Mustafar

Part II

Meanwhile back on Coruscant

Obi-Wan stood on the empty platform and watched as Padmé’s ship disappeared among the stars. He had been too late.

“Captain Typho will know her destination,” he solemnly told himself.

 

It had taken some coercing, but Senator Amidala’s Head of Security ultimately relented to the Jedi Master of the Senator’s course but only once he had been convinced of the danger she had placed herself in. Obi-Wan felt just as much guilt over the betrayal of confidence as the captain had – maybe even more so. As he sat in the cockpit of his ship, he dipped his head to his chest, pondering what he had done wrong and how Anakin could have turned into a Sith Lord. Unfortunately, he had no easy answers. Slowly, he brought his head back up only to stare at the console in his ship, the internal struggle he faced tugging even more relentlessly at him. His mind drifted to the happier times he shared with his former Padawan – the laughter and camaraderie. In the blink of an eye, it was gone and in its wake was a very empty area in Obi-Wan’s heart. He took a deep breath…and then another. He was stalling and he knew it. Of all the Jedi, Master Yoda was the only match for a Sith Lord such as Darth Sidious. A fact Obi-Wan couldn’t deny. Even so, the thought of having to destroy Anakin, a man he considered a brother, made him recoil. He would rather face Palpatine than confront his former Padawan, but the choice was not his to make and he knew he couldn’t hesitate any longer. Anakin had to be stopped and Padmé was journeying into the heart of danger – his choice was clear.

Reluctantly, he initiated the take-off sequence and was soon heading toward the endless sea of space.

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“Mustafar,” Obi-Wan read on his display as he approached the fiery planet. Experiencing the searing heat from this world firsthand was not something he looked forward to. He only hoped he would find what he sought.

 

The canopy of his Jedi fighter opened and the lava filled air burst into his lungs. Obi-Wan used the Force to adjust to the sweltering air, but his throat still felt as though it were on fire. He immediately noted the absence of Padmé’s ship but couldn’t be certain if she had already been here or if he had managed to arrive before her. Stretching out his senses, the Jedi Master used the Force to search for the newest Sith.

He was surprised and curious when he came up empty.

Venturing forward, Obi-Wan soon found Anakin’s abandoned Jedi fighter. He continued on and before long discovered the lifeless Separatist leaders sprawled out on the floor. Not one was still breathing and Obi-Wan didn’t have to look very close to know their cause of death – a lightsaber.

His shoulders sagged and he shook his head. “Anakin,” he dismally muttered.

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Mustafar – on board Padmé’s Naboo skiff

3PO and R2 met the troubled pair just inside the hatch of Padmé’s ship. “Set a course for Naboo,” Padmé tiredly instructed.

“You need to rest,” Anakin stated as Padmé leaned on him.

“I will, but we have to leave here first,” the Senator obstinately replied.

“3PO can take care of that. I need to get you to your quarters. No arguments,” Anakin kindly admonished her.

Padmé hadn’t realized just how drained she felt both physically and emotionally. Now that her rush of adrenaline had passed, she was on the verge of collapse. Silently, she nodded her head, giving in to her husband’s demands.

“Input those coordinates, 3PO, and get us out of here,” Anakin ordered as a chill raced up his back.

“Of course, Master Anakin.”

“And 3PO, accept no incoming transmissions until the Senator or I instruct you otherwise.”

Surprised and not fully understanding, the protocol droid was about to inquire further but the look on the Jedi’s face quickly silenced him. “Yes, Master Anakin,” he respectfully replied.

Scooping his wife gently into his arms and using the Force to cushion her, Anakin carried Padmé to her quarters.

 

Anakin watched over his wife as she lay sleeping. He couldn’t take his eyes off her and watched the steady rise and fall of her chest. His mind wouldn’t stop churning with images of how he’d used the Force on Mustafar. Padmé’s face, stricken with fear and pain, was the most agonizing to see repeatedly.

Anakin squeezed his eyes shut and grabbed his head with his hands. “Stop,” he whimpered, “please…just stop.”

The next set of images came from the Jedi Temple and the Jedi he had unmercifully cut down. He suddenly felt as if a thousand lightsabers were piercing his body.

And then he realized the magnitude of it all. He was alone – and he could blame no other than himself. He opened his eyes, blinking through the tears that had formed, and stared at his slumbering beloved. “What have I done?”

“A good question, young one.”

