Early Redemption by QueenNaberrie Chapters 31-35

[queennaberrie]

Chapter 31

Two years had passed since the fall of the Republic and the Outlanders, as the Skywalkers now called themselves, have come to love their new life on Tatooine, despite the harshness of the desert and the circumstances surrounding their exile there.

Anakin awoke to find Padme still sleeping, her hair now kept at shoulder length as neither one of them really liked it as short as she had originally cut it. He was still lying on his back, when he smiled over at her sleeping form. She was facing him with a pleasant and serene look on her face as she continued on with her peaceful slumber. Padme was currently 6 months pregnant with their third child; and he was happy to note that, unlike before, he had not had one nightmare concerning this pregnancy, since she had informed him of the happy news. Of which, that alone had brought joy and peace to them both as the months of her pregnancy had progressed.

Taking one more loving glance over at his sleeping angel, Anakin climbed out of bed and headed for the refresher to get ready for work. He had taken a job at a speeder repair shop in Anchorhead and the current owner, Graven, had taken an immediate liking to Anakin when he arrive there two years ago, asking for a job. Especially when word got around that Aaron Outlander could fix anything, which brought everyone from kilometers around to Graven’s Speeder Repair to get work done on their gravely, ailing speeders.

Anakin always loved fixing things so he looked forward to his job everyday and smiled into the mirror in the refresher with excitement as to what new challenge awaited him at the shop. Although, he then glanced down at the beard he had grown to hide his face during their exile and determined that it needed a little trimming. So he took out his trimmer from the medicine cabinet and groomed it like Obi-Wan had shown him.

When he was done trimming his beard, he then changed from his sleep pants into a dark blue tunic and matching pants, finishing just in time to hear the sounds of the twins waking up from their room down the hall. Not wanting them to wake Padme, he quietly left the refresher and then their bedroom to head down the hall to the twins’ room. He was grateful that the now, 2 year old twins, were just standing up in their cribs, smiling at him as the came through the door.

“Dadee” Luke and Leia squealed in unison as Anakin smiled at them.

They’re just so dang cute. Anakin thought to himself with a smile as he crossed the room to their cribs. “Good morning, you two.” He told them as he picked Luke out of the crib, kissed him on the cheek and then carried him over to the changing table. “What surprises do you have for your daddy this morning?” Anakin asked as Luke giggled while his father changed his son’s wet diaper and then changed him into a pair of blue overhaul shorts with a white shirt under it. Anakin then put some white baby socks and shoes on him, tying the laces on each shoe into a bow.

When he was done, he then picked up his son from the changing table and returned him to his crib, turning to his daughter who he then picked Leia up, and also kissing her on the cheek. “And how is my little angel this morning?” He asked her as he took her over to the changing table and changed her diaper, as well. He then dressed her in a little pink dress and put white, lacy socks on her feet, putting her white baby shoes on and then also tying the laces in a bow.

I sure hope these two finish their potty training soon. It will be a nightmare changing three sets of diapers when our third child arrives. Anakin thought to himself as he then picked Leia up to carry her on his left hip and then reached into Luke’s crib to carry him on his right.

With both twins ready for the day, he then proceeded down the hall to the kitchen where he then strapped the twins in their highchairs and put their bibs on them. “So what shall we have for breakfast this morning?” He asked the twins as he crossed the kitchen the cupboard, taking out a cereal box. “How about some cereal?” He answered for them.

“C-reel.” Leia said as both twins happily kicked their legs on the foot support of their chairs and giggled.

“Good, I’m glad you agree.” He told them with a smirk as he crossed the kitchen to the refrigerator and took out some blue milk, placing it on the table along with the cereal box. Anakin then opened the cupboard behind him, next to the refrigerator, and took out some baby bowls and sippy cups, along with a regular bowl and glass for himself. He placed them on the table and then turned back around to get into the drawer to get the spoons out.

“Well, little ones. I want you to be good for your mommy today while I’m at work, ok?” He told them as he poured their cereal and then filled their sippy cups with the blue milk, closing the lids on them. “I heard what you two did yesterday and I’m very disappointed in the two of you.”

Both twins seemed to understand what their father was trying to tell them and they nodded their heads and pouted. But then Luke’s attention quickly turned back to the breakfast Anakin was preparing for them. “Dadee, C-reel.” Luke said as reached towards where their bowls and sippy cups were still on the kitchen table. Leia, too, was reaching out as well.

Anakin smiled at both of them and then placed their bowls, sippy cups and spoons on their trays, kissing both of them on the cheeks before proceeding to fix his own cereal bowl and sat down to eat.

It was then that Padme came into the kitchen, still in her blue nightgown and robe, yawning and rubbing her right hand over her swollen belly. “Good morning.” She told him as she smiled at him and crossed the kitchen to kiss her husband lightly on the lips.

“Good morning, Angel.” He responded as she got into the cupboard to get her own dishes and spoon before joining him at the table, pouring her cereal and milk.

“I see you’ve gotten the twins ready for the day. Thank you.” She told him with a smile.

“It was my pleasure, milady.” Anakin responded with a loving smile as the family continued to eat their breakfast together.

They then heard a knock on their door, causing them to look at the front door. Anakin shook his head at his wife and proceeded to get up, passing through the living room. He unlocked and opened the door to see Obi-Wan smiling at him through the beard he had since grown back and was wearing a long white robe and brown cloak. “Good morning, Aaron.” Obi-Wan greeted him.

“Good morning, Ben.” Anakin replied with a smile. “Please come in.” Anakin said as he stood aside to let his former master enter. “We were just having breakfast. Would you like to join us?” He asked him as he headed back towards the kitchen.

Obi-Wan followed Anakin into the house. “No, no. I’ve already eaten. But thank you.” He said as he smiled over at the twins, who were now making a mess on their trays, as he entered the kitchen. “Well, good morning young ones.”

“Ben!” Both the twins squealed with smiled on their angelic faces.

“Wow. You two have created quite a mess. Haven’t you?” Obi-Wan responded as he then turned to look at Padme who was smiling back at him. He walked over and kissed her on the cheek. “Good morning, Renee.”

“Morning, Ben. For what do we owe this great pleasure at this time of the morning?” Padme responded with a smile.

“Well…” Obi-Wan started as he looked over at Anakin. “Aaron, I was hoping I could ride with you into Anchorhead today? I have some business to attend to there.”

Anakin smiled as he sat back down and gestured for Obi-Wan to do the same. “I’d be glad to. What is it this time? Mystic herbs from beyond the outer rim?” Anakin teased.

Obi-Wan laughed. “No. But, yes, it is a new shipment of some medicinals I have been expecting. There’s a little girl who is ill in town and needs it to get her fever down.”

“Aww. Is she getting any better, Ben?” Padme inquired.

“Yes, she is getting much better.” Obi-Wan answered with a smile. “I’m just glad I have been of some help.”

Anakin smiled at his ‘brother’. “Well, I’m sure the people of Anchorhead are grateful for your Jedi healing techniques. I still can’t believe how knowledgeable you are at it. I never knew you had ever had any interest.”

Obi-Wan smiled back at them. “Yes, well, as I’ve told you. It was hobby of mine and I would sometimes observe the healers in the Temple. And some of them would show me how do treat certain ailments.” He responded as their attention was brought back to the twins when they heard Leia’s bowl hit the floor.

“Leia! You know better than to do that.” Anakin scolded as he got up to pick her bowl off of the floor. “Well, I guess you’re done, young lady.” He told her as she put her bowl in the sink, turning on the tap to fill it with water.

“Aaron, why don’t you and Ben go ahead.” Padme told him with a smile. “I’ll take it from here.”

Anakin smiled back at his wife from the sink and then walked over to kiss her lightly on the lips. “Ok. I’ll see you tonight.” He told her as he then walked back over to the twins’ highchairs and gave them both kisses on the cheeks. “Now be good for mommy.” He told them, pointing his right index finger at them, as Obi-Wan got up from the chair.

Obi-Wan crossed his arms in front of his chest as he stood up from his chair and shook his head at Anakin in amusement. Oh revenge is sweet. Obi-Wan thought to himself as he contemplated the amount of mischief these two twins were going to inflict on their unsuspecting parents. And if either one of them is anything like Anakin, they will have their hands full.

Anakin gave Obi-Wan a confused look as he passed him to head back towards the front door. “Coming, Ben?”

“Right behind you.” Obi-Wan answered as he followed his ‘brother’ to the front door.

Padme got up from her chair and followed them. “See you tonight.” She said as she smiled up at her husband and then they kissed each other on the lips. They backed out of the kiss and looked into each other’s eyes. “Don’t be late. I’m making a special dinner tonight.” She told her husband and then turned to Obi-Wan. “You can join us if you like.”

“I’d love to.” Obi-Wan said with a smile. “Until tonight then?”

