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Post by queennaberrie on Feb 20, 2007 23:11:54 GMT -5
Chapter 6
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin with curiosity and crossed his arms in front of him. “Certainly, Anakin.” He then walked across the room with Luke not far behind. Luke resumed his spot next to his sister and Obi-Wan sat next to Anakin, looking at him with concern and putting his right hand on his arm. “What is it, Anakin?”
Anakin looked down at his boots. Where do I start? I’ll have to tell him about Padme and me. It’s the only way he’ll understand my fears and why what Palpatine said is so tempting. Leia put her hairbrush on the cafe table and leaned forward, putting her elbows on her knees as both Luke and she looked on with concern and anticipation.
“Obi-Wan.” Anakin started. “The Chancellor asked me to come visit him at his private box at the theater tonight.”
“He did?” Obi-Wan said with curiosity. “What did he want?”
Anakin looked up at Obi-Wan. “He wanted to tell me that General Grievous is in the Utapah System.” Anakin told him.
“Well, we’ll certainly have to inform the Council of that as soon as possible, so we can apprehend him.” Obi-Wan responded and looked at Anakin, knowing that something was really bothering him about his latest encounter with Palpatine. “But that’s not all he wanted, is it?”
“No.” Anakin paused while putting his hands between his knees and looking down at his boots again. “He knows we’re on to him. He knows the Council is having me spy on him.”
Obi-Wan shifted his position on the couch with uneasiness. “He does? What exactly did he say?”
Anakin looked back up at Obi-Wan, this time looking him straight in the eye. “He basically tried to convince me that the Jedi are bad and that good is only a point of view.” He paused. “Then he told me a Sith Legend about a dark lord by the name of Darth Plagueis the Wise. Have you heard it before, Obi-Wan?”
Obi-Wan looked at him with puzzlement and disgust. “No.” He said as he shook his head. “I’ve never heard of it or him, for that matter.” Obi-Wan became worried. “But basically what you are saying is Palpatine was trying to turn you against us.” It was more of statement than a question.
“Yes.”
Luke and Leia looked on with intrigue. They always wondered how the Emperor was able to entice their father to join the Dark Side and maybe now they were going to find out how.
Obi-Wan sighed. “So what is this Sith Legend he told you?” Obi-Wan asked him with concern and worry.
Anakin sighed, looking down at the café table and then back up at Obi-Wan again. I have to tell him about my nightmare or he won’t understand the rest. “Um…Obi-Wan…before I tell you about the Sith Legend, I must tell you something else so you’ll understand the significance.”
Obi-Wan crossed his arms in front of him then reached up with his right hand to stroke his beard. Anakin looked at him just ask Obi-Wan nodded at him. “Continue.”
“Well…” Anakin squirmed in his seat and found it extremely difficult to look at Obi-Wan for the shame he felt for the disappointment he knew he’d soon feel from his former Master. This is a lot harder than I first thought it would be. He’s going to be very disappointed in me. “Obi-Wan…you know that Padme and I have been great friends for quite some time.”
“Yes.”
“Well…We’re a little more than just friends.” Anakin said as he finally looked up at Obi-Wan as if he was waiting to be yelled at…But, instead, Obi-Wan just stared at him, his eyes getting a little wider with the knowledge of what Anakin was about to tell him. “We were secretly married on Naboo, 3 years ago.”
Anakin continued to look over at Obi-Wan, expecting an immediate outburst from him…But it didn’t come. Instead he just looked at Anakin with extreme disappointment and worry, now covering his mouth with his right hand. Obi-Wan then looked away from Anakin and looked over at Luke and Leia who he noticed were now practically sitting on the edge of their seats themselves…waiting for Obi-Wan’s reaction.
Obi-Wan finally turned back to look at Anakin who was now looking like he was in complete anguish. “Well…this certainly is something.” Obi-Wan finally said. “Although, I guess this doesn’t come as too much of a surprise.” He was calm…to calm, Anakin noticed as Obi-Wan continued. “I always noticed the effect you both had on each other. I should have seen this coming.”
Anakin swallowed hard. “So…you-You’re not mad?”
“Mad?” Obi-Wan was now looking at him with a hint of anger in his eyes, with both arms now crossed in front of his chest. “Mad? No, I’m not mad. I’m just extremely disappointed in you, Anakin! You know this is against the Jedi Code and you could be expelled from the Order!”
Luke and Leia looked at each other with shock as Anakin hung his head down in shame. “I realize that Obi-Wan.” He then looked back up at his mentor. “That’s why we kept it a secret.”
“Anakin! You know that attachments are forbidden by the Jedi!” Obi-Wan replied.
“I know.” Anakin was starting to have tears form in his eyes. He felt horrible, having Obi-Wan so disappointed in him. “But, you must understand, we couldn’t deny how we felt about each other.” He said as he looked at Obi-Wan, pleading with his eyes and his very being for Obi-Wan’s forgiveness and understanding.
Obi-Wan sighed and started to calm down. He could see how much telling him pained his old padawan, who was like a brother to him. He didn’t like to see him so hurt by his own harsh disapproval. He reached over and put his right hand on Anakin’s shoulder and looked at him with concern. “Anakin…I-I know it took a lot on your part to finally tell me this. But you should have told me about this earlier.”
Anakin looked down at his boots again and then looked up at Obi-Wan, surprised by his sudden change in attitude about the situation. “I-I couldn’t tell you. I couldn’t burden you with our secret.”
Obi-Wan weakly smiled at Anakin. “I understand.” He then sighed, trying to hold back any hint of anger and trying to calm himself. He knew there was more to this and wanted Anakin to finish. “But what does this have to do with Sith Legend Palpatine told you?”
Anakin looked over at Luke and Leia who were sitting across from them, looking on with awe. Then he looked back to Obi-Wan. “Well…there’s more.”
“More?” Obi-Wan asked with puzzlement.
“Yes…” Anakin paused. “Padme is pregnant.” Anakin said, while sheepishly smiling at Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan’s eyes got as big as saucers and just stared at Anakin. “Well…” He finally said after what seemed to be an eternity to Anakin. “…that does tend to happen when people get married.” He then paused. “Go on.”
Anakin started to get a look of anguish on his face. “Obi-Wan, do you remember me telling you about the nightmares I had just before my mother died?”
“Yes.” Obi-Wan said with caution.
“Well…right after Padme told me of this wonderful news….” Anakin paused, trying to hold back the tears. “…I started having nightmares about Padme dying in childbirth.”
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin with horror and then sadness, so did Luke and Leia.
“It’s been awful, Obi-Wan…Torture…My nightmares about my mother came true and now...” Anakin continued and then paused…still trying to hold back the tears. “I can’t lose her, Obi-Wan. I just can’t!”
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin with sympathy for his friend’s worries and fears. He crossed his arms in front of him and stroked his beard, trying to think what to say that could comfort him.
Luke and Leia both gasped as they saw their father start to start to breakdown in front of their very eyes at the thought of losing their mother. He truly did loved her. Luke thought to himself.
“Anakin.” Obi-Wan said while putting his arm on his shoulder again. “What did Palpatine tell you about this Darth Plagueis? How is he connected?”
Anakin wiped some tears that had escaped from his eyes from his cheek with his good hand and looked over at Obi-Wan. “He said that Darth Plagueis was so powerful, that he could keep the people he loved from dying.”
Obi-Wan, Luke and Leia all looked at Anakin with shock. This is why he turned. Luke thought to himself. He loved our mother so much, that he was willing to sacrifice himself to the Dark Side to save her.
