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Post by Steller's Jay on Aug 27, 2006 23:00:08 GMT -5
Padme's Heart, Chapter 31
The next two weeks saw the arrival of the nursery furniture and supplies for the new babies. Anakin assembled the crib and bassinets, while Padme stored away the powders, lotions, diapers, all of the things they would need to care for their children as new parents. One day Anakin went into his meditation room; it was full of furniture, flowers, pictures on the walls and curtains. As Padme was carrying in some small pillows to place on the chairs, he told her he didn’t need all the furniture, pictures and such, and that it would just be a distraction. She pressed her lips together, dropped the pillows on the floor, turned and walked away.
He gaped after her, nonplussed at her reaction. He stared at the pillows for a moment, and then gathered them up and went after her. “Padme?” he called, searching through the rambling single story home. The bedrooms were at the other end of the house, and that is where he found her, sitting on their bed, arms crossed above her bulging abdomen and head lowered. He placed the pillows on the bed and sat down beside her. “I’m sorry, Padme,” he said, putting his arm around her waist. “I didn’t know it meant so much to you. We can leave everything in the room; it doesn’t really matter.”
She turned to him as well as she could and lifted her face; her eyes were bright with tears. “Anakin, I feel so silly. Here I am upset and crying over such a small thing. It’s these stupid hormones; they’re driving me crazy.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I just wanted to make your meditation room a pleasant place to be.”
“And it is, sweetheart,” he said, placing his hand on her neck and gazing into her eyes. “I’m just not used to it, yet.”
“Yes, the temple was fairly austere, wasn’t it? Anakin, you do whatever you want; it’s your room. If you want to move everything out, I won’t be upset. We have other rooms that aren’t furnished, yet, and that furniture can be used elsewhere.”
In reply, he kissed her softly and said, “All right, let me try it out and I’ll decide.”
“Now?”
“Yes, I was just about to meditate when we had our..... misunderstanding,” he said with a smile. “I’ll let you know how it goes.”
She smiled and nodded and watched him leave. Then she sighed; she was trying to make their home a good place for him, where he would be happy. But she knew it really wasn’t their home that would do that. He loved her and he would be happy living in a hovel with her. That warmed her heart. Still, she felt something had gradually changed in him since leaving Coruscant. Not his feelings for her, and certainly not his lovemaking, but something.....
She walked to a window and looked out, thinking, trying to pinpoint just what it was that was different. A lot had changed in the last few weeks. The war was over, Palpatine was dead, and many Jedi were gone. Was it the change he’d experienced the night he almost died? Did he miss Obi-Wan? Of course, she knew he did. They were very close, like brothers. Anakin had told her of many of their adventures, especially during the war. She smiled, imagining them together, fighting on Geonosis, in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. She could see them, talking and striding purposefully through the corridors.....
Her thoughts came to an abrupt halt. Purpose! Was that it? Anakin had no purpose, no direction? She went back to sit on the bed, surprised that she hadn’t thought of this before. She had only been focused on them living here on Naboo with their children, not considering what Anakin would do with himself. Was there anything here that could take the place of the life he had led as a Jedi? As hard as she tried, she couldn’t imagine him going off to work every morning to some unexciting, mundane job. And he was certainly no politician! She shook her head and sighed, thinking perhaps she would broach the subject with him.
Later, after they had eaten and were settled on the sofa, she ventured, “Anakin, I was thinking of asking Obi-Wan to visit us soon. What do you think?”
He brightened visibly, but quickly settled down and replied, “Obi-Wan? Sure, that would be very nice.”
“Very nice? Is that all you can say? I know you miss him. Don’t you want him to visit?”
“Well, of course, I’d like to see him, Padme.” He seemed to be trying to appear nonchalant, but she could tell he was excited at the idea. She decided to ask him.
“Anakin, do you miss the temple?” He drew back and stared at her. “What are you talking about?” he asked. Searching his eyes, she said, “I mean, do you miss being a Jedi, and being at the temple?”
He looked down for a moment, and then, turning her face to him, said, “No, I don’t. I’m happy being here with you, Padme. I love you. My life is here now, with you and our children.”
She smiled and nodded, and leaned her head on his shoulder. Of course he misses it. Why would he say he doesn’t? I think he’s trying to convince both of us that he’ll never return there. She sighed inwardly, and held his hand with both of hers. I’m going to talk to Obi-Wan.
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Oren and his master were seated in front of a terminal screen in the Jedi Library Archives, deep in quiet discussion. Master Jocasta Nu was several aisles away, softly lecturing a small group of younglings.
“Master Ke-noh-bee!”
All eyes turned to the library entrance as the quiet was pierced by the call, and strained to see just who had uttered it. There was one-meter-tall Kern Toval, craning his neck to find Obi-Wan.
“Kern!” hissed Oren, motioning at him. “Get over here!”
The child approached Obi-Wan and Oren and spoke, in a voice that could be heard throughout the hall. “Master Kenobi, I’m s’posed to tell you you have a call, from... from...” He scrunched up his face and looked up at the ceiling, trying to remember.
“Shhhhh!” This came from Master Nu.
Obi-Wan pulled the child to him and whispered, “Kern, this is the library. Everyone is supposed to be quiet here.”
“Okay, Master,” Kern replied in a normal voice, “but I can’t remember the rest of what I was s’posed to tell you.” With a look of apology to Master Nu, Obi-Wan quickly hustled Kern out of the library.
He knelt in front of him and said, “Kern, you say I have a call from someone? Do you know who?” The child shook his head. “All right, youngling. Go back to whatever you were doing.” Chuckling, Obi-Wan watched him skip down the hall. He went to the nearest holocomm station and connected. Padme’s image appeared. “Padme,” he said in surprise. “It’s good to see you.”
“Thank you, Obi-Wan. It’s good to see you, too.”
“Are you well?” he asked.
“Yes, we are both well. I’m still expecting, but I think the babies will arrive soon.”
“I’m happy to hear that. What can I do for you?”
“Obi-Wan, I think...” She paused and looked down for a moment. Raising her head, she continued. “I think Anakin needs to be a Jedi.” He raised his eyebrows. “I know he misses it and I asked him about it, but he denied it, and said he wants to be here with us, with his family.”
“Why do you think he is not being truthful?” he asked.
“Oh, he’s not prevaricating, Obi-Wan. I think he believes it, that he really wants to just be with us..... It’s hard to explain, really. It’s like there’s a part of him that isn’t here.”
“I think I understand what you’re saying,” he said, nodding. He looked at her pointedly. “What do you want, Padme?”
She looked at him silently for a moment. “I want him here with me, Obi-Wan. I don’t want him ever to leave, or to be in danger again.” Even within the holographic blue image, he could see her eyes glistening.
“He will do whatever you want, Padme. He loves you very much.”
“I know,” she replied, smiling back at him. “But he will insist that he belongs here, no matter what I say.”
He marveled at her selflessness, her love for Anakin. “What would you like me to do, Padme?”
“Bring part of the temple here.” She waited to see his reaction; he stared at her image, and then thought about her statement, rubbing his beard. Suddenly, his eyes widened and he asked, “Padme, are you asking me to bring him a...?”
“Is there anyone, a young person, he is close to? Someone he has a connection with?”
Obi-Wan smiled, thinking of Anakin’s recent ‘connection’ with Sikka. “There is one he favors, I think, and she is still unattached. But, Padme, it is not proper for me to bring her there and try to get Anakin to bond with her.”
“I understand,” she replied and said nothing for a moment. “I was thinking of having someone come here to help me with the children after they’re born. Would that be permissible?”
He pursed his lips and said nothing for a moment. “Let me think about that. I’ll get back to you, all right?”
“Yes. Thank you, Obi-Wan.” She was smiling as she signed off.
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One evening, Anakin and Padme were relaxing near the fireplace in the sitting room, enjoying the warmth from the crackling fire. He had piled about a hundred pillows around her so she could sit on the floor with him near the fire. He leaned on the pillows to her left with his prosthetic arm around her shoulders.
Turning to face him, she said, “You know, it might have been easier if we had just stayed on the sofa.”
“I know,” he replied, playing with her long braid, “but we wouldn’t have been as close to the fire. Doesn’t if feel good to sit here and feel the heat and watch the flames?”
She snuggled closer and said, “Yes, it does, and it’s more romantic.”
In reply, he leaned over to kiss her, letting his fingers roam up her arm to her neck and down over her body. “I should have known you had an ulterior motive,” she laughed, against his lips.
He sat back and sighed, “I know, it’s getting to be too difficult now, isn’t it. I guess we’ll just have to wait until after they’re born.” He grinned wickedly at her. “And then we’ll make up for lost time.”