Padme nodded as both men then walked over to the sandstone garage and climbed into Anakin’s land speeder. Anakin started it, backed it out of the garage and then pointed it towards Anchorhead.

Padme stood in the doorway and waved with a smile as they left. Oh, Ani. I love you so much. Oh Force, please keep him safe. She said in a silent prayer while she ran her right hand over her swollen belly as she felt the baby kick. She smiled down at her belly and then proceeded to close the door to return to the twins and to start the new day.

---------------------------------------------

Anakin had dropped off Obi-Wan at the postal carrier’s office and then proceeded towards the repair shop. He parked his land speeder behind the building and got out, walking through the back door to the shop. “Good morning.” He said to Graven as he entered.

“Good morning, Aaron. How’s that growing family of yours doing this morning?” Graven responded with a smile.

Graven was a heavy set, middle-aged man with graying brown hair, who Anakin often thought reminded him of Dex, Obi-Wan’s friend from Courscant. Well…at least in personality and manner. Graven had lived on Tatooine for most of his life and had been widowed only a few years before Anakin and his family had arrived on the planet. They had had no children, so Anakin had become a son to him and he treated him as such, even promising him that he would one day own the shop upon his death…or retirement.

Anakin, of course, was greatly appreciative of this declaration by Graven; but he never wanted to think about the place with Graven not there working by his side. He was such a wonderful man and the thought of his eventual retirement or even passing, saddened him greatly.

“The family is doing wonderful, as always.” Anakin answered him with a smile.

“Good to hear it.” Graven responded as he walked over and patted Anakin on the back. “Now let’s get to work. We still have that speeder from Mos Eisley to fix and the owner said he’d be back this afternoon to pick it up.”

“Yes, Sir.” Anakin responded with a smile as he immediately crossed over to the speeder in question, picking up some tools to continue the work he had started the previous evening.

Anakin worked for hours on the speeder and was putting the final touches on it when they heard the service bell out front, causing both men to look up. “I guess we’ve got a customer.” Graven said as he put down his tools and started to wipe his hands on a rag.

“No, I’ll get it, Graven. I’m done here.” Anakin told him with a smile as he, too, picked up a rag and wiped his hands as he headed out into the customer service area, pushing the curtain that hung over the doorway aside as he stepped through. “Can I help you?” Anakin asked the dark-skinned man with black hair who was standing at the counter and seemed a little taken back by Anakin appearance. He squinted at him like he was trying to place his face.

“Are you Aaron Outlander?” The man asked him.

He seems a little familiar to me. Anakin thought to himself as he smiled and crossed the rest of the way over to the counter, putting both hands on it. “Yes, I am. And you are?” He asked as he reached out with his right hand.

“I’m Kit Banai of Mos Espa.” The man said as he returned the gesture by reaching out his right hand to take Anakin’s in greeting.

Kitster?

[queennaberrie]

Chapter 32

Anakin couldn’t believe it. There standing in front of him, after all these years was his childhood friend, Kitster Banai. Kit had stood by him when all the other children had told him he was going to be bug squash if he raced in the Boonta Eve Classic with the pod racer he had built. And he was right there when he proved them all wrong when he had not only won the race but his freedom from slavery as well.

Anakin was so happy to see Kitster that he almost forgot himself and told him right then and there that he was Anakin Skywalker. The boy who had been his friend and had long since left to go to Courscant to become a Jedi.

But before he uttered a word, he caught himself and thought better of it. After all, they were still standing in his place of employment where everyone knew him as Aaron Outlander. He couldn’t risk someone over hearing and turning him over to the Empire.

Kit, who was wearing a brown tunic, matching pants and black cloak, looked at Aaron Outlander with bewilderment. He noticed how the tall, blonde man had reacted at the mention of his name and it made him curious as to why. He seemed familiar to him somehow; but he decided that he wasn’t here to solve a mystery; he was here on business, which didn’t give him any time to wonder. He had been stranded on his way home to his wife and family and he was told that Aaron Outlander was the best. And that’s all he had time to care about at the moment. “I understand that you are quite good at fixing things. My speeder broke down and I need it to get back home.”

Anakin broke himself out of his reverie and cleared his throat before answering him. “Uh, yes…I certainly can take a look at it. Where is it?”

“It’s just at the edge of town. Can you tow it here?” Kit asked him.

“Yes…certainly.” Anakin answered him with a smile. “I’ll meet you out front with my speeder.”

“Thank you.” Kit responded with a smile before turning to go back outside.

Anakin turned and hurried back through the workshop, not even noticing the strange glance he got from Graven as he went by, and grabbed some tow cables just before going out the back door to his speeder.

He threw the tow cables into the back seat and then climbed into the speeder, started it and slowly drove it out in front of the building to meet Kit, who was patiently waiting for him. “Get in.” Anakin told him with a smile as he pulled up beside him.

“Thank you, Mr. Outlander.” Kit answered him as he climbed in.

Anakin laughed at Kit’s formal use of his name. “Please…Mr. Outlander sounds so formal. Please call me Aaron.”

“Ok…Aaron.” Kit responded with a smile. He seems so familiar to me. I wish I could figure out where I know him from.

“Which way?” Anakin asked Kit, breaking him away from his thoughts.

“Oh, yes. Straight ahead.” Kit told him as he pointed right ahead.

“Ok.” Anakin said as he drove the speeder towards the edge of town, with the two old friends passing the time in awkward silence. Perhaps I can get him talking about our past without really telling him who I am? Anakin thought to himself as they came up on a lone parked speeder, just at the outskirts of town.

“Right here.” Kit told him as Anakin brought the speeder to a halt right in front of it and then they both got out. Anakin reached into the back seat to retrieve the tow cables and then proceeded to hook Kit’s speeder to the back of his.

“So, you’re from Mos Espa?” Anakin started, while continuing with his work.

“Yes.” Kit answered as he stood watching Anakin hook the two speeders together, with his hands folded behind his back. “Ever been there?”

Anakin smiled to himself as he continued his work, crouching down to find a good place to hook the tow cables to on each of the speeders. “Yes, I have. I actually went to the Boonta Eve Classic when I was a boy. You know…when that human boy amazed everyone and won it.” Anakin looked up at the sky, trying to act like he was thinking of something. “What was his name?”

Kit perked up a bit at the mention of his old friend. “His name was Anakin Skywalker.” He said with a pause while he walked over to his speeder and leaned up against it, crossing his arms in front of his chest. He then looked down at the ground. “He was actually a very good friend of mine.”

Anakin looked over at him, knowing that Kit had probably been wondering about the fate of his friend, if he had survived the Jedi purges or not. “Oh really?” Anakin responded, trying to sound surprised as he finished pulling on the cables fastened on the back of his own speeder to make sure it was secure. “What ever happened to him?” Anakin inquired, looking back up at Kit.

Kit continued to look down at the ground in sadness and then looked back over at Anakin, who was now standing up and looking at Kit with concern. “He’s probably dead now. He had left Tatooine soon after the race ended to train to become a Jedi…You know…the purges?”

Anakin sighed and looked down at the ground sadly himself at the thought of all the Jedi who had suffered and died over the past few years. “I’m sorry.” Anakin finally said as he started walking back towards the driver’s side of his speeder and got in. Kit followed suit by getting back into the passenger side. “He was a good friend?” Anakin asked him as he restarted the speeder and headed out into the desert far enough to turn both the speeders around safely to head back towards the shop.

Kit looked over at Anakin as Anakin looked straight ahead while he drove. “Yes. I-I never saw him again after he left to become a Jedi. Of course, I saw Holovids of him.” Kit said as a sad smile came across his face. “You probably knew him as the ‘Hero with No Fear’ during the Clone Wars.”

“Oh yes.” Anakin answered with a guilty conscience. He wanted to so badly tell Kit that his friend wasn’t dead…that he was right here next to him, helping him. But instead, he continued their short journey in silence and continued to contemplate whether he should ever tell Kit the truth.

When they reached the shop, Kit climbed out of Anakin’s speeder and entered the front door to await ‘Aaron’ as he took the speeders around back and brought the ailing speeder in to the shop to make a quick diagnosis. Kit looked around the tiny front reception area as he waited for several minutes; he sat down in one of the chairs in the waiting area, putting his right elbow on the arm of the chair and then leaned his chin on his hand and began thinking back to those wonderful days when he spent time with is childhood friend, Ani.

What happy days those were. Despite the fact that the both of them were slaves at the time, Ani always seemed to find the joy in everything, everywhere he went; and always had a loving, giving spirit who always wanted to give with no thought to himself. Kitster smiled to himself as he thought about Ani…Yes, he truly did miss his childhood friend.

