The Protector

[therealthing]

Chapter 46

Padmé returned to Anakin’s room to find the children awake and standing by their father’s bedside with Dr. Rool. They looked over when they heard her enter the room.

“Mommy!” Leia said, coming over and giving her a hug, followed by Luke who did the same thing.

“Good morning,” Padmé said, kissing each of them on the top of their head. “Did you have a nice sleep?”

“Yes we did,” Luke told her. “Did you?”

“Well, it wasn’t the best I’ve ever had,” Padmé admitted. “How is Daddy this morning?” she asked, looking over at Dr. Rool.

“No change,” the doctor replied. “His vitals are stable. Once he wakes up we will remove the chest tube. Hopefully that will be soon.”

“Yes, we all hope for that,” Padmé remarked, looking at Anakin.

“Mommy, we’re hungry,” Luke told his mother, tugging on her sleeve.

Padmé looked down at her son. “So am I,” she told him with a smile. “Let’s go get something to eat.” She looked back up at Dr. Rool. “We’ll be back in a while.”

Dr. Rool nodded. “Have a good breakfast.”


Nejaa and Obi-Wan had found Bail Organa in the facility’s refectory and had explained their plan to him.

“If you’re right about Palpatine, then we need to do everything we can to prevent him from finding Anakin and his family,” Organa said at last. “I think involving Yoda at this point is a sound idea. What will you tell Padmé? Surely she will question why you are leaving at this point,” he pointed out.

“She already knew that I planned to go to Dagobah,” Nejaa reminded him. “She won’t question that.”

“Perhaps it would make more sense if I went to Dagobah,” Obi-Wan said at this point. “After all, Padmé is rather upset with me right now. Wouldn’t it be better if you were to stay here with her and the twins, Nejaa?”

Nejaa nodded. “It would be easier all around, no doubt,” he conceded. “But you and I both know that you need to make amends to Anakin,” he said. “You need to make peace with him, and with Padmé. Running away from the situation won’t make it any easier to do that.”

“I wouldn’t exactly be running away,” Obi-Wan retorted. “Just making things easier for Padmé.”

Bail and Nejaa exchanged a look. “I have to say that I agree with Nejaa,” Organa said. “If Anakin is to defeat the emperor, he will need you at his side, Obi-Wan. You and he need to patch things up, and you can’t do that if you’re on the other side of the galaxy.”

Obi-Wan sighed, realizing that both men were right. “Yes, I suppose you’re right,” he conceded at last. “Although this isn’t going to be pleasant, nor easy,” he added.

“No one said it would be,” Nejaa said. “But you must see how important it is that you take this step, Obi-Wan.”

“Yes, I see it,” Obi-Wan replied. “I only hope that Padmé allows me to take it.”

Organa noticed Padmé and the twins entering the room. “She’s here,” he said, nodding in her direction.

Nejaa and Obi-Wan looked over to where he had indicated. “I will talk to her,” Nejaa said. “Is it possible that we can leave today, viceroy?”

Organa stood up. “I’ll make sure of it,” he said.

Padmé had seen Obi-Wan talking with Organa and Nejaa, and had steered her children clear of them towards the other side of the room. Nejaa walked over to where she was sitting waiting for the droid to take her order. She looked up and smiled at him. “Hello Nejaa,” she said.

“Good morning Padmé,” he said. “Good morning children.”

“Good morning Master Nejaa,” the children said in unison.

“May I join you?” he asked.

“Of course,” Padmé said.

“Thank you,” Nejaa said, taking a seat. “Any change in Anakin’s condition?”

“No,” Padmé replied. “He’s still asleep.”

Nejaa nodded his understanding. “Padmé, I am going to Dagobah today,” he told her. “Master Yoda needs to be told what has been happening.”

“Yes, I realize that,” she replied. “You don’t think you can wait for Anakin to wake up? Dr. Rool assures me it will be any day now.”

Nejaa hesitated before responding. “I am sure of that,” he replied. “But it is quite urgent that I get to Yoda, Padmé. As you remember, I was about to leave when Obi-Wan showed up.”

“Yes, I remember,” she replied. “Why do I get the feeling there is more to this than you are telling me, Nejaa?”

Nejaa was surprised by her comment. For someone who is not a Jedi, she does have remarkable insight. He smiled. “Probably because there is more,” he said. “I don’t want to alarm you, Padmé,” he began, “but Obi-Wan and I are concerned that Palpatine will be able to detect the shift in the Force that Anakin’s redemption is creating.”

While she didn’t completely understand what he meant, Padmé understood enough to be alarmed by his words. “So you think he’ll be able to figure out that Anakin is not dead?” she asked, trying to remain calm.

Nejaa nodded. “Yes, we think so.”

“Anakin figured it would only be a matter of time before he was able to figure out the truth,” she reflected. “So what should I do?”

“Stay here,” Nejaa replied. “Nothing has happened yet, Padmé; we are simply trying to anticipate what will happen. Obi-Wan will be here, as well as the viceroy. You will be well protected.”

“Yes, I’m sure,” she replied. “Will you bring Yoda here?” she asked.

“That will be up to him,” Nejaa replied. “Master Yoda is not one to be told what to do,” he added with a smile.

“I see,” Padmé replied as the droid approached their table to take their orders. She ordered breakfast for the children, but when it came to her turn, she realized that all of a sudden she was not very hungry.

“Good morning Padmé,” Bail Organa said as he sat down with them. “Has Nejaa filled you in?”

Padmé nodded. “Yes he has.”

“Well I’m afraid there’s another situation I must deal with at once,” Organa continued.

“What’s wrong?” Padmé asked.

“When I reached the ship to talk to Captain Antilles, there was a message waiting for me from my assistant,” he explained. “It seems our illustrious emperor is planning on visiting Alderaan,” he continued. “I must get back at once. I cannot give him any reason to be suspicious.”

“Quite right,” Nejaa concurred. “Will you still be able to take me to Dagobah?”

Organa nodded. “Yes, I’ll make sure Antilles takes you there right after he leaves me at Alderaan.” He looked at Padmé. “Don’t worry, Padmé,” he said. “I’m leaving several security men here. I’ll arrange for a ship to return here as well to bring you and your family home when Anakin is ready.”

“Thank you,” Padmé said, realizing that she would be alone with Obi-Wan now that Bail was leaving. Great.

“Where is Obi-Wan?” Organa asked.

Nejaa looked around the refectory. “I don’t know,” he said. “He was here a few moments ago.

Padmé looked around here, and then realized where he was. He’s gone to see Anakin. “I know where he is,” she said, standing up. “Children, stay here with Master Nejaa and the viceroy.”

Nejaa and Organa watched as she hurried out of the room. “You don’t think he’d be foolish enough to go to see Anakin, do you?” Organa said.

“I’m afraid that’s exactly where he’s gone,” Nejaa replied, realizing that perhaps this was the confrontation that was needed in order to clear the air. “It will be alright, viceroy,” he added, looking back at Organa. “Don’t worry.”

Organa wasn’t so sure, but he trusted the Jedi’s judgment nevertheless

[therealthing]

Chapter 47

Obi-Wan Kenobi waited for Dr. Rool to leave the room before he entered. The medidroid did not seem to question his presence, so he approached Anakin’s bed.

Standing at Anakin’s side, he stared at him, still astonished by the remarkable metamorphosis he had undergone. The image of Anakin’s mutilated, burning body had haunted Obi-Wan for five years. His dreams were often haunted with the sight of the yellow eyes full of pain and hatred, the sound of his screams of agony and his final words: I hate you!! Looking at him now, it seemed inconceivable that Anakin had ever undergone such a horrific ordeal; his face, his body were as they had been before Mustafar. And according to Nejaa Halcyon, he was close to being the man he was on the inside as well. That seemed even more incredible than the physical transformation to Kenobi, for he never in his wildest imaginings would have anticipated Anakin Skywalker being redeemed from the Darkness that he had embraced so whole-heartedly.

“Well, you are certainly looking well, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said awkwardly, not really knowing what to say. “I’m happy for you, Anakin. I…I felt very badly about what happened on Mustafar.” He stopped, realizing his words were woefully inadequate. “There really are no words to be said about what happened there, Anakin,” he continued. “I only hope that in time we can get past it. Nejaa is convinced that you have changed, that you are on your way to redemption. I wish I had known that before ….I wish that I had listened to you when you tried to tell me so.”

Anakin, of course, was completely unresponsive to Kenobi’s words. But that did not deter the Jedi Master. “Your children love you a great deal,” he continued. “I envy you, Anakin- I envy you your beautiful family. I can see now that it is their love that has made the difference in your life, and I…”

“What are you doing in here?”

Kenobi turned around to see Padmé standing there staring at him, her dark eyes full of anger. “I asked you a question.”

“I am simply speaking to him, Padmé,” he replied calmly. “I meant no harm.”

“I thought I told you that I didn’t want you anywhere near him,” Padmé said coldly. “You’ve done enough harm, Obi-Wan. I don’t trust you near him anymore.”

Her words stung him. Did she honestly think he would attack an unconscious man?

“Padmé, please…” he began.

“Leave, Obi-Wan,” she said. “I don’t want you near my husband, is that clear? Leave him alone, leave all of us alone!”

Obi-Wan frowned, frustrated with her stubbornness. It seemed that she was no where close to forgiving him, and he was beginning to wonder if she ever would be.

“Padmé, I understand that you are angry, but…”

“Angry?” she interjected. “That is an understatement, Obi-Wan. How do you expect me to feel? You don’t seem to get it, do you? I don’t want you in my life, or the life of my family, and that includes Anakin.”

“Padmé, whether you like it or not, Anakin’s redemption hinges on coming to terms with the past,” he told her, growing tired of her scorn. “If he is ever to become a Jedi again, he must get past Mustafar, and that means ridding himself of the animosity I know he feels towards me. If you truly want him to be redeemed, then you will help him instead of making it impossible for him.”

“Exactly what are you implying?” she demanded.

“I think you know,” he replied. “Forgiveness is required for him to be redeemed, and he will never find it in his heart to forgive me if you prevent it from happening.”

Padmé frowned, not liking his sanctimonious attitude. “Leave this room, Obi-Wan,” she said. “Leave before I say something truly regrettable.”

Obi-Wan decided he was getting no where, and so he decided to leave the room. You will see reason eventually, Padmé, he thought to himself as he left the room. You will have no choice but to see reason. Anakin’s redemption depends upon it.

Padmé stood watching him leave, her body trembling with anger. She was angry that he had disregarded her wishes that he stay away from Anakin, angry that he had dared to try and make her feel as though on some level she was actually hindering Anakin’s journey back from the Dark Side. But what made her most angry was the fact that he was right, and it irked her tremendously to acknowledge it. Forgiveness was the path to the light; if Anakin were to truly be redeemed, he would have to forgive Obi-Wan, there was no doubt of it.

Padmé walked over to where Anakin was sleeping, seemingly oblivious to what had just transpired. She stroked his face lightly, loving the rugged contours of his handsome face. “I don’t suppose we have much of a choice, do we Ani?” she said to him. “As much as I hate to admit it, Obi-Wan is right. We must forgive him if you are truly to know redemption.”

Outside the room, Obi-Wan smiled to himself, realizing that finally Padmé was coming around. He knew she would eventually, for despite her anger, Padmé was an intelligent woman, not one given to vindictiveness or spite. He had no doubt that she would do what was best for Anakin, even if that meant swallowing her anger and pride in order to forgive the unforgivable.



The galactic Emperor Palpatine did not enjoy traveling. In fact, he hated it. But there was something going on, something that smacked of treason, and he felt certain that the planet Alderaan was at the center of it. Bail Organa was one of the traitors who had sided with Padmé Amidala, he reflected as his Imperial Cruiser made its way to the Alderaan System. No doubt he is involved with the Rebel Alliance, if only I could prove it. Palpatine even had suspicions that Organa had been involved in the ambush that had killed Darth Vader several weeks earlier. His search for a new apprentice had not been a successful one; it seemed that all the Force sensitive beings were either dead or in hiding since the Jedi Purges. In time I will find a worthy apprentice, he thought as he drummed his ancient fingers upon the armrest of his throne. Although replacing Vader will be most difficult. While he was incapable of mourning his young apprentice, he certainly felt his death keenly. Without Vader to keep the systems in line, he was being forced to rely more heavily on the bureaucracy. Palpatine hated bureaucrats, and had planned to dissolve the Imperial Senate completely once the Death Star was completed. But now that Vader was gone, that may not happen, nor would the Death Star be completed soon. Vader had been most effective at motivating those involved in its construction; now that he was gone, the task had fallen to Grand Moff Tarkin, a sleazy little man whom Palpatine hated intensely. Yet, he was good at what he did, and now that Vader was gone, he would be invaluable.

“Your majesty, we have made the jump to hyperspace,” one of the red-robed guards informed Palpatine.

“Excellent,” he said, leaning back into his throne. “Inform me when we reach the Alderaan System.”

“Yes sire,” the guard replied with a bow.

We’ll see what you have been up to soon enough, Organa, he thought smugly. And once I have the proof I need of your treachery, you will no longer be a thorn in my side.



“Come on now children, it’s time to get ready for sleeping,” Padmé said. “You both need a bath tonight too.”

Luke and Leia were reluctant to leave their father’s side, and had spent most of the day with him. By now the wall beside his bed was festooned with drawings that the twins had made for him. Neither of the children was frightened or worried about their father’s current state; they were able to communicate with him, even if no one else was. They knew it was only a matter of time before he woke up.

“Mommy, are we going home soon?” Luke asked as she was putting his pajamas on him later that evening.

“Well we need to wait for Daddy to wake up Luke,” Padmé explained patiently. “You know that.”

Luke nodded. “He will wake up tomorrow,” he stated matter-of-factly. “He told us so.”

Padmé was shocked by her son’s words, and yet she did not doubt him. She looked over at Leia who was still in the tub. “Luke is right,” Leia said as she dove into the water once again.

“I hope you’re right, Luke,” Padmé said.

Luke smiled. “He dreams about you all the time, Mommy,” he told her.

Padmé smiled. “Does he?”

Luke nodded. “Yes, he really likes you,” he said with a serious expression.

Padmé had to laugh. “That’s nice to know,” she said. “Now come on out of there, Leia,” she said. “Time for bed.”

[therealthing]

Chapter 48

Planet Alderaan

Bail Organa arrived at Alderaan amidst a flurry of activity. It wasn’t often that the Emperor paid a personal visit, and the staff of the royal household was busy making sure everything was prepared for his visit.

Organa fought the wave of panic that had started growing within him as soon as they had landed. He had done well to hide his innermost thoughts from Palpatine on many occasions; the location of the Rebel Alliance being the most vital piece of information that the emperor sought. Although not a Jedi, Organa did possess a superior intellect and a strong will; both had served him well to block the emperor’s attempts to reach the inner sanctum of his thoughts. They will be put to the test now, he thought as he hurried from his personal landing platform towards the palace. I will not betray Anakin or his family – he will learn nothing from me.

“Bail! Thank the gods you’re back!” Breha exclaimed when she saw him. She hugged him tightly. “Palpatine is on his way.”

“I know,” he told her, kissing her cheek. “That’s why I’ve come back. Any idea when we can expect him?” he asked as they hurried inside.

“No, of course not. You know how he likes to take people by surprise,” she remarked sourly.

“Yes, only too well,” he muttered. “Come on Breha, let’s get ready for this farce.”

Polis Massa

Padmé had spent another restless night on the cot in Anakin’s room. In her mind she kept hearing the conversations she’d had with Obi-Wan, with Nejaa, and with her own son. He will wake up tomorrow…he told us so. Padmé had never doubted her children’s instincts, for they were so much like Anakin’s, and Anakin was always right. He will wake up tomorrow…Padmé rolled over on the cot to look at Anakin on the other side of the room, still sleeping peacefully. Let Luke be right, she thought fervently. Let it be so...Forcing herself to relax, Padmé closed her eyes in an attempt to sleep, knowing that the ensuing days would undoubtedly be hectic ones.

Planet Dagobah

Nejaa Halcyon had always had an unnatural and very un-Jedi like fear of snakes. So when he found himself wandering through the swamps of Dagobah in search of Yoda, it took all his Jedi concentration not to lose his cool.

“Of all the planets in the galaxy, why did he have to choose this one?” he muttered as he trudged through the humid tangle of vines and branches.

“Because hidden from the Emperor’s sight, Dagobah is.”
Nejaa recognized the voice at once and looked up to see the diminutive Jedi Master sitting on a log, watching him with an amused expression on his face.

“Master Yoda,” Nejaa smiled. “It is good to see you.”

“Surprised I am to see you, Master Halcyon,” Yoda replied. “But a pleasant surprise it is. Come into my home and have something to eat.”

Nejaa was only too happy to follow Yoda out of the swamp and into a small hut where, he hoped, there would be no more snakes.

“News you have, Master Halcyon,” Yoda said as the two Jedi settled in with a bowl of exotic looking stew.

“Indeed I do, Master Yoda,” Nejaa replied, eying the unusual looking food. “It’s about Vader.”

Yoda nodded, almost as though he was expecting to hear Vader’s name. “I have sensed his death,” Yoda said.

“Vader is dead,” Nejaa confirmed. “That is true; but not in the way you think, Master Yoda. He has abandoned the Dark Side, he is Anakin Skywalker once again.”

“Most unexpected this is,” Yoda replied thoughtfully. “Seen him you have?”

Nejaa nodded. “Yes Master,” he replied. “He spared my life on Garos IV, and since then has been to Polis Massa to have his injuries repaired.”

“And what of his wife and children?” Yoda asked. “Do they know of this?”

“Yes, they are the reason he abandoned the dark side in the first place,” Nejaa replied. He then went on to relate to Yoda the remarkable details of Vader’s transformation and rebirth, ending with the fateful duel between he and Obi-Wan Kenobi on Delaya. Yoda listened in silence, nodding his ancient head from time to time.

“Obi-Wan and I are concerned that the emperor will learn the truth of Vader’s demise,” Nejaa concluded. “And if that happens, then the entire Skywalker family will be in danger.”

“Yes, the emperor will stop at nothing to find them,” Yoda agreed. “Stopped he must be, Nejaa. We must stop this from happening.”

Nejaa nodded. “Anakin means to destroy the emperor, Yoda,” he said. “And I think we need to help him. The four of us against the emperor will mean the end of the Sith.”

