Early Redemption by QueenNaberrie Chapters 36-40

[queennaberrie]

Chapter 36

The young man who had delivered the letter to Sola smiled down at her. “She is onboard a ship at the space port with her family, milady.”

Tears of happiness continued to fill Sola’s dark blue eyes as she got to her feet and immediately threw her arms around the very shocked Alderaanean’s neck. “Thank you. Thank you for bringing this wonderful news to me.” She said as she released him and continued to beam. “I can’t believe she’s here alive and on Naboo.”

The officer gave her another nod and smile. “I’m glad I was able to bring you this happy news.”

It was then that Sola heard the back door to the house unlatch and creak open, causing both of them to look towards the kitchen. Sola turned back to the young man. “It’s my husband. Excuse me.” She told him as he nodded while she ran off towards the kitchen. “Darred!” She yelled.

“Wh-What is it, Sola? What’s happened?” Darred asked with concern as she met him in the kitchen and embraced him, tears still streaming down her cheeks. He lovingly stroked the side of her dark brown hair, which was pulled up in a bun.

Sola released him and looked at him through her tear-filled eyes. “Padme is alive, Darred! Can you believe it?” She beamed.

Darred looked at his wife in shock. “Wait! What do you mean Padme’s alive? How is that possible?” Darren asked her with puzzlement, still holding onto her shoulders. “We saw her…at the funeral…”

“I know…but it’s true, Darred. Look!” Sola replied as she showed him the letter. “She sent this…with an Alderaanean officer. He’s in the living room waiting for an answer to take back to her.” She paused as she caught her breath. “She’s on a ship at the space port. We have to go there and see her, Darred!” She said as she started busying herself by first releasing herself from her husband’s grasp, turning from him to head back towards the living room. But then she paused, turning to look at her husband again. “Oh…” She gasped as a realization hit her. She covered her mouth with both hands with the letter still in her right one. “Mom and Dad…They have to be told this wonderful news too.” She went on as she rushed back into the living room with Darred not far behind her.

“Sola, wait!” Darred said with confusion as he followed her.

Hearing the commotion downstairs, Ryoo and Pooja, who were now 17 and 15 years old, came bounding down the stairs from their rooms. “What’s all the excitement, Mom?” Ryoo asked her mother with a confused look on her face as they met her in the living room at the bottom of the stairs.

Sola looked over at her children in happiness. “Your Aunt Padme’s alive!” Sola told her shocked children, putting each of her hands on her daughters’ shoulders.

“She is? But how?” Pooja replied with awe.

“She had to fake her death because she had been secretly married to a Jedi and they had to go into hiding. And you have three cousins.” Sola told her daughters with a huge smile on her face.

“This is wonderful, Mom! When can we see her?” Ryoo asked with excitement but then paused as a memory came back to her from her childhood. “Wait…She’s married to a Jedi? Do you think it’s that one she brought to grandma and grandpa’s house when we were little?”

“Oh, I liked him.” Pooja interjected with a smile. “I hope it is him.”

Sola paused as a knowing smile came across her face. “I bet it is the very one. If it is, I was right. They were more than friends.” She paused in thought, thinking back to the conversation their mother and she had had with Padme the day Padme brought a certain young Jedi home for dinner. She then turned back to Ryoo, realizing she never answered her other question. “And I would think we could see her as soon as we tell your grandparents.” She told them more calmly.

“I’ll go get them. I think it will be better if they come here and we go together.” Darred told his wife as they all turned to look at him standing in the dining room.

“Oh, yes, please.” Sola told him with a smile. “And please don’t tell them anything. I would like to tell them when they arrive.” Sola shouted after him as he headed back towards the kitchen to go out the back door again.

He turned and nodded. “I’ll just tell them that you have some exciting news to tell them and would like them to come over.” He told his wife as he waved.

“Thank you, Darred. Please don’t take too long.” Sola yelled after him as he smiled and went through the door to the kitchen and out the back door.

They could hear Darred’s speeder start and drive away as Sola then turned back to the messenger who had been still patiently waiting for his instructions. “Will you wait and take us to see my sister after my parents arrive?” She asked him with eager eyes.

The young man smiled at them. “Of course, milady.” He complied with a nod. “I’ll be happy to escort you all to the ship.”

“Thank you.” Sola said with a smiled. “I still can’t believe it.” She said in with bewilderment as she put her right hand on her forehead with the letter still in her hand as another tear ran down her cheek.

Her daughters came over with tears of happiness in their eyes as well, to give their mother a hug. “We can’t believe it either, Mom.” Ryoo told her. “Auntie Padme’s alive.”

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Adelle had just taken the children to their room with instructions to wait until their father came to get the children to introduce to their mother’s family. Anakin and Padme were sitting on the bed in their quarters, with Padme leaning her head on her husband’s shoulder and he with his arms around her comforting her until they received news of her family’s arrival.

After lunch, Adelle took the children off to their room for awhile to play games, leaving both their parents alone. While they continued to wait, they decided to make a comm call to Bail to let them know they had arrived safely and of their progress. It was during this conversation they found out that the entire crew of the ship, including Adelle, were secret members of the Rebel Alliance. Apparently, Bail, himself, was one of the leaders and he had hand-selected the entire crew of the ship himself, knowing that they would stay loyal to the cause and not reveal to anyone the true identities of their passengers. This was a relief to both Anakin and Padme as they shared with him their concerns about their safety.

They also revealed to Bail theirs and Obi-Wan’s limited and anonymous involvement with the Alliance through Kit, which came as a surprise to Bail. He knew the Alliance had some contacts on Tatooine; but that was the extent of his knowledge and was glad to know that some of those contacts were in fact trusted friends.

But now they were just waiting for word to come that Padme’s family had arrived. The officer who delivered the letter had called to say they were on their way; and they had been told that they would be informed when the Naberries had arrived in the common room of the ship.

And then the fateful knock finally came. Padme looked over at Anakin with apprehension in her eyes as he got up and answered the door. A young officer stood at the door with a smile on his face. “I was sent to tell you that your family has arrived and are in the common room awaiting you.”

“Thank you. Lieutenant.” Anakin told him with a nod as he turned back to his wife who was looking over at them, looking pale, and nervously sitting on the bed wringing her hands. “Renee, are you coming?”

She weakly smiled back at her husband. “Yes.” She finally said as she got up and crossed the room to take her husband’s arm. “I’m ready.”

Anakin smiled down at her. “Ok. Well, your wish is finally coming true. You’re going to see your family again.”

“I know…but now that the time has finally arrived, I’m very nervous.” Padme replied with tears forming in her eyes.

Anakin put his left arm around her to comfort her. “Come on, Padme. They’re waiting.”

Padme nodded as she looked down at her hands and then back up at him. “Let’s go.”

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Ruwee and Jobal Naberrie were nervously waiting along with Sola and her family for the arrival for their thought, long lost daughter. Ruwee was comforting his wife as she trembled in his arms, anxiously awaiting her arrival, and tears coming down her cheeks.

When they heard the doors to the common room open and saw their beloved daughter walk in arm in arm with her husband with a tearful smile on her face, it was like they were seeing a ghost and all the women burst into tears. Even Ruwee had a tear running down his cheek as they all just stared at each other in wonderment and happiness.

“Oh Padme.” Jobal finally said as she ran towards her daughter, reaching out to embrace her.

Padme immediately let go of Anakin’s arm and wrapped her arms tightly around her mother’s body. “I’m so sorry, Mom. I’ve missed you so much. I wanted to tell you all the truth, but it was just too dangerous.”

Jobal continued to cry and hold Padme tight as she stroked her daughter’s hair. “It’s ok, Padme. I’m just glad you’re alive and safe. That’s all that matters.”

Ruwee also joined his wife in embracing their daughter. He kissed her on the cheek. “We’ve missed you.” He told her, holding his daughter tight along with her mother.

Padme weakly smiled at her father. “I’ve missed you too, Dad.”

Sola then hesitantly approached her sister and Padme released her mother and father as she wiped a tear from her cheek. The sisters then reached out for one other and pulled each other into a tight embraced. “Padme, I can’t believe this is happening.” Sola told her as tears were flowing down her cheeks. “It’s like a dream come true.”

“Me too, Sola. I’ve dreamt of this moment for a long time as well.” Padme responded as they continued their embrace. But then Padme noticed the two young ladies standing nearby and looked at them in amazement. “Don’t tell me these two grown, young women are Ryoo and Pooja?”

Sola laughed and released her sister, wiping tears from her face with her right hand. “Yes. Ryoo, Pooja, say hello to your Aunt Padme.”

The two girls, who were a bit embarrassed by their aunt’s observation, then smiled at her and came over to hug their aunt as well. “Aunt Padme.” They both said as they both embraced her with tears coming down their cheeks.

