Disclaimer: Don't own any forms of Star Wars
Sections of this are taken from the movie. I've only seen 1 episode of Clone Wars and can't even find the movie to watch it so pretty much everything I know of those characters comes from others fics and internet info.
Chapter 1
Obi-Wan finished looking around and then returned to her side. "Are you injured M 'Lady?" He asked as he knelt beside the dark haired young woman who sighed and shook her head.
"After all these years I think you can use my name General." She teased and he smiled slightly but nodded
"As you wish Sabè." He loosened his armour a little. "It appears we aren't getting out of here without help."
"Something I gather is rather usual?"
"You enjoy teasing me."
"Maybe a little." She admitted, reaching up to undo the elegant yet elaborate hairstyle she wore. With another attempt on Padme's life she had returned to Coruscant from Naboo to help. None of Padme's current decoys would fool anyone you took more than a glance so she had willingly returned to serve as decoy. Padme had not just been her Queen but also her friend and she would protect her. She hissed as she got a pin caught and then she relaxed as Obi-Wan carefully undid the rest. "Do you think they made it?"
"Do not worry, Anakin is with the Senator and they are almost beyond my range to sense which means they made it off planet. When we miss the rendezvous help will be sent."
Sabè nodded and stood to stretch. An unlucky hit from a droid had caved in the section of building they had been running through, leaving them trapped in what had been a long hallway. If it hadn't been for Obi-Wan's quick actions they would have been crushed. "What if the Separatists find us first?"
"Then I will defend you with my life."
"No Obi-Wan, a General and Jedi Master is far more important than I am. If it is a choice between your life and mine, then you must live." She glared at him. How could he consider that? For Padme yes, but not for a mere ex-handmaiden.
"Perhaps we should agree to disagree for now." He offered with a slight smile and she shook her head, that smile…. he had been the talk of the handmaiden's when they first met and he was the dashing young Padawan. Time had if anything made him more attractive, not that she would ever say anything, she knew the Jedi rules. Maybe some of the girls would be happy with one night with the wonderful man, but she wanted a relationship, marriage, children…. none of which he could give her. "Sabè?" He called in concern and she smiled.
"It's nothing." She moved to sit beside him and he shifted on the makeshift seat provided by a broken windowsill to give her room. "Is it true Anakin had a Padawan?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Her name was Ahsoka Tano, Anakin called her Snips. I'm sure the court case made it to Naboo."
"It did. Especially since Padme was acting as her defence. They were really going to execute her? How could the Order abandon her like that?" It was something none of them had understood.
Obi-Wan sighed and leant back, he should give her the standard answer ordered by the Council…but why be part of the Council and not use that position to explain things to outsiders occasionally? "To the galaxy, especially the Senate the Council must present a united front. And so we agreed to their demands to expel her. That does not mean the decision was unanimous, we argued for three days."
"You argued for her."
"All of us who knew her best did everything we could but public opinion of the order has fallen a lot since the war began and so they caved to external pressure. In the end she left before we had the chance to approach her and tell her we did not abandon her. The Council never expected a push for her execution though, that we would have stepped in to stop, thankfully Anakin made that unnecessary."
"I am glad you fought for her, I did not like thinking I had misjudged your character that badly." She admitted, leaning tiredly against him.
"Get some sleep Sabè, I'll keep watch." He shifted so she was leaning more comfortably against him and began to meditate lightly. He had faith that Cody would find them before trouble did. He trusted his Commander to not give up on them, especially since Anakin would have confirmed he was alive. Sabè slept fitfully for a few hours before waking and they shared the rations he'd had on him as well as water.
"Obi-Wan?"
"Yes?"
"Do you ever regret being a Jedi?"
He looked down at her, startled by her question. "It is the only life I know." He hesitated. "There were several times before and during my Apprenticeship where I nearly didn't become a Jedi, some due to my choices and others were due to others."
"Oh." Well that was a shock and he saw him shrug slightly, obviously sensing her surprise.
"Why did you ask?"
"Sometimes I wish I hadn't become a handmaiden, and I know my family wishes I hadn't. Even if I am retired now. They would have me married with several children already."
"The Naboo are very family orientated." He agreed.
"Did you ever want a family?"
"There was once when I could see that." He whispered.
"What happened?"
"She died and I returned to my Master."
"I'm so sorry Obi-Wan." She kissed his bearded cheek, seeing him blush slightly and she laughed. "Now I know why you grew a beard, so no one would know when you blush." They both laughed and then tensed as a section nearby shifted dangerously. Obi-Wan raised his hand, concentrating as he worked to shore it up.
"We should move to the middle." He guided her to the safest area of the hall and they sat on the marble floor, Sabè soon shivering as the chill worked through her gown. Obi-Wan's uniform and partial armour protected him so he simply lifted her into his lap. "We will be found." He promised softly and she wrapped her arms around him. Having her in such a position was awkward but he would not let her become ill from the cold, no matter how…uncomfortable it made him. He was a Jedi, not some uncouth youth. No matter how attractive she was, or how warm. Sabè looked up at him and then leaned in, soft lips gently brushing his for a second. Oh, well. "Sabè…."
"Jedi are not celibate Obi-Wan, I know that." They could die here and even if they made it out she may never see him again. Was it worth the heartache? He hesitantly tightened his hold on her waist before kissing her softly. Yes, it was definitely worth it.
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Anakin looked at Rex and he knew it was him he had to give command to…. but he didn't want to. He needed Rex at his side, but Ahsoka needed him too. "Rex you're to take half the battalion to Mandalore, once there find Ahsoka and she will be your Commander again. Keep her safe."
"Of course Sir." Rex agreed, watching his General closely. "Who will relieve me?"
"Who do you think should?"
Rex considered it for a few moments. "Appo, he'll make a good commander."
"Very well. Be careful."
"Always am, it's you Jedi that get into trouble."
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"Sabè?" Breha looked from her friends face to the bump that was no longer hidden by her cloak. "Oh."
"I can't go home Breha, not like this."
"You are always welcome here my friend." The Queen smiled and led her into the family wing of the Palace. Soon Sabè was settled in a suite and Breha sat opposite her. "What happened?"
"I stood in for Padme as a decoy again. We got separated and I was trapped with one of the bodyguards for over a day."
"Did he force himself on you Sabè?" Breha asked in alarm but her friends shook her head.
"No, if anything I forced what happened. I had admired him for years but we have spent so little time together. I knew what I was doing, I just never thought this would happen. We all took precautions as teenagers and I have kept that up."
Someone acting as body guard to Amidala? That left a small group of possible father's…many of which would be very scandalous. "I won't pry any further. Does he know?"
Sabè shook her head. "He can't know Breha."
"Alright. You should rest and then I will have a medic come for a discreet appointment." She smiled and left her friend, feeling melancholy. Why could she not be in a similar state? She and Bail wanted children so badly and yet every attempt had ended in tragedy. Of everyone she knew Sabè had been the last she would have imagined to be in such a situation, she had worked closely with Breha's own security over the years since Padme and Bail had become friends, teaching the Alderaanians the methods Naboo used to protect its Royals. She would ensure Sabè's safety and confidentiality for as long as her friend needed, she would not even tell Bail unless he came home soon.
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"The end of Count Dooku will surely bring an end to this war, and an end to the Chancellor's draconian security measures." Bail commented as he walked beside Anakin, slightly behind the other Senators who had showed up to welcome the Chancellor back to the safety of the Senate.
"I wish that were so, but the fighting is going to continue until General Grievous is spare parts . . . The Chancellor is very clear about that." Anakin pointed out, distracted. He was still in shock and turmoil over Dooku and now he sensed…he glanced around and caught sight of a shadowing figure hiding behind one of the columns.
"I'll do everything I can with the Senate." Bail promised, yes Grievous was a threat but not as much as the Sith had been.