“Anakin.” Obi-Wan said with concern. “Remember what Master Yoda always says…’the future is always in motion.’ This could just be one possible future.”
“I can’t let her die, Obi-Wan.” Anakin said and then turned to look at Luke and Leia, wishing he could ask them what he’d been yearning to ask them from almost the first time he laid eyes on them. At least then I’d know our children would survive. They were looking back at him with sympathy as well, even Leia, who he knew, as Darth Vader, he would hurt deeply.
“I know that, Anakin.” Obi-Wan answered him. “But the Dark Side is not the answer and I sure hope you’re not being tempted by it. Remember what are visitor’s here warned you about your future.”
Anakin looked back at Obi-Wan with tears still in his eyes. “But I can’t just do nothing, Obi-Wan. I feel so helpless.” Anakin said as he covered his face with his hands.
“I know, Anakin. But now you see why attachments are forbidden by the Jedi. It makes you vulnerable to be manipulated by the Dark Side.” Obi-Wan said still trying to comfort him. He paused for a moment, knowing that scolding him wasn’t helping. “Does Padme know about these nightmares you’ve been having?”
“Yes.” Anakin said as he took his head up away from his hands and looked at Obi-Wan again.
“Now I understand why you turned to the Dark Side.” Luke finally said as Obi-Wan, Anakin and Leia turned to look at him. “I never understood why.”
“Neither did I.” Leia said with concern on her face. “If there’s anyway we can help you get through this...Anakin, we will do our best to help you.”
Anakin looked at Luke and Leia.. “Why? Just so you don’t have to deal with me as a Sith Lord?” He said with bitterness in his voice. “That’s why you’re really here, right?”
“Anakin, they’re just trying to help.” Obi-Wan interjected. “Don’t take all of this out on them.”
Anakin sighed. Obi-Wan’s right. Why do I snap at people? “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.” He said as he turned his head to look away from everyone. “I just feel so lost and so frustrated by all of this. I don’t know what else to do.”
Luke got up from the couch and walked over to sit to Anakin’s right. “It’s ok.” He said as he put his left hand on Anakin’s shoulder. “And you’re partially right…that is part of the reason we came here. You eventually turned back to the Light Side of the Force and I was deeply saddened that I couldn’t get to know you as Anakin Skywalker before you died.”
Anakin looked up at Luke with surprise. “Luke, why were you so deeply saddened by my death? I mean…from your description of Darth Vader, I obviously turned into some kind of unfeeling monster.” Maybe I can get him to admit he’s my son. “Do I mean something more to you than just someone who saved your life?”
Leia’s eyes became wide with fear. Luke, no, you can’t tell him.
I think he already knows, Leia.
But that doesn’t mean you have to admit to it. Leia responded through the Force.
“Um…well…” Luke stumbled, not know what to say.
“There is something else…isn’t there?” Anakin continued to urge him.
Obi-Wan looked at Luke and Anakin sitting next to one another and then he realized where Anakin was going with this. His eyes became as big as saucers as he too was starting to share Anakin’s suspicions about Luke possibly being his son. He may be smaller than Anakin in stature, but the resemblance is uncanny. Why didn’t I notice it before? Then he looked over to Leia, who he knew to be Luke’s twin sister. She also looks quite a bit like Padme.
Obi-Wan turned back, looking straight at Luke and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Yes, Luke. Is there something else you’re not telling us?”
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Post by queennaberrie on Feb 20, 2007 23:14:18 GMT -5
Chapter 7
Luke stared at Obi-Wan and then turned back to look at his father. He then looked over to see Leia’s reaction and she was still pleading with him not to tell them with her eyes. I have to tell them, Leia. They both suspect too much. Luke spoke to her thru the Force.
Luke, you can’t. You have no idea how this will effect everything.
We have to take that chance. Luke responded to her plea. He then stood up from the couch with all of them watching him cautiously as he stopped and turned to face them again. He stood at the far end of the café table between the two couches looking back at his audience. To his left, he saw Anakin and Obi-Wan anxiously waiting for his response with eager anticipation; and on his right was his sister with fear in her eyes, also waiting. Luke sighed, putting his right hand up to his face and then dropped it down to his side again. He turned to Leia. “Leia, we have to tell them the truth about us.”
“Luke, no.” Leia pleaded.
“I must.” Luke said with determination as Leia looked down at the floor and then away from him. “You sense it, too, don’t you, Leia? Now’s the time.”
Leia looked back up at Luke with a hint of tears in her eyes. The whole night had been full of new revelations and extreme emotions. How wonderful, yet romantic was our parents’ love for one another. Leia thought to herself as she looked down at her hands in her lap and then looked over at Anakin. I can’t believe that this man, Anakin Skywalker, our father, had ever been Vader. He’s so full of love that he’s willing to sacrifice himself to save his wife and family. And now Luke wants to tell him that we’re his children. I don’t know how much more I can take of this.
Leia began to cry, not for herself…but for her parents, for Anakin and the agony and torture he’s been going through, thinking his wife will die and there’s nothing he can do about it. That is until Palpatine planted a seed in his brain…one that will change all our lives forever if we allow him to continue down that path. We can’t let him do that! She did sense that it was time to tell him. He had a right to know the truth.
Leia looked back over at Luke and weakly smiled at him. “I do sense it’s time.” She finally said.
Luke smiled back at her and then began nervously kneading his hands together. Where do I start? “Anakin…Obi-Wan.” He sighed. “You’re right. There is something else about Leia and I that we’ve been holding back from you.” Luke looked down to his hands and the back up to his father, who was staring back at him, practically at the edge of his seat. Obi-Wan, too, was wide-eyed with anticipation. “Anakin…Leia and I…are…your children.” He told them as they gasped. “We came here, not only to try stop Palpatine from becoming Emperor, but also in hopes that we can keep you, Father, from turning to the Dark Side. My full name is Luke Skywalker.” He then turned to his sister who was now looking down at her hands in her lap again. “Leia has a different last name but only because she had been adopted, but it should have been Skywalker.”
Anakin and Obi-Wan looked at Luke and then Leia with awe. Everything became so quiet that they could hear a pin drop. But then Anakin got a huge smile on his face and immediately stood up, walking over to Luke. He put his arms around his son and hugging him tight. Luke, too, returned his father’s embrace by putting his arms around him as well. “I knew it somehow.” Anakin finally said. “Thank the Force you’re both safe.” He then backed out of the hug with his son, looking at him with so much joy and happiness in his eyes. “I-I wasn’t sure from my dreams if our child…children would survive.” Anakin said as he looked from Luke to Leia.
Anakin then walked over to where Leia was sitting and knelt down in front of her, taking her hand in his good hand. “Leia, you look so much like your mother and your grandmother.”
Leia looked at him with a smile on her face and blushed. “Do I?” She laughed.
“Yes.” He answered her with a smile and then an idea came to him. “Would you like to meet her?”
“Would we?” Luke said with surprise.
“Yes, I’ve always wanted to meet our mother, even though I knew it was impossible.” Leia responded with a smile and tears forming in her eyes again.
“Now wait a minute.” Obi-Wan interjected as the Skywalker’s all turned to look at him. He was now sitting back with his right arm resting across the back of the couch and still pretty much dumbfounded by all of this. He’d watched his once brooding and downright miserable former padawan change into a happy and excited father at the flip of switch. “Are you sure it’s such a good idea to bring Padme into this?”
“Why not, Obi-Wan?” Anakin asked as he stood up again and turned, positioning himself between both his children. “Padme would be thrilled to meet them. She’s been so worried about our…well…she thinks child…because of my nightmares…but wait until she finds out there’s two.” Anakin said with a smile.