Startled by the voice, Anakin stood and whirled to face the intruder. What he saw made his jaw drop open in surprise.

“It’s good to see you remember me.”

“I could never forget you, Master,” Anakin humbly bowed.

Qui-Gon Jinn’s ethereal form floated just above the floor. “You have lost your way, young one. The darkness within your shell is not vanquished but it is within your power to make it so. This will require patience and true belief in yourself. It’s a challenge you cannot lose.”

“But Master –” Anakin faltered.

“Give yourself to the Force, Anakin. Let it embrace you as never before. You are its son.”

“I-I…don’t know how,” Anakin admitted, feeling unworthy to even be in the presence of his old Master.

“As another Master would say, ‘Much to learn, you still have.’”

“The Jedi won’t want me back after what I’ve done and I can’t blame them.”

“Anakin, what you have done is unimaginable but not unredeemable. Someone you not only respected, but also trusted deceived you. It is up to you to prove yourself worthy – to yourself and others.”

Anguished, Anakin asked, “But how? Where do I begin?”

“It begins with you. May the Force be with you.”

Anakin watched helplessly as Qui-Gon’s ghostly form faded into nothingness and all he felt was despair.

 

While Padmé continued her exhausted sleep, Anakin immersed himself into a deep meditation. He purged the recent memories plaguing him as best he could and focused on inner serenity. In his mind, he journeyed back in time to Tatooine. His mother was beside him, hugging him and smiling at her only son before he set out for Watto’s shop. Shmi always had a smile for him and a tender word and his love for her was boundless. He recalled how many times he had schemed to free her only to be thwarted from his goal. His memories shifted to Qui-Gon’s arrival and the angel he had brought with him. He had never seen a woman so beautiful and she captured his heart so easily. He knew she was the one he would marry someday. Everything happened so fast after that – the invasion of Naboo that he had been instrumental in bringing to an end; his induction into the Jedi order following Qui-Gon’s death; Obi-Wan becoming his Master.

As the memories flowed effortlessly through his mind, Anakin watched the events unfold with interest. Although he had already lived the events, he was able to watch now as if he were a bystander. He witnessed the Jedi’s treatment of him – they’re inexperience of how to handle a growing boy with attachments that couldn’t be let go. He had blamed so much on them all this time and nothing on himself. The truth was they both had been wrong. Even his resentment of Obi-Wan was clear. He loved the man like a brother but he resented him as well. Obi-Wan embodied the ‘perfect Jedi’ and no matter what Anakin did, he couldn’t hold to the standard his Master had set for him.

Chancellor Palpatine came to the forefront and for the first time, Anakin could see the years of manipulation and how it slowly poisoned his soul.

It had been a game and he was the prize pawn.

 

Anakin slowly came out of his trance-like state and took a deep breath. He was trembling from what he’d seen as the truth revealed itself and there was no denying what machinations had been at work for more than a decade. “Master Windu was right – the Chancellor owns the courts. A trial would be pointless. He’s feared too – few have the courage to stand against him.” Anakin glanced at his wife who was just beginning to awaken. “She would stand against him. Her determination alone would make Palpatine take notice – again.” Anakin recalled the brief statement Palpatine had uttered when Padmé had presented the Petition of 2000 to him in his chambers. He had tried then to cast doubt in the Jedi’s mind about her and it hadn’t worked. “My Padmé wouldn’t give up so easily again.”

“Anakin?” Padmé sleepily said, her voice light but edged with concern.

Anakin stood and walked over to her bed. Sitting down, he stroked her forehead and said, “I’m here, Angel. Everything is alright.”

Padmé wrapped her arms around his torso and laid her head against his chest. “Thank the Force,” she whispered.

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Polis Massa – after Yoda’s duel with Darth Sidious

Polis Massa had become a temporary safe haven until Yoda decided what he wanted to do next. Senator Organa had left the Jedi Master to his meditation, not knowing what else to do, and continued to hold out hope that Obi-Wan would contact them. He was elated and relieved when the Jedi Master’s voice came over the comm.

“Are you alright, Obi-Wan?” Bail tentatively asked.

There was a long pause and then the Jedi quietly said, “Yes.”

“And…Ana-Vader?” the Senator corrected himself as he spoke the new Sith’s name.

“I don’t know. He wasn’t there…on Mustafar…and neither was Padmé. She may have arrived before me and is now with Vader, but I can’t be sure.”