“Part of the prophecy, this is,” Yoda replied. “That the Chosen One will destroy the Sith, and with our help, destroy it he will.”

Polis Massa

Forty-eight hours had passed since Padmé and her family had arrived at Polis Massa: forty-eight hours of waiting, of hoping and praying. Anakin was still not awake, and it was beginning to seem as though Luke’s prediction was not going to happen. The boy however did not seem concerned, which puzzled Padmé. It was nearly evening, and no change or even a sign of change had been noted in Anakin’s condition. Still, Luke had never been wrong before, she reminded herself. Part of her didn’t want to leave Anakin’s room for supper, for if he were to awaken, she wanted to be there by his side when it happened. But the children were hungry, and she needed to eat, despite her lack of appetite; and so, reluctantly, she had taken the children to the refectory for their evening meal, leaving Anakin in the capable hands of the medidroids who were always close by.

Padmé had spoken very little to Obi-Wan in the past twenty-four hours; no more than absolutely necessary. His concern for Anakin was undeniable, however; even she had to admit, albeit begrudgingly, that he was truly worried about his former pupil.

“Mommy, when is Master Nejaa coming back?” Leia asked as they started to eat their meal.

“I’m not sure, Leia,” Padmé replied truthfully. “He went to find Yoda, another Jedi Master.”

“Is Yoda going to come here?” Luke asked.

“Perhaps,” Padmé replied, not even certain herself. “We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?”

“I saw Obi-Wan today,” Luke said. “He looks sad, Mommy. I think he is sad about Daddy.”

“He is sad about Daddy,” Leia replied.

“Did he tell you that, Leia?” Padmé asked, keeping her tone nonchalant.

Leia shook her head as she took a drink of her milk. “No,” she said. “I can just tell.”

Padmé nodded, believing her daughter. Although the twins had manifested unusual abilities since they were infants, it seemed to Padmé that since they had been reunited with their father, those abilities had grown tremendously. Each day they seemed stronger, their abilities more refined. They will be as powerful as their father one day, she realized with mixed feelings.

“Let’s eat, children,” she said. “I want to get back to see your daddy.”

“Me too,” said Leia. “I hope he wakes up when we get back.”

“So do I, Leia,” Padmé replied.

Luke only nodded. He sensed his mother’s unease and mistrust around Obi-Wan Kenobi, even though he didn’t understand it. Given that, he decided it was probably best not to tell her where Obi-Wan was at that moment. It will only make her upset, he realized, and so he said nothing and continued to eat his meal.


Obi-Wan stood in the doorway of Anakin’s room, his heart heavy. He was worried that if Anakin didn’t wake up soon, it would be too late to protect the Skywalker family against the emperor. I will not let Palpatine take you away from me again, Kenobi thought, staring intently at the sleeping face of his one time pupil and friend. I will not let him destroy you again.

Kenobi walked into the room and stood beside Anakin’s bed. “I wish you would wake up, Anakin,” he said. “There is so much we need to talk about, so much we need to prepare for. I only hope that you will be able to forgive me for what happened.” He stopped, fighting against the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. “I can’t tell you how many times I have had nightmares about that day, Anakin,” he continued. “That horrible, horrible day on Mustafar five years ago. I have wondered if I should have walked away when I did, or if I should have done the humane thing and put you out of your misery…but I couldn’t do it, Anakin, I just couldn’t! You were my brother, Anakin, my best friend! If only I had been more attentive to what you were going through, if only I had seen what Palpatine was doing before it was too late. I failed you, Anakin,” he said as the tears filled his eyes. “I failed you! I don’t know if you can ever forgive me for that…or for what happened on Delaya. I don’t know what possessed me,” he admitted. “I heard you tell me that you had changed, but something in me refused to believe it. And when you reached out to Leia, all I could see was you reaching out to Padmé on Mustafar, and something inside me snapped.” He stopped again, struggling to maintain control of his emotions. “I’ve missed you, Anakin,” he said at last, not caring that his tears were now rolling down his cheek. “I’ve missed you every day since Mustafar; but I never dreamed you would return to the light. And yet you have! And what is my reaction? Instead of embracing my long lost brother, I try to kill him…..” he stopped and put his face in his hands, releasing the misery he had bottled up inside of him. Guilt, shame, grief, regret: all these emotions poured forth in a great catharsis that reduced the normally staid Jedi to a mass of tears.

“Will you stop the blubbering old man?”

Obi-Wan started at the sound of the voice, and looked up to see Anakin looking at him, a hint of amusement in his brilliant blue eyes.

“Anakin!” Kenobi exclaimed. “You’re awake! You’re …you’re alright!”

Anakin looked around the room, discombobulated. “Where am I? Where’s Padmé?”

“You’re at the Polis Massa medical facility,” Obi-Wan informed him. “You’ve been in a coma for two days. Padmé is…”

“A coma?” interjected Anakin. “Why? What happened?”

Kenobi was surprised by the questions. Does he not remember the fight? He wondered.

“Ani!” Padmé cried as she rushed into the room. “Ani, you’re awake!”

Ignoring Kenobi completely, she ran to Anakin’s bedside and threw her arms around him. “I’ve been so scared,” she told him tearfully.

Anakin embraced his wife, still confused over what had happened to him.

“Padmé, why am I here?” he asked. “What happened to me?”

Padmé withdrew from their embrace and looked down at him. “What is the last thing you remember?” she asked.

Anakin thought for a moment, and then looked back at Obi-Wan. “We fought,” he said, his eyes on Kenobi. “But after that…”

“Your left lung collapsed as result of that fight,” Padmé explained. “But we got you here in time, and you’re going to be just fine.”

Anakin frowned. “How did that happen?” he asked.

“A well placed kick,” Obi-Wan informed him. “I…I didn’t realize it would cause such damage, Anakin, truly. Had I known…” he sighed, running his hands through his hair anxiously. “If only I had known.”

“Daddy! Daddy!” cried Luke and Leia as the rushed into the room and straight to their father’s bed. Anakin smiled and opened his arms to his children. They came at him, one on each side, and threw their arms around his neck. Anakin held his children close, the love he felt from them washing over him.

Obi-Wan watched Anakin with his children, feeling the power of the bond between them, the strength of the love they shared. Padmé could see how surprised he was by the twins’ overt demonstration of love towards their father.

“Now do you believe that he has changed?” she asked him softly.

Obi-Wan looked at her and simply nodded. “I never would have believed it possible, Padmé,” he replied. “But yes, there is no doubt left in my mind. Anakin Skywalker has returned.”

Padmé smiled, feeling the resentment she’d carried around for weeks now start to fall away. “Yes, he has,” she agreed.

Luke looked up at his mother briefly. “I told you he’d wake up today,” he said with a smile, and then returned to his father’s embrace.

[therealthing]

Chapter 49

“It’s good to see you awake, Lord Vader,” Dr. Rool said as she entered the room, having been alerted by the medidroid in attendance.

Anakin looked over at her. “I’m not Lord Vader any more, Doctor,” he replied. “I’m Anakin Skywalker now.”

Dr. Rool raised her eyebrows. “Indeed? I’m very glad to hear it,” she said with a smile. “We need to remove your chest tube now,” she told him as she came over to stand beside his bed. “So we can get you up and moving about.”

Anakin nodded. “Sounds good to me,” he replied. He looked up at Padmé. “Maybe the children shouldn’t be here for this,” he told her.

Padmé nodded. “I was thinking the same thing,” she replied. “I’ll take them for a walk. We’ll be back soon,” she said, bending down to kiss him.

Anakin watched his wife and children leave the room and then turned his attention back to the physician.

“All set?” she said.

Anakin nodded.

“I’ll need you to take a long, slow, deep breath as the droid withdraw the tube,” she instructed. “It isn’t pleasant; we can give you a local pain killer if you wish.”

“Not necessary,” Anakin replied. “Pain is relative, Doctor,” he added wryly.

Rool nodded. “I understand. Okay, let’s do this,” she said, nodding to the medidroid. The droid watched Anakin as he drew a deep breath, and then drew the chest tube out in one pull. Anakin winced, but kept his concentration fixed on his breathing.

“Well done,” Rool said as the droid proceeded to apply a bacta treatment and a dressing on the small wound left by the chest tube.

“When can I go home?” Anakin asked as he watched the droid.

“Not for at least twenty-four hours,” Dr. Rool replied. “We need to run some scans, as well as some follow up examinations and scans regarding your organ and bone regeneration. After that, you’ll be free to go, assuming all is well.”

“Anakin never has been a terribly tolerant patient,” Obi-Wan quipped with a smile.

Dr. Rool smiled. “Yes, I’ve noticed. Now let’s get you up on your feet,” she said.

Anakin nodded and slowly sat up, ignoring the dull ache he felt low in his chest. Using he hands to brace himself, he pushed himself off the bed. Obi-Wan stood before him, holding a hand out to him for support. Anakin looked up at him, and then took his hand, allowing Obi-Wan to pull him to his feet.

“I’ll go and get your family,” Dr. Rool said. “don’t over do it.” She cautioned before she left the room.

Anakin walked slowly across the room, under the watchful eyes of his former master.

“It’s good to see you up and about,” Obi-Wan said as Anakin made his way back to the bed.

Anakin nodded. “I have to say I’m surprised to see you here,” he said.

Obi-Wan shrugged. “Padmé didn’t want me to come, but Nejaa managed to talk her into it.”

“I suppose so,” Anakin replied. “So are you convinced that I have changed, Obi-Wan? Or do you still doubt me?”

“No, no more doubts,” Obi-Wan replied. “I just wish I had listened to you when you tried to tell me on Delaya that you had changed.”

“You never did listen to me,” Anakin countered. “I suppose some things never change.”

“Now that’s not true, Anakin,” Obi-Wan replied. “If anyone is the poor listener, it would have to be you.”

Anakin raised his eyebrows. “Me?”

Obi-Wan folded his arms over his chest. “Yes, you,” he insisted, enjoying the banter with his old friend. “You never listened, always figured you knew what was best, despite my advice.”

“Well when your advice made no sense, can you blame me for not listening to it?” Anakin returned.

“Enough! You two should be ashamed of yourselves.”

Both men turned to see the image of Qui-Gon Jinn in the room. “Is this any way for two old friends to behave?”

“I’m not old,” Anakin replied with a smile.

Obi-Wan shook his head. “Do you see the disrespect I have to put up with from this young one?” he asked Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon smiled. “Yes, reminds me of another young man I once knew,” he commented.

Anakin laughed at the comment, and at the expression on Obi-Wan’s face. He looked at his former master, seeing him with
different eyes. I’ve missed you, Obi-Wan, he thought to himself, realizing what this change of heart meant: the darkness is gone…I’ve passed the test.

“It is good to see you again, Anakin,” Qui-Gon said with a smile. “I always knew you would defeat the dark side.”

Anakin smiled. “I’m grateful for your faith in me, Master,” he replied. “I have a lot to atone for, though,” he added. “There is so much blood on my hands. I’m not sure I will ever be able to make up for it.”

“You know what you need to do, Anakin,” Qui-Gon told him. “You know what your destiny is: to destroy the Sith. Your redemption is the first step towards that destiny.”

“And I will be right there at your side to help you, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said, “along with Nejaa and Yoda. Between the four of us, Sidious doesn’t stand a chance.”

Anakin nodded. “You’re right,” he replied. “He has spent the past five years trying to put an end to the Jedi; little does he know that it will be the Jedi that will spell his end.”

Obi-Wan smiled grimly. “Indeed it will,” he said. “Nejaa has gone to Dagobah to find Yoda. I expect they will return within a few days.”

“Daddy!”

Anakin looked over to see his daughter run into the room. He opened his arms to her and picked her up in a huge embrace.

“I missed you, Daddy,” she told him. “You were asleep for a long time!”

Anakin smiled at her. “I was,” he agreed. “But I’m wide awake now, and hungry as a wookiee.”

Leia giggled.

“That’s good to hear,” Dr. Rool said as she reentered the room with Padmé and Luke, who immediately ran over to his father. “You’ve been on an intravenous for forty-eight hours now; it’s time for you to get some real food into your system. A man your size can’t exist on synthesized nutrition for long.”

“You’d be surprised,” Anakin replied sardonically.

“Now you sit down,” Padmé said, coming over to him and the children. “And we’ll see to it that you have some real food to eat.”

“Sounds good to me,” Anakin said, smiling at his children.

“I’ll see to it at once, “ Dr. Rool said. “Is there something you’d prefer?”

“Right now, just about anything sounds fantastic,” Anakin replied.

Dr. Rool nodded. “Very well, I’ll make sure it’s high in calcium and protein- remember, you’re still on a special diet.”

“I remember,” Anakin replied as Rool left the room.

“So, things are okay between the two of you?” Padmé asked, looking from Anakin to Obi-Wan.

The two men looked at one another. “Well Anakin?” Obi-Wan asked. “Are they?”

Anakin looked at his former teacher, looking inside his own heart at the same time. Where there had been hatred and anger only days earlier, now there was peace, acceptance, and forgiveness. For the first time in five years he felt at peace, and knew that the forgiveness he had conferred upon Obi-Wan was the reason for that. His anger towards his one time friend had been the final obstacle in his redemption, and now that it was gone, so was the darkness that had possessed his soul for five years.

“Yes, they are,” Anakin said at last. “I have missed you, Obi-Wan,” he added with a smile.

Obi-Wan nodded, smiling in return. “I’ve missed you as well,” he replied. “It’s good to have you back.”

[therealthing]

Chapter 50

Planet Alderaan

“Welcome to Alderaan, your Majesty,” Bail Organa said with a flamboyant bow. “To what do we owe this honor?”

“Spare me your empty flattery, Senator,” Palpatine snapped. “I don’t think my visit should come as any surprise to you.”

Organa braced himself for the inevitable probing of his mind that normally took place during one of these visits. Palpatine was certain that Organa was involved with the Rebel Alliance, but was still unable to prove it. Despite numerous attempts, the emperor was unable to catch the viceroy in a compromising situation, or even find a hint of guilt in his mind or conscious. Organa’s ability to block his thoughts was formidable, and it would be put the test now, of that he was certain.

“I’d like to offer my condolences on the passing of your …associate, Lord Vader,” Organa said, ignoring the emperor’s petulance. “I’m certain his loss has been keenly felt by the Empire.”

Palpatine frowned, trying to detect any trace of duplicity in Organa’s words. But, as usual, he was a blank page.

“Lord Vader’s demise was indeed tragic,” Palpatine replied. “But he can be replaced.”

Organa nodded, inwardly repulsed by the coldness of the old man. “So what is the reason for your visit, sire?”

“I am here to give you a message,” Palpatine said. “A message that my negligent servant was supposed to give you, but he died before he had the chance,” he added sourly.

Organa frowned. “How inconsiderate of him,” he commented.

Palpatine ignored the remark and continued. “The message is a simple one: the Empire is watching you, Viceroy,” he said coldly. “I have no doubt of your involvement in the Rebel Alliance,” he continued, watching Organa’s impassive expression for any sign of change. There was none, so he pressed on. “I have no evidence of this, or else we’d not be having this conversation; but make no mistake, you are being watched, Viceroy, and the minute that I….” Palpatine stopped, and Organa grew alarmed by the expression on the old man’s face.

“Are you ill, Your Majesty?” Organa asked, fearing the old man was suffering a heart attack.

Palpatine was not suffering a heart attack; he was shaken by a tremendous tremor in the Force. Not, not a tremor…a rift…a shift…a rupture...Palpatine held onto a nearby chair for support as the power of this cataclysm raged through him, his mind frantically trying to deterring from whence it came, and what it meant. No one had ever caused such a tremor, no one except one man: Anakin Skywalker. Skywalker…alive? How is this possible? How, unless...and then it dawned on him. You have betrayed me, my treacherous apprentice, he thought irately. You will not live to regret this, Vader!

Without another word to the bewildered viceroy, Palpatine left the room and sent word to have his shuttle prepare to leave Alderaan at once.

“What was that all about?” Sala Dak`win, Organa’s assistant asked once the emperor had gone.

Organa frowned. “I think I need to get back to Polis Massa right away,” he said. “Make sure my ship is ready as soon as possible, Sala,” he said, leaving the room.

Sala stood and watched him leave, more confused now than ever.

Polis Massa

“So when can I go home?” Anakin asked as Dr. Rool concluded her scans.

Dr. Rool smiled. “Give me a chance to study these results,” she replied.

“I think you’re trying his patience,” Padmé said with a smile.

“I think so too,” Dr. Rool laughed. “But it cannot be helped, I’m afraid. I want to make sure he’s fine before sending him home. I’m sure you want that too.”

“Yes, we do, don’t we Anakin?” Padmé replied, looking at him pointedly.

Anakin sighed, looking down at his children. “I’m outnumbered again,” he said with a shrug. Luke and Leia simply giggled at their father.

Obi-Wan watched in amazement at the interaction Anakin had with his children. It was so natural, as though they had been together for the past five years. Luke looks so much like his father, he reflected, remembering Anakin the first time he had met him so long ago. He had been a mere nine years old, and yet he had already demonstrated tremendous Force abilities, much like his children were demonstrating. And Leia- even though she was the image of her mother, her personality was just like that of her father. It seemed both twins were a mixture of their parents, although both possessed their father’s incredible Force abilities. If Palpatine were ever to discover their existence, it would be a disaster…

“Alright you two, time to get ready for bed,” Padmé said. “Hopefully we’ll be going home in the morning, and I want you both having a good rest.”

“I should be able to let you know about that within the hour,” Dr. Rool told Padmé. “But I don’t anticipate any problems.”

“That’s good to hear,” Padmé replied, smiling at Anakin. “I’m going to get these two ready for bed, we’ll be right back.”

“Okay,” Anakin said. “I think I need to do some walking,” he said, standing up. “I’ve been sitting on my behind too long.”

Padmé laughed. “Well, I’ll leave you in Obi-Wan’s hands then,” she replied. “I’m sure he will see to it that you don’t over do it.”

“You can count on that, Padmé,” Obi-Wan said with a smile.

Anakin laughed. “Yes, I’m sure she can.”

Padmé ushered the twins out of the room to go get ready for bed, followed by Dr. Rool on her way to her office to study the results of Anakin’s scans.

“Well Anakin,” Obi-Wan said. “Shall we?”

“Lead the way,” Anakin replied.