Kit snapped out of his reverie when he heard Anakin come back through the green curtains that were covering the doorway with a grim look on his face. He was wiping the grease off of his hands with a rag as he approached Kit. “Well, I’m afraid I won’t be able to fix it today.” Anakin told him as he held up a tiny part. “Unfortunately, we don’t have any of these in stock and will have to order one from Mos Eisley.”

Kit’s shoulders went limp as he stood up and walked closer to where Anakin was standing. He was extremely disappointed that he wouldn’t be back with his family by this evening. “How long will it take to get the part?” Kit asked.

“Oh, it should be here in the morning. I just ordered it from our supplier there and they said they had one in stock.” Anakin answered him and then got a great idea. “Hey, Kit? Do you need some place to stay tonight?”

Kit looked over at Anakin with bewilderment. He hadn’t even thought about that. “Yes, actually.” He answered Anakin with a weak smile.

“Good, then it’s settled. You’ll be staying with me and my family tonight.” Anakin answered him with a smile as Kit looked over at him with shock.

“Y-You would do that? Take me in…a total stranger?” Kit asked in awe.

“Certainly.” Anakin said with a grin.

“Well…ok…” Kit answered cautiously. “If I won’t be too much of a bother.”

“No. You’ll be no bother.” Anakin answered him.

“Who will be no bother?” Obi-Wan asked as he entered the front door.

Anakin smiled at his ‘brother’s’ questioning face. “Oh hello, Ben. This is Kit Banai. His speeder broke down and I won’t be able to get a part here until tomorrow, so I’ve invited him to stay at my home tonight.”

“Are you crazy, Anakin?” Obi-Wan asked him through the Force.

“It’s ok, Obi-Wan. He was a childhood friend.” Anakin responded.

Obi-Wan looked over at Kit suspiciously and then back at Anakin. “He may have been a childhood friend, Anakin. But you know nothing about him now. You don’t know where his loyalties lie. What if he figures out who you really are and then turns us in to the Empire. Vader is offering an awful lot of credits for information on living Jedi right now and your ‘friend’ may not hesitate to cash in on it.”

Kit watched ‘Aaron’ and ‘Ben’ looking at each other and looking almost like they were having a secret conversation between themselves, even though their lips weren’t moving. He noticed ‘Ben’s’ apparent lack of trust in him and he couldn’t really blame him. After all, he didn’t know him and his friend, Aaron, was taking him into his home. “Look. If it’s too much trouble, I can get a room at the inn.”

“No, it’s fine.” Anakin answered him as he turned to Kit. “In fact, it’s starting to get close to dinner time. Why don’t we all go now?”

“Did you tell, Renee, about having another guest?” Obi-Wan asked Anakin with curiosity.

Anakin got a sheepish look on his face as he looked back over at Obi-Wan. “Uh no…I should probably comm her and let her know right now.” Anakin said as he went back into the shop to retrieve his comm link, leaving Obi-Wan and Kit to themselves.

“Goin’ home?” Graven said as he patted Anakin on the back.

“Uh, yes. If it’s ok with you, of course, I’d like to leave a few minutes early.” Anakin answered cautiously while looking over at Graven.

“Certainly, Aaron. Was thinkin’ of leaving early myself. Have a good night. I’ll see you in the morning.” Graven said with a smile and then turned to head out the back door.

Anakin then proceeded to locate his commlink, which he found on the work bench, and turned it on. “Renee, this is Aaron.” He said into it but he didn’t get any answer. She must be in the middle of something with the twins. He thought to himself as he tried again. “Renee, please pick up.”

That time it did the trick and Padme’s voice came back through his commlink. “What is it? Are you going to be late tonight?” She asked with concern.

“No, actually, I wanted to warn you that we are going to have an additional guest tonight.” Anakin answered her.

“Who…other than Ben?” Padme asked with a tone of curiosity in her voice. He could hear the giggles and squeals of the twins playing in the background.

“Yes, a recent customer and…” Anakin started as he then covered the commlink with his right hand while he whispered into it. “…an old friend…Kitster Banai.”

“Who?” Padme asked.

“Kitster. Don’t you remember him? Short dark-skinned boy with black hair, followed me around everywhere when I was a boy?” Anakin told her, trying to nudge her memory.

There was silence on the other end for what seemed like an eternity as she tried to think back to their first meetings on Tatooine. “Yes, I remember him. He was always so loyal to you no matter what else the other children said to you. But Aaron, has he recognized you?” Padme asked with concern. “What if he recognizes you and then reports you to the Empire?” She asked with fear now evident in her voice.

Anakin thought about it a minute. “Well…I, personally, don’t think that will be a problem.”

Padme sighed. “Well…if you think you’re sure, I’ll make sure there’s another place setting at the table tonight and get the guest room around.” She told him. “But I’m still a little leery about this.”

“I understand. But I feel it. I don’t sense we have anything to worry about. I love you, Angel, and I’ll be there shortly.” Anakin told her while smiling.

“I love you too. See you soon.” Padme responded and then was gone.

Anakin returned to the customer service area to see Obi-Wan and Kit in cheerful conversation. This brought joy to his heart as he approached his two friends, turning to look at Kit, as they noticed him approaching. “I called my wife and we will be happy to have you as our guest this evening.” Anakin told him with a smile.

“Thank you, Aaron.” Kit responded with a smile.

“Well, shall we?” Anakin said as all three men went back through the shop and out the back door to climb in the speeder.

----------------------------------------------

Later that evening, after everyone had finished eating and had enjoyed each other’s company, Padme smiled and excused herself from the table, asking for her husband’s help to put the twins to bed.

Anakin smiled at his wife, nodding in compliance, as he got up from his chair. He joined Padme at the highchairs and took Leia out of her chair as Padme got Luke, each parent putting their child on their hips. “I’ll be right back.” Anakin told their guests with a smile. “I just need to help put these little ones to bed.” He told them as little Leia yawned, rubbed her eyes and then laid her head on her father’s shoulder.

“We’ll clean up.” Obi-Wan said as he and then Kit both got up from the table and started taking dishes out to the sink.

“Thank you, Ben…Kit.” Padme said with a smile as she then turned with Luke in her arms to start walking down the hall, with the train of her simple green dress trailing behind her.

Anakin smiled at his beautiful wife as she walked down the hallway and then followed her. It wasn’t long before they had the twins in their pajamas and both of them had settled down to sleep. They had both had a tiring day as Tobin had come over and entertained them while Padme made dinner. This entertainment included a lot of running outside, which was a sure way to ensure the babes would go to bed on their bedtime.

The parents looked down at their sleeping children and then up at each other. Anakin reached down to kiss Padme passionately on the lips, pulling her closer to him by putting his left hand on the back of her head. Padme returned it with equal passion, putting her arms around his neck. When they finally broke their kiss, Anakin smiled lovingly down at his wife. “I’ve been wanting to do that since I got home, but didn’t want to make Kitster uncomfortable.”

Padme smiled back up at her husband, with her arms still around his neck. “Me too.” She responded while looking back into his blue pools.

Anakin then reached down and put his left hand on her swollen belly. “And how has our other little one been doing today?” He asked with a smile, while looking down at her belly.

Padme put her hand on top of Anakin’s. “Been very active.” She told him as she then became serious. “Are you sure you don’t want me to find out if we’re having a boy or a girl?”

Anakin looked down at her with surprise. “I thought you didn’t want to know either?”

Padme looked down at her belly and smiled, then smiled back up at her husband. “I don’t know. I do and I don’t.”

“Well…then let’s not.” Anakin said as took his left hand from her belly and then ran it down her right cheek.

Padme weakly smiled. “Maybe you’re right. I do sort of like the element of surprise.” She told him as her smile got bigger.

“Good. I was hoping you’d say that” Anakin said as he smiled and kissed her lightly on the lips. “But we can talk about this more later. We really should go back out there to spend time with Kitster.” He told her as he headed back towards the door, but stopped and turned around when he realized his wife wasn’t following him. “Aren’t you coming?” He asked her inquisitively.

Padme looked down at her belly, lovingly rubbing it with both hands before looking back up at her husband. “No. You go ahead. I’ll stay here with the twins for a while. You should spend time with your friend while you can.” She told him with a sweet smile.

Anakin weakly smiled back at her and looked down at the floor. “I just wish I could tell him the truth about me.”

Padme tipped her head to the side and walked over to him. “Why don’t you?”

Anakin looked up at her with a start. “But I thought that you…”

“I didn’t want you to at first.” Padme finished. “But the way he talked about how he missed little Ani tonight broke my heart. I think he truly misses you and I don’t believe that he would ever turn you into the Empire, even if they offered him the entire Imperial treasury.”

Anakin chuckled. “You’re probably right.” He said with a smile as he put his hands on both of Padme’s shoulders and quickly kissed her again. “I’ll tell him right now.”

