"An Unsettled Score" By JediMasterJordan23

[Annie]

Chapter 1

Anakin sat with his feet up on his desk, twirling his pen in between his fingers. He looked at the clock: 5 more minutes before he could leave. Nothing unusual going on at the Palace, he looked to all the security screens and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Just how Anakin liked it, quiet. Jak, his second in command, walked in. Anakin took his feet of the desk. “Everything is under control sir, you can leave.” Anakin smiled, “Do I look that desperate?” “A little,” Jak said. Anakin started to walk toward his speeder as Jak followed. “One question though, before you leave. On Monday we are bringing in the new recruits for basic training, shall we expect you?” “Of course,” Anakin said, “There is nothing I enjoy more than intimidating and messing with new recruits.” “And about the problem with that the defective blaster trigger on the B-140 model? Would it also be possible to put in a request for new socks? The men say they itch their feet. Also, don’t forget that the Queen wants to meet with you and the other commanding officers on Wednesday to discuss the security patrols.” Anakin sighed, “You said one question. As for the blasters, how many have been distributed?” “Around 100 sir,” Jak said. “Okay,” Anakin continued, “Have them all recalled and assign a team to find the malfunction. I will put in a request for socks, but consider it to be at the bottom of my to-do list. I don’t think that the Naboo Army’s need for new socks is something that the Queen is particularly concerned with. I am well aware of the meeting on Wednesday; I can hardly contain my excitement. Now, if you will excuse me Jak, my wife has spent all day home alone with a demanding nine-year old and a three-month old baby. In addition that, we will have guests this weekend. I do believe that I should allow her some sort of rest.” “Why yes, of course. Sorry sir.” Jak answered. “If you don’t mind me asking, who will your guests be?” Anakin reached his speeder, “No I don’t mind Jak. My son and brother are coming to visit, as are my in-laws and my sister in-law, along with her husband and children. They are coming to meet my second daughter.” Jak winced at the second part, “In-laws. That sounds pleasant.” Anakin sighed heavily, “I am sure it will be. Now I can trust you to man the helm for two days, can’t I Jak?” he asked as he got into his speeder. “Everything will be in tip-top shape when you return sir. Have a nice vacation.” “Because I am sure that it is what it will be,” Anakin mumbled under his breath as he flew off towards his house.
The birth of his second daughter had been a wonderful surprise. Padme had decided on the name Aiden, and would hear no other suggestions. At first Anakin hadn’t been fond of the name (he didn’t dare tell Padme that without the danger of a plate being thrown in his direction), but after meeting his daughter for the first time, decided it was perfect. Padme’s pregnancy and delivery had been easy, with the exception of the mood swings. It almost made Anakin glad that he had missed most of her first pregnancy. She had now returned to her normal self, to Anakin’s relief. Anakin had spoken to Obi-Wan and Luke many times via holoimage, but he had yet to see his son since he had returned to Naboo after the sith army incident. Obi-Wan was constantly bragging about Luke’s skill, and how he had grown to resemble his father in almost ever aspect. Anakin was very excited to be getting the opportunity to see them both this weekend, as well as for them to see Aiden. His in-laws would be seeing the baby for the first time. Ruwee had been called away on a diplomatic mission three days before Aiden’s birth, he and Jobal had only just returned. Sola and her family had yet to visit as well; she too had just had her fifth child. This weekend would be spent at Anakin and Padme’s home; they were originally going to go to the lake country, but traveling with a three-month old didn’t seem like a good idea. Anakin could tell already as he entered the chaos that was his house, this weekend was going to be more work than play.
There were servants running in every which way, attempting to finish last minute chores. Anakin was nearly knocked off his feet by three of them. Leia ran up to greet him. He bent over and scooped her up, swinging her around before putting her safely back on the ground. “Why hello there!” he said, leaning over so he was her height. “Hi Dad! I missed you today! You know that vein on mom’s forehead that you always joke is going to explode one day when she gets really, really angry?” Anakin gave her a questioning look, “I missed you too, and yes I know the vein. Why?” Leia came close to him, “I think today may be the day!” Just then Anakin heard a crash in the kitchen. He walked in and saw that one of the servants had broken some china. Padme was trying to nurse Aiden while running the whole operation. Leia was right, the vein looked new bursting point.

“Good graces Nick can you and your butterfingers please clean up and the shattered glass before someone cuts themselves. Where are the spare dishes? There they are, bring those out instead. Will some one please tell me that you remembered to get out extra pillows, my father is a freak about clean pillows. Did anyone change the sheets in the guest bedroom? What about that spot on the floor? Does anyone plan to mop that up?” Padme was in full-commando mode, Anakin could see the fear in the eyes of the servants. And judging by the size of the vein they had every right to be afraid. Anakin could only chuckle to himself at his wife. “Does anyone happen to know where my husband is?” she said to almost no one, everyone else was busying carrying out her orders. “Right here,” Anakin spoke up. He saw a brief look of relief wash over Padme’s face, and the vein lost a little surface area; but it was soon replaced with the angry impatient look. “Where have you been? You were supposed to be here a half an hour ago. Everyone will be here in less than an hour, the baby needs to be burped, and Leia is goodness knows where!” Anakin couldn’t help but smile at his wife. “I was held up by Jak, your family as well as Obi-Wan are constantly running late and Leia is in the foyer.” He kissed her hello and took Aiden from her. “I can handle the burping. You need to sit.” She collapsed into the nearest chair. “I just want this weekend to be perfect.” “And it will be,” Anakin said as Aiden produced a rather large burp. “Don’t drive yourself crazy. Leia and I were afraid that vein of yours might burst.” She sent him mockingly angry glance. “This vein you speak of does not exist.” Anakin laughed. “Oh yes it does. One day I may have to take a photo.” Padme joined in his laughter and stood up. “The cleaning is almost done. I need to change and so does Aiden.” Anakin pulled at the collar of his commander’s uniform. How he hated the thing, he only wore it to please the Queen. “I will come with you, one more minute in this thing and a vein might pop out on my forehead as well.” After another fifteen minutes, everything was clean, everyone was changed and ready to greet the guests, who were running late as Anakin had suspected.
Anakin sat down hard on one of the couches in the foyer. Just as he did, Padme called him from the bedroom. “Anakin! Can you change Aiden, she just had an accident and I need to start the meal!” Anakin somehow found the strength to get back up. Leia was laughing at him. “What’s so funny?” he asked, “Now you get to help with the poopy diaper.” Leia’s face twisted into a look of disgust as she grudgingly followed her father into his bedroom. Padme handed Anakin Aiden and flew out the door. Anakin walked to the changing table and set her down. He looked at her curiously. “Your mother has never asked me to do this before,” he said almost to himself. Leia looked at him, “You never changed me or Luke?” “No,” Anakin said truthfully, “I avoid anything having to do that aspect of raising a child. Changing diapers is not one of my strong suits.” Leia couldn’t help but giggle. “Have you ever watched mom do this?” he asked her. “A few times,” Leia said. Anakin rolled up his sleeves and took off Aiden’s soiled clothes. She giggled gleefully as her father held the clothes between his thumb and index finger before depositing them in the trash. “Ok,” he said, “Step one.” He then took off her diaper but immediately had to stop to cover his nose. The stench was fouler than the time he and Obi-Wan had ended up in the sewer system on Naos 4. Anakin quickly moved the diaper into the trash. Now he stared, confused as to what to do next. This time it was Padme laughing, she was standing in the door way, bent over and laughing to the point of tears. She fanned her self in an effort to regain her composure, “I…seem… to have found something you can’t do.” She laughed even harder. Anakin frowned at her. “Well,” he said, “They weren’t any lessons on this at the Jedi Temple!” Padme laughed to her hearts content before walking over to the changing table. She kissed Anakin’s cheek, “I know my love, I shouldn’t have sent you into battle unprepared.” Anakin put his arm around her waist, “NO battle I have ever fought in was quite like that, that smell is ferocious.” Both Padme and Leia giggled at this. Padme leaned over and finished changing Aiden then outfitted her with new clothes. Anakin was very impressed. “You continue to surprise me everyday,” he said taking her in his arms and kissing her. Leia made a face, “Eww, Grody!” Anakin dipped Padme before ending the kiss, sending his daughter running out of the room. They both laughed at this. The doorbell rang. “That would be our guests,” Padme said pulling away from Anakin. Anakin picked up Aiden, cradling her in his arms, and allowed Padme to take his hand and lead him towards the front door.

Chapter 2

Upon arriving at the front door, Ruwee and Jobal, Nolan, Sola, and her tribe were all greeting Leia. “Oh look at how big my granddaughter is getting!” Ruwee said, “And so pretty, like your mother,” Jobal added, “Your father must beat the little boys off with a stick.” “He does,” Padme said as she entered the room, Anakin in tow. Everyone embraced before fawning over Aiden, who was nestled in her father’s arms. “She’s beautiful!” Jobal said, and everyone agreed. Aiden loved the attention, smiling, giggling and touching everyone. Finally, when she had all the excitement she could take, she let out a big yawn. “I will put her down for a nap,” Anakin said, “Please, everyone have a seat.” Anakin took her back to the nursery and laid her down in her crib. He kissed her forehead and rubbed his finger lightly across her cheek. “Sleep well little one,” he said before shutting the door quietly behind him, as she was already asleep. Anakin returned to the sitting room and found everyone participating in conversation. How everyone was feeling, the various adventures of the last few months, politics. Anakin sat down next to Padme and slipped his fingers in between hers as she talked about her role as advisor to the Queen. From far away it would appear as if Anakin was paying very close attention to every bit of the conversation, but in fact he wasn’t. Anakin knew everything there was to know about Padme’s role; she discussed it often enough. Anakin was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Obi-Wan and Luke. When he heard the doorbell ring, he could hardly contain his excitement. He jumped off the couch “I’ll get it!” before practically running to the front door. There he found Obi-Wan Kenobi and at his side a tall, thin boy who looked almost nothing like the Luke Anakin had last seen. Luke’s hair was now as short as his had once been, and his padawan braid had grown in. He saw the excitement that Luke was trying to contain in his eyes at seeing his father. Anakin looked equally as excited. He hugged Obi-Wan and then squeezed Luke. “I’ve missed you both! Come in, Come in!” Anakin could see that Luke felt a little awkward upon entering the house he had lived in for eight of his now nine years. “So how have you been?” “Well,” Obi-Wan said, “Very well actually. Luke is learning very quickly, he is so much like you it scares me sometimes.” Anakin smiled, “I have missed you both a great deal. I just laid your baby sister down for a nap, but the family would love to see you. Be careful with your mother, she may attempt to strangle you to death with a hug.” Obi-Wan and Luke followed Anakin back into the sitting room where Luke was smothered with love and hugs. He looked uncomfortable, he was so rigid and stiff; Anakin could sense something was bothering Luke. Padme nearly did strangle him, “Oh, your father and I have missed you so much!” Even Leia hugged her brother, promising to show him the tree house that Anakin had built later. After Luke had been sufficiently kissed, hugged, and molested to each family member’s satisfaction, he was allowed to sit down. They talked for a longer time about various going on’s in the galaxy before dinner was called.
The food was excellent and everyone enjoyed each other’s company. Padme was all over Luke, “Do you want this honey, does this taste okay, and is that a scar?” “Padme,” Anakin finally said, “Luke’s food tastes the same as yours I am sure. And that scar has been there since he was three and ran into the cabinet.” Everyone but Luke laughed at this. Padme stuck her tongue out playfully at Anakin. Aiden woke up midway through dinner and came into join them. The spectacle she created with her screams was rather entertaining. Obi-Wan thought she was adorable. Luke just kind of looked at her for a minute, then found staring at his plate more interesting. After dinner, the ladies went into the kitchen to clean the dinner mess. Anakin had tried to help but was swiftly kicked out of the kitchen as it was time for the girls to gossip. Anakin rolled his eyes as he left the kitchen to the sound of their laughter.
Padme really enjoyed being able to be around her sister and mother again. She saw them so rarely lately; it was nice to be able to chat. Sola was staring at her now that Anakin had left the kitchen. “What?” she asked Sola. “Nothing. It just makes me laugh. He still looks at you the exact same way he did when I first met him all those years ago. He remains completely enamored with you.” Padme felt her face turn bright pink as she offered up a shy smile. “I wouldn’t go that far,” she said, trying to play it off. Both Sola and Jobal laughed at her. “You are so full of it!” her mother said. “For goodness sakes I think even your father notices the way the two of you still look at each other. I thought we had raised you to be much better liar.” Padme splashed at little water at the two of them.

“Oh will you two get off it. And mother you didn’t raise me to be a liar, you raised me to be an honest politician; which is apparently why you think I am such a bad liar. It was three years before anyone figured out Anakin and I were married, so do not put my lying abilities into question,” Padme responded, jokingly lifting her head up into the air. They laughed some more at this before changing the subject. “I am just so happy that things have returned to normal. We were so worried for you after what happened, with the sith and the children and all.” Sola said. Padme nodded, her family had been horrified when they had found out all that had happened, although some parts-such as her killing of Semi in protection of Anakin-had been left out. “Yes,” Padme said finally, “It is nice to return to a sense of normalcy, and I am happy to have my son home for a few days.” Jobal spoke, “Your son is the spitting image of his father, so handsome. But I am curious as to what seems to be bothering my grandson. He was so solemn at dinner.” Padme nodded, “Yes, I saw that as well. I am sure Anakin will talk to him.” They continued to do dishes, laughing about various going-ons of the past couple of months.
Outside, Ruwee, Nolan, and Obi-Wan were all sitting watching the children play. Leia, and Sola’s five children all appeared to be having a good time, Luke just stood their unmoving. Obi-Wan frowned as Anakin approached. “I don’t know what is bothering him, he won’t talk to me. All of the sudden he is so serious. Before he had even more sprit then you did. I am thinking the initial sparkle of being trained has worn off.” Anakin nodded slowly, “I think I know what it might be. I think I will go have a talk with him, excuse me gentlemen.”
Anakin walked up behind Luke, startling him a little bit. “Care to take a walk?” Luke nodded. They walked off in the direction of the small pond on the property. Once there, they both sat down on the bench. Anakin had taught Luke to swim in this pond, and those warm memories brought back happy feelings. Looking at Luke’s sour-puss expression took them back. “I know what’s bothering you Luke.” Luke looked up at him surprised. “Nothing’s bothering me, I’m just tired, that’s all.” Anakin couldn’t help but notice how alike he and Luke were, both refusing to talk about anything or accept any form of help. “Luke, you can’t lie to me. I have watched you since you arrived here, it is clear something is bothering you. I think I know what it is, but I can’t help you if you don’t tell me.” Luke sighed heavily and stared at his feet. “I miss you guys. Leia, and Mom, and you, a lot. You sent me off with Obi-Wan and had a new baby to replace me. It’s like you don’t want me anymore,” Luke said with tears in his eyes. He didn’t want to look weak in front of his dad. Anakin put his arm around Luke’s shoulder. “We would never want to replace you Luke. We…I… love you. The baby…Aiden…Aiden was a big surprise. Your mother and I didn’t plan on that, it just sort of happened. I allowed Obi-Wan to train you because I thought it was what you wanted. It was a spur of the moment thing, he had been asking about it since you were about 5. I had been telling him ‘No’. I was too attached to you Luke; I didn’t want you to go. Obi-Wan practically had to beg me, he needed you. After what happened on Geonosis, and with Semi, it just seemed like it was meant to be; like it was what you wanted. It was very hard for me to leave you, harder than you or anyone else knows. Letting go is not something I’m good at. Being here without you is hard too; I am surrounded by stubborn women. Even Aiden likes to argue with me.” Luke smiled at this. “Obi-Wan always tells me how well you are doing, I am very proud of you. If at anytime you decide that this isn’t what you want I would love to have you home again. But I do believe that it is what you are meant for, sort of like I was. Never ever think we would want to replace you or even try. You are my only son. I don’t think I could.” They were silent for a time, just looking out over the pond. “I do like being a Jedi, and being with Obi-Wan. I was just afraid you didn’t love me anymore.” Anakin hugged Luke, “That day will never come alright? Now your sister has been bugging me for two straight weeks about how she can’t wait for you to come home. I think you should go play. Even Jedi can have fun. Luke smiled and Anakin watched him run off towards the others.
Anakin returned to find Obi-Wan staring at him. “How in the blazes did you do that? I have been trying to make that child happy for three months and you did it in ten minutes.” Anakin chuckled at Obi-Wan, “He’s just like me Obi-Wan, I knew what was bothering him. Or rather what would be bothering me if I was him.” Obi-Wan still looked frustrated. Later, the women and Aiden came out on the patio to join them. It was a beautiful, clear night.

[Annie]

Chapter 2 Continued...

Padme watched Luke run and chase the other children for a moment before turning to Anakin and asking “What happened? At dinner he seemed so dead.” “Nothing. We just talked.” Padme looked at him suspiciously before he leaned over and whispered in her ear “I will tell you later.” The remainder of the evening was lovely and everyone went to bed in good spirits.
Anakin woke to the sound of Aiden’s cries from the nursery. Padme began to get up sleepily, but Anakin pulled her back down. “I can handle this,” he said yawning. He disentangled himself from the sheets and put his shirt on. He walked to Aiden’s nursery; he was shocked she hadn’t woken up the whole house. He picked her up and shushed her. “There there, let’s get you something to eat.” Anakin walked to the kitchen with heavy footsteps. He took some of the formula out of the refrigerator and heated it. He tested it on his arm and was in the process of administering it to Aiden when he realized he wasn’t alone. He spoke to Obi-Wan without even lifting his head up, “How long have you been standing there?” “Only about five minutes,” Obi-Wan said as he took a seat at the kitchen table. “I couldn’t sleep.” Anakin sat down as well. No wonder Aiden had been screaming so loud, she was starving. “Why can’t you sleep?” Anakin asked, now looking at Obi-Wan. “I have been thinking Anakin,” Obi-Wan said, “About what happened this evening with Luke. Why would he tell you and not me? I thought we had become close.” Anakin had seen this coming. “You have Obi-Wan, you always were. Luke loves you. He and I just have a different relationship. I am his father; he spent the first eight years of his life with me. Give him a little bit of time.” Obi-Wan was still confused, “But what was it that he couldn’t tell me?” “It wasn’t that he couldn’t tell you Obi-Wan,” Anakin continued, “It’s just that you wouldn’t have been able to solve the problem. Luke thought we didn’t love him anymore, that Aiden was an excuse to replace him.” “I see,” Obi-Wan said, “I had a feeling it was something like that. Anakin I was thinking that you should take a more active role in his training. You too are so alike; you know what he needs when I don’t. If you helped train him he wouldn’t be so homesick all the time.” Anakin thought about how wonderful this sounded, but then reality kicked in. “That would require me to re-join to order. Or at least spend quite a bit of time away from home. I can’t do that to Padme, especially after we just had a baby.” Obi-Wan nodded, “Just a suggestion. But you could at least take part in our training sessions via holo-conference. I think Luke would be more comfortable if you did.” Anakin could agree with that. “That sounds like a good idea Obi-Wan. As long as things were quiet with the army I could do it. I will do it.” “Excellent,” Obi-Wan said, “I was also wondering if you wouldn’t mind us staying a few more days. Luke looked so happy this evening, I think it would do him some good.” Of course my brother,” Anakin said his eyes lighting up, “It will be nice to have someone to talk to who isn’t a woman. And you could accompany me to train new recruits; two clone war veterans ought to offer quite a bit of intimidation!” A smile formed under Obi-Wan’s beard. “Very well, I am off to bed!” Aiden finished her bottle in record time. Anakin took her back to the nursery where she promptly fell asleep. Anakin returned to his own bedroom where he found his wife sprawled across the bed and snoring ever so slightly. Anakin took his night shirt off and climbed back into bed, trying no to disturb her. It didn’t work, she awoke with a start. Anakin laughed softly at the look of bewilderment on her face. She smiled back at him and snuggled close to him. He ran his fingers through her soft hair. “Thank you,” she whispered to him as she kissed him lightly. He pulled her closer. She lay back and rested her head on his shoulder. “Padme?” but she was already asleep.

Chapter 3


When Padme opened her eyes, the first rays of light were making their way into the room. She sat up, let out a big yawn and stretched her arms out. She looked down at Anakin who was sleeping peacefully. He looked so adorable; she could tell from the dry milk on his pajama bottoms that he had woken up again to feed Aiden. How thoughtful of him to let her sleep, she had been exhausted. It felt as if she had been going at 100 parsecs and hour for the last three months. She was happy to have this weekend to relax, well sort of. And Anakin had been so understanding and helpful, and she hadn’t been appreciative enough of all he was doing to help her. After all, he was commanding the army and then coming home to a house full of moody women. She lay back down on top of him and ran her hands along his muscular chest. She nibbled on his ear and his neck before whispering “Good morning,” in his ear. He woke up with a smile on his face, “Good morning indeed,” he said, returning her kiss. “What’s the occasion?” he said as he moved on top of her, “You’re a wonderful husband” she said back to him. She kissed him deeply, running her hands all over his body; he did the same to her. He began to slip off her dress as she began to slip off his pajamas. KNOCK! Leia and Luke came clambering in, wearing their own pajamas, “Good Morning!!!” Anakin was caught off guard, and rolled off the bed to avoid looking as if anything had been going on. Padme pulled the sheets up around her, slipping the straps of her nightgown back over her shoulders. “Goodness Gracious, good morning! Haven’t you father and I always told you to knock?!” They climbed onto the bed, “Oh sorry. When’s breakfast?” Leia said. Padme looked at her as if she was crazy. “It’s barely even light outside! You both know how to make your own breakfast. I am not your servant. And you should know better than to come barging in her when it is barely light outside!” Both Luke and Leia hung their heads and curled their bottom lips in an effort to look cute. They succeeded. “We’re sorry. We’ll make our own breakfast. But first can we watch the holonet with you and dad? Please!” Padme sighed and reluctantly told them yes. Anakin would have to wait. “Where is dad?” Luke asked.
Anakin silently cursed not having locked the door after feeding Aiden. He sat on the floor in a huff. Luke’s head appeared over the side of the bed. “Whatcha doing down there?” “Checking the thread count of the rug.” Anakin said sarcastically, getting back onto the bed. Padme gave him a sympathetic look. “Sorry,” she mouthed. Anakin shrugged his shoulders and turned on the holonet. All that was on was a bunch of gibberish, so they were forced to watch the news. Char Diam, Viceroy of the Trade Federation, appeared on the news, giving another interview denouncing the Jedi. After Anakin’s and Obi-Wan’s visit, he didn’t have very warm feelings towards the Jedi. They had told no one of his involvement, but had placed the Cato Neimodia system and well as the Viceroy under tight security watch. Anakin turned the holonet off in disgust before Char even had a chance to open his mouth. “I believe you two could spend your time in a better manner than watching that bantha poodu. Luke and Leia giggled at their father’s word choice. “Oh you think that’s funny?” he said as he grabbed both of them and proceeded to tickle them until they begged for mercy. Luke laughingly said, “You aren’t supposed to tickle Jedi.” Anakin responded, “Well than it’s a good thing you’re my son,” and tickled him until he was about to burst. “Alright,” Anakin said, “Enough, go grab some breakfast. We’ll be right behind you.” Luke and Leia ran laughing from the room, attempting to trip one another. Once they were out of the room, Anakin closed and locked the door using a slight application of the force. “Where were we?” he asked as he lay down, pulling Padme to him. She smiled as she kissed him, lightly at first and then more passionate. Anakin pulled at the hem of her nightgown and ran his mouth over her neck and shoulders. He began to pull the nightgown over her head, just as Aiden’s “I’m awake!” cries through the intercom. Anakin let out an exasperated sigh and moved to sit on the edge of the bed. He hit the intercom’s silent button, but when he turned back to Padme, she was out of the bed and pulling her robe on. Anakin just looked at her. “What? Ani the baby needs me right now.” “And I don’t?” he said to her, standing up. “I barely even see you anymore.” Padme walked over to him and rested her hands on his stomach, “I know, I know. I promise that tonight we will somehow sneak away for awhile.” Anakin rolled his eyes, “That’s going to happen with seven kids, a baby, your parents, sister, brother-in-law, and Obi-Wan here.” Padme chuckled at him, placing her hand on his jaw line, forcing him to look at her. “I promise,” she said. “Okay,” he said “If you say so.” “I most certainly do, and we all know I like it when people stick to their word,”

