3 YEARS AFTER 'GLIMMERS OF DARKNESS'
---------------
The doors to Darth Sideous' rooms opened. The Sith did not turn his face, but kept his back away from the entrant.
Finally Sideous was ready to address him: "Yes, young Skywalker?"
"Sir, we are coming upon Alderaan. I thought you'd like to know."
"Yes, thank you," the genial man spun around and addressed Jedi Anakin Skywalker, "And I suppose this will be your last 'run' for me. I understand that the Jedi Council has asked you to return to the Temple."
"It has, Chancellor," Anakin said. "With our victory against the Mandolorians in the Clone War . . ."
"Achieved through your superior leadership skills."
"Er, yes, thank you sir. With our victory, I have been assigned to a discernment team whose purpose is to determine how the Jedi may go best serve the Republic, as military leaders, or as civilians."
"Yes," Palpatine replied thoutfully, "I would only say, remember that the time just after a war can be just a dangerous as the actual conflict."
"Yes, sir." Anakin nodded.
Palpatine looked at the Jedi with a smile, "And I sense that there is something else that the Council wishes to discuss with you?"
Anakin returned the smile, "Yes, sir. I have requested permission to marry Princess Amidala. Their answer is ready."
"I would never interefere with anything the Jedi would decide, but I hope that the Council is favorable. I have never been comfortable with their customs concerning celibacy and marriage. Who are they to decide who may marry and who may not?"
Anakin frowned, and Palpatine realized he had pushed a little too far. Anakin was still loyal to the Council and the Jedi Code which authorized them to regulate marriage customs. "But of course, who am I to question. There are many mysteries in your religion."
"Yes," Anakin answered relieved.
"And I am pleased in your choice of a wife. Princess Amidala has been an invaluable member of my Cabinet this last year."
"Thank you, sir. I also wanted to say what an honor it has been serving you, and the Republic, by defending it against the threat of the Mandolorians and the return of slavery. You know how I feel about slavery."
"Yes, yes I do. And your testimonies and--I may say--charisma, had helped gain support for this war."
"Rest assured, I will never forget the lessons you've taught me this past year."
"Good. I should hope you would not forget. For I will rely on your using all that you know within the Jedi Order."
"I shall, sir. Thank you sir."
Palpatine smirked as he watched the young Jedi exit his chambers.
*****
"Cat got your tongue, Ani?" Bail Organa asked his Jedi friend.
Anakin's friend and co-pilot during the war had met him for stim tea, before leaving for Alderaan to prepare for his wedding to Micaeli Nujakkoo, a Baroness.
"Sorry, I'm a little distracted."
Bail grinned, "I can't imagine why?"
"Cut it out, Bail," Anakin grumbled, "I'm nervous enough."
"Ok, ok. I hope you can make it to the wedding, and if not . . . I'll be sure to give Ami plenty of attention!"
"Very funny," Anakin kicked him under the table, "I should warn you never to mess with me. I'll make you regret it!" Anakin smiled. "Yeah right, Jedi boy, you and what army?" "Bail, if I weren't a Jedi I'd tell you right now what you can do with your bravado!"
"Lucky for me then that you are!"
The comrades laughed and Anakin said he had to leave. They promised to see each other later.
*****
A trio of wind instruments played light, airy tunes in the Crystal Terrace of Organa Palace. Amidala was sitting with Prince Bail Organa's fiance, Micaeli. The music went well with the setting. Amidala was wearing a high-waisted pink dress with flowing chiffon and veils. Her companion was in royal blue, the skirt being fuller than the Queen's, her head-piece limited to some gold threaded throughout her braids.
Both ladies were enjoying themselves. They had become good friends and had supported each other while worrying about their boyfriends fighting in the Clone War.
Amidala was nervous. Anakin had promised her years ago that they would be married one day. It had been a joke for years among the two friends. The joke had turned serious as they matured and fell in love. Before Anakin left for the Clone War, Anakin had pledged his love for her and promised that they would be married when he returned. The only thing that could stop them now was the Council. But surely they would give permission, after all that Anakin had done for them. She couldn't wait to see him.
Of course, it would be difficult to be have moments alone with him. The couple was very popular with the people. Amidala could do no wrong, according to the holo-news, and the hero of the Clone War received equal atention. They were the People's Royalty and emulated. It was very difficult for them to remain humble with such adoration thrown at them all the time. It was fun to be culture icons. Moreoever, Amidala's image was boosted by of her support of Chancellor Palpatine. Under his administation corruption had disappeared in the the Senate. There was no dissent and everything that the Chancellor proposed went through quickly. During the war, Amidala had travelled throughout Coruscant visiting those who had family killed. She had kept up morale on the homefront and her fashion statements helped the people keep a romantic image of the times in which they lived. She was only too happy to participate.