“Good. I know you’ve wanted to all night.” Padme told him with a loving smile. “Good luck.” She told him as he let go of her shoulders and headed back to the living room.

When Anakin arrived back at the living room, he found Obi-Wan and Kit sitting on the couch in cheerful conversation again and smiled over at them. “Well…the twins are asleep, so we should have the rest of the night to talk if we want.” Anakin said as he crossed the room and sat in a stuffed chair opposite the couch.

Both men smiled at him but then became serious as they noticed how nervous Anakin was acting. He now had his folded hands between his knees and he was looking down at the floor. “What is it, Aaron?” Obi-Wan finally asked him.

Anakin looked up at his former master and spoke to him through the Force. “I’m going to tell him who I really am. I feel so guilty not telling him when he thinks I’m dead and wishes otherwise.”

“Are you sure, Anakin?” Obi-Wan responded. “Do you think you can truly trust him?”

“With my life.” Anakin replied.

“Well, you better be certain or you will be paying with your life.” Obi-Wan told him.

“Don’t worry, Obi-Wan. What’s the worst that can happen if I’m wrong? He’ll go to the Empire, they relay that they’ve found Anakin Skywalker to Vader and then Vader will think Kit’s either lying or delusional…because Vader believes he’s the only one who had ever gone by the name Anakin Skywalker.” Anakin retorted.

Obi-Wan sighed and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “You’re right. Go ahead and tell him if you like. I’ll back you up if you need me to.”

“Thank you, Obi-Wan.” Anakin replied with a weak smile.

They’re doing it again. They seem to be communicating with each other some how. Kit thought to himself as a shiver ran up his spine. It was then that he decided to ask them about it. “I don’t mean to be rude, but what exactly were you two just doing? It looked like you were having some kind of silent argument with one another. And I noticed you also did the same thing back at the repair shop?”

Both Jedi took their attention off of one another and looked over at Kit. “It’s a form of communication used by the Jedi. We can communicate on a telepathic level through the Force.” Anakin answered him matter of fact.

Kitster got a look of awe on his face. “Jedi? You’re Jedi?” He asked in astonishment.

“Yes, Kitster.” Anakin answered him. “We’ve been hiding here under false aliases for the past two years.”

“Bu-But…why tell me?” Kit asked them, still in shock. “How do you know I won’t run to the first Imperial I see and tell them about you?”

“Because I know you, Kitster. We used to be friends.” Anakin told him with a smile.

Kit got a confused look on his face. “Friends?” He replied as he looked back at Anakin and tried to continue on his previous musings of how this man seemed so familiar to him, as he looked down at the floor, running both of his hands through his hair. And then it dawned on him. All those questions he asked me earlier about… He paused in thought as his eyes became as big as saucers and he looked back up at Anakin in awe. “Anakin? Anakin Skywalker?”

“Yes, Kitster. It’s me?” Anakin told him with a huge grin on his face.

[queennaberrie]

Chapter 33

Kitster couldn’t believe it. His friend, Ani, wasn’t dead. He was alive and well and sitting right there in front of him in the same room. Although, his initial reaction was of shock, it was soon replaced with happiness as a huge smile formed on his face; and he immediately got to his feet. Anakin did the same and the old friends met in an embrace of long lost friendship, holding each other tight. “Anakin, it’s so good to see you. When I heard about the purges…”

“I know, Kitster. And I’m sorry I didn’t reveal myself to you right away; but you understand that my family and I are in hiding. And I had to be sure…” Anakin told him as the two friends backed out of their embrace and just smiled at each other.

“It’s ok. I understand.” Kit told him, not letting him finish his sentence, as tears of happiness came to his eyes and he laughed as he wiped them before they came streaming down his cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’m just so glad to know you’re still alive.” Kit told him as Anakin smiled back at his friend and put both his hands on his shoulders, not knowing what else to say. But then Kitster got a confused look on his face as a thought occurred to him. “But Ani, how is it possible that you have a family? I didn’t think Jedi were allowed to have such attachments.”

Anakin chuckled and so did Obi-Wan, who was still sitting on the couch with his arms folded across his chest and looking up at his ‘brother’ in amusement. “Well…” Anakin started. “…I never said I was a model Jedi.”

“You can say that again.” Obi-Wan agreed with a chuckle while Kit and Anakin looked over at him and Anakin smiled back over at his former master. All three men then began chuckling together.

“Even as a child, you were never one to always follow the rules.” Kit finally said but then became serious and got a look of curiosity in his face. “But seriously, Ani…How is it you have a family?” Kit said as he stepped back towards the couch and sat down to await Anakin’s explanation.

Anakin smiled to himself and then also returned to his seat in the stuffed chair, looking over at Kit with a smile on his face. “Well…like I said…I wasn’t exactly a model Jedi. I had been secretly married for 3 years before the fall of the Republic. Even Obi-Wan didn’t know of this.” He said as he looked over at his former master.

Kit followed Anakin’s gaze and got a look of awe on his face. “Obi-Wan? Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Negotiator’?.”

“Yes, I have been referred by that title before.” Obi-Wan added while smiling back at Kit. “Although, as you know, I’m going by Ben Kenobi these days.”

Kit got a huge grin on his face. “I don’t believe it. The ‘Hero with No Fear” AND the ‘The Negotiator’ both escaped the purges. I believe the galaxy’s chances of returning to a democracy have just increased immensely.” But then Kit became serious as he realized the inactivity of the two Jedi in the current fight against the Empire.. “Bu-But why aren’t you out there fighting the Empire? You were both great heroes during the Clone Wars. Why are you still hiding here?”

Both Jedi became serious and Anakin looked down to the floor with his hands folded between his knees. Then he looked back at his friend. “Well, Kit.” Anakin started. “It’s not that simple. Palpatine is very powerful right now and has many followers. Now is not the time to strike.”

“It is the will of the Force that we wait.” Obi-Wan added. “Anakin is right. Now is not the time to strike.”

“I still don’t understand that. I’ve heard about the Rebel Alliance forming and have been asked to join it myself.” Kit responded. “The only reason I haven’t is because of my family. My two children are so small right now, and I’d hate to leave my wife now when she needs me most.”

“And that’s one of the reasons I’m still here, Kit.” Anakin told him. “As you know, my wife is currently pregnant; and we have two little ones already. And if we leave now to fight against the Empire, it would be suicide. Vader is still actively conducting a search for Jedi who escaped the purges; and, if we were discovered and killed, then who would be left of us to help the Alliance later?”

Obi-Wan who had been listening to the conversation, started to stroke his beard in thought at this news of this formation of a Rebel Alliance and then looked over at Kit. “How much do you know about this Rebel Alliance? Perhaps there are ways we can help without actually joining the fighting.”

Both Kit and Anakin looked at Obi-Wan with curiosity. “I don’t know much.” Kit admitted. “Although, I know there are a lot of high ranking people from the Imperial Senate involved. I understand it was already being formed even before Palpatine declared himself Emperor. But then it was just a secret committee that was formed to discuss the corruption that seemed to be coming from the then Chancellor Palpatine’s office.”

Anakin looked away in thought and then looked over at Obi-Wan. “You know…Obi-Wan…I wonder if Padme knows anything about this?”

Obi-Wan looked back at Anakin with bewilderment, still stroking his beard. “You could be right. But it’s funny she hasn’t mentioned it to us if she had.”

“You’re right.” Anakin said as he got up from his chair and then turned back towards his two friends. “I’ll go ask her. I’m sure if she did know about it, she had a good reason for not telling us.”

Kit got a confused look on his face. “Padme? Senator Padme Amidala?”

“Yes.” Anakin answered him with a smile.

“But how can you talk to her? I thought she died a couple years back…” And then it hit Kit as he started to realize why Anakin’s wife seemed so familiar. “Wait…Renee is Padme Amidala, isn’t she? She’s that girl that came to Tatooine with that Jedi who took you with him all those years ago.”

Anakin smiled and nodded his head. “His name was Qui-Gon Jinn and, yes, we had to fake her death in order to protect her life and those of our children. Palpatine knew she was my wife and about our children…or that she was pregnant anyway. I don’t believe he knew she was carrying twins at the time. We didn’t even know.”

“Well…will wonders never cease?” Kit said in astonishment.

“I’ll be right back.” Anakin told them and then left the living room to head down the hall to the twins’ bedroom.

When Anakin entered their children’s room, the only light that was on was one on the dresser and Padme was fast asleep in the rocking chair in the corner of the room. She still had both her hands lovingly resting on her expanding belly with a pleasant and peaceful smile on her face as she slept. Anakin leaned against the doorway, with his arms crossed in front of him, and smiled at the sight of his wife’s sleeping form, hating to have to disturb her. But they needed her to tell them what she knew, if anything, about this newly formed Rebel Alliance that Kit had just told them about.