Both Luke and Leia smiled over at their father as Obi-Wan contemplated the idea; he started stroking his beard with his right hand again. “Well…for starters…won’t it be a little strange for her to have the children, she’s now carrying, standing in front of her and talking to her as adults. It will be quite a shock for her; and, in her condition, that might not be a good thing. She might go into labor early.”
“What if I explain it to her first, giving her a chance to get used to the idea?” Anakin suggested. “I wasn’t planning on just springing them on her, Obi-Wan.”
Obi-Wan sighed. “It’s up to you…but I think you better wait until after the Council meeting tomorrow, so you can get more used to the idea yourself. Look at you. You’re an entirely different person.”
“I am?” Anakin said.
“Yes. I haven’t seen you this excited about anything since you first laid eyes on Padme after 10 years, and even then, you were still quite moody.” Obi-Wan smiled at Anakin and then at Luke and Leia. “You know…you may be his salvation.” He said to both of them.
“That’s what we’re hoping.” Luke said with a smile.
“But I warn you, Anakin. There may be a time when you’re going to have to tell the Council about Padme and your children. You can’t keep it a secret from them forever.” Obi-Wan told him.
Anakin looked at Obi-Wan with a start. “You’re not going to tell them, are you?...Tomorrow at the Council meeting?”
“No…No, Anakin.” Obi-Wan answered him while shaking his head. “It’s not my secret to tell.” He then smiled. “Your secret is safe with me, old friend.” He assured him and then crossed his arms in front of his chest and became serious. “But, Anakin, if this does get out and the Council finds out about it…”
Anakin sighed. “…then I will face the consequences. If they are to expel me…then so be it. At least then, we wouldn’t have to continue living a lie.” He said as he looked down at his boots.
“And I’ll be right there, defending you.” Obi-Wan said with a smile. “If there is a way to keep them from expelling you, we’ll find a way.”
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Padme’s Apartment
Anakin arrived at Padme’s apartment to find it quiet and dark. It was late, very late, he knew. He had talked with his children and Obi-Wan for hours, not realizing how far into the night their laughter and tears had carried them.
So when he entered Padme’s and now his bedroom, it didn’t surprise him to find Padme asleep, lying on her side, facing away from the door. She had left the light on on his side of the bed. He smiled to himself, knowing that she had purposely left it on for him when he arrived home to come to bed. He then quietly went into the refresher and closed the door, proceeding to quickly change into his pajama bottoms so he could join his wife in bed.
When he was done getting changed, Anakin opened the door to the refresher and turned off the light. He walked lightly over to the bed and climbed into his side of it, causing Padme to stir. He reached up to turn the light off when Padme rolled over and snuggled up against him.
“Where have you been?” She said as if half-asleep. Anakin looked down at his beautiful wife who was now looking at him with her usually beautiful brown eyes, but they were bloodshot from hours of crying, he noticed. “I’ve been so worried about you.”
Anakin became upset with himself for not at least calling her to let her know he was alright. He reached down with his good hand and stroked her hair and then laid down next to her, putting his right arm around her. He kissed the top of her head and pulled her closer to him to comfort her. “I’m sorry, Padme. I should have called you. But time got away from me.”
Padme looked up at him with fear in her eyes. “Have you been with Palpatine all this time?”
Anakin laughed. “No.” He said as he kissed her forehead. “That meeting didn’t take that long, actually.”
“What did he want?” She asked him.
“He wanted to tell me where General Grievous is hiding…among other things.” Anakin responded to her while laying his head on top of Padme’s to comfort her.
“Do you think it’s a trap?” Padme asked with concern.
“Probably…but if it means there’s a possibility of capturing him, I’m sure the Council will consider the mission a necessary risk.” Anakin responded to her.
“Well…if you weren’t with the Chancellor all night, then where were you?” She finally asked with curiosity.
Anakin smiled. During the time he had spent with Obi-Wan and his children, it was decided that he would tell Padme, as soon as possible, about Luke and Leia to soften the blow of her meeting them…Our children.
Anakin looked down at Padme’s swollen belly, reaching down to stroke it with his good hand. “I have some good news about our baby, Padme.”
She also looked down at her belly and put her hand on top of Anakin’s. She then looked up to him. “What kind of good news?” She said as she smiled.
“Well…I know, now, that our children will survive.” Anakin said while smiling back at her, looking lovingly into her eyes.
Padme looked at him with a start. “Children? What you were asking me earlier about my mother’s aunt and uncle…I am carrying twins, aren’t I?”
“Yes.” Anakin said with a grin. “A boy and a girl.”
Padme became surprised and then a huge smile formed on her face as she looked back down at her belly, this time rubbing it with both hands. “We’ll have two children, not one, Anakin. That’s so wonderful…Luke and Leia.” She said as she looked back up at Anakin, smiling at him and then kissed him softly on the lips. I’m going to be giving him not one, but two children.
He responded back to her kiss and then backed out of it to smile back down at her, also keeping his hand on her belly, and then kissed her forehead again. “Yes…Luke and Leia.”
The Padme became serious with still a sparkle of happiness in her eyes. “How do you know this, Anakin?”
Should I tell her know? The timing feels right. “Well…I found out about them from the visitor’s from the future. I went to talk to them about what Palpatine told me.”
“They know them? Our children?” She asked with enthusiasm, looking right into his eyes with anticipation.
Anakin smiled and looked back into her pleading eyes with all the love he could bestow on her. “They are our children.”
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Post by queennaberrie on Feb 20, 2007 23:15:31 GMT -5
Chapter 8
Padme looked at Anakin in shock. “They are OUR children?” She repeated.
Anakin grinned at her and ran his left hand through her hair by her face, moving a lock behind her ear. “Yes, Padme….and they’re wonderful. Obi-Wan and I spent most of the night talking with them.”
Padme got a puzzled look on her face and then looked directly at Anakin. “Obi-Wan?” She said with a gasped. “Does he know…I mean…about us?”
Anakin’s grin faded into a weak smile as he moved his hand from her hair to start stroking her cheek instead. “Yes.”
“How did he find out?” She asked with concern. “Is he going to tell the Council?”
Anakin’s smile faded at his wife’s distress and then kissed her on her forehead. He then looked lovingly into her eyes. “No. He’s not going to tell the Council.” He paused. “And he knows because I told him.”
“YOU told him.” She answered him in shock. “Why? I thought you didn’t want him to know.”
Anakin pulled her closer to him. What do I tell her? I can’t tell her about what Luke and Leia told me about my turning to the dark side.
Padme waited for him to answer her, but he suddenly became distant and quiet, but continued to hold her close and comfort her. There’s something he’s not telling me. “Ani, what’s wrong? What are you keeping from me?” Padme asked him when he remained silent for what seemed like an eternity to her.
“Nothing.” He said as he looked away from her and then up to the ceiling. She’s making this really hard from me.
Padme pulled out of Anakin’s arms and sat up, looking at him with concern and fear in her eyes. “Ani, I know you better than that. Don’t do this. Don’t shut me out. Please tell me.”
Anakin looked at her with anguish. I can’t tell her. I just can’t. “It’s nothing…really. I-I just thought it was time he should know. I couldn’t stand deceiving him anymore. He’s my friend, my brother, even like a father to me…and I needed his forgiveness and understanding.” He said as he reached up to her to coax her to lay down again with his right hand. Well…that’s partially the truth.
With his coaxing, she did lay back down and snuggled up against him, resting her head on his chest as he put his right hand on her back. She stared off into space, with a worried look on her face. He’s hiding something still…I know it.