"Excuse me." Anakin bowed to the man and then slipped away. Bail watched for a second before moving to catch up with the others. He knew exactly who was hiding, he had felt her familiar presence the instant she came into range. Padme…. his wife was a jumble of emotions, fear, relief, love…he had to get to her now. Anakin slipped behind a column and pulled his wife into his arms, kissing her deeply, utterly relieved to have her in his arms again.
"Oh, Anakin! Thank goodness, you're back." She smiled up at him and he tenderly brushed his fingers against her cheek, feeling some of her emotions settle as they held each other.
"I missed you, Padme. I've missed you so." He choked out past his own overwhelming emotions. How many times had he thought he would never see her again?
"There were whispers . . . that you'd been killed. I've been living with unbearable dread." She admitted shakily and he pulled her close again, needing to feel her close to him, even through the ridiculous amounts of layers she was in.
"I'm back, I'm all right. It feels like we've been apart for a lifetime. And it might have been ... If the Chancellor hadn't been kidnapped. I don't think they would have ever brought us back from the Outer Rim sieges." He admitted softly, it felt like a lifetime since they'd been sent to the Outer Rim, every time they thought they had it under control something else happened and they had to keep fighting. It was like something wanted them away from Coruscant, which was ridiculous. He went to kiss her again and she pulled back.
"Wait Anakin, not here."
"Yes here, I don't care who sees us. I'm tired of hiding, of pretending." He argued. "I don't care if they know we're married."
"Anakin, don't say things like that. You're important to the Republic ... to ending this war. I love you more than anything, but I won't let you give up your life as a Jedi for me."
"I've given my life to the Jedi order, but I'd only give up my life, for you." He admitted softly and she smiled playfully.
"I wouldn't like that. I wouldn't like that one bit. Patience, my handsome Jedi . . . Come to me later." It had been too long, her news could wait, she just wanted her husband.
Anakin pulled her close again and then frowned. "Are you all right? You're trembling. What's going on?"
"I'm just excited to see you." She didn't want to tell him hear, where there was always the slim chance of being overheard.
"That's not it. I sense more . . . what is it?" Why did she still feel afraid?
"Nothing . . . nothing . . ." She denied.
"You're frightened." He pulled back a bit, a little angry that she was trying to hide this. "Tell me what's going on!"
"You've been gone five months . . . it's been very hard for me. I've never felt so alone. There's . . ." She didn't know how to say it and she knew she was going about it completely wrong when she saw the pain and dread on his face.
". . . Is there someone else?" He asked shakily, not wanting it to be true. He loved her, she loved him, didn't she?
"No!' She denied it immediately. "Why do you think that? Your jealousy upsets me so much, Anakin. I do nothing to betray you, yet you still don't trust me. Nothing has changed." She stepped back a bit and Anakin felt a flood of guilt.
"I'm afraid of losing you, Padme . . . that's all." He whispered and she moved closer again, her hand resting gently on his cheek.
"I will never stop loving you, Anakin. My only fear is losing you." She promised.
"It's just that I've never seen you like this . . ."
She smiled softly at him. "Something wonderful has happened. I'm . . . Ani, I'm pregnant."
Anakin was completely stunned. How? They had been so careful; a baby now would be dangerous with the war. She would have to leave the Senate when people found out, he'd be dismissed from the Order…not that he really cared about that. But his men needed him, Obi-Wan needed him to keep him out of trouble too. A baby…. He took her in his arms again. "That's . . . that's wonderful."
She leant against him, happy he wasn't angry. "What are we going to do?"
"We're not going to worry about anything right now, all right? This is a happy moment. The happiest moment of my life." He whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
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Obi-Wan closed his eyes as he felt something from Anakin, a small smile appearing as he realised his old Padawan was completely relaxed and happy. It hurt a little that he couldn't find that peace with them but he had kept his secret for five years now, he would not tell the Council. He didn't know how far their relationship went and he didn't want to know, if he knew specifics than he would be duty bound to tell, but all he had were suspicions, hardly worth his fellow Councillors time.
"Sir."
"Yes Cody?" He opened his eyes and nodded at his Commander before looking back out at the view from the situation room.
"The others want to know when we'll be shipping back out."
"Unless a battle needs us we're here until Grievous is found. They're on leave for now."
"Yes General."
"You too Cody, take the time to relax."
"Of course sir, as long as you do too." Cody smirked slightly and Obi-Wan shook his head in amusement. It had been strange at first, having to rely on a non-Jedi so much but over the years Cody had become more than just his second in command, he had become a friend. He worried for the clones once the war was over and he knew he wasn't alone but the last time he had spoken to Bail the man had admitted he and a few other Senators were working on it. They left the room side by side in silence, parting eventually so that Cody could head for the barracks and Obi-Wan went to meditate in his favourite place in the Temple, the Room of a Thousand Fountains.
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Anakin ran his fingers through Padme's long curls before going to work styling it to match her Senatorial gown. After five years of marriage he had gotten very good at helping her get ready for the Senate. It gave them more time together if he could assist her rather than one of her handmaidens. Today's gown was subdued in colour in mourning for all those who had died during the attempted invasion and kidnapping of the Chancellor.
"The session shouldn't run long today. It's mainly to assure everyone the Chancellor is unharmed." She looked up at him and he leant down to kiss her before she began applying her makeup. There were a lot of steps to getting ready for the Senate in such a way that when a handmaiden took her place no one could tell. The makeup helped blur her own features enough to make it hard to identify who was behind it. "Have you been called in?"
"There's a briefing this afternoon and the Council will want a report on what happened on the Invisible Hand. Obi-Wan left a message that both our battalions are on leave for now." His men needed the break, they were still adjusting to the loss of Ahsoka and Rex and Appo's promotion to Commander. He didn't regret sending Rex to Ahsoka, or giving her command. He trusted them to get the job done and make it out alive. Ahsoka needed Rex, after everything she'd been through she needed someone she trusted at her back. Mandalore needed them there since he and Obi-Wan couldn't be there. But he missed them both, he'd started getting used to not having Ahsoka at his side but now Rex was gone too and it hurt.
"They'll be fine." Padme took his hand and he blinked.
"You sure you're not a Jedi?" He asked and she laughed.
"I could tell by your expression love." She stood up and straightened her skirt. "Well?"
"Beautiful." He smiled and then took her hand to bow over it and kiss the back, making her laugh again. "I'll see you tonight." He watched her go, her guards and handmaidens surrounding her protectively as she left the apartment. He gathered his cloak and then slipped away, unseen, as he returned to the Temple.
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"You're distracted." Obi-Wan stepped back and lowered his lightsaber while Anakin rubbed his wrist, he should have easily blocked that attack.
"Sorry Obi-Wan." Anakin stepped back and took a few deep breaths to refocus.
"At least it's only a spar." His old master pointed out as they raised their blades again, clashing quickly. "Worried about Ahsoka?" They'd had some news from Mandalore and it hadn't been good. "You taught her well and she has Rex."
"I know Master." Anakin was worried about them but not overly, that hadn't caused his lapse.
"Then what is it my friend?"
"Nothing." How could he ask Obi-Wan? He would want to know why he wanted to know and he could not answer. Besides, it was unlikely Obi-Wan knew any more than he did about pregnancy and birth. He knew things were different here and even Naboo but he still remembered the screams of women in the slave quarters as they struggled and often died giving birth.
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Sabè smiled as she smoothed out the tiny white gown, one hand on her stomach. She still had several months to go but she wanted to be ready well before her due date. She'd begun buying and even making cloths and blankets for her daughter, at least the medic had been sure she was having a baby girl. This may not be how her parents or even she had envisioned beginning a family but that didn't matter, what did was the tiny life growing within her. No one could ever learn who her father was, it would only harm his standing in the Order and she was not giving her child to the Temple, not after seeing how Anakin had struggled with them. Her daughter would be free to choose her own path.