Anakin then stood up straight, uncrossing his arms and walked over to his wife, kneeling down next to her, to her right. He reached out with his left hand and touched right arm, shaking her gently. “Padme, wake up.” Padme, at first, didn’t seem to notice her husband’s loving nudge, so Anakin tried shaking her once again, this time a little harder, hoping for better results. “Padme, please wake up.”

This time, his attempt to wake her, caused Padme to stir and she woke up with a sleepy smile on her lips and yawned, running her right hand lovingly over her belly as she looked over at her husband. “Ani, I guess I fell asleep here.”

“Yes, you did.” Anakin responded while looking up at her with a smile. He then put his left hand on top of the one she had resting on her belly. But then he became serious as his wife looked back at him with concern. “Padme, there’s something I need to ask you about.”

Padme yawned again and then cocked her head to one side while looking at her husband with curiosity and worry. “What’s the matter? What do you need to ask me about?”

Anakin looked down at their hands resting on her belly and then weakly smiled back up at his wife, looking into her chocolate brown orbs. “There’s nothing the matter.” He sighed. “But Kit just told us about a newly formed Rebel Alliance that is being led by a group of senators he says were part of a secret committee that was formed prior to Palpatine declaring himself Emperor. Do you know anything about this secret committee?”

Padme looked down at her husband in thought. “Yes…I knew about the committee…In fact, I was on it.” She sighed and then weakly smiled at her husband. “But, as you know, I’m afraid I’ve been out of the loop for a while, my husband, and know nothing of this Rebel Alliance.”

Anakin chuckled a little at his wife’s attempt to keep this serious conversation light, but then became serious again. “But why didn’t you tell me about this committee?”

Padme smiled down at her husband. “You had so much going on back then; and I knew how much you admired Palpatine at the time. I didn’t think you would understand or approve of my involvement. And then later I didn’t think it mattered.” She looked over at her husband unable to read his expression, which looked like one of deep thought. “Are you upset with me for not telling you?”

With her question breaking into his thoughts, Anakin squeezed her hand with assurance and then smiled up at her. “No. You were right to oppose Palpatine. I know that now. You were only doing what you thought was right.”

Padme smiled back down at her husband and he reached up to kiss her lightly on the lips. “Good. So does that mean I’m forgiven?” She asked playfully after he finished kissing her.

Anakin chuckled. “Yes.” He told her as they continued to look into each other’s eyes.

“Well…I for one want to know more about this Rebel Alliance.” Padme declared as she started to stand up. “Is Kit still out in the living room?”

Anakin smiled at her as he, too, stood up and then put his arms around her, giving her one more passionate kiss, with Padme wrapping her arms around his neck. “Me too.” He finally said as they backed out of their kiss and then looked into each other’s eyes again. “And, yes, he’s still in the living room.” He added.

“Well…” Padme said, not wanting to leave her husband’s arms. “…I guess we should go talk to Kit some more.”

“Yes, we should.” Anakin agreed as they lingered in each other’s arms for awhile longer, not wanting to move. But then they finally released themselves from their embrace and, instead, put their arms around each others waists as they headed back out into the living room.

The small group of friends and family spent much of the night talking about what they could do to be useful to the Rebel Alliance. They didn’t know exactly how they could be of some help while still remain anonymous, but they would try to help any way they could.

Kit decided that he would join the Rebel Alliance, hoping that they would accept him, for now, as an informant of any Imperial activities he heard about from pilots coming and going from the various space ports he visited on Tatooine. He would also keep the Skywalkers and Obi-Wan appraised of any information he heard from the Alliance to keep them informed of the current status in their fight against the Empire.

Obi-Wan and Anakin also agreed to pass along any information they heard…Anakin from customers that visited the repair shop and Obi-Wan from his travels as a healer. With everyone in agreement, they all shook hands on it and Kit assured them all that their secret was safe with him. There was no way he would do anything to jeopardize the lives of his friend, Ani, and his family and friend…the ‘Hero with No Fear’ and ‘The Negotiator’. He was proud to call them friends and looked forward to being a part of something greater than himself…something that would hopefully one day free the galaxy from tyranny.

The next morning, Anakin took Kit back to the repair shop with him and dropped Obi-Wan off again to check on the little girl with a fever. Anakin fixed Kit’s speeder when the part arrived from Mos Eisley and then they said their good-byes, promising to keep in touch; and, as they had discussed the previous night, would pass along information to one another about the Alliance and the Empire.

Kit smiled after they embraced one last time before parting. Yes, he was happy. His friend, Ani, was alive and they would all be doing what they could to help in the fight against the Empire. With that, he climbed into his speeder and happily waved back at Anakin ask he drove his speeder out of town, back to Mos Espa, to his awaiting family.

--------------------------------------

Three months later, Padme gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, who they named Sarah. They couldn’t help but notice that she took more after her father in appearance than her mother. She not only had the same blonde hair and blue eyes as her father, but she also shared many of his same facial features.

Luke and Leia were, of course, excited to have a new baby sister…that is until they figured out that she was taking away a lot of their parents’ attention from themselves and they started to become mischievous to get some of that attention back. They would even go as far as to get each other in trouble and start arguments between themselves over toys just to get some of their lost attention back.

But that’s children being children; and both Padme and Anakin knew, in time, that the twins would forget about such things. And the siblings would become close as brothers and sisters should.

One night after putting the twins and baby Sarah to bed, Anakin and Padme laid in bed, snuggling up against one another as they stared up at the ceiling with content smiles on their faces. “We’re so lucky, Ani.” Padme told him as Anakin reached down and kissed her forehead. “We have such beautiful children and a wonderful life together.”

Anakin smiled in the dark and put his head on top of hers. “Yes, I know. We are extremely lucky, Padme.”

Padme smiled and relished in the comfort of her husband’s strong, warm arms around her…But then became serious with tears starting to form in her eyes as thoughts of her other family started to enter her mind and for the grief they must still be feeling for her ‘death’.. “Ani…I’ve been thinking a lot about my family on Naboo lately. I-I just wish they could know how happy we are. And that Mom and Dad could see their grandchildren.”

Anakin also became serious and kissed his wife’s forehead again while hugging her in a comforting embrace. “We’ll go see them when the time is right.” He paused. “I promise you.”

“I’d like that.” Padme said as she wrapped her right arm across his chest.

The couple continued to hold each other in a loving embrace as they finally drifted off to sleep together. For now, they were safe and had their family. And the peace given by that knowledge was enough to make the happy for now.

[queennaberrie]

Chapter 34

Six years later, it had come quite apparent to both Padme and Anakin that their daughter, Leia, was becoming quite the little politician, or diplomat, at an early age from the reports they received from her teachers over the years. And remembering back to when adult Leia and Luke had come from the future to warn them, they also knew that Leia could become a wonderful one at that.

Anakin smiled over at his wife as they sat in Leia’s classroom visiting with her teacher during a normal parent/teacher’s conference meeting where this teacher was, yet again, telling them of Leia’s potential for politics because of her natural desire to lead and play the negotiator with her fellow classmates. He had always known that Leia was, in many ways, like her mother, not only in looks, but demeanor…that is except for her temper, of course, which he knew she got from him.

Padme smiled back at him, knowing exactly what he was thinking and then began thinking back to when she was Leia’s age. Padme was also only 8 years old when she entered the leadership program on Naboo, which eventually led her to be elected queen. She also thought back to what Senator Organa had offered them 8 years ago before they parted. That he would be willing to take care of their children’s schooling if they decided that’s what they wanted to do.

So during their landspeeder ride to the Lars farm to pick up their children, Padme decided to bring this fact up to her husband. She would certainly miss her daughter immensely if they decided to do this, but she also wanted to give her daughter the best possible future. She just hoped that Anakin would agree. “Anakin?”

“Yes, Angel?” Anakin replied while still looking ahead while heading out of Anchorhead.

“I’ve been thinking. Do you remember that offer Bail made to us…about helping us with our children’s education?” Padme asked him hesitantly.

Anakin briefly looked back over at her with interest and then looked back at the road. “Yes.”

“Well…I was 8 years old when I entered the leadership program on Naboo and I know Alderaan has a similar program. I think if Leia wants to go, we should send her there for schooling.” Padme told him, biting her lower lip as she waited for his reaction.

Anakin didn’t know how to answer that. Although, he knew that this is something Leia would love to do, he didn’t want to lose his daughter either, only seeing her from time to time when she wasn’t attending classes. “I-I don’t know, Padme. She’s still so young.”

“You were 9 when you left your mother to become a Jedi and I entered leadership school at 8 years old as well. She’d be fine.” Padme tried to argue.

Anakin sighed.

“And it’s not like we won’t be able to see her.” Padme continued. “She will always be our daughter and will be able to visit on her breaks…I’m sure of it.”