She smacked his chest playfully and laughed. When they had settled back against the pillows again, she said, “I have a feeling it’s going to be soon.”
He sat up and asked, “Why? Has something happened? How do you know?”
She looked at his worried face, took his hand and said, “No, Anakin, nothing’s happened. I just have a feeling it won’t be too much longer. And, anyway, my doctor said the other day that the babies have dropped and that could mean it will be soon.”
“Well, how soon? Days? Weeks? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“This is why I didn’t tell you. I knew you would get anxious and fret, and there is nothing to worry about. It’s a normal part of having a baby. Now please relax, and let’s enjoy the fire.” She leaned against him, forcing him back against the pillows. His body was still tense. “Please, relax?” she said in exasperation. “Do one of your breathing exercises or something.” She heard him huff and then felt his breathing begin to slow down. “Good.” She reached up and put her hand behind his neck, pulling his lips down to hers. “There, that’s better.” But she could still see concern and..... fear in his eyes. “Anakin, what is it? Are you still bothered by your dream? You haven’t had it again, have you?”
He dropped his gaze briefly, and then looked into her eyes again. “No, I haven’t had the dream again, not since..... not since I told you about it. But the fear of it is still with me.”
She touched his face, and whispered, “Oh, Ani. We’re going to come through this just fine, I know it.” Then she paused and looked down, placing her hands on her womb. “I’m a little afraid myself. I’ve never had a baby before, and now I’m going to have two.” Looking back into his eyes, she said, “I’m going to need you to be strong for me, Ani, strong for both of us.”
His heart swelled with love for her, and he answered, “I will, my love. You’ll be safe. I’ll be there with you and I’ll take care of you, and our babies.” She smiled and hugged him, laying her head on his chest. “Thank you, Anakin.”
He held her silently for awhile, both of them enjoying the warmth of the fire and the touch of each other. He hadn’t ever thought that she could be frightened, she was always so strong. And yet, here she was, telling him she was afraid, even if only a little. Well, he wouldn’t let anything happen to her, he thought, holding her closer and stroking her hair. Never.
Eventually, Padme began yawning, and he knew it was time to retire. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s go to bed,” he said, sitting her up against the pillows. As he stood, she held her hands up to him, but he said, “Nope, I’m going to carry you in,” and lifted her from the floor.
“Anakin,” she protested, “I can walk to the bedroom.” He just laughed, kissed her and carried her into their room.
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After Padme fell asleep, Anakin lay on his side, watching her and feeling their babies’ presence. He touched them lightly, and was pleased to feel a response from each of them. Imagining what it would be like to actually hold them in his arms, he began to drift off to sleep, too.
Some time later, he felt small movements in the Force; still half asleep, he sent a soothing touch to the babies to calm them. As he relaxed, the feeling came again. He came further out of his sleep and sent the touch again, a little stronger. Now coming fully awake, he realized it wasn’t working. What was going on? Then it dawned on him what it must be.
He pushed up on his elbow and leaned over Padme to see if she was awake. Her eyes were open. “Padme?” Smiling, she turned her face to him. “How did you know?” she asked him. “I could feel something was happening,” he replied, worriedly. “Did it just start?”
“No,” she said, lightly rubbing her tummy, “it’s been about an hour. This is the third one.”
“What should we do now?” he asked.
“We should go back to sleep, Anakin. This is just the beginning. It’ll be hours before we have to go to the birthing center, probably late in the day. I’ll call the doctor in the morning to let her know.” She pulled his arm over to hold her. “Try to sleep now. You won’t be sleeping much, later, so you should get all you can now.”
He settled in behind her and placed his hand on her womb; she covered it with hers. “I love you,” he whispered. “Don’t worry; everything will be fine.” He breathed evenly to calm his own fears, knowing she had enough to think about without him being a burden.
Periodically through the night, he felt her tense up and he held his own breath until she relaxed. He timed her contractions, but couldn’t remember what the interval was supposed to be. Finally, he reached out to find his brother.
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“Hmmmmmm,” Yoda muttered, pacing around his quarters. He stopped in front of Obi-Wan. “So, to Naboo you would take her? Jedi are not nursemaids, Obi-Wan.”
“She has expressed an interest in caring for our younglings, Master Yoda, and this would help her to see what is involved, especially since Anakin’s children are Force-sensitive.”
“Hmph. A fine line this is, Master Kenobi. Agree with you, I do that Master Skywalker should not leave the Order, and should someday take a padawan learner, but trick him into it, we will not. Return here in his own time, he will.”
“I understand, Master Yoda,” Obi-Wan replied, “and I don’t intend to deceive Anakin, but perhaps this could be a gentle reminder of what he has left behind? And Padme is concerned for him, as well. She believes he should be what he was born to be: a Jedi Knight.” Yoda nodded, silently. Obi-Wan continued. “I am sure we could work out acceptable logistics so that he could be with his family often. Sikka’s lessons could be completed there as easily as here, and they could leave for her offworld training from there. And, they have already reserved a room for meditation, as well.”
“Planned this to the last detail, have you Obi-Wan?” Yoda asked, looking askance at him.
Obi-Wan ducked his head and replied, “Master Yoda, I will admit that I miss Anakin greatly and I would love to have him back here with us. But I also believe that he needs this part of his life.” He returned his eyes to the old master. “And we might as well have a plan in place, in case he does choose to return.”
Yoda eyed him for a minute, and then nodded, saying, “Very well, Master Kenobi. Bring this up at the Council meeting, I will. Believe I do, that there will be three of you going to Naboo very soon.”
Obi-Wan stood and bowed. “Thank you, Master. Thank you very much.”
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Post by Steller's Jay on Aug 27, 2006 23:00:34 GMT -5
Padme's Heart, Chapter 32
“Hello, Anakin,” Obi-Wan responded to his brother’s touch. He was on his way to eat something, so he detoured into one of the meditation rooms.
Her labor has started, Obi-Wan. I had to tell you. This came through to Obi-Wan with more urgency than he had experienced before in these long-distance conversations.
Ah, that’s good news, Anakin..... Are you all right? He could sense the younger man’s nervousness, and something else. What is it, my brother? Is everything all right? You haven’t.....you haven’t had another vision, have you? He calmed himself, awaiting the answer.
No, not another vision..... I’m just..... Well, we’re both nervous, I guess.
That’s understandable, Anakin. This is something new for both of you. And for me, too, he thought. He found himself becoming slightly agitated, so he breathed deeply, trying to find the center. Would you like me to be there?
Yes, please come, Obi-Wan. Your presence would help both of us, I think. Padme’s parents are away at some kind of charity benefit, and her sister’s family are off-planet, too. I know she wishes they were here, but the babies are coming early.
I will certainly be there for you, Anakin.
Thank you, Master. I expect we’ll be at the birth center before you arrive. It’s not far from here.
Don’t worry, I will find it. We will leave as soon as we can.
Thank you, Obi-Wan.
Good-bye, Anakin.
Anakin relaxed a little, now that he had spoken to his brother. He kissed his wife’s neck and asked, “Does it hurt when it happens, Padme?”
She reached back and stroked his hair. “Not really. It’s like a stomach cramp, sort of. It’s hard to describe.” She worked her way around to face him. She had a smile on her face. Taking his left hand in both of hers and gazing into his eyes, she said, “Isn’t it wonderful, Anakin? Our babies will be with us soon. It’s been so hard to imagine, I almost can’t believe it. Maybe by this time tomorrow, we’ll be holding them in our arms.”
Marveling at her joy and anticipation, Anakin seemed to feel some of it rubbing off on him, pushing away some of his fear. Kissing her forehead, he murmured, “Oh, Padme, you’re so beautiful and happy. I’m so much in love with you, sometimes I can hardly breathe.”
“Anakin, can you feel them?”
“Yes, I can,” he replied. “They’re quiet now, but responding.”
She settled herself against him and sighed happily. They spent the rest of the night dozing, and waking, and dozing...
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Seated across from Oren in the dining hall, Sikka eyed him thoughtfully and asked, “Are you still mad at Master Skywalker, Oren?”
He stopped in mid chew and regarded her for a moment. Then he finished chewing and swallowed, before replying, “No.” He bent to his food again.
When he didn’t say anymore, she asked, “That’s it? Just ‘no’?”
“Well, what do you want me to say?” he replied. Sighing, he said, “Oh, all right. Master Kenobi told me some things, a lot of things about Master Skywalker’s life and stuff like that, and we’ve talked more about it now and then. So, I guess it’s all right, but only for him.” He ate some more before continuing. “You know, it’s never been recorded that any Jedi married, or had children. We’re not supposed to have attachments or.....relationships. Weren’t you shocked, or at least surprised?”