But she remained quiet, knowing that it was no use trying to press him for an answer…because he obviously wasn’t going to tell her. I wish he would open up to me more. She thought to her herself. But then her thoughts brought her back to what Anakin said about their children…being here from the future…Luke and Leia. She took her hand from Anakin’s chest and reached down and put it on her belly again, turning her head to look up at Anakin. “What are they like?”
“Who?” Anakin vacantly answered her, as he was still lost in thought.
“Luke and Leia, our children?”
“Oh.” He said as he broke out of his saddened state and smiled down at her, putting his left hand on top of the hand she now had now had resting on her belly. His smile then became a grin and Padme was happy to see his distant mood change to delight as he started to act excited. “Like I said, their wonderful, Padme! You should see them. Luke isn’t as tall as I am…but he’s got my blonde hair and my blue eyes. Obi-Wan actually remarked at how much we resemble each other. Although, I think he’s got your temperament. He’s much calmer that I’ve ever been.”
Padme smiled at the thought of their son looking so much like her handsome husband. “And Leia?” She asked with anticipation. “What’s she like?”
“She looks a lot like you…and my mother.” He said with a smile and then reached up with his left hand to touch her hair, wrapping a lock of it around his index finger. “She has your hair color and eyes.” Anakin then started to tear up. “She’s beautiful…just like you.” And then he began to laugh. “But she has MY temperament…that’s for sure. I found that out the hard way when I first met her.” Padme looked up at him with puzzlement and amusement as Anakin continued. “After she told the Council that Palpatine is the Sith Lord…I responded by saying that is was impossible and that he was a good man.” He began to chuckle again. “Well…let’s just say she put me in my place.” He said as he reached up with his left hand to rub his face where Leia had hit him.
Padme looked up at him with continued amusement. “What did she do?”
Anakin chuckled again. “Well…she told the Council to excuse her for a moment while she went a little Dark Side and then proceeded to storm over to where I was sitting, slap me upside the head and then ask me directly to my face…and I quote…’What part of evil Sith Lord did you NOT understand?”
“WHAT?” Padme said with shock and then started to laugh, bringing her right hand up to her mouth as she started to snicker.
Anakin got a weird look on his face. “Oh…You think that’s funny?” He teased.
“Yes. You don’t know how many times I’ve resisted the urge to do something like that myself.” She said and then started to giggle again. “Sometimes Anakin Skywalker, you can be VERY infuriating.” And then she smiled up at him, continuing to chuckle.
Anakin rolled his eyes in mock irritation and then started to laugh again, pulling his wife closer to him again and kissing her on top of the head. “Oh really? Then maybe she’s more like you than I thought?” He teased her. They both laughed together as Anakin reached down and kissed again softly on the lips.
As Anakin pulled his lips away from hers, Padme looked into his eyes. “Will I get to meet them?”
“Yes…actually…The plan was that I was going to tell you in the morning before I left, and then bring them around after the Council meeting. I mean…if that’s ok with you, of course?” He said while looking into her eyes.
“Yes…of course its ok with me. In fact, I insist upon it!” She answered with a smile.
Anakin and Padme continued to hold each other tight, not knowing what else to say. They were speechless. Tomorrow I’ll be meeting my children as adults. Our children will survive. Padme thought to herself with great joy and relief, as she now knew that their children would be safe from Anakin’s dream. She looked down and reached down with her right hand, lovingly caressed her belly again and smiling. You’ll be safe my little ones.
Eventually, the content parents drifted off to sleep, forgetting all their troubles and worries, resting in the knowledge that at least part of their fears had been erased.
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“Save your Energy.” Obi-Wan said.
Padme sighed. “I can’t.
“Don’t give up, Padme.” Obi-Wan said as he looked at her with concern and sadness…and then with one last breath…she was gone…forever.
“No! Padme! NOOOO!” Anakin shouted in his sleep and started to weep, his eyes shot open with fear and anguish in them.
Padme woke up with a start, trying to sit up, and looked at her husband, who was now in a sitting position looking down at her with tears streaming down his checks. He pulled her closer to him and kissed the top of her head.
“Ani! You had another nightmare, didn’t you?” Padme said with concern.
Anakin just stared at her with anguish and fear. “Yes.” He finally managed to say.
“The same?” She asked him.
“Yes, but…” He sighed. “But this time, Obi-Wan was there…trying to get you to hold on.” He started to weep again as Padme reached up and kissed him softly on the lips and then ran her right hand through his hair, comforting him. “I can’t lose you, Padme. I can’t. I’ll die.” He told her while taking her hand from his hair and kissing her palm.
She put her hand back on his cheek, caressing it. “I’m not going to die in childbirth, Ani!” Padme said as she gently turned his head with her hand to make him look her in the eye. “I’m not! I promise you.” She tried to assure him as he pulled her into an embrace and continued to weep on her shoulder.
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Across the city, Darth Sideous was standing on a balcony looking at Padme’s apartment building. From beneath his black hood, his mouth formed into an evil smile and he started laughing to himself.
Heh…Heh…Heh…Yes, my young apprentice. You will want to know all about how to save your wife. You will come to me…The time is drawing near for you to become my servant.
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The next morning, Anakin woke up to find Padme gone from their bed. He frantically threw the covers back and swung his feet over to put them on the floor. Grabbing his robe and putting it on, he practically ran out of the bedroom and into the living room. “Padme!” He shouted. “Padme, where are you?” He turned around in the middle of the living room and then continued in a panic to search the rest of the apartment. He continued looking until he ended up back in the living room and spun around in time to see her coming out of their bedroom in a white bath robe wrapped around her, drying her hair with a towel.
“What’s wrong, Ani?” She asked him with a confused look on her face.
He ran up to her and then put his arms around her in an embrace, causing her to drop the towel to the floor. She put her arms around him as he started to kiss her neck, her forehead, her cheek and then finally passionately kissed her on the lips, making her weak in the knees. He then broke from the kiss and continued to hold her tight, resting his head on her shoulder. “I thought you had gone.” He finally said.
“I was right her, in the shower. Didn’t you hear it?” She told him with her head up against his chest. “I’m ok, Ani. I’m not going anywhere.” They stood like that, just holding one another, not wanting to let go.
“I know Padme. I’m sorry. It’s just when I woke up and you weren’t in bed. It scared me. A feeling of panic came over me like I would never see you again.” He pulled out of their embrace and then they looked into each other’s eyes. “I can’t lose you, Padme.”
“You won’t, Anakin.” She continued to assure him.
They stared at one another for what seemed like several minutes until he realized what time it was. “Well…” Anakin finally said. “I have a Council meeting to go to. I-I can’t be late.” This broke their trance and he walked passed her to go into the bedroom to get changed.
Padme turned to watch him go. “Miss Padme. Is everything ok?” 3PO asked her as he walked over and retrieved her towel from the floor to hand back to her.
She absently took it from him, still looking at the direction her husband had just went and then turned to weakly smile at 3PO. “Everything’s fine, 3PO. Thank you.”
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Jedi Council Chambers
Anakin was sitting in the Council chambers, half listening to the conversations that were taking place. He was staring into space with his left hand on his chin, thinking about Padme, their children and the nightmares that are still plaguing him about Padme’s death. He felt torn and completely lost. I know learning this power that Palpatine knows may save Padme’s life… but I must have failed last time because Luke said that she had died shortly after they were born. But then how can I even begin to learn it without turning to the Dark Side…when turning to the Dark Side is just unthinkable. I could never do that. He paused in his thoughts.. But Padme will die if I don’t do something.
