Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. It just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Here's a brand new vignette in the Forever Destined series. This is the 11th vignette and it's time for an age check on the kids.
Luke and Leia: 10
Kimberly: 8
Mara: 9
Jayden, Jenna, and Natalie: 6
Nightmare on Coruscant: A Forever Destined Vignette
Part 2/?
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. It just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Here's a brand new vignette in the Forever Destined series. This is the 11th vignette and it's time for an age check on the kids.
Luke and Leia: 10
Kimberly: 8
Mara: 9
Jayden, Jenna, and Natalie: 6
Nightmare on Coruscant: A Forever Destined Vignette
Part 2/?
Sola held the baby, as Pooja stood beside her. Next to her, Padme attempted to keep corral on her four excited children, as her husband landed their cruiser in the hanger bay at Republica 500. Slowly, the ramp lowered and Artoo rolled down. He whirled in excitement, as the four children surrounded him.
"We missed you Artoo!" Jenna chirped, as she wrapped her arms around the droid, as far as she could. He whirred in excitement. He had missed the Skywalker children too. Garen stumbled down the ramp, followed by Davin.
"Finally, it's about time we got home. But you could have dropped us off at the Temple, flyboy. I have plans, you know and it doesn't include hanging around with you domesticated lap dogs. The single life awaits us," Garen drawled.
"Feel free to go outside and catch an air taxi. And don't let the door hit you on the way out," Anakin growled at the drunken Knight. His irritation quickly faded and he smiled, as he saw his children bounding to him.
"Daddy!" Leia called, as she made it to him first.
"There's my princess," he said, as he picked her up and kissed her cheek. Jayden and Jenna were next, as they jumped into his arms.
"Daddy...a mean man bothered mommy today!" Jenna blurted.
"I hit him with a chair!" Jayden boasted to Luke and his father.
"A mean man?" Anakin asked, his brow furrowing.
"He was ugly and green, daddy. And scary looking," Kimberly said, as he hoisted her up. Anakin looked to his wife.
"Xizor is here?" he asked.
"Unfortunately yes, but we can talk about it later. Right now, I'm just glad you're home," Padme said, as she wrapped her arms around his chest. Anakin leaned in and kissed her passionately in welcome, while he wrapped is free arm around her waist.
"Daddy, we made you Shuura cookies!" Kimberly chirped. Anakin smiled, as his lips parted from his wife's.
"With double chocolate chunks?" he asked. She nodded, her pigtails bouncing.
"Those are my favorite, tiny angel. I cant wait," he told her, making her face light up. Padme hugged Luke tightly and kissed his cheek.
"I missed you, honey," Padme said.
"I missed you too, mom," he replied.
Meanwhile, Ben was being greeted by his own family.
"I missed you," Sola said, as she kissed him tenderly.
"I missed you too...and this little guy," he said, as he kissed sleeping baby Will's head. Ryoo hugged her mother, as Obi-Wan hugged Pooja. She smiled at him and kissed his cheek.
"Well, it's been fun Ben, but I have clubs to hop and women to..." Garen was cut off when Obi-Wan held his hand up.
"Don't finish that sentence," Obi-Wan warned.
"Yeah, yeah, I forgot was still in kiddyland. Let's go Davin," Garen said, as he patted Luke's shoulder.
"See ya kid. You wanna learn how to win at Sabaac, you know where to come," Garen said.
"Luke won't be learning anything from you, Knight Muln. Especially not gambling. Luke is far too young for any of that," Padme said sternly. Garen held his hands up.
"Relax doll, I was just kidding. Geez, she's a beauty, hero boy, but wound up tighter than..."
"Shut up Garen," Obi-Wan said, cutting him off again, before he could utter some obscenity.
"Okay...okay..." Garen said rolling his eyes.
"Goodbye Garen," Obi-Wan said.
"It's been fun, Ben. Can't say the same about you, golden boy," Garen said, as he started for the exit.
"My name is Anakin. And if you ever call my wife doll again or insult her again, your head will go through the nearest wall I can find," Anakin. Knowing the young Knight would do so, Garen slunk toward the exit.
"Are you sure he's a Jedi?' Sola asked.
"Yes, he is a capable Jedi. His personal life, however, is a complete mess," Obi-Wan replied. It was a little sad. He had told Garen numerous times that he needed help with his excessive drinking and sleeping around. But Garen didn't think he had a problem.
"Well, dinner should almost be ready. So, let's go," Sola said. They agreed and headed for the lift.
Riley parked the speeder and he and Zia hopped out. It was a dingy alley in the lower levels, located behind a scummy Cantina. But right now, it was also a crime scene. After stopping Palpatine, the Clones had all been reprogrammed . Most served in the Republic military branches and many patrolled the planet, armed as law enforcement officials, who answered to their superior officers, investigators, and the Jedi.