“I’ve not heard from her,” Bail regrettably replied.

“I doubt any of us will. I’ll rendezvous with you and Master Yoda as soon as possible. Kenobi out.”

 

Bail Organa walked into the chamber where he had left Master Yoda and said with a mixture of undeniable relief and concern, “Master Kenobi has made contact.”

His meditation interrupted, the diminutive Jedi opened his eyes and turned toward the Senator. “Very good. Perhaps succeeded he has where failed I did.”

“Unfortunately, he didn’t find Darth Vader or Padmé,” Bail said, the remorse clear upon his face and in his voice. “I hope she is safe.”

Yoda sadly shook his head, took a deep breath and then added, “My hopes as well, Senator Organa. Nothing more right now can we do. Survive, the Jedi must. Combat this evil, in the future we will. For now, into seclusion we must go.”

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“Seclusion. That’s where I need to go,” Anakin admitted as much to himself as his wife.

“Anakin, that won’t help you. Not completely. You need to be around those who love and understand you. Let me help you – let our child help you.”

“…I…don’t want to hurt you again,” he slowly replied as the guilt of his action surfaced once more.

Padmé sat up more on the bed and cupped her husband’s face in her hands. “You won’t. You’ll see our child born and that I’ll be safe. You won’t have to worry about the dark side again. It won’t be long before we reach Naboo. We’ll go to the lake country – no one will know. We’ll just be by ourselves.”

Anakin looked at her, his eyes moist from tears. “How can you? You should be afraid to stay with me.”

Padmé leaned in and kissed him tenderly. “I was afraid – on Mustafar, but not now. I can see it in your eyes. The light shines in them, not the wild look I saw on Mustafar, or even the uncertainty back on Coruscant. I won’t let you leave, Anakin… I can’t.”

Unable to speak, Anakin embraced his wife and wept.

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Naboo – Padmé’s Lake Retreat: 2 months later

For two months the couple had basked in each others company. Only Padmé’s family knew where they were and they would never disclose the couple’s secret. Relief and happiness took over as there were no Jedi affairs to contend with, no Senate meetings, no war, nothing but the bliss of finally being together as a husband and wife should be. It was a chance to get to know each other all over again and mend the faith in one another that they had nearly lost.

Anakin and Padmé had been married for over three years but to them, their relationship was just now blossoming. They engaged in lengthy conversations both political and personal and shared their views whether they were opposing or supportive. Anakin gained insight into what democratic politics entailed, while Padmé began to understand why her husband’s path veered more toward dictatorship. On Tatooine that was all he knew and Palpatine hadn’t dissuaded such ideals to the impressionable young Jedi.

It was a rare opportunity that a couple would get such a second chance but they were determined to make their marriage work. Anakin’s remorse still weighted heavily upon him but the more he and Padmé delved into it through their talks, the more each of them understood his actions. But that was not to be misconstrued as an endorsement for his wrongs. What helped them both the most was when Anakin included Padmé in some of his meditations. Through the Force, she experienced the turmoil that he carried within him and it enabled her to reach out to him and show him a different view that was both non-threatening and acceptable.

 

One of their more relaxing endeavors was to take walks along the lake as far as Padmé could go before she had to stop and rest. It was a simple time for them to enjoy each other and their invigorating surroundings.

However, Padmé’s pregnancy was now at full term and their baby could be born anytime – and it made Anakin a nervous wreck.

Padmé’s hand glided over her protruding belly as she smiled over at her husband who was lazily rowing their boat. “I just felt a kick,” she elatedly commented. “Oh, there’s another!”

Anakin smirked and retorted, “Let’s hope that’s all you feel considering we’re in the middle of the lake. Why you wanted to come out here now when you’re so close to labor I don’t understand.”

“Because you’ve been working so hard and haven’t taken the time to relax. I thought this would be good for both of us,” Padmé stated as she stared at his face, appreciating the full beard and moustache that her husband now sported.

“And if the baby decides now is the time?” he asked, more than a little worried.

It was Padmé’s turn to smirk as she replied, “Then you’ll just have to get us to shore.”

“That’s not very comforting,” he replied with a snort.

“Ani – relax,” Padmé insisted.

“I’m trying, Angel…I’m trying.”

Finally, Anakin’s anxieties got the better of him and a short while later he rowed them back to the shore. He was helping Padmé out of the small boat when she suddenly lost her balance. Reacting without thought, Anakin quickly grabbed hold of her and prevented her from falling.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his heart beating frantically.