“Anakin.” Anakin didn’t hear his name being called at first. “Anakin!”
It was Obi-Wan, trying to get his attention and Anakin all the sudden came to attention and sat up putting his hand down on his leg. He then turned to look directly at Obi-Wan. “What? I’m sorry, Master. Did you ask me something?”
The entire council looked at him with concern on their face, Obi-Wan more so because he knew of the anguish his former padawan was going through. Luke and Leia were also there…looking at their father with worry and fear from their positions near the side wall. What happened to him last night after he left us? He seemed so much more confident about the future when he left, but now he’s acting distant and worried again. Luke thought to himself.
“We were just discussing that the Chancellor had told you the location of General Grievous.” Obi-Wan told him.
“Uh, yes.” Anakin said, regaining his composure. “The Chancellor says that General Grievous is hiding in the Utapau System.”
“Palpatine thinks General Grevious is on Utapau?” Ki-Adi-Mundi said with surprise. His holographic image flickering.
“Yes, he told me that a partial message was intercepted in a diplomatic packet from the chairman of Utapau.” Anakin told them. “Although, knowing what we now know about the Chancellor from Luke and Leia…” He pointed to the twins. “…I’m not sure if we can trust this information…It might be a trap.”
“Hmm.” Yoda’s holographic image also flickered as he contemplated what Anakin had just said. “A trap it might be. But act on this we must. The capture of General Grievous will end this war. Quickly and decisively we should proceed. But with caution.”
Anakin contemplated if he should even offer up the Chancellor’s suggestion that he go on the mission. I should at least tell him what he suggested to see their reaction. “The Chancellor, for some reason, has requested…that I lead the campaign.”
The Council and Luke and Leia looked at him with puzzlement. “The Council will make up its mind who is to go…not the Chancellor.” Master Windu answered him.
Anakin nodded his head in agreement. “Yes, Master Windu. I understand.”
“A Master is needed, with more experience.” Yoda suggested.
“I concur.” Ki-Adi-Mundi replied. “Master Kenobi should go.”
Yoda nodded. “I agree.”
“Aye.” Ki-Adi-Mundi voted.
“Aye.” Master Windu agreed. “Very well. Council adjourned.” He then looked directly at Obi-Wan. “Knowing this may be a trap…be careful, Obi-Wan.”
“I will Master Windu.” Obi-Wan responded.
After the Council adjourned and all the other members dispersed or their holographic images distinguished, the only people remaining in the room were Anakin, Obi-Wan and the twins. His children and mentor were looking at him with concern as Obi-Wan got up from his chair and walked over to stand in front of Anakin. Luke and Leia walked over to join them as Anakin looked up from his chair with a look of defeat on his face.
“Anakin, what’s going on? You seemed fine last night. What changed?” Obi-Wan asked him.
“I had another nightmare last night.” Anakin replied with a sigh. “About Padme and you.”
“Me?” Obi-Wan exclaimed and then he and the twins all looked at each other with worry. “What was I doing in your dream?” He said, looking back down at Anakin.
“You were urging Padme to hang on.” Anakin said with tears in his eyes. “But she died anyway.” He looked down at his boots and put his head in his hands, running his fingers through his hair.
Obi-Wan looked down at his friend with sympathy, putting his right hand on his shoulder. “Come on, old friend. Let’s get you out of here. Padme is waiting, isn’t she?”
Anakin looked back up at Obi-Wan and then over at Luke and Leia. He then smiled at his children…the only glimmer of hope in his and Padme’s future. He then proceeded to get to his feet. “Yes, your mother is eager to meet both of you.”
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Post by queennaberrie on Feb 20, 2007 23:16:32 GMT -5
Chapter 9
Obi-Wan turned to Anakin as he was getting to his feet. “I must prepare to leave for Utapau immediately, so I won’t be able to accompany you, I’m afraid. Will you be alright?”
“Yes, Obi-Wan.” Anakin said as he smiled at him and then he became serious. “Although, I don’t like the idea of you going alone on this mission. Your gonna need me on this one, Master.”
“Oh, I agree. However, it may turn out to be a wild bantha chase.”
“Or a trap.” Anakin replied with concern.
“Father’s right. If it is a trap, you’ll need backup. We could all go.” Luke added.
Obi-Wan looked at Luke in shock. “No, no way. You don’t know what General Grievous is like and the whole reason the Council chose me is because I’ve had experience with him.”
“But so have I, Master.” Anakin said with concern. “You shouldn’t have to do this alone.”
Obi-Wan sighed. “Anakin, go…take your children to meet their mother and leave General Grievous to me. I’ll be ok. You’ll see. Luke and Leia said I would be alive in the future, so I will survive this.” He said with a smile.
Anakin sighed. He wasn’t so sure. He knew from what Luke and Leia told them, that Obi-Wan would still be alive to watch over Luke and eventually teach him the ways of the Force…But, with their arrival in this time period, what if everything is different now? What if he doesn’t make it out alive this time? “Master, there’s something I’d like to say to you before you leave.”
“What is it, Anakin?” Obi-Wan looked at him with concern and crossing his arms in front of him.
Anakin sighed and looked down to the floor and then up at Obi-Wan again, sighing. “I know I’ve disappointed you over the years, Obi-Wan. I haven’t been very appreciative of your training. I’ve been arrogant, and I apologize. I’ve just been so frustrated with everything that’s been going on over the past few years.” Anakin told him as he looked down in shame.
Obi-Wan put his hands on Anakin’s shoulders and looked right at him, causing Anakin to return the look. Obi-Wan then smiled at him. “You are strong and wise, Anakin, and I’m very proud of you. I have trained you since you were a small boy. I have taught you everything I know and you have become a far greater Jedi than I could ever hope to be.” Obi-Wan sighed and then smiled at him. “And if we all make it out of this in one piece, I’m sure the Council will grant you the rank of Master in the very near future.”
“IF the order lasts that long.” Anakin responded, looking away from Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan looked at him with determination. “Anakin, it will.” Anakin turned to look at Obi-Wan again. “We will just have to make sure it does this time.” Anakin nodded and then weakly smiled. “We’ll discuss this more when I return.” Obi-Wan said as he started towards the door. “Luke and Leia, you watch over your father and make sure he doesn’t do anything foolish while I’m gone.”
“We will.” Luke responded with a smile and then looked over to his father to see his reaction. Anakin was smiling back at Luke.
Anakin then turned to look in Obi-Wan’s direction. “Obi-Wan.” He said just as his mentor reached the door. Obi-Wan turned around to face Anakin and the twins again. “May the Force be with you.” Anakin said with a bow.
“And with you…with all of you.” Obi-Wan said with a bow and then he left the room, leaving father and children alone.
Anakin then turned to his children. “So shall we go see you’re mother?” He said with a smile.
“Yes.” Luke responded. “Let’s go.”
Leia smiled and shook her head yes and they all left to head for Padme’s apartment.
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Padme’s Apartment
Padme was sitting on one of the couches in the living room, caressing her belly with her right hand and nervously waiting for the arrival of Anakin’s and her future children. She still couldn’t believe it was even possible that she was going to meet them.
She thought her heart had skipped a beat when she heard the sound of the turbo lift doors open, causing her to move her hand to her heart, and then she heard 3PO’s voice acknowledging the visitors and the beginning of their conversation. Oh Force. They’re here.
“Master Anakin. It’s so good to see you. Miss Padme has been expecting you.”
“Thank you, 3PO.” Anakin responded with a smile.
“3PO?” Luke asked.
“Yes, do I know you?” 3PO answered him in confusion.