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Padme stood on her balcony, brushing her hair out while Anakin leant against the wall, watching her lovingly. He always looked forward to the nights he could slip away to be at her side.
". . . every second I was thinking of you. Protecting the endless, nameless Outer Rim settlements became a torture . . . the battles were easy, the longing became unbearable . . . I've never been so happy as I am at this moment." He admitted softly.
"Ani, I want to have our baby back home on Naboo. We could go to the lake country where no one would know . . . where we would be safe. I could go early-and fix up the baby's room. I know the perfect spot, right by the gardens." She smiled, turning to see him as she put the brush aside.
"You are so beautiful."
"It's only because I'm so in love . . ." She teased as she leant against the railing.
"No, it's because I'm so in love with you."
"So love has blinded you?" she crossed her arms and mock glared.
"Well, that's not exactly what I meant . . ." That had not come out right at all, sometimes he was no good with words.
"But it's probably true!" She held the stern look for a second and then they were both laughing.
"I haven't laughed in so long . . ."
"Neither have I." She moved closer and kissed him before moving inside to go to bed, Anakin following. They slipped into bed and he held her close as they went to sleep.
Padme lay a table in an alien medical chamber. She was giving birth and screaming. "Anakin, help me! Help, Anakin! Anakin, I love you. I love you." She pleaded before screaming again and going still, dead.
Anakin snapped awake in a panic, covered in sweat. He looked over in the bed and saw Padme sound asleep next to him. he slipped out from under the sheet and sat on the side of the bed, breathing heavily. He put his head in his hands and wept silent for a few minutes. He regained his composure and left the room down a set of stairs, dressed only in sleep pants. Padme awakened, sitting up as she realised she was alone in their room. She got up and grabbed Anakin's robe, slipping it on as she went in search of her husband. If he had been called to the Temple, he would have woken her and told her so where was he?
"Anakin?"
Anakin walked out onto the large veranda, the vast city planet of Coruscant, smouldering from the battle, spread out before him. He was distraught from his nightmare, unsure what to do.
Padme slipped down the stairs and joined Anakin on the veranda, taking his hand. He didn't look at her. "What's bothering you? "
"Nothing . . ." Anakin turned to gently touch the japor snippet around Padme's neck, that Anakin gave her when he was a small boy. "I remember when I gave this to you."
"Anakin, how long is it going to take for us to be honest with each other?" She gently clasped his hand, looking up at him in concern.
"It was a dream." He finally admitted, looking away.
"Bad?"
"Like the ones I used to have about my mother just before she died." He moved away and she frowned.
"And?"
"It was about you."
They looked at each other across the balcony and Padme felt as if a far greater distance separated them. "Tell me." She whispered but he heard her.
"It was only a dream." He tried but she gave him a long worried look. Anakin took a deep breath. "You die in childbirth . . ." he choked out and her hand went to where their baby was growing.
"And the baby?"
"I don't know."
"It was only a dream." This time she was the one trying to deny the fear and danger.
Anakin moved to her side, gently embracing her. ". . . I won't let this one become real, Padme."
"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."
"I know …. "
"Anakin, do you think Obi-Wan might be able to help us?" She asked uncertainly. She trusted the Jedi Master, he was a good friend but sometimes things felt off between the two men.
"Have you told him anything?" Anakin asked suspiciously and she shook her head.
"No, but he's your mentor, your best friend . . . he must suspect something."
"He's been a father to me, but he's still on the Council. Don't tell him anything!"
"I won't, Anakin." She soothed, not liking the way his temper flared.
"I don't need his help . . . Our baby is a blessing, not a problem." He placed his hand over hers and smiled at her. She nodded and led him back to bed.
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Anakin rushed into the Briefing Room but 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, shutting off some holograms and electronic charts and maps.
"You missed the report on the Outer Rim sieges." He commented as he sensed and heard Anakin's arrival.
"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." Obi-Wan summarised for his friend, relieved to see it looked like Anakin had finally had a mostly restful night.
"What's wrong then?" Anakin asked, sensing Obi-Wan's worry.
"The Senate is expected to vote more executive powers to the Chancellor today." He leant against the centre console to look at his onetime apprentice.
"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, be careful of your friend Palpatine." Obi-Wan was worried, something was coming but he didn't know what, he just knew Anakin was in danger somehow.
"Be careful of what?"
"He has requested your presence." He hadn't seen the Chancellor since they rescued him two months before, too busy training and helping with war strategy not to mention helping Padme prepare for the baby.
"What for?"
"He would not say."
"He didn't inform the Jedi Council? That's unusual, isn't it?" that was wrong, what could his friend want but not tell the Jedi about?
"All of this is unusual, and it's making me feel uneasy. You're probably aware that relations between the Council and the Chancellor are stressed."
"I know the Council has grown wary of the Chancellor's power, mine also for that matter. Aren't we all working together to save the Republic? Why all this distrust?" he didn't understand it at all, then again the Council had never liked him.
"The Force grows dark, Anakin, and we are all affected by it. Be wary of your feelings." Obi-Wan warned and Anakin nodded, feeling the concern in his words.
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"What's wrong?"
Ahsoka looked over her shoulder to see Rex, sans helmet, approaching and she shrugged. "I don't know; the Force feels restless. Something's coming."
"Here?" he tensed but she shook her head.
"I think Skyguy's in trouble again."
"He's got General Kenobi with him, not to mention Appo and Cody."
"You're right, its' nothing they can't handle." She grinned and Rex nodded.
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Padme, Bail, Mon Mothma, Fang Zar, Terr Taneel and Giddean Danu sat at the table in Senator Organa's office. "Now that he has control of the Jedi Council, the Chancellor has appointed Governors to oversee all star systems in the Republic." Bail explained in concern.
"When did this happen?" Zar demanded.
"The decree was posted this morning."
"Do you think he will dismantle the Senate?" Padme asked the man who was both a friend and mentor.
"Why bother? As a practical matter, the Senate no longer exists." Mon Mothma was young and new to the Senate but she was very good at seeing what was going on.
"The constitution is in shreds. Amendment after amendment . . . executive directives, sometimes a dozen in one day." Danu agreed.
"We can't let a thousand years of democracy disappear without a fight." Bail argued and they all looked at each other, a little worried at the implications of what was just said.
"What are you suggesting?"
"I apologize. I didn't mean to sound like a Separatist."
"We are not Separatists trying to leave the Republic. We are loyalists, trying to preserve democracy in the Republic." Mon Mothma assured him.
"It has become increasingly clear to many of us that the Chancellor has become an enemy of democracy.'
"I can't believe it has come to this! Chancellor Palpatine is one of my oldest advisors. He served as my Ambassador when I was Queen." She shook her head in dismay, he was also one of Anakin's closest friends and that scared her. Who would he choose to side with, her or Palpatine?
"Senator, I fear you underestimate the amount of corruption that has taken hold in the Senate."
"The Chancellor has played the Senators well. They know where the power lies, and they will do whatever it takes to share in it. Palpatine has become a dictator and we have helped him to do it."
"We can't sit around debating any longer, we have decided to do what we can to stop it. Senator Mon Mothma and I are putting together an organization . . ."
"Say no more. Senator Organa. I understand. At this point, it's better to leave some things unsaid." Padme interrupted him.
"Yes. I agree and we must not discuss this with anyone, without everyone in this group agreeing."
"That means those closest to you . . . even family ... no one can be told." Mon Mothma added sternly and they nodded, even as Padme's heart sank a little, one more secret in her marriage.
"Agreed." She whispered.