“Of course I was,” she replied. “But Master Yoda explained it to everyone, except for you, ‘cause you ran out. I think it’s very romantic.”
Putting his fork down, he exclaimed, “There you go, getting all dreamy and head in the clouds.” Mocking her with a falsetto voice, he clasped his hands together and said, “‘Oh, isn’t it wonderful and romantic. They’re so much in love and going to have babies and everything is perfect.’ Well, I think it’s a very serious thing and shouldn’t be taken so lightly.”
She made a face at him. “Well, Oren, he is the Chosen One and so he’s a very special case, so some exceptions should be made. He had a destiny to fulfill, and he did it. Even the Council believes Senator Amidala was part of it. I think you should just accept it and let it go.”
“I know, I know. And I’m getting there. Just give me some time,” he said, moving the last few scraps of food around on his plate.
She stood and said, “Come on, let’s go outside before it starts to rain. I think it’s supposed to.” He walked outside with her and they watched the city lights begin to turn on as the sky darkened. That is where Obi-Wan found them.
“Ah, there you are, just the two persons I was looking for,” he said as he approached them. They turned at the sound of his voice. “I have good news. Master Skywalker’s wife is in labor, and he has asked me to attend the birth.” Sikka gasped at the news; Oren seemed surprised as well. “So, pack a change of clothes or two, Oren. We’ll be leaving as soon as I can get a ship ready for us.”
“Oh, how wonderful for you, Oren!” Sikka exclaimed. “You’re so lucky!”
Obi-Wan turned to her and said, “Sikka, you should pack, too. Mistress Skywalker has asked for someone to help her with the babies at their home. The Council thinks that this would be good experience for you, since you have expressed interest in helping with our younglings.”
Stunned at the news, she squealed, “Me?! She wants me to help her?!”
“Yes,” Obi-Wan replied. “And Master Nu has provided me with your next two lessons and study guides. Depending on how long you are there, she will send more. Now go and get ready. Both of you meet me on the main landing deck.” Sikka flew off to her quarters, and Oren and Obi-Wan walked toward the temple together. “Oren,” Obi-Wan began, “I see the two of you together quite often. How is it you became such good friends? Aren’t you about four years apart in age?”
“Yes, we are, Master,” he replied. “I didn’t know her at all until I returned here after my master was killed. I was pretty depressed then, and she noticed.” He smiled, and said, “I think she saw I needed someone to talk to. She’s helped me a lot. She’s a good kid.”
“Yes, she is,” Obi-Wan said, nodding. “She is adept at sensing others’ emotions and needs. That’s a good trait in a Jedi.”
“Master, did you know her name is really ‘Sikkandra’?”
“No, I did not,” Obi-Wan replied. “That’s a lovely name.” They stopped as they prepared to head in different directions.
“Sikkandra Doron. She told me yesterday. She said someone shortened it to Sikka when she was about five or six, and everyone began using it. But I like her real name better,” Oren said.
“It is very nice,” Obi-Wan replied. “All right, I’ll see you at the ship. It should be ready soon.” Oren nodded and turned toward his quarters; Obi-Wan headed for his.
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Anakin and Padme arrived at the birth center late in the afternoon of the next day. Padme had been glad when the interval between her contractions went below ten minutes so they could leave. Anakin had been prowling the house all day, and hovering over her every time a contraction hit. She’d had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing sometimes, after the pain was gone, he was so nervous.
He helped her out of their speeder and up to the registration desk. A nurse droid arrived and escorted them to the delivery room, where they were separated and Anakin was taken to a room across the hall.
“What’s this?” he asked.
“This is the family’s waiting room,” the droid intoned.
“But I’m staying with her. I supposed to be in there with my wife.” He looked back through the door and could see into the delivery room.
“Do not worry, please. You will return there after you have been made ready.”
“Made ready? What does that mean?” he asked, edging toward the door.
“Please remove your boots and put on these foot covers,” the droid said, handing him a bundle of blue paper-like material. “Also, please put these on over your clothes and your hair. These will help to keep germs and bacteria away from the infants.”
Anakin put on the foot covers and the blue cap and robe and followed the droid back to the delivery room. Padme had been dressed in a white gown that could be opened in the front. Her hair was also covered with the same type of blue cap Anakin had on his head. She was patiently waiting on a bed which held her upper body at about a 45-degree angle, and there were trays and instruments arrayed at the foot of the bed. Anakin hurried over to her and sat on a small stool that had been placed next to the bed for him.
Taking her hand, he kissed her and asked, “How are you feeling, Padme?”
She turned her head to him and replied, “Good, Ani, I’m feeling good. The contractions hurt more now, but it’s not too bad, yet. They’re about five minutes apart now and they’re lasting longer.”
“Is that normal?” he asked with concern.
“Yes, it’s perfectly normal, Anakin,” a new voice said. They both turned to see Padme’s doctor, Dr. Landen, enter the room and come over to them. She leaned over the bed and asked, “Padme, has anything changed since you called me this morning? I know your contractions should be getting closer and lasting longer, and they are probably more painful now.” Padme nodded. “Is there anything else?”
“No, doctor,” Padme replied. “I’m—” She grimaced and squeezed her eyes shut as another contraction came. Anakin looked from her to Dr. Landen, but saw no indication of concern there.
“Good, try to breathe, Padme. That will help you get through them. If you will excuse me?” She pulled Anakin across the hall into the same room he had been in before, and faced him. “Now, Anakin, your support is crucial here. I want you to keep reminding her how well she is doing and help her to move if she feels she needs to. Just ask her what she wants to do; she may want to sit up or stretch, and you can help her.” He nodded, staring at the short woman. “Also, there are some cold, wet cloths on a tray in there and you can wipe her face with them, and give her some sips of water or bits of ice in between contractions. Do you understand?”
“Yes, doctor,” he replied, feeling better now that he had something he could do to help.
“All right, let’s go back in. Just sit next to her and be with her.” They re-entered the room; Anakin went to Padme’s side and the doctor seated herself on a stool at the end of the bed. “Good. Padme, you’re beginning to dilate now, and everything looks just as it should.”
“Thank you, doctor,” Padme breathed, trying to relax after the last contraction. She raised her hand and Anakin held it in his. “They’re coming a bit faster now.”
“Yes, and that’s normal, Padme. Try to relax and breathe,” the doctor said encouragingly.
Anakin leaned over and whispered, “Padme, I think can help you with the pain, if you’ll let me.”
She was puzzled for a moment, and then realized what he meant. “No, Ani,” she replied. “I need to feel everything, even if it hurts. Do you understand that?”
He nodded and gave her a small kiss. “I think I do. I’m here with you, my love.”
As the next couple of hours wore on, and the pains became longer and more intense, Anakin was diligent in wiping her forehead with cold cloths and offering her water and ice. “You’re doing fine, sweetheart,” he whispered to her after one particularly hard contraction.
Padme turned to her husband and, breathing heavily, asked, “Anakin, can you feel them? Are they all right?” Dr. Landen looked at her quizzically.
“Yes, my love, they are responding to me. They’re fine,” he answered, placing a kiss upon her forehead. “Don’t worry, you’re all doing wonderfully.” Padme closed her eyes and took a sip of cold water from the glass in his hand. Passing a curious glance over him, the doctor returned to her task.
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Sikka had been too excited to sleep after they left Coruscant and entered hyperspace, but she eventually nodded off in her seat behind Obi-Wan, who was also asleep and snoring softly. Oren glanced back and chuckled; the air had been filled with chatter about all sorts of things, but mainly Master Skywalker’s babies, and now peace and quiet reigned in the cockpit. He checked the instruments and nav-computer and, satisfied that everything was normal, rose from his seat and approached the young girl.
“Come on, Cee. You’re going back to lie down on one of the bunks,” he said, gently shaking her shoulder. She opened her eyes and mumbled, “Huh? What?” He went to pull her up to her feet, but she was already falling back to sleep. “Okay, let’s go,” he grunted, lifting her with his arms. As he carried her aft, she woke again. “Oren? Where are we? Are we there yet?” “No, we’re still in hyperspace, and you fell asleep. You’ll be more comfortable lying down.”
She blinked a few times, knitted her brows at him and asked, “What did you call me?”
“Cee,” he replied, as he laid her on a bunk and helped her with the blanket. “I like it better than Sikka, and Sikkandra is too long, even though it’s pretty.”
“So, you’ve chosen a nickname for me? I like it, it’s nice,” she said, yawning and giving him a smile.
“Good, now you go back to sleep. We’ll wake you when we get there, if you’re not already up.”
“Okay. G’night, Oren,” she said, closing her eyes.
“Goodnight, Cee.” Yawning as he returned to the cockpit, he took his seat and closed his eyes, too.