“I’m rather surprised Bail Organa did not accompany Padmé when she brought me here,” Anakin remarked as he and Obi-Wan walked through the corridors. “He has been of tremendous help to us through all this.”

“He did,” Obi-Wan replied. “He was called back to Alderaan on pressing business.”

Anakin looked at his former master closely, knowing him well enough to realize that he was not telling him the whole story. “What sort of business?” he asked.

Obi-Wan sighed, not wanting to put stress on Anakin in his convalescence, but realizing that he needed to be informed of the situation. “Palpatine was coming to Alderaan,” he said simply.

Anakin frowned at the mention of that hated name. “Organa has always been successful at blocking the emperor,” he told Obi-Wan. “Much to Palpatine’s displeasure,” he added with a smile.

“Let us hope he can continue to block him,” Obi-Wan said. “I don’t need to tell you what would happen if he found out that you were alive,” he added.

Anakin shook his head. “No, you don’t,” he said. “Though in time he will know, Obi-Wan. A confrontation is forthcoming- you know that.”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Yes, I realize that,” he said. “And as I told you, I will be there at your side when it happens. But you are not ready for that yet, Anakin. You need more time to recover your strength. I think we both know now the risks of you engaging in a fight until you are fully healed.”

“Yes, we certainly do,” Anakin replied. “But I may not have that luxury, Obi-Wan. Palpatine will not be fooled forever, we both know that. We have to be prepared at any time for a confrontation.”

“I suppose so,” Obi-Wan conceded. “Anakin, have you considered that Palpatine may sense the twins Force signature? They are remarkably strong, even at their young age.”

“I have considered that,” Anakin replied. “That is why I placed a Force shield around them and Padmé when she first came to me.”

“Good,” Obi-Wan replied. “I imagine that must have been …surprising for you when she came to you with the twins.”

Anakin nodded. “Surprising is an understatement,” he replied. “I thought she was dead, Obi-Wan. Palpatine told me that I’d killed her.”

“What?” Obi-Wan asked in shock. “He told you that?”

“Yes,” Anakin replied, feeling the anger simmering within him just at the thought of that day. “I had just had surgery, if you can even call the butchering they did on me surgery,” he added bitterly. “And I asked Palpatine where Padmé was, if she was alright. His response was that I had killed her. And, idiot that I was, I believed him. That was the final push, Obi-Wan, the final step. I knew nothing but darkness after that, for I believed that she was gone, and that I was responsible. When she appeared with our children, it was like a dream…some incredible, beautiful dream. And the fact that she wanted to be with me, even as I was, even when I was still Darth Vader, astonished me.”

“Padmé is a remarkable woman,” Obi-Wan remarked. “She was very angry with me when she learned the truth. There is no doubt in my mind that she would have sought you out five years ago had she known the truth.”

Anakin frowned. “Yes, she would have,” he agreed. “Sparing me five years of hell in the process.”

Obi-Wan winced under the comment. “I hope you can understand the reasons why I told Padmé what I did,” he said. “After Mustafar, I was afraid that you would harm her. Surely you can see why I felt that way.”

Anakin sighed. “Yes, I can,” he admitted. “I was such a fool, Obi-Wan,” he said, shaking his head. “I believed him, I trusted him, and all along he was using me. He had no doubt planned everything down to the letter from the day he met me when I was a boy.”

“I’m sure of it,” Obi-Wan replied. “He recognized your abilities, just as Qui-Gon did. He arranged events in order to ensure that you needed him, Anakin. He probably knew that you and Padmé were married all along.”

“Probably,” Anakin concurred. “And of my nightmares of her death.”

“Nightmares?” Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin nodded. “Yes. Do you remember the day we returned to Coruscant after rescuing that bastard, Palpatine?”

“Yes, I remember,” Obi-Wan replied.

“That was the day Padmé told me that she was pregnant,” Anakin told him. “We had been married three years. She was terrified that we’d be discovered, but I was so excited, so happy at that thought of being a father. That very night, however, I dreamed of Padmé dying in childbirth. I couldn’t shake the images from my mind; and I became desperate to save her.”

“Anakin, I wish you had said something to me,” Obi-Wan put in at this point. “We were best friends- why didn’t you confide in me?”

“How could I?” Anakin returned. “If you knew that Padmé and I were married, you’d have been obligated to turn me in to the Council. I couldn’t tell anyone; and yet somehow Palpatine must have known. He knew how terrified I was, and that was how he lured me in. He told me that through the Dark Side of the Force I would be able to save the people I love from dying. I was so terrified of losing Padmé that I grasped at his story, his lies, as it turned out, like a drowning man. Of course you know how it all turned out,” he concluded, turning his eyes downward as the shame and guilt of those dark days flooded him.

“Yes, I know,” Obi-Wan said. “I didn’t know any of this, Anakin,” he said, putting a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “It’s all so senseless, so tragic. If only I had known what you were going through.”

“But you didn’t,” Anakin said. “No one did, not even Padmé knew the extent of it. Only Palpatine knew- and he used that knowledge to destroy me,” he stopped, shaking his head. “When I think of what I did, Obi-Wan…I have nightmares about the younglings, and sometimes I see my own children’s face among them,” he said.

“That is natural, Anakin,” Obi- Wan said gently. “You have rejected the Darkness; the good man in you has to come to terms with all that you did when you immersed in that Darkness.”

“I know that,” Anakin replied quietly. “I just hope I’m strong enough to do that,” he said, looking up at his friend again. “How can I ever make up for all that I’ve done, Obi-Wan? How can I ever atone for my crimes?”

Obi-Wan took Anakin by the shoulders. “You will destroy the Sith, my friend,” he replied. “That is how. And you will have the love and support of those who love you to help you through it.”

Anakin nodded, his emotions getting the better of him. “Can you forgive me, Obi-Wan?” he asked. “Can you ever forgive me for what I did? For not listening to you when you tried to save me?”

Obi-Wan smiled. “I already have, Anakin,” he said. “I need to ask you the same thing; can you forgive me for Mustafar? For lying to your wife? For not listening to you on Delaya?”

“Yes,” Anakin replied as a tear ran down his face. “I can.”

Obi-Wan nodded, as his own eyes teared up. “I’ve missed you, my brother,” he said, pulling Anakin into an embrace.

Anakin hugged him back. “I’ve missed you too,” he said. “Lucky thing Dormé has it bad for you, or else you may never have found us.”

Obi-Wan pulled back and looked at Anakin. “What did you say?”

Anakin smiled. “You heard me,” he said. “She’s got it bad according to Luke and Leia,” he added, enjoying the incredulous look on Obi-Wan’s face.

“You’re making this up,” Obi-Wan said.

“I am not!” Anakin replied. “Ask her yourself if you don’t believe me.”

“I most certainly will not,” Obi-Wan retorted, flustered by this point. “The very idea.”

Anakin burst out laughing at this point, and slapped Obi-Wan on the back. “You are so clueless Obi-Wan,” he said. “Do I have to teach you everything?”

Obi-Wan was about to reply, and then realized that Anakin was teasing him, and merely smiled in response. “Come on,” he said. “You’ve over done it in more than one department tonight, I believe.”

Anakin just continued to laugh as Obi-Wan steered him back towards his room.

[therealthing]

Chapter 51

“Are we really going home today, Daddy?” Luke asked the family sat in the refectory finishing their breakfast the next morning.

Anakin nodded. “We are indeed,” he replied. “The doctor said I’m fine and ready to go home.”

“I’m glad,” Leia said. “I don’t like it here. It’s kinda boring.”

Padmé and Anakin exchanged an amused look.

“Did you know that you and your brother were born here?” Obi-Wan asked Leia.

“Were we?” Leia asked, her interest sparked.

Padmé nodded. “Yes, Obi-Wan is right,” she told the children.

“I could even show you the very room you were born in if you like,” Obi-Wan offered. “It will give your parents a chance to talk to the doctor before we leave.”

“That’s a good idea,” Padmé said. “Thank you, Obi-Wan.”

“Not at all,” Obi-Wan replied with a smile, as he stood up with the children. “Come along little ones,” he said as he ushered Luke and Leia away from the table.

Padmé turned back to Anakin, who she had noticed was rather quiet at the moment. “Something wrong?” she asked as she took a sip of her tea.

Anakin looked at her. “No, nothing wrong,” he lied.

Padmé frowned. “Don’t try to tell me nothing’s wrong, Anakin,” she said. “I know better.” She stopped as she realized what it was. “It bothers you that Obi-Wan was present at the twins’ birth and you weren’t, doesn’t it?”

Anakin rubbed his stubbly chin. “Yeah, it does,” he admitted. “It’s not that I resent him, Padmé; I’m over that now. I suppose I’m just…envious. When I think of what happened on that day…” he stopped as the memories of the agony he had undergone at the hands of Sidious’ droids jumped to mind.

Padmé put her hand on his, stopping the flood of memories cold. “I know,” she said softly. “But there’s no sense thinking about the past, Ani; there is nothing we can do to change it. All we can do is look forward to the future, and be grateful that we are together now, all four of us.”

Anakin smiled, lifting her hand to his mouth to kiss it tenderly. “I am grateful,” he said. “More grateful than words can say, Padmé. But there were always be a part of me that has regrets, a part of me that wishes I could change the past.”

“I know that,” Padmé replied. “That’s to be expected. I’m just so relieved that you and Obi-Wan have made peace.”

“So am I,” he replied. “I know that making peace with him was my test, Padmé, the last step I needed to take in order to rid myself of the Dark Side completely.”

“And you did it,” she said with a smile. “You have come so far in such a short time. I’m so proud of you, Ani,” she added.

Anakin smiled. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Padmé,” he told her. “If it weren’t for your steadfast belief in me, I would still be living in darkness. If you hadn’t taken the chance to come to me for protection, I would have spent the rest of my life in that darkness, serving that monster that enslaved me in the first place.”

“That won’t happen, Ani,” she told him. “You have won, and the dark side has lost.”

“Not quite,” Anakin reminded her. “In order for the Sith to be completely destroyed, I have to destroy Palpatine. He knows, Padmé. He knows that I’m alive and that I have renounced the Dark Side.”

Padmé felt a wave of cold fear spread over her at his words. “Anakin, how? How could he possibly know?”

Anakin thought for a moment, trying to figure out the best way to explain it to her. “Think of the Force as a great body of water. What happens when you throw a pebble into a lake?”

“It makes concentric waves,” Padmé replied.

Anakin nodded. “Exactly. The Force is something like that; when something happens to a Force sensitive, be it good or bad, it can be sensed by others, as though a pebble has been tossed into a lake. It sends out waves in the Force, ripples, or tremors. Well, imagine if you threw a boulder into a lake,” he continued. “That is the magnitude of what has happened to me. Turning from the Dark side back to the light has caused a huge tremor in the force, a shock wave if you like. Palpatine has felt it, I know he has, I felt his reaction to it only yesterday. He knows Anakin Skywalker has returned, and he knows that I mean to kill him. And he’s right, I do.”

“But why, Ani?” she asked. “We have our whole lives ahead of us, we have our children, you have your health back; why would you risk all that now?”

“Because it is my destiny to do so, Padmé,” Anakin explained patiently. “I am the Chosen One, and as the Chosen One I must destroy the Sith. I am already halfway there; destroying Darth Vader was half the battle. But I must destroy Sidious, or else he will find another apprentice and the Sith will rule the galaxy indefinitely. Can you see how important this is, Padmé?”

Padmé looked down at her hand in his. “Yes, I suppose I can,” she replied. “It just scares me to think of you facing him, Ani,” she said, looking up at him. “If something were to happen to you…” she stopped as her emotions overcame her.

“Nothing is going to happen to me,” Anakin assured her. “I won’t be alone, Padmé. I have three other Jedi to help me. The four of us will be no match for him. He will be destroyed, Padmé; I promise you.”

Padmé only nodded, knowing her husband well enough to realize that there would be no dissuading him from this course of action. Anakin Skywalker was nothing if not single minded. And if she were completely honest with herself, Padmé would have to admit that there was a part of her that craved revenge on Palpatine for all that he had done. He stole everything from us, she thought angrily. Everything! Perhaps it is right that Anakin make him pay for that.

“I know you will fulfill your destiny, Anakin,” she said at last. “And I will support you in doing what you feel is right, you know that.”

Anakin smiled. “I know you will,” he replied. “I couldn’t do it without you, Padmé. Your love has made me what I am. I would be nothing without you.”

Padmé said nothing, but merely leaned toward him and kissed him, allowing her actions to speak for her. Anakin kissed her back, holding her face in his hands, not caring if others in the refectory were watching their open display of affection.

“Let’s go home,” he said at last, looking into her eyes, his forehead touching hers.

Padmé smiled, recognizing the warm look in his eyes. “Yes, let’s go home.”

Anakin and Padmé caught up with Obi-Wan and the twins a short time later.

“Did you find it?” Padmé asked Obi-Wan. “The place where the twins were born?”

“No,” Obi-Wan said, his eyes troubled. “It seems the maternity wing of the facility was….under renovations.”

Padmé and Anakin looked at one another, knowing exactly what he was talking about.

“That would be the handiwork of the emperor’s henchmen,” Anakin remarked bitterly. “In their obsession to find any record of Padmé and the twins’ existence, they tore the place apart.”

“Yes, it looked like it,” Obi-Wan remarked. “I only hope the twins weren’t able to pick up on the negative imprints I sensed there.”

“I’m sure they were,” Anakin replied, looking down at his children. “They are very sensitive.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed,” Obi-Wan said. “Are we all set then? Has Captain Tanik readied the ship?”

“I spoke to him earlier,” Padmé said. “So hopefully we’re all set to go.”

“Let’s be off then,” Anakin said, taking his children by the hands. “I’m ready to go home.”



Bail Organa was just leaving the docking bay as Anakin and his family arrived. It was obvious from the viceroy’s face that something was troubling him deeply.

“Senator Organa,” Obi-Wan said. “We didn’t expect to see you back here! Is everything alright?”

“No, I’m afraid not, Obi-Wan,” Organa replied. “I had a visit from the emperor.”

Anakin frowned. “He knows I’m alive,” he stated matter-of-factly.

Obi-Wan looked at him quickly. “Are you certain?” he asked. He looked back at Organa. “Did he say something?”

“He didn’t say anything,” Organa replied. “But he had the strangest…fit while I was with him. There’s no other way to describe it. I thought the old bastard was having a heart attack.”

“If only we could be so lucky,” Padmé commented dryly.

“He was feeling the shift,” Obi-Wan realized, looking back at Anakin. “He must have felt the change, Anakin. And now he knows.”

Anakin nodded. “Yes, he knows,” he agreed. “But that knowledge will not help him, Obi-Wan. His end is coming, and I think he knows it.”

“He will be no match for you now, Anakin,” Organa remarked. “Not now that you are healthy and whole again. I saw fear in his eyes, I’m sure of it.”

“He should be afraid, “Obi-Wan put in. “The Sith are about to be destroyed forever, he has good reason to be afraid. Four Jedi against one Sith; he doesn’t stand a hope in hell.”

“Gentlemen, language,” Padmé said, frowning first at Obi-Wan and then at Bail.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Obi-Wan said contritely.

“We are just on our way home,” Anakin told Organa. “Are you coming?”

Organa shook his head. “I will go to Dagobah,” he replied. “I will bring Yoda and Nejaa back to Delaya so the four of you can make your plans.”

Anakin nodded. “Very good, we’ll meet you back on Delaya in a few days.”

“You will,” Organa replied. “Good luck.”

Anakin shook hands with the Senator, and then he and Obi-Wan escorted Padmé and the twins to the ship that was waiting to take them home, as Organa returned to his own ship to leave for Dagobah. Soon both ships were on their way, heading towards opposite ends of the galaxy.

[therealthing]

Chapter 52

Night had fallen on Delaya when the Skywalkers arrived there. Obi-Wan and Anakin each carried a twin to the house, both Luke and Leia having fallen fast asleep hours earlier.

The house was dark when they reached it, so Padmé went ahead to unlock the door and activate the lights. Opening the door, she stepped inside and then let Obi-Wan and Anakin enter carrying the twins. The house was quiet, and Padmé half wondered if Dormé had vacated the premises in their absence. But soon the sound of people entering the house and walking about awoke her, and she poked her head out of her room in time to see Obi-Wan enter the twins’ room with Leia sleeping in his arms. Dormé hastily put on her robe and headed down the stairs to see what was going on.

“Padmé, you’re home!”

Padmé, who was in the kitchen preparing to make a pot of tea, turned around at the sound of her voice. “Yes, we just got in,” she said. “Sorry we woke you.”

“It’s okay,” Dormé said, watching her friend, feeling terribly awkward with her. Things had been so strained the last time they saw one another that Dormé had to wonder where she stood with Padmé. The fact that Obi-Wan was in the house, and helping with the children made her think that perhaps they were not as bad as she had feared.

“Is everything okay?” Dormé asked. “Anakin…he’s…he’s alright?”

Padmé nodded. “Yes, he’s fine,” she replied. “We were able to get him there in time. He and Obi-Wan have mended their differences too. I suppose we have you to thank for bringing them together,” she added with a smile.

“Padmé, you know I never meant any harm by leaving him that note,” Dormé replied. “I truly thought that you had abandoned your idea of going to Vader. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble, you must believe me!”

Padmé walked over to her friend and put her hands on her shoulders. “Yes, I know that Dormé. This has been a rough time for all of us. I want to apologize for the way I spoke to you the last time I was here, and for striking you. That was a terrible thing to do, and I’m sorry.”

Dormé smiled, relieved beyond measure to have Padmé back in her corner. “I’m sorry too,” she said. “For ever doubting you, for all the things I’ve said about Anakin. I should have known better than to trust your judgment, and for that I’m sorry.”

Padmé smiled, and hugged Dormé. “I’ve missed you,” she said. “You are my oldest friend, Dormé. I need you in my life.”

Dormé nodded, her own tears preventing her from speaking. “You’ll always have me, Padmé,” she replied at last. “As long as you need me.”

“Well, looks like the twins are down for the count,” Anakin said as he entered the kitchen. He was surprised to see Padmé and Dormé hugging one another.

“Anakin, it’s so good to see you well,” Dormé said as she released Padmé. “I was so worried.”

Anakin was surprised by her words, and looked at Padmé, who merely nodded.

“Thank you,” he said at last. “It’s good to be home. I don’t suppose you have anything to eat lying around, do you?”

“I’m sure I can find something,” Dormé replied with a smile.