Luke turned to look at his father. “3PO was our mother’s protocol droid?”
“Yes, actually, when I was 9, I built him to help my mother around the house on Tatooine.” Padme heard Anakin answer, who she assumed, their son. Oh Force, he even sounds a lot like Anakin.
“I didn’t know that.” She heard a female voice say. That must be Leia. “He was a protocol droid on one of my adoptive father’s ships. I had no idea. His memory must have been erased.”
Adoptive Father? What does she mean by that? Padme thought to herself and then she heard footsteps approaching the living room.
“Wait here, while I let her know you’re here.” Padme heard Anakin tell their children and then in walked her husband with a huge smile on his face. But then he became serious at his wife’s appearance. “Are you ok, Padme?” He said with concern. “You look rather pale.”
Anakin walked over to the couch Padme was sitting on and sat down next to her. “I’m fine. I’m just a little nervous.” She tried to assure him and put on the best Senator smile she could.
Anakin looked at her suspiciously, squinting at her in a funny way to try to get her to laugh. “You’re not fooling me with your Senator smile, you know.”
Padme laughed a little. “Ok…we’ll maybe I’m VERY nervous.” She responded as she reached down and rubbed her belly with her right hand again. “It’s not everyday a woman gets to meet her unborn children before their even born.” She said as she looked right into Anakin’s eyes with worry. “Do you think they’ll like me?”
Anakin laughed. “Of course, they will. They’ll love you.” He said as he smiled at her and quickly kissed her on the lips. He looked at her with a twinkle in his eye and then got up from the couch to head back out to the entry hall. He turned around and smiled at her again just before going out the door. “I’ll be right back with them. Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” Padme said with a sigh.
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Luke and Leia were nervously waiting in the entry hall for their father to return. “Do you think she’ll like us?” Luke asked his sister, while nervously kneading his hands together.
Leia who looked equally nervous turned to Luke. “She’s our mother right? She has to.” Leia said as they both heard the muffled voices and laughter from the other room. And then they heard their father’s footsteps as he returned with a smile.
“You’re mother is very excited to meet you, but she’s also VERY nervous.” Anakin told them and then laughed at the looks on his children’s faces. “You two don’t look much better than she does.”
Luke and Leia just looked at each other and started laughing. “Lead the way, Father.” Luke said.
Anakin got a shiver down his spine. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that.”
Luke and Leia both looked at him confused. “What do you mean?” Luke asked him.
“Someone calling ME, Anakin Skywalker, Father.” He replied as he ran his left hand through his hair. “It still boggles my mind.”
“Well…the suspense is killing me.” Leia finally said. “Are we going to meet our mother or what?”
Anakin laughed. “Be patient…in a minute.” Both of the twins just stared at him as Anakin grinned back. “Come on, follow me.” He said as he turned to head back towards the living room where Padme was waiting.
When Anakin reached the door way that led into the living room, he stopped and faced his children. “Wait here for a second.” He then stepped through the doorway to see Padme, who was now standing and looking out the window. She turned to smile at him as he smiled lovingly back at her.
Padme then got a puzzled look on her face. “Anakin, where are they?”
Anakin then turned back to the doorway and motioned for them to enter. Luke followed by Leia entered the living room to see their mother for the first time. She’s beautiful. Luke thought to himself.
Leia started to tear up. It is her. It’s really her. She’s the woman I remember from the dreams I had as a child.
Padme just looked at them with awe. Our children. Anakin was right. Luke does favor him and Leia me and his mother. She started to tear up. “Luke, Leia?” She said as she brought both of her hands up to cover her mouth just as tears of joy started streaming down her cheeks. She could see Anakin standing behind them, smiling with so much love in his eyes as they approached her.
“Mother?” Leia said as, she too, started to get tears in her eyes.
Mother and children slowly moved towards each other until they were close enough to touch one another just by reaching out with their hands. Luke and Leia were now standing next to each other, shoulder to shoulder, right in front of their mother. Padme then reached out with her right hand to touch Leia’s cheek. “Leia. You’re so beautiful.” She said with a warm smile and tears still streaming down her cheeks.
Padme then pulled Leia into an embrace and both women started crying on each other’s shoulders. “Mother.” Leia said as they continued to hold each other in their arms.
Anakin came up behind Luke and put his left hand on his son’s shoulder and Luke turned back to look at him, as they smiled at each other.
Padme then looked over at Luke from her embrace with Leia, with a warm smile on her face. She looked at him with so much love in her eyes. She reached out to Luke with her right hand, while still in the embrace with Leia. “Luke.” She said with a laugh.
Luke took her hand in his, just as Padme pulled out of the embrace with her daughter. She ran her left hand on Leia’s cheek, smiling at her. Then she turned to Luke and pulled him into an embrace. “Luke, you’re so handsome….just like you’re father.” Padme continued to hold her son close to her. “I’m so happy you’re both safe. I’ve been so worried.”
“We know.” Luke told her as they backed out of their hug, but still holding each other’s shoulders. He smiled at his mother. “Father told us about his dream. We’re ok mother.” He said with a smile.
“Mother.” Padme laughed. “I still can’t believe it’s you...both of you.” She told them as she looked from Luke to Leia. “Let me look at you two better.” She told them as she continued to hold Luke’s right hand and reached out for Leia’s left. “You’re so beautiful.” She said as she started to cry again.
Luke started to blush a little and rolled his eyes. I don’t know if I really liked being called…beautiful. Handsome…maybe. He could hear his father trying not to laugh from behind him and turned to look at him.
“Anakin Skywalker, what are you laughing at?” Padme said as she also heard Anakin’s stifled chuckle.
Anakin just smiled at his wife. “I don’t think Luke liked being called beautiful.”
Padme then looked at Luke. “It’s ok, Mother.” Luke said as he, too, started to laugh. “I know what you meant. You’re very beautiful too.” He told her with a smile and they all started to laugh, which took the edge off of all the nervousness everyone was feeling. They started to feel comfortable around each other, like a real family.
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Utapau Attack Force Vessel
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan was now onboard one of the attack vessels leaving Couresant for orbit. He was talking with Cody and some of the other clones in the hanger bay, standing around a holographic representation of Utapau near Obi-Wan’s Jedi fighter. Obi-Wan was looking at the hologram with his arms folded in front of him as he concentrated on what Cody was telling him.
“Fortunately, most of the cities are concentrated on the small continent here…” Cody said as he pointed to the planet. “…on the far side.”
Obi-Wan looked on in thought. “I’ll keep them distracted until you get there. Just don’t take too long.” He told Cody as he started walking to the right side of his Jedi fighter.
Cody follows him, walking around the nose of the ship. “Come on. When have I ever let you down?”
Obi-Wan chuckled as he stepped up and started to climb into the cockpit. “Very well. The burden is on me not to destroy ALL the droids until you arrive.” He said as he sat down in the cockpit and then closed the canopy.
I just hope they don’t turn on me and join General Grievous instead. He thought to himself and then started up the engine and flew his Jedi fighter out of the docking bay doors of the attack vessel. He flew into orbit where a circular hyperspace ring was waiting. He then docked his fighter with the ring and, almost instantaneously, entered hyperspace towards Utapau, disappearing in a stream of light.
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Padme’s Apartment
The Skywalker family talked for hours with the twins staying for lunch and then for dinner, as they exchanged stories about their childhoods and their hopes and dreams.
It was strange, at first, for everyone. Luke and Leia were both having a hard time getting over the fact that their mother was sitting there talking to them while she was still pregnant with the two of them. And this thought didn’t escape Anakin and Padme’s consciousness either. But the more they were around each other, the more comfortable they felt and soon forgot about that little detail of weirdness.