All the men watched with smiles on their faces while the women continued in fussing over one another and trying to catch up with one another. Darred walked over to join them as Ruwee looked over at Anakin with curiosity and decided to approach him. “Anakin, isn’t it?” He asked as he reached out with his right hand in greeting.

“Yes.” Anakin responded with a smile as he shook his father-in-law’s hand. “It’s good to see all of you again.” He then paused and became more serious. “I’m sure this has all come as quite a shock for you, and I’m truly sorry we hadn’t told you earlier.”

Ruwee weakly smiled up at Anakin and put his right hand on Anakin’s shoulder. “It’s ok, son. I understand. You are a Jedi and had to protect yourself and your family. You did what you needed to do.”

Anakin let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you for being so understanding, Mr. Naberrie.”

Ruwee looked over at his son-in-law with a start. “Mr. Naberrie? No need to be so formal with me, Anakin. You can call me Ruwee, if you like. We’re family now, you know.”

Anakin nodded and smiled. “Ok…thank you…Ruwee.”

“That’s much better.” Ruwee replied as he patted Anakin on the back. “Now did we hear something about having three little grandchildren to meet?”

Anakin chuckled. “Yes. I guess I’ll take that as a cue for me to go retrieve them from their room.”

Ruwee laughed. “Yes, I guess you could call it that. But it’s more the impatience of a grandfather wanting to meet his grandchildren.”

It was then that the women and Darred turned as they overheard the discussion of the grandchildren. “Ani, are you going to go get the children now?” Padme asked.

“Yes.” Anakin responded with a smile. “Your father can be quite persuasive.”

Padme laughed. “Yes, he can be.” She said as she smiled over at her father.

“I’ll be right back.” Anakin told them as he turned back towards the door, opened it and left to go back down the hall.

When he returned, walking in with all three children, the Naberries immediately walked up to them to greet the newest members of their family. “Oh they’re so beautiful, Padme.” Jobal said as she embraced all three children.

Anakin walked over to Padme and put his left arm around her as she laid her head on his chest. They continued to watch as her family fussed over their children and then Padme smiled up at her husband. “Thank you, Ani. This was a wonderful idea.”

“You’re welcome, Angel.” Anakin replied as he kissed her on the top of her head. “And you’re right. It was wonderful idea. I’m glad we did this.”

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Later it was decided that they would take their family reunion to the lakeside retreat to ensure more privacy and less chance of discovery of the newly ‘resurrected’ former queen of Naboo. The family traveled there after it was dark and arrived just in time for everyone to go to bed.

The next morning, the men decided to go out and do some fishing at the lake. Padme smiled as her husband jumped at the chance, not so much for the fishing, but for the chance to spend some time with his new-found father and brother-in-laws. Padme didn’t object because she knew this would give the men some time to connect and get to know one another, something Padme had always hoped for since Anakin and she had been married. And since Anakin had never really had a father, other than Obi-Wan who was now more like a brother, she hoped that this would give him the opportunity to see what it’s like to have a father.

Then her mother, Jobal, was so excited about being able to spoil her new-found grandchildren that she offered to take all five grandchildren to the village to do some shopping. Padme had to smile at that as well. She knew her mother well enough to know that she was a determined woman and no arguments would sway her once she got an idea in her head. So Padme gave her blessing as Jobal assured her daughter that they would be perfectly safe and they would not reveal to anyone the real identities of the three other children in the party. They would simply be the children of friends of the family.

So with the men off fishing and their mother and children off shopping, that left only Sola and Padme still at the lakeside villa to spend the morning together. Padme was sitting at a table on the veranda late that morning overlooking the lake when Sola brought out two cups of Nubian tea with her. “Would you like some tea, Padme?” Sola asked with a smile as she looked down at her sister.

Padme smiled back up at her sister. “Yes, thank you, Sola.” She told her as she took the extra cup from her sister and continued to look out over the lake. “It’s so beautiful here. I’ve really missed coming here. Did you know that Anakin and I were married right over there by the railing.” Padme said as she pointed with the index finger of her right hand. “I can’t believe we’ve really been married 11 years now.”

Sola sat down in the chair next to Padme, noticing how pale she looked, but decided not to comment. Her sister was happy and she was happy to have her sister back. So not wanting to spoil the moment, she continued on with their conversation making a mental note to ask her about it later. “Really?” Sola finally said. “You were married right here…on the veranda?” Sola asked with amazement and then she began to laugh. “I knew when you brought him by all those years ago, that you two were crazy about each another.” Sola told her with a smirk as she took a sip from her tea cup. “Mother saw it, too, the way you both looked at each other.”

Padme smirked over at her sister as she, too, took a sip of her tea and then became serious and thoughtful. “Yes, you were right. I don’t know how I’d live without Ani. He’s such a wonderful husband; and I love him with all my heart and soul.”

“I can see that. He absolutely adores you as well…and those children of yours.” Sola told her.

“Yes, he’s wonderful with them. I couldn’t ask for a better father for my children.” Padme told her with a peaceful smile.

Sola looked over at her sister again and was about to say something else, when she noticed her sister’s face become even paler as she put her right hand over her mouth. “Are you ok, Padme?” Sola asked with concern.

Padme just nodded her head and took a deep breath to regain her composure before looking over at her sister. “Yes.” She said with a smile. “It’s nothing. I’m fine.”

“Padme, you look very ill.” Sola said with concern. “Does Anakin know how you’ve been feeling?”

“No. I’ve been trying to hide it from him, waiting for the right time to tell him…” Padme said while looking at her sister again with a serious expression that soon turned into a smile. “…that he’s going to be a father again.”

Sola got a look of shock and then happiness on her face. She reached out and hugged her sister with Padme returning the embrace. “Oh Padme. That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy for you.” Sola exclaimed and then let go of her sister as she sat back in her chair with excitement. But then she became serious again, looking at her sister with curiosity. “But, Padme, why haven’t you told him yet. He will be happy about this news, won’t he?”

Padme laughed. “Of course, he will. It’s just that I had only suspected that I was up until a couple nights ago and now I know for sure. I didn’t want to get his hopes up until I was sure.”

“Oh Padme. You have to tell him while your here. This is where you were married. Oh how romantic.” Sola spoke excitedly, leaning forward towards her sister but then sighed, sitting back in the chair. “But, of course, me and the family are here to spoil your romantic mood, I’m sure.”

Padme looked over at her with puzzlement. “What do you mean? We came here to see all of you, not for a second honeymoon.”

Sola just smiled over at her sister and laughed, taking her sister’s left hand in both of hers. “Yes, and we’re all glad you’re here.” She told her with tears forming in her eyes again. She laughed, wiping the tears from her eyes with her right hand as she looked over at her sister. “I’m sorry. I’m just so happy to see you again.”

Padme had tears forming in her eyes as well. “And it’s good to have my sister to talk to again, as well.”

“Yes, I’ve missed our talks.” Sola responded as she smiled back at her sister and put her arms around her again. But then a devilish idea came to her. “You know, Padme. It is getting close to lunch time. I could take a picnic basket down to the boys and tell Anakin that you want to see him back at the house…And you’d be all alone with him on this veranda.”

Padme backed out of their embrace and looked at her sister with awe and amazement. “Sola Naberrie.”

“You wanted the perfect time to tell him. I’m offering it to you.” Sola said as she looked at her with a smile. “And mother and the children will be gone all day, so you won’t be disturbed…I promise.” Sola said as she held out her right pinky finger slightly bent. “Is it a plan?”

Padme got a huge smile on her face and nodded. “Yes, it’s a plan.” She said as she hooked her own pinky finger around her sisters in a pinky promise, sealing their pact.

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A little while later, Padme patiently waited on the veranda wearing a long, airy yellow dress. She was leaning on the railing, looking out over the lake, waiting for Anakin to arrive. It was then that she felt her husband’s warm, strong arms come around her waist as he kissed her neck. “You asked for me, milady?” Anakin asked her as he kissed her neck.

Padme smiled. “Yes, I did.” She said as she turned to face him, putting her arms around his neck. “There’s something very important I want to tell you.”

“Oh?” Anakin said with curiosity, but too enamored by his wife’s beauty and lost in the reverie of memories from their wedding day. “But can it wait until I show my wife how much I love her?” He asked as he reached down and started kissing Padme passionately on the lips.

“It can.” Padme told him as she then returned the kiss with equal intensity, wrapping her arms tighter around his neck and running her fingers through his curly, blonde hair. But then they stopped and looked deeply into each other’s eyes, their faces within an inch of one another. “Have you sufficiently showed your wife how much you love her?” She asked teasingly.