she said to him “What was it exactly that was bothering Luke? You never did say.” “Oh,” Anakin said, “It wasn’t anything horrible. Luke had just missed us terribly I think. He thought we had intentionally gotten rid of him and that Aiden was his replacement. Don’t worry, we talked it out and everything is fine now.” Padme looked concerned, “Why would he think that? I should talk to him.” “I don’t know,” Anakin said, “He was just confused; he is too much like me, lets his emotions get the best of him. You don’t need to talk to him, we hashed it out; everything is fine now.” “Are you sure?” she asked him. Anakin kissed her lightly, “Yes, I am sure. You don’t have to solve everyone’s problems you know.” She gave him a playful smile, “No I don’t, I just like to.” “Another thing,” Anakin said, “Obi-Wan and Luke are going to stay for a few more days. Obi-Wan said that Luke needed the time at home.” “That’s wonderful!” Padme said, “I would like to have Luke here when there isn’t so much chaos.” Anakin nodded, “Um, I was talking to Obi-Wan last night and he sort of wants me to take a larger part in training Luke.” Anakin looked at the floor and shuffled his feet a little, not knowing what her response would be. “Just what exactly does that mean? Even more time away from us?” she said to him with an impatient edge. Anakin looked back up at her. “Well, not really. I told Obi-Wan no because I didn’t want to spend anymore time away from you. But he suggested I could do it through holo-conference, and maybe visit every once in awhile.” Padme kind of looked at him for awhile, as if trying to read his thoughts on the matter. Apparently she was successful. “I know how much you miss Luke, and I can tell you would like to do this. As long as you don’t spend too much more time away from me, it’s fine.” Anakin was grinning like a fool. He bent down to kiss her, “Why would I ever want to spend time away from you? Thank you love.” Aiden’s loud cry broke the kiss, reminding them that she was still awake and awaiting a parent. Padme gave Anakin a peck before going off to the nursery. Anakin put his shirt and robe on before heading in the direction of the kitchen.
With everyone trying to eat at the same time, the kitchen was in quite the commotion. Anakin poured himself a cup of tea and stood next to Obi-Wan, who was silently observing the family. “Quite the circus,” Obi-Wan said to him. Anakin nodded, seemingly in a daze. There was food everywhere on the table, anything and everything you could imagine. The children, as well as the adults were having a field day. Obi-Wan laughed to himself, “I hope it isn’t like this every morning,” he said to Anakin. “No,” Anakin said thankfully as one of Sola’s younger children spilled the juice. Padme entered the kitchen cradling Aiden, a look of horror swept over her face. She watched the commotion for awhile; unable to believe what had happened to the kitchen. Just as Anakin was about to take another sip of his tea, Luke and Leia dove for the last piece of strudel, causing it to become airborne and find its way into Anakin’s tea. Obi-Wan gave Luke a disapproving glance as Luke sunk lower and lower into his chair. Anakin looked at the floating mass in his cup. Padme had clearly had enough, “I told you two to make yourselves breakfast, not cause a catastrophe in the kitchen.” “Sorry Mom,” they said in unison, “We will clean it up.” “Yes you will,” she said, “But you should apologize to me, apologize to your father who now gets to enjoy the last strudel.” They both apologized to him, and Anakin shook it off. “Don’t worry about it, but next time, split it in half instead.” The whole table laughed before returning to their meal. After everyone had eaten to their satisfaction, they decided on a plan for the day; they would spend it at the lake. It was a beautiful day outside, perfect for such venture. It took about an hour for everyone to get ready.
Everyone was ready to go except Padme, who was still trying to put together Aiden’s bag. Anakin decided that it would be best to load the speeder now, so that they could leave as soon as she was ready. He asked for Obi-Wan’s and Luke’s assistance. They agreed, others volunteered, but Anakin told them to stay put; three Jedi were more than capable of handling the job. However, when they went to go out the front door, 3P0 stood in their way. “Sir…I wouldn’t go anywhere today.” Anakin looked at him as if a circuit was loose, “Why not? It is beautiful outside, and we are all going to the lake.” Obi-Wan and Luke looked equally as confused. C3P0 looked as close to shocked as a droid could come. “Didn’t you see the holonet sir? Didn’t the other servants mention something?” Anakin was getting annoyed, “What in the world are you talking about 3P0? Why can’t I go outside?” 3P0 turned on the security monitor and revealed just about every member of the press standing in Anakin and Padme’s front yard.

Obi-Wan looked utterly confused, “What in the blazes are they doing there?” Anakin turned on his heel and walked back into the sitting room where the family was and flipped on the holonet. A reporter standing directly in front of his house was relaying the news. “I am here in front of the house of former Queen and Senator Padme Amidala Skywalker and her husband, Commander of Naboo’s Royal Army and former Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker.” ‘Good lord,’ Anakin thought to himself, “Padme and I do have quite the title.” The reporter continued as everyone in the room watched intently, having been unaware of the spectacle outside. Padme entered the room with Aiden. “Ready… Why is that reporter standing outside the house?” Her question was soon answered. “We are awaiting a statement from Commander Skywalker following Viceroy of the Trade Federation Char Diam’s controversial accusations against him and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi earlier this evening.” An image of Char Diam came over the screen and Anakin, as well as everyone else in the room, listened intently as Char spoke. “Master Kenobi and Commander Skywalker about a year ago threatened my life and tortured me brutally. I have kept my silence until now out of fear that they would carry out their threats. I am only speaking so that these two animals may be arrested and tried; so that our children will be safe from these monsters. In response to the sith threat about a year ago, the two of them came to Cato Neimodia looking for evidence and the sith. Being a now peaceful system, one loyal to the republic and in no way associated with any sort of evil, they naturally found nothing. They came to me bearing false evidence and claiming that I had assisted these sith. I am an honest man and would never participate in such an act. They then proceeded…” he paused, acting as if this was particularly painful, “To murder innocent members of my staff and my guard, before finally turning their hatred on me. I was beaten, verbally abused and thrown around. They left me only within inches of death. Then for a year afterward, they have kept me under close watch, analyzing my every move and tormenting me and my people. I beg you, the people of the Republic, to do something about these two menaces. I will not rest until justice is met.” The reporter came back on the screen, “As you can see, Viceroy Diam made some very serious allegations against Master Kenobi and Commander Skywalker. At this time, neither the Jedi Order nor the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic intends to take any actions. Chancellor Mothma and leading member of the Jedi Council, Jedi Master Yoda, had this to say when addressed today.” Yoda and Mon Mothma appeared on the screen, it looked as if they were on the step on the Senate Building. Yoda spoke first, “Acting under Jedi orders Kenobi and Skywalker were. No evidence there is that mistreat anyone they did. True it is that members of the staff and guards died. Only because take up arms they did. Not responsible Masters Kenobi and Skywalker are.” Mon Mothma then took the podium. “There is no evidence that Viceroy Diam was mistreated. However, there is plenty of evidence that contrary to what he said, he was in fact helping the sith threat. Master Kenobi and Commander Skywalker should be thanked for their efforts to save the Republic, not condemned. The Viceroy’s claims have no merit; I am personally seeing to it that he is removed from power.” Once again the reporter appeared on the screen. “As of right now, neither Viceroy Diam nor Kenobi or Skywalker has yet to say anything. Many widely discredit the Viceroy’s claims; however he has gained the support of around 15 other systems. For now, we wait for Skywalker’s comment. It is rumored that Kenobi is in the house also, as he was visiting with his padawan, the only son of Commander and Lady Skywalker. We stand by for his comment as well.” Anakin switched off the holonet and let his hand fall limply to his side. He could feel the whole room looking at him. He did his best to suppress his anger. “This is…This is absolute crap,” he finally managed to mutter. He released his death grip on the controller and put his hands on his waist, pacing back and forth. Obi-Wan finally spoke, “Diam has no evidence; he is simply making a push for power. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has something up his sleeve.” Anakin nodded, taking deep centering breathes, and slowly his anger subsided. “So what do we do?” Obi-Wan stroke his beard; it was almost as if the two of them were the only ones in the room. “Well, Yoda and Chancellor Mothma made it clear that they intend to stand behind us, seeing as how we have done nothing wrong. I fear all we can do it wait until Diam runs out of steam.” Anakin accepted this with another slow, heavy nod. “The only problem with that is that I don’t think Diam will run out of steam. The only three people that know what really happened are you, me and him. We have nothing but our word.”

“As far as the treatment of Diam and his staff go, yes that is true,” Obi-Wan said, “However, Diam signed a private confessional admitting his guilt and repenting. Plus we have the secret room in his palace that proves something fishy had been going on. If those things were to get out, Diam’s claims would be cast aside. For now, I think we need to respond.” Anakin turned to Padme, who had given Aiden to her mother and whose hands were in the exact same place Anakin’s were on her own hips. “What do you think I should do?” “I agree with Obi-Wan,” she said, “Once word of Diam’s signed confessional gets out, he will have nothing to go on. It wouldn’t be hard to leak it to the press. I could talk to Mon. I am only worried that Diam may use this as an opportunity to gain power, but if we can leak it, he would lose any hope. For right now, we need to get the press off of our lawn. She turned to walk out the front door, but Anakin grabbed her wrist. “No. You stay right here. I can take care of this. It’s my statement they want. I send you; it may send the wrong message, that I am scared or something.” Padme conceded, “Fine, if you feel your manhood is in jeopardy, you talk to them. But I am coming with you.” “As am I, “Obi-Wan said, “Until this is figured out, I can at least help get them off your property.” Anakin, backed into a corner, agreed to let them both come. He took Padme’s hand in his flesh hand and gripped it tightly; he wasn’t one for speaking in public. “We will be right back,” he said to the family. Luke jumped up, “What about me! I am your son and Obi-Wan’s apprentice, shouldn’t I go too?!” “No,” Obi-Wan and Anakin said at the same time. “Stay put until I come back Luke,” Obi-Wan said, “You don’t need to be dragged into this.”
As they walked out the front door the cameras turned on them, a million questions being shot at them at once. Anakin calmed himself before speaking. “My wife and I would appreciate it if you would kindly get off of our property. You are disturbing and upsetting my family. At this time, Master Kenobi and I maintain our innocence and would ask that you refrain from making any snap judgments until both sides of the story have been heard.” A million more questions, “When will that be?!” “Soon enough,” Anakin said, “Now if you will kindly obey mine and my wife’s wishes and leave our property. Thank You” With that Anakin, Padme and Obi-Wan went back inside the house.
The first thing Anakin wanted to do was contact Yoda and Mon Mothma. Before they went back to the family he took Padme and Obi-Wan to the holo-projector. Soon both Yoda’s and Mon’s face had appeared. “Hello, I was expecting a call,” Mon said. “As was I,” Yoda agreed. Anakin did all the talking. “As I am sure you are both aware, none of Char’s allegations are true. Yes, he staff and guard died, but only because they were attempting to kill us. We tried to be diplomatic about it, but he wouldn’t have it.” “Know this we do,” Yoda said. “We stand behind you 100%," Mon added. Padme spoke, “I think if we were to leak Diam’s confessional, it would greatly damage his campaign.” Both Yoda and Mon agreed, “You are right Padme, I will see to it that it gets done as soon as possible. For now I want everyone to stay put. Diam is up to something, I can feel it. Should the situation change, contact us immediately.” “Same for you and your padawan,” Yoda said to Obi-Wan, “Stay put you must.” Obi-Wan agreed and thanked them, “We will be in contact.” The transmission ended and they left the room.

[Annie]

Chapter 4

The plan to spend the day at the lake had now been ruined as everyone sat in silence in the living room. Anakin could see through the window that the reporters were now standing on the very edge of his property, awaiting any further news. He sat down hard in a chair and leaned against the arm, supporting his head in his flesh hand. Obi-Wan was pacing slowly behind him. No one said a word. Padme looked around the room and decided to do something about the sour faces. “Okay, so we can’t go to the Lake. That is no reason to ruin a perfectly good day. We shouldn’t allow these reporters to dictate what we can and cannot do. We have a small pond in our back yard. The children can swim; we could have a picnic of sorts.” Anakin just looked at her. Only Padme. Everyone seemed to like the idea, and ten minutes later they had all walked down to the shore of the pond with a packed lunch. The children were eager to jump in, all of them running straight at the water. Obi-Wan stopped Luke. “Not so fast, first it is time for your daily meditation.” Luke reluctantly followed Obi-Wan to a secluded spot of the yard.
Luke sat down across from Obi-Wan and began to calm himself. He really didn’t want to do this right now, couldn’t training wait? He was just happy to be home, he wanted to play with his sister and cousins. Obi-Wan read his thoughts, “You will have plenty of time to goof off Luke. Right now you need to focus; I need to show you something.” Luke closed his eyes and focused “Yes master,” He opened himself to the force as Master Obi-Wan had shown him how to do and allowed himself to be filled with it. “Good,” Obi-Wan said to him. “Now I want to show you something.” Luke focused on the images that were coming into his mind; they must have belonged to Obi-Wan. He saw Char Diam, blabbering on, and then he felt his Master’s anger and…fear? “You’re angry Master?” “Yes Luke,” Obi-Wan said, “I am angry that Diam is being dishonest and causing your father stress that he doesn’t need.” Luke was a little confused, “But I thought Jedi aren’t supposed to be angry. And I sense fear, what could you be afraid of?” “Anger is a natural emotion, one hard to suppress, but yes you are right Luke, Jedi do not feel anger,” Obi-Wan said, “I am afraid Luke, afraid that Diam may try something, do something to your father in vengeance. A Jedi must learn to banish anger and fear; they do him no credit. Fear is irrational as is anger. What’s done is done and there is nothing I can do about it; that I have to accept. As for the future, I cannot fear it; I must embrace it so that I may be ready when the time comes. Do you understand what I am trying to teach you padawan?” “Yes,” Luke said, “You cannot let fear and anger dictate your actions. Right?” “Very good,” Obi-Wan continued, “Help me to banish it?” “I will try,” Luke said, “No,” Obi-Wan replied, “’Do or do not. There is no try’, as Master Yoda would say. You will help me banish my fear and anger.” “I will,” Luke said with confidence.
Anakin shifted his attention from those in the pond to Obi-Wan and Luke sitting on the other side of the yard, deep in meditation. Everyone but he and Padme we enjoying the cool water. Even Aiden was cooling off; she was splashing in the water under her grandmother’s watchful eye. Anakin was in too much of a funk to enjoy anything right now. Char’s accusations angered Anakin more than anything else. He and Obi-Wan had given Char a big break and this is how they were repaid? Padme sensed Anakin’s moodiness. “If you let it bother you, the Viceroy gets what he wants,” she said, “It will all clear up soon. He is a bumbling fool, everyone knows that.” She ran her fingers through his hair before resting her chin on his shoulder. “You’re right, as you frequently are,” he said to her. “It just angers me that I can’t spend two days with my family without some sort of disaster occurring.” “I understand,” she said to him, “I feel the same way. But we should enjoy this time. You know that our 12 year anniversary is next week. Sola has offered to watch the kids so we could sneak away.” Anakin smiled; “Were you trying to drop a hint in case I had forgotten?” he asked her jokingly, “I hadn’t. I still can’t believe I have spent 12 wonderful years with you,” he said kissing her cheek. “See,” she said to him, “I knew I could get your mind off it. Now, how about you stop being a party-pooper and swim.” “No, nice try,” Anakin said, “You know how much I dislike sand, particularly when wet.” Just then Luke and Obi-Wan returned. Padme pulled Luke down so he was sitting next to her. “You aren’t too much of a big bad Jedi to assist your mother in getting your father in the water are you? It seems as if he is letting the Viceroy spoil his day.” “No,” Luke said “I can help. Obi-Wan said that Jedi have to banish their anger, what’s done is done and there is nothing you can do about it,” Luke said to Anakin.

Anakin threw his hands up in the air in mock surrender, “First your mother, now you Luke. I can’t take it. You are supposed to be on my side,” he said, ruffling Luke’s hair. “Obi-Wan probably knows what he is talking about as well. But if I have to swim, so does your mother,” Anakin said reaching for Padme. “Oh no, don’t you dare throw me to those children,” she screamed getting up to run away from him, but he caught her before she got the chance. He picked her up off her feet, cradling her in his arms. She squirmed in protest and repeatedly told him “No Anakin, Anakin don’t. I don’t want to get wet. If you put me in that water!” all the while laughing. He reached the waters edge and waded in a little bit before purposefully falling in. Padme emerged, soaked to the core with a look on her face that made Anakin bend over in laughter. Even Aiden was amused, splashing in her grandmother’s lap. Padme immediately turned on Anakin tackling him into the water. When they resurfaced, she told him “I am going to rub so much sand on you it will be coming out of your ears.” Anakin could only continue to laugh.

Anakin had spent about and hour frolicking in the water, playing with his kids. Padme had even enjoyed herself. And Obi-Wan Kenobi, the man who rarely does anything just because its fun, and who hates to show off his prosthetic, had cannonballed himself into the water; then proceeded to goof off like a giddy schoolboy. Finally when everyone had their fair share of fun, they got out to eat lunch. Anakin scooped up Aiden as he walked towards the blanket. She giggled and played with his shaggy hair. He lay down on the blanket, setting her on his stomach. Padme sat down net to him as did Luke, Leia, and Obi-Wan. The other soon arrived to the blanket as well. Anakin sat up and set Aiden in his lap as he began to eat the lunch Padme had prepared. He smiled at the scene around him, Diam had failed. He was happy; he was enjoying himself. He took Padme’s hand and squeezed it, “Thank you,” he said to her. She only smiled at him. They managed to spend the rest of the afternoon happily, without any interruption.

Once they had returned to the house, the women had promptly set about making dinner. Obi-Wan went to lie down for a nap; the others who weren’t helping in food preparation settled in the family room. The reporters were still outside. Anakin sighed at them, would ten seconds alone be too much to ask? He caught Luke as he was about to enter the family room. “Wait a moment, I was…err…wondering if you wouldn’t mind getting in a little lightsaber practice. I know Obi-Wan’s your Master and everything, but…well, he’s asleep…and you should…uh….practice.” Anakin was surprised he was able to get the whole sentence out. Obi-Wan had suggested he help with Luke’s training; Anakin just wasn’t sure how Luke would react. His question was soon answered as Luke’s eyes lit up. “That would be great! Outside, right now? I’ll get my lightsaber!” Anakin barely had time to respond as a smile crept across his lips. Once outside, Luke was anxious to begin. He was just like Anakin. “Alright,” Anakin said, “Let’s start with your footwork.” Anakin moved in various directions, taking it easy on Luke. However, he soon found that taking it easy was not an option. Luke managed to disarm Anakin with alarming speed. Anakin just looked at him and his lightsaber in Luke’s left hand. “Okay, well, I will need that back,” he said to Luke snatching it out of his hand. The look on Luke’s face was so cocky he almost laughed out loud. ‘If this boy were anymore like me…’ he thought to himself. “If that is the way you want this to go, prepare for a fight mini-me.” Luke raised his blade and attacked, Anakin deflected it with ease. “Too quick Luke, don’t be hasty in your attack, wait to get a feel for your enemy.” Luke pulled back and calmed himself. He was distracted and Anakin lunged at him; Luke practically dove out of the way, recovering a few feet away, lightsaber at the ready. “You let your guard down. Never ever do that. If I wasn’t your father, your enemy would have finished you right then.” He could feel Luke’s anger rise a little; Anakin could tell he wanted desperately to impress him. “Luke, what did Master Obi-Wan tell you about anger? Don’t let it overwhelm you.” They were circling each other. “But every time you fight your angry Dad. I can feel it,” Luke said to him. Anakin responded, “That is because I was never taught how to properly control my anger. Another thing I am not good at. Every time you have seen me fight it was because I was trying to protect you, your sister or your mother. I don’t take kindly to those that threaten my family. You on the other can learn to control you anger; then you will be more powerful than I.” Luke nodded. Anakin felt Luke calm himself before his next attack which caught Anakin a little off guard. Luke had sensed Anakin’s knee was bothering him and it was his weak spot.

In order to deflect it, he had to move in a way his knee did not like causing him to grunt loudly. Luke looked concerned, “Dad?” “I am fine,” Anakin said, “Just don’t like to move that way. Good job, you sensed my weakness and took advantage. Excellent.” They continued their session.
Padme had been watching Luke and Anakin from the window for a good half-an-hour as she, her mother, Sola, Leia and Sola’s girls prepared dinner. She couldn’t help but to smile at the two of them, so alike. Just then Obi-Wan entered the kitchen yawning. He seemed surprised at all the activity. “And here I thought I had slept through dinner.” He tickled Aiden, who was sitting in a sort of playpen, before standing next to Padme, watching Luke and Anakin for awhile. “I know Anakin misses him. I want to have him more involved with Luke’s training, but with his job it is rather limited.” Padme agreed, “He does miss him. And you giving him the chance to help makes him happier than you could know.” Obi-Wan smiled, “I was more than happy to. Do you require any assistance?” “Oh No,” Padme said, turning her attention back to the chaos that was her kitchen. “We can handle it. Dinner will be ready in about 10 minutes if you want to go get Luke and Anakin.” Obi-Wan was more than happy to. He walked up silently so he wouldn’t disturb them; they were so far into it he was afraid what might happen if he did. Finally, after what seemed like five minutes, they noticed him standing there. Luke deactivated his lightsaber, “Nice nap Master?” Obi-Wan chuckled, “Yes, indeed it was. I see your father was teaching you a thing or two.” Luke nodded, “He was just helping me.” Anakin nodded his agreement. Obi-Wan looked at the two of them, and then laughed. “You aren’t in trouble! Would you both wipe that look of your faces?!” They too began to laugh. “Luke,” Obi-Wan said, “Your father will now occasionally be helping with your training. You don’t need to feel bad when he shows you something. Unless, of course, knowing your father, it actually is bad.” Luke could help contain the smile that was spreading across his lips. “So he will help you?” “Yes,” Obi-Wan said, “From time to time.” He winked at Anakin, “Even the Negotiator needs assistance from time to time. Now, dinner is ready. Shall we?” T
Dinner was once again pleasant, both the food and the conversation excellent. After dinner, Anakin was allowed in the kitchen as he and Luke help to clean up, giving Sola and Jobal a rest. When the dishes were finished, Luke announced that he intended to let Leia show him the tree house. The door hadn’t even shut completely before Anakin had taken Padme in his arms, kissing her deeply. “Anakin,” she said, “We are in the kitchen.” “And?” he asked, pushing random mess off the table before picking her up and putting her on top of it. Suddenly the door swung open and Sola and Jobal, who was holding Aiden, were all standing in the door way. Anakin had turned around completely; Padme had managed to slide off the table. They looked up innocently, “Is something wrong?” Padme asked. Both Sola and Jobal looked at the two of them suspiciously. “Thought we heard a crash. Is everything alright in here?” “Yes,” Anakin said, both he and Padme nodding eagerly. “Okay then,” Sola said as both she and Jobal left the kitchen. When they had been gone about ten seconds, Padme and Anakin turned on each other again, even more passionately than before. But they were once again interrupted by Obi-Wan and flew to opposite ends of the kitchen. “Left a…ah yes there it is.” He smiled at them both before walking out. Anakin sighed, “I am defeated,” he said, putting the last dish away. Padme kissed his check, “Patience my love.” Anakin rolled his eyes, “Since when have you ever known me to be patient?” Before long everyone was tired and decided to retire. This would be Padme’s family’s last night there, they were leaving tomorrow afternoon. Everyone said there good nights and Luke and Leia begged to sleep in their parents’ room. “Common Dad, its Luke’s last night!” Leia begged. “No, It isn’t,” Anakin said, “He and Obi-Wan are staying a few extra days. Both Luke and Leia seemed overjoyed at this, but neither let up. “But, can we have a family sleepover anyways? Aiden too!” Was the force purposely doing this to him? “Your mother and I…” he looked at Padme who sent him a

‘Don’t-you-dare-say-a-word-about-it-let-them-sleep-in-our-room-or-else’ look, “Fine,” he said, “Fine.” “Since the whole galaxy appears to be against me,” he muttered under his breathe.
When Anakin awoke in the morning his wife and two of his children were gone. Aiden was magically still asleep, not surprising as she had woken up four times last night. He gently kissed her cheek, before activating the baby monitor and heading in the direction of the noise.

