Anakin woke in a panic, covered in sweat. Glancing over in the bed he saw Padme sound asleep next to him, breathing heavily Anakin pushed the sheets aside and sat on the side of the bed. Putting his head in his hands, he wept silently; regaining his composure he stood, walking out of the room and down a set of stairs.

Padme stirred, looking at the bed beside her she realized Anakin was gone.

Anakin walked onto a large veranda. The vast city planet of Coruscant, still smouldering from the battle, was spread out before him.

A moment later Padme descended the stairs and joined him on the veranda. She took his hand.

Blinking rapidly, Anakin didn't, couldn't look at her.

" What's bothering you?" Padme reached up, laying her hand gently on his cheek.

" Nothing . . ." Anakin touched the japor snippet around Padme's neck, that he'd gave her when he was a small boy. "…I remember when I gave this to you."

Padme sighed and stepped back, "Anakin, how long is it going to take for us to be honest with each other?"

"It was a dream." His voice was choked with emotion, but somehow remained steady.

" Bad?" Padme asked, concerned as she faced Anakin.

Closing his eyes Anakin swallowed, "like the ones I used to have about my mother just before she died."

Moving closer, Padme rested a hand on his shoulder. "And?"

" It was about you." This time Anakin's voice trembled slightly, his face showing his fear as he looked at Padme.

They looked at each other, a moment of concern passing between them.

" Tell me."

Shaking his head Anakin turned away, " It was only a dream." Padme gave him a long, worried look. Sighing Anakin took a deep breath. "You die in childbirth."

Her eyes widened, swallowing Padme put a hand to her belly. "And the baby?"

" I don't know," Anakin said softly, still reeling from the dream.

Shaking her head Padme smiled tightly, "It was only a dream."

Pulling her into his arms Anakin tried to fight back his terror, "I won't let this one become real, Padme."

Padme pulled back slightly, "Anakin, this baby will change our lives. I doubt the Queen will continue to allow me to serve in the Senate, and if the Council discovers you are the father, you will be expelled from the Jedi Order..."

Anakin nodded, raising a hand he cut her off, "I know …."

"Anakin, do you think Obi-Wan might be able to help us?" Padme looked at him questioningly, her voice slightly scared.

Frowning Anakin closed his eyes, "I don't know." He instantly thought of his dream and swallowed, "I'll ask him tomorrow."

XXX

Anakin rushed into the Briefing Room. By the time he reached the Chamber, the last of the Jedi were leaving. Only Obi-wan remained at the front of the lecture hall. He was shutting off some holograms and electronic charts and maps.

He looked over as Anakin reached him, "You missed the report on the Outer Rim sieges."

Swallowing Anakin nodded, "I'm sorry, I was held up. I have no excuse."

"In short, they are going very well. Saleucami has fallen, and Master Vos has moved his troops to Boz Pity."

Anakin frowned, cocking his head. "What's wrong then?"

Shrugging Obi-wan sighed. "The Senate is expected to vote more executive powers to the Chancellor today."

"Well, that can only mean less deliberating and more action. Is that bad? It will make it easier for us to end this war." Anakin told his mentor, not seeing what the problem was.

Sighing Obi-wan shook his head, "Anakin, be careful of your friend Palpatine."

confused Anakin frowned, "Be careful of what?"

" He has requested your presence."

Blinking Anakin frowned, "What for?"

Shaking his head Obi-wan paused. "He would not say." He said softly, his eyes locked on Anakin's.

"He didn't inform the Jedi Council? That's unusual, isn't it?"

Rolling his eyes Obi-wan sighed, "All of this is unusual, and it's making me feel uneasy."

Before his former master could leave, Anakin drew him back. "I need your help Master."