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Obi-Wan sat on his couch, looking out the window at the bustling city as he sipped his tea, thoughts wandering. He thought of Sabè, wondering where she was now, back on Naboo with a husband? Off giving aide somewhere? He sighed and then let those thoughts drift away, nothing good would come of them. Anakin was with the Senator tonight; he had felt him slip from the Temple. Tomorrow the Council would hold session and he knew what was coming, Anakin wouldn't like the decision so a night of happiness first would hopefully calm his temper. If Ahsoka had still been there perhaps he would receive the title but Mace was right, Anakin was not a Master. Still, it hurt to know his Padawan was going to be hurt.
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Anakin entered and stood in the middle of the room. He was surrounded by the Jedi Council Mace Windu, Eeth Koth, Obi-Wan and Yoda, with the holograms of Plo Koon and Ki-Adi-Mundi. "Anakin Skywalker, we have approved your appointment to the Council as the Chancellor's personal representative." Mace explained.
"I will do my best to uphold the principles of the Jedi Order." Anakin swore.
"Allow this appointment lightly, the Council does not. Disturbing is this move by Chancellor Palpatine."
"I understand."
"You are on this Council, but we do not grant you the rank of Master." Mace finished and Obi-Wan tensed slightly, seeing the anger in Anakin's stance.
"What? How can you do this? This is outrageous, it's unfair . . . I'm more powerful than any of you. How can you be on the Council and not be a Master?"
"Take a seat, young Skywalker." Mace commanded and Anakin froze before bowing slightly.
"Forgive me, Master."
Anakin moved to sit in one of the empty chairs, near Obi-Wan. Everyone was embarrassed by his words.
"We have surveyed all systems in the Republic, and have found no sign of General Grievous." Ki-Adi-Mundi explained
"Hiding in the Outer Rim, Grievous is. The outlying systems, you must sweep."
"It may take some time . . . we do not have many ships too spare." Obi-Wan cautioned.
"We cannot take ships from the front line." Mace agreed.
"And yet, it would be fatal for us to allow the droid armies to regroup." Obi-Wan continued and Mace nearly rolled his eyes at his old friends last Padawan, he loved stirring things by pointing out all sides of the argument, something he had inherited from Qui-Gon.
"Master Kenobi, our spies contact, you must, and then wait.'
"What about the droid attack on the Wookiees?"
"It is critical we send an attack group there, immediately!"
"He's right, that is a system we cannot afford to lose. It's the main navigation route for the southwestern quadrant."
"I know that system well. It would take us little time to drive the droids off that planet." Anakin offered, wanting to get away from politics and back to his men on the front lines.
"Skywalker, your assignment is here with the Chancellor, and Kenobi must find General Grievous.'
"Go, I will. Good relations with the Wookiees, I have."
"It is settled then. Yoda will take a battalion of clones to reinforce the Wookiees on Kashyyyk. May the Force be with us all." Mace finished and they all nodded, despite Anakin's disappointment. Besides, staying meant more time with Padme.
The Council dispersed and Anakin followed Obi-Wan from the tower and down to wander the halls, fighting to hide his anger and disappointment. "What kind of nonsense is this, put me on the Council and not make me a Master!? That's never been done in the history of the Jedi. It's insulting!"
"Calm down, Anakin. You have been given a great honour. To be on the Council at your age . . . It's never happened before." He soothed. "Listen to me, Anakin. The fact of the matter is you're too close to the Chancellor. The Council doesn't like it when he interferes in Jedi affairs." He admitted softly.
"I swear to you; I didn't ask to be put on the Council . . ."
"But it's what you wanted! Your friendship with Chancellor Palpatine seems to have paid off." He knew that once Ahsoka had been Knighted Anakin would have been in the running for youngest Council Master but it would be years, decades maybe before he trained another Padawan to Knighthood.
"That has nothing to do with this." He argued.
"Anakin, regardless of how it happened, you find yourself in a delicate situation." Obi-Wan hated to see him so torn.
"You mean divided loyalties." He scoffed.
"I warned you there was tension between the Council and the Chancellor. I was very clear. Why didn't you listen? You walked right into it." He had tried to warn him without breaking his oath as Council member to remain silent on Council matters.
"The Council is upset I'm the youngest to ever serve."
"No, it is not. Anakin, I worry when you speak of jealousy and pride. Those are not Jedi thoughts. They're dangerous, dark thoughts." Obi-Wan whispered, staring into stormy eyes and Anakin looked down.
"Master, you of all people should have confidence in my abilities. I know where my loyalties lie." He pleaded and Obi-Wan sighed.
"I hope so . . ."
"I sense there's more to this talk than you're saying."
'Anakin, the only reason the Council has approved your appointment is because the Chancellor trusts you." He didn't want to do this but better him than Mace.
"And?"
"Anakin, look, I am on your side. I didn't want to see you put in this situation."
"What situation?" Anakin was getting very worried at the look on his friends face.
He took a deep breath. "The Council wants you to report on all of the Chancellor's dealings. They want to know what he's up to."
"They want me to spy on the Chancellor? That's treason!" he froze and Obi-Wan pulled him into an alcove.
"We are at war, Anakin. The Jedi Council is sworn to uphold the principles of the Republic, even if the Chancellor does not."
"Why didn't the Council give me this assignment when we were in session?"
"This assignment is not to be on record. The Council asked me to approach you on this personally."
"The Chancellor is not a bad man, Obi-Wan. He befriended me. He's watched out for me ever since I arrived here." Anakin argued and Obi-Wan nodded, hating to put Anakin in such a position. It wasn't right or fair to Anakin to ask this.
"That is why you must help us, Anakin. Our allegiance is to the Senate, not to its leader who has managed to stay in office long after his term has expired."
"Master, the Senate demanded that he stay longer."
"Yes, but use your feelings, Anakin. Something is out of place."
"You're asking me to do something against the Jedi Code. Against the Republic. Against a mentor . . . and a friend. That's what's out of place here. Why are you asking this of me?"
"The Council is asking you." He answered softly, he didn't want to ask this. He wanted to grab Anakin and Padme and get them off planet, somewhere safe but he couldn't.
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"Sabè?"
"Senator." She smiled and saw his eyes widen in shock at her state.
"I was going to ask what brings you here but I can see. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine Bail. Breha and I have been having wonderful times while you're off saving the Galaxy." She teased and he laughed as she fell into step with him. "Are you home for long?"
"Unfortunately no. even with Dooku dead the war continues."
"I pray it ends soon." She kissed his cheek and went to her rooms to rest.
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Padme sat on a bench on the balcony watching the sunset, feeling uneasy.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Padme jumped and turned, hand going for the holdout blaster strapped to her thigh before realising who it was. "You startled me."
Anakin sat next to her and reached out with his organic hand to stroke her rounded abdomen. "How are you feeling?"
"He keeps kicking."
"He?! Why do you think it's a boy?"
"My motherly intuition." She laughed.
"Whoa! With a kick that strong, it's got to be a girl." They both laughed at his words.
"I heard about your appointment. Anakin. I'm so proud of you." She smiled and took his other hand, never turned away by the fact it was metal.
"I may be on the Council, but . . . they refused to accept me as a Jedi Master."
"Patience. In time, they will recognize your skills."
"They still treat me as if I were a Padawan learner. . . they fear my power, that's the problem."
"Anakin . . ." she pleaded.
"Sometimes, I wonder what's happening to the Jedi Order . . . I think this war is destroying the principles of the Republic."
"Have you ever considered that we may be on the wrong side?" she asked hesitantly.
"What do you mean?" he asked, suspicious.
"What if the democracy we thought we were serving no longer exists, and the Republic has become the very evil we have been fighting to destroy?"
"I don't believe that. And you're sounding like a Separatist!" he pulled away and stood up.
