Twilight Ascendant

Cka3ka

Chapter 1: A Chance Given

Coruscant…

Anakin Skywalker returned to his apartments in the heart of Coruscant in the early evening. His mood was foul. There was a war being fought, and the Jedi Council had recalled him from the front for some ridiculous duties here on Coruscant. He was to be transferred back for a brief time only, but the Republic was not faring all that well against the Seperatists. The separatists seemed to have endless numbers of military droids and the Geonosians seemed to continuously find new and horrifying ways to kill sentient beings. They were a plague that needed to be removed from the galaxy.

He opened the outer doors with a small brush of the force. He felt like lashing out, but stopped. He took a brief look around his apartments and realized that someone had been here. Anger, and rage danced through him for a brief second as he wondered who would DARE enter the apartments of Anakin Skywalker. Yet, those emotions disappeared as soon as he touched the force to find out who had come.

He should have known, as he surveyed the room. These were her things. A comb was left on the table and a small piece of luggage was still unopened. There was some video equipment set up so that she could communicate via the holo-net with her deputies. All of the things were familiar. All of them touched by her.

With a smile Anakin leapt into the other room. His apartment was large as was befitting for a General and Jedi. There were five rooms, two for sleep, a kitchen, dining, washroom and a large area for entertainment of guests. There was also a balcony which gave a breathtaking view of Coruscant. Being Three Hundred Floors up had its advantages.

Anakin saw her standing out on the balcony. She didn't seem to have realized that he had entered and simply stood gazing out at the setting sun. It was not Naboo, but Coruscant's horizon had its own beauty. Slowly he walked up behind her and put his arms around her waist, gently pulling her back to him.

Padme felt strong arms wrap around her. She loved the feel of him holding her and wished that she could revel in it all day. Was it not too late for them to flee this miserable planet and return to Naboo? Could they not hide out in the mountains? She knew this was wishful thinking. She had a task to fulfill and when it was done, then the two of them could be together like this for as long as they lived. She felt his breath as he slowly leaned forward and placed a tender loving kiss in her hair slightly behind her ear. Slowly she leaned her head back against him, and placed her arm behind his head and pulled him forward so she could properly greet him.

It was several minutes later before they broke apart so wrapped up were they in each other.

"How was Naboo?" asked Anakin as he continued to hold her.

"Peaceful as always. I visited my family. That always helps me refocus my priorities," smiled Amidala. "And you? How are you, my beloved?"

"I'm just fine now. I was angry that I was called back from the front," replied Anakin softly without anger in his voice. "I didn't realize you would be here. How were you able to get away?"

"The Chancellor told me that you had been recalled at the request of the Jedi Council, so I secretly left Naboo a few days early so we can spend some time together. Sabe is filling in for me so no one knows."

"Thank you," said Anakin as he held her tighter. She always went out of her way for him and he wished he could do something in return. He wished that he could tell the world that this wonderful woman was his wife. Yet, he couldn't for he didn't know the consequences. What would the Jedi do if they learned? Her love was something he treasured beyond anything else. "You mean so much to me."

"And you to me Anakin," she said simply. Her tone held no blame, but it still cut him like a knife. He knew what she wanted him to do. He knew that she didn't want to sneak around and behave as if their marriage was something to be ashamed of. They were doing nothing wrong in loving each other; there was no heinous crime or moral deprivation here. They were simply two young lovers bound apart by the rules of an archaic order.

"Please Padme, it'll only be a short while. Things are too fragile with the Republic. I don't..."

"Shh...," said Padme as she softly placed her finger on his lips. "Anakin… the Jedi are a part of you. You cannot throw it all away."

Did he deserve her? Anakin didn't think so. She was an angel and he just a slave though now a Jedi. He pulled her close again just to feel her against him. Things would be alright, they would be together one way or the other.

Anakin awoke to the soft morning light and the beeping of his com unit. He quickly glanced at the chrono and saw that it was only perhaps an hour after sunrise. It was unusual for anyone to be trying to call him at this hour. He really didn't want to get up.

Padme made a small sound of protest as Anakin tried to untangle himself from her. She snuggled tighter against his body sending a shiver of pleasure through him. Now he really didn't want to get up. Yet, the comm unit was insistent and wouldn't quit beeping. He didn't want it to wake Padme, so he wiggled his way out of her arms and padded over to his desk.

"Yes, this is Anakin," he answered softly as a holo of Mace Windu sprung up.

"Good morning, Anakin. We've received some pressing news and the council would like to see you as quickly as possible."

Carefully, Anakin moved to block the holos view of Padme. "Of course Master Windu," he said in a normal tone as to avoid any suspicion of someone being with him. "I will be there as soon as I can."

"We'll see you soon then Anakin," replied the holo as it disappeared.

"Who was that Anakin?" came the sleepy, but beautifully smooth voice of Padme from the bed.

"Master Windu. I'm sorry Padme, but I have to go. Something's come up and the council wants to see me."

"Oh? What is it?" asked Padme curiously.

"I don't know, they just said for me to come as soon as possible," answered Anakin as he rumaged through his drawers for clothes. He quickly donned his usual black outfit.

Padme rose and walked swiftly over to her Jedi lover.