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Anakin passed a cold cloth over his wife’s forehead as she let her head fall back on the bed. She eased her grip on his hand and closed her eyes as she tried to rest before the next pain. “Good, Padme,” he said to her. “You’re doing so well; I don’t think it’ll be much longer.” He looked questioningly at Dr. Landen and she nodded. “Yes, you’ll be finished soon,” he said, encouragingly. She opened her eyes a little and looked up at him, trying to smile.
It had been almost twenty hours since her labor had begun, and Anakin was tired, too, but nothing like Padme was. It seemed as if it would go on indefinitely, but she knew it was all worth it. All she had to do was look up at her husband and think about their babies, Luke and Leia, and she could relax and wait for the next contraction. She would do her job and help their babies come into the world safe and healthy. She felt the beginning of the next one.....
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The Jedi Masters’ voices in the Council chamber dropped away one by one until there was silence in the large room. Master Jerrod Wyn looked around at the others and said, “Is that...?” Master Jiasha Tahlandi nodded, her eyes wide. Master Mace Windu rose and went to gaze out of the window. Master Tru Veld dropped his gaze to the floor, smiling for his padawan friend. Masters Dakin Nua and Kiro-Ren looked toward Master Yoda, who sat with his eyes closed, reaching out into the Force to find the Chosen One.
It did not take him long. He sensed ever-changing emotions in the young Master: anticipation, concern, happiness, fear and love, so much love. And then he felt the presence of Skywalker’s wife, Padme, and this surprised him. Filing that away for later contemplation, he continued to explore what his senses told him. The Force-presence he felt from Anakin was unusually strong and --- larger, if that was the way he could describe it. Thicker? Fuller? As if there was another... His eyes popped open. Of course, there was another; in fact, there were two others. He knew they hadn’t been born, and yet he could sense them. Closing his eyes again, he relaxed and absorbed the feeling.
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An alarm sounded, bringing Oren out of his slumber. Checking the instruments, he made the necessary adjustments for entering real space. The planet of Naboo appeared in the cockpit window, beautiful in white and blue with some touches of green. Obi-Wan woke up and Sikka came forward, having heard the same alarm.
“Ah, we’re here, good,” said the master. “Have you been here before, Sikka?”
Her eyes sparkling, she replied, “No, Master Kenobi. Isn’t it beautiful? So much prettier than Coruscant.”
“Can you take us in, Oren?” he asked his apprentice.
“Yes, Master,” Oren answered, “if you’ll give me the coordinates of the spaceport.”
They landed comfortably and left the ship under the care of the spaceport personnel. Obi-Wan asked for and received the address of the birth center. As Oren piloted their rented speeder, Sikka asked, “Do you think they’ve been born yet, Master Kenobi?”
He turned toward the rear seat to answer her. “No, they have not been born, yet, Sikka.” He was feeling through the Force the same feelings and sensations as had the Jedi Masters on Coruscant.
“How do you know, Master?” she asked.
“I know through the Force, Padawan,” he said, smiling gently at her. He looked at Oren, who nodded back, indicating he also could sense this.
“Why can’t I?” she wondered aloud.
“Your ability to interpret the changing flow of the Force has not developed enough, yet. But don’t worry, it will.”
They arrived at the birth center, parked the speeder and entered the building. An orderly checked the records and directed them to the Skywalkers’ room. Obi-Wan looked into the delivery room and saw both Anakin and Padme. A nurse droid hurried over and asked, “Are you family members?”
“Yes, I am his brother,” Obi-Wan replied.
“And these?” The droid indicated Oren and Sikka.
“They are my charges.”
“Very well. Please wait in here.” They were herded into the family waiting room, where they could see across the hall into the delivery room. Obi-Wan and Sikka stood by the door. Oren found a chair and sat down; his curiosity got the better of him and every now and then he leaned forward and peered through the door.
After a moment, Sikka gasped, “Oh, there is so much love in there, Master Kenobi. Isn’t it wonderful?” He tousled her hair and nodded, keeping his eyes on his brother. Yes, there is, he thought.
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(End of chapter 32)
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Post by Steller's Jay on Aug 27, 2006 23:01:02 GMT -5
Padme's Heart, Chapter 33
“Time to push again, Padme,” Dr. Landen said. “I can see the baby’s head now.” Anakin stared at the smiling doctor for a moment before he turned back to his wife. “Push, darling,” he said to her, “push hard. I know you can.” He was almost continuously wiping her sweat-covered brow with his right hand while Padme was gripping his left, as she strained to get this first baby out. “Just a few more, Padme,” the doctor said, as she and the nurse droids made ready to catch the child and separate it from its mother. Padme pushed as hard as she could, until finally Dr Landen exclaimed, “All right, dear, one more big one, now!”
Padme cried out with this last exertion and felt a release as the baby slipped into the doctor’s waiting hands and the brightness of the delivery room. Gazing into her husband’s eyes, she panted heavily and gasped, “Well.....that’s one.....” He grinned at her and kissed her on the cheek. Under the bright lights of his new world, Luke began to cry and wave his arms and legs about as he was being cleaned and bundled in a soft blanket. A nurse handed him to Anakin, saying, “Here is your son, sir.”
Gathering him into his arms, Anakin briefly looked into his scrunched-up face and tears welled in his eyes. “Padme,” he said softly, turning to her, “look.” He placed him in her arms and she gazed down at the baby, and murmured, “Hello, Luke.” As she moved the blanket to see all of him, Anakin leaned down next to her and together they marveled at this tiny miracle, who had quieted down somewhat and had his head turned to them.
“You may nurse him now,” a nurse droid said, moving to her side, across from Anakin. “I will help you.” Padme opened the front of her gown and the droid helped her to position Luke at her breast, where he quickly began to enjoy his first meal. Anakin kissed his wife and said, “I love you, Padme. Look what we have.” “Yes,” she replied, “isn’t he beautiful?” Anakin nodded in agreement and lightly touched his son’s head. He reached out gently with the Force and sensed contentment from him, and happiness and love from Padme, and.....
Obi-Wan? He sensed his brother. Turning his head, he saw him across the hall. “Padme, Obi-Wan is here.” “Go see him,” she said. He kissed her and replied, “I’ll be right back.” She glanced out the door and smiled at their friend. Anakin walked over and the two embraced. “Obi-Wan, you’re here.” Obi-Wan nodded, smiling. “When did you arrive?”
“Oh, an hour or so ago,” the older man responded. “How is Padme?”
“She’s very tired; we’ve been here a long time, but now.....” He turned to look at his wife and child.
“And the baby?” Obi-Wan asked.
“He’s fine,” Anakin replied with a peaceful look on his face. Turning back to his friend, he said, “His name is Luke. Luke Skywalker.”
“Ah, that is a good name, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said, placing a hand on Anakin’s shoulder. “A good name.” He turned and held his hand out to the room’s other occupants. Anakin followed the gesture. “Here is my padawan, Oren Kendrel. Oren, you know Master Skywalker.”
Oren rose from his seat and bowed. “Yes, Master. Hello, Master Skywalker. I.....” He stopped, trying to think of something to say. “I’m glad everything is fine.”
Anakin returned the bow and thanked him.
“And I know you know Sikka,” Obi-Wan said, waving her over. She approached quickly with a big smile on her face. Anakin cringed and put his hands over his face. Sikka burst out laughing. “Hello, Master Skywalker. I promise not to run over you again.” Obi-Wan and Anakin laughed and Oren rolled his eyes. Then she bowed and said, “I’m so happy for you and your wife. Can we see the babies?”
He bowed and said, “Thank you, Sikka. It’s good to see you. I think you can see them later. There’s only one, so far, so we’ll have to wait.” He stared at her for a moment and then looked back to the delivery room and said, “I better go back.” He shook Obi-Wan’s hand and walked back across the hall.
Obi-Wan looked at his two charges and said, “Well, let’s have a seat. It will be a little while longer, I suppose.” They all sat down and Obi-Wan returned to meditation, letting the emotions from next door come to him.
When Anakin returned to Padme’s side, Luke was asleep and Padme was quietly watching him. He put his arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head, and they sat quietly for awhile.
“I need you to push again, Padme,” Dr. Landen said, interrupting their peace. “What? Is it Leia?” Padme asked. “No, you need to pass the placenta. Don’t worry, it’s nothing like having a baby. You’ll feel almost no pain.” Gently, she gave Luke to Anakin, and then took a deep breath and pushed hard. She felt a release of something and it was over. “Good,” said the doctor. “Now, your daughter should be along shortly.”
Anakin leaned over to return Luke to Padme, but she stopped him and said, “No, you hold him for awhile. Why don’t you show him to Obi-Wan?” He smiled down at her and nodded.
