had begun to develop. Of course, Padmé
was having the worst time of all between her ever changing
personality and her inability to keep her food down –
regardless of variety. If any of them had doubts before of
a certain Nubian Senator’s temper, they certainly had
been put to rest. Of course, Padmé herself didn’t know
what to think of her actions, which only caused further
frustration not only to her but the entire party on board.
After several meditation sessions [that had gone bad]
eventually Master Yoda too steered clear of Padmé’s
path. Which is not to say that she was a tyrant the entire
time on ship, she wasn’t. She had her moments of
jocularity – ones that proved to break a smile on the
most hardened of faces – they were just…infrequent.
Knowing this, any planet would have been a welcome sight
to the party of travelers but upon seeing what Dagobah
held for them, apprehension set in.
“Master,” Obi-Wan began, trying to choose his words
delicately, “Y-you lived here?”
“Hmmm, yes, long ago.” The Jedi Master strolled along,
not feeling the slightest out of place but then he
wasn’t uncomfortable, unlike his companions.
Padmé’s eyes widened in shock. “You want me to live
here? Let my child be born here?” She shouted. “This
is nothing more than a wet, gooey, atrocious jungle!” As
if to reiterate her statement, she lifted one foot that
was already covered in mud. She shook it, trying to free
herself from the muck and a large chuck flew from her shoe
and landed directly on Anakin’s cheek.
The grimace on the young Jedi’s face caused a round of
laughter from everyone but him. He wiped the mud from his
cheek and flung it at Obi-Wan who happened to be laughing
the loudest. “Take that, Master!”
Padmé surmised what was going to happen next and, to her
detriment, she didn’t move fast enough. Anakin managed
to duck Obi-Wan’s retort but the flying muck hit the
Nubian Senator in the shoulder. “Obi-Wan!” She
shrieked.
The Jedi tried to control his chuckle but couldn’t and
Anakin launched another attack but this time his wife was
right beside him.
Obi-Wan found himself being pelted with mud and soon after
no one could tell who was who from all the mud slinging.
The antics of his companions made the old Jedi Master
smile. He realized they were simply venting their
frustrations and let them be. “Like children again, are
they?”
Bail Organa watched with amusement and smiled, “Yes, but
after what has happened, this is a good release. It does
me good to see Padmé enjoying herself.”
“Care for the Senator, you do!” It was more of a
statement than a question.
“Yes, Master Yoda. I have known Senator Amidala for a
long time we have always been friends.”
“Dark times I feel, friends and allies we need now.”
Bail sighed heavily and nodded, “I agree.”
************************************
Once the mud revelry had subsided, the filthy companions
went on board ship to clean themselves and were now in the
process of more mundane, necessary chores. They built
temporary shelters, gathered wood and what food they could
find both on ship and in the dank, jungle like atmosphere.
Supplies from the ship were stacked beside a nearby tree,
far from the surrounding muck. Each of them did their
share for this was home – temporarily, they hoped.
“Here I am, from one extreme to another!” An
exasperated C3PO complained. “My wiring will corrode in
this atmosphere. I’ll never see the benefits of an oil
bath again. Ooooo.” The protocol droid whined then
glanced over at his counterpart who was uttering a variety
of beeps and whistles at him. “Oh, shut off R2!”
“Master,” Anakin hesitantly asked, ignoring the droids,
“how long do you think we will be here?”
Yoda answered as he continued with his work, “Unknown
Jedi Skywalker.”
************************************
The days turned into weeks then months and Jedi had come
and gone throughout that span of time. Some stayed a few
hours, long enough to get direction from Master Yoda,
others stayed longer depending on their need. The Empire,
now known as the new system of government, had been
ruthlessly overpowering the smaller planets, bending them
to their will. Senator Organa of Alderaan had kept his
promise to his friends and made routine deliveries of any
supplies they needed and kept them informed of what was
happening throughout the government. Bail had sent his
finest and most trusted engineers to Dagobah to
incorporate an undetectable communications network. One
that ensured even the tightest security sweeps would leave
it invisible.
The two Senators spent long hours via personal contact or
through encrypted holo-emitter transmissions or messages,
pouring over the “Senate” operations, which could
hardly be deemed as functional. Emperor Palpatine had
reconstructed the Senate to his own liking and it had
become more of a sleaze society than a system of
government. Many Senators feared to oppose the Emperor
while others chose greed and the power gained by it. A
mere handful of Senators were akin to Bail Organa,
although he made the extended effort not to ostracize
himself and any suspicion of his actions remained dormant.
Up until Padmé could no longer travel, she had also
rendezvoused with what was now called the Rebel Alliance.