It was during dinner when Anakin’s commlink beeped. Padme looked at Anakin in fear. “It’s Palpatine again, isn’t it?” Padme asked him.
Anakin looked at her with concern. “I have to answer it, Padme.” His family looked on in fear as Anakin answered his commlink. “Skywalker here.”
“Anakin.” It was Master Windu and everyone sighed a huge sigh of relief. “Report to the Temple. We have some important matters to discuss concerning Obi-Wan’s mission to Utapau.”
“Yes, Master. I will arrive shortly.” Anakin responded as he looked up at his family, who were now looking on with concern.
“Very good. I’ll see you soon, Anakin. Windu out.”
Anakin looked at his family with a guilty look on his face. “I’m sorry. I have to go.” He told them as he got up from his chair and pushed the seat under the table. He then walked over to his wife, who was sitting at the head of the table to his left, and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. I’ll call you if they decide to send me on a mission.”
Padme took his hand in hers. “Be careful, Ani.” She told him as he pulled his hand from hers and backed away. He then looked at Luke and Leia. “I’ll see you both soon as well.”
“Should we come with you?” Leia asked him with concern.
“No, you don’t have to.” He said to Leia with a weak smile and then looked over at his wife who was obviously worried about him. “You should stay here and keep your mother company.” He said as he smiled at Padme and she smiled back.
“Oh…Please. Will you stay?” Padme urged them both. “I’ve enjoyed our visit together so much and it would give me so much comfort having you both here while your father is away.”
Luke and Leia looked at each other. “Yes, we’ll stay.” Leia finally answered and they both smiled over at their mother.
“Good. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Anakin said with a smile and then left the room, heading towards the turbo lift.
After they heard him leave, Luke and Leia looked at one another with concern. “I think we should follow him.” Luke told Leia.
“Why? He’s just going to a Council meeting.” Leia responded as their mother looked on with concern.
“Why would you need to follow him, Luke?” Padme asked her son.
They both looked at their mother, realizing that they had made her worry again and felt horrible. “I just have this feeling that we should.” Luke told her. “I sense that he may be in great danger.” Well…that’s partially the truth.
Padme started to get a look of horror on her face. “What is it you’re not telling me?” She asked both of them.
Luke and Leia just stared at each other. Great job brother of mine. Leia told him through the Force as Luke looked away with shame.
“Your father isn’t telling me what it is either.” Padme continued. “What’s so horrible that you can’t tell me? What will happen to your father?” She pleaded as tears started forming in her eyes.
Luke and Leia couldn’t look at their mother. I have to tell her something. Luke thought to himself as he turned to look at Padme. “Something bad is going to happen to Father.” He told her. “But we’re here to keep it from happening.” He tried to assure her and then sighed. “I don’t think I should tell you any more than that.”
Padme looked at him with horror. “What will happen to him? Please tell me, Luke.”
“I can’t.” Luke responded as his mother began to cry.
Leia got up from her chair and moved it closer to where her mother was sitting. She put her arms around her. “Don’t worry, Mother. We promise...We won’t let anything bad happen to him this time.” She tried to assure her as her mother continued to cry.
“I’d just die if something ever happened to your father.” Padme said as she pulled Leia into an embrace and Padme continued to cry on her shoulder.
Leia looked over at Luke with sorrow on her face. Because she, too, sensed it.. You’re right, Luke. We have to follow him.
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Jedi War Room
Anakin arrived at the Jedi war room and joined Master Windu at the round table that was displaying holographic images of an ongoing battle. Holographic images of Yoda, Ki-Ani-Mundi and a female Jedi were on the other side of the table, across from them.
“You wanted to see me, Master?” Anakin asked him.
“Yes, Anakin.” Master Windu said as he turned to him. “Obi-Wan should have arrived on Utapau by now and we should hear something soon. We thought you should be here when the update arrives.”
Just then the image of Cody appeared between Ki-Adi-Mundi and the female Jedi. “Master Windu, may I interrupt?” Everyone looked in his direction. “General Kenobi has made contact with General Grievous and we have begun our attack.”
“Thank you, Commander.” Master Windu said and then he turned to Anakin, who is standing to his right. “Anakin, deliver this report to the Chancellor. His reaction will give us a clue to his intentions.”
“Yes, Master.” Anakin answered him with a nod and then he turned to leave.
“And Anakin.” Master Windu said as Anakin turned back to look at him. “Be careful.”
“Yes, Master.” He responded and then headed for the door.
The Council waited until Anakin left the room, watching him leave. Master Windu then turned back to face the holographic images of the other Jedi Masters who were present. “I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi. The visitors from the future are right. The Dark Side of the Force surrounds the Chancellor. He most certainly is the Sith we’re looking for.”
Ki-Adi-Mundi’s image flickered. “If he does not give up his emergency powers after the destruction of Grievous, then he should be removed from office.” He said.
“If he is the Sith, as we suspect, I see that as highly unlikely.” Windu replied. “I see no other alternative. The Jedi Council will have to take control of the Senate in order to secure a peaceful transition.”
“To a dark place this line of thought will carry us.” Master Yoda said with his bluish image flickering. He looks down, troubled. “Hmm. Great care we must take.”
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Post by queennaberrie on Feb 20, 2007 23:17:22 GMT -5
Chapter 10
Anakin nervously approached Chancellor Palpatine’s quarters in the Senate building, knowing that he would be entering the lair of an evil Sith Lord, who he once called friend. How could I have been so blind all these years? He thought to himself as he came closer to the door Chancellor’s apartments.
He stopped and stared the door briefly, taking a deep breath and the proceeded to walk the rest of the way to the door and opened it with the passcode that Palpatine had given him. He then headed down the hall to the main office, dreading what was going to happen next.
When Anakin entered the office, he saw Palpatine sitting at his desk with his back to the doorway, looking at a red planetary readout. Anakin paused and then crossed his arms before continuing down the stairs into the sunken part of the room where Palpatine’s desk resides. Here goes nothing. I have to try to act like nothing has changed. “Chancellor, we have just received a report from Master Kenobi. He has engaged General Grievous.”
Palpatine shut down the holographic display and, with an evil smile, turned around to face Anakin. “We can only hope that Master Kenobi is up to the challenge.”
“I should be there with him.” Anakin said as he started to pace the room in front of Palpatine’s desk with a worried look on his face.
“It is upsetting to me to see that the Council doesn't seem to fully appreciate your talents.” Palpatine answered him as he kept his eyes on Anakin. “Don't you wonder why they won't make you a Jedi Master?”
I’m not sure…really. “I wish I knew. More and more I get the feeling that I am being excluded from the Council.” If he truly is the Sith Lord, maybe I can get him to tell me about this power to save Padme I have to try. Anakin stopped pacing and looked Palpatine right in the eye with a look of determination. “I know there are things about the Force that they are not telling me.”
“They don't trust you, Anakin.” Palpatine said as he got up from his chair and went around the desk, walking up to Anakin and putting his left hand on Anakin’s shoulder. They then turned and started walking up the stairs to the hallway. “They see your future. They know your power will be too strong to control. Anakin, you must break through the fog of lies the Jedi have created around you. Let me help you to know the subtleties of the Force.” Palpatine said as they started to walk into the hallway.
It hasn’t been lies…have they? What am I thinking? Anakin dismissed the thought of a Jedi takeover. Now’s my chance to find out if he truly is the Sith Lord. “How do you know the ways of the Force?”