The Jedi Master stood as he saw his former student approaching. Sikka’s eyes went wide as she saw what he was carrying. “Look, Oren!” she whispered excitedly. “He’s got one of the babies!” “I see,” he replied, quietly rising from his seat.
Anakin stopped in front of Obi-Wan. “Here is my son, Master,” he said quietly, so as not to wake the sleeping infant. Obi-Wan looked silently into Luke’s face for a moment, and then said, “Congratulations, Anakin. And his name is Luke.” “Yes,” Anakin replied. “Well, Luke, I can feel the Force within you,” Obi-Wan said softly. Turning back to his friend, he said, “I believe he will be very strong, my brother.”
Anakin next turned to Oren and Sikka and lowered the baby a little so they could see him better. Sikka came forward with her hands clasped at her chest. “Oh, he’s so tiny!” she gushed, but not too loudly. Looking up at Anakin, she asked, “May I touch him?” When he nodded, she lightly stroked Luke’s head. “His hair is so soft. Isn’t he beautiful, Oren?” Oren peered over her shoulder and looked at the baby. He darted a glance at his master, and said, “Um, yes, he is,” even while thinking that the child wasn’t very beautiful at all. As Anakin turned and carried his child back to the delivery room, and Sikka watched from the doorway, the master and padawan returned to their seats. Obi-Wan whispered, “It’s all right, Oren. I believe females think all babies are beautiful. It must be genetic.” The young man laughed quietly as they sat down.
Padme groaned as she endured another contraction, just as Anakin walked in. He hurried to her side, wondering what to do with Luke. “Padme, I’m here,” he said as he took his seat next to her. Situating the baby firmly between his right arm and his body, he wiped her brow and face with a cool cloth and then took her hand. “Anakin,” she gasped as the pain subsided, “where is....” “He’s right here with me, sweetheart,” he said, showing her.
“Would you like me to take him, sir?” a nurse droid asked, hovering nearby. Anakin looked at the droid warily for a moment, and then surrendered Luke to it. Now he could devote his attention to Padme. He continued his routine of providing cool water and ice, and wiping her brow with cloths until it was time for her to begin pushing Leia out. He found himself straining along with her, until the final push. Padme cried out as she felt the baby leave her body, and then she fell back, breathing heavily after the exertion of it all.
Leia was quiet for a moment as the cord was tied off and cut, as if she was interested in all that was going on around her. Then she burst out with a loud cry and continued to scream until she was bundled into a blanket and handed to her father. He instantly sent a soothing presence to her and her cries lessened. She turned her face to him as he brought his closer to her, and then smacked him on the chin as she waved her arms about. He laughed softly and turned to give her to Padme. “Here she is, my love,” he said, placing his daughter in Padme’s arms. As she touched the little girl and fluffed her hair, Anakin retrieved Luke from the nurse droid and held him down next to Leia.
“See how much hair she has, Ani,” Padme said, “and it’s dark, like mine.” “She’s beautiful, Padme,” he murmured, kissing the top of her head, “like you.”
Leia was still, with her face turned to Padme, seemingly transfixed by her mother’s voice as Padme cooed softly to her and held her tiny hands. Anakin watched silently, knowing he was the happiest he’d ever been at this moment. Encircling his family with his arms, he rested his head on Padme’s and closed his eyes; a tear escaped his eye and navigated the scar down the right side of his face.
Then Leia began to fuss and kick, and Padme said, “Ani, help me with her. She’s hungry.” Remembering the position in which Luke had nursed, Anakin picked up Luke and helped his wife maneuver Leia so that she was able to nurse. It took a few moments for the tiny girl to settle down, but finally she was contentedly pulling the nourishment from her mother.
“Padme, I’m going to take Obi-Wan to our home now. I’ll be back very soon,” Anakin said, handing Luke to a nurse droid.
“All right, Ani,” she replied, squeezing his hand. He walked across the hall and the three Jedi stood to meet him. “I’ll take you to our home now, so you can get some sleep,” he said to them.
“You look like you could use some sleep, too, Anakin,” Obi-Wan replied.
“Yes, I could, and I will after I come back here,” he said as they walked along. “We’re staying here tonight so the babies and Padme can be monitored. I think we’ll return home some time tomorrow.”
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After they reached the Skywalkers’ home in the rented speeder, Anakin let them choose which bedrooms they would like. “I’m going to take Master Skywalker back to the birth center,” Obi-Wan told the youngsters, “and then I’ll return.” He turned to Anakin. “I’m sure I can find my way back.”
“All right,” Anakin replied. “Goodnight, padawans,” he said to Oren and Sikka. “Goodnight, Master Skywalker,” they said, bowing to him and turning to their rooms.
As Obi-Wan drove the speeder away from the house, Anakin asked, “Obi-Wan, why is Sikka here? I knew you would bring Oren, but Sikka?”
“Padme called me and said she needed some help around the house after the twins were born. She wanted to know if there was anyone at the temple that could help. Sikka has expressed interest in working with our younglings, so I suggested that she do it and the Council agreed. Of course, she was positively thrilled at the idea.”
“Padme called you?” Anakin asked. Obi-Wan nodded. “I wonder why she didn’t tell me.” Obi-Wan shrugged. “Dorme must not be available, I guess,” he mused. “Well, how long can you stay?”
“For a few days. Oren and I are leaving from here for the Outer Rim to see if we can pick up any information on the whereabouts of the Separatists.”
“Oh? Where are you going?” Anakin asked.
“We’ll start on Mustafar. One of the clone commanders said that Palpatine sent the traitors there.”
They continued to speak of the Separatists and the likelihood of their whereabouts until they arrived at the birth center. Anakin said good-bye and entered the building, where he discovered that his family had been moved out of the delivery room and into their assigned family quarters. He found Padme and the twins asleep when he entered. He walked over and looked down at his children, bundled in blankets with their tiny hands visible under their chins. A low-light heating lamp hung above them. He lifted one of Leia’s hands with his little finger, and chuckled when her fingers closed around his. They looked so different from each other; Leia had so much hair and it was very dark, like Padme’s, and Luke had just a few wisps of blond curls. He wanted to pick them up and hold them, but he knew they needed their sleep, as did he.
Yawning, he turned around and noticed a bed across the room had been readied for him. Shaking his head, he muttered, “Well, this won’t do,” and pushed his bed next to Padme’s. He rummaged through their duffle and found his sleeping pants, which he donned after taking off his clothes, and then crawled into the bed and sidled over next to his sleeping wife. “Goodnight, my love,” he murmured, as he kissed her lightly. He waved to a passing nurse droid and fell asleep.
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Luke awoke in unfamiliar surroundings. The first sensations he felt in his new world were softness on his skin and warmth on his face. After a quiet moment of being alone, he reached out with his unfocused Force sense, searching erratically for the one to whom he’d been connected in his old, familiar world. Finally, he found her and she responded eagerly.
Awakened by her babies’ cooing sounds, Padme sat up in bed. Seeing Anakin snoring softly next to her, she decided not to wake him; she wanted to spend some time alone with them. She eased herself painfully out of the bed and crept quietly over to them. Leia, being the nearest, felt her mother’s presence and began to wave her arms and kick at her blanket, and then Luke joined in. “Hello, Leia. Hello, Luke,” Padme murmured to them, holding their little hands. As a nurse droid entered, Padme assured herself that their diapers were dry.
“Do you think they’re hungry?” she asked the droid as she picked Leia up. “Probably. I will help you,” the droid responded. “Please sit over there. I will bring the boy and show you how to nurse them together.” Holding Leia, Padme sat down on a short sofa; the droid carried Luke over to her and laid him temporarily next to her. Placing a robe around Padme’s shoulders and an oversized pillow on her lap, the droid picked up Luke and laid him on the pillow, arranging both babies so they could nurse at the same time. “This is probably the easiest way to feed two at once, but you may experiment at home.”
“Thank you,” Padme replied. She was so happy doing this, holding both of her children as they each suckled contentedly. Their little faces were so beautiful to her. Since the pillow held them in place, her hands were free to cuddle them and touch them. Eventually, they had their fill and they let go and grabbed Padme’s fingers. She tickled their tummies, played with their hands and feet, and picked each one up for a hug, and all the while they made their little noises and tried to touch her.
Then she felt a hand on her neck and heard, “Hello.” As she lifted her face, her husband leaned down and kissed her. He knelt next to her and asked, “How are you feeling?” “Wonderful,” she replied, smiling happily at him. “They look happy,” he observed, letting them play with his fingers.