He looked outside the hallway window to see that most of the reporters had gone away during the night; it had apparently become clear that no one had any intention of talking to them. Breakfast was once again the spectacle, but once over everyone went to separate parts of the house in order to pack for departure. Anakin, Obi-Wan and Padme sat out on the patio, enjoying the morning and watching the children play. Anakin ran his fingers through Padme’s hair and talked about nothing as Obi-Wan sat by himself, meditating. C3P0 came shuffling in from the house. “Master Anakin, Master Kenobi, Mistress Padme. You had better come inside. A call waiting you in the family room.” Obi-Wan, a little annoyed from being woken from his meditation, said “It can’t wait?” “I am afraid not sir,” 3P0 answered. Padme order 3P0 to keep an eye on the children before she took Anakin’s hand, leading him inside.
Obi-Wan followed them inside. Once inside, they walked in the direction of the family room, where C-C3P0 said the call was to be taken. Anakin had no clue what this call could be about. But at this point it could only be one thing. When all three of them were in the room and the door was tightly shut, they hit accept. Both Queen Lila of Naboo and Char Diam were one the line. “Good evening scum,” Char said to the three of them. “The same could be said to you, you filthy, lying…” Padme put her hand over Anakin’s mouth. Char laughed, “She has you on a tight leash there, doesn’t she? She always was a feisty one, I remember that from when I was helping former Viceroy Gunray think of ways to kill her.” Padme gripped Anakin’s hand tightly as she felt both her and his anger rise. “What do you want Diam? Everyone knows that you are lying, soon that written confessional will be leaked to the press and you will be toast.” “So sure of yourself are you? It will be easy for me to claim that it was fake, that you forced me into it. After all, you two are nothing but monsters,” Char responded with in a mock girly tone, a wicked grin on his lips. “But that is beside the point. Twenty two systems have now pledge their allegiance to me. I have firepower beyond your wildest dreams; and I fully intend to use it. First stop on my tour: Naboo. I have a score to settle with you two. This can go two ways. One, the Queen signs an unconditional surrender, Naboo comes under my rule and the two of you are released into my custody, where I can do as I please. However, that does leave your kiddies and the little wife all alone, but I think they would make excellent servants. Don’t know what I would do with the baby though. Two, the Queen does not sign the surrender, I invade with my armies tomorrow at noon, countless die, Naboo is overrun, and I still end up with your family in my hands by days end. Really, it’s a win-win for me. It’s up to you what you want to happen.” Anakin was mere seconds away from throwing himself at the holo-projector. The Queen spoke first, “Under no condition will Naboo surrender. We are a peaceful system; but should violence be required, so be it. I will not condemn two heroes of the republic to death.” “Very well,” Char said with a sneer, “Your funeral. We invade tomorrow at noon.” With that his line clicked off. The Queen turned her attention to Anakin. “Are the armed forces ready?” “Yes, Your Majesty.” Anakin said, “We are ready for anything Diam may throw at us. I fully intend to lead them myself.” Obi-Wan interrupted him, “I will assist Commander Skywalker, as this is my fight as well.” The Queen nodded her approval. Anakin said, “I want to move you as well as my family to a safety bunker just outside the city, no one but myself and my second in command knows of it. You will be safe there, undetected. You will also be able to monitor the battle.” The Queen nodded again. “I will begin preparations; I ask that you come for me at six tomorrow morning.” “It will be done my Queen.” Anakin bowed as the line clicked off. The room was deafly silent. “Obi-Wan, Contact Master Yoda and the Chancellor, tell them the situation. I need to go talk to my family.” Anakin left the room and Padme followed him out.
Obi-Wan couldn’t believe what had just happened. Yoda was apparently able to tell that from his expression. “Surprising this move by the Viceroy is. Most unexpected. Send what Jedi we can to Naboo we will. Stay behind I will, guard the temple against Viceroy Diam’s forces I must. No doubt against the Jedi his next move will be.” Obi-Wan saw the logic in this, “Yes Master, you’re right to stay there. What of Luke? I know he is my padawan, but I do not know whether or not I should allow him to fight. He is Anakin’s only son, and I would never forgive myself were something to happen to him.” Yoda nodded, “It seems that made your decision you already have young Obi-Wan.” Was there a time when Yoda was ever wrong? The Chancellor had been silent up to this point, but she now spoke.

“I will send additional clone forces as well. I will see to it that Viceroy Diam is declared an enemy of the state, as he has clearly proven to be. Do send my best to Padme and Anakin. And good luck Master Kenobi.” “I will,” Obi-Wan said, “And thank you, it will be needed.”
The family had all returned from their rooms and were talking and laughing in the kitchen. However, the looks on Anakin and Padme’s faces when they entered the room shut them all up promptly. “What is it?” Ruwee asked. Anakin once again did all the talking; it seemed to be happening a lot lately. “Tomorrow at noon, Viceroy Diam will invade Naboo.” All was silent as the impact of what was said sunk in. Nolan was the first to speak, “What exactly does that mean? For all parties?” Sola as well as her children clung tightly to him. “He demanded that Obi-Wan and I give ourselves up and that Naboo submit to his rule. The Queen refused. All of you, in addition to Padme and the children, will be accompanying the Queen to a secret underground bunker. You will be safe there.” They accepted this with a heavy nod. “We will leave tomorrow morning at six.”
Anakin had been pleased to hear that both the Chancellor and Yoda were sending re-enforcements. “The more the merrier,” he said grudgingly. The rest of the day was spent in packing and preparation. Nolan, Ruwee and Luke helped Obi-Wan and Anakin to secure the house so that too much damage could not be done. When that was finished, everyone sat down to a quiet dinner. The only sound was the clinking of forks against plates. Luke was the first one to speak up, “Will I be coming with you Master?” Obi-Wan looked up from his plate surprised at the question. “No Luke. Your job is to protect your mother and sisters, as well as the rest of your family.” Luke looked at his father with disappointment, “Oh,” was all he could say before returning his attention back to his plate. After the dinner mess had been cleaned up, everyone suddenly became exhausted and decided it was time to go to sleep. Anakin hugged Luke and Leia and kissed Aiden’s forehead before Padme took them off in the direction of their rooms. Anakin walked into his bedroom and undressed slowly. He switched on the Holonet for a moment, just to see what they were saying. All it was about was Viceroy Diam’s impending invasion, how to properly secure your home and stay safe…so on and so forth. He was surprised at the amount of faith the Holonet seemed to be placing in him “Commander Skywalker should have no problem ridding Naboo of this threat…” Great, now he had expectations to fill as well. He switched the Holonet off and sat on the edge of the bed for a long time rubbing his temples. How had he gotten himself into this position? Could he spend any period of time in which he didn’t have to kill in order to protect his family? Why couldn’t he just be a normal father? During the Clone War at least he had enjoyed the action, the thrill of battle. Now he wasn’t even sure if he still enjoyed that. Was he getting old? He certainly didn’t look his age, but he felt it. He felt older. But Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan was good heavens, near 50! He didn’t seem that old, he was so youthful and energetic. He lay back on the bed with his head on his hands. Maybe he should just surrender himself to Char Diam. He could negotiate, maybe the Viceroy would take only him; leave his family and Obi-Wan alone. It wasn’t fair to make innocent beings and soldiers die over two men, was it? He was lying there, wallowing in self-pity when Padme returned from putting the children down. She changed without saying a word and climbed into bed. She snuggled close to him, letting her hair tickle his torso. He put his arms around her. “Funny,” she said, “How the day turned out. And to think I woke up this morning with high hopes.” Anakin lightly kissed her temple. “I know. I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to add on to this stress.” She looked up at him, “This is not your fault. Don’t even think about blaming yourself; you were doing your job. That is all there is to it,” she said laying back down on his torso. “Just…promise me you will come home safe tomorrow.” “I promise,” Anakin told her, “No matter what it may take. He won’t… I can’t let him win.” He was caught off guard at her understanding, that fact that for once she was willing to do what was in her best interest for once: hide. It made Anakin cling to her tighter, not particularly excited at the thought of leaving her and the children tomorrow. She returned his embrace before pulling him on top of her. “I believe you have a promise to fulfill,” she said to him, bringing him down to kiss her. “I do,” Anakin whispered in her ear. They spent the night making love in each others arms.

[Annie]

Chapter 5

Anakin cracked one eye open. He turned his head to look at the clock; he could hear that other members of the house were already awake, so he figured it would be a good idea to wake up himself. Padme was lying in the curve of his body, his arms wound tightly around her. He didn’t want to move from this spot, ever. Clearly she didn’t want him to move either, because every time he tried to get up she subconsciously grabbed his arms and pulled him closer. He finally realized that there would be no getting up with out waking her. He gently extracted one of his arms from her death grip and lightly rubbed her bare shoulder and arm. “Padme,” he whispered in her ear, “Wake up my love.” He kissed her neck as he felt her stir underneath him. She didn’t open her eyes, but said, “It can’t be morning already.” “It is,” Anakin said, “much to my dismay.” She opened her eyes and turned her head to look at him before kissing him good morning and slipping out of bed. She looked around the room in search of her nightgown and robe, but couldn’t find it. She turned back to Anakin, who had but his pajama bottoms on and was helping her in searching for it; his head under the bed. He popped up and walked over to her, taking his own robe off the end of the bed. He wrapped it around her, “I suggest you borrow this one,” he said. She embraced him, resting her head on his shirtless chest, while he rested his chin on the crown of her head. They just stood like that for awhile until Padme broke the silence. “I should help Luke and Leia finish packing. And it is a small miracle that Aiden has managed to stay asleep this long, I don’t want to push my luck.” He kissed her lightly before she went off in the direction of the children’s rooms.

Anakin walked out of the bedroom and ran into a fully dressed Obi-Wan Kenobi, who had apparently been pacing outside his room. “How long have you been standing there?” Anakin asked uncomfortably. “Only about 15 minutes,” Obi-Wan said as he and Anakin began to walk towards the front of the house. Relief swept over Anakin’s face. “I didn’t sleep much last night, did you?” Obi-Wan asked him. “Um, well, no. Not really,” Anakin answered truthfully. An uncomfortable silence passed between the two of them. When they reached the front of the house Obi-Wan put his hand on Anakin’s shoulder, but quickly withdrew it, as Anakin still didn’t have a shirt on. “Look Anakin, what ever may happen today…I stand behind you one-hundred percent. I know it has been awhile since the two of us have been in a ‘battle’, not counting that incident last year. But I have confidence that ‘Kenobi and Skywalker’ still have a few tricks left up their sleeves.” Anakin smiled sadly, “Let’s hope so.” Anakin walked in the foyer and saw that all everyone, with the exception of he and Padme were ready to go. It felt funny, watching Luke in his Jedi attire stand at Obi-Wan’s side, like he himself had done for so many years. He announced that they would leave in about five minutes and he and Padme walked back toward the bedroom. They got dressed in silence, Padme put on an outfit similar to the one she had worn during the battle on Geonosis. Seeing her in it again made him smile. “Good luck charm?” he asked. “Yes,” she said, “In addition to it being the only thing I have to where appropriate for an invasion.” Anakin had put on the official uniform of Naboo’s Royal Army, save the helmet. He wasn’t a big fan of the uniform to begin with; it was red with a brown sort of trim and high brown boots. It had a high collar, with a sewn on patch, a symbol of his rank. He attached his lightsaber to his belt and walked back towards the foyer. He pulled at the collar and adjusted the uniform as he walked into the room. Everyone but Obi-Wan had seen him in the uniform before, and he got a real kick out of it. Obi-Wan chortled, a combination between a snort and a chuckle. Anakin sent him the evil eye, “Amused are you?” Obi-Wan was still laughing, “I know that with the current situation I probably shouldn’t be laughing, but you look…well ridiculous. I would never have imagined you in that sort of outfit.” Anakin rolled his eyes and looked at the clock, they were running early. He walked back into the bedroom and changed into his traditional all black Jedi ensemble. “Happy now?” he said to Obi-Wan when he came back in. “The Queen will have to excuse me for not wearing my uniform and understand that it is more important that we win the battle while looking good.” He looked at Padme’s parents, her sister and her family, as well as his own children. Aiden was asleep in Padme’s arms; Leia standing next to her mother, holding her free hand. Luke was already taking to his new assignment; he had left Obi-Wan’s side and was standing in front of Padme and Leia at soldiers’ rest, his hands behind his back. They looked as ready for what was to come as they would ever be; it was time for them to go.

They loaded into a shuttle that Anakin had requested Jak to send them. The city was deathly quiet, many had evacuated to the country and those who hadn’t were boarded up in their houses. They arrived at Theed Palace 10 minutes before six. Jak met them outside. “Jak,” Anakin said, “You remember my wife and my children.” “Yeah,” Jak said, shaking everyone’s hand. “This is Padme’s sister Sola and her husband Nolan and their children. These are Padme’s parents.” Anakin went through the introduction as quickly as he could, he didn’t want to waste time. “And this is my oldest friend, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. He will be assisting me in the leadership of our forces today.” Both Jak and Obi-Wan nodded their hellos. They began walking towards the area where the Queen had specified they should meet her. Jak was briefing Anakin as they walked. “All units have been mobilized, we called in all of the reserves and the defective trigger on the B-140 model has been fixed; the guns re-issued. We made contact will the Gungans last night and they have agreed to send their armies too. They should be here any moment.” “Nothing like and army of Jar Jar’s.” Anakin said. “We have activated all of the planets defense systems,” Jak continued, “We are ready for anything they may throw at us sir.” “Excellent,” Anakin said as they reached the Queen’s private council room. Both she and her entourage arrived just as Anakin walked in the door. Everyone bowed down to her. “Thank you,” she said “I assume we are ready?” “Yes, your majesty,” Anakin said, “Everything is ready to go.” The Queen nodded to a hand maiden next to her. The hand maiden stepped forward, “I am the Queen,” she said, “I figured it would be best to use a decoy.” Anakin agree with her. She turned her attention to Padme who was standing to Anakin’s left, holding tightly to his hand. Anakin noticed that Leia was now holding tightly to Luke’s hand as well. “How did you do it Lady Skywalker?” she asked, “Watch helplessly as our planet was invaded?” Padme looked straight at her unflinchingly. “The only way that the people remain hopeful is if you are their pillar of strength. This time is different. This time the safety of our planet is in the hands of the one man I trust more than anything.” The Queen breathed heavily, “Well than all our faith is put in your Commander Skywalker,” she said. “We should get moving,” Anakin responded. They were walking along the long palace hallway, with the wall-length windows, towards the ship that would take them to the secret bunker. Anakin suddenly sensed something. Danger. He turned to Obi-Wan; “I feel it too,” Anakin stopped the party, motioning for everyone to be silent. “DOWN!” He threw himself on top of Padme and the actual Queen; Obi-Wan threw himself down on top of Luke and Leia, using the force to push down the others. A huge explosion followed, the sheer heat of it seeming to singe the hair on Anakin’s neck. All the windows along the hallway shattered into a thousand pieces, glass raining down. Silence. Then the sound of fighters from both sides beginning an air battle, massive ships that made the ground rumble landing to let out enemy troops. Their army was a combination of battle droids, humans, aliens, even some bounty hunters. It was an army assembled over night, a coalition of various forces hell-bent on revenge. Anakin pulled Padme and the Queen to their feet, “TAKE COVER!” as enemy fire began to rain down on them; Anakin moved the group back into the Queen’s private council room, barricading it. “I should have known Diam would try something like this! Why on Earth would he tell us what time he would invade?! How stupid could I be?!” Anakin was fuming now, “Jak! Mobilize the army and the air corps immediately. Inform the Gungans. The Jedi and the Chancellor don’t think the invasion will occur until noon, we are on our own until then.” Anakin looked around, everyone seemed to be okay, a few, including himself were bleeding from cuts caused be the glass, but his children and Padme looked unharmed. The Queen was okay, but her decoy was not. The missile that had been fired had been meant for her and she was barely hanging on to life. Anakin clenched his fists; they couldn’t stay here much longer. Jak finished his making his calls. Anakin turned to him, “I need you to get my family and the Queen to the bunker now.” He tossed him a communicator, “I will be in contact.” Anakin walked over to Padme and kissed her tenderly, “Please be safe,” he said, looking into her eyes. Padme asked him to do the same. Aiden was screaming her little head off; Anakin took her and calmed her down before handing her back to Padme. He kissed Leia’s cheek before turning his attention to Luke. “This is a big job Luke, but I know you can do it. I am trusting you to take care of our family. Be strong and trust your feelings and everything will turn out fine.” Luke nodded, “I will Dad.”

“We need to go,” Jak said his armor now on, two large blasters on his belt as well as one in his hand. Padme looked at him with a hint of worry in her eye. “Don’t worry milady, this is where the fun begins,” he said winking at her. Padme looked at Anakin. “He’s is a little rough around the edges once you throw him in a battle. I think that whole ‘yes sir’ act he gives me is just for show. Don’t worry, I trust him more than any other soldier I have under my command. He gets the job done.” Jak was now tapping his foot impatiently. Anakin shot him a look. He stuck his pointer finger in the air and motioned for Jak to come in closer. Jak leaned over so that he was right next to Anakin. “If anything should happen to her, my children, my family or the queen I will dismember you limb for limb. Clear?” Padme raised her eyebrows at Anakin. Jak nodded, “Got it. No limbs. And we are off.” Anakin kissed Padme one more time before Jak led their party out of the door. “Time for the fun?” Obi-Wan asked. “Oh, yes.” Anakin said as they walked out the door.
They were once again running down the hallway, the only sound being the crunch of their boots on the glass. When they reached the end they looked around the corridor. Obi-Wan quickly pulled his head back so as to avoid having it blown off by blaster fire. “We have guests,” he said to Anakin. Anakin started talking into his comm. link, “They have reached the palace, the Queen is safely out, but we need back up.” “Roger that Commander,” The troops reached Anakin and Obi-Wan in no time. Anakin looked around, there were only about 50 of them and looking at was coming towards them; they were going to need a lot more than that. Diam’s strategy thus far was to throw every single troop he had at the palace. That was quite a few troops too; around 3,000 he would say and more were landing every minute. Who would pledge themselves to fight for Diam? Were there really that many people who didn’t like him and Obi-Wan? “Alright, first things first, we need to set up a perimeter. The Palace is our new center of operations. We can’t let them take it. We can start to fight them back once we have expelled them from here.” He motioned for the squad leader to send out the call. “I want all available soldiers here now. Tell the Gungans not to attack until my signal. If they want to argue, tell them to take it up with me after we have won the battle. Under no circumstances can they be allowed to gain control of this palace, is that clear? We are on our own until noon, we will do what we can with what we’ve got.” He turned away from the communications soldier and towards the squad leader. The enemy army was rapidly advancing toward them, turning the palace guard into mere play toys. “Okay,” Anakin said, “First things first, we need to fight off this first wave of attackers. Red Leader take ten men and lead them around the side. You,” he said pointing towards a random soldier, “Take this other ten and lead them around the other side. Obi-Wan take 15 around the back. Wait for my signal; we will come at them from all angles. Only a small amount of the enemy has managed to advance as far as this hallway, I think most of them are stuck outside fighting those trying to get in. It shouldn’t be hard to take care of them. Once we do, we are going to move towards the throne room, make it our rendezvous point,” he told them. “Make it everyone’s rendezvous point,” he said once again turning to the communications soldier. He waited patiently until everyone was in position before rushing into battle.

Luke was surprised that thus far they had encountered such little opposition. Perhaps the other soldiers hadn’t breached this part of the palace yet. They made it out of the palace and were making their way across the back lawn, in the direction of a few hidden away speeders. At first Jak hadn’t seemed to keen on the idea of sharing responsibility with a nine-year old, but he had apparently warmed up to the idea. His mother and sister were keeping up surprisingly well, as were his grandparents. The Queen and her staff were moving at an alarming pace, they didn’t want to chance anything. It was his aunt and uncle who seemed to being having difficulty reigning in their children. “Aunt Sola, we have to move quickly,” he reminded her for the hundredth time. None of her children were even remotely fazed by the chaos around them. Jak went back and picked two of them up, one under each arm. When Sola began to protest he said simply “Do you want to die because your children felt the need to pick flowers?” She promptly shut her mouth. Once they reached the back hangar, he motioned for them to get down. Around 15 soldiers were gathered at the front of the hangar attempting to jimmy the lock open, they weren’t meeting much success. Jak pulled Luke behind him and whispered in his ear, “Time to prove you have some of your father’s genes. I am going to pull around the left, you go to the right. Make it quick.”

ak went through the underbrush and Luke went in the opposite direction. He waited until he saw Jak begin to inch forward before moving in. It took them about 2 minutes to rid themselves of that particular problem. Jak was cunning and skilled soldier, he managed to disperse of them without firing a single blast; he used nothing but the knife that had been attached to his leg. Luke brought the rest of the party to the front of the hangar. Padme looked from the bodies on the floor to her son, and back to the bodies. Luke’s face didn’t change expression. Jak punched in the security code, unlocking the door. Once inside, they discovered more spare weapons, a few extra sets of armor and one very large speeder. Jak threw a few of the weapons to the men folk in the party. Padme snatched a blaster out of his hand, “Don’t let the baby fool you,” she said. Aiden had managed to stay relatively quiet; she was tucked safely away in the carrying apparatus her mother wore. Jak held his hand up and signaled for them all to be quiet. He peeked outside the door, more soldiers were appearing. “Everyone in the speeder.” He practically pushed everyone in. The soldiers had figured out something was wrong and were rushing head first into the hangar. “Get your heads down!” Jak yelled as he rapidly accelerated out the half open front door, the blaster fire missing the speeder by mere inches. Everyone in the back huddled close together; Luke went up and sat next to Jak in the co-pilot seat. Jak stared at him for a moment as if expecting a question, but when none came said, “I probably could use your help. Although the idea of being told what to do by a nine-year old isn’t that appealing. Can’t you use that force thingy?” Luke scowled at him, “Nine and a half.” “Whatever,” Jak said back to him. “Can you help me or not?” “Yes,” was Luke’s reply, “I can use the force thingy. I suggest you break right.” “What?” Jak said turning to look at him. “NOW!” Luke screamed yanking on the steering mechanism, causing them to narrowly avoid a head-collision with an enemy plane. “Thanks for that kid, but look’s like we have guests. They must have thrown a tracking device of some sort on the speeder as we left the hangar. We can’t get them to the bunker if these yahoos are following.” Jak picked up the comm. link, “Commander Skywalker, we could use some assistance.”

It hadn’t taken Obi-Wan and Anakin long to rid themselves of the soldiers who had made their way into the hallway. They had successfully made it to the throne room as well, with only minor distractions. What was taking time was killing the numerous amounts of soldiers who were continually rushing the throne room. More back-up had arrived, but that didn’t change the fact the number of troops entering seemed to be never-ending. After finally managing to push them back and kill off the last of them, it was quiet in the room. The men were happy with themselves, clapping each other on the back. “That wasn’t even fraction of what is to come, save your celebration,” Anakin said to them. Obi-Wan came to Anakin’s side, “What happened, they just stopped coming.” “I think they are trying a different approach,” Anakin responded. Just then more of Naboo’s Army entered through the back entrance. ‘Good,” Anakin thought to himself, ‘Least we are finally getting somewhere.’ The commanding officer came towards him, “501st reporting sir.” Anakin saw that around 200 troops were all trying to crowd into the small room. “Stop that, you are never going to fit. Where is everyone else?” “They are stuck sir, the enemy has the palace completely surrounded. No one in, no one out.” Anakin nodded, “Any suggestions Obi-Wan?” Obi-Wan looked around, “If we try to push out while the others try to get in, it might work. How many outside?” The officer thought for a moment, “I don’t rightfully know sir. Not the whole army, just the first wave. The second wave of troops is sweeping through the city. They want you two.” Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, “Honestly Diam,” he said to himself, “Does he really think we would hide in the city?” Anakin had been deep in thought, “This is what we are going to do. Order all soldiers to continue to push inwards while we push out. Now would be the time to call the Gungans in. They can assist us in securing the palace. Once that’s done, we move through out the city and set up strong holds. That way we can be ready for any additional waves of attackers. After that…” Anakin noticed that most of the men already looked confused, “After that, we will discuss the next move.” Obi-Wan and Anakin felt it at the same time, then the comm. link on Anakin’s belt buzzed. “Yes,” he answered, “Commander Skywalker, this is Jak. Me and your kid have encountered a small problem.” Anakin tried to hide the worry spreading over his face, “What is it Jak, is everyone alright?”