She had proven to be a positive, uplifting and influential
voice and one that received respect. She was a natural
leader and Anakin couldn’t have been more proud. Her
mere presence produced a calming effect over her
counterparts enabling them to conduct their business more
expeditiously. In truth, she reigned as a Queen without
the official title and luxurious wardrobe.
Bounty hunters were still searching not only for Anakin
but Padmé as well per Palpatine’s discreet orders. Thus
far they had been unsuccessful and it mystified the
Emperor to no end. Even sending forth Count Dooku had
failed. Padmé had been making the Emperor’s life
difficult with all the raids and attacks against his fleet
and he was growing tiresome of what he considered a pesky
Senator. The Emperor had not publicly declared the Senator
of Naboo a traitor, no, that would generate sympathy in
the Senate for Padmé Amidala was held in high regard,
despite her unknown fate the day Chancellor Palpatine
declared himself Emperor. If he publicly ridiculed or
accused her of a treacherous act without evidence, she
could cause discord throughout the Senate without uttering
a word in her own defense. Instead, he sufficed with
suspicions, alleged accounts of her masterminding the
forces opposing him. To circumvent this bothersome issue,
he preferred to use another means – ruthless, hired
thugs. Bounty hunters cared only for their profit and had
no regard for anyone but themselves. The Emperor assumed
it would only be a matter of time…
“They cannot evade me forever…” Came a sinister
scowl from Emperor Palpatine. “My time will come.”
************************************************************************
Chapter
III – Birth of the Twins Part II
Despite his dislike of aerial combat, Obi-Wan, along
with Anakin, had led many of the attacks against the
growing Empire, just as they had during the Clone War.
Obi-Wan was beginning to wonder if war would ever end and
peace resume…
************************************
In their quaint little home, Anakin was meditating. Padmé
was due to give birth at any time and her belly had grown
so immense it tended to unnerve the young Jedi Knight. He
often wondered how she managed to walk, let alone do much
else. He tried to help her but she would usually just
smile and casually tell him no, that she could manage. Such
a spirited woman she is, his thoughts interrupted his
meditation, and I love her more each day. Her light
encompasses the darkness in my soul and embraces it
lovingly, teaching it control. His thoughts drifted to
the day when he told his beautiful wife about the twins
blossoming within her womb.
“Tw-twins?” Padmé gasped.
Anakin nodded.
“A-are you sure? I haven’t been able to see a doctor
since we arrived.”
Anakin nodded again, a bright smile came to his face.
“I’m sure the doctor Senator Organa is sending will
confirm it.”
Padmé slipped quietly to the floor.
Anakin chuckled at the memory and then recalled the many
changes in his wife’s persona during her pregnancy.
Never in his life would he have imagined a person could be
so flippant and he wished Shmi or Jobal or even Sola could
have been there to advise him. Regrettably, due to safety
concerns, only brief transmissions had been available but
useful nonetheless. Anakin gained wonderful insight from
Sola, Padmé’s older sister, and was grateful for her
advice. As the twin’s impending delivery crept ever
closer, Anakin had promised as many updates as he could
safely deliver to the Naberrie family.
Good morning Sola.
Oh Anakin! How is Padmé? Please tell me she’s not
working too hard!
Anakin had to chuckle – his wife not work
hard? That would be a mark for the history texts, he
considered. She’s doing very well…
“ANAKIN!”
Instantly Anakin was roused from his meditation/musings
and on his feet, running to their bedroom, nearly knocking
over C3PO in the process and hurtling over R2D2 as the
little droid crossed his path. Padmé had been lying down
for quite a while. Throughout the day she had been having
slight labor pains and it was now early evening. He burst
through the open doorway and knelt by her side, taking her
hand in his.
Padmé’s eyes were gleaming and she smiled. “It’s
time.” She said softly.
“Time?” He looked puzzled then his face lit up.
“TIME? TIME? I’ll get the doctor.” He stood up and
raced toward the door then paused and turned back quickly,
a frenzied look on his face. “Wait for me!” Excitedly,
Anakin scrambled out of the room and right into C3PO.
“Oh, pardon me Master Anakin. I didn’t –” The
droid began but the Jedi was already on his feet and gone.
************************************
Obi-Wan arrived at the same time as the attending
physician and nurses. He didn’t want to miss this for
the world and someone had to keep Anakin calm. It had
already been discussed that Padmé would deliver the twins
by cesarean but Obi-Wan knew only to well that the first
whimper out of Padmé would send his former Padawan into a
tailspin.
“Calm yourself, Anakin. Use the Force, use it to help
Padmé!” Obi-Wan instructed, exasperated by the Jedi’s
continuous pacing and nervous glances toward the bedroom
where his wife lay in labor.