Palpatine turned his head to look at Anakin. “My mentor taught me everything about the Force…even the nature of the dark side.”
Mentor? You mean your Sith Master. ”You know the dark side?” Anakin asked him as they stopped in front of an ornate wall hanging in the hallway. Anakin walked in front of Palpatine and turned to face him.
“Anakin, if one is to understand the great mystery, one must study all its aspects, not just the dogmatic, narrow view of the Jedi. If you wish to become a complete and wise leader, you must embrace a larger view of the Force. Be careful of the Jedi, Anakin.” Palpatine paused. Heh…heh…heh…You’ll be mine. “They fear you. In time they will destroy you. Let me train you.”
Anakin got a confused look on his face and then one of determination. Never! .“I won't be a pawn in your political game. The Jedi are my family.”
Palpatine smiled at Anakin as a predator who knows he’s about to catch his prey. “Only through me can you achieve a power greater than any Jedi. Learn to know the dark side of the Force, Anakin, and you will be able to save your wife from certain death.”
Anakin got a shocked and puzzled look on his face, which turned to fear, as she started to circle Palpatine. “What did you say?” He knows about Padme. Does he know about the twins too?
“Use my knowledge, I beg you…” Palpatine pleaded with him as he started following Anakin in the circle.
He truly is the Sith Lord. I never truly wanted to believe it…but he is. “You're the Sith Lord we’ve been looking for!” Anakin said as he ignited his lightsaber and pointed it at him.
Palpatine looks at the tip of the lightsaber that is pointed at him and then back at Anakin. He continues to follow Anakin as he circles, still looking at him in the eye. “I know what has been troubling you…Listen to me. Don't continue to be a pawn of the Jedi Council! Ever since I've known you, you've been searching for a life greater than that of an ordinary Jedi…a life of significance, of conscience.”
“You're wrong!” Anakin said as he stopped, still pointing his blue blade at the Palpatine.
“Are you going to kill me?” Palpatine asked him as he, too, stopped circling.
“I would certainly like to.” Anakin responded as he started to pace again. But I can’t. He’s unarmed and it’s not the Jedi way…and he knows how to save Padme.
“I know you would.” Palpatine’s said as he turned away from Anakin, his voice becoming gravelly. “I can feel your anger. It gives you focus, makes you stronger.”
Anakin raised his lightsaber to Palpatine’s throat for a tense moment. I can’t. I’ll never find out what I need to know to save Padme’s life. Anakin then relaxed and turned off his lightsaber. “I am going to turn you over to the Jedi Council.”
Palpatine smiled at him. “Of course you should. But you're not sure of their intentions, are you? What if I am right and they are plotting to take over the Republic?”
Anakin looked at him like he was crazy. The Jedi would never plot to take over the Republic. “I will quickly discover the truth of all this.”
“You have great wisdom, Anakin. Know the power of the dark side. The power to save Padme.” Palpatine said as he gave him a fake smile.
Anakin stared at Palpatine as the evil Sith Lord turned to move towards his office. I have to get to Master Windu. We’ll arrest him and then I’ll get the information I want out of Palpatine.
Palpatine turned to face Anakin again. “I am not going anywhere. You have time to decide my fate. Perhaps you'll reconsider and help me rule the galaxy for the good of all.”
“I’ll never join you.” Anakin said with determination just as Palpatine sat down behind his desk. “I am a Jedi and I remain loyal to the Jedi. Nothing you can say will change that.”
Palpatine became angry but quickly subdued it to an evil smile. “Even if it means your wife’s death.”
Anakin just stared at him with shock, then fear. Padme. “I’m turning you into the Council.” And then Anakin left the room abruptly, heading towards the Jedi Temple.
Oh, you’ll become my apprentice, young Skywalker. You’ll have no other choice. Palpatine mused to himself.
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Jedi Temple Gunship Landing Platform
Mace Windu and some other Jedi were preparing to board a Jedi Gunship when Anakin arrived at the Temple. He entered the hanger and headed straight towards Master Windu. “Master Windu, I must talk to you.” Anakin said with urgency.
Mace Windu turned and watched with concern as Anakin approached him. “What is it, Skywalker? We are in a hurry. We have just received word that Obi-Wan has destroyed General Grievous. We are on our way to make sure the Chancellor returns emergency powers back to the Senate.”
“He definitely won't give up his power. I've just confirmed the terrible truth that Luke and Leia warned us about. Chancellor Palpatine is the Sith Lord we have been looking for.”
Master Windu looked at Anakin with determination. "How do you know this?”
Anakin swallowed hard. “He knows the ways of the Force. He has been trained to use the dark side.”
“Are you sure?” Master Windu asked.
”Absolutely”
Master Windu took a deep breath, looked away from Anakin and then back to him again. He then started walking towards the gunship again with a sense of purpose. “Then our worst fears have been realized. We must move quickly if the Jedi Order is to survive. We must prevent what Luke and Leia told us from coming to pass.”
Anakin walked along side Windu. I have to be there to make sure they don’t kill him. “Master, the Chancellor is very powerful. You will need my help if you are going to arrest him.”
Master Windu stopped and looked at Anakin, seeing the fear and confusion in his eyes. “For your own good, stay out of this affair. I sense a great deal of confusion in you, young Skywalker. There is much fear that clouds your judgment.”
Anakin looked at him with fear and determination. I can’t let them kill him. “I must go, Master.” Anakin insisted.
Windu looked back at Anakin with authority. “No. If what you told me is true, you will have gained my trust, but for now remain here.”
Anakin sighed. They can’t kill him. It’s not the Jedi way. “Yes, Master.” He responded while looking down at the floor.
“Wait for us in the Council Chamber until we return.” Master Windu instructed Anakin and then headed off to board the gunship.
“Yes, Master.” Anakin obeys as he watches as the Jedi leave in their ship, crossing his arms in front of him and a tear running down his face. I just hope I’m making the right decision.
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Luke and Leia had left to follow their father to who knows where and Padme is now alone in her apartment, looking out the window towards the Jedi Temple just as the sun is starting to set and thinking of Anakin and their twins. She has her arms crossed in front of her, resting her right arm and hand on her swollen belly. She’s worried about what the twins meant about Anakin being in danger and a tear falls down her cheek. I hope they’ll be able to save him from whatever tragedy is to befall him.
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Meanwhile back at the Jedi Temple, Anakin had arrived at the Council Chambers and is now sitting alone in one of the chairs thinking of Padme. I hope I’m making the right decision. I hope this doesn’t cost Padme’s life by me staying here. He thought to himself as he, too, looked out the window, towards Padme’s apartment with the sun setting on the horizon.
He ran his hand through his hair and starts hearing Palpatine’s voice in his head as he continues to look out the window, distressed. “You do know, don't you, if the Jedi destroy me, any chance of saving her will be lost.”
Then visions of Padme came rushing back into his head…His heart aching with the thought of losing her. He thinks back to their wedding and to when she first professed her love for him. She looked into his eyes just as they were both being led to their deaths. “I truly, deeply love you. Before I die. I want you to know.”
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C-3PO, noticing his mistress’ distress came up to Padme with concern. “My Lady, are you…. Are you all right?”
Padme turned to look at 3PO with tears in her eyes. “I’ll be fine.” Ani, please don’t do anything foolish.
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Anakin, after looking at the floor in thought and in concern and then finally came to a decision. “I can't do this …I can't let her die.” He said to himself as he got up from the chair and rushed out of the Council Chamber and down to the hanger to his Jedi Fighter. The hangar door opens as he jumps into his Jedi fighter and then lifts off, heading towards the Senate building.
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