"Anakin, this war represents a failure to listen . . . Now, you're closer to the Chancellor than anyone. Please, please ask him to stop the fighting and let diplomacy resume." She begged and he frowned in anger.
"Don't ask me to do that, Padme. Make a motion in the Senate, where that kind of a request belongs. I'm not your errand boy. I'm not anyone's errand boy!" he snapped.
"What is it?" she asked, sensing there was something more.
"Nothing."
'Don't do this . . . don't shut me out. Let me help you." She stood and walked towards him.
"You can't help me . . . I'm trying to help you." They stared at each other and Padme felt the space between them growing even larger again. "I sense . . . there are things you are not telling me."
That startled her but she rallied. "I sense there are things you are not telling me." She smiled and Anakin looked down, a little embarrassed. "Hold me . . . like you did by the lake on Naboo, so long ago . . . when there was nothing but our love ... No politics, no plotting ... no war." She pleaded and he wrapped his arms around her, her head resting against his shoulder. It was easy to forget how small she was till he held her.
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"Palpatine thinks General Grievous is on Utapau. We have had no reports of this from our agents.'
"How could the Chancellor have come by this information and we know nothing about it? We have had contact with Baron Papanoida and he said no one was there."
"A partial message was intercepted in a diplomatic packet from the Chairman of Utapau." Anakin explained to the rest of the Council.
"Act on this, we must. The capture of General Grievous will end this war. Quickly and decisively we should proceed."
"Does everyone agree?" Obi-Wan asked and they all agreed.
"The Chancellor has requested that I lead the campaign."
"The Council will make up its own mind who is to go, not the Chancellor." Mace stated.
"Yes, this decision is ours to make."
"A Master is needed, with more experience.'
"Given our resources, I recommend we send only one Jedi . . . Master Kenobi." Mace agreed with Yoda.
"He was not so successful the last time he met Grievous." Anakin pointed out sullenly, getting a dirty look from Obi-Wan. "No offense, my Master, but I'm only stating a fact."
"Oh no, you're quite right, but I do have the most experience with his ways of combat."
"Obi-Wan, my choice is."
"I concur. Master Kenobi should go."
"I agree."
"Very well. Council is adjourned. Obi-Wan, prepare two clone brigades as quickly as you can. If this report is true, there's no telling how many battle droids he may have with him."
Obi-Wan nodded and the others left. "Anakin…" but his Padawan stood and left and Obi-Wan sighed, he didn't like the idea of leaving him alone but Grievous had to be stopped.
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Sabè lay still as she was scanned, hearing her baby's healthy heartbeat.
"Another month and this little one will be here. Are you prepared?"
"As well as I can be." Sabè smiled.
"Very well then, I'll see you next week." With that she was alone in her room. She sat up and went to look out at the magnificent view. This would be a good place to raise her daughter. Even in the middle of a war Alderaan was so peaceful. She smiled as she looked over at the crib standing ready. Soon, she would get to hold her daughter. Leia…
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"Has Anakin been to see you?" Obi-Wan asked as he watched Padme tidy the room.
"Several times . . . I was so happy to hear he was accepted on the Jedi Council." She smiled at her old friend.
"I know ... he deserves it. He is impatient, strong willed, very opinionated, but truly gifted." They laughed at his description.
"You're not just here to say hello. Something is wrong, isn't it?"
"You should be a Jedi, Padme."
"You're not very good at hiding your feelings."
"It's Anakin . . . He's becoming moody and detached. He's been put in a difficult position as the Chancellor's representative . . . but I think it's more than that. I was hoping he may have talked to you."
"Why would he talk to me about his work?" she asked in mock confusion.
Obi-Wan stared at her for a while. "Neither of you is very good at hiding your feelings either." He admitted and she frowned.
"Don't give me that look."
"I know how he feels about you."
"What did he say?"
"Nothing. He didn't have to.'
Padme was flustered by his words, had he known all along? She walked out onto the balcony and he followed. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I know you both too well. I can see you two are in love. Padme, I'm worried about him." Padme looked down but didn't speak and he sighed. "I fear your relationship has confused him. He's changed considerably since we returned . . ." They stood on the balcony and looked off at the early morning city. "Padme, I'm not telling the Council about any of this. I ... I hope I didn't upset you. We're all friends, I care about both of you . . ."
"Thank you, Obi-Wan."
"Please do what you can to help him." he pleaded, Anakin rarely listened to him anymore. He left her alone to think on his words. She sighed and then went to gather her things, she had a meeting to get too. She slipped into Bail's office, the last to arrive to find the discussion already begun.
"We cannot let this turn into another war."
"Absolutely, that is the last thing we want."
"We are hoping to form an alliance in the Senate to stop the Chancellor from further subverting the constitution, that's all."
"I know a Jedi I feel it would be wise to consult." She offered and they all looked at her.
"That would be dangerous."
"We don't know where the Jedi stand in all this."
"I only wish to discuss this with one . . . one I trust." She tried.
"Going against the Chancellor without the support of the Jedi is risky."
"The Jedi aren't any happier with the situation than we are . . . She offered.
"Patience, Senator.'
"We have so many Senators on our side, surely that will persuade the Chancellor."
"When you present the "petition of the two thousand" to the Chancellor, things may change.'
"Let us see what we can accomplish in the Senate, before we include the Jedi." Bail stated, ending the discussion and she took a deep breath in frustration and disappointment.
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Padme angrily undid her gown, happily pushing it off and moving to dress in something looser. The baby was moving a lot today, as if it sensed something. She was annoyed at the others, she knew they could trust Obi-Wan with this, the Jedi would stand with them. A united front was the only way, but other than Bail the others didn't know the Jedi like she did and there had been a lot of bad publicity lately, especially after the farce with Ahsoka. Everything was moving too fast and she was so tired. She wanted Anakin here for the baby but she was coming to see that for his own good he needed to be off planet and out there doing something.
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"You're going to need me on this one, Master." Anakin said as they watched the troops load up.
"Oh, I agree. However, it may turn out just to be a wild bantha chase." He answered cheerfully and Anakin sighed even as Obi-Wan turned to leave.
"Master!" that stopped Obi-Wan and he waited as Anakin walked closer. "Master, I've disappointed you. I have not been very appreciative of your training . . . I have been arrogant and I apologize . . . I've just been so frustrated with the Council. Your friendship means everything to me." He stumbled over his words, trying to tell Obi-Wan and the older man smiled softly, clasping his shoulder.
"You are strong and wise, Anakin, and I am very proud of you. I have trained you since you were a small boy. I have taught you everything I know. And you have become a far greater Jedi than I could ever hope to be, and you have saved my life more times than I can remember. But be patient, Anakin. It won't be long before the Council makes you a Jedi Master." He let his affection for Anakin, and his pride in his accomplishments flow between them, seeing the surprise in Anakin's eyes. He began to walk down the ramp but then turned. "Don't worry. I have enough clones with me to take three systems the size of Utapau. I think I'll be able to handle the situation . . . even without your help."
"Well, there's always a first time." Anakin agreed and Obi-Wan laughed. "Obi-Wan, may the Force be with you."
"Good-bye, old friend. May the Force be with you." Obi-Wan felt a shover of dread at his own words as he boarded the transpoirt….as if they were the last he'd say to Anakin.
In his office Palpatine smirked as he felt Obi-Wan leave the system, everything was going according to plan.
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Sabè winced as the baby kicked, obviously agitated. "Shh little one, everything's alright." She soothed, even though she didn't believe it, something was wrong. Bail was calling home a lot, discussing things with Breha over secured comm channels. They'd heard of Dooku's death but Grievous was still out there and the war wouldn't end till he was dealt with. What would it be like to have peace? She didn't know anymore. Other than the time in the Palace here the only real peace had been as a child. After the invasion Naboo had rebuilt but the deaths and fighting had left scars. She felt another kick and frowned, no child of Obi-Wan's could escape being Force sensitive but could they sense things from the womb? Was Leia sensing something? Or was she imaging things?