A vast sigh escaped Anakin’s lips as he listened to his
former Master. He knew Obi-Wan would be the voice of
reason throughout this ordeal and was grateful for his
presence. Anakin took a deep breath and reached out to the
Force, letting it flow through him like a beacon, calming
his frayed senses then he stretched it toward Padmé, to
help her find comfort.
“That’s better.” Obi-Wan found it impressive how
quickly and easily Anakin was able to utilize the Force to
his needs.
“Anakin,” the nurse called from the doorway, “she
wants to see you.”
The Jedi let out a few deep breaths, concentrating on
remaining calm and focused then strode forward into the
bedroom.
Kneeling at her side, Anakin stroked Padmé’s hair away
from her beaded brow. She was doing remarkably well and he
kept sending the Force her way to ease her pain and
discomfort. She turned her head toward him; the love
shining in her brown eyes was inimitable. It almost made
him weep it was so intense.
She reached up and lightly touched his cheek, “I simply
adore you Anakin Skywalker, but you know that don’t you,
my handsome Jedi?”
“And I adore you, my love.” He kissed her hand
reverently.
“But if you ever make me go through this again,” she
was still smiling, “I’ll make you pay dearly!”
Anakin was stunned and humbled by her words. “I know it
hasn’t been easy for you, love.”
Padmé laughed, “Still remnants my little Tatooine boy,
I see. Kiss me Jedi or you will be in trouble!”
Anakin gleefully answered such a demand and kissed his
wife as if he hadn’t in a very long time. They both
relished in the passionate kiss, or at least until the
doctor requested Padmé’s attention.
“Ahem, Mrs. Skywalker?”
Padmé grinned as she reluctantly looked away from her
husband. Mrs. Skywalker, she never seemed to hear that
enough and loved the sound of it. “Yes?”
“Are you ready to proceed?” The nurse asked.
“Stars, yes! I’m tired of looking like a freighter!”
“Then we’re ready to begin.”
************************************
In the main living area that Padmé had so meticulously
decorated, stirred a Jedi Master. Obi-Wan Kenobi paced the
elegant room as if he were the one having a baby. He had
grown so much closer to both his former Padawan and the
Senator that he felt as if he were going through
the procedure. No longer were he and Anakin on opposite
footing in regards to the Jedi code. The unmistakable
fortitude Anakin exhibited since his marriage to the
Senator astounded the Jedi Master. He wouldn’t have
believed it if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes.
Obi-Wan stopped his pacing and glanced at the holo-image
set upon the wall. He grinned from ear to ear at the image
of himself, Padmé and Anakin – arm in arm and covered
in gooey mud. It was taken just after they had arrived on
Dagobah when silliness was a welcome adversary. They had
gone into the Meleè to clean up and Anakin had suggested
their antics be preserved. The Jedi Master still got a
chuckle every time he thought about their ‘mock
battle’.
It didn’t take long before Obi-Wan’s agitation and
excitement over being a godfather made him a little edgy
in the emotional arena as he reached into the Force to
calm himself and his wildly beating heart. Regaining his
sense of serenity, he activated the holo-transmitter,
entering the proper encrypted codes and waited patiently
for the recipient to answer. Before long Prince Bail
Organa’s face came into view. Obi-Wan found himself
smiling without even realizing it and his friend knew
instantly what it implied.
“When did she go into labor?” He enthusiastically
inquired.
“This morning, but early this evening it progressed to
the point of delivery.”
“Have you told her family?”
“No, I think the happy couple should deliver that
message.”
“Tell her I’m on my way!” Bail exclaimed and ended
the transmission.
Obi-Wan smiled as he rested his elbows on the ebony table,
his chin nestled in his hands. His thoughts coursed
through his mind as he considered where he was and the
wonderful event that was about to occur. Dagobah had been
home now for not quite a year and the multitude of Jedi
and political visitors were akin to Coruscant, bustling
with endless activity. Padmé and Bail had been
instrumental in forming the Rebel Alliance and indeed,
kept it actively updated on the affairs of the new
government, tyrannical as it is. He, along with Master
Yoda, served as an anchor to the fellow Jedi spread
throughout the galaxy – keeping them grounded and
assured and, as yet, re-establishing the Jedi Council had
not been discussed. There were so few Jedi left –
thousands had perished since the beginning of the Clone
War and each day the Jedi death toll increased.