“Not by far. But I can see she is eager to tell me something. What is it?” Anakin asked as he kissed her forehead and then continued to look into her beautiful chocolate brown orbs.

Padme smiled up at him, returning his gaze, looking deeply into his sparking, blue eyes. “Ani, we’re going to have another baby.”

[queennaberrie]

Chapter 37

Anakin stared back at her in shock. “Wh-What?”

Padme’s smile then became even bigger. “You heard me. We’re going to have another baby. You’re going to be a father again.”

Anakin laughed and then got a huge smile on his face as the realization of what his wife just told him sunk in. “Oh Padme.” He said excitedly as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Th-This is wonderful!” He exclaimed as he then looked into her eyes again.

“I was hoping you’d be happy about it.” Padme told him as she laughed and pulled him closer to her in another tight embrace. “It came as such a shock to me…after all these years.”

“Yes, me too.” Anakin responded as he put his left hand on the back of her hair and kissed her neck. But then he stopped, staring out into space as a thought occurred to him. “But, Padme.”

“Yes.” Padme replied, still nestling her head into his warm chest.

“Do you realize this means we’ll have four children?” Anakin asked her in amazement.

Padme paused in shock by her husband’s question, looking up at him with awe. “I-I hadn’t really thought about it. I was just so happy with the news.” But then a smile returned to her face. “But I don’t care, Ani. I would love to have another baby.”

Anakin then released her, still holding her shoulders, and looking into her eyes with seriousness and awe. “But four children, Padme.” He paused as another smile came across his face as he gazed down as his wife’s now pouting one. “What’s the matter?” He asked her as he, too, became serious, wondering what was troubling his wife.

“I thought you’d be happy.” She told him, looking away.

Anakin laughed. “I AM happy, extremely happy, Padme. It’s just come as quite a shock to me. I never dreamed we’d have so many children together.”

Padme turned back to look at him again, meeting her husband’s smiling face and sparkling blue eyes, then smiled up at him. “Neither did I.” She told him with a giggle.

Anakin then pulled her close to him, her head resting on his chest and his head on top of hers. He put his left hand on the back of her head and then kissed her hair. “We’ve been blessed, Padme. You know that?” He asked her as they looked into each others eyes again and then started kissing tenderly on the lips.

“I know.” Padme said with a smile as their kiss deepened and became more intense. “I love you, Ani.” She finally said as they broke from their kiss, staring into one another’s eyes again.

“And I love you, Padme.” Anakin responded, still staring lovingly into her eyes. He then backed away, looking down at her still flat abdomen and resting his left hand over it. She put both of her hands over his. “And I love this baby, just as much as I love you and our other children. Please don’t ever doubt that.”

Padme looked back up at him, biting her lower lip and then smiled. “I don’t doubt that you do.” Padme finally said as she continued smiling and took both his hands in hers, leading him over to the marble bench nearby to sit down under the shade of the tree.

Anakin reached over with his left hand, putting it lovingly on the back of her head as he pulled her into another soft kiss. She put her right hand behind his head also pulling him closer to her.

After a few moments, they broke apart, still staring into one another’s eyes as Padme then took both of his hands in hers and put them on her lap, looking down at them. “We’ll have to tell the children.” She paused, looking back into his eyes again. “How do you think they’ll take the news?”

Anakin paused in thought as he became serious. “I don’t really know. The twins are older now and will take the news different than when we told them about Sarah.” He paused, thinking about their youngest daughter. “And Sarah, she’s been so used to being the youngest…”

Padme didn’t let him finish, putting her right index finger on his lips. “It will be ok.” She told him with a smile. “I think once they get used to the idea of having another sister or brother, they’ll be fine.”

Anakin laughed. “That is unless we have twins again and then they get one of each.” He teased.

Padme’s mouth gapped open in shock. “Anakin Skywalker, don’t you even suggest that.” She told him as she smacked him in the arm and he continued to laugh.

“I thought you didn’t care how many children we have together?” He asked her now looking at her with a grin on his face.

“Yes, but don’t jinx us.” Padme responded as she, too, began to laugh. “Yes, wouldn’t that be something? Two sets of twins.” She said as she continued to laugh.

“And five children.” Anakin added. “Not four.” He added looking at her seriously.

Padme’s smile then faded as she, too, looked at him seriously. “Wouldn’t that be shocking?” She replied as they then both burst out laughing together, with Anakin and Padme holding onto each others arms as they laughed.

“Well…as soon as you’re able, I’d say you better go find out that we’re NOT having twins.” Anakin suggested as she continued to laugh. “Because I know when Obi-Wan finds out about this, he will be harassing me ceaselessly until you do find out.”

Padme laughed. “Oh don’t I know it.” She responded as they continued to laugh.

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That night, while Anakin was getting his shower before coming to bed, Padme laid on her back in bed, wearing her blue nightgown, smiling up at the ceiling. She placed both of her hands on flat stomach, thinking about their conversation earlier that day on the veranda. It is amazing that we are having another child when we weren’t sure if we’d ever be able to have any in fear of our marriage being discovered. And now we’re having a fourth one. Padme thought her herself.

Padme then giggled, running her right hand in a circle over her stomach as she turned on her side, putting her left hand under her head on the pillow, and continuing to smile, remembering back to when she first found out she was pregnant with the twins…how happy, yet scared she had been at the news. She was going to have Ani’s baby. And who would have thought it would have turned out to be two babies…twins.

Padme sighed to herself in remembrance. It wasn’t long after she had learned of her first pregnancy that she started hearing rumors that Anakin had been killed in a battle on some distant planet in the outer rim. She had cried herself to sleep that night, thinking she would never see her husband again alive and happy…and that he would never know about his child or to see it grow. But then the next day, she received a comm call from him to let her know he was alright. He had also heard about the rumor, and fearing for her thinking him dead, he risked calling her to assure her he was alright.

She had cried tears of happiness then…but then the rumors kept coming over and over again as the months had progressed. And she almost started to believe some of them again, especially when Anakin wasn’t able to get in touch with her to tell her different.

And then after 5 months, news came of the Chancellor’s abduction by General Grievous. The Senate had been in an uproar and Padme heard that Anakin and Obi-Wan had been sent to rescue him. She had waited anxiously with the other senators for news of the outcome of the rescue and heard about the Invisible Hand’s fiery decent into the atmosphere of Courscant. This had started rumors to spread that they had burned up in the atmosphere and all had perished, causing Padme to cry in despair, placing her hands over her face, at the thought of her Ani being so close to her and their unborn child, yet dying just before reaching them.

But just as she had thought all was lost, a wave of excitement had burst through the Senate building as news of their successful crash landing arrived and word spread that the rescue mission was a success. And both Obi-Wan and Anakin were both still alive and coming to the Senate building with the Chancellor. Padme had laughed in delight and relief at the news. She was going to be able to see Anakin again. He was alive and she would be able to tell him about their baby. At that moment, she didn’t care if he might be upset by the news of her pregnancy. She would just tell him and hope for the best.

And she did tell him, after nervously waiting for him to arrive from behind one of the grant pillars of the Senate entry hall. Her heart skipped a few beats as she saw him get off the transport and turn to talk to Obi-Wan. He was alive and she was seeing him with her own eyes. She then watched as he approached the crowd of senators and then as he walked closer to her location with Bail Organa.

“I'll do everything I can with the Senate.” She heard Bail say to Anakin as they approached and then she saw Anakin had noticed her hiding behind the pillar.

“Excuse me.” Anakin told Bail.

“Certainly.” Bail responded graciously as he bowed and then turned to follow the rest of the senators and the Chancellor into the building.

She then saw Anakin running towards her, her heart beating faster as he approached and then they embraced and kissed, with Anakin picking her up and swinging her around in happiness at seeing his wife once again.

“Oh, Anakin! Thank goodness, you're back.” Padme heard herself tell him as they stared into each others eyes.

“I’ve missed you, Padme.” Anakin told her, placing his hands behind her ears to pull her closer to him.

“There were whispers… that you'd been killed.” Padme told him, looking at him with troubled and tear-filled eyes.

”I'm back, I'm all right.” Anakin said as he continued to gaze into her eyes. “It feels like we've been apart for a lifetime. And it might have been…If the Chancellor hadn't been kidnapped. I don't think they would have ever brought us back from the Outer Rim sieges.” He told her as he started to give her another kiss, but then she stepped back with Anakin looking at her with confusion.

Padme looked into his eyes with fear. “Wait, not here…” She pleaded.

But he grabbed her again, pulling her close to him to kiss her. “Yes, here! I'm tired of all this deception. I don't care if they know we're married.”