“Oh we are just dandy,” Jak said, “Having a good old time. We are headed towards the bunker, but we are being tracked. Looks like we got about 12 enemy fighters on our tail, and no guns. Can’t get anyone to the bunker if they are following us, or if we blow up.” “Hang on Jak,” Anakin said, “I will get you some help. For now…play some chicken.” “Chicken?!” Jak asked surprised, “Yes,” Anakin said, “Luke will know what I am talking about. Just hold on.” By the time the transmission had ended, another soldier had already order all available fighters to the area to escort the speeder. Anakin breathed deeply, trying to calm himself. It wasn’t working. After the Semi and the Sith Army, Anakin had promised himself not to let his anger get the best of him. Right now, he was losing badly. His lightsaber groaned under the grip of his mechanical hand. “I have had enough of this,” he said through gritted teeth to Obi-Wan. First Diam’s premature invasion, then the incident in the hallway, now his family once again in danger. He reigned in his anger enough so that he could somewhat control it. He got the attention of the 501st, “Let’s go!”

Jak was dodging this way and that way trying to avoid being blown into pieces. Chicken. What a bright idea that was. But apparently Luke understood what his father had been saying, as enemy planes were soon colliding in mid air. Luke was yelling out directions, “Right, left, Spin, Dive, pull up!” After a particularly nasty explosion, Jak commented, “I don’t know what your doing kid but keep it up!” This continued for a period of about 10 minutes, the more fighters blew up, the more appeared. Everyone in the back, including the Queen looked prepared to vomit. Aiden was not taking the constant motion well and had begun to wail. Padme tried to comfort her as best she could, which was very little as she herself was on the verge of wailing. “Is all of this necessary!” she yelled in the direction of the cockpit. “Sorry!” Jak yelled, “But unless you want your permanent resting place to be in this speeder, I am going to have to continue to move this way. Strap in sweetheart!” Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the re-enforcements showed up. “Alright we are here now. We are going to clear you so you can get to the bunker.” “It’s about damn time!” Jak yelled, “Should have put the kid in a plane, he would have been more efficient.” “Luke, my name is LUKE! Not kid, Luke!” Luke yelled at him in an annoyed voice. “Okay, Okay Luke. Calm yourself down tiger. Let’s get the hell out of here.” They flew around in circles long enough for all of the remaining fighters to be taken care of before heading for the bunker.

“Sir the Gungans are in position! And the Queen’s speeder is now safely on it’s way to the bunker.” “Excellent!” Anakin said. He turned to Obi-Wan, “Ready?” Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows, “How do you manage to get me into these situations? You promised me a relaxing weekend. Instead I get this. How ready do you think I am?” “A simple yes or no would have done the trick,” Anakin said. “And don’t act like you aren’t enjoying every minute.” Obi-Wan scowled, “I might be if the future of your home planet wasn’t at stake.” “Okay, so we are ready then?” “Yes,” Obi-Wan said, “Throw open the doors so Kenobi and Skywalker can save the day.” “As you command,” Anakin said as they blew through the front doors of the Palace.

Jak flew the plane out of the just outside the city walls, into an area of dense trees. They landed in a clearing and Jak quickly ushered everyone out of the speeder. He just stood in the middle of the trees for around 5 minutes. “Is the plan to just stand here?” Luke asked him. “No,” Jak said, “Just can’t remember which branch it is.” After staring for a few more minutes, Jak finally selected a branch and pulled down on it. A key code emerged and Jak punched in the combination. “Move away from the center,” Jak instructed. Everyone did as they were told and soon found themselves looking down a flight of stairs. When nobody moved, Jak said “Well get down there unless you plan to stay out here.” The Queen entered first her staff following before everyone followed suit. Upon entering the bunker a plethora of high tech gizmos and gadgets turned on, revealing quite the place to watch a war from. Screens activated themselves, showing different parts of the city, the palace, the whole planet. The Queen stood staring at the images on the screen, unable to speak at the images before her. Enemy soldiers ravaging the cities, the countryside, everything. They were meeting little resistance as the army was still having difficulty mobilizing. It appeared as if the Gungans had now joined the fight, she recognized a few of their warriors fighting the enemy troops. Padme came up behind her and lead her away from the screens, toward a smaller private sitting room. The couches in the room were comfortable and everyone sat down exhausted.

[Annie]

Chapter 5 continued

More screens clicked on in the room, so that they could watch from here as well. Jak waited until everyone was settled. “Alright, so as per the Commander’s instructions, the kid…I mean LUKE, is now in charge of the safety matters.” He tossed Luke a comm. link, “You can communicate with me or you dad using this, but only for emergencies. You will all be safe here. Any questions?” Jak looked at all their faces, the queen and her staff, Padme and her children, her parents and sister. Of them all, only Luke looked like he was confident in what would be taking place. When no one said anything, Jak clapped his hands nervously. “Right. So there is a fully-stocked kitchen that can last you all until the next elections and there are several bedrooms. There is also an emergency speeder parked just down that hall, key word: emergency. The code is 4913. Can you remember that Luke?” “Yes,” Luke nodded. “Your majesty, is everything to your liking?” Her eyes unglazed from looking at the images on the screen and she looked at him. “That doesn’t matter much does it?” Jak clearly saw that it was not a happy room and decided it was time to go. He nodded to all of them and left the bunker.

Anakin saw Jak arrive out of the corner of his eye. The fighting was intense, although with the help of the outside soldier and the Gungans, Naboo was slowly starting to beat back the invaders. Anakin maneuvered his way towards Jak, “I…take it…everything…went according to plan?” he asked while ruthlessly cutting down soldier after soldier. “Everything is squared away boss. Your kid’s just like you, you know?” “Yes,” Anakin said, “Probably too much for his own good.” Obi-Wan found them, “Well this is just joy and laughter, wouldn’t you say?” Obi-Wan spun kick and an adversary’s jaw met his mechanical leg. The soldier went down in a heap. Anakin grimaced, “That hurt.” Anakin’s comm. link rang and he answered it. “We have set up a base of operations on the upper level. The palace is almost secure. We request you come here.” “Okay,” Anakin said, “On my way.” He motioned for Jak and Obi-Wan to follow him. They reached the upper level in no time. Anakin listened to reports of the battle coming in. “Diam’s army is weak,” the comm. officer said, “The first wave has almost been annihilated completely.” Anakin allowed himself to smile, “Good news.” The comm. officer’s expression didn’t change. “Start moving some of the battalions into the city and set up those strongholds.” Obi-Wan, Jak, and I will lead some of the men through the city. “Uh…sir?” Anakin whirled around to find himself toe to toe with a very short, squat soldier. “Yes?” “You had better come look at this.” Anakin followed him over to a view screen. The three of them stared in disbelief, Obi-Wan spoke first. “What in the blazes is that?!” “Our next big problem,” Anakin said. Thousands upon thousands of soldiers were marching into the city, followed by ships and heavy artillery of all kinds. Leading them was Diam. “Funny,” Jak said, “Didn’t see him as the soldier type.” Anakin shot him a look. “The first wave was a decoy. They must have managed to land while everything was in chaos so we couldn’t see. There is no way we can fight an army that size with what we have.” Suddenly those who had been fighting at the palace gates stopped. The sounds of fighters in the air ceased. All was silent. Then everything went dark. Anakin ignited his lightsaber so they could see; Obi-Wan did the same. “They severed all the power to the area,” Obi-Wan said. “It appears we may have under-estimated them. This is not good.” “I agree,” Anakin said, heading toward the exit. “Jak,” he said, “Obi-Wan and I are off to see what Diam wants. Wait with the R-14 Squad. We will be able to use you once the battle begins.”

When Obi-Wan and Anakin reached the outside, they were nearly blinded by the light. In front of the palace stood what remained of Naboo’s Army. Directly across from them were thousands of soldiers awaiting the order. Anakin and Obi-Wan moved calmly to the front and walked out into the middle to greet Diam. “Hello scum! Lovely day for domination, is it not?” Anakin was fuming; Obi-Wan himself was having a hard time not killing Diam right then and there as he was tempted to do. “Not in the mood for chat eh?” Diam continued. “I can see why. From you numbers, looks like you had quite the rude awakening. Where’s the Queen? Didn’t feel like a fight today? I thought at least your wife would join in, she likes to be brutish doesn’t she?” Anakin lunged at Diam but Obi-Wan stopped him. “Careful,” Diam warned, “A wave of my hand and you are in a world of hurt. Don’t think that your friends will be arriving any time soon to help you fight either. We have put a defensive shield around the planet, they can’t even get in. It was great that I still had access to all the weapons plans made by my predecessor. It’s a shame that Sidious failed, he had some very interesting ideas for weapons.

That shield can only be deactivated my command, and my pushing of the button firmly attached to my belt. So this is how it will go. My second will cuff you right now and we will walk in to the palace where you will be placed in a cell while I begin to rule Naboo and prepare for my attack on other systems. When I have the time, I will come down to pay a visit and cause you the pain you caused me. Suppose we go from there?” Finally they spoke “We will never,” Anakin said, “Ever, Ever,” Obi-Wan added, “Allow you to do so.” Anakin finished. “You won’t win; I will enjoy watching you fail you…” But Anakin didn’t get to finish his sentence as both he and Obi-Wan were shot with sedative darts.

Jak had been watching the action from the shadows the R-4 Squad behind him, as Anakin had said. He watched as both Obi-Wan and Anakin were shot by Diam’s second in command and then dragged into the palace. He watched as Diam’s army took all of their remaining army into custody. He watched as the army began to take control of the city, and all he could do was watch. He didn’t know what to do. What was there to do? They were all that was left. It was only noon and they were all that was left. They were all that were going to be. He heard Diam tell the commander that there was a shield around the planet keeping any of the Republic’s forces from getting in. They were being held hostage. But there was one thing Jak could do. He could take the Squad to the bunker, protect the queen, and protect Commander Skywalker’s family. He could figure out how to rescue the Commander, how to get that shield down. He would do it, even if it was him again 1,000. It was all that was left for him to do. “Alright,” he said, finally turning to face the Squad. “We are going to the Queen and we are going to keep her safe. No matter what. Clear? Let’s go.”

[Annie]

Chapter 6

Luke was sitting on the couch when all the screens went blank and the lights went out. “Great,” thought Luke. “Just what I needed.” No one had said a word since Jak’s departure an hour and an half ago. No one was in the mood to talk. Everyone stared at the screens, even his cousins and Leia. Even Aiden, who from what he had seen could handle being silent for more than a minute, hadn’t even cooed in 10 minutes. They were all afraid of what might happen. All of them but Luke. Luke knew his dad, he knew his Master. It was only a matter of time. The emergency generator activated, so they now had light, but no picture. “What was that?” The queen asked. Luke shrugged his shoulders, he didn’t know what it was but it couldn’t be good. “Should we go outside?” “No,” Luke said. “That wouldn’t be good.” He decided now was a good time to use the comm. link, just to be sure everything was alright. He sent the signal to his dad. Nothing. Was it broken? He sent a signal to Jak. Nothing. It must be broken then. “Well,” he said “Something must be wrong with the screens. We stay here.” No one said anything more about it and they sat in silence as they had before.

Anakin opened his eyes. Oh did his head hurt. He rubbed the back of his neck. His body felt weak and stiff, he could barely move. What happened? Where was he? “Morning.” Obi-Wan said. “We have a bit of a situation.” It was then Anakin noticed he was sitting in a prison cell with only one small window, showing that it was now dark outside. “How did we get here?” Anakin asked. “Well, first Diam shot us with darts. That I remember vividly. Then I suppose someone dragged us in here. Now, I believe that Char Diam is running Naboo and the city is under lock down as he searches for the Queen. And no one can get onto the planet to help us. I think that’s all. Oh no, wait. Diam’s done something, because while I can feel the force I can’t use it. Must have been something in the dart. Can you?” Anakin attempted to open the door using the force. Nothing. “No.” Obi-Wan nodded. “Probably in the dart. I would guess it was another something he got from Gunray’s weapons plans. Sidious probably invented the dart for Order 66 and then didn’t use it.” Anakin didn’t know what to do. He was stuck here, in a cell. He had failed in protecting his home, in doing his job. He had failed his family, who knew where they were? He had failed Obi-Wan. He buried his head in his hands. Obi-Wan moved next to him. “We have been worse off then this. I can’t remember any specific examples right now, but I am sure it’s happened.” Anakin scoffed at him. “I will give Diam credit, he’s good. But he won’t beat Kenobi and Skywalker. And don’t worry about your family or the Queen. I have a great deal of faith in Luke. If they even manage to find them.” Anakin nodded and pulled his head up in time to see Diam enter. “Nice nap?” Two guards went to Anakin and bound his wrists. He was still weak from the dart and couldn’t resist. They had to drag him to his feet. “If you don’t mind,” said Diam said, as Obi-Wan too was tied up and dragged to his feet, “We have some things to discuss.”

Luke opened his eyes. His dad was in pain, so was Obi-Wan, he could feel it. What had happened? He remembered where he was. Everyone had gone to sleep in the bunker, as there wasn’t much else they could do. Maybe a glass of milk would help? He could meditate and then find out what was happening with his dad and Master. When he went toward the kitchen he discovered his mother sitting with Aiden’s tiny body asleep in her arms on the couch in the dark. He flipped the light on. “Mom?” she snapped out of her daze. “Luke, why are you up darling?” Luke thought it best to not mention why he was awake; he knew it might bother her. “I was thirsty,” he said “Why are you up?” he asked as he sat down next to her. She put her free arm around him. “I am just worried about your father. I can’t really sleep when he isn’t next to me.” Luke saw how worried about him she was. He didn’t know whether or not to tell her about what he had felt. Just then the stairway opened and Jak entered with about 15 soldiers behind him, each one of them dirty and beaten. “In the name of…” Padme said when she looked at them. “What happened?” “Naboo’s been overrun. Diam is in control. He shut off the power, He is keeping the Republic from helping us with some short of shield, and he is after the Queen.” “What?!” Padme said, handing Aiden to Luke. Luke didn’t really know what to do with her, but the sound of the stairs had woken the whole bunker and his grandmother soon took her from him. “Where’s Anakin? Where’s Obi-Wan?” Padme demanded. “They were shot by Diam. Some sort of dart. He dragged them into the palace. That’s the last I saw of them.” Padme sat down hard on the couch, buried her head in her sister’s shoulder and cried her eyes out. The Queen entered. “Captain, what are you doing here? I thought…battle?

Our communications went out here; I assumed you had turned them off.” “Not me, your majesty,” He said. “Diam. He pulled a dirty trick on us. He has shut all the power down to the city and he is now in control. The Republic forces can’t get in because of some sort of shield. He is after you. We need to act quickly.” This was more than the Queen could handle. “How many left?” she asked, quietly, like a scared child. “Not many,” Jak said, “We may be it as far as Naboo’s army.” “What of Commander Skywalker and the Jedi Master?” she asked. “The Viceroy has them.” He looked uncomfortably Padme who was now being comforted by her children. “I doubt they are still alive.” Padme looked at him with fire in her eyes. “Don’t say that! Don’t even think that! He promised me!” Luke interjected. “Their alive,” he said before cringing over, his eyes glazed. He let out a low grunt followed by a scream. “I WON’ T TELL YOU!!!” He roared, “YOU WON’T TOUCH HER!!! I’LL NEVER LET YOU HURT THEM!!!” Everyone watched in stunned silence. Luke slowly regained his conscious self. He was breathing hard and clutching his side. Padme guessed what had taken place leaned over her son and wrapped her arms around him, as he shook. His breathing was labored, and tears were running down his face. “Luke,” she said in a whisper, tears running down her own face, “What was it?” Luke struggled with the words. “He’s in pain. They both are. Diam is trying to torture him. I was there. I could feel him.” Jak looked at him, “Kid this is no time for you to be having illusions of grandeur. We need to figure out how to deactivate that shield and how to get rid of Diam.” Luke had begun to regain his strength. “We need to figure out how to save my father and my Master. They will know what to do.” Jak bent down in front of him, “Luke…I saw what happened. Your dad, he’s…well it doesn’t look good.” Luke stood up, “He is not dead. I saw him; Diam is torturing him and Obi-Wan trying to get them to tell him where we are. We can save him, we can help him.” Something in Luke’s eye must have made Jak believe. “Alright kid…Luke…if you say so. So what do we do?” At hearing that her husband was not dead, Padme’s strength had returned. “We save them and we deactivate that shield. We know the city and the palace better than Diam.” “WE?” Jak asked. “Sorry lady, but I have strict orders to make sure you remain safe. You heard your husband this morning, you remember that whole ‘If anything should happen to her, my children, my family or the queen I will dismember you limb for limb’ speech? He wasn’t kidding. And just because you know how to wield a blaster, you think you can keep up with us?” Padme’s vein erupted from her forehead. Leia leaned over to Jak, “Mister, you had better listen to my mom. That vein can get nasty.” The Queen interjected. “The rescue of Commander Skywalker and Jedi Master Kenobi comes first. Then the five of you can deactivate the shield.” “The five of us?” Jak asked. “Yes,” the queen said. “You, Commander Skywalker, Jedi Master Kenobi, Luke and Padme. She is my advisor; I am sending her as my representative. The Squad will stay here with us. You said they can’t find this bunker, correct?” “Well, yes, but…” “Good. Then that is what will take place.” the queen finished. Jak gave up arguing. “Go get dressed,” he said to Luke and Padme, shooing them off with his hand. They returned in less than five minutes. Padme kissed Leia and Aiden’s heads. “You two stay with Auntie and Grandma. Mom will be right back with Dad.” Leia crossed her arms in a huff. “I want to go! How come Luke gets to come?” Padme sighed, “Because Luke can help me find you father, he’s is a Jedi. Your job is to protect your sister. It is a very important job; that is why I left it up to you.” Leia uncrossed her arms and threw them around her mother. “Okay!” Padme finished hugging the rest of her family. The comm. link on Luke’s Jedi Utility belt rang. He answered it, surprised that the voice that came over it was old and backwards “Young Skywalker.” “Master Yoda?!” Luke asked. “Yes. Being kept off Naboo everyone is, by Diam I suspect.” “Yes,” Luke said, sadly “He has my dad and Master Obi-Wan. We are going to rescue them and get the shield down.” Yoda was silent. “Very Well. Wait we will. On my way to Naboo I am, assist you I can once down the shield is. Luck I wish you. Be strong you must.” Yoda was gone. Luke stared at the comm. “Yoda is on his way, we just need to get that shield down.” Jak rolled his eyes, “I have been trying to get that done for ten minutes now. Are you and your mommy ready now?” Luke adjusted his lightsaber on his belt. Padme stood next to him, “We are ready. And I suggest you fix that tone with me. My husband would not be pleased with it.” “Ohhh…” Jak said throwing his hands up in the air, “Let’s focus on rescuing him first; threatening me second.” They walked up and out of the bunker.

Sola turned to her mother, “It will be a miracle if all three of them managed to make it there alive. I think they are more dangerous to each other than anyone else.”

The impact of the staff against Anakin’s jaw caused a loud crack. His body was numb and weak, he couldn’t get back up. He rose to his knees and Diam’s two cronies lifted him up. Diam hit him across the face, back and forth, multiple times. Then he moved to the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Diam finally kicked him in the knee, the force of the kick carried Diam’s foot up toward his nether regions. Anakin bent over, clutching himself. Diam uppercut him to the face, causing him to fly back, landing hard on his backside. He didn’t move, he only let out low groan before smiling at Diam. “Is something funny?!” Diam asked. “Tell me where the Queen is, and I won’t be forced to drag your friend into this.” All this time Obi-Wan had watched helplessly as Diam beat the living daylights out of Anakin. He was cut and bleeding all over. Diam turned and slammed his staff hard against Obi-Wan’s leg, not knowing it was prosthetic. Instead of the desired effect, Diam flew backwards as the impact on the staff on the hard durasteel caused him to fall onto his tush. Obi-Wan hadn’t even moved. “You’re going to have to try harder than that.” Diam got up and hit Obi-Wan across the face. Obi-Wan recovered from the blow and continued to stare at him. Diam was getting angry at the lack of response. He pulled a blaster and pointed it at Anakin, who was on all fours. “Since you don’t seem too concerned with your friend’s safety, I will try a different approach. We have located your family. We know where they are and they should be in our custody right about now. What would you say if I were to kill your pretty little wife in front of you? Maybe your three kids as well? Make them suffer for their Daddy’s stupidity. Tell me where the Queen is and what the code to the weapons system is and I won’t have to get nasty.” Anakin chuckled, if he really knew where his family was, he would have found the Queen as well. “LIAR!!! You idiot, don’t lie to me, I am a Jedi!” Diam’s face turned purple with rage. “AS SOON AS I FIND THEM I WILL TEAR YOUR WIFE AND YOUR CHILDREN INTO SO MANY PIECES, YOU CAN’T FATHOM!” Anakin felt the rage swell in himself; he got to his feet with resolve. “I WON’ T TELL YOU!!!” He roared, “YOU WON’T TOUCH HER!!! I’LL NEVER LET YOU HURT THEM!!!” Anakin threw himself at Diam, punches raining down on him. Anakin suddenly screamed out in pain as he was shot in the side by one of Diam’s men. He rolled off Diam, clutching his side in agony. He had been successful in beating Diam to a pulp, there was blood running down his face. Diam took a minute to clean himself up as Anakin twitched in pain. The guards lifted Anakin to his feet and Diam walked toward him, stopping only inches from his face. He gripped Anakin’s throat. “You will pay for that. Everyone will pay. You think I am a fool! I am not! You have lost to me Skywalker. You handed me victory the moment you walked into my palace on Cato Neimodia. You won’t talk, you will die. I will give you an hour to come forth with something, or you will be terminated.”
Both Obi-Wan and Anakin were thrown back into the prison cell. Obi-Wan was in good shape, Diam didn’t seem to hold a grudge against him. Anakin, however, was in trouble. He bent over his brother’s body, examining his cuts, bruises and the blaster wound. He had a few cuts on his face and a bruise on his neck. He took off Anakin’s tunic to examine the wound, and saw that a few of his ribs were broken, causing the bruises. “The cuts and bruises will heal. A few broken ribs, not bad. The blaster wound isn’t that bad either, they weren’t much of a shot. But it is dangerous, you need medical help fast.” Obi-Wan ripped off a piece of his cloak and used some of the water that had been put in the clean him up. Once he looked presentable, he used a piece of Anakin’s tunic to wrap the wound, then he put Anakin’s lighter undershirt back on. Anakin sat up with his help. “I’m sorry Obi-Wan,” he said weakly, “You shouldn’t be here. And I am sorry for losing my temper with Diam; didn’t I portray you as a good Master did I?” “You are my brother Anakin. I am right were I should be. Besides, you are worse off then I am right now. As for your reaction to Diam, I am not entirely sure I wouldn’t have done the same in your positions In fact; I was cheering you on when you did. Now, we have an hour to get out of this place.” Anakin nodded. “You can get out. I can’t move.” “Not so fast. I can carry you if need be. The effects of the dart are wearing off. I can feel the force now. I sense that someone is coming to our rescue, I just don’t know who. We will get out of here. Where there is a will, there is a way.”

[Annie]

Chapter 6 continued

It had taken Padme, Luke and Jak no time to get to the palace undetected; Luke had known exactly where to fly the speeder. Then an opportunity had presented itself when they had arrived right as they were changing the guard, now they were inside the palace. “Okay,” Jak said quietly “I am going to work on getting that shield down, you two go find the Commander.” Everyone nodded in agreement. “If you need me, I am on the comm. link. Try not to get caught eh?” Jak slipped off in the other direction. “Luke,” Padme said, “Can you feel where your father is?” “Yes!” Luke responded excitedly, “This way!” They walked along dark corridors; bodies from the battle that had yet to be picked up were everywhere. Luke pushed his mother along, forcing her to ignore them. They came to the end of the corridor and turn to find two guards standing in front of a door. Luke and Padme stood on either side of the corridor. “Dad’s in there,” he whispered. Padme took out her blaster as Luke activated his lightsaber. “There is more than one way in there,” she said. The guards never saw it coming. Luke stood in front of the door, looking at the key code. He closed his eyes and focused.