Sadness griped him while he pondered this until Obi-Wan’s
thoughts drifted in another direction - one that produced
happiness over despair. He couldn’t help but smile
broadly as he recalled the face of the twins other
godfather. Prince Bail Organa of the Royal House of
Alderaan was positively giddy about the impending births
and would possibly break lightspeed records to arrive on
the jungle planet. Obi-Wan always respected the Prince but
during their self-imposed exile, he found the Senator of
Alderaan had become an exceptional friend as well. The
Jedi Master shook his head, finding it ironic that the
universe was in absolute turmoil, Master Yoda was
strategizing future attacks on another planet, and here he
sat, with two people he loved most dearly – waiting for
their future to be born.
Yes, his life had changed dramatically and it was about to
change again – he could only wonder when the
transformation of his soul had begun to take place….
The twins…Yes, he and Anakin had both sensed the Force
flowing freely in the twins – they would be gifted with
the mystical energy as much as their father. Oh, the time
Anakin was in for with two Force driven children. He
suppressed his laugh when suddenly Anakin came racing into
the room, thrusting his melancholy thoughts aside and
stood up to greet his friend.
“We” he had to take a deep breath, “have a son”
another deep breath, “and a daughter! Healthy as ever,
all three of them!” Anakin hugged Obi-Wan and lifted him
off the floor, spinning them both around the room.
Inwardly Obi-Wan’s heart leapt with joy, outwardly he
assumed his reserved nature. “And their names? You’ve
neglected that little detail, Padawan!”
Anakin put his Master down. “I haven’t been your
‘Padawan’ for a longgg time!” Anakin smiled
teasingly.
“Well?”
“Well what?”
Obi-Wan sighed despairingly, “The names?”
Anakin sheepishly looked at the floor, “Oh, sorry. Luke
and Leia.”
The Jedi nodded his approval then smiled mischievously,
“Are you sure now?”
Anakin looked surprised then laughed at the look his
friend and mentor was giving him. “Yes, I’m sure. Want
to see them?”
“I thought you’d never ask. Let me see my godchildren.
Well, at least one of them is.”
************************************
“Anakin? You look like you’re ready to jump out of
your skin! Is something wrong with Padmé?” Ruwee
nervously asked his son-in-law.
“Actually,” Anakin beamed triumphantly, “you have
become a grandfather again!”
Ruwee gasped and his wife’s voice could be heard in the
background. “Jobal, come here! Wonderful news!”
A moment later Padmé’s mother came into view. “Hello
Jobal,” Anakin greeted her, his smile went from ear to
ear, “Ready to be a grandmother to two new additions?”
Jobal’s hand went to her mouth and her eyes expressed
their excitement. “The twins!! All fingers and toes
accounted for? Oh my! Sola will be thrilled! I wish we
could see them!”
“Yes, they’re in perfect health. Padmé is resting but
doing exceptionally well.”
“Oh Anakin! I’m so proud of you both!” Jobal
exclaimed.
“Thank you.” Anakin replied. So many sensations were
coursing through the Jedi’s body and mind since the
birth of his children. His body would tense then relax,
and his mind was swirling with questions. Will I be a
good father? Do I have enough patience? He asked
himself.
Jobal recognized the questioning eyes and confusion
expressed on her son-in-law’s face and responded to
them. “Anakin dear, listen to me when I tell you that
you have nothing to worry about. You and Padmé will be
wonderful, loving parents. Never doubt your capacity for
love. Your eyes show the depth of your love and it is
endless. It is ingrained in you and a part of your
strength.”
“I’ve just…well, my childhood was…so unlike Padmé’s.
I can’t help wondering…” The Jedi remarked as he
stumbled over his words.
“The love of your children is not something that can be
measured,” Ruwee interceded, “you love them with all
your heart, guide them and protect them as much as
possible. It’s all you can do.”
“We’ll do our best.” Anakin smiled, his heart lifted
by the encouragement of Padmé’s parents.
“I know we can’t talk long so just remember we love
you all and take care of one another.” Jobal smiled
brightly.
“We love you too. Goodbye Jobal and Ruwee.” Anakin
ended the transmission and sat back in his chair, staring
at the viewscreen. “I wish we could be there…” He
said quietly.
************************************
The fervor of the day’s excitement drew to a close and
everyone was hastily shooed from the room, giving Padmé
her first time alone with the two bundles she bore that
day. The smile on her face glowed despite the darkness of
night. She reverently kissed each cheek of her children,
as they lay peacefully in her arms. She had dreamed of
this moment and now that it was a reality, she felt the
emotion welling up inside her. The months of morning
sickness, the excess water she had retained, her endless
appetite, sleepless nights [those were just beginning],
uncomfortable positions, endless bouts of crying and joy
combined; all for the two tiny beings she held with such
deference. It had been worth it after all, she
sighed.
************************************************************************
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