Anakin looked down briefly before looking back up at the road ahead of him. “I know you’re right again as always.” He paused. “But do you think she will want to be away from us for long periods of time. She doesn’t even know Bail.”

“She’ll love him and he her.” Padme said with a weak smile over at her husband. “At least, that’s what the Leia from the future told me.”

“Yes, I could see that…when they interacted together.” Anakin agreed and then after a few moments of thought, he sighed again before giving his wife an answer. “Ok…If Leia wants to go, we’ll contact Bail first thing in the morning.”

Padme’s face lit as she threw her arms around her husband’s neck, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you.”

“Hey, be careful…I’m driving.” He said as the speeder swerved a bit.

“Sorry.” Padme said as she giggled and then kissed him again, this time quickly on the cheek.

Anakin just smiled back at her. “Well…I guess since you’re sorry…you’re forgiven.”

“Good.” She replied with a smile as she sat back in the passenger seat with her arms crossed over her chest. “I’d hate to have you mad at me.”

When they reached the Lars farm to pick up their children, they were met by Owen who was just returning home himself. “Hello…Aaron and Renee!” He shouted to them with a smile and a wave.

“Hi Owen!” Anakin yelled back as he brought the speeder to a halt just outside the domed entrance.

Owen walked up to their speeder and smiled at them. “Here to pick up the young ones, huh?”

“Yes.” Padme said with a smile as both husband and wife got out of their speeder.

“Well, I believe Beru was planning on asking you to join us for dinner…if you’d like to join us, that is?” Owen invited.

“We would love to.” Anakin said with a smile as they both shook hands and gave each other a brotherly hug, while patting each other on the back.

“Well, then…come on it. I’m sure Tobin will be eager to see you as well.” Owen responded as the step-brothers backed out of their embrace and the couple followed Owen inside.

Tobin, who was now 17 years old, loved seeing his aunt and uncle and looked forward to their visits. Sometimes Anakin would even spend some time alone talking with him about their days as Jedi and sometimes Obi-Wan would join them as well. This was something he really couldn’t do with Owen and Beru. He loved them dearly…but they weren’t Jedi and didn’t understand what that meant.

When he was 9 years old and found out the ‘Hero with No Fear’ was going to be his uncle, he was ecstatic. He had always admired him and always wanted to grow up to be just like him. But now that the Jedi were in hiding, he also knew, even from his first days on Tatooine, that he had to try to forget about his training and try to live a normal life. But as he’s gotten older, he’s often wondered what kind of Jedi he would have become. Who would have been his master? And would he be close to facing his trials soon? He realized that most Jedi padawans would be facing their trials around the age of 19 and that would have meant he would have been facing his trials to become a full-fledged Jedi Knight in only a couple of years.

Even though the thought of this never coming to be saddened him, he knew he couldn’t dwell on the past and that he had to continue to look towards the future…which meant helping his adoptive father on the moisture farm. He had to admit to himself, though, that in a way he had become accustomed to this simple way of life and had learned to love it, despite its hardships.

Tobin had been entertaining Luke, Leia and, now 6 year old Sarah, with games when Anakin and Padme arrived in the courtyard of the Lars family home. The ‘Outlander’ children, unaware of their parents’ real heritage, as they had never been told for their own safety, got up from the ground where they had all been sitting and immediately ran over to their parents. “Mom, Dad!” They yelled in unison and Tobin smiled as he saw Anakin pick up Sarah as his daughter threw his arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek. Then he put her down and embrace his other two children. Leia was wearing a white dress and Sarah a blue one. Luke was wearing a tan tunic and pants, much like Anakin had worn as a child.

Padme also embraced and kissed her children as Tobin then got up and went over to see his aunt and uncle. “Hi Aunt Renee and Uncle Aaron.” Tobin greeted them with a smile.

“Tobin.” Anakin said as he put his right arm around him. “How have you been doing? I haven’t seen you in a few weeks.”

“I’m doing good.” Tobin responded with a smile. “Just been busy with school and helping father with the farm.”

Anakin smiled back at him. “That’s what I figured.”

“Hello, Tobin.” Padme said with a smile as she also gave him hug and then they smiled at each other.

Beru met Padme with a warm hug and welcomed them into the dinning area. They had to set up an extra table to accommodate everyone, but that was fine with the Lars. It was good to have family around, especially since Owen’s father had passed away the year before.

They had a delightful dinner together, but then the ‘Outlanders’ announced the desire to leave so they could get home before dark. The last thing they wanted to happen was to run into sand people on their journey home, so they all said their good-byes and the ‘Outlanders’ climbed into their speeder to head home.

When the arrived at their little dwelling, Padme and Anakin told Luke and Sarah to go get ready to bed while they talked with Leia about something. “Come on.” Luke said as he led Sarah down the hallway to their rooms. The girls shared a bed room and Luke had a room to himself across the hall from them.

“Leia, dear. Please sit down.” Padme instructed her daughter as Leia complied and went over to the couch, scooting her self up on the cushions, with her feet dangling. Padme sat down next to her, on her right, and Anakin sat in the stuffed chair across from them. Leia looked up at her mother with concern.

“What’s the matter, Mom?” Leia asked with concern in her eyes.

“Nothing dear.” Padme started as she put her hands on her daughter’s shoulders, looking into her daughter’s eyes before returning her hands to her lap. “Your father and I have been talking about your future today and were wondering if you would like to go to a school we know about on Alderaan?”

Tears started to form in Leia’s eyes and she started to pout. “Y-You want to send me away to school?”

“Not if you don’t want to, Angel.” Anakin told her as Leia looked over at her father with tears rolling down her cheek. “We just thought you might like to go to a school where you can reach your full potential. We understand from your teacher that you can be quite the politician.” He told her with a smile.

“Yes, Leia. There is a leadership program on Alderaan that I think would be perfect for you; but only if you want to do it.” Padme added as she looked over at her husband, then back to Leia. “We can’t promise you anything for sure. But your father and I have an old friend that had at one time offered to look out for our children’s education. We will comm him in the morning, but only if you want us to.”

Leia looked from her mother to her father and then back to her mother, not knowing what to do or to say. It sounded like an adventure…to go away to another planet to go to school to learn how to become a leader. Her heart told her this was the right path for her; but at the same time, her heart was breaking at the thought of never seeing her family again. “Wi-will I be able to come visit you?” Leia said while wiping the tears from her cheeks.

“Of course you can, Angel.” Anakin told her with a smile. “And if you don’t’ like it there, you can come home. We just want what’s best for you.”

Leia sniffed, wiping more tears from her face as Padme reached over and put her arms around her to comfort her. “Shh...it’s ok, darling. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

“And you don’t have to give us answer tonight.” Her father said as he got up and walked over to sit on her other side, putting his left hand on her back and rubbed it in a comforting manner. “You can have as much time as you want to think about it…if fact we can wait to call our friend if need be. We don’t want to pressure you.” He told her with a smile as Padme let her go and Leia leaned into her father’s warm embrace.

“I’ll think about it.” Leia said in a muffled voice. “It does sound like it could be fun. But I’d miss all of you.”

“And we would miss you too, Angel.” Anakin told her as he kissed the top of her head and continued to comfort her.

Leia looked up at her father and them over at her mother, smiling at them through her tears and wiping them from her cheeks again.

“Well…why don’t you join your sister and brother in getting ready for bed?” Padme finally suggested. “We can discuss this further in the morning.”

Leia nodded and then got up from the couch, turning back hesitantly before running down the hall to hers and Sarah’s room, closing the door behind her.

Anakin and Padme looked at each other and weakly smiled. “Do you think she’ll decide to go?” Anakin asked her.

Padme looked down the hallway where their daughter had just been. “I don’t know. I guess we’ll find out. She seemed awful upset about leaving us.”

Anakin nodded as both parents got up from the couch and headed down the hallway to check on their children. Anakin knocked on his son’s door and entered it to find Luke’s light still on and caught a glimpse of him jumping into his bed and pulling the covers up over him. Anakin just smiled and shook his head, knowing that he used to do something similar when his mother came to tuck him in at night and he was suppose to be in bed.

“Is Leia going away, Dad?” Luke asked looking up at his father as Anakin walked over and sat on the edge of his son’s bed, knowing that he had been listening to their conversation.

“Only if she wants to, Luke.” Anakin told him with a smile as he put his left had on his son’s forehead, brushing his hand through his hair before returning it to his lap.

“Will you send me and Sarah away too?” Luke asked with tears starting to form in his eyes.

“No, not if you don’t want to go.” Anakin told him as he put his left hand on his son’s shoulder.

Luke immediate sat up and threw his arms around Anakin’s waist. “I don’t want to leave you and Mom. I want to stay here.”

Anakin put his arms around his son and embraced him, kissing the top of his blonde hair. “Ok.” Anakin told him with a smile. “Actually, I was thinking of taking you with me to work on your breaks from school. I’ve noticed how much you like fixing things as much as I always did.”