“Great,” Anakin replied. “Because I’m starving.”

“So what else is new?” Obi-Wan quipped as he entered the room.

Anakin laughed and proceeded to help Padmé with the tea as Dormé bustled around to find something to eat for the four of them. She felt flustered to be in Obi-Wan’s presence again, and couldn’t even work up the nerve to look at him right away.

“It’s good to see you again, Dormé,” he said at last, sensing her nervousness.

She looked up from what she was doing and smiled at him, her cheeks turning pink. “It’s nice to see you too, Obi-Wan,” she replied. “Are you hungry too? I’d be happy to get something for you.”

“That would be lovely, thank you,” he replied as he sat down at the table.

Anakin came up behind Padmé and put his arms around her waist, kissing her neck.

“Ani, we’re not alone!” she chided him gently.

“So?” he replied. “We don’t have to pretend any more, Padmé. Do you realize that? We don’t have to hide our marriage any more.”

Padmé turned to him. “You’re right,” she replied with a smile. “Hard to imagine, isn’t it?”

He nodded. “It is,” he said. “But it’s true. Now we can let the whole galaxy know how we feel about one another,” he told her, kissing her again.

Padmé smiled. “Yes, but maybe right now isn’t the best time to do so,” she replied.

“Alright, alright,” he said, releasing her. “I’ll try to behave. For now at least,” he added with a smile.

Padmé laughed. “Can you reach that teapot up there?” she said, pointing to the top shelf.

Anakin brought it down effortlessly using the Force. “You mean this one?” he said, floating it to her.

“Show off,” she said with a smile. “Thank you.”

“No problem,” he replied.

“Here we are,” Dormé announced as she brought a plate of sandwiches and one of biscuits to the table.

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

“Here’s the tea,” Padmé said, setting cups down before each of them.

“Where is Master Nejaa?” Dormé asked as she sat down.

“He went to Dagobah to find Yoda,” Padmé told her.

“I will be most interested to see what Master Yoda thinks of your transformation,” Obi-Wan remarked. “Although something tells me he already sensed it happening.”

“That’s very possible,” Anakin replied. “And only makes sense, since Palpatine did.”

Obi-Wan nodded solemnly. “Yes, I wasn’t surprised by that at all. It was really only a matter of time before he did so.”

Dormé, who really had no idea about how such things were possible, merely nodded in agreement, only too happy to be sitting beside Obi-Wan, listening to his accent again.

Anakin was about to reply when he stopped, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I think we’re about to be invaded,” he said.

Padmé looked at him in alarm. “What are you…” she stopped as Luke and Leia ran into the room. “What are you doing up?” she asked as Leia and Luke hopped onto their father’s lap.

“We’re hungry,” Leia announced. Luke nodded in agreement.

Anakin looked at Padmé. “Sounds rather suspicious to me,” he said.

Padmé nodded. “Yes, I think so too,” she replied, offering the tray of sandwiches to the twins.

“You must be happy to be home,” Obi-Wan said to the twins with a smile.

Luke and Leia nodded as they munched on their sandwiches.

“It’s been very quiet around here lately,” Dormé remarked. “It’s good to have you back.”

“Obi-Wan, why did you hurt our daddy?” Leia asked, looking at the Jedi Master intently.

Obi-Wan was taken aback by her question, and was momentarily flummoxed by the child’s candor. He looked up at Anakin for help.

“Sometime adults disagree about things, Leia,” Anakin told her gently, “and sometimes we use physical means to settle those disagreements. It’s not right, but sometimes we do it anyway.”

“Sometimes Leia and me fight,” Luke piped up. “She sits on me and pinches my nose.”

The adults had to suppress their laughter at Luke’s solemn statement.

“And what do you do to her, Luke?” Padmé prodded.

Luke looked up at his mother. “Well, sometimes I pull her hair,” he admitted sheepishly. “But Mommy always makes us kiss and make up,” he hastened to add.

“Did you and Obi-Wan kiss and make up?” Leia asked her father.

Anakin looked at Obi-Wan and laughed. “Well, no,” he replied. “We just hugged. No kisses.”

Obi-Wan nodded with a smile. “Yes, Jedi don’t do much kissing as a rule,” he added.

“Daddy kisses us all the time,” Luke piped up. “And even Mommy too sometimes.”

“Is that so?” Obi-Wan replied thoughtfully. “Well your daddy has his own set of rules, little one,” he said looking at Anakin with a smile. “He always has.”

“That’s okay if you don’t want to kiss Obi-Wan, Daddy,” Leia spoke up. “Dormé will do if for you. I know she’d like to.”

Anakin nearly choked on the mouthful of tea he had, and had to fight not to spray it across the table. Obi-Wan was utterly speechless, and Padmé covered her mouth to hide her smile.

“I….I’ll start cleaning up this mess,” Dormé stammered as she hastily rose from her chair.

Anakin looked at Obi-Wan with a smile. “Told you so,” he said softly.

Obi-Wan merely shook his head, his face completely red.

“Maybe it’s time we got these two into bed,” Padmé suggested.

“Good idea,” Anakin agreed, standing up with a twin under each arm. “Let’s go you two. And don’t tell me you’re not tired. I caught you both yawning more than once.”

“There’s a bed set up in the room down the hall, Obi-Wan,” Padmé said as Anakin left the room with the twins. “And a fresher across the hall.”

“Thank you Padmé,” he said. “I’m most grateful for your hospitality.”

Padmé smiled. “Well, it’s not exactly the palace of Theed, but it’s cozy. I hope you sleep well.”

“Thank you,” he replied. “You too.”

You could always ask Dormé to share her bed, Anakin said to him through the Force.

Obi-Wan shook his head. Shut up and go to bed.

Anakin only laughed in response as he proceeded up the stairs. Padmé followed behind, getting the distinct feeling that she had missed something.

“Now, time to go to sleep,” she said as Anakin set the twins down in their room. “Hop into bed, both of you.”

Both of the children complied, and were tucked in by their parents.

“Leia, you mustn’t say things like that about Dormé,” Padmé told her gently. “You embarrassed her.”

“Not to mention Obi-Wan,” Anakin added with an amused expression.

“Obi-Wan’s face went all red!” Luke said. “Like that time he went swimming without sunscreen.”

Padmé had to smiled at the innocence of the twins. “Yes, it did,” she agreed. “Because he was embarrassed too.”

“Why are they embarrassed?” Leia asked. “They both want to kiss. Why would they be embarrassed?”

“Because they don’t want everyone to know it,” Padmé explained. “You mustn’t share the thoughts of others, Leia,” she continued. “I know it’s easy for you to see what others are thinking, but it’s not always right for you to share those thoughts. Sometimes they are private, and shouldn’t be shared.”

“Okay, Mommy,” Leia said at last.

“Goodnight love,” Padmé said, leaning forward to kiss Leia. “Sweet dreams.”


Anakin closed the door quietly behind them. “I thought I was going to lose it when Leia said that,” he told his wife as they walked down the hall together.

Padmé smiled. “Yes, me too,” she replied. “Poor Dormé.”

“Poor Obi-Wan,” Anakin replied.

“You think he has feelings for her?” Padmé asked as they entered their bedroom. “

“I didn’t think it was possible, but now I’m not so sure,” Anakin replied. “Leia certainly seems to think so.”

Padmé nodded. “She did say that, “I’ve learned not to underestimate the twins’ hunches.”

“Very wise of you,” Anakin replied as he closed the door behind them. “But for now, let’s not worry about Dormé and Obi-Wan,” he said, pulling her into his arms. “I have other things on my mind right now.”

Padmé raised her eyebrows. “Is that so?”

Anakin nodded. “Yes,” he replied. “Shall I share them with you?”

“Absolutely,” she said as he pulled her closer.

[therealthing]

Chapter 53

Anakin found himself restless in the night. He had so much going on in his mind that sleep was evasive and sporadic. The confrontation with his former master weighed heavily upon him; not because he had any doubts about his course of action, but rather because the thought of facing Palpatine again bothered him tremendously. How will I keep my anger under control when I confront him? How can I keep my hatred for him from betraying me? He wrestled with these thoughts as he lay with his wife nestled up against him. The thought of Palpatine harming his family filled Anakin with rage. But this rage is different, this rage is not borne of the dark side, this is merely me protecting my family.

Anakin was close to sleep when he felt a tremor in the Force; no, it was not a tremor, it was an invasion. Sidious is trying to contact me…he wants to see my thoughts. Anakin slammed up his mental guards at once, preventing the evil Sith Lord from accessing his inner thoughts. You will not win this time, Sidious, he told him. You have no idea what you have unleashed upon yourself with your lies and your betrayal, old man, he told his former master. I have been remade, I am whole and fully human now…your feeble skills are no match for me now old man. So prepare yourself, because you won’t even see it coming. He ended the psychic communication abruptly, pushing all thoughts of the Sith from his mind as he put an arm around his wife and drifted off to sleep.

Somewhere on the other side of the galaxy, the galactic Emperor sat bolt upright in his throne, as though starting from a nightmare. His withered, empty heart was pounding so violently in his chest that he feared it would burst; his pasty skin was bathed in sweat.

“Sire, are you alright?” one of the royal guards asked as they tentatively approached the throne.

Palpatine stared ahead of him, his yellow eyes looking at nothing in particular as he tried to control the shaking he felt in his ancient limbs. He felt something in the Force, he heard the challenge of his former apprentice, and, for the first time in a very long time, he was afraid. Anakin Skywalker is alive….and he means to kill me…Palpatine thought, trembling in mortal fear. He knows my weaknesses, he knows everything about me…how will I possibly defeat him?

“Sire?”

Palpatine finally turned his attention to the guard. “I want an entire squadron of clones sent to each quadrant in the galaxy,” he said. “Anakin Skywalker is alive, and I want him and that b*tch he’s married to delivered to me personally,” he said, trying to sound masterful. He was grateful that the deep hood he wore prevented the guard from seeing his eyes, for he was certain that the red robed sentinel would be shocked to see the fear in them. “Now!” he barked.

“At once!”



“Can I have more pancakes please, Mommy?” Luke asked as the family sat around the breakfast table the next morning.

“Of course,” Padmé replied, placing two more on her son’s plate. “How’s that?”

“Good,” he said with a smile. “Thank you.”

Padmé leaned over and kissed Luke on the cheek. “You’re welcome,” she said. She looked up at Anakin who sat on the other side of Luke. “More, Ani?” she offered.

Anakin was lost in thought, however, and did not hear his wife’s question.

“Anakin?”

Finally Anakin shook himself from his thoughts and looked at his wife. “Sorry angel, what did you say?”

Padmé frowned. “Are you okay?” she asked. “You seem light years away this morning.”

Anakin sighed. “I suppose I am, in a manner of speaking,” he replied.

Padmé watched his face for a moment. “Palpatine?” she asked simply.

Anakin nodded. “He’s trying to find us, Padmé,” he told her. “He’s determined to find us. I won’t let that happen.”

Padmé nodded, believing and trusting in her husband completely, but still feeling a chill go down her spine at the very thought of that monster finding her precious children.

“Good morning all,” Obi-Wan said as he entered the room. He immediately sensed the tension in the room and looked at Anakin, concerned. “Something wrong?” he asked as he sat down.

“Daddy’s worried about the emperor,” Leia informed him.

Obi-Wan was surprised by the child’s insight and looked from her to Anakin.

Anakin nodded. “Yes, that’s right,” he said. “But don’t you worry about him, Leia, or you either Luke. I have everything under control.”

“We know, Daddy,” Luke replied. “You are the best Jedi in the galaxy; Obi-Wan told us so.”

Anakin smiled, and looked up at Obi-Wan. “He did, did he?”

Obi-Wan shrugged. “Well, you did have a good teacher,” he said with a smile.

Anakin laughed. “Yes, the very best.”

“Perhaps one day you two will become Jedi,” Obi-Wan said to Luke and Leia. “I’m certain you would both make fine Jedi Knights.”

“You’re assuming of course that the Order can be restored,” Anakin said.

“It will be,” Obi-Wan replied. “It is part of the prophecy, Anakin,” he explained. “You will destroy the Sith and restore balance to the Force.”

“What is the Sith?” Luke asked, looking at his father.

Anakin looked at his young son, trying to formulate the words he needed to explain such a thing to him. “The Sith are the opposite of the Jedi,” he said at last. “They use the Dark Side of the Force, while we Jedi use the Light. They are evil, Luke, nothing but evil.”

Luke nodded. “That old man with the yellow eyes, he’s evil,” he said matter-of-factly.

Padmé and Anakin looked at one another, unsettled by their son’s remark.

“You’ve seen this man, Luke?” Obi-Wan asked.

Luke nodded. “Yes, both me and Leia have,” he replied. “We’ve had dreams about him hurting Daddy. But not like he is now, when he was wearing the mask. He used to hurt Daddy when he wore the mask.”

Obi-Wan looked at Anakin. “Is that true?” he asked.

Anakin nodded. “Yes, Palpatine is a sadist of the first order,” he said bitterly. “He enjoyed seeing his slave suffer both physically and psychologically, starting with the butchery I suffered at the hands of his droids. He would punish me for the smallest infraction, the most innocuous remark.”

Padmé frowned, sickened by the thought of Palpatine causing Anakin pain and taking pleasure from it. She remembered the occasion when she and the twins were still on board Vader’s ship when Palpatine had used Sith lightning to inflict punishment on his servant. No more, she thought, never again.

“I expect Master Yoda and Master Nejaa will arrive later on today,” Obi-Wan said. “We will need to make a plan, Anakin. Especially now that the emperor knows you are alive.”

Anakin nodded. “Yes, very true,” he said, looking at Padmé, sensing her unease. “It will be over soon, Padmé, I promise you. And then there will be no more need for hiding.”

Padmé smiled, putting her hand on his. “I know, Ani,” she said. “I have total faith in you.”

Dormé entered the room at this point, having been outside picking berries from the garden behind the house.

“Good morning everyone,” she said, feeling terribly self conscious in Obi-Wan’s presence. “I have fresh berries here if anyone would like some with their pancakes,” she told them as she took the basket over to the sink.

“That sounds delightful,” Obi-Wan said, standing up. “Let me help you wash them.”

Anakin and Padmé exchange a look at Obi-Wan’s gallant gesture.

Leia watched Obi-Wan and Dormé and then turned to her parents triumphantly. “See?” she said with a smile. “I told ya.”


It was evening by the time the Tantive IV landed on Delaya carrying its most significant passengers. Yoda was impressed by the beauty of the planet, which reminded him a lot of Kashyyyk in its verdant splendor.

“Master Yoda, welcome to Delaya,” Obi-Wan said as he greeted the small party outside. “Please come inside. The twins are having their bath,” he added with a smile.

“Most anxious I am to meet the Skywalker twins,” Yoda said as he, Nejaa and Bail followed Obi-Wan into the house.

“Well if this is anything like their usual bath time, it could be a while before you do so, Yoda,” Nejaa remarked with a smile.

Organa chuckled as he followed the three Jedi into the house.

Dormé made the newcomers feel welcome and offered them freshly made wild berry muffins and tea. She excused herself to go upstairs and let Anakin and Padmé know that their guests had arrived.

Yoda watched Obi-Wan closely as Dormé left the room. Most interesting, he reflected. Obi-Wan turned around and looked at the diminutive Jedi Master. “What is interesting?” he asked.

Yoda smiled. “You tell me,” he said.

“Master Yoda, it’s good to see you again.”

Yoda looked over to the foot of the stairs where Anakin stood, shirtless and rather wet from bathing his twins.

“Who had the bath, Anakin,” Nejaa asked. “You or the twins?”

Anakin smiled. “Well, they do get a little carried away sometimes,” he explained.

“And you do nothing to discourage them,” Padmé said, coming behind him.

“Senator Amidala,” Yoda said, waddling over to her. “Most happy to see you again, I am,” he said with a warm smile.

Padmé smiled back. “It is good to see you too, Master Yoda.” She looked up at Nejaa. “And you as well, Master Nejaa.” Last she turned to Organa. “Again you have our thanks, Bail. I don’t know what we’d have done without all your help.”

Bail smiled. “I’ve been happy to do what I can, Padmé,” he replied. “I have a feeling that the galaxy is about to change for the better, and I for one am honored to be a part of it.”

“You’re right about that, Bail,” Anakin said. “The galaxy is about to change. I mean to see to that personally.”

Yoda had not taken his eyes from Anakin since he had entered the room. As they had suspected, Yoda had sensed the change in Anakin, but to see it first hand was something else. The Chosen One he is at last, he reflected.

“Master Nejaa!” Luke exclaimed as he came down the steps in his pajamas, followed by his sister.

Anakin turned and took his children by the hands, the fatherly pride fairly emanating from him. “Master Yoda, I’d like you to meet our children, Luke and Leia. Children, this is Master Yoda, the wisest of all the Jedi Masters.”

Luke and Leia looked at the diminutive being before them. He was not at all what they expected, but neither of them questioned for a moment that he was truly a powerful Jedi.

“Good to meet you, it is,” Yoda said to the children. “Strong you are with the Force, like your father.”

“You’re small,” Leia said, much to the embarrassment of Anakin and Padmé.

Yoda’s smile only grew at the child’s candor. “Yes, so I am,” he agreed. “But size makes no difference when one has the Force as his ally. Teach you, we will,” he said, nodding his head slowly. “The Jedi Order, the future you are.”

Anakin stood behind his children, a hand on each of them. He looked down at Yoda. “They are the reason I have been redeemed, Master Yoda,” he said. “They and my wife. They were my life line through all of this.”

Yoda continued to nod. “Yes, so I see,” he replied. “Great love you have for them, and they for you. Perhaps it is time to rethink some of our ways, don’t you think, Obi-Wan?”

Obi-Wan nodded with a smile. “Yes, I think so, Master. It seems we have underestimated the importance of family all this time.”

“We have indeed,” Master Nejaa said, looking at Anakin with a smile. “The Chosen One has taught us just how important a family is, for I know without his family Darth Vader never would have returned to the Light.”

“But he did return,” Padmé spoke up at this point, coming over to Anakin’s side and holding his hand. “He is gone, irrevocably and completely.”

“Yes, he is,” Yoda agreed. “And now the Sith he will destroy,” he added, “and fulfill the destiny he was born to.”

Anakin nodded, squeezing his wife’s hand warmly. “Thank you, Master Yoda,” he said. “Thank you for believing in me, for not giving up on me. Your faith in me means more to me than I can say.”