Padme gasped and looked back at him in shock. “Anakin, don't say things like that. You're important to the Republic…to ending this war. I love you more than anything, but I won't let you give up your life as a Jedi for me…”

Anakin embraced her, but then noticed her uneasiness. “Are you all right? You're trembling. What's going on?” He asked her, looking at her with concern and worry.

Padme took a deep breath and weakly smiled up at him. “Something wonderful has happened.” She told him as they continued to look at each other with Anakin waiting in anticipation. “I'm…Ani, I'm pregnant.”

Padme was broken from her memories as she felt the bed move, causing her to come back to the present. She watched as her husband laid down next to her and smiled at her as he did. “What is it, Padme?” He asked her noticing her pensive mood.

Padme smiled over at her husband as he also turned to his side to face her. “Oh, I was just thinking back to when I first told you I was pregnant with the twins.”

“Oh?” Anakin responded with surprise.

“I-I had been so worried for you then…and wondered if you’d be upset about the news.” Padme then smiled at him. “But you were happy…just as you are now.”

Anakin moved closer to his wife and pulled her to him, kissing the top of her head. “Yes, it’s amazing how far we’ve come since then, too.”

“I know.” Padme replied. “Who would have thought we could have a somewhat normal life together to raise our family.”

Anakin looked down at her with shock. “Normal? You call hiding out and calling each other by different names normal?”

Padme laughed. “Well, you do have a point. But I guess for us, it is as close to normal as we’re going to get.”

Anakin chuckled. “You’re probably right.” He responded as he kissed her forehead and hugged her tighter. But then he became serious and looked down as his wife. “Did I tell you that when I was putting the children to bed, the children asked me why their grandma called you Padme?”

Padme gasped and pulled back to look at her husband with a start. “No. What did you tell them?”

“Well, I basically told them the truth.” Anakin told her as her eyes became bigger with fear.

“What do you mean you told them the truth?” Padme asked him with a look of horror on her face.

Anakin smiled. “I simply told them that it was a secret name your mother once called you. But your name is Renee and that they shouldn’t repeat the name of Padme to anyone else or they would ruin the secret.”

“And they accepted that?” She asked him with puzzlement.

“Yes, they seemed to.” Anakin answered her. “They’re young children after all. They are more willing to accept things at face value. They also thought you having a secret name is a fun and mysterious game, so they promised to never repeat it to anyone.”

“I hope so, especially with Leia being away at school. What if she slips and tells the wrong person?” Padme asked him with concern.

“Well…let’s just hope and pray that she keeps her promise and doesn’t.” Anakin responded while kissing hair. But then a realization hit him as his face went white as a sheet. “Padme?”

“Yes.” Padme responded and then looked at him with concern as she noticed him tense up. “What’s wrong?”

He looked over at her with fear in his eyes. “What if they mention visiting your family on Naboo? And repeat the last name of Naberrie?”

Padme tensed up as well and went pale, staring back at her husband with shock. “Oh no. Why didn’t we think of that?” She asked him as she brought her right hand up to her mouth.

Anakin stared, glossy eyed, across the room while pulling his wife closer to him. “I don’t know. We should have.” He told her as he looked back down at Padme with concern. “And who knows what they heard while they were in the village with your mother.”

“Oh Ani. I hope it wasn’t a mistake for us to come here.” Padme said with tears forming in her eyes. “Everyone has been so happy.” She told him as she started to shake as she continued to cry in his arms.

“Shh, it will be alright, Padme.” Anakin tried to assure her, rubbing her arm with his left hand. “We’ll find a way around this.”

Padme sniffed and looked up at her husband with tears falling down her cheeks. “I don’t know if we can.” She told him as she laid her head back down on his chest and he kissed her forehead again as he moved his left hand up to her face to stroke her cheek in a comforting manner.

“We’ll talk to your family tomorrow before we leave for Alderaan and come up with a solution.” He told her.

“I just hope it will be as simple as that.” Padme said as the couple continued to comfort one another. It will have to be. Padme thought to herself as another tear escaped down her cheek.

[queennaberrie]

Chapter 38

The next morning Padme entered the kitchen to see her mother cooking breakfast. She had been seeking her mother out specifically to ask her what had occurred the day before while she and the children had gone to the village to go shopping, wanting to make sure that the children didn’t overhear anything they shouldn’t have.

When she had entered the kitchen her mother immediately turned to her and smiled while she was cooking some hotcakes on the stove. “Good morning, Padme. How are you feeling this morning?” Her mother asked her with a knowing smile. “Sola filled your father and I in on the wonderful news.” Her mother told her when Padme gave her a puzzled look.

Padme laughed, shaking her head. “I knew Sola couldn’t keep it to herself for long.” She told her mother as she sat down at the kitchen table. “When did she finally spill the beans?” She asked her mother with amusement as Jobal took the hotcakes from the stove and put them on a plate.

Jobal looked over at her daughter and smiled. “Last night, after you and Anakin went to bed. She told us that you had just told Anakin that afternoon. I thought he seemed quite happy about something last evening at dinner.”

“Yes, he is very happy about it, as I am.” Padme answered her with a smile but then became serious. “But, Mom, there’s something I want to ask you about.”

Jobal looked over at her daughter with concern as she turned off the stove and walked over to sit across from her daughter at the table. “What is it, Padme?”

Padme sighed, looking down at the table and then back up at her mother. “Mom, when you took the children with you yesterday to the village? Did the children overhear anything that could possibly reveal Anakin or myself if they were to repeat it to anyone?”

Jobal cocked her head to one side. “No, Dear. Not that I know of. And if you’re worried about them repeating to anyone that we are their grandparents, I’ve already taken care of that.” She assured her with a smile.

Padme looked at her mother with awe and confusion. “Bu-But how did you…?”

“Padme, I know that you and Anakin are in hiding. And I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that. So before I took the children to the village, I had a little talk with them.”

“What kind of talk?” Padme asked with concern as she leaned her elbows on the table and sat her chin in her hands.

Her mother smiled at her but then became serious. “I simply told them this…and I hope you aren’t angry at me for doing so….that it was important that they pretend they are children of family friends while we were in the village because it couldn’t be discovered by the Empire that their mommy and daddy were here on Naboo or ever visited here.”

Padme looked at her with surprise as she sat up straight in her chair. “You told them that? And did they ask why?”

Her mother shook her head. “No, actually, I was quite surprised they didn’t. They are very smart children, Padme; and I imagine with your husband being a Jedi, they are very Force sensitive. It was like they already knew that it was important for them to keep their silence. In fact, Leia even told me that she felt like there was something telling her that what I was telling them was very important and that they should obey. Luke and Sarah then agreed with her.”

Padme couldn’t believe it as she let out a sigh of relief and smile came to her face. “Oh Mom…I-I never would have thought...When Anakin told me last night that the children asked him why you had called me Padme, I started to doubt our wisdom in coming here with the children.” But then she paused in thought. “I wonder why Anakin didn’t sense any of this?”

“Padme, Anakin may be a Jedi…but he’s not all powerful. I’m not sure how that all works, but I’m sure he would have sensed something if he’d talked to them about it.” Jobal tried to assure her.

It was then that Anakin walked into the kitchen with a smile on his face. “Good morning, ladies.”

“Good morning, Anakin.” Jobal said with a smile as both she and her daughter looked at him. “Would you like some breakfast?”

Anakin put his right hand on his stomach, rubbing it in a circle. “Yes, I’m starved.” He said just as Jobal got up from her chair to retrieve the hotcakes from the counter. Anakin then walked over to the table and kissed his wife on the cheek as he sat down next to her.

“Where are the children?” Padme asked him, looking over at him with puzzlement.

“Oh, they’re outside on the veranda eating breakfast with your sister and their cousins.” Anakin told her with a smile. “I asked Sola if she would mind spending some time with them while we talked with your parents in private.”

“Yes…” Jobal added as she put a plate full of hotcakes on the table so Anakin could reach them. “…Sola came in here a little while ago with all the children and took some breakfast out there saying it was ‘too beautiful of a day to sit in doors.’”

It was then that Padme got a perplexed look on her face as she looked around in realization that she hadn’t seen her father at all that morning. “Where’s Dad?”

“Oh, he’s out there too.” Her mother told her. “He heard your children were out there so he insisted on joining them.” She then winked at her with a smile. “I think he wants to spend as much time as he can with them before you leave today.”

Padme and Anakin laughed. “I’m glad you all got to see them.” Padme told her mother with a smile.

“Me too.” Jobal replied, returning her daughter’s smile. “And seeing both of you alive and happy has brought all of us a lot of joy.” She added with tears starting to form in her eyes.

It was then that Anakin reached over and put his left arm around Padme’s shoulders as he looked over at his mother-in-law. “Speaking of joy…Did Padme tell you the wonderful news?” He asked Jobal as she sat back down at the table.