"Sit for a second," she commanded and Anakin complied. Quickly she took a comb and ran it through Anakin's hair. "Stand."

When he stood, she straightened out his outfit and then reached up and kissed him on the lips. "I have to meet with the Chancellor later today. Perhaps we can have an early dinner before you go off on whatever errand the Jedi have for you?"

"I won't be going anywhere Padme. I just got back."

"Don't be silly Anakin. They wouldn't call you so early and so secretively for no reason. They need you to do something for them and it's probably something only you can do."

"There are a lot of Jedis most of whom can do what I can do."

"No, Anakin. You are special..."

Padme's praise made him glow on the inside. Even if none of the council appreciated him, he'd always have her.

"Alright, Padme. I'll see you for a late lunch or early supper," he said. Her responding smile made his heart lurch.

"I love you, see you then."

"I love you too."

Anakin arrived at the Jedi temple less than half an hour after leaving his apartment. He was quickly hustled to the council chamber. There, though some attended via holo-conferance, was the entire council. Anakin bowed his hellos and then gave an additional bow to his his friend and mentor Obi-wan Kenobi who was attending via the holo-net.

"Hello, master. I hope you aren't getting yourself into any trouble without me. There won't be anyone to bail you out."

"Of course, Anakin. But I would never get into trouble without you. You'd have to miss all the fun," responded Obi-wan.

"Allow me to begin," said Master Windu as he interrupted the by-play between master and student. "Anakin, we have a very important mission for you on Naboo."

"On Naboo?" asked Anakin suddenly curious on what the mission could possibly be. A little thrill went through him when he realized that perhaps he could even convince Padme to go with him. Sabe could certainly handle much of Padme's duties and Sabe often did so.

"Yes... We received word early this morning that Aayla Secura was found dead, with her head decapitated by a light saber on Naboo."

"Aayla? But..." Anakin didn't know Aayla that well personally, but he knew that she was skilled and had once even used darkside energies. She was a formidable opponent and would not be easily brought down. "...so the Sith struck again?"

"Yes. We believe from her earlier communiques that Aayla had discovered something important. She was cut down as she was making her way to the starport."

"I see. When do I leave?" asked Anakin.

"Not so fast Anakin," said Mace Windu. "You won't be going alone, Eeth Koth and Bultar Swan will be going with you. You will be in charge of this mission Anakin. Meet with them to discuss the logistics, but I believe you should leave as soon as you are ready."

"I understand, Master," said Anakin. He would be leading a mission? He felt elation as understanding gripped him. This was a test to see if he was ready for the promotion to master. "My thanks to the council for this opportunity."

"We have faith in your skills, Anakin," smirked Obi-wan. "And I have faith that you won't get into any trouble that I won't be there to get you out of."

"Of course, master. But I would never get into trouble without you. You'd have to miss all the fun," retorted Anakin.

Anakin bowed to the council. "If I may depart, I should get ready for this assignment."

"Of course, Anakin. Good luck and may the force be with you," said Mace Windu.

As Anakin turned and strode out the council chambers there was a small spring to his step. He had to tell Padme, this was a chance for them to get away together and for him to work towards master-ship.

Anakin was whistling when as he left the temple.

Meanwhile…

The meeting was held over the holo-net as usual. The frequencies were secured by the highest encryptions and hidden amongst the billions of signals that went to and fro on the net.

There were several images standing in the viewer. Darth Sidious was the most prominent though at the same time the least visible. Somehow, he was able to project a fearsome aura even through a recording.

Others sat around: Tarkin, Dooku, Grevious, Geonosins and trade federation representatives. Strangely enough there was also a droid. These were the architects behind the collapse of the Republic.

"Are the preparations complete General?" asked the voice of Master Sidious.

"Yes, Lord Sidious. All is ready. The assault on Kuat will be made on schedule. We will be attacking several other planets in the sector simultaneously. It is too late for the Republic to stymie our efforts there."

Sidious was silent, "Lord Tyrannus? Are your preparations complete?"

"Yes, my master. Our plan will be executed as soon as Grevious returns from his mission. All is ready."

"Excellent then," turning to the Geonosins and trade federation Sidious said, "Soon, my friends you will have your freedom. You will be free of the Republic's ridiculous trade regulations. You have my thanks."

The male sentients bowed before the Sith Lord.

"Interruption: My Lord Sidious," came an interruption from the image of the droid that was in attendance. The voice was mechanical, but it seemed feminine.

"Yes?"

"My mistress has news that Senator Amidala has arranged to visit the Onderan system to oversee Refugee relief there. As this system is near to Kuat, my mistress believes that an opportunity has arisen to remove the meddling senator."

"Accidents do happen in warzones, milord. The droid's plan has merit," stated Dooku.

"Then see to it, Droid. Kill Amidala if it is possible. Detain her if it is not. Her absence from Coruscant will be useful."

"Perhaps the use of a few of my troops will help, droid," remarked Grevious.

"Any help is appreciated. Please contact through back channel 7 for details."

"So be it," remarked Sidious as his image flashed off. Momentarily the others disappeared as well.

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So how was that? Like it hate it? Let me have some feedback. Next chapter of HoD up soon, so no worries. I just wanted to see if anyone was still interested in this one.Thanks.

Cka3ka