Anakin looked right at the door. “Luke’s outside,” he said to Obi-Wan. “They don’t know the key code. Obi-Wan got up and walked toward the door. “Luke?” he whispered. “Master,” came Luke’s quiet reply. “Excellent! I knew I felt you! Okay, the key code, right, yes. I believe I saw the guard punch in 3224. Try it.” Luke tapped the numbers into the pad and the door slid open. He came rushing in headlong and ran into Obi-Wan who helped him back to his feet. “Patience padawan. No need for you to loose your head.” He moved aside so that Luke could get in to room and then discovered that Padme was behind him. She too came rushing into the room and nearly knocked Obi-Wan over. Her eyes went immediately to the crumpled form of her husband and she rushed to his side. “Anakin?” she said, touching his face, running her hand over the cuts. “It isn’t as bad as it looks,” He managed to croak. She threw her arms around him and kissed him out of relief. “I thought you were dead…I didn’t know what to do I…”she was sobbing uncontrollably again. Anakin put his arms around her to comfort her. He tried to smile down at her, but winced when he did. “Wha…What happened?” she asked, the tears continuing to run down her face as she lightly touched the blaster wound to his side. “I…err…well, I attacked Diam and one of his guards got a little trigger happy.” She looked at him with concern, “We need to get you help, now.” Luke and Obi-Wan had come to Anakin’s side now as well. Anakin looked up at Luke, “You seem to have done pretty well son,” he said, “Diam couldn’t find you.” Luke smiled weakly, the concern for his father apparent. “Jak is trying to get to Diam so he can deactivate the shield.” “Good,” Anakin said. Obi-Wan ran to peep outside. “We best get going,” he said. Padme helped Anakin to his feet. “Can you stand?” she asked him. He said yes and as she slowly let go of him, he promptly began to fall. Obi-Wan caught him. “Maybe not,” he said. Padme put his arm around her shoulder and let him lean on her. “I don’t want to cause you to fall over,” he said. “You won’t,” she told them as they moved out of the prison. As they were moving down the hallway, Obi-Wan began to go in the direction of the exit. Anakin stopped him. “We have to help Jak. Diam must be stopped.” Obi-Wan looked at him like he was crazy. “Anakin your cut, bleeding, and can’t walk. You need help.” “We can’t just walk into the nearest facility Obi-Wan! WE have to disable the shield so the republic forces can get in. They are the only ones who will help me.” Obi-Wan saw that Anakin had a point. “Fine,” he said “Luke and I will lead this time Anakin. Stay close to Padme, Clear?” Anakin rolled his eyes. “I am not a padawan anymore Obi-Wan. I can take care of myself. A little blood isn’t going to stop that.”
They didn’t have to work hard to get to Diam because when they turned the corner he was standing there surrounded by his guards. Jak had been caught and was standing with his hands tied behind his back. When Padme looked at him he only shrugged. “Going for a walk are you? I see you left the baby at home, but brought the midget with you,” Diam said to Padme, gesturing to Luke. Padme said nothing but continued to support Anakin’s weight; she could feel him becoming weaker by the second. “Skywalker, you don’t look so good. A little pale.” Anakin looked Diam up and down like a piece of filth, smiling at his disfigured nose. “I could say the same about you,” he replied. “Enough of the pleasantries,” Diam said. “Have you got the information I want?” This time it was Obi-Wan who spoke. “He doesn’t, and as before, you again have two options: either you push that little button and surrender or we make you.” Diam laughed.

He said, revealing both Anakin and Obi-Wan’s lightsabers. Diam was so stupid he had failed to realize that the effects of the darts had almost completely worn off, and that Luke too had a lightsaber and the force. Obi-Wan and Anakin took advantage of the situation, both calling their lightsabers to their hands. Anakin let go of Padme and stood swaying in front of Diam. “The tables have turned. Even injured I can take out all of your guards and yourself with ease. Don’t be a fool.” Diam was unimpressed. “Kill them.” He then turned and ran down the hallway as his guards attacked. Obi-Wan cut Jak free and Jak picked up a blaster that had been dropped by one of the soldiers. At Diam’s disappearance, Luke had physically pushed his father out of the way and proceeded to help Obi-Wan in taking care of the guards. He wasn’t going to let his dad get even more hurt, he already looked about to collapse. It took them only two minutes to fix that problem. Diam was still visibly running down the hall when they were done. Jak, Obi-Wan and Luke ran after him at a sprint. Anakin took one step trying to follow them but Padme pulled him back. He began to open his mouth to protest and suddenly felt light-headed. He fell unconscious and hit the floor. Those running didn’t notice Anakin take one step before collapsing behind them, they were too focused on the matter at hand. Diam was a slow runner and they were gaining on him quickly. Luke was easily six paces ahead of Jak and Obi-Wan, he was the fastest runner, he had Leia to thank for that. A sudden clang! In his haste Diam had dropped the shield deactivator. He stopped abruptly and turned back to get it, but before he could Luke slid and snatched it up. He now stood in front of Diam, lightsaber ignited. Diam looked around frantically. He pulled a device from his belt and threw it to the ground and as he did it erupted in poisonous gas. Diam was lost in the fog. Luke felt the gas begin to take it’s affect as he began to collapse. His master’s strong arms were around him before he hit the ground. “Come on Luke! Here we go!” He helped Luke run back down the hall which was rapidly filling with the poisonous gas. When they reached the outside, Luke took deep gasping breathes of air, letting it fill him. His attention immediately turned to his unconscious father whom Jak had carried out of the Palace. “He’s lost a lot of blood,” Jak said to Padme. Her eyes were glazed and she squeezed Anakin’s hand tightly, “Ani?” she whispered softly. No response. Jak cursed. “Diam got away with that deactivator, there is no way we can help him!” “No he didn’t!” Luke said, just now remembering that he was clutching in his hands. He raised it triumphantly. “Excellent my young apprentice!” Obi-Wan said, taking the device from him. Obi-Wan promptly hit the big button, nothing happened. “I assume that did the trick, does anyone have a comm.?” Luke thrust his at Obi-Wan. “Yoda? It’s Master Kenobi, is the shield down, can you get in?” “Down the shield is. Coming, we are.” “Anakin needs immediate medical attention,” Obi-Wan said back, telling Yoda where they were. “As soon as we can, be there we will,” Yoda said with determination.

When Anakin first opened his eyes, he had no idea where he was. He quickly discovered that he was lying in a makeshift medical center, his wife asleep in the chair in the corner. His eyes scanned the room. There was small couch were both Leia and Luke were asleep, Aiden cuddled gently between the two of them sleeping as well. Obi-Wan stood at the tent’s entrance, facing the opposite direction. What time of day was it? It appeared to be early morning. The last thing Anakin remembered was watching Diam run down the hallway. Had he been caught? He sat up. “Ex…Obi-Wan?” he finally managed to mutter. Obi-Wan whirled around. Padme stirred in her sleep, opened her eyes and ran to him at the sight of him being awake. She threw her arms around him and he returned her embrace. “What happened?” he whispered, not wanting to wake the sleeping children. “You collapsed. There was a lot of blood lost. The medical droid said he didn’t think you were going to make it, I was so afraid Ani.” She let go of him just enough so she could look him in the eye. “If you ever do that to me again…” she threatened. He silenced her with a kiss. “I am sorry; I didn’t enjoy it any more than you did.” She smiled at him before hugging him even tighter. He winced slightly at the pressure, his whole body was sore and his ribs were tender. “The children were so worried. I thought Luke was going to strangle the medical droid. Leia had a vein of her own pop out of her forehead. Even Aiden wouldn’t stop crying. It took me an hour to calm her down.” Obi-Wan walked to his bedside, “Another miraculous survival, I wasn’t worried for a second.” Padme rolled her eyes, “So the hour you spent pacing at the foot of his bed was just to keep your muscles warm?”

Obi-Wan smiled, “You win. Maybe I was worried for a little bit. “What about Diam? How did I get here?” Anakin interrupted. Obi-Wan answered “The shield was deactivated thanks to the bravery of your son. You can thank him for your survival, I failed miserably; I fear I am getting old. Yoda came himself and brought some friends with him. They are taking care of the rest of Diam’s army. Diam fled. No one knows where got off to. Jak and I carried you here. Now that I see you are okay, I have to go assist Yoda. We will be back later, when you are more recovered. It isn’t over yet.” Obi-Wan clapped Anakin lightly on the shoulder and left, smiling at Padme. Anakin took in the information he had just received. “And the queen?” Padme answered this question, “She’s fine. My parents and sister went home by private shuttle. Most of the threat is over now.” Anakin nodded, “I should have done better, I should have…” Padme looked up at him and put a finger to his lips. “Don’t say that. No one blames you for anything. You did very well, you did your job. Diam can’t run forever, neither can his allies. He will be caught.” Anakin smiled, “You didn’t even let me finish my pity-party before you jumped in.” She smiled, “When do I ever?” Aiden, sensing her father’s revival, awoke. Padme scooped her up before she could wake her siblings. She returned to sit on the edge of the bed. Aiden continued to cry, reaching for her father. Anakin went to take her, but Padme held her away. “Ani she could kick you or something.” It was Anakin’s turn to roll his eyes. “She won’t Padme.” Padme reluctantly handed her over; her crying and flailing limbs stopped at once. She was still and quiet, her head resting on her father’s bare chest. Padme and Anakin smiled at each other. Padme lay down next to Aiden on Anakin’s chest and all three of them fell back asleep.
Anakin awoke to see that Luke and Leia had joined them on the small hospital bed, and the five of them were now somehow crammed together on the bed. It was now late afternoon; they had slept through most of the day. Anakin tried to move to prevent himself from becoming sore, but met no success. He did succeed in waking Luke and Leia up, they hopped up off the bed and each ran to his side. “Dad!” Leia practically screamed, waking both her mother and Aiden who began once again to wail. Padme rubbed her eyes sleepily and took Aiden from Anakin. She walked over to the corner and took out a bottle from the bag, allowing Luke and Leia to reunite with their father. “Wow, Luke said you were tortured and that Diam was a big fat meanie, and that mommy had to help you walk and that…” “Calm yourself,” Anakin said, hugging Leia. “Breathe.” Anakin ruffled Luke’s hair, “Tell her some stories did you? Looks like Naboo owes you one. That makes two Skywalkers.” Luke smiled shyly. “And you,” he said turning to Leia, “Looks like you managed to keep your mother in check, a difficult task.” Leia giggled as Padme stuck her tongue out at Anakin from the other side of the room. “I am proud of you both.” Just then, the queen, followed by her handmaidens, Yoda, Obi-Wan, and the Chancellor entered to room. They cramped just so they could all fit. Anakin watched as Obi-Wan pushed the holonet reporters back, “Will you sod off?! You must be at least outside the facility, as is code. If anyone wants to talk to you, they will do so, now get away!” Obi-Wan turned to see everyone staring at him. “Sorry, they are hell bent on talking to you. I figured you weren’t in a talking sort of mood.” Anakin laughed and swung his legs over the side of the bed, “Surely I wasn’t that bad off for all of you to visit at once.” Padme noticed a few of the queen’s handmaidens looking at her shirtless husband in a manner she did not like, and promptly placed the baby on her hip, walked over to him and practically put his shirt on for him before sitting next to him and taking his hand defensively. No one but Anakin seemed to notice this rather angry display. Luke went to stand next to Obi-Wan; Leia took a seat next to her mother. “Good to see you recovered, it is,” Yoda said, “But other business, handle we must.” Anakin looked to all the faces in the room. “Very well,” he said, “What is it?” Chancellor Mothma explained, “Diam got away. He needs to be arrested and put on trial; you and Master Kenobi are clearly the best choice for the assignment.” The Queen nodded, “I will not let this attack on our people go unpunished. I am asking you, Commander Skywalker to assist Master Kenobi so that our people may have justice.” Anakin didn’t know what to say, clearly they needed him, Obi-Wan needed him. He may not have known what to say, but Padme did. “Absolutely not. Diam does need to be arrested, but it doesn’t have to be my husband that does it. He can barely even walk, two of his ribs are broken and he almost died at Diam’s hands. No.” “Padme…I” Anakin tried to argue, “No,” she said cutting him off before he could even begin his sentence.

“Could you give us a minute?” Anakin said rather tensely. Everyone filed out of the room, including Luke and Leia. Padme thrust Aiden into Obi-Wan’s arms, making it clear that she had matters to discuss with her husband. Once everyone was out of the room, Anakin began. “Obi-Wan needs my help. Diam must be put on trial.” Padme’s vein made its 3rd appearance in 3 days. “In case you haven’t noticed, almost every one of your escapades has ended up with you, me or Obi-Wan in a medical center or missing a limb. I have had enough. You left the order; there are thousands of other Jedi who can assist him.” “Not like I can,” Anakin said, “We share a connection Padme, you know that. Together…we just fit. Why do you always argue with me over these things? Every single time you argue with me either to let you go or for me to not go at all. I am sick of it; can’t you just trust my judgment? Believe it or not I sometimes know what I am doing.” He went to embrace her but she pulled away and got off the bed. “I would like to emphasize the sometimes aspect of that statement!” she practically yelled at him. “It is always you, always. I just…argh!” She grunted loudly and put her hands on her head. “You look like Leia. Now I know why she is the way she is,” he said with a smile. “No I don’t, and why are you smiling? I think you do that just to frustrate me.” Anakin smiled wider and stood up, walking slowly towards her and forcing her to embrace him. “It seems to be working. Now, will you please listen to me?” She reluctantly agreed. “Diam got me and Obi-Wan on a technicality, it won’t happen again. All we are going to do is arrest him, no danger. I heal quickly; I already feel 100% better. Can we please stop the arguing and will you let me do my job?” “Why is it that I always lose these fights? Have you ever considered a political career?” she said to him. It was Anakin’s turn to sigh, “I would rather poke my eyes out with needles. Could you imagine me as a politician?” “No,” she said, “You just seem to be good at making me out to be a fool, important in political debate.” Anakin rolled his eyes, “First you argue; now you’re going to give me a lecture on politics? Surely you are trying to kill me.” He said as he bent over and kissed her lightly. “Better?” “I suppose,” she said.
Everyone had been standing with their ears up against the tent, listening to Padme and Anakin. Even the Queen and the Chancellor had listened in. When Anakin came to the tent flap to let them back in, they all tried to appear as if they had been doing other things. “Unconvincing,” he said, “Try harder next time.” Each one of them turned a deep shade of purple before following him back into the tent.

[Annie]

Chapter 7

Obi-Wan handed Aiden back to Padme, who gave him a thankful smile. Once everyone had succeeded in squeezing back into the tent, they got down to business. “I will accompany Master Kenobi to apprehend Diam. As per my wife’s request,” Anakin said, sighing heavily, “I will also take Jak with me so that if at any moment I do not feel well I can return home.” Padme gave Anakin a sly grin, all Anakin did was rub his temples. “Very well,” the chancellor said, “Once he is in the republic custody, contact us immediately. The Queen has agreed to try him on Courasant, that is where we shall take him. Now if you will excuse me, I must return to the capital, this disaster has sparked a field day for the press and I must attend to that. I wish you luck Master Kenobi, Master Skywalker.” With that the Chancellor nodded in the direction of Obi-Wan and Anakin before filing out with her aides behind her. The Queen turned to Luke, “Naboo owes you a great deal; perhaps you will one day follow in your father’s footsteps and return to your home. Thank you.” Luke shuffled his feet uncomfortably. “Thanks,” he muttered. The Queen then turned her attention back to Anakin and Padme. “Commander Skywalker, I thank you for your level of commitment and sacrifice. With out you, I am not sure we would have been able to withstand this invasion. Padme, always a pleasure.” Queen Lila then offered up a faint smile before she and her aides left as well. Only Anakin, Padme, Obi-Wan, Yoda, Luke, Leia and Aiden were left in the room. Jak came bursting through the tent doors. “Good afternoon. Hey Commander, I don’t mean to sound blunt, but you look like crap.” “Thank you Jak,” Anakin said rising to get dressed. “Not yet,” Yoda said, “Leave in the morning you should. Rest would do you good.” Anakin sat back down, “You’re right Master Yoda.” “Leave? Road trip?” Jak asked. “Yes,” Anakin said, “And you’re coming too. We have to catch Diam. Be ready in the morning.” “Swell,” Jak answered, “I can hardly wait.” The comm. on Yoda’s belt rang. “Return to the temple, I must. Good luck to both of you,” he said as he walked out the door. Luke spoke up suddenly “Will I be going?” Obi-Wan turned to him, “You’re my padawan aren’t you? That means you come.” Padme shifted a little. “What?” Obi-Wan asked. “It just…look what Diam to Anakin. I don’t want Luke to go through that,” Padme said. “I told you it was a lucky break for Diam, Luke will be fine with me and Obi-Wan,” Anakin said. “Alright. If you say so,” she replied. “I do,” he said firmly. Leia let out a loud moan, “Daaaaaaaaad! Why don’t I ever get to come! I always get left at home.” Anakin was growing tired, if it wasn’t one woman it was the other. “Do your mother and you plan these outbursts at specific times?” he said. “Luke gets to come because he is Master Obi-Wan’s padawan. You wouldn’t want to come anyway, it will be very boring.” “Yeah Right!” Leia said, “Luke tells me stories, it is never boring!” Anakin’s patience was skating on thin ice, and it was clear so Padme interjected. “Honey, your father has had a long day and no means no. It is too dangerous. He won’t let me go either.” Soon Luke tried to jump in the argument to help, which resulted in Obi-Wan trying to stop him, which led to a room full of people screaming at each other. Aiden, upset at the noise had begun to cry again. Anakin lay back down in the bed, shaking his head in disbelief. “We don’t need to try Diam, just have him come live with us, I am sure he’d go mad soon enough,” he muttered under his breathe. “ENOUGH!” he said finally, his echo ringing in the silence that followed. He sat up and took Aiden from Padme, rocking her back and forth to comfort her. “Jak, Obi-Wan, Luke and I are going. Padme, Leia and Aiden are staying here were it is safe. End of discussion. I am exhausted and I can’t take any more arguments. Please. Leia, I promise that I will make up for it, I always do.” She nodded her head. Everyone was silent for a period. “Well, I need to be off. I will meet you in the morning at the base, yes?” Jak said. Anakin didn’t say anything; he just shook in his head in a way that said yes. Before Jak left, Padme gestured for him to speak with her. He leaned in close, so that the others in the room could not hear. “Do you remember what Anakin told you about losing limbs if anything happened to us on the way to the bunker?” she asked him. “Yeah,” Jak said. “Same goes here, but if something happens to either my son or my husband you will have to answer to me. And that is far worse than anything you can imagine.” Jak’s eyes grew wide. “Got it. Night then,” he walked out of the room. “I don’t even want to know what that was about,” Anakin said, not diverting his attention from Aiden. “I don’t know what you are talking about,” was all Padme said. Anakin smiled at her. The medical droid entered the tent.

“I must check your condition. It was requested that you be allowed to spend the night at home, but first I must see to it that you are fit to do so.” The droid made Anakin take his shirt back off and he examined all of his wounds. “With a week of rest you will recover fine.” Anakin scoffed, “Rest isn’t on my agenda.” “It should be,” the droid said, “I will release you, but only if you promise to stay in bed.” “I promise,” Anakin lied. The droid went off to get his release papers. By the time the droid returned Anakin was up and dressed and everyone was ready to leave. The ride back to the house was silent, Obi-Wan drove; Anakin just stared absently out the window. When they arrived back at the house, the sight was not pretty. Even boarded, many of the windows had been shattered and the house had been somewhat looted. Padme had put away all valuables in a safe before they left, so they didn’t get away with much, but the house was still in shambles. Padme surveyed the mess. “I will be cleaning until next year,” she said to herself. Anakin put his arms around her and kissed her. “Don’t worry about it now. In the morning I can have someone sent over to help you.” He bent over and examined what was left a vase before straightening up. “Well let’s see what condition the bedrooms are in so we may all sleep, it is getting late and we are all tired.” Just then a looter popped out the kitchen carrying silverware, and at seeing there were people in the house promptly jumped out a window. Anakin watched him run across the lawn. “All in favor of not sleeping here raise their hands,” Anakin said turning to face them. Everyone’s hand went up, Aiden even cooed in agreement from her mother’s arms. “Padme, do you think your parents will mind guests?” “No,” Padme said, “I had been planning to stay there while you were gone anyway. I don’t think it would be a good idea to stay here.” “I agree,” Obi-Wan said, picking up an unidentified object between his thumb and forefinger. He looked at it with disgust before dropping it promptly. “Padme, I will make sure while we are gone someone cleans this up.” “Thank you Obi-Wan,” Padme responded, “I want to get some clothes and such from the bedrooms, I don’t think anyone would want to steal my undergarments. Will you two big strong men accompany me?” Anakin went to the front and Obi-Wan took the back as they walked through the house. It was really in sad shape. Upon reaching the bedroom, they discovered another looter attempting to make off with none other that Padme’s undergarments. Anakin called his lightsaber to him from his belt (which Obi-Wan had returned to him) and motioned for the looter to drop his goods. “If you would kindly set my wife’s undergarments on the ground I won’t have to get nasty.” He complied, dropping the loot and putting his hands up. “Get out.” The looter, grateful at not being killed thanked Anakin and high-tailed it out of the house. Obi-Wan came from behind, “There is a story for the grandkids. I suggest we get what we need and leave.” He, Anakin and Luke stood back and watched as Padme and Leia packed. Anakin held Aiden for Padme. When she was finished getting everything they would need she turned to Anakin. “Hun, the clothes you’re wearing still have blood on them and they are ripped in at least three different places.” Anakin didn’t even try to argue, “Alright, I’ll change. Why is it that you and Obi-Wan are always forcing me to do so?” It took Anakin less than 2 minutes to change and find his spare cloak. “Now can we leave?” “Yes,” Padme said, satisfied. She took his hand and walked toward the speeder.
By the time they reached Padme’s parents house it was well past midnight. There had been so many check-points through out the city they had to stop every 50ft. Leia had fallen asleep and Anakin was now cradling her in his arms. Aiden was knocked out as well, Luke was on the verge of falling asleep standing up. Padme rapped softly on the door and after a few minutes her mother and father appeared. “Padme dear it’s awfully late. Oh, Anakin, good to see you are doing better. Luke, Leia, Master Kenobi. What’s going on?” “Our house was looted, we need someplace to stay,” Padme said. “Yes of course come in,” Jobal said. After everyone had gotten into the house they sat down in the sitting area. “I apologize, we only have one spare room, some of you may have to sleep on the couch,” Ruwee said. “Not a problem,” Obi-Wan said, “Luke and I can take the couches.” “Looted eh?” Ruwee continued. “Yes,” Padme said, “The house is a mess. They will be sending someone to assist me in cleaning it up later. In the meantime, Anakin Obi-Wan and Luke are being sent after Viceroy Diam. Would it be alright if the girls and I stay with you until they got back?” “Of course dear,” Jobal answered, “Anakin are you sure it is such a good idea for you to get back on your feet so quickly? And what about little Luke?”
“We have already discussed this mother,” Padme said before Anakin could respond. “Oh alright darling. Let me show you to your room.” Luke and Obi-Wan set up on the couch; Jobal brought a cot for Leia to sleep on in the guest room. Jobal had a spare crib that she brought for Aiden who fell asleep as soon as her tiny head hit the pillow. Anakin kissed Aiden good night and said thank you to Jobal. “My pleasure,” she responded hugging Padme and Anakin before setting off for bed. Obi-Wan and Luke came in to say goodnight. “Sweet dreams,” Obi-Wan said as he closed the bedroom door behind him. Anakin just collapsed on the bed, not even taking the time to remove his boots. When Padme emerged from the bathroom after changing into her sleep clothes, she looked at Anakin with a slightly annoyed, slightly amused face. “You are more work than a child. You could at least take you’re boots off.” Anakin woke with a start. Looking around, a little confused, “What?” “Take your boots off, please,” she asked him. Anakin sleepily leaned over the side of the bed and removed his boots, tunic, and shirt before rolling right back into bed. Padme heaved a great sigh and cuddled next to him. He smiled sleepily and kissed her good night before he too fell asleep the moment he hit the pillow.
Anakin had not been asleep for what felt like no more than 10 minutes when Aiden began to thrash and cry. Both Anakin and Padme woke up. Anakin picked her up trying to comfort her and the thrashing stopped as she woke up, but the crying continued. “She can’t be hungry,” Padme said, “She ate not to long ago, she must have been having a nightmare.” Anakin looked up at her when she said that, he knew what that was like. Maybe a little fresh air would put her little mind at ease. He got out of the bed and walked out to the balcony, careful not disturb Leia. Padme followed. “I didn’t want to wake Leia. You should go back to sleep.” “I couldn’t sleep anyway; a little fresh air will do me good as well.” The cool night air hit him quickly and it felt calming. Aiden’s cries slowly relaxed as she was calmed by the fresh air and her father’s embrace. Anakin sat down on the patio bench, Padme settled in next to him. He winced a little as she put her arms around his waist; the broken rib and blaster wound were still tender. “Sorry,” “Don’t worry about it; it is just a little tender. I feel a lot stronger though.” She smiled sadly and rested her head on his shoulder. For a long time they just sat there like that, saying nothing. Padme finally broke the silence. “What do you think it was about…her dream? To make her thrash and cry like that. Luke and Leia never did anything of the sort.” Anakin didn’t answer immediately. “I don’t know,” he said truthfully, “It could just be a bad dream. But you’re right; Luke and Leia never did that. And she hasn’t either until now.” Aiden was still awake, clearly not as tired as her parents. She wriggled against Anakin, trying to free herself. “It would be too much to ask you to sit still for 10 minutes wouldn’t it?” She wriggled even more as if in response. She finally gave up in a huff and settled back down, with a look that resembled a pout. ‘Just like your mother,’ Anakin thought. Padme spoke breaking Anakin’s thoughts, “After you and Obi-Wan catch the Viceroy, we are going away for our anniversary. I give you no choice. We need some time alone without large armies threaten the peace of the republic or idiotic idealists invading the planet.” Anakin laughed. “I suppose you are right. But chances are I will have to testify in Diam’s trial. But in all likely hood it won’t make it to the courts for at least a good month after we catch him, giving us plenty of time to ourselves.” She smiled and yawned widely. Aiden was beginning to calm back down as well; a little yawn came from her. “Feeling better I take it?” Anakin said to her, “Alright, back to bed for you.” They walked back into the bedroom and Anakin placed Aiden gently back into her crib before crawling under the sheets next to Padme. He cuddled back up with her before falling asleep again.
It was early morning and barely light when Anakin opened his eyes. He kissed both Padme and Aide got out of bed. Aiden was still asleep and he kissed her tiny forehead before he went into the bathroom, careful not to disturb Leia .He relieved himself, washed up a bit, and dressed applying a fresh bacta pad to the wound in his side as per the medical droids instructions. Once he felt he looked presentable he went out towards the living room. Obi-Wan too was awake and dressed, meditating in the corner. Anakin went and sat down next to him, calling the force unto him.