Yoda looked up at Anakin appraisingly. “I have always had faith in you, Anakin,” he replied. “It was you who lacked faith in yourself. Now, much planning we have to do,” he said, turning to the others. “Time is short, for the emperor knows of your redemption.”

“Yes, he does,” Anakin replied. “Come children,” he said, holding his hands out to the twins. “Time for bed.”

Luke and Leia, who were fascinated by the old Jedi Master, took their father’s hands reluctantly and went up to bed with he and their mother.

[therealthing]

Chapter 54

Having settled the twins for the night, Padmé and Anakin rejoined the others downstairs.

“You know Palpatine better than any of us,” Organa said, addressing Anakin. What will he do now that he knows you’re alive?”

“He will send out clones,” Anakin replied. “Thousands of them, in an effort to find me. He’s afraid,” he added with a smile. “I could feel it.”

“He ought to be,” Obi-Wan said. “He doesn’t stand a chance against you now, Anakin, and he bloody well knows it.”

Anakin nodded. “I think so,” he replied. “He didn’t foresee this happening, and it has him rattled. He has always thought of himself as being omniscient – it is unnerving to realize that he isn’t.”

“His actions would indicate that he is panicking,” Nejaa said. “Sensing out thousands of clones to search the galaxy? Rather desperate measures, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yes, I’d say so,” Organa said. “Of course, he doesn’t have Darth Vader anymore to do his dirty work for him,” he added, looking at Anakin. “Clones aren’t nearly as effective without someone to command them.”

Yoda nodded. “Correct you are,” he said. “Excellent at following orders clones are, but few are capable of independent thought.”

“They’re something none of you are taking into consideration,” Padmé spoke up at this point.

The others turned to her expectantly.

“Anakin has just recovered from a life threatening injury,” she said, looking at her husband with concern. “He nearly died from a blow that normally would have barely affected him. Clearly his body is not ready yet for a battle the likes of which you are all anticipating.”

“You’re right, Padmé,” Obi-Wan replied. “Sith lightening would be deadly now in Anakin’s present recuperative state.”

“We may not have the luxury of time, Padmé,” Anakin said to his wife. “I would like nothing more than to have plenty of time to get my full strength back; but we never know when he will strike, when his clones will find us. We have to be ready at any time.”

Padmé frowned. “I don’t like the thought of this,” she said quietly. “It’s just too risky.”

“Time we will have,” Yoda spoke up. “Weeks it will take for the clones to discover your hiding place. Time enough for Anakin to make a full recovery.”

“I hope you’re right, Yoda,” Nejaa said. “We almost lost him once,” he added, looking at Anakin. “I don’t believe any of us want to go through that again.”

“No, we certainly don’t,” Padmé said, reaching out and taking her husband’s hand. “I have already lost him once, I won’t lose him again.”

Anakin looked at his wife and squeezed her hand. “You won’t lose me again, Padmé,” he averred. “I promise you.”

“Well it’s been a long day,” Obi-Wan said. “Perhaps we all ought to get a good night sleep.”

“A good idea,” Nejaa agreed. “We need to be alert to prepare for what is coming.”


Imperial City-Coruscant

“No leads yet, sire,” Commander Daws reported nervously. “We have squadrons scouring every sector; it’s only a matter of time before...”

“Only a matter of time?” shrieked Palpatine. “Only a matter of time before Skywalker makes his move! He is just biding his time, waiting for the right moment to strike.”

Commander Daws was unsure how to respond to the emperor’s outburst. He had never seen Palpatine so agitated, and had certainly never seen him so terrified.

“It’s been close to a month,” Palpatine continued. “Double the number of clones,” he decided. “Two squadrons in every sector! I want no planet unsearched, do you understand me?”

Daws hesitated to tell the emperor that such a drain on the Empire’s defenses could be dangerous, particularly with the recent increase in skirmishes with the newly established Rebel Alliance. He knew better than to question Palpatine’s orders; he had witnessed first hand what befell those foolhardy enough to do so.

“I will see to it at once, sire,” Daws replied, bowing to the incarnation of evil before him.



Planet Delaya

Nearly a month had passed since Yoda and Nejaa had joined the Skywalker household. Bail Organa had, of course, returned to Alderaan, but had sent additional security men as well as more provisions. Quarters were rather cramped in the small cottage, but they were making do the best they could.

Luke and Leia, although aware that something was worrying the minds of the adults in their lives, were innocent enough not to let it bother them. They were having too much fun with all the new, interesting guests in their home. Yoda was of particular interest to the twins. As for Yoda himself, he found himself becoming uncharacteristically fond of the Skywalker children, and spent a great deal of time with them, teaching them the ways of the Force and marveling in their natural abilities.

“Care for a hand with that, Dormé?” Obi-Wan asked one evening as she prepared dinner. Obi-Wan had come to realize that Dormé was not alone in her feelings, that he himself had significant feelings where she was concerned that were not of a Jedi-like nature. At one time he never would have allowed himself to feel anything for a woman; he would have sublimated those feelings and ignored them utterly until they disappeared over time. But now, things were different. Anakin was married with children, Yoda had seen that the value of having a family; so what was to stop him from pursuing a relationship of his own? Besides, he had found himself envious of Anakin’s relationship with his wife and children; part of him longed for such a relationship of his own.

“Sure, thanks,” Dormé replied with a smile as she handed him a bowl of potatoes and a peeler. “Hope you don’t mind peeling,” she added.

“Not at all,” he replied, picking up a potato. “I learned how to cook when I was a Padawan, many years ago,” he told her. “I’ve peeled many a potato in my time.”

Dormé laughed. “I had no idea you were so accomplished, Obi-Wan,” she said.

Obi-Wan shrugged. “Well, perhaps in some things,” he admitted. “In others I’m still something of a novice,” he said, looking at her, hoping she realized what he was saying.

Dormé understood what he meant. “Well we all need to start somewhere,” she told him, putting a hand on his shoulder as she stood up from the table.

Obi-Wan smiled and returned his attention to the task at hand.





“Come along children, it’s time to get back to the house,” Padmé called as she and Anakin picked up the toys and books that the twins had brought with them. It was a warm day in late summer; the leaves of the enormous forest that surrounded the cottage already bore the signs of autumn.

“Is there anything left in their room?” Anakin remarked with a smile as they continued to pick up toys.

Padmé laughed. “Well, considering they have a houseful of toys, thanks to a certain someone, this barely makes a dent in them.”

“Ah yes,” he remembered with a nod. “I had a lot of fun picking those out you know,” he told her as he picked up the basket of toys. “Just seeing the look on the storekeeper’s face was almost as fun.”

Padmé smiled. “Yes, I’m sure he must have been rather shocked seeing Darth Vader toy shopping.”

“He was rather surprised to say the least,” Anakin replied. “Particularly when I was picking out dolls for Leia.”

Padmé laughed again as they walked towards the path. “Luke, Leia, you’ve gathered enough berries,” she called to them. “Time to get back into the house.”

But Luke and Leia were not collecting berries where they were mere moments ago. Anakin looked at Padmé, a feeling of unease blossoming within him. They were just here- we only stepped a meter away to pick up the toys…

“Ani…” Padmé said, her own fear growing.

“Luke! Leia!” Anakin shouted as he ran through the forest, his heart pounding within him. “LUKE! LEIA!”

“We’re right here, Daddy. We found a bigger patch of berries, see?”
Anakin whirled around to see his twins, each holding a basket overflowing with berries, their faces both besmeared with berry juice.

Anakin wanted to scream he was so relieved to see them. “Padmé, over here!” he called. He took the baskets from them and set them on the ground, and then hugged them tightly; not wishing to frighten them with what he feared had happened.

“That’s great,” he said, forcing himself to smile. “Please don’t wander off again, okay? You scared your mother and me.”

“Sorry,” Leia said as Padmé came running over. She hugged the twins too, doing her best to hide her terror.

“Come along,” Anakin said, picking up the baskets and handing them to the children. “Time to get back home.”

Luke and Leia took their mother’s hands and the four of them headed back to the house.

[sexystarwarslover]

such a great story cantwait to read more

[therealthing]

Chapter 55

Planet Delaya

“The twins have certainly mastered their shielding abilities well,” Anakin told Yoda later that evening. “Perhaps too well. Even I couldn’t locate them for a few moments. It was terrifying.”

Yoda nodded. “Important it is that they can hide, Anakin,” he reminded him, “Save them it may.”

Padmé frowned. “I hope it never comes to that,” she said. “Palpatine doesn’t know about them, isn’t that what you said, Obi-Wan?”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Yes, Bail and I made sure that the data banks at Polis Massa contained false information. But the twins are so strong; it is only a matter of time before the emperor senses their existence. That is why it is so important that they know how to hide themselves, Padmé.”

“I understand that,” Padmé replied. “I just wish it wasn’t necessary, that’s all,” she added quietly. “I just want this to be over; I just want to have a normal life with my family.”

Anakin could sense her frustration and anxiety, and took her hand in his. “It will be over soon, Padmé,” he assured her. “Perhaps it is time to take matters into our own hands,” he suggested, looking at the other Jedi.

“What are you suggesting?” Nejaa asked. “That we go to him?”

Anakin nodded. “Exactly,” he replied. “He is not expecting it, not with all the clones all over the galaxy trying to find us.”

“But how do we get close enough with his royal guards everywhere?” Obi-Wan asked.

“Clearly we need a plan,” Nejaa said. “A surprise attack would be the most effective. As Anakin has already told us, Palpatine is afraid. We must use that to our advantage. Now that you are healed Anakin, it is time to consider taking the initiative and making the first move. After all, the best defense is a strong offense.”

Yoda nodded. “Yes, very true,” he agreed. “If unprepared he is, easier our task will be.”

“Anakin, do you know where he is right now?” Obi-Wan asked. “You were able to sense his fear; can you also tell where he is?”

“He spends a great deal of time on Coruscant,” Anakin replied. “He is paranoid about the Senate, and feels like he needs to be close at hand.”

Padmé nodded. “He’s just looking for a way to dissolve the senate permanently, isn’t he?”

“I’m sure he would like nothing better,” Anakin replied. “It’s the last vestige of democracy, although the senators really have no power anymore. It’s a farce, Padmé, it’s not a real governing body.”

“Yes, it’s a slap in the face to those who value real democracy,” Padmé responded.

“And a breeding ground for the Rebel Alliance,” added Nejaa. “I can tell you that from my own experience. I am amazed how short sighted the emperor is.”

“Short sighted the Jedi were as well,” Yoda spoke up. “Arrogant we were not to see the threat right under our very noses until it was too late to stop it.”

“Nor did we see what he was doing to one of ours until it was too late to stop it,” Obi-Wan added, looking at Anakin. “I blame myself for that.”

Anakin shook his head. “Don’t blame yourself, Obi-Wan,” he said. “It was my own arrogance and recklessness that allowed me to fall into Palpatine’s trap. You have nothing to feel responsible for.”

“Perhaps not,” Obi-Wan replied. “But I still do.”

“Pointless this conjecturing is,” Yoda spoke up. “The past cannot be changed. The future we must look to now.”

“Yes, the future,” Anakin said, looking at his wife with a smile. “So let’s make a plan.”

Imperial City- Coruscant

Adia Passik reread the expense report on the datapad. That can’t be right, she thought in confusion. She verified the data for the third time, and reached the same conclusion. Darth Vader’s expense account was accessed on the same day that he died? How is this possible?? Adia was a meticulous book keeper- she needed to be in order to keep track of the enormous wealth and expenses of the Galactic Empire. She had done this job for nearly two years, and had been able to account for any anomaly, no matter how small. But this one had her stumped.

“Arfour, come here please,” she called to her assistant. The droid trundled over to her at once.

“How may I be of assistance?” the droid asked.

“These dates can’t be right,” she said, indicating the dates of the death of Darth Vader and that of the huge amount of money spent on his account.

The droid checked through the imperial data base and then double checked. “They are correct, Miss Adia,” it pronounced. “I have cross checked and verified twice.”

Adia sat back in her seat. “But how can this be?” she asked. “Unless someone has used his account…”but that’s highly unlikely…who could or even would try to impersonate Darth Vader??

“I think I need to let someone know about this,” she said at last. “Do me a favor, Arfour; find out where all this money was spent. Get as much information as you can on what was purchased, where it was purchased, anything at all you think might help shed some light on this.”

“I shall get to work on it right away,” the droid replied.

Planet Alderaan- the next day

Baku Haerch had been in the business of selling toys for much of his fifty-three years. His father had been in the same business. Haerch was already grooming his daughter to take over the business when he retired a few years down the road.

The life of a toy salesman isn’t exactly an exciting one, but it was a lucrative one, particularly when your shop was located in one of the more exclusive areas of Aldera. Of course, there were occasions when life dealt you a surprise, like the day Darth Vader had come into Haerch’s shop. That particular incident had been fodder for many stories told over the dinner table in the Haerch household for the many weeks since it had occurred. It had even been good for business, giving the little shop notoriety that he had previously not enjoyed. Today, however was not a day that Haerch would consider exciting. Unnerving yes, but exciting, definitely not.

It had started at opening, or rather half an hour before opening when a number of imperial storm troopers lead by a young brash officer demanded to be let into the establishment. Haerch was no fool, and did so at once.

“What can I do for you, captain?” the mild mannered shop keeper asked.

“We need to see your sales records,” Captain Ruellis told the man. “For the past two months.”

“Very well,” Haerch replied with a bow. “Follow me if you please.”

Haerch lead the group into his small office where he sat down at the computer terminal. He accessed the dates in question and brought them up on the screen. “Is there something in particular you are looking for?”

Ruellis nodded his eyes on the screen. “Yes, we are,” he said. “Get up,” he added, indicating for the man to get out of his way. Haerch complied at once.

Rueillis scanned over the information, looking for something not even he believed he would ever see. And then he found it. There it is…he let out a whistle of surprise when he saw the huge amount of money that had been spent, but more so by the name of the person whose account had been charged for the enormous purchase: Darth Vader.

“Can you remember this order?” Ruellis asked the shop keeper who stood wringing his hands nervously behind him.

Haerch peered over the captain’s shoulder at the screen. “Oh my yes,” Haerch replied. “That was the biggest order this store has ever placed,” he told the captain proudly. “With the delivery charges, I made almost 30,000….”

“Delivery where?” Ruellis asked, cutting him off.

“Delaya,” Haerch replied. “I have the coordinates somewhere,” he added, trying desperately to be helpful.

“That would be very helpful, thank you,” Ruellis said, standing up. He looked at the clones in his command. “We’ve got them,” he said with a smile of satisfaction.

[therealthing]

Chapter 56

Imperial City-Coruscant

The emperor read over the report from the squadron that had been searching in the Alderaan System. He had to reread it to make sure that he had understood it correctly. A toy store? Vader purchased a small fortune at an Alderaani toy store and had them delivered to Delaya? It took the old man a few moments to piece it together, but when he did, a sinister smile spread over his wizened face. It seems the twins did not die at birth after all, he reflected. Foolish man, to think that you could hide them from me indefinitely.

He looked up at the officer who had delivered the report. “Has the squadron searched Delaya?”

“They are on their way right now, sir,” he replied. “Apparently the coordinates provided by the shopkeeper were erroneous, for they corresponded with one of the most heavily forested areas of the northern hemisphere. It could take them a few days to locate them, sir.”

“They are there,” Palpatine stated. “I have no doubt of it. Have them search every square hectare of Delaya on foot if need be, I want them found.”

“Yes sir.”

Planet Delaya

It had taken several days to work out the details, but at last the four Jedi had come up with a plan of attack. Bail Organa’s help had been enlisted, and he was only too happy to help in any way that he could. He had bidden his time for five years waiting for an opportunity to depose the tyrant Palpatine; he was more than ready to do anything he could to see it happen.

The evening before the Jedi were to leave Delaya, Anakin and Padmé had the twins out for a walk, trying to make the most of their last few hours together before Anakin left in the morning with his comrades. Padmé had done her best to manage her fear, but it was difficult to do so. Luke and Leia knew that something momentous was about to happen, but they did not know what. Still, they sensed that their parents were preoccupied and worried, and so they were as well.

“The plan is a sound one,” Anakin assured his wife as they strolled along. “We have all the advantages, Padmé. He is outnumbered, he will not win.”

Padmé nodded. “I know,” she said quietly. “But I can’t help but be scared, Ani. I know what he is capable of. The thought of something happening to you, especially now…”

Anakin turned to her and took her by the shoulders as the children watched a small rodent scurry up a tree. “Especially now that you’re pregnant?” he asked with a smile.

Padmé stared at him in astonishment. “How…how did you know?” she asked.

Anakin took her face in his hands and kissed her softly “I’ve suspected for a few days now,” he said. “Besides, I haven’t been able to keep my hands off of you for weeks,” he added with a grin. “It’s not really that surprising is it?

Padmé shook her head with a smile. “No, I suppose not,” she said. “I just wish,” she began, and stopped as the tears that seemed to flow so easily during pregnancy came. “I hate the thought of you anywhere near that monster,“ she told him.

“Padmé, nothing will happen to me,” he told her. “Don’t worry.”

She smiled. “I just can’t help it,” she said. “I…”

“Mommy, Daddy, look! A deer!” Leia said as she and Luke followed the small, brightly colored animal.

“Luke, Leia, stay close!” Anakin shouted after them.

But it was clear that the appeal of a small furry creature was too much for the twins to resist, so Padmé and Anakin were forced to join them in their chase. They lost sight of the twins for a moment, and suddenly Anakin was seized with a wave of panic. He turned to Padmé as he realized what it meant: someone else is in the woods...

“Where did they go?” Padmé asked aloud as she stopped. “Luke, Leia! Come back at once!”

“This way,” Anakin called, following their Force signature to a nearby thicket, no doubt where the deer had fled to in its pursuit. Hurry….they’re getting closer… “Stop right there!”

Anakin and Padmé froze as a group of clones stepped out of the woods, two of them holding Luke and Leia captive.

“Release them!” Anakin demanded, reaching for his light saber.

“One move and they’re dead,” the clone said, as those holding the children captive trained their weapons on them.

“Don’t hurt them!” Padmé cried. “Please!”

“Drop the fancy laser sword,” the clone commanded. “Do it!”

Anakin realized that he had no choice but to comply. Were he alone, he would take out the entire group of them; but he wasn’t alone. And he daren’t take a chance with the safety of his family. He dropped his light saber to the ground.