Amidala's only shadows were cast by the Senator from her own world, Mon Mothma. A young woman, and quite uppity. She was always spouting out-dated Republic Documents, including the Republic's Constitiution, to oppose measures Palpatine proposed. She was always trying to thwart Palpatine's noble plans.
Something that hurt Amidala truly was that her homeworld went with Mon Mothma. This had led to Amidala's resignation. Her people no longer thought as she did.
Palpatine assured her that the Naboo would live to regret their ingratitude to her and his administration.
Amidala's confort from her homeworld's betrayal was that Palpatine had accomplished what she had wished. They had a strong leader, one who never let misery last by covering it under noble rhetoric.
Her final consolation was that the present policy against slavery, by permitting limited use of cloning, was working. It was a small evil, but the ends justified the means. Sometimes bad had to be done to create good. These clones kept full life forms from being exploited and living a life of misery. The Mandolorians had felt betrayed by the limited permission and had opened fire on Senator Luke Organa's transport thus precipitating the Clone War. Amidala hated war and would have peace at any cost, but then if the Chancellor willed war, it must be right. Palpatine was a good man and she trusted that he knew what he was doing.
Crystal tea glasses tingled as the ladies continued sipping, watching the odd purple sunset peculiar to Alderaan. Then they saw Obi-Wan Kenobi's shuttle fly by. Micaeli smiled as the Queen put down her tea, picked up her skirts and fled without a word, excitement permeating every pore of her body.
*****
Anakin all but ran from the hangar, ignoring the holo-news reporters that swarmed about him--every move of his was widely reported lately. Without knowing why, he had become a celebrity.
He barged into Amidala's quarters, caught her up in his arms, and swung her around and around, kissing her passionately.
"I take it the Council gave a favorable answer?" Amidala asked, a little out of breath.
"Yes! We can marry as soon as we wish!" Anakin shouted, deciding not to tell her that the original answer had been to wait until he was 25 years old. But Anakin, with the help of Obi-Wan, had talked the Council into dispensing with that condition. Obi-Wan's words were quite heated with the Council. Anakin was not shocked by his former master's actions. He remembered Obi-Wan's teaching passed from Qui-Gon Jinn: one could defy the Council if one felt that they were wrong.
After a few hours, the Council, against the wishes of Master Yoda, gave in to Obi-Wan and granted unconditional permission for Anakin to marry.
"So let's just bring Obi over here and get married right now!" Anakin exclaimed.
"No way, Ani," Amidala replied, "we're having a public, royal wedding. I've been dreaming about this for years." "Oh, C'mon!"
"Ani . . ."
"Yes, dear." Anakin said in a resigned voice. "See, I've already developed the skills that ensure a successful marriage!"
*****
Bail Organa's bachelor party was fun. The boys were all letting loose, despite Chancellor Palpatine's presence. They were playing sabac and smoking cigars: a true testosterone fest, they said. Bail and Anakin were sitting with fellow pilots from the War, Li and Jokl.
"This will probably be the only royal wedding we'll see for awhile," Bail commented, throwing down a card.
"Don't be so sure," Anakin answered, picking a new card from the deck.
Jokl, picked up the meaning, "You mean you and Princess Amidala?"
Anakin grinned as Bail jumped up and slapped his friend on the back. "All right! I get a place of honor at the wedding. You have to let me, man!"
"Sure."
Jokl joked, "Yeah, I guess I couldn't be there, considering the sordid affair I had with Amidala a few years back." All went silent. "I was joking Ani!" Jokl insisted.
Anakin cringed. "I don't share your sense of humor, Jokl."
"Sorry. Hey, we've all know that Amidala always had that Virgin Queen thing going for her, and that she wouldn't . . ."
"Shut up!" Anakin yelled. "You are so clueless!" Anakin was surprised at himself for his outburst. He took a deep breath, "Sorry, Jokl," he muttered. "I'm a little on edge is all."
"No problem, buddy," Jokl replied sheepishly, "I'm sorry, too." Li spoke up, "I'm also sorry." Questioning eyes looked his way. "I was feeling left out," he explained. Everyone laughed shakily.
Bail watched the scene in silence. He had never seen his friend say anything in anger. His Jedi training had controlled it. But then Anakin had never been engaged before. Getting married could be very stressful.
Bail looked over Anakin's shoulder and saw the Chancellor. A feeling like horror washed over him: The Chancellor was smiling at Anakin.