“Good morning Anakin,” Obi-Wan said.

“Master. Sleep well?”

“As well as I could regarding the circumstances. Yourself?”

“The same. Aiden had a nightmare of some sort. She calmed down quick enough, but it worried me.”

“That’s perfectly normal, Anakin. She may have just been dreaming, nothing more. Everyone has dreams. Don’t worry about it; I am sure if she calmed down quickly it wasn’t that bad.”

“I know Obi-Wan, I just know how bad dreams can get.”

“I know Anakin, but you haven’t had a dream in awhile, and besides, Aiden is not you. Perhaps she was dreaming that she found her self trapped with Jar Jar Binks and had no means of escape. That would be a horrible nightmare for me. Now on to other matters. I can feel your apprehension at taking Luke with us, but he is my padawan, you must trust my judgment. I don’t think there will be any real danger, and there is a lesson to be learned.”

“I know Master, I trust you. I just can’t help worrying about everything he does. You and Padme have poisoned me with your worrying.”

Obi-Wan smiled in his meditation, “Sorry”

“Where do we start looking for Diam?”

“Good question. I don’t think he is stupid enough to go back to Cato Neimodia, he knows the whole galaxy will be looking for him.”

“I agree. We should start by questioning a few of the prisoners; he no doubt went to hide with one of his allies. Probably one who had been a member of the Separatist council, I noticed that many of them backed his claims.”

“You’re right Anakin, we will start there. We should leave now; I want to get this over with. I will wake Luke up.”

“Okay,” Anakin said as he severed his force connection.

After the force released him, Anakin went back to the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. He lovingly pushed away the hair that had fallen onto Padme’s face before softly rubbing her cheek. “Padme,” he whispered, “Wake up.” He nuzzled her neck and she slowly woke up. She sat up in bed and stretched her arms in a big yarn. “It is much too early,” she said sleepily, kissing him good morning. She noticed he was fully dressed. “You have to leave don’t you?” she asked the smile leaving her face. “Yes,” he said, “The quicker we get going, the quicker I will be back.” She nodded her head and started to get up, “You don’t have to get up, I just didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye.” “I want to say goodbye to Luke,” She said, putting on her robe. “You look much better today,” as she touched few of the scratches on his cheek, “You heal so quickly.” “I do, and the answer to your question is yes, my rib and my wound are feeling better. I promise not to do anything dangerous and I won’t over-exert myself. I promise to be home in one piece. Anything else I need to address?” “No,” she said a smile coming back across her face, “That covers all the criteria for you leaving the house.” He kissed both of his sleeping daughters before heading out quietly into the main room with Padme behind him. Luke was up and dressed, he and Obi-Wan were ready to go. Padme hugged her son and fixed his hair. She then discovered a dirt smudge on his cheek that she rid him of with her finger. “Now behave and listen to your father and Obi-Wan,” she said to him. “Mom! I have done this before!” Anakin chuckled, “Please, you have it easy son.” Luke and Obi-Wan moved toward the door. Anakin leaned over to kiss Padme, “Don’t hesitate to contact me if there are any problems okay?” “Okay,” she said, kissing him again and again and again. “Padme I have to go,” “Yes,” she said, “you do,” she kissed him one more time before allowing him to finally leave the house. Once they were in the speeder and on their way to the base to meet Jak, Obi-Wan asked, “Does she do that every time you leave the house or just on special occasions?” “Ha ha ha, Master.” Obi-Wan laughed to himself. They arrived at the base and found Jak waiting there for them. “About time, I have been waiting forever.” Anakin sighed, “I miss the days before we were invaded, back when everything ended with ‘yes sir’ so I wouldn’t put you on kitchen duty. We are going to pay a visit to the prison facility, try to get some info out of them, see if they know where Diam might have gotten off to.” “Sounds like a plan, Stan. And we are off,” Jak said as he led them in the direction of the prison facility.

[Annie]

Chapter 8

The “Prison Facility” wasn’t much of a facility. It was in the basement of the palace, the same place Diam had held Obi-Wan and Anakin. All of those captured were in cells with 50-100 other people cramped in together. The smell alone was enough to make your stomach turn over. As they approached the table where they were keeping track of all the inmates, all three of them covered their noses. Jak spoke to the man behind the table, “We need to see some of the prisoners in cell 547.” The man nodded and handed them the key, “Take out no more than one at a time. If they try to escape you know what to do.” As they walked down the long hallway leading to cell 547 Jak explained, “They put all of the high-profile prisoners, those closest to Diam, in one cell. He left his number 2 man behind when he fled, we got him. I think he will cooperate, since he no longer has any loyalty left for Diam.” When they reached the cell, Jak walked in and retrieved the prisoner they were looking for. Anakin motioned for them to take him outside. Once outside, Anakin and Obi-Wan sucked in the fresh air hungrily. Obi-Wan looked at the man Jak had taken from the cell; he was on his knees with his hands behind his back. He immediately recognized him as the man who had shot Anakin. Anakin’s back had been turned so he had no idea who had shot him, and for the sake of this man’s life he wasn’t about to tell him. Anakin told Luke to stand back, neimodians tend to spit. He then grabbed the man by the collar “Your name.” The man said nothing, just stared at him blankly. Obi-Wan stepped forward, “Helping Diam isn’t in your best interest right now. If you help us we can help you.” What Obi-Wan said seemed to have an impact on the man. “My name is Lien.” Anakin decided to let Obi-Wan handle the questioning. “Do you know where Diam might have gotten to?” Lien thought for a moment, “I would suspect that he went to Hoth.” “Hoth?” Obi-Wan said remembering the bunker that the sith army had used on the planet. “Why there?” “There is a bunker there; it was supposed to be our rendezvous place if the invasion should fail. I would guess that he and the other leaders are there now.” Obi-Wan turned to consult with Jak, Anakin and Luke. “I don’t think he’s lying but the information certainly wasn’t hard to get out of him. I don’t know if we should trust him.” Anakin thought for a moment. “He doesn’t have any reason to remain loyal to Diam and we are offering him a chance. I don’t see why he would blow that.” Luke spoke up, “Um, master. Why don’t you just ask him if he’s lying?” Obi-Wan looked at Luke and it took a moment for him to understand what Luke meant. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before Luke. Thank you.” He went back to Lien and looked directly into his eyes, opening his mind. Obi-Wan saw some rather disturbing images in Lien mind, but he also saw he was telling the truth. Obi-Wan turned back to the group, “To Hoth it is.” Jak took the man back to his cell while Obi-Wan, Anakin and Luke waited outside. The ship they would be taking was warming up. Jak emerged from the basement five minutes later. “I told the guards not to do anything with him until we get back. For now his reward will be some better food.” Obi-Wan and Luke went onto the ship, but as Jak went to follow Anakin stopped him. “Not so fast.” Jak looked at him with curiosity. “You aren’t coming with us. You are going to go back to Padme’s parent’s house and watch over my family while I am gone.” Jak flat out laughed in his face. “I don’t think so. The Mrs. informed me that if anything happened to you she would tear me apart. If I am with them I can’t watch you Commander. I am afraid of what she could do to me.” “Jak you will return to protect my family, that is an order. If Padme has an issue with it she can take it up with me when I return.” Anakin walked into the ship and shut the hatch behind him, not even giving Jak a chance to argue his case.

Jak was right; it was not a warm reception he received when Padme discovered him on her doorstep. “What are you doing here Jak? I thought you and Anakin would have left ages ago.” Jak stepped into the house. “I’m…um…not going. He told me to stay here and protect you.” “WHAT!” She roared. Jak ducked behind a couch as she threw the bottle she had been feeding Aiden with at his head. Her parents ran in from the other room at the sound of the ruckus. “What in the blazes?!” her father proclaimed. “Ooh that man infuriates me! He got released from the hospital yesterday. Yesterday! He can barely walk, he was beaten to a pulp by Diam and then wanted to go off gallivanting with Obi-Wan. Then he demands to take my nine-year old son on a mission to find a felon! ‘I promise I will be safe. I will take Jak with me to watch over me if it will make you feel better. I won’t over-exert myself.’ The guts he has to lie to my face! When he gets back I will…I will…Oh I don’t know what I will do but it will not be pretty!”

Padme sat down in a huff, out of breathe, her face pink. Jak carefully peered over the couch edge. “And you. I gave you one job. One. Just one, protect him; make sure he keeps his promise. But no. You let him push you around! And Obi-Wan and Luke just let him do this. Your entire sex is infuriating!” Jak stood up carefully, “In their defense, he didn’t give them a chance. Or me one for that matter.” Aiden had started to cry because of all the yelling. Padme quickly calmed down and started to comfort her. Ruwee and Jobal managed to finally pick their jaws up of the floor. “He just wanted to make sure you would be well taken care of dear,” her mother said to her. “I know,” Padme said, “It is all he ever does. Thinks of me and the children and not himself. I shouldn’t be angry with him for it, but sometimes he is so one-minded.” Jobal calmed her daughter down as Jak helped Ruwee clean up the spilled milk.

“Where’s Jak?” Obi-Wan asked as Anakin came into the cockpit just as they were leaving the atmosphere. “He’s not coming, he is going to go stay with Padme,” Anakin said. “Mom’s going to hurt you,” Luke said without thinking. “No she won’t. Ok, she probably will. But this is in her best interest.” Obi-Wan laughed. “I would like to be a fly on the wall when you get back. She is going to tear you limb for limb.” Anakin tried to change the subject as he set the coordinates for Hoth. “I think I hate this planet more than I hate Tatooine. It’s freezing.” It didn’t take them long to reach Hoth. When they disembarked the ship they headed in the direction of the bunker. Anakin could remember the way perfectly from a year ago. They reached it quickly and were amazed at how easily they got inside. “This is a trap Anakin,” Obi-Wan said. “I can sense it. Lien led us here on purpose. Diam is relentless.” “Well,” Anakin said, “You and I have a policy on traps. I suggest we put it into play here.” “Okay,” Obi-Wan replied, “Luke, stick close to us.” They snuck a little farther into the bunker searching each room and finding nothing. They finally concluded that Diam and his partners could only be in the main hangar. But when they got there it was dark and deserted. “Okay, maybe there was no trap. Looks like Lien is going to have some explaining to do,” Obi-Wan said. He hadn’t even finished his sentence before the lights came on and they were surrounded by thousands of droids. “This…” Anakin said, “This is bad.” Diam and his associates entered from the far side of the room. “You I honestly didn’t think you two would be stupid enough to follow me. Apparently I was wrong. And you brought mini-me with you I see. Nice family outing.” Anakin was more annoyed then he was worried about the droids. “Diam, I just want to rip you apart. But seeing as how my son is watching and there are a thousand battle droids with guns in my face, that will have to wait.” Diam scoffed. “Because of mini-me there, my plans were ruined. This is all that remains of my grand army. But don’t worry, I have a plan B. And the three of you are very important to that.” Anakin didn’t like where this was going. “There is a large contingent of people who don’t like you, Kenobi and Skywalker. People very high up with our Master Sidious. He had promised them riches and rewards after he took over. People like this man here, Moff Tarkin. He had been working for Sidious in the outer rim, gathering intelligence. He was promised to be named a sector governor.” The man that stepped forth was brutally ugly and the most unfriendly looking person Anakin had ever seen in his 32 years. Yet he seemed familiar. Diam continued. “There are others as well, countless others. And I thought, so many of our lives you ruined. How to make you pay? So I formed the invasion plan. Nothing could be worse then having your home planet invaded and ransacked. Seeing your wife and family killed before your eyes, torture you a bit before ending your worthless life. But you once again got the best of me. I admit that hurt. I thought I might be able to escape with at least the planet still under my control, but your bouncing baby brat there appeared to have inherited your knack for foiling m plans. So I was forced to come here, angry as ever, as were my associates. You appeared to get the best of us again.” Anakin was beginning to feel weak from standing for so long. “That’s a lovely story, very touching. Will I next be getting the play by play of your first speeder ride?” Diam looked ready to hit him and he went to but didn’t. “I am not done yet. Patience.” “My patience with you is wearing out too Diam,” Obi-Wan said, “My brain can only handle limited amounts of useless mumbling.” Diam didn’t even get angry; instead he smiled at them instead. “Perhaps I should end your suffering? Well, sitting here in my self-pity party, we finally came up a solution. I rather like it. Your son will be sold into slavery. That way he can stay just like daddy.

Your wife and daughter will make excellent slaves in my palace, that is if you choose to not cooperate.” Anakin bit down on his temper. “And how do you expect to do this without me tearing you apart? Or the republic interfering?” Diam laughed, “The republic won’t stop me. Not after they find out what I have in mind.” He motioned to a computer screen. What looked like a blue-print for a battle station came up. “You thought you had confiscated this from me, didn’t you? No, you only got the proto-type. These are the final plans. Once this is finished, no one will oppose me. The republic will be in my hands.” Anakin laughed, so did Obi-Wan. “Whew! You’re a funny guy. They just won’t notice you trying to build this giant fortress. And we won’t tell them. Right.” Diam was still smiling. “As I was saying, I have thought of a way to rid my self of you. 12 years ago you slaughtered an entire encampment of Tusken Raiders. Sidious shared this with all of us; we got a real kick out of it. Mad cause mommy died eh? I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now it will be of use. You obviously violated a law by doing so, even in they were savages. The Hutts had them working on a desert mining operation that was exposing precious metals to add to the Hutts fortune. They were deeply upset when they found out their workers had died. There has been a colossal bounty on your head ever since. But since the Hutts are not allowed anywhere in the republic, they couldn’t act. That has changed.” To Anakin’s amazement, Jabba the Hutt entered the room, closely followed by his entourage. “Skywalker!” he said in his deep voice. “Yous coming with me. I gots use for you.” Anakin swallowed hard. Diam laughed out loud. “Not so tough are you now? Do the Hutts bring back painful childhood memories? They are also angry over that podrace you won so many years ago. Jabba had a lot of money riding on Sebulba.” “A lot,” Jabba added. Diam continued. “He bought you, Obi-Wan and Luke. Luke has already been sold to a Watto, I think it was. He likes children skilled with mechanical things.” Anakin couldn’t bring himself to speak; this was everything he would imagine his worst nightmare to be. “You should thank me really. He offered to buy your wife as well, as a slave girl. I decided to keep her for my own.” Two of Jabba’s cronies walked over to cuff the Obi-Wan and Anakin. Anakin sent a telepathic message to Luke, “There is a door at the end of the hallway that is open. Run straight through it, let no one stop you. The ship is only 50ft straight ahead. I know you can fly it home. Tell your mother what has happened. Tell her I love her. Don’t come after me, understand? I know the Hutts; I won’t have you go through what I did. If Obi-Wan can find a way out, we will. Other wise it is the will of the force. I love you Luke.” Luke didn’t understand why his father was being like this, it was Kenobi and Skywalker! They could get out of anything, why did Diam scare him now? “But dad, I…” “No Luke. I want what is best for you and our family and this is it. I get it now. If this is what I need to do to keep you and your sisters and mother safe for the rest of you lives, so be it. GO! NOW!” Luke took off at a force run out the door and toward the ship. He sent a message that he hoped his father would get “I am coming back for you. I don’t care what you say,” but his father’s presence had already left him. “Catch him!” Jabba yelled. Diam sent men after him, “Don’t worry, we will get him back.” Diam turned his attention back to Obi-Wan and Anakin. Obi-Wan was watching Luke run off, Anakin was standing there impassive. Diam loved every second of it. “So I have finally beaten you! I see the fear in your eyes! You and Master Kenobi here will be put in carbon freeze to be transported to Mos Eisley. The carbonization chamber is almost ready.” The men returned. “He escaped on a ship sir, we couldn’t catch him.” “Oh well,” Diam said “We have what we want.” He turned to Jabba, “I will either capture the boy at another time or compensate you for your loss.” Jabba nodded. “Jus these two I want.”

The walk to the carbonization chamber was silent. Obi-Wan leaned into to whisper to Anakin. “You have a plan right? This is all a plan of course.” Anakin shook his head. “What do you mean no Anakin? You are just going to sit back and let them freeze us? What is the matter with you? We don’t even know if this is safe!” “I am tired of putting Padme and the children in danger Obi-Wan, I am sick of it. Do you understand? If I am not there to burden them anymore they can be left alone to live out their lives in peace.” Obi-Wan couldn’t believe his ears. “Anakin, how is that going to make them happier? Padme loves you, your children love you! Nothing but misery will you be giving them by giving into Diam? And how exactly are they going to be safer without you around to protect them?” “You will escape Master, you will protect them.”

If Obi-Wan had not been bound he would have slapped Anakin. “You won countless Clone War battles by yourself. You defeated the Dark Lord of the Sith. You defeated a sith army. You are going to let Viceroy Char Diam of Neimodia get the best of you? Anakin don’t be stupid. I need you. You family needs you. I am giving you no choice. There is nothing we can do to stop the freezing ordeal, but once we get to Tatooine I am getting us both out. Then you will realize how foolish you sound.” “Whatever you want to do,” Anakin said. Obi-Wan was angry that Diam had reduced his brother to this, thinking that sacrificing himself was the only way to save his family. He would pay for this. They reached the carbonization room. They loaded Anakin first. “Any last words?” Diam asked. Anakin just stared at him as the platform sank. Obi-Wan saw a lot of smoke rise and heard an awful high pitched sound. Minutes later, Anakin emerged frozen in carbonite, a pained look on his face. “He survived.” Diam said. Jabba smiled. They next went to load Obi-Wan. “Perhaps we could negotiate? Carbon doesn’t flatter my figure.” “How does no sound? I have had enough of ‘The Negotiator’” Diam responded as the platform once again began to sink. “I have a bad feeling about this,” Obi-Wan muttered to himself as the carbon surrounded him.

Padme awoke from her sleep to the high pitched screams of her baby daughter. She was waving her arms around and screaming as she had the night when she had the nightmare. Padme picked her up and tried to comfort her, but nothing would help. Her poor cute little face was pink from the crying. Jak and her parents came into the room after the screaming had continued for 15 minutes. “Could you please shut the kid up?!” Jak screamed covering his ears. Leia was standing in between her grandparents, a worried look on her face. “I would if I could!” She yelled back at him. The crying stopped abruptly. Aiden’s face cleared up and she began to yank vigorously at the japor snippet hanging around her mother’s neck. “Sweetie,” Padme said as she tried to release her daughter’s death grip on the necklace that her husband had given her. But she wouldn’t let go. She kept yanking and then yelled “DADA!” Everyone in the room just stared at her. She was barely three months, she shouldn’t be talking. Yet everyone had heard it. It finally clicked with Padme. Anakin was in trouble. Probably because he hadn’t listened to her. She turned to the small crowd. “I need to go now. Anakin is in danger.” “Just hold on a minute,” Jak said, but before he could finish a knock came at the door. They all went to see who it could be so late at night. It was Luke, cold and wet from the night’s rain. He face tear stained. He took one step in the door and collapsed in sheer exhaustion.

[Annie]

Chapter 9

Jak carried Luke into the bedroom while Padme ran to get fresh clothes and a blanket. Aiden’s crying had stopped, and she sat in the crib staring intently at her big brother. Leia sat next to Luke on the bed. She poked him in the ribs and was slightly disappointed when nothing happened. She tried again. Nothing. “Leia dear I don’t think that is working,” Jobal said to her. Padme returned and changed Luke into warmer clothes. She sent Jak to the kitchen for some water and something to eat for when he woke up. He had a small gash on his hairline and Padme cleaned the cut on put a bacta pad on it. “Luke, if you can hear me I need you to wake up sweetie,” she whispered to him. Tears welled in her eyes as he continued to lay there. She wasn’t quite sure what to do. She got up and began to pace the room, thinking. Leia watched her mother pace and then thought she might try something. Her dad was always trying to get her to use this “force-thingy” he claimed she had, but she had more fun playing. Maybe she could try it now. She put her hand on Luke’s forehead and in her mind willed him to wake up. His eyes opened and he shot straight up. ‘I might want to try that more often,’ she thought to herself. Padme rushed to Luke’s side and crushed him in a hug. “Oh honey I was so worried.” “Mom.” “You just showed up at the door and collapsed.” “Mom.” “I didn’t know what to do. Your sister had been crying so I knew something was wrong but…Where is your father? Is he safe? Is he alright? Where’s Obi-Wan?” “MOM!” Luke pulled himself free of her grip. Everyone in the room was looking at him, even Aiden. Padme looked directly into his eyes. “Where is your father?” Luke thought it best to start from the beginning, or at least where Jak had left them. He talked with incredible speed. “After we went to the prison we found out that the Viceroy was on Hoth. So we went to get on a ship. Master and I got on board and Dad came up a few seconds later. He told us that he sent Jak back to you and I told him that you were going to hurt him.” The room smiled at this. “When we got to Hoth we went straight to the bunker but we didn’t find anyone there. Then we came into this really big room and there was like a gazillion droids in there. Then the Viceroy came in. He did a lot of talking, mostly about how Dad always got the best of him.” Jak spoke up “This play by play is lovely kid, a real treat, but can we skip ahead to the part where you collapse on the doorstep?” Luke ignored him and continued. “Diam said something about selling me into slavery and making Mom and Leia and Aiden his servants. Dad got real angry then. Then he showed us a weapon or something. He said he was going to use it against the Republic. Dad told him it wasn’t going to happen. Then Diam laughed at him. Then he said a bunch of stuff I didn’t get. Something about Dad killing a camp of Tu…” “Tusken Raiders.” Padme said in a trance. “Yeah that. Then some more stuff about a law and the Hutt family, yeah that was it. Then this big, ugly slug thing came in. I think his name was Gabba.” “Jabba the Hutt?” Jak asked. “Yup, that was it. He said that Dad and Uncle Ben were his now. Then Dad sent me a message through the force. He told me where the ship was and that I needed to fly it home. He had let me fly a couple of times so I was sure I could do it. Getting into hyperspace was a little rough though. He said to tell mom that he loved her and not to come after him. Then he screamed run and I did. The men were too slow to catch him. We are going to help him right? Right mom?” There were tears rolling down Padme’s cheeks. “Yes Luke,” she said quietly, “We are going to help him. Anakin knows better than to make decisions for me.” She stood up. “Get dressed,” she said to Jak. “I don’t think…” “I don’t really care what you think,” she said cutting him off. “I am not about to let my husband go through slavery again. Nor Master Kenobi.” Jak didn’t say a word. She turned to her parents. “Will you please watch the children for me?” “Of course darling,” her father replied. Luke went to get out of bed. “Sit right back down mister,” she said to him. “Mom I am fine, really.” “You are exactly like your father. No, you are not fine. You just collapsed on the door step.” “I was just tired and hungry mom. I feel better now.” “Actually, the kid could be a big help,” Jak interrupted. “No.” Padme said. “Mom, please, I can help you! I will eat right now and I can sleep on the way there. I promise I won’t do anything foolish.” Padme really didn’t want to put Luke in any more danger, but she wasn’t sure exactly how she was going to do this without his help. “If at anytime you don’t listen to what I say I will send you back here so fast your head will spin.” For once Leia didn’t ask to come along, she sensed her place was here.