“Smart move,” the clone said. “Now come with us,” he said, pointing his weapon at Anakin and Padmé.

“Release the children and their mother first,” Anakin said, using the Force to manipulate the clone’s mind. “Let them go, you are not interested in them.”

“Let them go,” the commander said. “We’re not interested in them.”

Luke and Leia ran away from their captors towards their parents.

“Ani, I’m not leaving you!” Padmé cried, reaching out to him.

“Padmé, you need to get the children to safety,” he said. “All of them,” he added with a smile. “Please, just go!”

“Now let’s move,” the commander said, pulling Anakin away from his family.

Anakin looked at his wife, realizing he had no choice but to comply if he were to protect his family. He looked down at the twins, speaking to them through the Force. Run, he told them. Don’t say a word, just run back to the house with your mother and tell Obi-Wan what has happened. Go!

Luke and Leia looked at their mother and took her hands, and then did as their father had told them. Padmé looked back one more time through her tears at Anakin, and then ran with the twins as fast as they could until they were out of danger.

“Let’s go,” the commander said as Anakin was bound and shoved forward by two clones. “The emperor is expecting you.”

Padmé and the twins didn’t stop running until they reached the house. Obi-Wan met them in the yard, his own senses telling him something was wrong.

“Obi-Wan!” she cried as she tried to catch her breath. “They have him! They have Anakin!”

“Who has him Padmé? Clones?” Obi-Wan asked, steadying her with his hands on her shoulders.

Padmé nodded. “Yes! They took him! They…they were in the woods!”

Obi-Wan looked down at the twins. “Luke, Leia, run and fetch Master Yoda and Master Nejaa,” he instructed. “Tell them what has happened.”

“I wanted to go with him!” Padmé cried, “He wouldn’t let me!
Obi-Wan, he just has to be alright!”

Obi-Wan hugged her close as she cried, his own anxiety rising within him.

“Time to go,” Nejaa said as he and Yoda exited the house. “This isn’t exactly how we planned it, but that won’t deter us.”

Yoda and Dormé came out of the house at this point, along with the head of the Alderaani security detail who had been assigned to protect the family.

“We can leave as soon as you wish,” the guard told Obi-Wan. “The ship is ready and waiting.”

Obi-Wan nodded his understanding. “We will go at once,” he told Padmé. “You stay here, Padmé. I promise you, nothing will befall Anakin. I won’t lose him a second time.”

Padmé nodded. “I know,” she said softly.

Obi-Wan turned to Dormé next, who stood watching the scene, trying to contain her own fears. He walked to her and pulled her into an embrace. Conventions be damned, he thought.

“I’ll be back soon,” he told her, taking her face in his hands.

Dormé could only nod, too overcome by her emotions.

“Let us be off,” Nejaa said.

Padmé walked over to Dormé and the two women held onto one another as they watched the three Jedi disappear into the forest.


Chapter 57

Imperial Star Destroyer – en route to Coruscant

Anakin was bound and kept under heavy guard during the voyage. He reasoned that they were going to Coruscant, but was not sure. He watched the clones carefully, looking for the smallest chance to make a move. But they had obviously been forewarned about the unusual abilities of their captive, and kept a very close eye on him for the slightest movement. Anakin could only hope that Obi-Wan and the others were on their way. Unarmed, he would face a tremendous challenge alone; the emperor’s wrath would be great.

“Where are we going?” he asked at last, focusing his mental energy on the clone sitting across from him.

“Shut up,” the clone replied, brandishing his blaster.

“Where are we going?” Anakin repeated, putting more emphasis behind his words.

“Coruscant,” the clone replied. “The Imperial Palace.”

Anakin nodded his understanding. Just as we suspected, he thought, relieved that his comrades were on the right track. He only hoped they would not be long in arriving.


Planet Delaya-late that same night

“Well they are finally asleep,” Dormé said as she entered the kitchen. She turned and looked at Padmé, who was sitting at the table, a look of anxious fear on her face.

“Padmé you must try to relax,” Dormé said, putting a cup of tea in front of her. “Worrying is only going to do the baby harm.”

Padmé nodded. “I know,” she replied, picking up the tea cup. “I’m trying, Dormé, but it’s not easy.”

Dormé sat beside her and put a hand on her arm. “I know,” she said. “I’m worried too. But they are Jedi, Padmé; they won’t let Palpatine win, not this time.”

“But Anakin is alone,” Padmé responded, staring at the spiral of steam rising from her cup. “And unarmed. Anything could happen to him before Obi-Wan and the others even find him.”

“Anakin is the strongest Jedi in the galaxy,” Dormé reminded her. “He has found his way out of many difficult situations, remember? He is going to be just fine, Padmé.”

Padmé looked up at Dormé, her eyes troubled. “I hope so,” she said softly. “I don’t know what I’ll do if something happens to him,” she said, bringing her hand to her mouth as her tears started again.

Dormé knew there was nothing she could say to comfort Padmé, and so she simply put her arms around her and held her.

Imperial City- Coruscant

A phalanx of clones escorted Anakin from the shuttle onto the private landing platform of the Imperial residence. Twilight had fallen on Coruscant, the sky above them darkening as they made their way towards the entrance of the palace.

Anakin summoned the living Force around him to remain calm, using the techniques taught to him as a boy so many years before. He knew that Palpatine would be looking for any sign of weakness, any lingering traces of Darkness within him to exploit. Anakin was determined not to let him find any.

“This way, Skywalker,” the clone behind him said, shoving him forward. Anakin kept his cool, much to his own surprise, and walked calmly forward in the direction indicated by the armored soldiers. Soon they were met by a group of crimson robed royal guards, all armed with Force pikes. The sight of them was daunting, but Anakin maintained his calm and did not change his expression when they took him from the clones.

Through the Force Anakin could feel the dark presence of his former master drawing closer. Anakin braced himself, steeling himself against the dark malevolence he could feel swirling around him in ever intensifying waves. Palpatine was out doing himself, doing his utmost to intimidate the young Jedi. It won’t work, Anakin vowed. He has no power over me, not any more…

The silent royal guards stopped at a doorway and held their pikes before Anakin, indicating him to stop. Anakin complied at once, taking a deep breath, knowing that the moment of truth was at hand. The great door opened, and the guards stepped aside, permitting Anakin entry into the room. To his surprise, they left, leaving Anakin alone with the emperor.

“So we meet again, my young, treacherous apprentice,” Palpatine pronounced in a voice dripping with contempt.

“I am not your apprentice, Sidious,” Anakin replied calmly. “Not any more.”

Palpatine narrowed his yellow eyes, regarding the young man before him. “You may wish to reconsider that decision, Lord Vader,” he cautioned. “I am not a man you wish to have as an enemy.”

Anakin raised an eyebrow as he sensed the truth behind the old man’s words. “I think you have that backwards, your majesty,” he said with a smile. “I can see your fear, Sidious; you are afraid to have me as an enemy.”

“Arrogant fool,” Palpatine snapped, angry that Anakin had seen through his words. “You’ll pay for that arrogance, and for your treachery!”

With that the emperor unleashed a bolt of blue Sith lightning, directed at Anakin’s chest. To his utter shock, Anakin held his hands out and gathered the energy, deflecting it back to the emperor with remarkable calm and astonishing ease. It took the old man by surprise, and knocked him off balance for a moment.

“I am not the human wreckage you created five years ago,” Anakin said, advancing upon the terrified old man. “I am whole again, human again, and my powers have increased tremendously.”

Palpatine could see that the young man before him was indeed far more powerful than he had ever been as Darth Vader, and it unnerved him. He steadied himself and approached Anakin once more, this time using a different tactic.

“Yes, so you are,” Palpatine replied, nodding with approval. “Strong and young, as you were when you pledged yourself to me five years ago,” he added. “Or have you forgotten that oath?”

“I was a fool to make such an oath,” Anakin told him, standing his ground. “A fool to trust you and believe your lies.”

Palpatine was furious at the young man’s determination, but he pressed onward, nonetheless, realizing that he had nothing to lose.

“You were the finest apprentice I’ve ever known, Lord Vader,” Palpatine said, softening his approach. “I would be willing to …overlook your recent transgressions if you continue in your apprenticeship. There is still much I can teach you, your powers are limitless now. Let me show you how to use them!”

“Apprenticeship?” Anakin retorted. “You mean slavery! I have been nothing more than a slave to you these past five years, Sidious! Why would I even consider returning to a life of servitude?”

“I will make things different this time,” Palpatine replied, not even caring how desperate he sounded. “I will give you the command of the Death Star, if that is what you wish! You may even keep your wife with you, since I know what a weakness you have for the pleasures of the flesh,” he commented sourly.

Anakin smiled. “Is that all you think my wife means to me?” he asked. “A means of physical gratification? You would have no understanding of the bond that exists between she and I; you know nothing of love or of anything but the darkness that exists within your empty heart.”

Palpatine’s rage flared up again, and he raised his hands to strike down his treacherous servant. But Anakin could read his former master’s thoughts easily, and used the Force to push him across the room before Palpatine had a chance to unleash. The old man crashed against his throne, which broke apart with the impact.

Anakin advanced upon the emperor, the fear he felt emanating from the old man strengthening his confidence. Palpatine looked up at him, still crouched on the floor, and with a quick movement that belied his age; he withdrew his lightsaber and held it out, the tip of it dangerously close to Anakin’s chest.

“So this is how it is to be,” Palpatine hissed, rising to his feet slowly, forcing Anakin to retreat. “After all that I have done for you,” he continued, his anger consuming him. “You betray me! You will pay the price for that betrayal, Vader!” he shrieked, running at him wildly.

Anakin wasted no time to leap over the raging madman, flipping over him with tremendous ease and landing squarely behind him. “The name is Skywalker,” he said, kicking the emperor squarely in the back, sending the old man sprawling and his lightsaber skittering across the floor.

Palpatine reached out his hand to retrieve his weapon as Anakin ran and jumped to reach it first. He stood looking down at the old man, as he kicked the lightsaber away. “Hardly seems fair that you have a weapon when I am unarmed,” he said. “After all, you are a sith,” he added with a smile.

Palpatine looked up venomously at the powerful young Jedi, only to have Anakin’s right boot connect with his face. The old man screamed as he held his broken nose, blood spurting out from between his fingers. In his rage he held out a hand to Anakin throwing an energy bolt directly at him. Anakin fell back, struck by the lightning, cursing himself for his cockiness. The time it took for him to recover gave Palpatine a chance to collect his wits about him and get to his feet.

“You will pay for this outrage, Skywalker ” Palpatine spat, advancing upon Anakin as he tried to shake the effects of the sith lightning from his body. “Now!”

Planet Delaya

Padmé woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of her children’s screams. She leapt from the bed, heart in her throat and ran down the hallway to their room, Dormé met her there.

Padmé flung open the door, activating the overhead lights and looked at her children. Both of them were sitting up in their beds, crying inconsolably.

“Luke! Leia!” she cried as she ran to them. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

She took them in her arms and did her best to console them. “What is it?” she asked. “Did you have a bad dream?”

Leia looked up at her, her small face streaked with tears. “Daddy,” she whimpered. “Daddy….he’s hurt…”

Padmé looked up at Dormé with alarm. “Oh gods, Dormé,” she said softly. “Anakin…”

[therealthing]

Chapter 58

Anakin shook the last remnants of energy from his body as he focused on the emperor’s movements. As Palpatine raised his hand to deliver another lightning blast, Anakin reached for the discarded lightsaber and brought it before him in time to deflect the blast back at his adversary. This only made Palpatine more furious, and he used both hands to send an even more potent blast at Anakin. Anakin gripped the hilt of the lightsaber tightly using all his strength to withstand the energy bolt and deflect it back. This time Palpatine was sent backwards, his face bloodied and twisted with rage.

He got to his feet again, his anger fuelling his weakening body.

“It’s over, Sidious,” Anakin said, watching the emperor warily. “You can’t defeat me, I am the Chosen One. Surely you knew that,” he taunted.

“No Jedi will defeat me,” Palpatine retorted, advancing upon Anakin again. Suddenly the door burst open. Anakin turned to see Obi-Wan, Nejaa and Yoda rush into the room, lightsabers at the ready.

Palpatine took advantage of Anakin’s momentary distraction to Force push him across the room. Anakin slammed against the wall, the lightsaber falling from his hands.

“You’re outnumbered, Sidious,” Obi-Wan told him as the three Jedi advanced upon him. “You won’t win this time.”

“You underestimate the power of the Dark Side, Master Kenobi,” Palpatine responded, reaching for his lightsaber and coming at the three of them, brandishing his weapon.

“Anakin!” Obi-Wan called, tossing him his lightsaber. Anakin caught it easily, and joined his comrades as they circled around the Sith lord, like wolves around their prey.

“The sith’s rule is over,” Nejaa said. “Your time has ended, Sidious. Lay down your weapon, or you will be destroyed.”

“The Sith will never surrender,” Palpatine spat. “If you want to destroy me, you’ll have to kill me.”

Anakin glanced at Obi-Wan. “Well, if he insists,” he remarked and advanced upon the emperor alone, fighting his former master furiously with incredible speed and power.

Obi-Wan moved forward to help his friend in the battle, but Nejaa pulled him back. “This is his fight, Obi-Wan,” Nejaa told him. “He is the Chosen One, he will not fail.”

Obi-Wan looked at Nejaa and nodded, and then turned back to the duel, torn between helping Anakin and allowing destiny to run its course.

Palpatine backed away, surprised by the ferocity of the young Jedi. He parried and deflected his blows as best he could, but it was soon apparent that he was no match for Anakin. Wheezing he stumbled on, fighting with every last ounce of energy that he possessed. It wasn’t long before that energy gave out, and he allowed Anakin to disarm him, sending his lightsaber flying across the room.

Anakin stood before his former master, keeping a tight rein on his emotions. “This is the end for you, Lord Sidious,” he said ominously, raising his blade high above his head. With a lightning fast stroke, Anakin sliced through one of the dark lord’s arms at the elbow. “That is for the slaughtered Jedi,” he said as Palpatine shrieked in pain.

“This is for my family whom you stole from me,” Anakin pronounced next as he lopped off Palpatine’s other arm.

“And this is for the five years of hell you put me through,” he finished, slicing the sith lord’s head off with one swift blow of his saber. The mutilated remains of Palpatine fell to the floor as his head rolled to one side. Anakin stared at the carnage, the only sound he could hear the hum of his lightsaber. He looked down at the red sith blade in his hand and threw it away in disgust. And then he turned back to the other three Jedi in the room, suddenly remembering their presence.

“It’s done,” he said simply, feeling exhausted all of a sudden.

Obi-Wan came over to him at once and supported him with an arm around his waist. “Yes, it is done,” he said. “You did it, Anakin,” he told him. “You destroyed the Sith. Their reign of terror is over now, forever.”

Anakin nodded. “Yes, forever.” He looked at the other Jedi. “Time to rebuild,” he told them. “The galaxy has suffered enough because of the Sith.”

Yoda nodded as he waddled over to Anakin. “Never again will the Sith have reign over the galaxy,” he said. “You have fulfilled the prophecy, Anakin, the Chosen One you are.”

Anakin smiled, the relief and the magnitude of what had just transpired hitting him all of a sudden. He looked at Obi-Wan, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Thanks for coming after me,” he said.

Obi-Wan shrugged, trying not to let his own emotions get to him. “Well, I figured I owed you at least one,” he replied wryly.

“At least,” Anakin returned with a smile.

“We must let the Senate know what has happened here,” Obi-Wan suggested. “They will need to move quickly in order to secure control of the senate.”

Yoda nodded. “With the emperor dead, democracy can return to the galaxy,” he said.

Anakin smiled, thinking of how pleased Padmé would be to hear that. “Let’s go,” he said. “How difficult is it going to be to get out of here?”

“We made rather short work of the imperial guard,” Obi-Wan told him. “Our exit shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Then let’s go,” Anakin said. He bent down and picked up his Sith blade, looking at it thoughtfully. “I will be happy to replace this soon,” he said.

Obi-Wan smiled. “That can be arranged,” he said.


Senate Chambers – later that same night

Bail Organa was sitting in his office, drumming his fingers nervously upon the arms of his chair as he watched the evening traffic streaming past his window. His mind, however, was anywhere but on the traffic, or any senatorial matters. He knew that the Jedi had planned their attack upon the emperor the very next morning, and he was waiting anxiously for the moment to arrive. If they were to succeed, it would mean an end to the tyranny that the galaxy had been subjugated to for the past five years, a return to democracy and the values of the Old Republic. But if they fail…

Organa stood up and commenced pacing about in his spacious office, the anxiety of waiting too much for him. If they should fail, it would mean the end of the Jedi presence in the galaxy. The twins of Anakin Skywalker, though Force Sensitives, would have no one to train them in the ways of the Jedi…the order would die. Bail ran a hand over his beard, the thought of a galaxy without hope of redemption more than he wanted to contemplate. They must succeed, he thought desperately. The fate of the galaxy depends upon it.

“Excuse me your Excellency.”

Bail looked over to see his assistant standing in the doorway.

“What is it?” he asked.

“There are four Jedi Knights here to see you,” she replied.

Organa was surprised to hear it. “Show them in at once,” he told her as he made his way across the room to meet them.

“Senator Organa,” Obi-Wan began as he and his comrades entered the room. “I apologize for the lateness of the hour,” he began, ever the stickler for protocol.

“I don’t give a damn about the hour, Obi-Wan,” Organa responded, “I’m too anxious to go home anyway. I’m rather surprised to see you here, though. Has there been a change of plans?”

“In a manner of speaking,” Anakin replied. “The emperor is dead.”

Organa looked at Anakin, his eyes widening. “What did you say?”

“He’s dead, Bail,” Anakin repeated. “Not an hour ago. We’ve put an end to the tyranny of the Sith once and for all.”

Bail wasn’t sure whether to laugh or to cry, the emotions within him were so strong they threatened to make him lose his famous composure. “You did it,” he said simply, looking at the four Jedi before him. “You really did it!”

Nejaa nodded, a small smile on his face. “Yes, we did,” he said. “We did our part, now it’s your turn. We need you to tell the senate that the days of the Empire are finished,” he said. “And that democracy is the new order of the day.”

Bail couldn’t help a brief show of emotions as his eyes grew shiny for an instant. “I…I would be most pleased to do so,” he replied.