Luke looked up at his father with a huge smile on his face. “Really?”

“Yes.” Anakin said as he continued to hold his son. “I asked Graven about it yesterday and he’s fine with it. That is if it’s ok with you.”

“Yippee!” Luke yelled as he stood up on the bed and started to jump.

“Hey, hey…now what have I told you about jumping on the bed?” Anakin scolded as Luke plopped Indian style back on the bed.

“Sorry, Dad.” Luke said as he hung his head down.

Anakin smiled and then got up from the bed. “Now it’s time for you to go to sleep young man.” He told him as he took the covers in his right hand and Luke crawled under them. Anakin pulled the covers up to Luke’s chin and then bent down to kiss him on the forehead. “Good-night, sweet dreams.” He told his son while father and son smiled back and forth between each other.

Then they heard a knock on the door and turned to see Padme enter with a smile on her face. “All tucked in for the night?” She asked as she crossed the room and bent down to kiss her son on the forehead.

“Yes, Mom.” Luke told her while looking up at her with a smile.

The Padme turned to look at her husband who had stepped back to let her get close to Luke. “Your daughters want you to say good-night to them as well.” Padme told him with a smile.

“Ok. I’ll go now.” Anakin said. “Good-night, son.” He told Luke from the doorway.

“Good-night, Dad.” Luke responded.

Anakin then went across the hall and knocked on his daughters’ bedroom door before entering. He walked into find them both sitting in their twin beds smiling at him with their angelic faces and he smiled back at both of them. “All ready to go to sleep?” He asked them as he crossed the room and sat on Sarah’s bed.

Sarah put her arms around her father’s waist and hugged him with her little arms. Anakin hugged her back and kissed her on top her blonde hair. Then she started to cry. “What’s the matter, Angel?” He asked her.

“Leia says you and Momma want to send her away to school and Leia says she wants to go. I don’t want her to go, Daddy.” Sarah told him.

Anakin looked up at Leia who seemed more at peace with the idea and smiled over at her sister. “It’s ok, Sarah. I’ll still get to come visit you and Luke.” Leia told her as she got out of her bed and jumped to the right of her sister and put her arms around her.

Sarah took her arms from her father’s waist and flung them around her sister. “But I don’t want you to go.”

Anakin put his left hand on Sarah’s little back and rubbed it in a comforting manner. “It’s ok, Sarah. Your sister’s right. You’ll still get to see her.”

Sarah looked up at her father with tears still in her blue eyes and streaming down her cheeks. “Are you going to send me away too?”

Anakin chuckled. Didn’t I just have this conversation with Luke? “No, Sweety. Not if you don’t want to. But if in a couple of years, you change your mind. Then we’ll look into it for you as well. But only if it’s what you want.”

Sarah smiled up at her father and then threw her arms back around his waist. “Thank you, Daddy.”

Anakin kissed her on the top of her head again and then reached over and kissed Leia on the cheek as well. “Now, young ladies. Time for bed.” He said as he stood up.

Sarah climbed under her covers and Anakin pulled them up to her chin, bending down to kiss her on the forehead, as Leia climbed back into her bed as well. “Good-night, my Angels.” Anakin told them as the smiled down at little Sarah. Then he moved over to Leia to tuck her in and kiss her on the forehead as well. He then turned and walked towards the door, turning around just before leaving. “Good-night.”

“Good-night, Daddy.” They both said in unison as he smiled and turned off the light before closing the door.

He looked over to see that Luke’s door was now closed and there was no light coming from under it. Anakin then heard a noise coming from their bedroom at the end of the hall and saw the light coming from under their door, so he smiled to himself as he walked down the hall to their bedroom.

Padme was just coming out of the refresher after changing into her blue, silky nightgown Anakin liked so much and smiled over at her husband. “Coming to bed?” She asked.

Anakin smirked at his wife. “Isn’t it a little early?”

“Yes, but I thought we could stay up and talk for a little while.” Padme responded with a smirk.

“Just talk?” Anakin responded as she headed towards the refresher.

“Perhaps.” She responded with a smile.

Anakin just laughed and shook his head as he entered the refresher to change into his sleep pants. When he came out of the refresher a few minutes later, shutting off the light, he climbed into bed with his wife and she immediately cuddled up against him. She reached up and kissed him on the lips and he returned her passion with equal intensity. They then broke from their kiss and stared lovingly into each others eyes, smiling at each other.

“Ani, did Leia tell you that she decided to go away to school?” Padme asked him.

“Yes.” Anakin said as he put his head on top of hers. “I guess that means we’ll be comming Senator Organa in the morning.”

“Uh, huh.” Padme responded as she cuddled closer to her husband, reaching across his abdomen with her right arm.

They then met each other again in a passionate kiss, Anakin reaching out with the Force to turn the light off.

[queennaberrie]

Chapter 35

Alderaan

Bail Organa was sitting at his desk preparing for a typical day when his aide entered his office. “Your Majesty.”

Bail, who was wearing regal robes and had started to gray at his temples, looked up from his datapad. “Yes, Carson. What is it?”

“Sir, you have a comm call from an Aaron and Renee Outlander? You said if they ever called, to contact you immediately.” The aide told him.

Bail got a huge smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. “Yes, of course. Send their call through.”

“Yes, your Majesty. Right away.” The aide said with a bow and then turned to leave the room.

A few moments later, Bail pushed a button on his comm and the holographic images of Anakin and Padme appeared before him. “Aaron, Renee. How have you been doing? It’s been a long time.” He said with a smile.

Both Anakin and Padme smiled back at him. “Yes, it has. And we’re sorry it’s been so long in coming.” Anakin told him.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure you’ve been busy with that family of yours.” Bail answered him with a smile. “Well…what can I do for you?” Bail said in a cheerful tone.

“Well…Bail.” Padme started. “Speaking of our family, our daughter Leia has expressed an interest in entering leadership school…”

“…and you were wondering if I would be her guardian while she attends?” Bail finished for her.

Anakin and Padme looked at each other and then smiled as they turned back to look at Bail. “Yes, actually.” Anakin said. “Does this mean you’re willing?” He asked cautiously.

“Well…of course…I told you I would help you with your children’s education.” Bail answered him cheerfully. “It would be nice to have a child around the house.”

“That’s wonderful to hear.” Padme responded with a smile.

“So how is Luke and do you have any other little ones?” Bail asked out of curiosity.

“Luke is doing fine and getting big…” Anakin told him. “And, yes, we have another little girl named Sarah…She’s 6.”

“That’s wonderful.” Bail said with a smile and then became serious as he placed his right hand on his forehead.

“What’s the matter, Bail?” Padme asked with concern.

“It’s nothing.” Bail said. “I suppose you heard about Breha’s passing?”

“Oh no.” Padme said with compassion. “We haven’t…I’m sorry. She was a wonderful woman. I didn’t know her very well. But the few times I met her, I liked her very much. When did it happen?”

“Thank you…Pa…I mean, Renee. She died a couple months ago and we never were able to have any children.” Bail told them as tears started to form in his eyes.

“I’m sorry to hear about your loss.” Anakin said with his heart going out to him as he thought about how he had almost nearly lost Padme.

“Perhaps having Leia there with you will help you get through this terrible time.” Padme told him, trying to comfort him.

Bail weakly smiled at them, knowing they were trying to be good friends. “Yes, perhaps.” He paused for a moment as the three of them sat in silence. “Well…leadership school starts in a few weeks.” Bail finally said. “When were you planning on bringing her here?”

“Well...” Anakin started. “I was thinking we could bring her there next week. Although…” He paused looking over at Padme with a smile. “…I was thinking we could make a stop to Naboo for a few days to visit Renee’s family.”

Padme looked over at her husband with shock and then happiness. “Oh An-Aaron! That would be wonderful!” She told him as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

Bail looked back at the couple embracing with a sad smile, remembering what it had been like to be with his own wife; but then a look of concern crossed his face. “Are you sure that’s wise?”

The couple looked back at Bail. “We would only be visiting her family and would keep our arrival a secret.” Anakin replied and then looked down into his wife’s happy face. “And it’s something Padme and I have been wanting to do for a long time.”

Bail sighed. “Well…if you think you can get away with it without getting recognized, I will send a ship for you and your family. It will arrive in one standard week…if that’s ok with you?”

“That would be wonderful.” Padme said with a smile.

“Good. Then I’ll make immediate arrangements.” Bail answered them and then he paused, not remembering exactly where on Tatooine the family had been living. “Where would you like me to send the ship?”

“To Mos Eisley.” Anakin told him. “It would be less suspicious for us as it’s a rather large space port.”

“Very well….I will send it to Mos Eisley. And will expect you a few days after.” Bail told them with a smile. “I look forward to seeing you all again.”