“What about the Jedi and the Chancellor? Shouldn’t you wait for them?” Ruwee asked. “I am going to contact them. But we can’t wait, Naboo is closer than Courasant. They will have to meet us there,” Padme said. Fifteen minutes later all who were going were dressed and Luke had inhaled some food. Padme had already informed both the Chancellor and Master Yoda of the situation; there forces would meet them on Tatooine as soon as possible. They decided to take the yacht. The goodbyes were said and within minutes they were en route to Tatooine.
“No, to the left more,” Diam said, helping Jabba to place his newest trophies. Diam smiled a crooked grin. This was going to be fun. A chip had been implemented in the Jedi as they were frozen. They had to obey any order given to them by Diam or Jabba in order to avoid a rather nasty shock. Jabba laughed. “The Jedi will pay now,” he said speaking in his native tongue. “Unfreeze them,” he boomed. Two of his entourage went over and punched the codes in. Slowly they began to unfreeze.
Anakin hit the sandy floor with a thump. His body was numb, his head was ringing and he couldn’t see. He coughed whatever had been in his lungs up. The wounds he had suffered at Diam’s hands the first time were causing him a great deal of grief. He felt cold. “Obi-Wan,” he managed to croak. “Anakin?” his old master croaked back. The room erupted in laughter. “You two are pathetic!” Diam said. Anakin felt himself being pulled to his feet. A little bit more light had trickled into his eyes until; thank the force his vision began to return. They were in Jabba’s place. Thanks to the force his and Obi-Wan’s vision had returned. “This is not good.” Obi-Wan said. “When I said I thought we should spend more time together this isn’t what I had in mind.” While they could both see, neither one had the function of their arms nor legs back. They hung in the arms of their captors like limp noodles. They were dragged in front of Diam, Jabba, and the rest of their associates. “Rough day?” Diam asked sarcastically. Obi-Wan had now become the angry one. “I really don’t like you.” Diam laughed. “And that should bother me? This way.” He motioned to the guards to follow him. Anakin and Obi-Wan were lead to a room with two tables. Their shirts were removed and they were strapped to the tables. Anakin looked nervously at the needles. “Now what?” “You both have already have had chips placed in your system that while make sure you obey Jabba and myself. Now we are going to take care of that force problem. You will receive a dose of this formula. Same thing I gave you last time in a dart. The effects are temporary, as I now know, so you will get a new dose each day. I would imagine that after a period of time the effects will no longer be temporary. Enjoy.” As soon as the needle broke skin Anakin could no longer feel the force. They finished administering the dosage and then, without bother to give them their shirts, dragged them back out to Jabba’s main room where he was waiting. Most of the feeling in their legs and arms had begun to return. Obi-Wan noticed they were standing over what looked like a collapsible floor. “That can’t be good,” he said to himself. Jabba spoke to them in his native tongue. “I would like to see how the Jedi do with out their skills. Uncuff them.” Obi-Wan and Anakin rubbed the feeling back into their wrists. They were allowed a 10 second grace period before the floor collapsed and they landed in a heap on the floor below. Anakin coughed the dust out of his lungs. “I think this wins the award for most unpleasant experience we have ever had.” “No way it is worse than Jabiim.” Anakin noticed that everyone above was looking down at them with anticipation. A large growl came from a dark end of the cave. The ground shook as a large, ugly creature emerged from the shadows. Both Anakin and Obi-Wan gaped at the size of the creature and more importantly the size of its teeth. With out any weapons and without the force, this was going to be quite the show. “Ok, much worse than Jabiim,” Obi-Wan said. “You go left, I go right.” They circled the creature, dodging its attacks. A particularly nasty swipe caught Obi-Wan lightly across the arm. “Anakin we can’t circle this until the end of time, we need to kill it!” “Well I am open to any ideas!” Anakin yelled back at him. Anakin was swept off his feet as the creature picked him up, ready to stuff him whole into his mouth. Obi-Wan grabbed the biggest thing he could find and began beating at the creature’s leg screaming bloody murder. “I’M OVER HERE YOU GREAT BIG IDIOT! EAT ME!” His plan worked and the creature dropped Anakin, turning to instead to Obi-Wan. “Oh dear.” Obi-Wan ran off toward a large door. Maybe they could? “Anakin hit the door switch when I tell you to!” Anakin struggled to his feet running behind the creature that was chasing Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan ran through the door and waited for just the right moment.

“NOW!” Anakin shoved the door jam and the door fell on top of the creature’s head, killing it instantly. From the other side of the dead beast, Obi-Wan yelled. “Another fun adventure!” When they had been brought back in front of Jabba and Diam they didn’t look pleased. “Kneel.” Anakin’s knees buckled against his will. “I hope you enjoyed that. Just a small taste of what’s to come. I am sure people will come from all over just to see the two of you. Take them away.” Obi-Wan was thrown in first, then Anakin on top of him. The door slammed behind them. Anakin’s breathing was labored, he held his side. Obi-Wan leaned over to examine it. “We need to get out of here.” Anakin nodded. “I am glad you have finally woken up to the fact your family isn’t better off without you.” “They may be, but I don’t want to spend the rest of my days here. Even if it is what I deserve.” “What are you talking about Anakin?” Obi-Wan asked, “What was all this business about the Tusken Raiders?” Anakin had hoped he had forgotten. He didn’t want to have to tell him, he knew how disappointed his former master would be in him. “Remember right before the beginning of the Clone Wars, when you were on Geonosis and I was with Padme? And you sent me the message on Tatooine? We were so wrapped up with the war we never really addressed the issue after that. No one knows except Padme.” Anakin moved to a sitting position and laid his head back against the wall. Obi-Wan sat next to him. “What happened? Why were you there?” “While I was on Naboo, my nightmares about my mother had gotten worse. I could see her dying. I decided I could take it not longer and I went after her. I took Padme with me and we went to Tatooine. When Padme and I returned to Tatooine we discovered Watto had sold my mother to Cleig Lars. He had married her. When we got to the moisture farm I met my new step father and stepbrother. They told me that my mother had been abducted by Tusken Raiders a little over a month ago. I couldn’t accept that she had died, I would have felt it. So I went after her. I got to the camp and discovered they had tortured her to the brink of death. She died in my arms.” They were silent for a period. “I am sorry Anakin. I should have listened to you.” “Don’t blame yourself Obi-Wan. You couldn’t have known. Besides, you probably thought it was another one of my unsuccessful attempts to get you to let me see my mother.” “I did,” Obi-Wan said, “I thought you had made it up. It explains why you were so worried when you started having dreams about Padme.” “There’s more. After she died I was so angry. What had they done to her? Why? I knew I could have saved her. She didn’t deserve this. I couldn’t control it, I could feel myself so close to the dark side but I couldn’t stop it. Not even Qui-Gon could.” “Qui-Gon?” Obi-Wan asked. “Yes, I heard his voice in my head that night, telling me to stop but I refused to listen to him. I killed them Obi-Wan. Men, women and children. All of them died. Padme is the only person I ever told. I have felt guilty about it for all these years. I never thought it would come back to haunt me in this way. But I deserve it.” Obi-Wan didn’t say anything for a long time. Finally he but his hand on Anakin’s back. “You don’t deserve this Anakin. No one does. You made a mistake, you know that no. We mustn’t dwell on the past. I think you should talk to Master Yoda about this, after this ordeal and after you’ve had some time to recover. But I don’t want you to think you deserve this. You have done so much good in your life, think instead of that. Of all the people you have saved.” Anakin nodded and wiped a tear from his eye before Obi-Wan had a chance to see it. “I suggest we rest. Maybe a little bit of sleep will bring some answers. And I have no idea what tomorrow has in store. Don’t worry Anakin. I am sure that Padme has already disobeyed you and is on her way.” Anakin laughed. “I have no doubt in my mind. I don’t know what I was thinking, telling her to not come after me. I should have known that would mean she would waste no time.” Obi-Wan laughed. “I just feel bad for Diam and Jabba when she gets here.” They drifted off to sleep in minutes.

[Annie]

Chapter 10

Jak landed the ship about a mile away from Jabba’s palace. Padme strapped two blasters to her belt and Jak grabbed a few weapons of his own. Luke woke up and began to strap his lightsaber in place. “No,” Padme told him. “You are going to stay with the ship. When Master Yoda gets here you will help them. Keep hidden and be safe.” She kissed his forehead. Jak handed him a comm. link. “Keep in touch.” Jak and Padme began to walk toward Jabba’s palace. “I assume you have a plan?” he asked her. “I do,” she replied. “Would you mind informing me of that plan there sweetheart?” Padme stopped and turned to face him. “Let’s get one thing straight. I am not sweetheart, honey, baby, or any other disgusting pet names you spent the whole ride thinking up. We are here to rescue my husband and Master Kenobi, and get Diam in the process if we can. The safety of my family is my number one priority. You jeopardize that and I will kill you myself.” Jak put his hands up in the air. “Easy lady. I’m not going to stop you. We have the same goals, no need to get mean. I wonder what the commander sees in you; personally I think you’re as mean as a snake.” Padme rolled her eyes. “Just to people that test my patience.” They started walking again and Padme filled Jak in on her plan.
Jabba’s door man let them right in. Breakfast appeared to be taking place in the palace. Slave girls fed Jabba and Diam munched in the corner. Padme and Jak strolled right in and stood in front of Diam. ‘She has no fear’ Jak noted to himself. “I have come to relieve you of my husband and Master Kenobi.” Both Jabba and Diam looked surprised to see her there. Diam spit out his food. “You have come to do what?!” Jabba laughed until he began to choke on a grape and had to stop to recover. “And how do you expect to do this with two people?” “I expect you to let my husband walk out of here.” Now Diam was howling with laughter. “Why would I do that? I am having far too much fun!” He turned on a screen that showed a cell. Padme recognized Obi-Wan and Anakin on the floor. They were both shirtless, hunched over and looked in horrible condition. Padme’s blood began to boil. She clenched her fists to prevent herself from attacking Diam. “You look a little angry there Mrs. Skywalker.” Diam taunted. “Now just how was it that you planned to have me let your husband walk out of here?” Padme stiffened and refocused. The original plan was not going to work. There was no way Anakin or Obi-Wan was in any condition to help execute and escape. “A trade.” “A trade?” Jak whispered under his breath. “This was not the plan. We do not deviate from the plan, the plan is law,” he whispered angrily. “This is what is best, now shut up.” “A trade?” Diam asked. “Yes. You take me and let Anakin go.” “Ha! In your dreams! What would I do with you? You’re pretty yes, but there is only one purpose you serve. You husband has many talents.” Diam winked at her. Padme had to stifle the vomit she felt crawling up her throat. “What I want is your son,” Diam said. “Luke?!” Padme asked surprised. “Never! I don’t even know if he is alive. I thought he was with you,” she said. She didn’t want Diam to know that Luke had found them. “No. I assumed he would run to you. Guess not. Probably couldn’t fly the getaway vehicle and crashed. One can only hope.” Jabba interrupted Padme and Diam’s exchange. He whispered something into Diam’s ear and Diam seemed pleased with the idea. They broke their conference. “We accept the deal. Bring him out.” On the screen Padme watched two guards burst in and yank Anakin to his feet. Seconds later he appeared in the door way, looking bad as ever. He didn’t look even remotely surprised to see her there. She ran and threw her arms around him; he returned the embrace as best he could judging by the circumstances. Jabba’s men pulled them apart. “Your wife has offered herself as a slave in your place. Isn’t that charming?” Diam asked. “What?!” Anakin said, “Padme, No, are you out of your mind?! I refuse; I’m staying right where I am at.” “Deal has already been made,” Diam said. “Well then I want a new deal. Take me instead of Padme,” He responded. “Anakin no!” Padme said, “Take me!” Jak stood there, rolling his eyes, “You two make me sick.” They both yelled take me at Diam and Jabba for a good period of time until they could take no more. “SHUT UP! Fine, I will take you both. The dumb buffoon behind you as well.” The guards went to bind Jak and Padme. “Wait, can’t we talk about this? This was not in the deal! I was not in the deal! Take them!” Jak yelled as they carted him off toward the cell. All three of them were thrown into the cell with Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan looked. “Visitors?” Anakin stood up weakly and dusted himself off. Jak stood up, mocking Padme in a girly voice “Stick to the plan Jak. The plan. I know what I am doing. I am going to waltz in there in my girly little ways instead of with guns blazing and get us all into deep poodu.” He danced and moved around.

“Well look where that got us!” He yelled in his normal voice. “Why would you do that Padme? Now look where we are,” Anakin said to her. “Oh yes this is all my fault. Anakin Skywalker do not even start with me,” she returned. “You demanded to go help apprehend Diam, injured I might add. ‘He got us the first time on a technicality’ is that not what you said? What is it this time? Hmm? I had only one request, simple really considering the circumstances. Take Jak with you. And what is the first thing you do after you leave the house? Send him back to protect me. Me who is safely hidden at my parent’s house. Meanwhile, you get caught again by Diam. Then you give up. Our son comes back to me and tells me that you don’t want to be rescued. Did you plan to hide from everything here?” “I was trying to protect you!” Anakin spat back at her. “You don’t deserve to constantly be in danger. I just wanted you to be safe.” “Anakin all you ever do is protect me! Worry about me, make sure I am safe. Look where that has gotten us! I don’t want your protection, I don’t need it. All I want is my loving husband and all your children want is their loving father!” Anakin started to wave a finger in her face, and he was so angry all he could do was grunt loudly. “On our wedding day I said I would protect you and that is what I was doing. I love you and you know that! I am sorry for trying to keep you safe and happy, goodness forbid! You complain about me, but look what you are doing here, protecting me. Trying to trade yourself for me, to save me. You’re worse than I am!” “Oh you self-righteous…” “I am self-righteous?” The two of them began to bicker like Luke and Leia. Obi-Wan’s and Jak’s heads had followed the motion of the argument, swinging back and forth to stare at whoever was screaming. Finally Obi-Wan stepped in between the two of them intent on hashing out any other marital problems right now. He put a hand over each of their mouths. “Shut up, both of you. Anakin, you are overprotective and overbearing. You have to learn to trust you wife. She knows what she is doing. She was able to take care of her self the 10 years you two were apart, and now that you are back in her life she can continue. She loves you with all of her heart. Learn to trust her. And you,” he said moving on to Padme. “Anakin loves you more than words can describe. He wants the best for you and your children he just sometimes needs a little help on as to what that is. He protects you because he is terrified to lose you, and you know why. You need to learn to let people take care of you, you don’t need to do everything yourself. Now, you love him, you love her, kiss and make-up so this pounding headache and the ringing in my ears can stop.” They both felt like scolded younglings. “I’m sorry,” Anakin muttered, “I just want what’s best for you.” “I am sorry too,” Padme said, “I know you do. I suppose I don’t have to do everything single-handedly.” Anakin kissed her softly and took her in his arms. “Isn’t that touching,” Jak said. “Now how the hell are we going to get out of here?” he said bluntly as ever. Obi-Wan smacked Jak upside the head. “I can’t take much more of you. I take it then that Luke found his way home?” “Yes,” Padme said, “He came with us. He is waiting for Master Yoda and the others with the ship.” “Well they had better hurry,” Jak said. “That little green midget is going to have to save our skins.” Obi-Wan hit him again. Jak rubbed the back of his head. “Ouch.” Just then the door flew open and the guards came back in. They grabbed Padme from Anakin and proceeded to walk out the door, “They want to see you.” Anakin grabbed on of the guards and introduced him to his metal fist. He threw the other guard against the wall with surprising strength, considering he was weak and without the force. Almost immediately his body went into shock as the chip began to work its magic. He was shaking uncontrollably; he could feel the micro pulses going through his body. His ears rang; he clamped his hands over them to stop it. Barely audible, heard Padme scream “What are you doing to him! Where are you taking me?! Anakin!” Anakin tried to reach for her, but suddenly everything went dark.

Luke was worried. His mother and Jak had been gone now for the whole day, he had tried to make contact through the comm. link but it wasn’t working. He had tried to reach out to his father through the force, but he couldn’t feel his or Master Obi-Wan’s presence. Yoda said they were having a bit of trouble, but would be there soon. That was a little over two hours ago. Luke was at a loss. He was supposed to stay here but he didn’t want to imagine what sorts of foul things Jabba and Diam were doing to his parents. Just then his comm. link buzzed again. It was Yoda. “Held up we are trying to get clearance to travel to Tatooine. Outside of the Republic it is, outside of our jurisdiction as well. At the earliest tomorrow shall we be there.”

“Tomorrow! Master Yoda my parents are in danger!” “Understand this I do young one, but been in worse they all have. You must learn to trust the will of the force. Stay right where you are young one, an order that is. Yoda out.” The will of the force! Luke was not about to leave his parent’s lives up to the will of the force! But Yoda had given him strict instructions to stay put; he couldn’t afford to disobey him. Luke sat on the floor and sighed heavily. More waiting, great.
Cracking one eye open, Anakin found himself staring at Obi-Wan. “The chip?” he asked. “The chip. I suggest we don’t try that again.” Obi-Wan helped Anakin into a sitting position. “Where’s Padme?” he asked, rubbing his head. “I don’t know, they took her a little over an hour ago.” “An hour! I was out for that long?!” “Yes,” Obi-Wan replied. “But good news, I think I might be able to get these chips out of us.” “And how to you plan to do that?” Obi-Wan reached behind Anakin’s neck and tugged. Seconds later he was holding a tiny micro-chip in his hands. “I will give credit to Diam for becoming a little bit smarter, but not much. Jak noticed it on the back of my neck.” “Alright,” Anakin began, “So this is the situation. Padme has been taken who knows where. We are now free from the chip but still don’t have our force sense. And Diam and Jabba are running amuck.” “Yes, that’s it. I know Master Yoda is on the way, but I don’t know how much longer we will be able to hold out. You my brother, well you look really bad. Let’s leave it at that.” Jak jumped into the conversation, “This is not what I signed up for. When they said they were promoting me to second in command, I assumed that meant a nice office, pay raise, not slavery!” Anakin’s patience was wearing thin. “Jak, will you just shut up. I think you have been told that frequently enough that it would start to register. Obi-Wan we are going to have to pretend to still be under Jabba and Diam’s control or they will just think up something new.” The doors opened for a second time, and more guards appeared. Obi-Wan turned “You guys are relentless. Why don’t I spare you the trouble and walk my self out there.” The three of them stuck their hands out to be bound and were lead out to the main room.

It must have been around dinner time because everyone was eating and the entertainment, if it could be called that, had come out. Every one stopped what they were doing upon their entry. Diam and Jabba had them moved to the center and forced them to kneel. “What are we doing now? Dinner and a show? Where is Padme?” Anakin asked. “No, I have decided I have had enough of that. I have tried to humiliate you, but the two of you are too damn proud for that. It is time I just got rid of you forever. And there is something about that stupid man that is always following you that I don’t like either.” The crowd around them began to cheer; a few bounty hunters stepped forth. Anakin swallowed hard. “Oh no, I wouldn’t make it that painless. Besides, watching them blow your heads off wouldn’t be very fun. I have a better idea. My friend Jabba here has informed me of a Sarlacc pit near by. You three will be thrown in so that you can be digested over a period of a thousand years. That way I can sleep better at night. How does tomorrow morning sound?” Jak looked terrified, Obi-Wan and Anakin just looked tired. But this worked for them, if Diam didn’t want to kill them until the morning, Yoda would have more time to get here. “Morning sounds wonderful,” Obi-Wan said sarcastically, purposely trying to annoy Diam. “I’ll bring the muffins.” Diam ignored him and turned his attention back to Anakin. “You are one very unhappy man if your sleep habits depend on others suffering. Some deep therapy is needed I think. And I didn’t really do anything to you, except maybe slap you around a bit. And you had earned it. I would hate to be someone who did worse.” Anakin said to him. “Watching you be thrown in will be particularly enjoyable you proud bastard.” “There is no need for cursing,” Obi-Wan said, “And he is no bastard, it was the will of the force.” Diam turned pink at this remark. He slapped Obi-Wan across the face. “Both of you are so incredibly bombastic!” Obi-Wan just looked at him. Diam was clearly not satisfied with the response he was getting. Slowly a wicked grin spread over his face. “But watching your wife enjoy your death will be far more rewarding. As will her service to me for the rest of her natural life.” At this remark Padme was brought forth, chained and wearing what Anakin could only describe as a metal bikini. In any other situation he probably would have enjoyed this immensely, but at the present it just made him want to vomit. He stared at Diam with hatred in his eyes, but said nothing, deeming Diam not worthy of a response. Diam seemed to read his thoughts. “Oh yes, I have gotten to you now. Don’t you think we look good together?” he asked slipping his arm around her waist.

Anakin’s jaw clenched and his breathing became progressively louder as his choked down on his temper. At his touch, Padme hocked the biggest luggie she could muster and promptly spit it in his eye. He bent over in disgust, wiping it off his face. He struck her and she fell to the ground only to regard him with a smile. “Doesn’t feel so nice, does it?” Obi-Wan asked. “GET THEM OUT OF MY FACE! ALL OF THEM!” Diam screamed. Once again they were led back to the cell, thrown in one on top of the other. “Over all I think that went rather well,” Obi-Wan commented after everyone had collected themselves. Anakin stood facing the door, his fists clenched. Padme had been taken someplace else. “If he lays as much as a finger on her…” he threatened. Obi-Wan put his hand on Anakin’s shoulder. “He won’t. He remains terrified of you. Besides, after that little display, I think he may be afraid of Padme as well.” Anakin nodded. “I can feel the force returning, ever so slightly. I just hope Diam forgets about the formula in the morning in his haste to kill me.” “I have a feeling he will,” Obi-Wan said back to him. “Yeah well I have a feeling I am about to spend eternity swimming in some creature’s stomach acid. I don’t like that feeling.” Obi-Wan and Anakin ignored him as they began to think up a way out of this.
Another day, another rude awaking. Diam’s guards came in early and pulled them to their feet. “Don’t you ever get tired of doing this?” Obi-Wan asked through a yawn. They were at least given shirts, how nice of Diam to give them the courtesy of dying fully clothed. They were led outside to a waiting ship. Anakin squinted at the bright lights; he had been in grim darkness for so long now. He hated Tatooine. He hated sand. Most of all he hated the ugly little man who was sitting comfortably next to his wife on Jabba’s fancy transport. Anakin, Obi-Wan and Jak were brought on board. Anakin and Obi-Wan couldn’t help but smile, Diam had forgotten their daily dose, just as they suspected he would. But Diam didn’t need to know quite yet that Anakin and Obi-Wan had the force on their side again. Their mission was to take him alive, and that is what they intended to do. “Good morning. Lovely day to die isn’t it? I just love how the suns hit the scorching hot sand, don’t you? And this view…” he said motioning to Padme. He went to touch her cheek and she bit his hand. Anakin snorted, so did Obi-Wan and Jak. Oh how he loved that woman. Even Jabba let out a big booming laugh. “She’s a wild one,” he said speaking in his native language again. Diam yelped in pain. “OUCH! Why you little…” he didn’t finish his sentence. “Find that amusing did you? We’ll see who’s laughing when you are being thrown to the sarlacc!” They moved Anakin, Obi-Wan and Jak towards the side of the ship and sat them down facing Jabba and Diam. The transport began to move in the direction of the sarlacc pit.
Padme was distraught. She wanted to rip Diam apart limb for limb. She had no idea how they were going to get out of this. Where were Luke and Yoda? Had Yoda not said they were coming? Anakin was looking worse and worse by the second; he was beaten and bruised almost everywhere. Yet he had this big grin on his face like he had everything under control. She hoped to the force that he did. He looked straight at her. “Padme.” Was he inside her head or was she hearing things? “Anakin? What are you doing in here? How did you get in here without the force?” “Diam made a mistake, Obi-Wan and I can feel the force again.” “Great! So get those chains off and for heavens sake get me out of this ensemble and away from this slime!” “Patience.” “Patience! Anakin I don’t know if you have ever worn a metal bikini, but they are not comfortable. It doesn’t help when you are being molested by the most repulsive being known to the galaxy.” “Did he put his hands on you?!” “No, but your being alive is the only thing that is stopping him.” “Okay, Padme listen to me. I am going to get you out of here. Just wait for the signal.” “And what about yourself? Did we not just have a huge argument over this?” “I am going to get us all out of here, relax. I just need you to act natural.” “Natural, right.” “And I need you to distract Diam.” “Distract him? And how do you expect me to do that?” “Well you’re going to have to…” “No.” “Not that! Why in the blazes would I have you do that! No, just make sure he isn’t paying his full attention to me and Obi-Wan okay? I don’t know, dance, sing, whatever it takes. Except that. That is my business alone.” “Okay.” Padme felt Anakin’s presence leave her.
Luke was asleep on the floor on the ship when he suddenly felt his master. “Master?” “Yes padawan, I am in your head.” “What’s going on? Where are you guys?” “We have…we’re all okay, this is just taking longer than expected. Where is Master Yoda?” “I just spoke to him. He has landed on Tatooine and is on his way to meet me.”