Planet Delaya

It had been a long night in the Skywalker household. Padmé and Dormé had managed to settle the twins back to sleep, but Padmé stayed in their room sitting in a chair watching them. She had no doubts of their ability to sense what was happening to their father that was what frightened her. The fact that they had managed to calm down enough to fall asleep gave her guarded optimism that perhaps things had swung in Anakin’s favor, or perhaps the other Jedi had arrived. I wish I knew what was going on…she thought anxiously. If only I knew what was happening….

“Excuse me, Mistress Padmé,” Threepio said as he poked his head in the door.

“What is it Threepio?” she asked, keeping her voice low.

“There is a message coming in for you from Coruscant,” the droid told her.

He barely had the words out of his mouth before she rushed out the door past him and ran down the stairs.

She raced to the comm. station and sat down, tears of relief springing to her eyes when she saw the face of her beloved Ani on the screen.

“Ani!” she cried. “You’re alright!”

Anakin smiled. “Yes, I’m fine, angel,” he assured her. “Palpatine is dead, and we’re all fine.”

“Oh Ani,” she sobbed, the relief and fear spilling out of her.

“Don’t cry baby,” he said, wishing he could be there to comfort her. “We’re with Bail Organa right now. He’s preparing a statement to be made to the senate first thing in the morning. I think maybe you’d like to be here to witness that.”

“But how?” she asked. “We don’t have…”

“Captain Antilles is on his way to collect you, Dormé and the twins right now,” Anakin told her. “He ought to be there,” he checked his wrist chrono. “I’d say within the next three hours. Can you be ready?”

“Can I be ready?” she asked with a smile. “I think I can manage it.”

Anakin smiled. “I love you, Padmé,” he said.

“I love you too, Ani,” she replied, the tears streaming down her face. “I’m so proud of you.”

Anakin’s smile grew. “Thanks angel,” he said. “I’ll see you soon.”

Padmé nodded. “I can’t wait,” she replied. Anakin’s image faded out as Padmé stood up to go and tell Dormé the news. She was already standing in the doorway, her own tears almost as profuse as Padmé’s.

“They’re okay, Dormé!” Padmé cried as she hugged her friend. “They did it!”

“Should we wake up the kids?” Dormé asked.

“I think we’ll have to if Captain Antilles is on his way,” Padmé said, wiping the tears away. “Come on, let’s go pack.”


CHAPTER 59

Imperial City-Coruscant

In light of the recent and unexpected death of the emperor, Bail Organa assumed temporary leadership of the Imperial Senate, as interim leader of the Empire until such time as things were more settled. He had called an emergency session of the Senate for first thing in the morning.

The four Jedi had left none alive in the Imperial Palace who could link the death of the tyrant to them. Besides, who would believe that there were any Jedi left after the purges? Obi-Wan had destroyed the surveillance holocameras before they left the palace, and, as part of their master plan, had planted evidence linking the crime to a certain Grand Moff Tarkin who was promptly arrested upon the discovery of Palpatine’s dismembered body. Tarkin, of course, had no idea that he had been set up by his former adversary, Darth Vader, who was only too happy to see the arrogant officer take the fall.

It was well into the night when the four Jedi finally took some rest. Bail Organa offered his own personal apartments for their use. Obi-Wan and Yoda had accepted his offer, while Nejaa and Anakin declined it, both having somewhere else to stay for the night. The five agreed to meet at the Senate Chambers first thing in the morning, and parted for the remainder of the night.

“Where can I take you, Nejaa?” Anakin asked as he and the older man flew one of Organa’s personal speeders through the city.

“One of the apartment complexes on Republica Boulevard,” Nejaa replied.

Anakin looked at him in surprise. “Pretty nice neighborhood,” he commented. “Who do you know there?”

Nejaa smiled rather sheepishly. “My wife,” he said.

Anakin nearly lost control of the speeder. “Your wife?” he exclaimed. “You have a wife?? Since when? Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

Nejaa shrugged a little self-consciously. “Well, probably for the same reasons you didn’t tell me about your wife,” he replied. “Nara and I have been married for close to twenty years now. We have four children, three sons and a daughter.”

Anakin shook his head in amazement. Perhaps that is why we always go along so well, he reflected. We had a lot in common, even though we didn’t even know it.

“Nejaa, you never cease to amaze me,” Anakin said at last with a grin.

Having left Nejaa to enjoy a joyful reunion with his family, Anakin proceeded to 500 Republica Boulevard, to the apartment he had shared with Padmé five years earlier. He had no idea what to expect when he got there: whether it had been left in the expectation that the family of the owner would claim the belongings, if they had, or if it had been completing vacated and someone else was now living there. I’ll find out soon enough, he thought as he landed his craft on the landing platform behind the complex. He headed for the elevator, hoping that the security code he still possessed would work. It did, and soon he was making his way upward to the penthouse suite.

As the lift brought him closer to the home he had shared with his wife, a thousand memories flashed through his mind. How many times had he ridden this lift in barely contained eagerness, knowing that soon he would be in the tender embrace of his beloved wife. How many moments of passion had begun at door of this very lift, when Padmé would be there waiting, unable to wait another minute to be in his arms. And I threw that all away, he reflected bitterly. For what? For the promise of power that never existed…and if it weren’t for her devotion and belief in me, I would still be living that nightmare.

The doors opened, and Anakin was met with darkness. Tentatively he stepped into the foyer, activating the lights at once. The apartment was deserted, and, more than that, it had been untouched in the past five years. A flood of memories assaulted Anakin as he walked into the great central room of the complex, memories of happy times, of joyful reunions. He smiled as he remembered the many times he’d surprised Padmé in this very room, her squeals of joy at seeing him making him laugh with delight.

Walking over to the large sofa Anakin sat down, suddenly feeling exhausted from the ordeal he had just been through. Kicking off his boots, he laid back on the couch, just to rest for a moment, and before he knew it, he was fast asleep.

Anakin’s sleep was interrupted in what seemed a shockingly short time later by someone covering his face in kisses. He slowly opened his eyes, half expecting to see his wife’s face lying beside his in their bed. Instead, he saw the faces of his children, their eyes wide with excitement at seeing their daddy again. He smiled at once and grabbed them both in his arms, returning their kisses with equal zeal.

“We were scared, Daddy,” Luke told him as Anakin sat up, still holding the two of them in his arms. “We saw what that bad old man did to you.”

Anakin kissed the top of his son’s head. “That old man won’t ever hurt me again, Luke,” he said. “He’s gone now, and we never have to worry about him hurting anyone again.”

“That’s right, children, your father had made sure that we are all safe, just like he promised he would.”

Anakin looked up to see his wife and Dormé standing there. He smiled, the sight of his wife making his joy complete. He set the kids down and stood up to greet her. Padmé wrapped her arms around his neck tightly, trembling with the emotions that were still running rampant through her.

“You did it,” she said softly as she stroked his hair softly. “I knew you would, Anakin, I never doubted for a moment that you would.”

Anakin took her face in his hands. “It’s over, Padmé,” he said. “Bail Organa has assumed control of the Empire and means to restore power to the Senate this very morning,” he said. “The Empire has been toppled.”

Padmé shook her head in amazement. “I can’t believe it,” she said softly. “It’s like every dream I’ve ever had has come true. And it’s all thanks to you,” she added, kissing him softly.

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” Dormé said at last, feeling like third wheel. “But where is Obi-Wan?” she asked.

Anakin looked over at her. “He spent the night at Bail Organa’s apartment,” he told her. “But we are all expected at the Senate chambers this morning. He’s fine, Dormé,” he added, sensing how worried she was about the man she loved.

Dormé smiled. “That’s good to hear,” she said. “Perhaps we should get over there, it’s almost 8.”

Anakin nodded. He looked down at himself. “I’m …kind of a mess,” he said, looking at the rumpled and ripped garments he still wore from the previous day. He didn’t want to tell Padmé how many aches and pains he had, but the thought of standing under a hot shower was immensely appealing to him.

“I’ve brought you some fresh clothes if you want to clean up,” Padmé said. She looked around the apartment. “I can’t believe that nothing has changed,” she said in amazement. “I guess my parents didn’t have the heart to sell the place.”

“Good thing,” Anakin replied. “We may just need a place to stay once the senate clamors for your return,” he told her.

Padmé smiled. “Well, I think that will have to be put off for at least a few months,” she said, rubbing as yet flat abdomen.

Anakin smiled. “Yes, I suppose so. Four children will keep you busy.”

Padmé’s eyes widened. “Four?? Did you say four?”

Anakin nodded. “Yes,” he said with a smile. “I guess twins must run in the family,” he added.

“Oh my,” Dormé laughed. “You certainly will be busy.”

“We will indeed,” Anakin said with a smile. He kissed Padmé on the cheek. “I’ll go get cleaned up.”


It was a brilliant morning when the Skywalkers and Dormé set out for the Senate chambers. The sight of the impressive building brought back a flood of memories for Padmé, both good and bad. She never imagined she would be setting foot in it again, and certainly never dreamed that the senate she had devoted nearly a decade of her life to serving. She was nervous at the prospect of revealing herself to her former colleagues, all of whom had believed that she died five years earlier. Would they feel betrayed by her lie? Or would they understand the reasons that compelled her to fabricate her own death? She wasn’t even sure how much they knew about her life, or that her husband had until recently been Darth Vader.

“Bail has reserved a box for us,” Anakin told his wife. “This way.”

As they drew closer to the place where they would take their seats, Dormé caught sight of Obi-Wan standing in the corridor with the other three Jedi. Ignoring protocol, and the stares of passersby, she ran to him. Obi-Wan turned in time to see her coming, and smiled, the sight of her filling him with joy. He held out his arms to her as she reached him, holding her close.

“I was so scared,” she told him.

Obi-Wan smiled and stroked her hair gently. “It’s alright, Dormé my dear,” he said. “I’m fine. Everything will be just fine now.”

She pulled back and looked at him, not able to hold back any longer. “I love you, Obi-Wan,” she said, stroking his ginger beard softly. “I’ve loved you for years. I don’t care if Jedi aren’t supposed to have emotional attachments; I just know I love you.”

Obi-Wan held her gently by the shoulders. “All that has changed, Dormé,” he said. “Besides, I wouldn’t care anymore if it hadn’t,” he said, admitting his feelings at last. “I love you, Dormé,” he said. “And I don’t give a damn who knows it.”

Dormé was overjoyed, tears springing to her eyes. He pulled her close to kiss her, not caring who was watching them in the crowded corridor.

“Daddy, Daddy,” Leia said, tugging on her father’s sleeve.

“Yes Leia?” he asked, looking down at her.

Leia merely pointed in the direction of the oblivious lovers kissing in the corridor. Anakin tapped Padmé on the shoulder and nodded in their direction.

“Finally,” Padmé said. “She’s been mooning after him for more than five years now,” she said.

Anakin grinned. “Well I’m happy for them both,” he said. “Life is far too short to spend it without someone to love.”

Padmé squeezed his hand. “I couldn’t agree more,” she said with a smile.

[therealthing]

Chapter 60

The Senate Chambers were soon full, the atmosphere electric as everyone buzzed about the news. Palpatine was dead! The news was on the minds and the lips of everyone, all conjecturing what would happen next. Was this the end of the Empire? Had the emperor left an heir? What was going to happen to the senate now? Not since the inception of the Empire was there such an air of expectation and uncertainty amid the austere senate members.

Bail Organa met up with the small party waiting for him outside the great hall of assembly. He was as excited as they were and shook hands eagerly with each of the Jedi.

“This is it,” he said as he straightened his tunic for the hundredth time. “Are you ready?”

“We’re more than ready,” Anakin replied. “The question is, are you ready?”

Organa laughed. “Anakin, I’ve been ready for this moment for five years,” he replied. He looked at Padmé. “Ever since that day we sat in the hall and listened to the end of democracy.”

Padmé nodded. “I remember that day well,” she said. “Today is the day to correct that horrible mistake.”

“It is indeed,” Organa said. “Shall we? The members seem to be getting restless in there.”

“Lead the way, Chancellor,” Obi-Wan said with a smile, taking Dormé’s hand.

The assembly hall was noisy as the small group stepped into the box lead by Bail. As soon as the members noticed him, they started to quiet down, and when Bail came forward to the front of the booth, the enormous room fell silent.

“My fellow senators,” he began. “You all know why we are here today. You have all heard the news of the assassination of Emperor Palpatine.”

Murmurs were heard amid the senators, and then a few of the more bold ones started to applaud. The applause began to spread, until soon the entire assembly was applauding. Anakin turned to Padmé and shook his head in amazement, a smile on his face.

“Seems the Hero with no Fear is alive and well,” Obi-Wan remarked to Anakin with a smile.

Organa did not wish to put an end to the spontaneous show of approval for the assassination of the tyrant Palpatine, and had to hold himself back from joining in. However, he merely waited patiently for the applause to die down, which it did in a few moments.

“This is an historic moment, my friends,” Organa continued. “A moment many of us thought would never come, the moment when democracy has been reborn.”

The reaction this time was loud and boisterous, cheering and loud shouts of approval were heard throughout the hall.

“Mommy, what’s democracy?” Leia asked her mother.

“Freedom,” Padmé replied, her eyes brilliant with tears. “Democracy means freedom, Leia.”

Leia nodded, though not fully understanding, appreciated the significance of it nonetheless. She and Luke could both sense the tremendous joy and relief from both their parents, and realized even in their own small way that they were witnessing something tremendously important here today.

“Upon learning of the death of the emperor late last night,” Organa continued, “I took steps to ensure that the galaxy would not descend into more civil war. I think we can all agree that the people of this galaxy have seen enough war to last a life time. I assumed leadership of this body to prevent such anarchy from befalling us, with the intention of laying it down in order to…”

His words were stopped by the shouts of the assembled senators. “I move to nominate Bail Organa Supreme Chancellor!”

“I second the motion!”

Soon the room had erupted into shouts of approval for the appointment of Organa. He turned to his friends, shocked by the outpouring of support.

“You heard them, Chancellor,” Anakin said with a smile. “You are the man they want to lead the new Republic. And personally I think they have made an excellent choice.”

Organa smiled. “I did not expect this,” he told them. “Truly…I had no idea their reaction would be so strong.”

“They know what a strong leader you are, Bail,” Padmé told him. “The galaxy needs strong leadership right now. It needs you. You are the best choice to usher in a new era of peace, to herald the beginning of a new Republic. They know it, we all do.”

“Thank you, Padmé,” Organa replied. “That means a lot coming from you.”

“Call for a vote, Senator,” Nejaa suggested. “I think it’s time to make this official.”

Organa nodded. “Yes, perhaps you’re right.” He turned back to the crowd and held up his hand for them to be silent.

“My friends,” he began. “Your support overwhelms me,” he told them. “But if I am to assume the leadership of this noble assembly, I want it to be my legal means. Therefore, I would like to call an official vote. But before I do, are there any other nominations for the position of Chancellor?”

Not a name was put forward, making the whole idea of a vote rather redundant. Still, Organa was a stickler for protocol, and wanted everything to be done in a legal and democratic way.

“I don’t think this will take long,” Obi-Wan said as they stood outside in the corridor as the voting commenced.

“A formality it is only,” Yoda replied. “The Chancellor has already been elected,” he added, looking up at Bail with a smile.

Organa smiled. “And I have all of you to thank for making this possible,” he said. “You are the real heroes of this rebirth, the true authors of this new chapter of history. I am merely honored to be a small part of it.”

“Not a small part,” Anakin said. “The help that you have given my family and I these past few months has been tremendous,” he told him. “Were it not for your faith in my humanity, and your trust in me, this may never have transpired. Do not underestimate the importance of the role you have played, Chancellor Organa. You have been a key player in this incredible story.”

“I appreciate you saying so, Anakin,” Organa replied. “But without you, there would have been no story. You are the centre of all of this, Anakin; the catalyst, the true hero of the day.”

Anakin smiled, and looked down at his children, the look of hero worship in their eyes tugging at his heart strings. “It was the least I could do,” he said softly. “To make amends for what I have done over these past five years.”

“And amends you have made,” Yoda spoke up.

“The Order shall be remade thanks to you, Anakin,” Nejaa said. “And your children will be the future of that Order.”

“And yours as well,” Anakin said with a smile. “Not to mention yours, Obi-Wan,” he added, looking at Obi-Wan.

Kenobi simply raised his eyebrows in mild surprise, and then looked at Dormé with a smile. “Perhaps so,” he said.

“The voting is over,” Bail’s assistant announced as she joined the small group in the corridor.

Organa nodded. “Thank you,” he said. He turned back to his friends. “Shall we?” he said with a smile.

In the lower city, later that same day

“Obi-Wan! My old friend!” Dex said as he waddled over to greet the Jedi and his companions. “I thought you’d been killed in the purges!” He wrapped all four meaty arms around Obi-Wan and squeezed him tightly. “I never thought I’d see you again!”

“It’s good to see you too, Dex,” Obi-Wan replied, returning his friend’s embrace as best as he could. “I think you remember Anakin, my old padawan?”

Dex released Obi-Wan and grabbed Anakin next. “Of course!” he replied, hugging Anakin tightly. “It’s good to see you, Anakin!”

Anakin smiled. “Thanks, Dex,” he said. “This is my family, my wife Padmé, and our children, Luke and Leia.”

“Very nice to meet you all!” Dex said, shaking hands with all three of them at once, which caused Luke and Leia to giggle.

“And this,” Obi-Wan said, turning to Dormé, “is a very special lady in my life, Miss Dormé Kymeri. Dormé, meet a very old and dear friend, Dex.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dex,” Dormé said, smiling and holding out a hand to him.

Dex grinned. “High time you had a lady in your life, Obi-Wan!” he chuckled, causing the reserved Jedi to blush. “It’s a real pleasure to meet you, Miss Dormé,” he said, shaking her hand vigorously. “Now what can I get you all? You here for lunch?”

“But of course,” Obi-Wan said. “Best oonberry pie on Coruscant!”

Anakin smiled, nodding with agreement as he helped his wife and children take a seat around the table Dex had shown them.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever had oonberry pie,” Dormé said. “But it sounds delicious. I’m starved.”

“Me too,” agreed Anakin. “How about you two? You hungry?”

“Uh huh!” Leia agreed with a vigorous nod of her head. Luke seconded her with a nod of his own head.

“I’ll be right back with some menus,” Dex said as he waddled away.