“Here, you didn’t get to hold her,” she said, handing Leia to him. He walked around the room with her, watching her little hands bat his chest and get caught in his hair. Hugging her gently, he murmured, “I love you, Leia,” and kissed her cheek. He could sense that she was happy, and he wondered if she could feel that in him, too. Then Luke began to cry, so Anakin returned with Leia and laid her down beside him. As the boy quieted, Anakin said, “I think he missed her; he couldn’t feel her anymore.” Padme looked questioningly at him, so he said, “They must have become close to each other through the Force, Padme, so when I took her away, he missed her.”
“Imagine that,” she replied, gazing wistfully at them. “I wish I could feel them that way.” Anakin picked up Luke and said, “I wish you could, too. It—” Just then Leia started crying and kicking and, of course, Luke followed suit. Anakin had no idea what could be wrong. Padme felt Leia’s diaper and announced, “Oops, she’s wet. Time for a diaper change. Luke is probably wet, too.” Anakin pursed his lips and held Luke out to the nurse droid as it entered the room. “Anakin,” Padme scolded, “you need to learn how to change them, too. Now help me get up.”
The droid carried Luke over to a changing table, and Anakin picked up Leia, then held his hand out for Padme. She winced as they followed the droid to the table. Anakin laid Leia on the table next to Luke, and the droid walked them through the steps of removing the old diaper, how to dispose of it, and putting on the new, clean one. Once they were clean and dry, the babies yawned and fell asleep. Padme showed Anakin how to wrap them in their blankets, and then they climbed into their own bed.
As the droid rolled toward the door, it stopped and said, “This bed is supposed to be over there.”
“No, it isn’t,” Anakin replied, testily. “It’s supposed to be over here so I can sleep with my wife.” The droid shook its metal head and rolled on out of the room. Padme laughed and pulled him over to her. “I’m glad you did it,” she said, reaching up to kiss him. He obliged and held her tightly. “Mmmm, we can get closer now,” he murmured, moving his lips to her neck. She pushed him back, saying, “Anakin, I want to make love, too, but it’s too soon. And, we’re both very tired.” “I know it's too soon. When do you think...?” he asked. “Well," she replied, “I need some time to mend.” He knitted his brow. “How much time?” She laughed, touched his face and said, “A few days, I guess. Maybe a week or so. We can still cuddle.”
With that, she snuggled into him and said, “Come on, let’s get some sleep before they wake up again.” He smiled ruefully and replied, “All right, mother, to sleep it is.”
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(end of Chapter 33)
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Post by Steller's Jay on Aug 27, 2006 23:01:46 GMT -5
Padme's Heart, Chapter 34
Oren and Sikka had been up for awhile the next morning when Obi-Wan came out of his room in the Skywalkers’ home. After grabbing a piece of fruit in the kitchen, he found the padawans in what appeared to be an office or a den. She held a datapad, while he sat across a desk from her with his head resting on his hands, watching her. Obi-Wan listened at the door.
“Is Odan-Urr’s library still on Ossus?” Sikka asked her friend. “Can we go see it?”
“No, Ossus doesn’t exist any more; it was destroyed in a supernova,” Oren replied. “You’ll read about that in a later lesson. Now, how much have you read about Freedon Nadd?”
Fingers running over the datapad’s keys, she said, “I’ve just started. See? Here is where I am.” She showed him the display.
“Good morning, padawans,” Obi-Wan greeted them, entering the room. They turned, stood and bowed to him. “Good morning, Master,” Oren said. “Good morning, Master Kenobi,” Sikka said brightly, “Oren’s helping me with my lesson.”
“Excellent!” Obi-Wan exclaimed. “Perhaps I could use a refresher, myself. May I see that pad?” She handed it over and the three of them spent a good part of the morning reading and discussing the ancient history of the Galactic Republic.
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Tickled by something he couldn’t at first identify, Anakin awoke and sat up in the bed he was sharing with his wife in the birth center. No one was in the room but his family. Then he felt it come and go again, and recognized it as the Force presence of his son, casting about erratically in his new world. Anakin walked over and looked down at the tiny boy, feeling Luke’s presence finally settle on him, even as the little face turned toward him.
Reaching down to tickle him under the chin, Anakin said quietly, “So, checking out your new digs, Luke?” The baby responded by waving his arms about and kicking at the blanket that was wrapped around him. After checking that Leia was sleeping, Anakin picked up Luke and carried him over to the bed, placing him near Padme and sitting cross-legged on the bed himself. After a short while, she flicked her hand and said, “Stop it, Anakin. I want to sleep.”
“Stop what?” he asked, puzzled.
“Stop touching me,” she replied.
“But I’m not touching you,” he said.
She sighed and opened her eyes, turning her head toward him. “Anakin, who else— Oh, it must have been Luke.” She smiled and reached for the baby, pulling him close to her. Anakin knitted his brow. Luke wasn’t close enough to touch her, even by accident. Then his eyes widened. “Padme, what did you feel?”
“Hmmm?” she responded, playing with Luke’s hands and feet.
“What exactly did you feel?” he repeated.
She looked at him and said, “Just a little touch, is all. Why?”
“He wasn’t near enough to touch you, and I didn’t touch you either.”
Returning to her son, she said, “Well, maybe I dreamed it or something. But it woke me up.”
Anakin was silent for a moment, and then he asked, “Padme, have you ever been tested?”
“For what?” she responded, checking each of Luke’s fingers and toes.
“To see if you’re Force-sensitive,” he said.
She paused and looked at him, and said, “I don’t know. I suppose so. I never thought of it. Why?”
“I think you felt Luke’s presence through the Force,” he replied. “He woke me up with it.” He smiled down at his son. “It’s pretty wild and unfocused, but it was him. It felt like a tickle.”
“What does that mean, Anakin?” she asked him.
“I’m not sure,” he responded, mulling it over in his mind. I’ll speak to Master Yoda about it. Just then, soft noises from Leia reached them. “Oh, I’ll bet she’s going to be hungry,” Padme said. “Watch Luke, Anakin.” As her feet hit the floor, Leia began to cry loudly; Luke’s face scrunched up and he did the same. Anakin picked him up and said softly, as he carried him over to the sofa, “Hmm, are you really hungry or are you just following her lead?” The nurse droid entered and helped them set up on the sofa and soon the brother and sister were happily suckling.
Dr. Landen walked in and said, “Good morning, Padme, Anakin.” She leaned over and tousled the twins’ hair. “How is everything going, Padme? Are you feeling all right? Any undue pain or discomfort?”
“I feel very good, Dr. Landen,” Padme replied. “Just tired and sore. Can we go home today?”
“If you and the babies check out okay, I don’t see why not. They seem to have taken to breast-feeding very well; that’s a good sign that they’re healthy. Let’s bring them over to the table and I’ll give them a good going-over.”
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“What’s that?” Sikka asked, lifting her head quickly. “Is that them?” Now Oren and Master Kenobi heard the speeder slowing to a stop by the side of the house. Sikka ran to the back door, threw it open and stifled a screech as she saw Master Skywalker jump out of the driver’s seat and help Padme out of the vehicle. Anakin reached into the back seat and lifted out one of the twins. Padme turned to the young girl and said, “Hello, there. You must be Sikka.” “Yes, ma’am,” Sikka replied. “Well, would you like to carry Leia into the house?” Padme asked her. Oren and Obi-Wan had just arrived and gave each other a look, knowing what the answer would certainly be. Anakin looked at his wife as if she’d just gone mad. Sikka nodded vigorously and held out her arms.
Anakin held onto his daughter possessively until Padme took her from him. “Anakin, it’ll be all right,” she said quietly. “She won’t drop her; I’ll show her how to hold her. Here,” she said, turning back to Sikka, “you carry her like this. Now, there you go.” She placed Leia in Sikka’s arms and ensured the baby’s head was supported. “Always make sure you support her head. Her neck isn’t strong enough yet to hold it up herself. And the same goes for Luke.” As Sikka started toward the house, Anakin said to Padme, “Maybe I should go with her.” She pushed him back toward the speeder, saying, “I’ll go. You bring Luke. And don’t you drop him.” Defeated, he turned and retrieved the baby boy from the back seat. As he passed Obi-Wan, his old master said, “Be sure you support his head, Anakin.” Hidden behind Obi-Wan, Oren snickered into his hand as Anakin pointedly ignored both of them. They followed him into the house and on to the nursery, where Padme was showing Sikka where all of the baby supplies were stored.