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Obi-Wan stood next to his fighter, a hologram of the planet Utapau projected by R4-G9 into the middle of the hangar. Cody and several other clones stood with him as they studied the map.
"Fortunately, most of the cities are concentrated on this small continent here . . . on the far side."
"I'll keep them distracted until you get there. Just don't take too long."
"Come on, boss, when have I ever let you down?" Cody asked and Obi-Wan smiled as they laughed.
"Cato Nemoidia . . . for starters." He answered as he climbed up into his fighter.
"That was Anakin who was late. I believe."
"Very well, the burden is on me not to destroy all the droids before you get there." He smirked and Cody saluted casually.
"I'm counting on you." Cody called and Obi-Wan sealed the cockpit, taking off and heading for the hyperspace ring.
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Anakin sat on the couch, able to feel the remains of a familiar presence and he couldn't help remembering the Chancellor's words on Obi-Wan and a Senator…. "I sense someone familiar . . . Obi-Wan's been here, hasn't he?" he asked, glancing at her as she moved about the room, apparently walking helped the back pain some.
She smiled at him and put a throw rug across the back of the couch. "He came by this morning."
"What did he want?" he asked, tense and Padme looked at him in confusion for a second.
"He's worried about you."
"You told him about us, didn't you?" he demanded and she walked towards their bedroom so he got up and followed.
"He's your best friend, Anakin. He says you're under a lot of stress." She answered as she sat to take her hair down. Anakin immediately moved to help.
"And he's not?"
"You have been moody lately."
"I'm not moody . . ." his sulky response made her nervous.
"Anakin! Don't do this again."
"I don't know ... I feel . . . lost." He moved to sit on the edge of the bed and she got up from her table to sit beside him, clasping his hand.
"Lost? What do you mean? You're always so sure of yourself. I don't understand."
"Obi-Wan and the Council don't trust me." He whispered and she frowned.
"They trust you with their lives. Obi-Wan loves you as a son." She denied, she knew Obi-Wan loved him or he would have told the Council his suspicions about them.
"Something's happening . . . I'm not the Jedi I should be. I am one of the most powerful Jedi, but I'm not satisfied ... I want more, and I know I shouldn't."
"You expect too much of yourself." She gently stroked his cheek before he got up and moved to the window, staring out blindly. She got up and followed him, smiling when he placed a hand over their baby.
"I have found a way to save you."
"Save me?"
"From my nightmares."
"Is that what's bothering you?"
"I won't lose you, Padme." He almost snarled and she felt a flash of alarm.
"I'm not going to die in childbirth, Ani. I promise you." She tried to calm him, she had access to excellent doctors if needed.
"No, I promise you! I am becoming so powerful with my new knowledge of the Force; I will be able to keep you from dying."
Padme stared straight at him, utterly serious. "You don't need more power, Anakin. I believe you can protect me against anything, just as you are." She stated firmly and he pulled her closer to kiss softly. His mood swings were getting worse… and starting to scare her.
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"I understand your reservations completely, Senator, and I assure you the appointment of Governors will in no way compete with the duties of the Senate." Palpatine explained to the Senate delegation gathered in his office.
"May I take it then, that there will be no further amendments to the Constitution?" Padme asked warily.
"I want this terrible conflict to end as much as you do, My Lady, and when it does I guarantee an immediate return to democracy . . ."
"You are pursuing a diplomatic solution to the war, then." She was relieved by that.
"You must trust me to do the right things, Senator. That is why I am here."
"But surely . . ." Fang Zar begun but the Chancellor turned.
"I have said I will do what is right, that should be enough for your . . . committee."
"On behalf of the "delegation of two thousand," I thank you, Chancellor." Padme answered.
"I thank you for bringing this to my attention, Senator."
Padme glanced at her husband, frustrated but she left with the others. Yes, he had alluded to diplomacy but she couldn't stop the feeling they were being placated.
"Their sincerity is to be admired, although I sense there is more to their request than they are telling us." Palpatine commented once they were gone.
"What do you mean?" Anakin asked.
"They are not to be trusted."
"Surely Senator Amidala can be trusted . . ." Of course his Angel was trustworthy. How could Palpatine, her own mentor, not see that?
"These are unstable times for the Republic, Anakin. Some see instability as an opportunity. Senator Amidala is hiding something. I can see it in her eyes."
"I'm sure you're mistaken." He denied, but….no, not Padme.
"I'm surprised your Jedi insights are not more sensitive to such things."
"I simply don't sense betrayal in Senator Amidala."
Palpatine gave him a sceptical look. "Yes, you do, but you don't seem to want to admit it. There is much conflict in you, Anakin."
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Sabè sat in the garden, tea long forgotten on the table as she breathed through the pain. Apparently Leia was going to be impatient. She reached for her commlink and made the call, focusing on her breathing even as two security guards rushed to her aide. It was time.
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Aakin bolted into the office, over the three fallen Masters, to find Mace and Palpatine on the windows edge, the wind whipping around them. "You are under arrest, My Lord." Mace snarled.
"Anakin! I told you it would come to this. I was right. The Jedi are taking over."
"You old fool. The oppression of the Sith will never return. Your plot to regain control of the Republic is over . . . you have lost . . . "
"No! No! You will die!" Palpatine raised his hands, and lightning bolts shot out but Mace blocked with his lightsabre. "He is a traitor, Anakin."
"He's the traitor. Stop him!"
"Come to your senses, boy. The Jedi are in revolt. They will betray you, just as they betrayed me."
"Aarrrrggghhhhh . . ."
"You are not one of them, Anakin. Don't let him kill me. I am your pathway to power. I have the power to save the one you love. You must choose. You must stop him."
"Don't listen to him, Anakin." Mace called, sparing a glance for the young Knight, seeing the confusion and conflict clear on his face.
"Help me! Don't let him kill me. I can't hold on any longer. Ahhhhhhh . . . ahhhhhhh . . . ahhhhhhh . . ." Mace pushed Palpatine out to the edge of the ledge. As the Jedi moved closer, the bolts from Palpatine's hands began to arch back on him, the Chancellor's face began to twist and distort. His eyes became yellow as he struggles to intensify his powers. "I can't ... I give up. Help me. I am weak ... I am too weak. Don't kill me. I give up. I'm dying. I can't hold on any longer."
"You Sith disease. I am going to end this once and for all.'
"You can't kill him, Master. He must stand trial." Anakin finally spoke, still shocked by the two.
"He has too much control of the Senate and the Courts. He is too dangerous to be kept alive."
"I'm too weak. Don't kill me. Please."
"It is not the Jedi way . . . " he pleaded as Mace raised his blade for the killing blow. "He must live . . ."
"Please don't, please don't . . ."
"I need him . . ."
"Please don't . . ."
"NO!" Anakin screamed, igniting his own blade as Mace moved to make the blow, his blue blade severing Mace's hand at the wrist and sending it and his lightsaber tumbling into traffic. Mace stared at Anakin in shock even as Palpatine lept up and attacked with lighning again, Mace tried to block with his remaining hand but was engulfed and flung out the window.
Palpatine lowered his arms and laughed. "Power! Unlimited power!" he cackled as Anakin looked on in horror.
"What have I done?" he half collapsed onto a stool.
"You are fulfilling your destiny, Anakin. Become my apprentice. Learn to use the dark side of the Force."
"I will do whatever you ask."
"Good."
"Just help me save Padme's life. I can't live without her. I won't let her die. I want the power to stop death." He slipped from the stool to kneel before the Sith, mind spinning with too many thoughts, unable to really focus.
"To cheat death is a power only one has achieved, but if we work together, I know we can discover the secret."