“Y-es. I think that was what Arianna would call a contraction.”

Anakin’s eyes had never opened so wide before.

“Oh no, not here!” he panicked.

Padmé couldn’t help chuckling a little. “No, not here, my love. Help me get back inside and then we can contact Mom, Sola, and the midwife.”

Without hesitation, Anakin used the Force to shield Padmé within its invigorating embrace. He then carefully picked her up and carried her back to the resort. Moments later, he silently vowed he would never take the Force for granted again.

 

Arianna Trestorn – Jobal’s longtime friend and the best midwife a woman could have. No one had more knowledge or skill than the Naboo native did and no one dared to compare to her either. Her expertise was much too impressive but she was also very respected.

Anakin had met Arianna on her first visit to the resort shortly after their arrival. After hearing about the events on Coruscant via the HoloNet, Padmé’s mother had insisted on a well-being exam for both mother and baby. Padmé assured her that she was fine but Jobal had been persistent. Her parents had numerous questions about the Jedi uprising and the new Empire but Padmé’s welfare took precedence and that was the most important thing to them now.

The Jedi’s first impression of the mid-wife was of a no-nonsense, but practical woman. She was firm when necessary, but not overtly so. She also had a kind, tender side but that was more tightly controlled. Birthing babies was serious business to her and the patient’s care was vital. She examined the room where Padmé would give birth and once it passed her scrutiny, she made certain that all of the supplies she required would be delivered.

Anakin was startled to discover that the midwife’s mannerisms reminded him of Jocasta Nu, the Jedi Archivist. They possessed the same attention to detail and pride in their duties. Although they bore no resemblance, the reminder of the Jedi Temple remained in the forefront of his mind.

 

After settling Padmé in the bed, Anakin stopped to catch his breath. His heart was racing and sweat was rolling down his face from nervousness. Even though the Force had helped immensely in getting Padmé inside, Anakin still felt fatigued.

“How much weight have you gained now?” Anakin asked between breaths.

“ANAKIN!” Padmé snapped just as another contraction made its presence known. “Just go contact everyone!”

Startled by the sting of her words, Anakin didn’t know what to say and decided to just keep quiet. Without another word, he ran out of the bedroom.

Padmé laid her head back on the pillow and exclaimed, “Men!”

************************************************************

“How far apart are her contractions?” Arianna asked, gazing intently at the Jedi through the holo-transmitter.

Anakin appeared dumbfounded. “Uhhh…”

Arianna took a deep breath but the look on her face was anything but serene. “Please, go ask.”

Quickly turning, Anakin disappeared from view, leaving Arianna to wait rather impatiently.

 

“Padmé! How far apart…are the contractions?” he asked through ragged breaths from the bedroom door.

Glancing at the chrono on the table beside the bed, she said, “Five minutes.”

Anakin then disappeared again as he raced back to the open transmission.

 

“Five minutes,” he informed the midwife.

Arianna nodded. “Good. She’s doing fine. Is the pain tolerable?”

Anakin shrugged. “I-I think so.”

“Keep her comfortable,” the midwife instructed. “I’ll be there soon.”

“H-How soon?” he apprehensively asked.

“Don’t worry, she’s fine. She’s probably in for a long labor because of the twins.”

“TWINS?” Anakin blurted out. “We’re having TWINS?”

“Why, yes,” Arianna answered as if he knew this information. “You didn’t know? I assumed your Jedi skills would confirm that fact.”

“Padmé refused to let me check. She wanted everything to be a surprise,” he replied, raking his sweaty hand through his long hair.

The midwife chortled at the comment. “Oh, you’re right. My mistake. She wouldn’t let me tell her either. Well then, I’d say you’ve got your surprise. Keep me updated on her contractions until I get there. You do have the comlink I gave you, don’t you?”

“Uh, yeah, sure, no problem.”

“Excellent. Take good care of our patient. Arianna out.”

The transmission ended but all it sufficed to do was create even more panic for the Jedi. “TWINS”! he exclaimed, barely registering the news. “Comlink, find comlink!” Anakin quickly turned his head from side to side, as if the electronic device would simply appear. When it wasn’t in view, he began an ardent search.

 

“ANAKIN!”

The sudden scream penetrated his ears like the sound of thunder.

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Part III