Leia was already in the crib, where a bumper had been placed across its center so the twins could share the bed without possibly harming each other. Anakin laid Luke down on the other side of the bumper and then leaned over to make sure that Leia was all right. Obi-Wan joined him, saying, “Ah, there she is. We didn’t get to see her at the medical center. Oren, would you like to see Luke’s twin sister?” Oren dutifully looked past his master at the baby girl; he tentatively reached over and lifted her fingers and observed, “Look, she has little fingernails.” Obi-Wan took notice and said, “Yes, I suppose she would. I believe they come into the world fully-equipped." Both infants were making noises and waving their arms about, apparently interested in the conversation going on above them. Padme approached and said, “All right, why don’t you gentlemen go somewhere and talk or something so these babies can go back to sleep? And I need to show Sikka everything I’d like her to help me with.” Oren and Obi-Wan turned and walked out of the room, but Anakin just stood there smiling at her. “Well?” she asked him, hands on her hips. He chuckled and put his arms around her, saying, “Taking charge as usual, hmmm?” He kissed her and then followed his friends. A little embarrassed, she turned back to Sikka, who was smiling broadly. “Sorry about that, Sikka,” she said. “Oh, it’s all right, Miss Padme. He loves you,” the young girl replied, as if that was good enough for her.
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The next week was very busy as Padme, Anakin and Sikka settled into their new routine demanded by the presence of two infants in the house. Sikka helped Padme arrange everything whenever the babies needed feeding, and did the washing and cleaning, since Dr. Landen had expressly told Padme she was to rest and take care of herself. She also helped Padme with getting meals ready. Obi-Wan asked Oren to make sure that Sikka did not neglect her lessons, and Anakin often sat with them, joining in whatever discussions arose. In the evenings, between feedings, Anakin, Padme and Obi-Wan often relaxed in the sitting room enjoying each others’ company.
Padme’s family also visited, having returned from their separate off-planet trips. The babies were sufficiently oohed and aahed over, mostly by the females, and Padme’s mother insisted on having the twins over for a few days once they were weaned from nursing.
“Well, these hellos and goodbyes are quite a production, aren’t they?” Obi-Wan observed as he, Anakin and Padme walked back into the house after seeing Padme’s family off one evening. “Yes,” Anakin agreed. “Everyone needs to hug everyone else goodbye, and it’s quite a ritual.” Padme rolled her eyes. “Well, you Jedi just haven’t experienced family relationships. It’s wonderful, really.” Anakin put his arm around her and said, “You’re right, sweetheart, it is wonderful. Just a little overwhelming, sometimes.” They went to the sitting room to wind down after the busy day. “I’m going to check on the twins,” Padme announced. “I’ll be right back.”
Anakin and Obi-Wan watched the sun setting through the room’s picture window. “So, you and Oren are going to look for the Separatist leaders,” Anakin observed. “Yes,” Obi-Wan replied, “we’re going to Mustafar first since that’s where the latest sighting was.”
“Do you think any are still there? I’d think they would have scattered, once news of Palpatine’s defeat reached them,” Anakin said.
“I’m sure they have. But we may find some clues as to their whereabouts. We’ll probably go to Geonosis, as well. There may well be some information there.”
Anakin nodded. “Well,” he said, “let me know what you find out, Obi-Wan. I’ll be happy to see those criminals brought to justice.”
Obi-Wan looked at him for a moment, and then suggested, “Perhaps you’d like to come along, Anakin.”
“Oh, no,” he replied, shaking his head, “my place is here, with my family.” Obi-Wan nodded and said nothing more.
Padme had arrived and was about to enter the room, but stopped and lowered herself into a straight-backed chair by the doorway when she heard this exchange. Was Anakin sincere? Was he saying that because he really wanted it, or because he had made a promise never to leave her again? She thought she knew her husband very well, but she couldn’t read his heart on this. She listened quietly while they continued talking about the mission. Anakin suggested some other locations they might visit to look for the Separatists, and some ruses they could try to lure them in. She thought he seemed very interested and even excited talking about..... Oh, what was she doing, reading things into his words and tone of voice! She stood and was confronted by her husband. “Padme? What are you doing? Are you all right?” he asked, wondering why she had apparently been sitting by the door.
Trying not to appear flustered, she stammered, “Oh! I’m fine, Anakin. I just... well, my slipper was coming off, so I sat down to put it back on.” Walking around him into the room, she asked, “Now what are you two talking about?”
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“Are you sure you should be doing all this work, Cee?” Oren asked. Sikka looked up from her datapad and asked, “What work?” “Washing clothes and cleaning and stuff. Jedi don’t do that. Others do that for us at the Temple.”
Putting down the pad, she said, “But, Oren, I’m helping the family of the Chosen One, Master Skywalker. Isn’t that important? I don’t consider it work at all. I feel very honored to have been asked.” She picked up the pad. “And I just love those babies. They’re so beautiful, and I think I can feel the Force in them. I’m just so amazed to be here.” As she returned to her reading, Oren said, “All right, Cee, whatever you say. I’ll be back in a minute.”
He left the room and, making sure no one was around, walked down the hall to the nursery. The room was pretty warm; he supposed that was for the infants’ benefit. Still, looking down at them over the side of the crib, he could see they were covered in blankets as they slept, although the girl had kicked hers off. He wondered if he should replace the blanket; he didn’t want to wake her, but he gently pulled it over her. “Oh, no,” he said under his breath when Leia opened her eyes and uttered little sounds. “Please don’t start crying, little girl,” he whispered, holding his breath. When she didn’t, he exhaled slowly, relieved. As he straightened, his head jostled the mobile hanging above the crib. Leia’s attention was drawn to the little stars and moons moving around over her; she watched them, waving her arms about. Oren was fascinated; he’d never really seen a baby before, not this close, anyway. He glanced over at Luke, and was pleased that the tiny boy was fast asleep. Something about them was very calming and he smiled.
“Isn’t it fun to watch them?” a voice whispered at his side. Startled, he jerked upright and turned to see Sikka next to him. “Good grief! Don’t scare me like that!” he whispered back to her. “Sorry, Oren. I was just looking for you. I didn’t know you were in here with them. Aren’t they sweet?” She patted and rubbed Leia’s tummy. “Yes, they are,” he conceded. “Now, let’s get back to your lesson,” he said, pulling her toward the nursery door.
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In the morning, a few days later, Anakin, Padme and the twins returned from a visit to Dr. Landen. Both of the twins were pronounced healthy and doing fine, as was Padme. Obi-Wan met them at the door, saying, “Welcome back. And is everyone all right?” “Yes, very much so,” Padme announced happily as she breezed past him, carrying one infant in each arm. Anakin followed with a number of bags under each of his arms. To Obi-Wan’s raised eyebrows, he responded, “We went shopping.” He followed his wife into the nursery and dropped the bags on the floor.
“Anakin, would you mind fetching Sikka? I want to feed them and then put them in the playpen in the family room.” Anakin found Sikka, Oren and Obi-Wan in the study. Obi-Wan turned to him and said, “Anakin, I’m sorry we cannot stay any longer. Oren and I must be on our way or I’m afraid we’ll lose all traces of the Separatists.”
Crestfallen, Anakin replied, “I understand, Obi-Wan. You’ve already stayed several days more than you expected to.” He turned to the young girl. “Sikka, Padme asked me to find you. She wants to feed the twins now.”
She seemed a little sad, but got up and said, on her way out of the room, “Thank you, Master Skywalker.”
After the master and padawan gathered their personal belongings, they waited by the front door while Anakin went to the nursery. There he found the twins in their playpen, and the two females talking quietly in a corner of the room. “Padme? They’re ready to go,” he said from the doorway. They looked at him and giggled together conspiratorially. “All right, we’re coming,” she replied and they walked past him, each suppressing a laugh. Now, what? he wondered as he followed them.
Everyone walked outside and around to the rented speeder, where Padme and Obi-Wan hugged and said goodbye. Oren stood stoically as Padme hugged him; then she went back into the house, waving from the door. Sikka bowed to Master Kenobi as they said their farewells and turned to Oren. Silently, they stood for a moment, and then she hugged him tightly, saying, “I’ll miss you, Oren.” “I’ll miss you, too, Cee,” he replied, squeezing her. She stepped back and said eagerly, “I’m going to keep a diary of everything I do here, and I’ll send it to you a little bit at a time. That way it’ll be just like I’m there with you.” He chuckled and replied, “Okay, that sounds great. You’ll probably have to send it through the Temple, since they’ll know where we are. I’ll try to answer you and let you know what we’re doing, but I’m not sure how busy we’ll be.” “That’s okay, it’ll be fun just letting you know what’s going on around here, with the babies and all.” He smiled at her and stepped into the speeder.
“Keep in touch, my brother,” Anakin said as he and Obi-Wan embraced each other. “Of course,” Obi-Wan replied. As they separated, each had tears brimming in their eyes. “I’m happy for you, my brother. You take care of your family, now.” Anakin nodded as Obi-Wan stepped into the speeder.