Padme and Jobal laughed. “Sola already beat me to it.” His wife told him, looking over at him with a smile as he looked over at her with shock.

“She did?” Anakin responded.

“Yes.” Jobal told him with a smile. “So I believe congratulations are in order, Anakin. Ruwee and I are very happy for both of you.” But then she became serious. “But we expect that you will let us see our new grandchild as well when he or she arrives.”

Both Anakin and Padme laughed. “Of course you can.” Padme assured her as her mother smiled and started to laugh with them.

“Good, because I don’t think your father would ever forgive you if you didn’t.” Jobal said with a wink and a smile.

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After breakfast, the entire family left the lakeside retreat to return to Theed so the ‘Outlanders’ could board the ship that was taking them to Alderaan. They said their good-byes at Ruwee and Jobal’s home, with everyone hugging and kissing one another, wishing each other all the best and promising that they would keep in touch.

To help prevent being recognized, Padme wore her long, dark blue cloak with the hood pulled over her head to hide her face as the ‘Outlanders’ boarded the transport that took them back to their ship. Once onboard the ship, Adelle was there to greet them to help them with the children and their luggage as they got resettled in the perspective rooms.

It was after the ship had left Nubian orbit that Padme relayed to Anakin what her mother had told her about their children’s intuition, if you wanted to call it that, for keeping their visit to Naboo a secret. Anakin, of course, was a bit surprised by this revelation but could believe it as he knew their children were, indeed, very Force sensitive; and he was glad to know that the Force had been able to speak to them about it in a way they would understand.

When they finally reached Alderaan, the ship landed at the Aldraanean Royal Palace’s landing platform. Bail Organa was already there to greet them when the ‘Outlanders’, along with Adelle, exited the ship down the boarding ramp. “Aaron, Renee…It’s wonderful to see you both.” He said with excitement as he reached out to hug Padme in friendship and then released her to shake Anakin’s hand with a smile.

“It’s good to see you, too, Bail.” Padme replied with a smile as Bail then looked over at and turned to the ‘Outlander’ children, smiling at them as they were looking around the hanger in awe.

“Now which one of you girls is Leia?” He asked them as he bent down, putting his hands on his knees, which brought the children’s attention to him.

“I am.” Leia exclaimed as she stepped forward and smiled at her new guardian. “Are you going to be my guardian while I go to school here?”

Bail smiled down at her as he stood back up. “Yes, I am. And I hope you will be happy here with me.”

Leia bit her bottom lip and looked up at him, studying him, and then smiled. “I hope so too.”

“Good, then why don’t you and your family follow me; and I’ll show you where you will be living while you’re here going to school.” Bail told them as he turned to walk back towards the hanger’s entrance to the palace.

“Ok.” Leia beamed with excitement as Padme took Sarah’s hand in hers and then Anakin put both of his hands on the shoulders of Leia and Luke in a comforting manner as the family followed Bail into the palace.

The ‘Outlanders’ ate dinner with Bail and then stayed the night before returning to Tatooine. They felt it would help Leia adjust better to her new surroundings if her family stayed there for at least one night; but they didn’t want to risk staying any longer than that in fear that they might be recognized and exposed to the Empire.

So the next morning, the ‘Outlanders’ said their sad good-byes to Leia and Bail before boarding the ship that was to take them home. With tears in her eyes, Leia hugged both of her parents and then her siblings with Luke and Sarah both expressing to her how much they were going to miss her, with tears streaming down their cheeks.

Anakin and Padme had also told their children, and Bail, the night before about the new baby on the way. Bail had congratulated them; and the children, although quite shocked about this news, were excited about having a new little brother or sister soon. So when Leia approached her mother to kiss and hug her good-bye, she asked if she could go home to see her new brother or sister with they arrived. Padme and Anakin both looked up at Bail and he nodded in agreement with them that that would be fine and then Bail assured them that he would send Adelle with Leia to Tatooine when the time came.

After they finished saying their good-byes, the ‘Outlanders’ boarded the ship for their trip home. They had a lot of changes to adjust to with Leia being away and a new baby coming. But they knew they would learn to adapt to these changes, even if it would seem difficult at first.

As Anakin had suspected, Obi-Wan, upon learning of Padme being pregnant with another child, began teasing Anakin unmercifully about the possibility of having another set of twins. But that was not the case, when she was far enough along, Padme found out that she was only carrying one child, to their relief…But even if there had been two, they would have loved both of them just as much as their other children.

When the ninth month of Padme’s pregnancy finally arrived and she went into labor, there was great excitement in the ‘Outlander’ household when they brought home a little baby boy, who they named Benjamin, or Ben for short, as Anakin wanted to honor Obi-Wan in some way for being such a wonderful friend and ‘brother’ to him and Padme over the years.

Little Ben, they noticed, also looked a lot like his father as he had the same blue eyes and facial features. But, unlike Luke and Sarah, Ben had inherited the same chocolate brown hair as his mother and sister, Leia.

And, as promised, Bail sent Leia home with Adelle so she could meet her new little brother and to spend an extended visit home with her family before returning to her classes on Alderaan, classes which she loved and loved her parents for allowing her the opportunity to be involved in.

Leia had also come to love Bail almost like a father and hoped with the knowledge and training she was receiving, that someday she would make a difference in the galaxy…She somehow knew, as her parents knew, that someday she would.

[queennaberrie]

Chapter 39

Six more years had passed and now Leia had just been elected as a representative of Alderaan at the early age of 14. It didn’t escape Senataor Bail Organa’s or her parents’ notice that Leia seemed to be falling more and more into her mother’s footsteps as the years had gone by than Leia could possibly ever know, for the ‘Outlanders’ felt it was still too dangerous to reveal their past to their children, especially Leia who was now in the public eye.

Sarah, who was now 12 years old, had decided when she had turned 8 years old, that she would remain on Tatooine to go to school so she could stay with her parents and brothers. Although, it would have meant she would have been able to see her older sister on a regular basis, politics never interested her; and she preferred the simple life she spent with the rest of her family. All Sarah wanted to do was to enjoy her childhood and have a normal life. The stories her sister told about Alderaan when she came to visit were, of course, fascinating; but she would never want the responsibility her sister now had at such an early age, being the representative from a planet as important as Alderaan. She wasn’t exactly sure what she wanted to do when she grew up, but she was still young, she knew, and had plenty of time to decide.

Luke, who was also now 14 years old, continued to join his father at work everyday after school, helping around the repair shop; and he loved working next to his father on various speeders that came into the shop. He had also come to love Graven like a grandfather and enjoyed listening to the older man’s stories of his youth. The older man had always lived on Tatooine but had traveled the galaxy before he was married and some of the stories Graven told sent Luke’s imagination wild with the excitement of action and adventure.

Although Luke loved his father dearly; Luke was certain that his father had never experienced anything as exciting as the stories Graven told. In fact, his father never really talked much about his past, so Luke just assumed that he had always lived the simple life that they live now, on Tatooine working in speeder repair.

But Luke did often wonder if that was truly the case, because he remembered something that his grandmother once told him and his sisters about never telling anyone about their visit to Naboo. Her reason had been so the Empire would never find out about their parents ever being there. Why would that be? Luke asked himself many times. Although, he supposed it had something to do with them once living on Courscant before he and Leia were born. That’s how they knew Senator Organa, Leia’s guardian, and perhaps they did once lead exciting lives like Luke always craved for.

But then he would dismiss those ideas almost immediately because he knew his father to be quite overly protective and very non-adventurous, not letting him or his siblings do anything remotely dangerous. He was even surprised that his parents let Leia go to Alderaan in the first place, but he supposed it was because they held Leia’s guardian in such high esteem and knew he would keep Leia safe. So as Luke continued to join his father and Graven at the shop, he tried to accept his dull life and hoped when he was old enough, that his father would let him join the Academy, like Biggs and many of his other friends wanted to do after high school.

Little Ben, who was now 6 years old, had become a great joy to his parents and other siblings, even if he could be an annoying little brother sometimes. And Anakin and Padme loved him immensely, just like their other children. The older he became, the more Padme could see more of her husband in him, even more so than Luke. Luke did resemble Anakin quite a bit, but Ben looked more like a miniature version of Anakin, much like the little boy she first met in Watto’s shop all those years ago who asked her if she was an angel.

He also had his father’s loving and giving spirit and enjoyed building things much like Anakin and Luke. So, Anakin, seeing Ben’s potential for mechanics, would sometimes take Ben with him to the shop, hoping eventually that he, too, would be working along side him and Luke. For he, too, saw a lot of himself in Ben, as well as Luke, and knew this would be something he’d enjoy doing as well.