“And we look forward to seeing you as well.” Padme responded with a smile. “Until then.”

“Yes, until then.” Bail replied with a smile and then their holograms disappeared. This is wonderful news. Bail thought to himself as he sat back in his desk chair, with his hands folded on his stomach, reflecting on their conversation. She won’t truly be my daughter, but I can certainly treat Leia as a daughter while she’s here.

------------------------------------------

A week later, just as Bail promised, a ship arrived at Mos Eisley to take the ‘Outlander’ family to Naboo before taking them on to Alderaan to drop off Leia for her new adventure. They were currently on approach to the space port, just outside the city of Theed, and Padme was in their quarters, sitting on their bed, nervously wringing her hands together in her lap. She was wearing a long blue dress and a dark blue cloak with a hood to disguise her face if the need arised.

Padme started to feel a little queasy and faint as she closed her eyes and then brought her hand up to cover her eyes just as Anakin came out of the refresher, wearing a dark blue tunic, pants and black boots. He immediately noticed how pale and distressed she looked and quickly crossed the room to be by her side. “Are you ok?” He asked as he sat to her right on the bed, looking at her with concern.

She uncovered her eyes and weakly smiled over at her husband. “I’ll be fine. I guess I’m just more nervous about seeing my family again than I thought. Do you think they will be mad at me for deceiving them all these years?”

Anakin smiled at her and then put his arms around her to comfort her, kissing the top of her head as she leaned into his embrace. “I’m not sure how they’ll react. You know them better than anyone. What do you think?”

Padme sighed and then looked up at her husband with tears starting to form in her eyes. “I-I think at first they will be in shock…and then happy to see me alive. Bu-but after that…I don’t know.” She said as she looked down to her hands in her lap.

Anakin pulled her closer to him and then kissed her on top of the head again. “Well…I think they will be so happy to see you that they will forget all about being mad at you.” He said with a smile, trying to cheer her up.

She laughed and then smiled up at him. “Well…I hope that’s the case, Ani.”

“Me too.” He told her with a smile and then became serious. “Have you given any more thought to how we’re going to approach them?”

“Yes.” Padme started as she moved herself out of her husband’s embrace, stood up and walked over to the vanity to pick up a letter in an envelope. She then turned around to face him again. “I wrote this while you were taking your shower. It’s a letter to my sister written in a secret language we made up as children.”

“Oh, really?” Anakin said in wonderment. “And are you going to share this secret language with your husband?” He said with smirk.

Padme smirked back at him. “No. Then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.” She teased. “And then I wouldn’t be able to talk to my sister about you behind your back.”

“Oh…so you plan on corresponding to your sister on how awful your husband is to you?” He teased back as he got up from the bed and walked over to her, pulling her into his arms again and looking deeply into her eyes with a smile.

Padme returned his smile and gaze with equal emotion. “Perhaps…because you are, of course, a horrible husband.” Padme said as she shook her head and winked up at him. “What will I ever do with you?”

“I don’t know. I can think of a few things.” Anakin teased back as he bent down and started to passionately kiss her. Padme returned his embrace and kiss with equal passion just as they heard a knock on the door. They both laughed and looked into each others eyes. “I’ll go get it.” Anakin told her as he released her and went over to the door to open it.

When he opened it, a young woman with straight, light brown hair, brown eyes and wearing a plain gray dress was standing there with all three of their children in tow. Bail had sent her to be their children’s nanny during the journey and they were told that she would also be Leia’s nanny while she’s staying on Alderann. “I was told to tell you that we have arrived at Theed.” The young woman told them as she smiled and curtsied.

“Thank you, Adelle.” Padme told her as she joined her husband at the door. “Children, please come inside.” Padme instructed them as she stepped aside so all three children could enter their parents’ quarters. They all climbed up on the bed, sitting a row, with serious expressions on their faces.

“I hope they haven’t been too much trouble?” Anakin asked the young woman, noticing their somber faces.

“They are very well behaved little children.” Adelle told him as both parents gave her a puzzled look. “Oh…I don’t mean that they were perfect. But they were quite well behaved for their ages.” She told them with a smile. “Haven’t you been, children?”

“Yes, Adelle.” They answered in unison.

Both parents smiled at her. “That’s good to hear, Adelle.” Padme told her, still wondering what their little angels did this time. “But could you please do me a favor and make sure this message gets delivered to my sister at the address I wrote on the envelope?” She told her as she handed the young woman the letter to Sola. “Please make sure the person who delivers it waits until they get an answer from her.”

Adelle curtsied and smiled at them. “Yes, of course, milady.” She said as she took the letter from Padme before turning and walking down the hallway.

Anakin and Padme looked at each other with understanding and then turned to look at their children suspiciously. “Now what did you do?” Anakin asked them with his arms crossed in front of his chest as he looked at them sternly.

“It wasn’t our fault, really.” Luke said.

“Is that true, Luke?” Padme interjected as she looked at them sternly.

All three children looked down at their feet but then Leia started to sniffle. “Leia?” Anakin said to get his daughters attention.

“We broke a vase while playing in the common room.” Leia finally spoke up, looking into her father’s eyes with tears forming in them. “It was an accident. We didn’t mean too.”

“No, we didn’t.” Sarah spoke up with tears also forming in her eyes. “We were just playing tag.”

Padme and Anakin looked at each other, trying to resist the urge to smile.

“The captain was real mad.” Luke added. “He said it was a gift from Prince Bail Organa himself.”

Uh oh. Anakin thought as he cringed to himself while uncrossing his arms and placing them to his sides. He then moved closer to the children and kneeled down in front of them so he could look at them in the eye. “Now you know better than to be playing outdoor games inside, don’t you?” He scolded.

Yes, Daddy.” All children said in unison while still looking at their shoes and pouting.

Anakin sighed. “Now I hope Adelle made you apologize to the Captain.”

“Yes, Dad. She did.” Luke answered still looking at his shoes.

“Ok, then. And you learned your lesson?” He asked them sternly.

“Yes.” They said in unison.

“Good. Now this doesn’t mean you’re totally off the hook. But we’re going to be seeing your mother’s family today and I want you all to be on your best behavior. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” They responded in chorus.

“Ok then.” Anakin responded. “Let’s go get some lunch while we wait. Ok?”

“Ok.” Sarah said as she jumped down from the bed and put her arms around her dad’s neck. “I’m sorry, Daddy.” She told him as she continued to cry on his shoulder.

“It’s ok, sweetheart.” Anakin said as he picked her up in his arms and hugged her tight, kissing her on the cheek. “Accidents do happen.”

Luke and Leia both got up from the bed and Padme then took each of their hands in hers. They then followed Anakin out of their room, with him still carrying Sarah in his arms, and walked down through the hallways together as a family to the cafeteria.

It was going to be a very nerve racking wait…as they waited for the Naberrie family’s reaction to the news of Padme’s ‘resurrection’…a wait that both Anakin and Padme hoped would end in a happy reunion with loved ones.

---------------------------------------

Sola was setting the table for lunch when she heard their doorbell ring. “I wonder who that could be?” She asked herself out loud as she placed the last plate on the dinning room table and walked over to the front door to open it. “Can I help you?” She asked the young man who stood at the door wearing a uniform and cape. He held an envelope firmly in his gloved hand.

“Are you Sola Naberrie?” He asked in a clearly Aldraanean accent.

Sola got a puzzled look on her face. “Yes…Who is asking?”

“I was told to deliver this to you.” The young man told her as he handed her the envelope he was holding.

Sola took it and looked at him with bewilderment, recognizing the handwriting as being her sister, Padme’s. She looked up at the young man standing on her front porch. “Where did you get this?” Sola said as she held it up in front of him.

“I was just told to deliver it to you and wait for you to read it. I’m to await your instructions.” The young man told her.

Sola looked down at the envelope with sadness and curiosity, flipping it over, looking at the back and then the front again. Perhaps it’s a letter that Padme wanted delivered upon her death and it’s just now reaching us. She thought to herself sadly as she looked back up at the young man with tears starting to form in her eyes and stepped aside to allow him to enter. “Please come in.” She told him as he complied and she shut the door behind him. “Please sit down.” She offered while pointing out her right hand to the sofa.

“No, I can stand, milady.” The man answered her with a slight bow of the head.

“Very well.” Sola responded as she sat down on the sofa herself and started to open the envelope, taking out the letter and unfolding it. She started to read the letter and immediately recognized it as being written in hers and Padme’s secret childhood language. She looked at the letter in astonishment, lightly holding it with her fingertips, as she read its contents. Her hands started to tremble with emotion as she put her free hand up to cover her mouth with tears of happiness filling her eyes. She looked up at the messenger with a smile on her face and tears now streaming down her cheeks. “Where is she?”