As Oren drove them off, Anakin and Sikka stood quietly, both of them sad. “I’ll miss my friend,” she said softly. He turned to her and saw that her eyes were wet, as well. “I understand,” he said, placing his arm across her shoulder. “I will miss my friend, too.” Together they walked back to the house.
“I’m going to go play with Luke and Leia, Master Skywalker,” she announced, as they entered the home. “If they fall asleep, I’ll just leave them in their playpen and keep an eye on them.” Looking around for Padme, he replied, “All right.” “I mean I’ll be in the family room for an hour or two, at least,” she said, gazing up at him. He stared at her for a moment, and then said, “All right, Sikka, that’s fine. Go ahead.” He watched her off to the family room. Shaking his head, he headed in the opposite direction, looking for Padme.
He stopped short just as he entered their bedroom. She was lazing in the closet entrance, looking out at him from beneath her eyelashes, and twirling a lock of her hair around with her fingers. “Close the door, Anakin,” she said softly, and began walking slowly toward him. As she neared him, he realized she was wearing one of his shirts, one that stopped just at the top of her thighs. A smile found its way onto his face, his mood suddenly brighter, and he waved his hand to close the bedroom door. He put his arms around her and instantly knew that his shirt was the only article of clothing she had on.
“Padme,” he murmured, bringing his lips to hers. “Come over here,” she said, moving out of his grasp and leading him over to the bed, “and stand still.” Eyes sparkling, he stood obediently while she undressed him, dropping his clothes on the floor. Then she pushed him back onto the bed and climbed in next to him.
Leaning over him, she scribed figures on his chest with her finger and said, “So, Anakin....” She kissed him three times, once on each side of his chest and once just above his navel. “My doctor said today that I am perfectly healthy and....” She trailed her tongue up to his collar bone and around to his ear. “....completely healed.” Her teeth tugged on his earlobe. “What do you think that means?” She gazed down at him seductively.
In answer, he rolled her over onto her back and began unbuttoning the shirt she was wearing. “It means, my love, we have an opportunity to make up for lost time. And, I’ve been told that we will not be interrupted for an hour or two, at least.” She laughed and then shivered as he ran his hands up her sides and under her shoulders, ending with his head above hers. Kissing her tenderly, he murmured, “Thank you, Padme.” “For what, Anakin?” she replied. “For this,” he grinned, letting his tongue travel to her ear and trace its curls, causing more shivers and little noises to escape from her. After tasting her other ear, he slid back to her lips, parting them with his tongue and kissing her deeply and passionately, and eliciting moans from Padme that only grew in intensity as their loving continued into the afternoon.....
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Anakin awoke from a dream that night, a dream he’d been having for the past two nights. There was no danger in the dream and, really, it wasn’t a dream at all; it was more of a continuing conversation, a conversation with Qui-Gon Jinn. He could recall what he and the immortal master had said, but he also knew he had been asleep. Since the first two dreams were innocuous, he hadn’t mentioned them to Padme. But this night’s conversation with Qui-Gon stood to bring about a major change in their lives.
He lay still, thinking about what he must do and knowing that he wanted to do it, even though he feared Padme would be saddened by it. He would have to break his promise to her, and that was perhaps the worst of all. Sighing, he got up and went to the bathroom for a drink of water.
“Anakin? Are you all right?” he heard from the bedroom. “Yes,” he replied, replacing the glass on the counter and returning to their room. He stood by his side of the bed, saying nothing. “What is it, Ani?” Padme asked quietly, sitting up in bed. “I never asked you this, Padme, but I will now. Why did you call Obi-Wan to ask for someone from the Temple to come here?”
She looked into his eyes for a moment and then dropped her gaze to her lap. She decided to tell him the truth. “You need to be a Jedi, Anakin. You said it was all you ever wanted when we first met you on Tatooine. Even your mother knew; she told us, ‘He was meant to help you.’ I’ve never forgotten that.”
He walked around the bed and sat beside her. “But I promised you that I would never leave you again.” She hugged him tightly and said, “And I don’t want you to. I want you to stay with me forever. I don’t want to have to be afraid for you. But I believe this is what you need to do.”
He held her and asked, “Why Sikka?” “Obi-Wan suggested her,” she replied. He nodded slightly, thinking, He knows me better than I know myself. She continued, looking up into his eyes. “I knew you wouldn’t go back to the Temple, so I asked him to bring part of the Temple here. I.... I wasn’t trying to make you take her as your padawan, but I thought that having her here might help you to decide one way or the other, and....” She dropped her gaze. “I’m sorry, Anakin, I shouldn’t have tried to interfere. I’ll send her back right away.” She turned away from him, tears falling from her eyes.
He turned her back to face him and held her. “You did that for me, didn’t you,” he said, his chest full to bursting with love for her. After a short silence, he said, “I want to tell you something. I’ve been having a dream the last few nights.” She looked up in alarm. “No, it wasn’t a bad dream,” he assured her. “I was sitting on a stone wall in the country with Qui-Gon Jinn and we just talked about things, about you and me, our children, the Jedi Order.... just life in general, I guess. Last night, when the dream started, I was alone. When I looked around for Qui-Gon, I saw him off in the distance speaking with someone else, a young girl. He left her and came to me and I asked him who she was.” He paused for a moment and then continued. “He said she was my future and she was waiting for me.... It was Sikka.”
She gazed at him, wonder evident on her face. Then she smiled, a little sadly, and said, “Then you should go to her.” She tightened her hold on him. “It’s what you must do, my love.” He moved back under the covers and pulled her with him. “I love you so much, Padme,” he murmured, kissing where her face was wet. “I love you, Anakin,” she whispered. They made love again, slowly and tenderly, and then fell asleep in each other’s arms.
(end of Chapter 34)
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Post by Steller's Jay on Aug 27, 2006 23:02:12 GMT -5
Padme's Heart, Epilogue Padme awoke the next morning before her husband. Moving quietly out of the bed, she bathed, dressed and stepped into the nursery. Both of her children were awake and making small sounds. Are they talking to each other? Can they communicate already? She shook her head, thinking of the mystery of the Force that her husband and children shared. “Well, we’ll just have to communicate the old-fashioned way, my sweethearts,” she said as she placed Leia next to Luke, and then picked them up together and hugged them, both of them wiggling excitedly. “Come on, let’s get you both dry and then we’ll call Sikka to help me feed you. I bet you’re both hungry.” After they were fed and lying happily in their playpen with Sikka watching them, Padme put together a light breakfast and went to wake Anakin. He was already up and dressed, adjusting his cloak in the bathroom mirror. As he turned toward her, her breath caught in her throat; he was beautiful, wearing his Jedi clothing, his lightsaber affixed to his belt. His eyes transfixed her as he approached her and asked, “How do I look?” She unnecessarily adjusted the cloak on his shoulders and, lips trembling slightly, replied, “Very handsome, my love.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. When their kiss ended, he held her for a long while, and then walked out of the bedroom. She followed him to the family room and stopped in the doorway as he approached the young girl playing with his children. She watched as Sikka rose when he spoke to her, watched as she gasped and her eyes went wide, and watched a little longer while the Jedi Master and his new padawan sat together on the sofa and talked. Then she went into the kitchen and sat quietly at the table, waiting. After a short while, Sikka went to her room to gather up her few belongings, leaving her study materials on the table next to her bed. Anakin held Luke and Leia in his arms and kissed them both, saying goodbye. He knew he would be able to feel them while he was gone and was thankful for that. He carried them to their crib and laid them in it. Then he joined Padme in the kitchen. He sat down beside her and held her hands, saying, “She’s packing. We’ll go to Coruscant today to formalize this with Master Yoda and the Council.” “And then you’ll return?” she asked quietly. “Yes, as quickly as we can,” he replied just as Sikka came in. “I’m ready, Master,” she announced, her eyes very bright and happy. Padme rose and hugged the young girl. “Thank you, Miss Padme,” Sikka said. “Why are you thanking me?” Padme asked. Sikka tilted her head toward Anakin. Padme looked down at her and smiled; they embraced again and then Sikka went outside. Anakin and Padme stood silently for a moment. “You’ll send the speeder back?” she asked, her eyes glistening. He nodded and crushed her to him. “Padme,” he murmured. Wiping the tears from her face with his fingers, he said softly, “You know I’ll always come back to you.” She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. “And you’ll know when I’m here with you, even when I’m far away.” She took a deep breath, pushed him away slightly and said, “You should go now. She’s waiting for you.” He kissed her once more and then walked out the door. Standing alone in the middle of the kitchen, she waited until she heard the speeder move away, and then she went into the nursery to be with their children. The End
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Post by uzilicilin on May 17, 2019 2:47:35 GMT -5
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Post by uqeziyuhixezu on May 17, 2019 4:30:05 GMT -5
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