[Annie]

Chapter 10 continued

“Good Luke. Alright, your parents and I are on our way to a sarlacc pit 10 miles north of Jabba’s palace. That is where you must meet us. And please hurry. You have done well so far Luke. Your father and I are very proud.” “Thank you Master.” Obi-Wan left him just as Yoda entered the cabin followed by a group of clone troops. Luke told him everything his master had just informed him of. “To the sarlacc pit we go. Take Diam we will.” Luke grabbed his lightsaber and they took off.
They had now reached the sarlacc pit. A plank had emerged from the side of the ship and Anakin, Jak and Obi-Wan were preparing to walk it. “Skywalker first,” Jabba ordered. Anakin walked out and took a look down below. He turned back to face Diam. “I will give you once chance to surrender. Otherwise things could get ugly.” Diam rolled his eyes. “I would like to see you try. But I have already had enough of you. Go on now, jump.” Anakin took one look at Padme and she began to scream and flail her arms wildly at the same time Anakin jumped off the plank. The guards turned their attentions for a moment and when they turned back Anakin had forced jumped back onto the platform and they had a spilt second before they went into the sarlacc pit. Anakin took a staff from one of the guards as he fell and used it to cut himself and his companions free. By the time Padme had been subdued and Diam had looked back to the platform, Anakin, Obi-Wan and Jak were teaching a few lessons in pain. Diam looked from Padme to Anakin and realized what had taken place. “Get her out of here. She’s the first thing he’ll come after.” Diam grabbed Padme and began to run to find the escape speeder hidden at the back of the transport. Anakin disposed of Jabba’s men quickly, even with the primitive weapon he was using he called a blaster to his hand from one of the bounty hunters. Wave after wave of bounty hunters, body guards, and cronies came after them but none could touch them. However, in his condition Anakin was becoming weak. He drew on the force for strength but his body was so physically exhausted that there wasn’t much it could do for him. Obi-Wan too was becoming tired and Jak didn’t have the force. Just then out of the corner of his eye Anakin saw the approach of more vehicles. Yoda came flying to their aide, lightsaber blazing. Right behind him was Luke and a collection of clone troopers. Luke and Yoda tossed Obi-Wan and Anakin spare lightsabers. With the additional firepower, Jabba was soon defeated. He raised his hands in surrender. Anakin immediately noticed Padme and Diam were missing. “Where did he take her?!” Jabba motioned to the back of the ship and before anyone could stop them Luke and Anakin took off at a dead sprint.
Anakin immediately noticed that one spare speeder had been taken but Luke quickly pointed out another. Luke hopped into the pilot’s seat. “Next time,” Anakin said as he pushed Luke into the passenger seat. Anakin could feel the direction of Padme’s life force and followed it. He could soon see the speeder making its’ getaway. “Luke take the controls and keep your foot on the gas! Once I jump onto that speeder go back and get Obi-Wan and Yoda. Clear?” Anakin said as he climbed out of the pilot seat and on to the hood of the speeder. “Got it dad!” Luke said back to him. “Get right up beside him!” he yelled back at Luke. Luke did as he asked and Anakin leaped into the speeder, Diam didn’t even see him. Anakin landed on the hood of the speeder with a loud thump! He had to hold on for dear life to avoid falling off. “WHAT IS IT WITH YOU?! CAN’T YOU EVER JUST GIVE UP?!” Diam screamed at him. “NOT WHEN YOU’RE MAKING A GETAWAY WITH MY WIFE!” Anakin screamed back. Diam swerved back and forth in an effort to throw Anakin off the car but met little success. Anakin climbed over the window and punched Diam in the face, forcing him to lose control of the vehicle. Anakin tried to bring it to a stop but an elbow to his back stopped that. Soon he and Diam were fighting hard for the controls, making the speeder go in all sorts of directions. Anakin head-butted Diam only to have Diam take his elbow back to Anakin’s jaw. This continued for a few moments until Anakin noticed they were about to hit a rock. He let go of the steering wheel, grabbed Padme and threw them off the speeder. They hit the ground hard and rolled. Anakin saw the big explosion as the speeder hit the rock. Padme clutched her wrist in pain. He didn’t even have time to as if she was okay before he saw Diam stand up and dust himself off. Could this man just die already? Diam produced a blaster from his belt and began to walk toward them. Anakin got to his feet shakily but realized he had no weapon, the lightsaber must have fallen. Diam started to fire at him but he dodged the shots with ease. Anakin ran straight at him and jumped into the air, the heel of hit boot hitting Diam squarely on the jaw. Diam fell to the ground and dropped the blaster.

Anakin stood over him, but not for long, Diam swung his legs around and took Anakin’s feet out from under him. Anakin hit the ground hard and in seconds Diam was on top of him, punches raining down. Anakin rolled so that their positions changed. He started to strangle Diam. He saw the blaster with in his reach and went for it the same time Diam did. Diam kneed him in the stomach and was able to reach it while Anakin recoiled in pain; he had hit the wound which Anakin now guessed was infected. Anakin rose to his knees to find the blaster pointed in his face. “You just won’t die will you?! Well I’ve had enough. I will do it myself.” Before he could fire, Anakin grabbed his wrist with his metal hand, squeezing until he heard bones break. Diam released the blaster and fell to the ground. Anakin took the blaster and pointed it in his face. His blaster hand trembled. “I would like to blow you to bits right now,” he said. “Please! Have mercy!” Diam begged. “Mercy! After what you have done! You don’t know me very well.” He raised the gun to Diam’s head, pressing it hard against his temple. Diam began to cry. Anakin lowered the blaster. “Death is too good for you. I will not kill another helpless man, no matter how pathetic. Prison will be more suitable. You…” Anakin said out of breath, “You are under arrest in the name of the Galactic Republic.” A transport carrying Yoda, Obi-Wan and Luke showed up. Obi-Wan ran over to Diam and put him in cuffs. “You can’t imagine how long I have waited to do that,” he said as he pulled Diam to his feet and led him towards the vehicle. Anakin ran back to Padme and reached her the same time Luke did. She had raised herself into as sitting position in the sand. She was massaging her wrist. He threw his arms around her and kissed her. “Are you okay?” he asked. “Yes,” she replied, “I think I just sprained it.” All Anakin could say was “Good,” before he collapsed onto the sand.

[Annie]

THE CONCLUSION

For the second time in the last few days Anakin woke up in a bed, but at least this time it was his own. As he opened his eyes, a medical droid finished his examination. “Oh, you are awake, that worked faster than I thought it would. You are near full health. A remarkable recovery. This will please your wife.” Anakin was a little confused. He couldn’t remember how he got here, the last thing he remembered was Padme hurt and the taste of sand in his mouth. Neither thought excited him. He noticed that the house had been cleaned up and the process of re-decorating and re-furbishing had begun. “What happened?” he asked the medical droid, “How did I get here? Is my wife okay? How did my house get clean so fast?” The droid seemed generally surprised at being asked so many questions. “I was told that you were injured on the planet Tatooine whilst arresting a dangerous criminal. You were suffering from dehydration, an infection, and multiple other minor injuries. You also tore a ligament in you’re knee; it was apparently injured at an earlier time and was not up to such activity. You were brought to a medical center near the capital, but your wife insisted you receive medical treatment at home. You have been in a medically induced coma so that you might heal faster. I have been keeping careful watch over you. Your wife was treated for a minor wrist injury. She wore a brace for two days, but it is now healed. As for your home, I haven’t the slightest inclination as to who cleaned it.” All of it started to come back to Anakin, Diam, Jabba, jumping off a moving speeder. “How long have I been in this coma?” “Three days. A Master Kenobi was against it, but your wife insisted it was the only way to keep you still for any period of time. I have to agree with her, it certainly helped your speedy recovery.” Anakin laughed, “Well I suppose that would be something she would do.” He went to get out of bed but instead fell on the floor. The droid went to help him, “Were you listening when I said you tore a ligament? You don’t get back up so quickly after that.” The droid helped him back into a sitting position on the bed. “I am beginning to understand the Mistress’s reasons for wanting you in a coma.” The droid fitted Anakin with a knee brace and handed him a cane to assist him. Anakin looked at it with disgust, “I don’t need this, I can walk.” “No you can’t. You won’t be going anywhere without it for at least two weeks, I am trying to help you.” Anakin got wearily to his feet, “I think I would die of shock if I spent an entire day in which someone didn’t try to tell me what was in my best interest.” He walked uneasily at first, his knee was bothersome and leaning on the cane didn’t help much but he soon got the hang of it. He walked toward where he assumed all the noise was coming from. He stood in the doorway of the kitchen. Obi-Wan was reading a data pad while sipping on tea. Padme was trying to finish the dishes while Luke and Leia taunted each other. Obi-Wan seemed completely oblivious. “Would you two stop it?! Leia stop kicking him under the table. Luke stop using the force to throw food at your sister, Obi-Wan!” Obi-Wan looked up from the data pad briefly, “Luke are you supposed to use the force in such a casual manner?” “No master,” Luke replied, stopping dead in his tracks. Anakin used the force to levitate a muffin and hit Obi-Wan square in the head. “Luke!” Padme and Obi-Wan screamed in unison. “I didn’t do it!” Luke yelled back as Obi-Wan removed the muffin from his face. Anakin burst out laughing, “How did that taste Obi-Wan?” The whole table looked up to watch him limp into the room. Padme ran and threw her arms around him. “When did you wake up?” “A couple of minutes ago,” he replied, kissing her softly. Obi-Wan stood up, “I was trying to make a point to my padawan and then you had to haul off and smack me in the face with a muffin. But I suppose that after the last few days it could be much worse,” he said playfully while shaking his hand. Both Luke and Leia ran up to him and threw their arms around him. “You were asleep for a really long time dad. Mom made us be really quiet,” Leia said. “You did a good job,” Anakin told her “And you didn’t do to bad yourself son, that’s twice now that you have saved my hind quarters. Impressive.” Luke smiled. Aiden began to cry and reach for her father from her playpen. Anakin walked over and picked her up, “You did well too,” he said gently rocking her back and forth. She calmed down and Anakin put her back. Padme helped him sit down and put a plate in front of him. It was gone in a matter of seconds. Obi-Wan had no finished reading the data pad. “Anything good happen while I was out?” Anakin asked. “Diam reached Courasant. His hearing is scheduled for a month from now. Luke and I will have to leave in a few days. Master Yoda has requested we return to the temple. He has a mission for us before we need to be back on Courasant for the trial,” Obi-Wan said.


Anakin was immediately sad at the idea of Luke and Obi-Wan leaving, though their time together had not been peaceful, Anakin had enjoyed their company. “Oh,” was all he could say. Padme spoke up, “The Queen is sending me as a personal representative at the trial. And no doubt you will have to testify. I can’t how many counts he will be brought up on. You will see them then,” she said trying to comfort him. She gently rubbed his hand. He smiled at her. “In light of recent events, the Queen has given you leave for awhile. She says you earned it. The damage to the planet is bad, but not as bad as we originally thought. Both the Queen and the Chancellor send their thanks and well wishes,” she said. “Master Yoda does as well,” Obi-wan added. “Well, that pest of a droid has informed me that I can’t do much, but at least we can spend your last few days here in a comfort. And peace I hope,” Anakin said. They all laughed at this. The day was spent quietly, Luke and Leia played, Obi-Wan and Anakin took some well needed rest. During the middle of the day Obi-Wan and Anakin took time out to help Luke with the lessons the Master Nu had sent along with Luke that he had purposely neglected to do, but other than that the day was very relaxing.
After all three children had been put to bed and Obi-Wan had retired as well, Padme sat up at her desk reviewing some documents Queen Lila had sent regarding the impending trial. Anakin limped into the room as quietly as he could. He walked up behind Padme and began to massage the stiffness out of her shoulders. He kissed her lightly and made his way up to nibble on her ear. “Hi there,” he whispered to her. “Hi back,” she said, “You’re making it very hard to concentrate,” she told him. “Am I really?” he asked playfully, his kiss now covering her mouth. He abruptly ended the kiss, pulled up a chair, and sat down next to her. She rested her head on his chest. “What’s all this?” he asked. “Just a bunch of boring stuff having to do with Diam. His hands were dirtier than I thought. He dabbled in a bit of everything. The prosecutor is going to have a lot of work to do. All I have to do is show up and pretend to know what they are taking about and I have a lot of work to do,” she said, staring at the pile of papers on her desk. “I think it can wait until later,” Anakin said. Padme laughed, “Now you are making me procrastinate too? I suppose could pull a Luke and save it for the last minute.” They both laughed at this and then they were silent for a time. “I’m so glad you’re okay Ani. I was so scared,” Padme said finally. “I know, I’m sorry. About everything. That whole invasion and me getting injured was a little out of my control, I know that. But as far as what happened at Jabba’s palace, that shouldn’t have happened. I was just so frustrated.” “It’s okay, I can understand. Just don’t ever think I would be better off without you. I need you.” Anakin nodded. “One other thing, I was going to come after you before Luke got there,” Padme told him. “What? Why?” “Aiden,” she replied. “She was having a nightmare and when she woke up she was crying. She was yanking at the necklace you gave me,” Padme gestured to the japor snippet hanging on her neck, “And then clear as day she said: Dada.” Anakin looked shocked. “She said Dada?” “Yes, she is very attached to you. I am worried though, what if she has those dreams like you do. Look where that can go.” Anakin thought for a moment. “I am concerned for her too. Luke is just as powerful in the force as I am, but he has never had a dream. Leia has a high midi-chlorian count as well; she just never seemed too interested in putting it to good use. I wonder. Perhaps when we go for the trial we should take Aiden to the temple.” Padme agreed, “That’s a good idea. I would feel much better.” Anakin turned the chairs so that they were facing each other. “Remember a few days ago when you dropped the hint about our 12 year anniversary being two days from now?” “Yes,” Padme answered suspiciously. “And how I told you I hadn’t forgotten.” “Uh huh.” “I was not kidding. I had been thinking about it for the past few months. I couldn’t decide what to do to show you that I loved you as much, probably more,” he said with a smile, “Than the day that I married you. Especially after all we had been through in the last year. Then it hit me. I would marry you again. So I talked to your sister and your mother and they helped me plan and organize it. It will be a small ceremony, only people closest to you present. I figured you family would enjoy it, since they sort of missed out the first time. I just wanted to show you how much I love you. I keep trying to find the right time to tell you, but some things got in the way.” “Oh Anakin!” “I am not done, hold on,” he said, trying with little success to get down on one knee. After a few unsuccessful tries, and Padme’s laughter, he settled for sitting across from her.

“I have loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you as a nine year old boy. I have spent 12 wonderful years by your side and would like to spend an eternity longer. Will you marry me? Again.” At this, he pulled out a beautiful ring, white gold with blue stones and the words “My love” engraved on the inside. He gently slipped it on her finger. “Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes!” Padme said throwing her arms around him. “This is…” she couldn’t even finish her sentence, she just kissed him until she had to stop for breath. “I am glad you said yes. Otherwise I would have looked mighty stupid up there by myself two days from now.” She laughed through her tears of joy. “I love you,” she said kissing him deeply. She helped him to his feet, and began to lead him back towards the bedroom. “I should do this more often,” he thought to himself as she, careful not to injure him any further, pulled him into bed with her.
“Relax. You’re sweating,” Obi-Wan said to Anakin. “I don’t know how many times you have been married Obi-Wan, but it isn’t relaxing at all.” Anakin replied. “And it doesn’t help that these stupid robes are completely uncomfortable. What I get for letting the women do all the shopping.” Anakin and Obi-Wan were standing at an altar, over looking the Lake. A small group of around 25 people were seated in front of them. “I don’t recall ever being married. And the robes are just uncomfortable because they aren’t you traditional black. Goodness forbid you wear brown.” Anakin laughed and then nervously adjusted his robes and fixed his hair. Luke stood next to Obi-Wan, tapping his foot impatiently. “Luke, cut it out,” Obi-Wan said. As if realizing he was doing it for the first time, Luke stopped. He too pulled at his dress robes. Obi-Wan looked from Luke to Anakin, two peas in a pod. “What is taking so long?” Anakin asked. “You don’t think she changed her mind do you?” “Yes Anakin. She decided she hates your guts and that her efforts were wasted trying to save you. As we speak she is making a getaway with Palo the artist.” Anakin looked horrified. “Anakin I am joking. She loves you; she couldn’t stop talking about the wedding for the past two days. She spends hours staring at the ring you gave her. And Palo is seated right there.” Anakin looked over and sure enough Palo was seated next to his wife. “I would hit you, but there are two many witnesses. I don’t remember telling you about Palo. Why is he here anyway? They work together; I don’t qualify that as ‘close friend’” Obi-Wan chuckled, “Padme told me once. She also told me about the dinner at the queen’s residence in which you very openly voiced your opinion about Palo.” “He was making a pass at her! What did you expect me to do? He did it right in front of my face. He commissions public works for the queen; that is no where near what Padme does. And yet every time I turned around there he was. At least until he married. But I think he was just trying to throw me off-guard.” Obi-Wan had to restrain himself from falling over with laughter. “Anakin, oh my goodness. Calm down, relax. Everything is fine, okay? It looks as if Palo’s wife is with child, I don’t think he is after Padme. And as for the amount of time it is taking, no doubt Leia is refusing to put on her dress.” “Okay,” Anakin said as he re-adjusted himself. He refused to use his cane; he said it only made the problem worse. He relied on the brace for support, but he had been standing so long he wished he had just used the stupid cane. Finally, Jobal came out of the room, Aiden bundled in her arms. She walked quickly up to Anakin, “We’re ready now. Sorry about that, problems with Leia and her dress. She wasn’t too fond of it.” Jobal sat down in the front row and settled in comfortably with Aiden. “See?” Obi-Wan said as soon as she had found her seat. “You win Obi-Wan,” Anakin said annoyed. Soft music began to play and Leia, accompanied by her cousins, acted as flower girls. Sola, Dorme, and a few other of Padme’s friends followed as bridesmaids. The girls took their seats next to Jobal, the bridesmaids stood across from Anakin, Luke and Obi-Wan. Nolan, Sola’s husband was standing next to Luke, he had arrived late. Anakin shifted his feet nervously. Then she appeared, looking as beautiful and radiant as ever. Anakin’s jaw dropped to the floor. She was wearing the same lace dress that she had married him in the first time, but her sister and mother had made some slight modifications to it, and if possible, she looked even more beautiful. Ruwee escorted her down the aisle, looking every bit the proud father. “Anakin, close your mouth,” Obi-Wan whispered as nonchalantly as he could. Anakin did as he was told. When Ruwee reached the altar he place Padme’s hand in Anakin’s. “I trust you will take good care of her. Well, I know you will. I just didn’t get a chance to make sure the first time.” Anakin smiled and nodded. He lifted up Padme’s veil and kissed her.

“Um…excuse me,” the priest said, tapping Anakin on the shoulder, “We aren’t at that part yet.”
The ceremony went remarkably well and with out a hitch. Afterwards, a reception was held at Anakin and Padme’s home. Everyone had a good time and left with a feeling of satisfaction. With the exception of Palo, he and his wife left early; mysteriously a bowl of punch had levitated into the air and poured itself all over Palo when no one had been looking. Soon it was only Anakin, Padme, her parents and sister, Obi-Wan and the kids. Both Padme and Anakin had changed into more comfortable clothes. They sat around in the living room. Padme cuddled close to Anakin, “I love you,” “I love you too,” he said. “We made quite the haul with wedding presents; apparently they were making up for lost time. Even those who weren’t invited sent gifts.” “Well I think it is lovely,” Sola said. “The whole ceremony was so sweet, it was wonderful. And that kiss, hubba hubba.” “Sola!” Jobal scolded her. “Well it was, but really, it was so romantic. Why didn’t you think of that?” Sola said to her husband, smacking him on the arm. “Well…I…um…” “I…um…what?” “I love you?” he said trying to make a speedy recovery. It was good enough for Sola. “Well Luke and I had best get some rest; we have to leave in the morning,” Obi-Wan said, “Goodnight everyone.” Luke said his goodnights and hugged his parents before he and Obi-Wan went off to bed. Aiden was already asleep, the day’s excitement and all the attention she had received wore her out. She got more attention than the bride and groom had. “I think that is the signal for you to go to bed too missy,” Padme said to Leia. Leia opened her mouth to argue, but the look on her father’s face that read “Don’t ruin a perfect day” sent her to bed with only a goodnight. “We had better get to bed too my love, we have a busy day ahead as well. What with leaving for our honeymoon and all.” “What?! A honeymoon?! Anakin!” “Opps, I must have forgotten to mention that.” “Where are we going?” she asked, a wide eyed look on her face. “I guess you will have to wait and see,” he said smirking. “Sola is going to watch the children for us, we will have a week all to ourselves.” Padme got up, “I need to pack! I have to get…” “Take it easy there,” Anakin said struggling to his feet to stop her. “You are already packed. But I do suggest we go to bed. Sola, Nolan, Jobal, Ruwee, you are more than welcome to stay the night.” “We will take you up on that,” Sola said, “I don’t think any of us are in any position to drive.”
The next day everyone stood outside the house preparing to go on their separate ways. Padme’s family back to their houses, Obi-Wan and Luke back to the temple, Anakin and Padme to a honeymoon on Alderran. “Promise me you two won’t come back with any more children for me to take care of,” Sola said to them. “I promise nothing,” Anakin replied. They laughed and embraced. Anakin and Padme kissed Aiden goodbye and reminded Leia to behave. After Padme’s family had received their fair share of hugs they had left. Anakin turned to Obi-Wan and Luke, “I guess I will see you in about a month.” “Yes you will for certain. Try to not get yourself into any life threatening situations between now and then.” Obi-Wan responded. “I will do my best.” Anakin hugged Obi-Wan and then moved onto Luke. “I am very proud of you. Keep up the good work and soon you will be showing me a trick or two.” Luke threw his arms around his father. “I’ll miss you dad,” Padme embraced Obi-Wan and Luke, making short work of the dirt smudge on his cheek. “Take care now,” she said as they boarded the transport. They watched it go until it was a little speck. “Now,” Anakin said, “I believe we have some place to be.” He took her hand and led her into the waiting ship.

THE END...but the saga will continue soon in the upcoming story "A TRAITOR IN THE MIDST"

JediMasterJordan herself will be here to write and post it! Stay tuned!

[sexystarwarslover]

OMG wow reading all these stories once again made me realise how much I LOVED THIS SERIES!!! OOOOH i want traitor in the midst now!!!