Anakin and Padme were proud of all their children; but they were especially proud of their daughter Leia this day as they learned of her election to the Imperial Senate as a representative of Alderaan. It frightened them a bit that she would now be accompanying Bail to Courscant and living there on a more regular basis, putting her in the path of Vader and the Emperor. But they knew when they agreed to let her go away to leadership school that this could be a possibility; and they could only pray that the truth of her heritage would never be discovered or the lives of the entire family could be in jeopardy.

So when Leia called to tell her family that she was going to Courscant, they were at the same time excited and fearful for her. For she would be walking into the Nexu’s den; and they knew that it would not be easy for her with the challenges she now faced. They were just glad that Bail was there to guide her and hopefully protect her from some of the dangers she would be facing. So when their call came to a conclusion, they wished her all the best and prayed for her safety and success.

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Courscant

Why am I here? Vader asked himself as he walked down the halls of the Imperial Palace to Emperor Palpatine’s throne room. I should be out in the mid-Rim making sure Ithor is staying loyal to the Empire. But, no, I am here on Courscant at my master’s beck and call. I wonder what he wants now.

As Vader approached the doors that led to the throne room, the emperor’s two red guards immediately let him pass. Vader opened to the doors and entered to find Palaptine sitting on his throne, with has back towards the door as he looked out the window.

“Ah, Vader…You have finally arrived.” The dark-hooded old man said as he swiveled his chair around to face him.

Vader approached the stairs leading up to the throne and kneeled down on one knee, bowing to his master. “What is thy bidding, my master?” Vader asked in complete subservience.

“Rise, Lord Vader.” Palpatine ordered as he, too, rose from his chair and descended the stairs to meet Vader as he got to his feet. “Walk with me.” He commanded as Vader and he started to walk side-by-side around the large throne room. “Has your mission to the Mid-Rim been going as planned?” He asked Vader icily from under his hood.

“Yes, my master.” Vader responded.

“Good.” Palpatine replied as they continued to slowly circle the room. “I know you are wondering why I have had you return to Courscant.”

Vader bowed his head slightly. “Yes, my master. I was wondering why I would be needed here when my fleet is currently engaging rebel forces in the Mid-Rim.”

“Well, Lord Vader.” Sidious said evilly. “As you know, many of the newly elected officials have arrived on Coursant today, and I need to know which ones are loyal to me and which ones are not. Therefore, I want you to attend a dinner they are having this evening at the Senate Building. And I want you to report back to me any unusual behavior or feelings you may sense from these new politicians.”

Vader looked at his master with surprise. “Forgive me, my master. But why are you concerned about these new arrivals? You have never been this concerned before.”

Sidious snarled. “I have sensed a disturbance in the Force, and I feel it is coming from one of these new officials.”

“I see.” Vader replied, realizing that he, too, had sense a disturbance in the Force as his ship had entered orbit around Courscant, but at the time had not paid much attention to is as he had felt these disturbances many times over the past 14 years. “I will do my best to determine the source of this disturbance.” Vader finally told him.

“Very good, Lord Vader.” Palpatine said in a smarmy voice as he stopped walking and faced Vader as they reached the door. “Report back to me at once when you make your discovery. The dinner starts in two standard hours. You may go.”

“I will be there, my master.” Vader said with a bow. He then turned and left the throne room, loathing the fact that he had to attend a social dinner, something he usually did not enjoy. Although, he, too, was interested in finding out what this disturbance in the Force was…if that was at all possible.

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

Leia was very nervous as she entered the banquet room at the Imperial Senate Building with her guardian Bail Organa and her long-time friend, Winter, by her side. She was wearing a long, white silk-like, sleeveless evening dress with an open back and had her hair up in dual buns on either side of her head, a hair-style that her friend Winter had insisted she wear tonight. She had met Winter not long after arriving on Alderaan and they had quickly become close friends. What amazed Leia the most about her friend was her ability to remember conversations word for word, which had come in very handy during her campaign. When Leia couldn’t remember what was said from one debate to the next, Winter would be able to remind her of certain details she needed to remember.

She was also happy to be here with her guardian, Bail Organa, who had been like a second father to her. She wished that her real father, and mother, could be here with her. But she knew it would be dangerous for them if they had come. Why she didn’t know, but for some reason she just knew it, so she had never even suggested it to them.

“Are you ok?” Bail asked Leia, noticing her nervousness, as he smiled over at her, squeezing her hand in reassurance.

Leia weakly smiled over at Bail. “I’m fine, Bail. I’m just a little nervous. After all, I’m the youngest representative from any planet to be elected to the Imperial Senate. To be honest, I’m not exactly sure if I’m ready for this.”

Bail nodded and then squeezed her hand once more before he let go of her hand. “You’ll do fine, Leia.” He tried to assure her.

“Yes, I’m sure you will.” Winter added as Leia turned to her friend and smiled at her.

“Thank you, Winter.” Leia told her as she gave her a sisterly hug and then smiled at her again. “Thank you for coming here with me tonight.”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, Leia. You are my friend and, if our roles were reversed, I know you would have done the same for me.”

“Yes, I would have.” Leia said as she smiled at her friend. But then she turned back to Bail with concern. “So who should I be careful of?” She asked him.

Bail looked over at his ‘daughter’ with concern. “There are too many for me to point out and it is too dangerous for me to even attempt to do so. So just follow my lead and stay near me.” He told her.

Leia nodded. “I will do my best.”

Bail smiled back at her. “Very well, then. Shall we proceed?”

Leia and Winter smiled at him. “Yes.” Leia said as she took Bail’s left arm and they started to make their rounds, with Winter not far behind them. They approached a couple that Leia noticed Bail was quite friendly with and he started to talk with them. She released her arm and then turned when she recognized a familiar voice nearby. “Pooja?” She asked as the Senator of Naboo looked over at her with a smile.

“Leia.” Pooja said with excitement and immediately walked over to where her cousin was, giving her a big hug. “It’s been a long time. Congratulations on being elected as a representative of Alderaan.” She told her as she released her from her embrace and smiled at her.

“Thank you, Pooja. And I know it’s a little late, but congratulations to you on becoming Senator of Naboo. When I heard about it last year, I was very excited for you.” Leia told her.

“Thank you.” Pooja replied with a smile.

Darth Vader walked into the banquet room with his fearsome appearance and the sound of his breathing attracting unwanted stares. Usually he reveled in the fear his appearance created; but tonight he wished he could have been a normal man who could blend into the crowd unnoticed. After all, he was here to try to discover what this disturbance in the Force was and to discover any rebel sympathizers…And standing out as he did in his respirator suit, didn’t exactly help his cause.

He also knew that he had to be on his best behavior while here with the politicians and appear to be the proper gentleman or it would reflect badly on his master. For many of these people, still believed the Emperor to be a wise and kind leader, worthy of their respect; and he didn’t want to jeopardize that.

Not knowing where to start first, he just started to circle the room, nodding to different Senators as they greeted him out of respect. But then he stopped in his tracks as he noticed Senator Pooja Naberrie standing with Bail Organa and two other women. Seeing her still made Vader’s heart ache, even after a year of her being the senator of her planet.

When Pooja Naberrie had first arrived on Courscant to represent Naboo a year ago, seeing her for the first time after so many years caused him great sadness and despair as memories of his beloved angel come flooding back into his consciousness. Memories he had kept buried deep as he continued to let the hate and anger consume him, dragging him deeper into the Dark Side. He remembered when he had first met Pooja as a child at Padme’s parents’ house on Naboo, when he, as Anakin Skywalker, had been assigned to protect Padme. And seeing Pooja as grown woman, with a somewhat obvious resemblance to her aunt, only deepened that wound that he had thought long closed.

But then his focus moved to Senator Organa and his two female companions. Vader knew that one of the newly elected representatives was a young 14 year old woman by the name of Leia Outlander. He had heard of her, of course; but had never seen what she looked like as he spent much of his time away from Courscant and as far away from politics as possible. One of these young women with Senator Organa must be Representative Leia Outlander. Vader thought to himself as he approached Pooja and her companions. He saw Pooja’s face go from one of happiness to fear as she saw him approach, causing the others in her party to turn to see who she was looking at.

“Lord Vader.” Pooja greeted as she curtsied and the others followed suit with Bail giving him a bow. “It is an honor.”

But Vader didn’t notice Pooja’s words. His focus was on that of the young woman in white that stood before him who reminded him even more of his beloved than her niece did. He stared at her in shock as the young woman stared back at him with large chocolate brown orbs, much like Padme’s and her chocolate, brown hair done in a similar style as he had seen his angel wear many times. The very sight of this woman sent him back to happier times, when Padme was still alive and his loving wife.

