Hello,
If you're opening this story here, I assume you do so having not yet read the tale beyond.
If this is true, I come, as author and growing writer, to let you know that this story has been updated and this newer version is also available on . You can find it by visiting my profile and choosing The Hidden One.
Why am I telling you this?
Because, while I will always love this piece for what it is, I also acknowledge its many flaws and I believe that you, dear doe-eyed reader, deserve a tale worthy of your enjoyment.
I will take no offense if you choose not to fly with me on this new journey and force no one's hand. The original Hidden will remain here for your pleasure (or comparison) and you are welcome to click on to the next chapter. However, if you do come aboard the new ship, I welcome you with open arms and open heart.
Enjoy your adventure.
Prologue:
In a quiet room the young senator lay, her body cooling as the grips of death held her tightly. Surrounding her was the symphony of the beeping and shifting machines. Blood still graced her thighs where the afterbirth of her two newborns had stained them.
Somewhere in the depths of her cervix a little life stirred pushing its way out the lifeless corpse. First came a hand, making a small sound as it hit the still soaked sheets. Second came a corner of the head before the baby stopped moving but giving enough life signs to call attention to the nurse-maidbot who still stood in the room.
The eyes lit up and its head turned looking to the sound that woke it from its repose. Seeing the still hand protruding from between its mother's legs. The maidbot acknowledged that this infant was in danger. Rushing over, the robot began doing what it could to arrange the baby in the proper position. Pulling and pushing, twisting and turning the infant until it was finally safely in the maidbot's arms.
"Oh my. Three. My readings said only two. Oh my." The maidbot looked down at the crying newborn and wrapped it into a soft blanket. "I shall take you to see Master Kenobi, young one." As it said these words the maidbot left the room with the baby - oddly enough - sleeping peacefully.
In the darkened hallways the maidbot's search to find Obi-Wan was cut short when it noticed the Jedi master leaning against the wall – despite the late hour - holding another sleeping bundle in his arms. At the bot's approach he looked up and by the redness in his eyes it could tell he had been crying - most likely at the loss of Padme'.
"Master Kenobi," the bot said and held out the female child. "There was another child."
Forgetting his sadness, Obi-Wan took the newborn in his right arm and balanced Luke in the other. "I was told she carried only twins. How is this possible?"
"My readings were wrong sir. I am sorry,"
"No, this is a good thing. One of them can be trained." He looked at the girl and smiled softly. "You are quite a mystery, little one. Did you not wish to be noticed?" he laughed through his shock. "Well you shall not be. I shall train you myself. You will learn the ways of the Jedi. You will destroy the Sith; you and your brother and sister. The three fathered by the chosen one." At this the bundle cooed in its sleep and gripped the outstretched finger of Obi-Wan.
To be continued…