"I pledge myself to your teachings. To the ways of the Sith." There was no other choice.
"Good. Good. The Force is strong with you. A powerful Sith you will become. Henceforth, you shall be known as Darth . . . Vader."
"Thank you. my Master."
"Rise, Darth Vader." Anakin obediently stood as Palpatine moved to his desk which was miraculously unscathed from the fight. He pulled on a black cloak, raising the hood to conceal his disfigured face. "Because the Council did not trust you, my young apprentice, I believe you are the only Jedi with no knowledge of this plot. When the Jedi learn what has transpired here, they will kill us, along with all the Senators."
"I agree. The Jedi's next move will be against the Senate." Anakin parroted.
"Every single Jedi, including your friend Obi-Wan Kenobi, is now an enemy of the Republic. You understand that, don't you?"
"I understand, Master."
"We must move quickly. The Jedi are relentless; if they are not all destroyed, it will be civil war without end. First, I want you to go to the Jedi Temple. We will catch them off balance. Do what must be done, Lord Vader. Do not hesitate. Show no mercy. Only then will you be strong enough with the dark side to save Padme."
"What about the other Jedi spread across the galaxy?"
"Their betrayal will be dealt with. After you have killed all the Jedi in the Temple, go to the Mustafar system. Wipe out Viceroy Gunray and the other Separatist leaders. Once more, the Sith will rule the galaxy, and we shall have peace."
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As soon as he'd seen the smoke Bail had run for his speeder, leaving his guards behind as he raced to the Temple, he landed on the usual pad to find four clone waiting, they lowered their guns as he got out of his speeder and walked toward them. "What's going on here?!"
"There's been a rebellion. Don't worry, sir, the situation is under control." They sifted to bar his entry. "I'm sorry, sir. No one is allowed entry." They aimed at him and Bail stood tall, surely they would not fire on a Senator. "It's time for you to leave, sir."
Bail glanced around and then nodded. "And so it is." Whatever was happening the Jedi had not revolted, he knew that. He began to move back to his speeder only to turn at the sound of a lightsabre. He stared as a young man, Padawan since he wore a braid, moved through the clones, killing several. He stared in horror as the Clones fired on the boy, shifting back to where he'd left his blaster, he could join the fight but they'd have to kill every clone there or else there'd be trouble. He'd just touched the weapon when the boy cried out, several blaster bolts from newly arrived clones slamming into his chest, killing him.
Appo pointed at Bail. "Get him! Shoot him!" the clones opened fire and Bail dove into his speeder, taking off. He had failed to save even a boy right in front of him.
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Sabè screamed in agony, almost breaking Breha's hand as she held on. Her labour was not easy or quick. And she knew, she just knew something out there was horribly wrong. Breha mopped at her forehead as the medics whispered and moved around, giving her more pain medication.
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Obi-Wan struggled to the surface, gasping for air, his clothes singed from the near miss that had sent him hurtling into the water. He pressed against the rocks as search lights skimmed by. What was happening? He'd felt pain, so much pain, the Force crying out. He struggled to focus past it and then saw several clones along the bank.
"Keep searching, find the body." A familiar, and yet different, voice ordered. He stretched out, it was Cody but he felt…odd, almost blank. He pulled back before his Commander, his friend, could feel his presence, knowing he could not allow that to happen. Whatever was going on it involved them. He dug through his pouch and pulled out the device, slipping it between his lips before diving. After what felt like forever he pulled himself from the water and made his way up to where his fighter was waiting for him, jumping in and moving away from the planet.
"Emergency Code Nine Thirteen ... I have no contact on any frequency. Are there any Jedi out there? . . . anywhere . . ." He sent the message, fighting to release his fear and despair into the Force. To his relief there was a burst of static and a fuzzy hologram began to form.
". . . Kenobi . . . "
"I've locked on. Repeat." Obi-Wan replied and the hologram came into focus, revealing Bail but how had he gotten the frequency?
"Master Kenobi?"
"Senator Organa! My Clone Troops turned on me ... I need help."
"We have just rescued Master Yoda. It appears this ambush has happened everywhere. We're sending you our coordinates." Everywhere…. Anakin...Ahsoka…
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Ahsoka frowned and then slammed into Rex, taking them both to the ground as several blaster bolts flew by. They rolled to their feet to find their own men aiming at them.
"Stand down!" Rex barked, what was happening? Could it be…. he was the only clone not aiming…. the only one without a chip. "Ahsoka run." He snapped, realising what was happening, the trap had been sprung, he was too late to stop it. If only he'd been sure before leaving, he could have told Anakin and they could have acted.
"Rex?" Ahsoka stared in disbelief but he grabbed her arm and yanked her along. She gasped as the Force screamed of death, stumbling as she tried to run. Blaster fire followed them.
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Threepio walked out to where Anakin had landed on the apartments platform and Artoo beeped loudly. "Hush! Not so loud!"
Padme rushed onto the balcony and Anakin caught her in his arms. "Are you all right? I heard there was an attack on the Jedi Temple . . . you can see the smoke from here." She practically babbled.
"I'm fine. I'm fine. I came to see if you and the baby are safe."
"Captain Typho's here, we're safe. What's happening?"
"The situation is not good. The Jedi have tried to overthrow the Republic . . ."
"I can't believe that!" she gasped, no, it couldn't be true.
"I couldn't either at first, but it's true. I saw Master Windu attempt to assassinate the Chancellor myself."
"Anakin, what are you going to do?"
Anakin looked down and then walked away to look out at the smoking Temple. "I will not betray the Republic . . . my loyalties lie with the Chancellor and with the Senate . . . and with you." He walked back to her.
"What about Obi-Wan?"
"I don't know . . . Many Jedi have been killed. We can only hope that he's remained loyal to the Chancellor."
"How could this have happened?"
"The Republic is unstable, Padme. The Jedi aren't the only ones trying to take advantage of the situation. There are also traitors in the Senate."
Padme frowned in confusion and worry. "What are you saying?"
"You need to distance yourself from your friends in the Senate. The Chancellor said they will be dealt with when this conflict is over."
"What if they start an inquisition? I've opposed this war. What will you do if I become a suspect?" she demanded, all those signatures…. had they signed their own death warrants?
"That won't happen. I won't let it." He promised as he pulled her into his arms.
"Oh, Anakin, I'm afraid."
"Have faith, my love. Everything will soon be set right. The Chancellor has given me a very important mission. The Separatists have gathered in the Mustafar system. I'm going there to end this war. Wait for me until I return . . . things will be different, I promise." He whispered before kissing her. "Please, wait for me."
"I will." She promised and then watched as he got back in his ship and took off, before letting her legs buckle, dropping onto the bench.
"My Lady, is there anything I might do?"
"No thank you, Threepio." She whispered, what had they done in signing? Palpatine had been a friend and now…. had it all been an act?
"A snack, perhaps?"
"No."
"I feel so helpless." The droid muttered as he left and she nodded, so did she.
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"Hold on Sabè, soon your daughter will be here." Breha soothed her friend. Two days of labour, how much more could her body take?
"L…Leia, her name is Leia." Sabè panted and Breha smiled.
"A beautiful name."
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Bail slipped into the Naboo pod and moved to sit with Padme, noting that Captain Typhoo and two hooded handmaidens accompanied her, a rare thing.
". . . and the Jedi Rebellion has been foiled."
"I was held up. What's happening?" Bail whispered, worried by that one half sentence.
"The Chancellor has been elaborating on a plot by the Jedi, to overthrow the Senate." She answered, resting her chin on her hand. She was dressed again in mourning black and grey, her hair in a very sedate style. One of the robes women was dressed identically under the robe, just in case.
"That's not true!"
"He's been presenting evidence all afternoon."