“It is a pleasure, Lord Vader.” The young woman finally said to him, which finally broke him from his reverie, bringing him back to the reality that this woman was not his angel…but a woman who just bore a striking resemblance and manner about her.

“It is my pleasure as well.” Vader finally said with a slight bow of his head. “I have never seen you on Courscant before.”

“Lord Vader, this is Representative Leia Outlander of Alderaan.” Bail spoke up. “This is her first trip to Courscant.”

“I see.” Vader responded still not taking his eyes off of Leia. “I can’t help but notice your resemblance to Senator Pooja Naberrie. Are you related to the Senator?”

Bail’s eyes became as big as saucers. Oh-holy-Force!

[queennaberrie]

Chapter 40

Leia just stared back at Vader, fear gripping her heart. Something in Leia’s very soul was screaming. Don’t tell him the truth! She could also sense the fear and tension coming from Bail and Pooja as she looked over at them for guidance, only to find the same horrified looks on their faces. Yes, she knew how she had to answer. “No, I-I am just good friends with Pooja. Her family and mine have been long-time friends.” Leia finally answered with a forced smile. She felt relief come from the others.

“Yes.” Pooja added. “Although, it is entirely possible we have some distant ancestor in common. It’s been known to happen. That could explain the resemblance.”

Smart thinking Pooja. Leia thought to herself.

“Oh.” Vader responded, almost sounding disappointed as he continued to stare at Leia and then bowed. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Representative Outlander.”

Leia curtsied and forced a smile, looking back up at him. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Lord Vader.”

“You will excuse me.” Vader told the group and then left.

Bail, Pooja, Leia and Winter watched as Vader quickly left the banquet hall. They could tell something was troubling him, but what they couldn’t possibly know. That is except for Bail, who had his suspicions.

“Wow. Is he always like that?” Leia asked Pooja turning back to them with a confused look on her face. “I’ve always heard of him being this fearsome, unfeeling being. But I could sense grief and remorse coming from him.” Leia told them looking at the doorway Vader had just gone through.

“Actually, yes…but only when he gets around us Naberrie women is seems.” Pooja replied with a laugh. “And I have often used that soft spot of his to my advantage. And the way I just saw him react to you, I’d advise that you do the same, even if he doesn’t think we’re related.” Pooja said with a wink and a smile.

“Oh, is that what you’ve been doing, Pooja?” Bail asked her with an amused smile.

“Yes.” Pooja responded with a smirk, but then became serious. “Actually, in a way, I feel sorry for him.”

The entire party turned to look at Pooja with disgusted awe. “Why?” Leia asked her as she looked at her with disbelief. “I’ve heard he’s very ruthless and has no heart. He’s killed so many innocent lives. Why would you feel sorry for him?” But then she sighed, looking over at the doorway just in time to see Vader reenter the room. “Although, I have to admit…” She continued while still looking at Vader with troubled eyes. “…that the strong waves of grief and remorse I felt coming off of him were quite intense. He must have suffered a great deal in his lifetime. Perhaps he’s not as heartless as we thought.”

“Yes, well…” Pooja began, getting Leia’s attention again. “If Lord Vader shows he has a heart around you and me, then perhaps you’re right and there’s still some hope for him.”

“I wouldn’t count on it.” Bail interjected. “And I’d advise both of you, you especially Leia, to stay as far away from him as possible. He’s very unpredictable and dangerous.” He told them, looking from one to the other and they nodded in agreement.

Winter looked over at her friend with curiosity. “Still…I wonder how he ended up in that suit. And what did he look like before? I just love a good mystery.”

“I’d like to know, too, Winter. But, you know what they say about curiosity?” Leia added. “I think it’s best we leave that mystery alone.”

“I think that would be very wise.” Bail agreed as he held both his arms out for Pooja and Leia to take them. “Now why don’t we find our seats, ladies? I believe the dinner is about to begin.”

The ladies all nodded at him in agreement as Bail escorted them to a nearby circular table with a white table cloth to sit down. Other senators and representatives followed suit and also took their seats as the dinner was being served by a team of waiters that came scurrying out from the kitchen.

As the dinner progressed and the speeches were made, it was all Leia could do to fight her urge to want to look over at Vader, who was seated with some very uncomfortable looking Imperial officers on the other side of the room. She could feel his eyes on her, coming from behind that black masked; and it sent chills up her spine and essentially giving her the creeps. Pooja was right. He seemed to be quite obsessed with the Naberrie women. Why she had no idea. Perhaps her mother would know, and she would ask her the next time she saw her. Although, she very much doubted she’d get an answer from her about it. But it wouldn’t hurt to try.

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Vader couldn’t help himself. He couldn’t take his eyes of this 14 year old girl that reminded him so much of his beloved angel. 14 years old? Our child would have been 14 now as well. He thought to himself as he continued to nod at the officer next to him who was attempting to carry on a conversation with the Dark Lord. But then a thought occurred to him. Could she be? No…I saw Padme’s body…She was still pregnant when she died. Our child died with her. And I would have sensed something. I know it. Yet, it would be something if she was.

Vader then turned to the officer next to him. “What do you know of the new representative from Alderaan, Leia Outlander?” Vader asked the startled Admiral.

“Uh, not much my Lord.” He answered with astonishment at the dark lords question, realizing that he hadn’t been listening to a word he was saying. “I know Senator Organa has been her guardian while she’s been going to school.”

“And her parents? Are they still living?” Vader asked with curiosity in his tone.

“Yes, I believe so. She also has 3 other siblings, I believe I heard…2 brothers and a sister.” The Admiral answered. “Other than that, I don’t know much more I’m afraid.”

“That is plenty, Admiral.” Vader answered him with much sadness in his voice, still not taking his eyes off of Leia. No, she couldn’t possibly be our daughter.

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Some time later, Vader approached his master’s throne room again. He’s not going to be happy with me. I wasn’t able to determine what the disturbance is. He thought to himself as the two red guards stepped aside to let him pass again.

Palpatine watched with cold, yellow eyes as his apprentice approached. “What did you discover, Lord Vader?” He asked him icily.

Vader bowed down on one knee, looking down at the floor with shame. “I was unable to determine what the disturbance in the Force was, my master.”

“Perhaps your judgment is being clouded on this matter, Lord Vader.” Palpatine told him.

Vader looked up at his master. “My apologies…But what do you mean?”

Sidious got up from his throne and walked down the stairs to stand in front of Vader. Vader looked up at him. “Rise, Lord Vader.” And Vader complied. “I sense a great deal of confusion coming from you my young apprentice. Would it have anything to do with the arrival of the new representative from Alderaan?”

Vader looked at Palpatine with a start. “She is very much like Padme, my master.” He told him, bowing his head down again.

“So I have also noticed.” Palpatine sneered. “I saw her campaign holos. The resemblance and manner did not escape my notice either. But I suggest that you keep focused on your mission, Lord Vader. There is a disturbance in the Force here and I need it found.”

“Yes, my master.” Vader said with another bow.

“Very well, you may go.” Palpatine said as she started the climb back up to his throne as Vader made his way back out of the throne room.

Vader walked down the hall to his quarters within the Imperial Palace with a heavy heart. Seeing this young woman brought back so many painful memories. He entered his quarters, pushing the button to open his pressurized containment-chamber; and stepped into it, closing in down so he could remove his helment and mask.

Once his head was free of the armor, Vader breathed in deeply, the highly oxygenated air of the chamber, trying to get a grip on his emotions. He laid his pale, severely scarred head on the back of the headrest, his eyes, unaware to him, a dark cerulean blue, filled with tears as memories of his former life started rushing into his head. He had tried pushing aside his memories of his life as Anakin Skywalker and with his wife, Padme, but when they painfully started coming back to him, he cried out in anguish. The part of him that was still Anakin Skywalker, ached for his beloved and the life that never was, and the child that was never born…because of him.

But then his thoughts turned to his former master, causing his eyes to resume their yellow Sith color as the anger and hate for his former master started to consume him again. Obi-Wan, the man responsible for him being put in this horrible black suit, for his wife turning on him and why everything went so badly in the end. The anger in him started to rage up in him again at the very thought that he was never able to find his old master and finish him. Vader knew Obi-Wan was still alive, he sensed it. But where he was hiding still alluded Vader and until he found him and killed him, Vader felt like he was living in limbo, that he would never be able to move on until that task was complete. Where are you Obi-Wan? Vader thought to himself, the anger seething up in him.

He then took a deep breath and tried to meditate, a past time he never truly enjoyed, but he knew would help him locate his former master if he truly focused. He reached out with the Dark Side of the Force, searching for any sign of where Obi-Wan might be. But to his frustration, as always, he came up empty. Blast you, Obi-Wan!