"What do we have Dax?" Zia asked, as she approached the Clone Commander.
"Another murder...fitting the same pattern as the others," Dax said. Zia sighed.
"How old?" Zia asked.
"This one is sixteen. We found identification on her," Dax said, handing her the small holo card.
"Kristie Manning," Zia said, as she handed the card to Riley. He clenched his fist, as he stared at it, as they reluctantly went to take a look at the body. The two Clone lieutenants pulled the tarp back. It was gruesome and unbearable. Her chest was cut open, her heart missing, her blood staining her entire body. She was so pretty...just like all the others. The tarp was placed over her again and they turned away. Riley clenched his fist and punched the duracrete wall of the building behind them.
"Riley...calm down," Zia said.
"Thirty nine...thirty nine girls. Five since we've taken over the case," he said.
"I know...I'm at a loss. I've never had a killer baffle me like this one," she replied.
"His DNA doesn't even register in any known database. How is that even possible?" he asked. She shrugged.
"He knows how to erase himself from the radar. It's the only explanation," she said.
"Then how do we get this bastard?" he asked.
"I don't think we can," she replied. He sighed, running a hand over his face.
"They all look like my girls. They're all brunette. They look like my Padme, Leia, and Pooja," he said, a quiver in his voice.
"You don't...you don't think it could be him, do you?" Riley asked. She shook her head.
"We already ruled him out," she replied.
"But they're all brunette," Riley said.
"Palo would go after Padme directly. The DNA, whoever it does belong to, is completely human. The bio-android DNA would have at least some evidence of altercations or manipulated cells. But it doesn't. We've had it thoroughly analyzed by three different labs already and it's completely, one hundred percent human. Plus, we know Palo wouldn't need a weapon to kill them, nor would he have any sort of interest in cutting out their hearts. No, this is someone who has been wronged by a woman and is now taking it out on all women that look like her. At least, that is the guess I would venture off hand. I've profiled a lot of serial killers and this is how they work," Zia said.
"So the woman who supposedly wronged him and turned him into this monster was a beautiful, young, petite brunette," Riley concluded.
"That would be my guess, but it doesn't do us a whole lot of good. We still have nothing on him," Zia replied.
"So, what's our next move?" Riley asked.
"We take the case to my husband. We need Jedi involvement, before any more girls die," Zia answered.
"All right, let's get the body loaded and transport it to the Temple morgue this time," Riley ordered to the Clones.
"Wait...husband? When did you and Mace tie the knot?" Riley asked.
"A few months ago. Mace is a very private person and just wanted a small, private ceremony. Master Yoda was our witness and Mara was there, of course. Master Nu married us in a private ceremony in the room of a thousand fountains, Mace's favorite place," Zia said.
"Congratulations then," he said. She smiled.
"Thanks. We better go. I'll call Mace and have him call an emergency Council meeting...tonight," Zia said.
"Is he asleep?" Obi-Wan whispered. Sola nodded, as she placed him in his crib.
"Soundly. Are the girls in bed?" she asked. He nodded.
"Yes, we have the place all to ourselves. I thought we could go watch one of those corny holovids you love and cuddle," he said. Sola smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"That sounds great. But I'd rather just pretend to watch it, if you catch my drift," Sola replied sultrily.
"I think I do, Mrs. Kenobi. And I can't think of anything more I'd rather do than spend the evening with my beautiful wife in my arms," he said. Their lips met tenderly, as Sola took the baby monitor and they quietly exited the nursery.
Padme lay in her husband's arms, as they gazed up at the stars. They were in the back seat of Anakin's favorite speeder, the one Padme had presented to him for their tenth anniversary. Anakin had taken to calling it the Sapphire Angel. He and Padme went cruising in it a couple times a week. They had put the children to bed and Dorme was there with them; being that Neela was out on her date with Tyler. It was quickly becoming a tradition for them. There were only a few select places that you could see the stars clearly on Coruscant and Anakin never failed to find the best. Padme snuggled against him, as their lips met again and again.
"I love spending our evenings like this," Padme said.
"You mean under the stars or making out in the back of speeder like a couple of teenagers?" he asked slyly. She giggled.
"Both," she replied, as their lips met passionately.
"So...are you going to tell me about your encounter with Xizor?" he asked. But Padme was busy unbuttoning his tunic.
"Angel..." he chided.
"Let's skip talking and go straight to the fun stuff," she replied, as she kissed his chest. He lifted her chin and his gaze seared through her.
"Normally I'd be all for skipping to the hot sex we usually end up having in his backseat...but I read Tyler's report and I'm worried about you and this whole situation with Xizor," Anakin said.