“I like Dex,” Luke said. “He’s funny.”

“He made your face turn red, Uncle Obi,” Leia said with a giggle.

Anakin grinned. “It doesn’t take much to do that, does it Uncle Obi?” he teased.

Obi-Wan merely smiled and turned to Dormé. “Do you see what I have had to put up with this youngling for the past almost twenty years?” he said shaking his head with mock distain.

Dormé laughed, and reaching over planted a kiss on Obi-Wan’s cheek, making him blush again, much to the amusement of Luke and Leia who giggled furiously.

“Well laugh all you wish, you two,” Obi-Wan said. “We may just have to find two other younglings to serve as attendants for our wedding.”

Anakin nearly choked on his drink. “Wedding??” he asked, looking at Obi-Wan and then at Dormé. “When did all this happen?”

“On the way over,” Dormé said, her smile growing. She looked at Obi-Wan with obvious adoration. “He took me quite by surprise, I must say,” she added.

“Congratulations!” Padmé said, reaching over and hugging her friend. “I’m so happy for you both!”

“Yes, congratulations,” Anakin agreed with a smile

“We’d be honored if you and Padmé would be our witnesses,” Obi-Wan said.

Anakin and Padmé looked at one another with a smile. “We would be most happy to do so, wouldn’t we angel?” Anakin said, putting his arm around his wife.

Padmé nodded. “Nothing would make me happier,” she replied with a smile.

“Imagine, Master Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi is getting married,” Anakin said with a smile. He raised his glass. “To new beginnings,” he said. “And good friends.”

The other adults raised their glasses and joined Anakin in his toast.

[therealthing]

Chapter 61

Four months later…

“Would you stop fidgeting?” Anakin said as he helped Obi-Wan add the last touches to his wedding attire.

“I am not fidgeting,” Obi-Wan replied, wiping the sweat from his brow. “It’s just so bloody hot in here,” he muttered.

Anakin had to keep from laughing at his friend, knowing how nervous he already was. “It is exactly the same temperature it always is,” he told him calmly. “You are just a nervous wreck, that’s all.”

“I most certainly am not,” Obi-Wan returned. “Jedi Masters do not get nervous.”

Anakin stepped back and looked at him. “Is that why you’re sweating?” he asked with a grin.

“Aren’t you supposed to be helping me?” Obi-Wan retorted good naturedly. “Not making matters worse with your…observations?”

“Sorry, sorry,” Anakin replied. “Touchy, aren’t we?” he added, unable to resist.

Obi-Wan just shook his head with a smile. “You are making me wish I’d chosen a different witness, you know that?”

Anakin laughed. “Too late for that, Obi-Wan,” he said. “You’re stuck with me for the duration. All set?”

Obi-Wan took a deep breath. “Yes, I believe so,” he replied.

Anakin put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “All kidding aside, Obi-Wan,” he said. “I am truly honored to be your witness today. I never imagined in a thousand years that things would be back to the way they were between us. I just wanted you to know that I missed you, I missed our friendship. I missed teasing the hell out of you,” he added with a grin.

Obi-Wan had to laugh. “Yes, I’m sure of that,” he said. He looked at his friend for a long time. “I missed you too, Anakin,” he said. “I am so grateful that you were able to forgive me. Your friendship means more to me than I can say.”

Anakin nodded. “I think we should get downstairs,” he said. “Or your bride is going to beat us to the altar.”

“Well that wouldn’t do at all, would it?” Obi-Wan said as he adjusted the folds of his cloak one last time. “I guess this is it,” he said.

“Yep, no backing out now,” Anakin said. “Unless you climb out that window over there,” he added with a grin.

“Not a chance,” Obi-Wan said. “My bride is waiting.”

Anakin and Padmé sat watching the newly weds danced together. Padmé had offered the use of her family’s home in the lake district of Naboo for the wedding, enabling Dormé’s family to attend the joyous event. It was a small gathering, but the atmosphere was a festive, joyous one as the family and friends of the happy couple helped celebrate their union in holy matrimony.

“Padmé, are you alright?” Anakin asked her. “You look as though you’re light years away.”

Padmé turned and looked at her husband. “Yes, I’m alright,” she assured him. “I’m just thinking about my family,” she said.

Anakin nodded his understanding. When they had first arrived on Naboo several days earlier they had gone directly to her parents’ home, only to find it empty, with no sign of her parents’ whereabouts. They inquired at the homes of neighbors, only to learn that the Naberries had packed up and taken an extended trip off world, destination undisclosed. Padmé had been very anxious to see her family, for they, like the rest of the galaxy, had spent the past five years believing she was dead. She had been devastated to not find them home, and wondered where they could be.

“I’m sure they’ll be home soon,” Anakin said, knowing what it was that had her so pensive. “They didn’t sell the house, after all.”

Padmé nodded, the disappointment still nagging at her, preventing her from truly enjoying the party. “I hope so,” she said. “I miss them, Anakin. I want so much to see them again.”

Anakin reached over and took her hand. “And you will,” he said. “I am certain of it. And they will spoil Luke and Leia and these two new babies rotten, as only grandparents can do,” he told her with a smile.

Padmé had to smile too. “You think so?”

Anakin nodded. “Of course,” he said, standing up and taking her hand. “I plan to spoil our grandkids rotten one day, don’t you?” he asked her with a smile.

“I suppose so,” she said.

“Now come with me,” he said. “I want to dance with my beautiful wife,” he told her, helping her to her feet.

“You mean your huge wife,” she said with a smile.

Anakin put his arms around her. “You never look more beautiful than you do when you’re carrying my babies, Padmé,” he told her softly.

“Oh, Ani,” she said, tearing up. “That’s a beautiful thing to say.”

“It’s the truth,” he told her. “Now come,” he said, leading her to the terrace. “Let’s dance.”

Obi-Wan and Dormé left later that night for their honeymoon and by midnight the enormous house was empty but for the four Skywalkers and the handful of household servants who maintained the property. Luke and Leia, who had enjoyed themselves immensely at the wedding, had fallen asleep in record time when Anakin and Padmé had finally managed to get them to bed. The house was quiet, the night clear and warm, the ebony sky riotous with stars as Anakin and Padmé stood on the terrace enjoying the peace and tranquility of the lovely Naboo countryside.

“Quite a day,” Anakin said, looking up at the stars. “Never in a thousand years did I ever imagine Obi-Wan getting married.”

Padmé smiled. “No, I’m sure no one did, especially Dormé.”

Anakin laughed. “Well, it goes to show that persistence does pay off in the end.”

“Yes, I’ve come to know that quite well,” she said.

Anakin nodded. “Yes, I know you have,” he said. “Your refusal to give up on me changed the face of the galaxy, Padmé. Imagine that.”

“I didn’t set out to change the galaxy, Anakin,” she said, turning to him. “All I wanted was to find the man I loved. I knew he was still alive, I knew if I looked for him I would find him.”

“I was never completely gone, “Anakin replied, taking her hands in his. “But if you hadn’t sought me out, I would never have known redemption. You saved my soul, Padmé.”

Padmé smiled. “Your soul is a part of my own, Anakin,” she told him. “I wasn’t complete without you.”

“Nor I without you,” he replied, taking her face in his hands. “You complete me, Padmé,” he said, kissing her softly.



“Daddy, can I have some more juice please?”

“Sure, here you go, Luke,” Anakin said as he refilled his son’s glass. “You want some too, Leia?”

“Yes please,” Leia replied, holding her glass up for her father.

Anakin and the twins were seated at the large table enjoying breakfast. It was still quite early, and Anakin had insisted that Padmé remain in bed to catch up on her sleep. She had not argued with him.

“Can we go swimming later?” Leia asked. “Mommy said she used to swim out to that island when she was a little girl.”

Anakin smiled. “Yes, she did,” he replied. “We swam out there a few times together when we were here on our honeymoon.”

“What’s a honeymoon?” Luke asked.

“Well, it’s a special vacation you take after you get married,” Anakin explained. “Like what Obi-Wan and Dormé are doing now.”

“They were doing too much kissing yesterday,” Luke decided. “It was gross.”

Anakin had to laugh at his son’s distain for romance. “You know Luke, you might think differently about kissing when you get older,” he told him.

Luke shook his head. “No way,” he averred.

“But Mommy and Daddy kiss you,” Leia pointed out.

“Yeah, that’s okay,” Luke replied. “I just don’t want any girls kissing me,” he said.

Anakin nodded. “I see,” he said. He looked up when he saw one of the household servants enter the room.

“Excuse me sir, but we appear to have visitors,” she told Anakin. “A gondola has been spotted approaching the estate.”

Anakin stood up. “I’ll see who it is,” he said. “You two stay here,” he said to the twins.

Luke and Leia were curious about the visitor, but did as their father bade them.

Anakin walked outside and crossed the terrace and down the stone stairway to the dock. “Can I help you, sir?” asked the guard standing sentry.

“I just wanted to see who the visitors were,” Anakin said, watching the approaching gondola. He shielded his eyes against the bright morning sun, and then smiled when he saw who was seated in the gondola.


“Good morning children,” Padmé said as she joined Luke and Leia. “Where is your Dad?”

“He went down to the water to see who was here,” Leia told him.

“Oh?” Padmé said as she sat down with her children. “I wonder who….” She stopped when she saw Anakin enter the room, followed by her parents.

“Padmé!!” Jobal cried, running to her daughter.

“Mom! Dad!” Padmé cried, pushing herself out of her chair and making her way to her parents.

Jobal and Ruwee embraced their daughter tearfully, the relief and joy of finding filling them both.

“Oh my dear sweet girl,” Jobal said, kissing Padmé’s face. “You’re alive!! You’re really alive!”

Padmé nodded. “Yes, I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner, but it was for my own safety, and the safety of Luke and Leia.”

“Luke and Leia?” Ruwee asked, looking at the children who had joined Padmé by this point. He smiled at them. “That must be you,” he said, addressing his grandchildren.

Luke and Leia nodded, confused by the entire scene.

Padmé looked down at the twins. “Luke, Leia, this is your grandfather,” she said, looking up at her father with a smile. “And this,” she said, reaching out and taking her mother’s hand. “This is your grandmother.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you both,” Ruwee said, holding out his hand to his grandchildren. Luke and Leia shook his hand. Their grandmother was a little more demonstrative and put her arms around each of them and hugged them tightly.

“We came to the house in Theed,” Anakin told them. “But there was no one there.”

“We left three months ago,” Ruwee explained as they all sat down again. “When we heard the rumors that Padmé Amidala had been spotted in the Senate Chambers on Coruscant. We didn’t know if it was true or not, but we decided it was worth investigating.”

“We’ve spent the past three months searching for you, Padmé,” Jobal told her. “We had all but given up hope.”

“Where have you been?” Ruwee asked. “I’m afraid I’m confused by all of this.” He looked at Anakin. “You two are married with children, and more on the way, by the look of things,” he added, looking back at his obviously pregnant daughter. “Seems we’ve been kept in the dark for quite some time now.”

Padmé and Anakin looked at one another. “Well, it’s a long story,” Padmé said, not even sure where to begin.

“Why don’t you start at the beginning?” Jobal suggested. “We have a lot of time.”


Three months later…

Anakin helped Padmé as she walked up and down in the terrace. Her labor had started at dawn, and was not progressing nearly as quickly as she would have liked. Her mother suggested walking would speed things up, and Padmé was more than happy to take the suggestion.

“I don’t know if this is such a good idea,” Anakin said. “I think maybe you should be off your feet, Padmé.”

“I don’t want to spend the entire day in that bed,” Padmé told him. “These babies will never be born if I do that.”

Anakin nodded, realizing that she knew more about what was going on than he did. She had been through this before, he had not. Even though these were not his firstborn, he felt as though they were. He did not want to admit to Padmé how nervous he was, how much the thought of her in pain upset him. She needs me to be strong, to support her…and that’s just what I’m going to do.

“If you’re sure,” he said at last. “It’s just that….” he stopped when he sensed that Padmé was experiencing another contraction. He wrapped his arms around her as she put her face against his chest. “Breathe, Padmé,” he told her, rubbing her back soothingly. “Breathe through it angel.”

Padmé nodded as she grasped at the folds of his tunic, eyes closed as she focused on the breathing techniques her sister and mother had shown her. Having Anakin with her made the ordeal so much more tolerable, and made her wonder how she endured the birth of Luke and Leia without him.

“Any progress?”

Anakin looked up to see his mother-in-law on the terrace.

“Hold on, Jobal,” he said as Padmé’s contraction petered out. “Cleansing breath, Padmé,” he reminded her.

Jobal watched her son-in-law, amazed by how supportive and loving his was. When she and Ruwee had learned of what had happened, of how he had spent five years as Darth Vader, they were horrified, and had wondered if they would ever be able to accept him. But it was obvious that the man he had become since being reunited with his family was nothing like the infamous Sith Lord who had terrorized the galaxy for five years. He was utterly devoted to his wife and children, a loving father and husband. Watching him interact with his family it was plain to see that his wife and children meant more to him than anything, even the Jedi Order that he was in the process of helping rebuild.

“They’re getting closer, aren’t they angel?” Anakin asked.

Padmé nodded her exhaustion showing on her face.

“Let’s get you off your feet for a little while,” Anakin said, putting his arm around her waist.

Jobal followed them indoors and into the bedroom where Padmé sat down on the rocking chair that her father had brought to the estate from Theed.

“Where are Luke and Leia?” Padmé asked.

“Your dad has them down at the beach with Sola’s girls,” Jobal told her. “Don’t worry about them,” she said. “Darred is with them too.”

“Okay,” Padmé said, rocking in the chair slowly.

“Can I get you something to eat, Padmé?” Jobal asked. “You’re going to need your strength when it comes time to deliver these little ones.”

“Yes, that would be nice,” Padmé replied. “Something light, thanks Mom.”

“I’ll be right back,” she said, standing up and leaving the room.

Anakin paced up and down in the room, his anxiety not allowing him to sit still.

“Ani,” she said, “are you going to tell me yet?”

“Tell you what, angel?” he said, squatting down before her.

She smiled. “You know very well what,” she replied. “You know the gender of these babies, don’t you?”

Anakin smiled. “Maybe,” he replied. “You won’t have to wait much longer though, Padmé. Can’t you wait that long?”

Padmé laughed. “You are so mean,” she said. “So mean.”

“I am, I know,” he said with a smile. “You wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for me, right?”

“That’s right,” she said. She winced as another contraction hit, and she reached out for his hand.

“Breathe, that’s it,” Anakin encouraged. “You’re doing great, angel.”


Shmi Skywalker and her twin, Qui-Gon were born several hours later. The new Skywalker twins were greeted soon after their birth by their elder sister and brother, who were delighted to have a younger brother and sister.

The extended family of the infants was equally excited to welcome two new members into the family.

“Luke and Leia finally asleep?” Padmé asked as Anakin entered their bedroom.

He nodded as she came and sat on the bed, watching her as she nursed his new son. He leaned forward and kissed the tiny boy on the top of his head, his brown fuzzy hair soft under his lips. “I love the smell of them,” Anakin said, looking up at Padmé with a smile. “Does that sound crazy?”

She smiled back at him. “Not at all,” she said, looking down at Qui-Gon with adoration. “I do too.”

Just then little Shmi, who had been asleep in her bassinet, started to fuss. Anakin got up off the bed and walked over to the bassinet and picked up the tiny infant gently.

“Are you feeling left out?” he asked his new daughter. She looked up at him, soothed by the sound of his voice. He gently kissed the tip of her tiny nose. “Do you have any idea how many people love you?” he asked little Shmi as he walked over to the bed with her. “I know if your namesake were here today she would be one of them,” he added, thinking of how much his mother would have adored her four grandchildren.

“Yes, she would have,” Padmé said, as she finished burping Qui-Gon. “Do you want to switch?”

“In a moment,” he replied, not able to tear his eyes away from little Shmi’s face.

Padmé watched Anakin bonding with his tiny daughter, the expression on his face one of wonder and utter adoration. It made her heart ache to think that he had missed the birth of their first two children. But he has made up for it, she thought, reflecting on how strong the bond between Anakin and his two elder children was. And no doubt the bond with these two newest additions would be just as strong.

“I think she’s hungry,” Anakin said as Shmi started to fuss again. “And I’m not equipped to give her what she wants,” he added with a smile. Padmé laughed as she placed Qui-Gon in the crook of Anakin’s arm and picked Shmi up from the other arm.

“Feel better little one?” he asked his son as Shmi suckled hungrily at her mother’s breast.

Qui-Gon looked at his father, almost as though he could understand what he said. Anakin smiled and kissed the tiny boy tenderly. He looked at him and then up at Padmé. “I see now why you wanted to switch,” he said.

“What do you mean?” Padmé asked looking up at him with a smile. “Did he …relieve himself?”

Anakin laughed. “Yes, you could say so,” he said, carrying the baby to the change table. “I just hope I can remember how to do this,” he muttered. “I’ve only done it once today.”

“Oh come on,” Padmé said. “A big, strong Jedi afraid of a little dirty diaper?”

“I’m not afraid,” he told her as he removed the sleeper from the baby. “I’m just….whoa…” he said as he opened the diaper. “Impressive,” he said, looking down at his son. “Most impressive.”

Padmé couldn’t help but laugh at Anakin’s antics. “Well get used to it, Daddy,” she said. “Two babies make a lot of diapers. Believe me.”

Anakin nodded. “Yes, I’m sure,” he said as he proceeded to clean the baby. “I’m sure I’ll be a pro in no time.”

“Yes, you will,” she said.

“How long before they’re potty trained?” he asked

“A year,” she said. “Maybe more.”

“Oh boy,” he said as he redressed the baby. “How about less?” he said, addressing his son. “What do you say, Qui-Gon?”

Padmé shook her head as she watched Anakin pick up the baby and return to the bed. He sat down on the bed beside Padmé, his eyes never leaving the baby’s face. He rocked him gently as little Qui-Gon drifted off to sleep.

“You’re a natural,” she said softly.

Anakin smiled. “It feels natural,” he said. “It feels….incredible.”

Padmé smiled, and put her head on Anakin’s shoulder as Shmi drifted to sleep in her mother’s arms.

“Look, they’re both asleep,” Anakin whispered. Padmé made no reply. “Angel?” he said, and then turned to look at her, and smiled to see that she too was asleep. “Good night, angels,” he said, nestling down on the bed and closing his eyes.