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Tatooine

Obi-Wan approached the front door of his friend’s house with apprehension. He had felt a great disturbance in the Force that troubled him greatly and he needed to speak with Anakin about it.

In his 52 years, he still looked quite young. His ginger hair had started to gray and he had a few more wrinkles than he did when they had first arrived on Tatooine 14 years ago; but otherwise, his appearance hadn’t changed all that much. This actually surprised Obi-Wan because he would have thought the stress created from the Clone Wars and the loss of the Jedi Order would have taken their toll and stripped him of his youth. Although, he supposed knowing that his former padawan hadn’t turned to the Dark Side, as the time traveling Luke and Leia had warned them, had something to do with that.

Obi-Wan never felt the need to be married and have a family like Anakin. He supposed it had something to do with the saying, “old habits die hard”, and from the Jedi Code of non-attachments being drilled into his head since his childhood. He knew that Yoda had told them that perhaps attachments should not be forbidden; but it was something that he couldn’t change in himself. Perhaps just being a ‘brother’ to Anakin and to Padme as well as an uncle to their children was enough to fill any need for family he had.

Which brought him back to the reason he was here. He needed to talk to his ‘brother’ about what was troubling him, so he knocked on the door, which was immediately opened by Luke.

“Uncle Ben.” Luke said with a smile on his face. “Come in.”

Obi-Wan smiled to himself. How like his father Luke is. Seeing Luke and even young Ben brought back memories of when Anakin was still his padawan. “Thank you, Luke.” Obi-Wan answered with a smile as he entered their dwelling and watched as Luke resumed his place back on the couch to look at his datapad.

He could hear Sarah down the hall singing while she listened to music and little Ben, who smiled up at Obi-Wan as he entered, was sitting on the floor in front of the holovid watching toons. “Uncle Ben!” Little Ben squealed and got up from the floor, running up to his ‘uncle’ as Obi-Wan knelt down to embrace the little 6 year old.

“Hello, young one.” He told him as they then broke their embrace and smiled at one another.

“Ben.” Anakin exclaimed as he and Padme emerged from the kitchen. “We were just going to have lunch, care to join us?” Anakin asked him with a smile.

“I’d love to.” Obi-Wan said with a smile as she stood up and took little Ben’s hand in his to lead him into the kitchen. Luke also got up from the couch and followed them as Anakin walked down the hall to knock on Sarah’s bedroom door.

“Sarah, lunch is ready!” Anakin shouted as they heard the music be shut off and her door open. Teenage years are just around the corner. Anakin thought to himself with a smile as his 12 year old daughter emerged from her room. “Your Uncle Ben is here too.”

Sarah’s smile got bigger. “Ok, Dad.” She said as she went down the hall in front of her father to go to the kitchen to greet Obi-Wan and join the rest of her family at the kitchen table.

Obi-Wan looked around at his ‘family’. Anakin at his now 36 years, still had his beard, but had grown his hair back out to shoulder length. Apparentely, Padme preferred it longer, as Anakin had told him. And Padme, even at 41 and the mother of 4 children, still looked as young and as radiant as ever and, she too, had grown her hair back out with it falling about halfway down her back, which he assumed was also Anakin’s preference.

Obi-Wan smiled to himself. Neither of them had changed very much in appearance and still looked like quite the young couple, which as he had determined for himself, was because they had been so happy here on Tatooine, despite what happened in the past. He just hoped that what he came here to talk to Anakin about didn’t destroy that happiness. They knew the time would come when they would have to re-emerge and return to the fight against the Empire. And Obi-Wan could sense that the time was drawing closer. It might not be right away; but perhaps in a few years…but closer the time was definitely approaching.

“Aaron, I was wondering if I could speak to you alone about something.” Obi-Wan asked as they were finishing their lunch together.

Anakin and Padme looked at Obi-Wan with concern. “Is everything ok, Ben?” Anakin asked.

“Well…it may not be anything to worry about.” Ben tried to assure him with a weak smile.

“Don’t give me that, Obi-Wan.” Anakin spoke to him through the Force. “Something is going on. What is it?”

“Perhaps we should go somewhere else to discuss this Anakin. Your children will start to notice something is off.” Obi-Wan replied. “Remember how Kit noticed we were talking telepathically.”

“Yes, I know.” Anakin responded and then looked at Padme’s concerned face. “We’ll be right back.” Anakin told her as he got up and gave her a kiss on the cheek, with her looking up at him with fear in her eyes. “It will be ok.” He tried to assure her.

Luke and Sarah looked at each other with bewilderment as they watched their father and ‘uncle’ leave the kitchen and then heard the front door open and shut. “What’s going on, Mom?” Luke asked her.

“I don’t know, Luke. But why don’t you two help me clean up.” Padme responded as she started to get up from the chair, carrying hers and Anakin’s plates to the sink.

“Ok, Mom.” Sarah responded as she and Luke both got up and continued to help their mother.

Little Ben, who was still working on eating his sandwich, watched as his mother and siblings started to clean up. “Can I go watch more toons?” He asked as he took one last bite from his sandwich before getting down from his chair.

“Uh uh, young man. You have a room to clean, remember?” Padme said as she turned to face him. “That was our deal. If you watched toons before lunch, then you had to clean your room this afternoon.”

“Yes, Mom.” Ben said as she hung his head down in disappointment.

“If you hurry, Ben…” Luke started. “…I’ll play ball outside with you later.” Luke told his liltte brother, giving his mother a wink.

“REALLY?” Ben asked in excitement as a smile formed on his face. He then turned and practically ran down the hall to his bedroom.

Padme smiled over at her 14 year old son. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Mom.” Luke said with a smile.

“Well, can I play ball with you, too, or is this a boys only party?” Sarah asked her brother.

“You can play, too, Sarah, if you like. That is if you don’t play like a girl.” Luke teased.

“Uhh! I do NOT play ball like a girl.” Sarah insisted putting her hands on her hips.

“Could have fooled me.” Luke retorted with a smirk.

“Luke Outlander, you’re such a nerf-herder.” Sarah exclaimed, becoming more irritated with her brother.

“And somebody has been copying big sister Leia again.” Luke came back. “Can’t you think for yourself?”

“Yes I can!” Sarah replied.

Padme rolled her eyes at the sibling rivalry. “Enough!” She finally interrupted, throwing her hands up into the air. “I don’t want to hear another word out of you unless you can have civil conversation, do you hear me?” She told them, pointing from one to another.

“But, Mom…” Sarah tried to argue.

“No buts, young lady. You heard me.” Padme said sternly.

“Yes, Mom.” Sarah said as both Luke and she looked down to the floor.

“Now finish helping me clean up.” Padme told them as she took a rag from the sink to wipe the table off.

“Yes, Mom.” They said in unison as they continued to help do the dishes.

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Obi-Wan and Anakin walked out to the garage and Anakin pulled himself up to sit on the work bench, putting his hands on the bench on either side of him. “What is it, Obi-Wan?” Anakin asked him with a concerned look on his face.

“I’ve felt a great disturbance in the Force, Anakin.” Obi-Wan told him, while leaning up against the landspeeder, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Have you felt it?”

Anakin thought about it a minute. “Well, yes, but this isn’t the first time we’ve felt something like this. I’ve tried to learn to ignore them over the years because I know there’s nothing I can do about them for now.”

Obi-Wan looked back at Anakin with concern. “But that was before your daughter, Leia, entered the political arena back on Courscant. I feel that she could be in great danger, Anakin. I don’t know if it was such a good idea for her to have run for election.”

Anakin sighed. “Obi-Wan, we’ve been over this. She’s becoming a young woman and Bail is there to help her. Besides, she’s her mother’s daughter. She’ll be fine, Obi-Wan.” Anakin said with a smile and a wink, while crossing his arms in front of his chest as well.

“But not if the Emperor and Vader discover the truth about her.” Obi-Wan told him with concern. “Have you talked to her since she’s gone to Courscant with Bail?”

Anakin shook his head. “No, not yet. She’s suppose to call us later this evening.” He told him as he placed his hands back on the bench where they had been. But then he became more serious. “Do you really sense she’s in that much danger?”

“I don’t know.” Obi-Wan told him. “But perhaps you should talk to her about yours and Padme’s past. It might help her with dealing with Vader.”

Anakin shook his head again. “No, we can’t. What if Vader probes her mind. It’s bad enough she’s got memories of her mother and I and Padme’s family on Naboo.” Anakin sighed and then shook his head again. “No…we can’t tell her. It’s just too dangerous.”

“Ok, Anakin.” Obi-Wan responded. “But I hope she will be alright. I sense great challenges ahead for her.”

Anakin closed his eyes and sighed. “As I do.”