"It was nothing. He was just a little more pushy this time since you weren't with me," she replied.
"That's what I'm afraid of. He's dangerous. I mean...what is he doing living in Republica 500 anyway?" Anakin asked.
"He is Falleen's new Senator," Padme replied. Anakin blanched.
"You're kidding," he said.
"I wish I was. Bail doesn't like it either, but none of us have much choice in the matter. He is qualified to serve and we cannot deny him that, just because we don't like him," Padme replied.
"Well, I'll be paying that green sleamo a visit and make sure he knows what will happen if he comes near you," Anakin said.
"I'm sure he wouldn't be stupid enough to try anything," Padme replied.
"I read Tyler's report, angel, and that bastard practically threatened that he planned to rape you," Anakin said.
"But you would never let that happen," she replied, as she traced her fingers along the lines of definition on his chest, which was visible from the parted fabric of his tunic.
"You're right, I won't. I want you to promise me that you'll have someone with you when you're moving around the Senate building and Republica 500. If not me, then Typho, Tyler, Ben, Dad, Grandfather, or your Dad," Anakin listed off.
"I promise. He worries me too, but more about Jayden than anything. He saw Jayden move that chair and hit him with it. If he is working for the Imperial Underground in some form, then he might tell them about Jayden's already developing abilities," Padme said.
"I know. I've been discussing Jayden's powers with the Council lately and I think we're going to start training him early. I just don't think we can wait until he's ten," Anakin replied.
"I agree. I just wish they would leave us alone," Padme said, as she laid her head against his chest.
"Me too, but I won't let them win, angel. I'll stop them from hurting the people we love," he promised.
"I know you will," she replied, as their lips met passionately.
"I have never doubted you and I never will," she whispered, as she caressed his face, before softly pecking him on the lips.
"I feel so safe with you," she continued.
"I will always protect you with every last breath in my body and every last drop of my blood. Xizor...Palo...it doesn't matter who, because will destroy anyone who tries to harm you," he said fiercely, as he captured her lips in his own.
"I love you..." Padme cooed, as he kissed down her neck. Their lips met feverishly, as their hands roamed with the passionate intent of lover's hands. Padme unbuttoned his tunic all the way, as he slid his hands up her shirt. Padme squeaked in pleasure, her body trembling at the touch of his hands and lips, as he kissed her flat stomach, slowly inching her shirt up. Just as he was about to remove the garment completely, his comlink went off. Anakin groaned, as he looked up at his wife. She pulled him into another kiss, as they dueled for control, passion threatening to consume them whole. And normally, they would let it do just that, but his comlink chirped again and their lips parted.
"It might be important," she said. He sighed and took it out of his pocket.
"Skywalker," he answered, as Padme settled against him, cuddling against his chest.
"I'm sorry to bother you so late, son, but we are calling an emergency council meeting," Qui-Gon informed him.
"Tonight?" Anakin asked.
"I'm afraid so..." Qui-Gon replied.
"Padme is with me," Anakin said.
"Bring her along. This issue will likely be all over the Senate floor in the morning anyway," Qui-Gon replied.
"Okay...we'll be there in fifteen minutes," Anakin replied, as he turned the device off.
"That doesn't sound good," Padme said worriedly, as they climbed into the front seat.
"No...it doesn't," Anakin replied, equally as worried, as he fired up the engines and they fastened their harnesses. Anakin put the speeder in gear and punched the throttle, as they headed back toward Galactic City.
Tyler parked the speeder in the veranda ramp and hopped out. He took Neela's hand and helped her out.
"I had a wonderful time tonight," Neela said shyly.
"Me too. I'd...really like to go out with you again," he replied.
"I'd like that too...very much," she said. He smiled.
"Great," he replied, as he stepped closer to her. She closed her eyes and leaned in. Their lips met soft and tenderly for several long moments, before their lips parted.
"Goodnight Tyler," Neela said, with a soft smile.
"Goodnight Neela," he replied. They went inside and she went to her room and he returned to the adjoining apartment that he shared with Captain Typho and Dorme.
Garen smirked, as he stumbled out of bed. He poured himself a glass of scotch and glanced back at the passed out woman in bed. She was young and beautiful, around twenty-one. She was also very drunk and it hadn't been hard for Garen to get her into bed. She had been a little wild Nexu too, effects of the alcohol of course. It had been quite a ride. The little brunette vixen wanted him bad once he played the Jedi card. He had also mentioned that he happened to know Anakin Skywalker very well and even promised to introduce her to him. Of course, he was ready to promise her anything, just for the chance to get her in the back room...and he had. She was too drunk to know what was happening anyway. He heard her moan and smirked. It was time for round two, though he wasn't sure it could beat round one.
"Where am I?" she asked.
"You're okay baby...it's just me, remember?" he asked.