"And the Senate will go along with it, just like they always do." Bail hissed in disgust, how had they fallen so far?
"The remaining Jedi will be hunted down and defeated." Palpatine stated to applause. "Any collaborators will suffer the same fate. These have been trying times, but we have passed the test. The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed, but I assure you my resolve has never been stronger." The applause sounded again, louder. "The war is over. The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning."
"Well, this is the moment we discover if he intends to return the Republic to a democracy." Padme whispered, but she already knew he wouldn't. She had a pretty good idea who the Sith Lord was.
"In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society which I assure you will last for ten thousand years." He called out and the Senate went mad with joy. "An empire that will continue to be ruled by this august body, and a sovereign ruler chosen for life . . ."
The Senate cheered but their pod remained silent even as tears smudged Padme's makeup.
"An empire ruled by the majority . . . Ruled by a new constitution . . . "
"So this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause . . ." She choked out in horror and grief. Everything they had fought for, gone with a few words.
"We cannot let this happen." He began to stand but she grabbed his arm.
"Not now! There will be a time." She hissed. "Clap Bail, we must hide amongst them for now." She brought her hands together, feigning joy and he eventually joined her.
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The cockpit of the sleek yellow Galactic Speeder opened, and a hooded figure emerged and walked onto the veranda. Deep in the apartment an alarm began to sound. The figure stopped before a security curtain that protected the veranda. C-3PO entered the veranda and approached the figure. "Hello, might I help you . . . Oh, it's you, Master Kenobi. Come in, quickly." The security curtain disappeared, and he lowered his hood as the alarm stopped.
"Has Anakin been here?"
"Yes . . . right after the attack on the Jedi Temple." Threepio answered even as Padme appeared on the stairs dressed in a flowing blue robe. The droid bowed and left the two.
"Master Kenobi . . ." She pulled Obi-Wan into a hug, not caring about propriety after her fear for his life. "Oh, Obi-Wan, thank goodness . . . you're alive." She breathed and he slowly hugged her back.
"The Republic has fallen. Padme . . . The Jedi Order is no more . . ."
"I know, it's hard to believe everything to which we've dedicated our lives is gone."
"I believe we have been part of a plot hundreds of years in the making." He admitted as she moved away to sit.
"The Senate is still intact, there is some hope."
"No. Padme . . . It's over . . . The Sith now rule the galaxy as they did before the Republic."
"The Sith?" So her fears were true.
"I'm here looking for Anakin . . . When was the last time you saw him?"
"Yesterday."
"And do you know where he is now?"
She looked down, unable to lie to his face. "No."
"Padme, I need your help. He's in grave danger." Obi-Wan pleaded, moving to sit opposite her.
"From the Sith?"
"From himself . . . Padme, Anakin has turned to the dark side."
"You're wrong! How could you even say that?" She denied, getting up to pace away from him. Not Anakin, her sweet husband.
"I have seen a security hologram of him killing younglings."
"Not Anakin! He couldn't!"
"He was deceived by a lie. We all were. It appears that the Chancellor is behind everything, including the war. Palpatine is the Sith Lord we've been looking for. After the death of Count Dooku, Anakin became his new apprentice."
"I don't believe you ... I can't." She shook her head even as she knew it was true, feeling her baby kick in distress.
"Padme, I must find him."
"You're going to kill him, aren't you?" She whispered, staring out at the still smouldering Temple.
"He has become a very great threat."
She moved to sit again, the robe shifting and Obi-Wan closed his eyes in grief as he realised just how involved the two were. "I can't . . ."
"Anakin is the father, isn't he?" He asked gently and she looked away. "I'm so sorry." He whispered before leaving. Padme stared after him before gently lifting the japor snippet she always wore to stare at it.
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Anakin looked out the window and saw a very familiar ship landing, why was she there? It wasn't safe for the baby! He ran to the landing pad, catching her as she ran down the ramp as fast as she could in her condition. "Padme, I saw your ship . . ." they embraced tightly.
"Oh, Anakin!"
"It's all right, you're safe now. What are you doing out here?"
"I was so worried about you. Obi-Wan told me terrible things."
"What things?" he demanded, what had his old Master said to upset her?
"He said you have turned to the dark side . . . that you killed younglings." She could barely say the words.
"Obi-Wan is trying to turn you against me."
"He cares about us."
"Us?" he snarled, not seeing the glimmer of fear in her eyes at his tone.
"He knows . . . He wants to help you."
"Is Obi-Wan going to protect you? He can't ... he can't help you. He's not strong enough."
"Anakin, all I want is your love." She tried.
"Love won't save you, Padme. Only my new powers can do that." He sneered and she backed up a step.
"At what cost? You are a good person. Don't do this." She pleaded, it couldn't be too late, her Ani was still in there somewhere.
"I won't lose you the way I lost my mother! I've become more powerful than any Jedi has ever dreamed of and I've done it for you. To protect you."
"Come away with me. Help me raise our child. Leave everything else behind while we still can."
"Don't you see, we don't have to run away anymore. I have brought peace to the Republic. I am more powerful than the Chancellor. I can overthrow him, and together you and I can rule the galaxy. Make things the way we want them to be."
"I don't believe what I'm hearing . . . Obi-Wan was right. You've changed." She shook her head, backing towards the ship, why hadn't she come armed?
"I don't want to hear any more about Obi-Wan. The Jedi turned against me. Don't you turn against me."
"I don't know you anymore. Anakin, you're breaking my heart. I'll never stop loving you, but you are going down a path I can't follow." She stated firmly, no she would not cower, she never had when threatened.
"Because of Obi-Wan?"
"Because of what you've done . . . what you plan to do. Stop, stop now. Come back! I love you." She yelled.
"Liar!" he screamed, seeing Obi-Wan on the ramp and she turned to see him.
"No!" why hadn't he left this to her? She could get through to Anakin, she just needed time.
"You're with him. You've betrayed me! You brought him here to kill me!" Anakin snarled and she looked into her husband's eyes and saw the truth, her Ani was gone.
"NO! Anakin. I swear ... I …" She gasped as he reached out, clutching her throat, trying to breath, the baby!
"Let her go, Anakin." Obi-Wan ordered firmly.
"What have you and she been up to?"
"Let her go!" he yelled and Anakin released her to slump to the platform, hopefully only unconscious.
"You turned her against me."
"You have done that yourself." Obi-Wan let his robe slip to the ground as they circled.
"You will not take her from me." He threw off his own cloak.
"Your anger and your lust for power have already done that. You have allowed this Dark Lord to twist your mind until now . . . until now you have become the very thing you swore to destroy." Obi-Wan knelt to check her pulse and then sent a burst of healing energy into her, what little power he could spare from the coming fight.
"Don't lecture me, Obi-Wan. I see through the lies of the Jedi. I do not fear the dark side as you do. I have brought peace, justice, freedom, and security to my new Empire."
"Your new Empire?" he asked in disbelief. What had happened? They had parted on such good terms and now this?
"Don't make me kill you."
"Anakin, my allegiance is to the Republic ... to democracy." He yelled, pleading with his brother to hear and understand.
"If you're not with me, you're my enemy."
"Only a Sith Lord deals in absolutes. I will do what I must." He ignited his blade and faced Anakin's back.
"You will try." Anakin ignited his lightsaber, lashing out at Obi-Wan and he blocked. As they fought further from the ship Artoo rolled up and over to her side, beeping in alarm.
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Sabè gasped for air, barely conscious and yet still the babe would not come. Breha was terrified for her friend and could tell that the medics and droids were beginning to worry as well. What was going so wrong? Soon they would have to surgically remove the child in an effort to save both. Where was Bail when she needed his strength?
TBC…..
Don't expect epic chapters like this all the time.
My mum has been diagnosed with cancer so no idea on updates for anything.