*****
The holo reporters swamped Amidala as she entered Bail Organa's yacht. Bail had told her it was at her disposal. She took him up on his offer and decided to take a short vacation. She wanted Anakin to join her, but both feared how that would look. A solution was offered by Micaeli's sister, Elir, who promised to go with them as 'chaperone.' Amidala did not like Elir. She was a social climber who always sought photo-ops with the popular Princess. But this time Amidala tolerated her, even posed for a photo with her. Elir was certain to leave her and Anakin alone once they entered the yacht.
***** "Not bad," Anakin commented, kicking off his boots and reclining on a white couch with several pillows. His Jedi uniform looked rather goofy with his white feet poking out from the legs. Anakin made the image worse by taking down his pony-tail, worn like his hero, Qui-Gon Jinn.
"Indeed!" Elir agreed already sampling the drink bar and the other niceties.
"Royalty lives in style, right Ami?" Anakin called out to Amidala as she entered the room.
"I never had something this nice for mere vacations," she replied, sitting next to her fiance, and leaning against him. He pulled her down beside him.
"Just go on, don't mind me," Elir said flippantly, biting into another piece of chocolate.
"There are other rooms on the yacht you know," Anakin said a little annoyed.
"Excuse me! I'll take a holo-vid into Bail's room."
When she was gone, Amidala whispered to Anakin, "Don't be too hard on her, Ani. She annoys me too, but there are many things we have to put up with."
Anakin nodded, stroking her hair. Amidala was worried about something.
"I just want to sleep," she mumbled, "It's been a rough morning."
"What happened?"
"I told Chancellor Palpatine that I would be retiring for good after our wedding."
"What?" Anakin sat up, pulling Amdiala into a sitting postiion with him. He peered into her face, "Ami, you don't have to."
"I want to," she returned his earnest gaze. "Ani, I've been in the political arena for nearly 15 years. I've accomplished all that I want. And now, as your wife, as a Jedi's wife," she corrected herself, "I want to be able to build our marriage. And I'm not just marrying you, I'm also marrying the Jedi Order."
Anakin agreed with her, but he was glad she came to the realization herself.
Amidala went on, "If I didn't want or accept that, we could have just shacked up secretly and went about our business, without marriage."
"Ami!" Anakin exclaimed, shocked.
"Don't play innocent with me! I know there are many Jedi who do just that."
"But it's really bad when they do, Ami. It's a terrible hypocrisy!"
"Yes," Amidala replied, "but it does happen, scandalous though it is. You chose not to be that kind of Jedi. The Jedi you are is a part of the man I fell in love with. Your family will be my family."
Then, without warning, Amidala's vision blurred.
Anakin took her head between his hands, worried. "I'm all right," Amidala muttered, "it's just stress."
Anakin reached down and rubbed her temples, "Here, let me try this." He used a Jedi calming technique on her. She immediately began to drift off. "Don't worry, Angel," he told her in a low voice, "you've made a decision according to your conscience, a well-formed conscience. I stand by your decision."
A small, sleepy smile, "Angel? It's been a while since you've called me that."
"The last time I tried, you complained that it made you gag."
"There are times when I don't mind it," Amidala laughed softly and leaned against Anakin's chest, almost unconscious.
"Just rest," he whispered, tilting her face up and kissing her goodnight. "Rest."
*****
Thunder awoke Amidala. She bolted upright.
"Just a storm," Anakin soothed from a sofa across from her.
"A storm?" Amidala repeated in dismay, "I always get sea-sick."
"Let's go up on deck, then."
"Out there?"
Anakin took her hand, "Just up to the bridge. I'll show you something that will help."
On the bridge Anakin stood behind Amidala, put his hands on her head, and forced her vision out the view-port.
"Can you see the horizon?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Good. Just keep your eyes on it. That's the way to survive a storm at sea."
Amidala turned around to face him. "Find the horizon?"
"Yes." Anakin twisted her back into the original position. "Now stay put!" She laughed. He continued, "Bail told me about this. He has some buddies who get as sick as dogs on the sea."
"But you don't?" Amidala asked.
"I'm a Jedi." Anakin replied flippantly.
"Ooooohh!" she exclaimed in mock reverance.
"Hey, watch it, or I won't help you out."
Amidala giggled, "Yes, sir!"
Anakin smiled and spoke into her ear, "Watch the horizon, Ami."
"I am." *****
Obi-Wan waited patiently in the tap-cafe. Amidala and Anakin wanted to see him before he left on the mission on which Jedi Anabelle Jade and her Jedi husband, Augus Jade, would accompany him. The tap-cafe was swarming with customers. In the sea of people, Obi-Wan caught sight of two familiar figures.