"Oh...yeah. I should get going. I shouldn't be here," she said, as she stumbled out of bed.
"Hey, be careful. You shouldn't be up yet. Why don't you come back to bed," he urged.
"No...I should go," she replied groggily.
"No...you're safe. I'm a Jedi, remember?" he coaxed. She nodded.
"Um...okay," she said tipsily, as he led her to bed. She collapsed into unconsciousness, face down on the bed. Garen smirked. It was just too much to resist for him. He slid into bed with her, climbing on top of her
"It's okay baby...I'm just having a little fun," he grunted. She was too drunk and too dizzy to register what was happening. The alcohol overwhelmed her again and she passed out. Garen finished and smirked, as he dressed.
"Thanks baby...you were great. Too bad you probably won't remember anything. But I love 'em and leave 'em," Garen said, as he slipped out the back, into the alley and headed for his speeder. Unfortunately, he was too buzzed from his own alcohol consumption to notice that someone was watching him. The hooded man smirked, as he slipped into the back room, eyeing the girl. He wrapped her in the sheet and lifted her over his shoulder, before disappearing out back with her...
Anakin and Padme arrived in the Council Room. They were surprised to find Zia and Riley there as well.
"Daddy...what's going on?" Padme asked, as she went to him.
"Well, it's a bit of a long story, sweetness. But it's about the case Zia and I've been working on," Riley said, as he sat down. Padme sat next to him, with Anakin on her other side.
"You mean those horrible murders?" Padme asked. He nodded. Mace stood and set a datapad down in front of Anakin.
"Thirty nine murders, all petite, brunette women between the ages of ten and twenty-two. All raped and murdered the same way," Mace began.
"The Holonet is calling him by several names. The Coruscant Heart Stealer. The Coco Town Killer. The Phantom Stalker. All the same," Zia continued.
"Well, surely you have an idea of who he is? If he's a rapist, he would have left DNA behind," Anakin said.
"A ton of it. The problem is that he doesn't show up in any known database. This guy has erased himself from existence somehow. That's why they call him the Phantom Stalker," Riley replied. Anakin took a deep breath, as he turned the datapad on. The first image was horrific. It was a twelve-year-old little girl, brutalized and missing her heart. She looked far too much like his little Leia for comfort. He heard his wife gasp and he turned the datapad over.
"I don't think you should look at these, angel," he said, as he put his arm around her.
"Their hearts are missing...all of them?" Anakin asked.
"Yes, that's this guy's M.O. He cuts their hearts out," Riley replied. Anakin sighed, deep in thought for a moment.
"All the victims are petite and brunette," Anakin continued.
"I know what you're thinking, because I thought the same, but we ruled him out," Riley replied.
"Are you sure?" Anakin asked, looking at both Riley and Zia.
"We've had the DNA analyzed by three different labs. It's completely human and has no anomalies of any kind, like a bio android's DNA most certainly would," Zia said.
"Besides, I think we both know that he would come after Padme directly," Riley added. Anakin nodded in agreement, squeezing her hand.
"Senator Mothma will probably be bringing this issue to the Senate floor in the morning in an outcry for Jedi involvement. We've decided we will be ready with an answer. We've decided that you and Obi-Wan will take this case, along with Riley and Zia's continued involvement. We feel that if anyone can find this man, it is the two of you," Mace said.
"I can announce that Anakin and Obi-Wan are taking on the case personally. That should ease some of the fears the people most certainly have," Padme said.
"Thank you Senator," Mace replied.
"Adjourned this meeting is then. May the Force be with us all," Yoda concluded. They stood and Obi-Wan patted his younger brother's shoulder.
"I'll see you in the morning and we can get started right away," Obi-Wan said. Anakin nodded and was silent, worrying Obi-Wan.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes...just anxious to get started and find this monster before he can hurt anymore girls. Anymore girls like...my little Leia," he replied. Obi-Wan squeezed his shoulder, instantly thinking of Pooja as well.
"We will get him. With the Force as our aide, he doesn't stand a chance," Obi-Wan assured him, as he made his way toward the exit. Anakin felt Padme's arms encircle his waist. He turned his attention to her beautiful, concerned face.
"Let's go home Ani. You need a good night's sleep," Padme urged. He nodded, as he wrapped his arm around her waist and they slowly walked out together.
In the next chapter, the killer is enthralled by all the attention he is getting on the Holonet. And when he discovers that they've put the Chosen One on his case, his ego grows at the same rate as his anger. His interest in the Chosen One's family quickly grows into obsession. Meanwhile, his latest victim reveals that she has two sets of DNA on her. One belonging to their unknown killer...and the other to a Jedi Knight. It sparks strife among their ranks when Anakin arrests Garen for rape...