"Amidala! Anakin!" Obi Wan greeted his friends. "I hope you don't mind, I've invited Augus to dine with us. He'll be here soon."
"Good," Anakin said as the couple sat down. After they had ordered, Obi-Wan asked, "How are the wedding plans going?"
"Fine," Amidala answered. "Anabelle and I went shopping this afternoon, looking for the dress."
"And?"
"We decided to have it made instead."
"Oh."
Jedi Augus came up. "I heard my wife's name."
"Yes," Anakin answered, "we were speaking of Ana--"
And the crash thundered around them.
*****
Amidala awoke, her head cradled on a lap. She tried to sit up, and was gently pushed down.
"Lie still," Anakin's voice whispered.
"What happened?" her voice sounded far away.
"The building collapsed. There was an explosion."
Amidala tried to sit up, but Anakin again made her lay down.
She whispered, frightened, "Obi-Wan?"
"I'm here, Ami," Amidala recognized Obi-Wan's voice, "and Augus too. We were lucky."
Amidala was able to open her eyes and saw . . . nothing else. She shuddered. "Were we the only ones to survive?"
"I don't know," Anakin told her.
Amidala closed her eyes and buried her head in her fiance's lap.
*****
Her tongue felt like rubber, her throat was raspy and she was dizzy. It had been four days since the explosion, a long time to go without food and water. The Jedi were trying their best to sustain their strength and Amidala's, but it was becoming a losing battle. Amidala had begun to give up hope for rescue, and felt very odd about the peace that came with the resignation. She sensed strongly that it was merely the end of one life, and moving on to another. Most importantly, she was going with those whom she loved.
"A trance."
"What?" Amidala shook herself into awareness.
"A Jedi hibernation trance," Augus repeated, "I think it could keep us alive until we're rescued."
"And if we're not rescued?"
Augus shrugged in answer.
"At least it's a nice way to drift off," Obi-Wan remarked. Anakin was silent in horror. How could it all end just as they were so happy? He looked around at the serene faces of his companions. Were they out of their minds? He was not ready to give up on life, not yet. He wanted it on his terms, not . . .
*Death can come at any time, my friend* Obi-Wan said to him.
Anakin saw Amidala gazing at him, and was a little ashamed. He was supposed to be a Jedi. He was not acting very 'at peace.'
Naturally, Amidala would be first, and then the Jedi would put themselves into a trance.
"Just a minute," Anakin protested, and turned to Amidala. "If this is the end or whatever . . . I've always said I was going to marry you. I'm not giving up on that. Let's do it now."
"Get married? Now?"
"We have a Jedi to officiate, and a witness in Augus." Anakin started to say more, but his voice choked.
Amidala's eyes filled with tears. "Ok, let's do it!"
*****
"Let's do it?" Amidala asked incredulously. "That's how they ended it?" She came out of the small kitchen in their rooms at the Jedi Temple.
"I suppose they didn't have time to hire a prize-winning author," her husband replied. "Remember, this came out just a month after our rescue."
Amidala shook her head, "And it's a best-seller?"
"We're just star material," Anakin commented wickedly. "And we are rather romantic."
Amidala sniffed, "Romantic? I don't think so. If it hadn't really happened I would have thought this was the dumbest love story I've ever read!"
Amidala laughed and plopped onto their bed, brushing Anakin's hair back, "And it seems you got your wish after all--a quiet, quick wedding."
"I usually get what I want!" Anakin answered, grinning, as he pulled his wife into an embrace.
*****
Anabelle Jade and Obi-Wan stood before Chancellor Palpatine in his quarters, looking over the report.
"The Mandolorians have claimed responsibility for the explosion," Palpatine explained, "in revenge for their defeat. We will not let this challenge go unanswered." He paused and said meaningfully, "I do not believe they want it to go unanswered."
Anabelle caught the cue from her master. "But, with all due respect Chancellor, are they not an innocent people, too weak to fight another war?"
"Indeed," Palpatine replied. "Which is why I am disturbed by their boldness in this attack."
Obi-Wan asked quietly, "Are you saying, Chancellor, that it is possible the Mandolorians have made a powerful alliance which could threaten the Republic?"
"That would make their provocation of war more logical," Anabelle remarked.
Obi-Wan muttered, "I have a bad feeling about this."
"As do I," Palpatine replied. "Jedi Kenobi, I would have you relay this information to the Jedi Council and tell them that I am sending Anabelle and her husband to visit Mandalor. They are being sent on an intelligence gathering operation."
"As you wish, sir."
to be continued . . . .