ooc: Here is Chapter 2, thanks for the reviews guys, I'll try and keep the updates as frequent as possible. Also, I don't own star wars or any of its characters.
Chapter 2: Regrouping
Anakin ended the transmission and sighed. He then sent a transmission to Master Yoda on Kashyyyk, Master Plo Koon on Cato Neimodia, Master Mundi on Mygeeto, among many others, and informed them of what had happened. He walked back to the room where Padme was, and saw her finishing up a conversation with Senator Tenday Bendon, a member of the Delegation of 2000.
"Very Senator Bendon, I shall see you on Naboo." She turned to see her husband and gave him a hug. "Any news?"
"I got word to all of the council members, and sent automated transmissions to the rest of the Jedi across the galaxy."
"What about the evacuation?"
"That, I haven't heard anything about. Let's find Master Drallig."
The two exited the comm room, and found Master Drallig, with Masters Shaak Ti, and Kazden Paratus. Master Drallig spotted the two entering, and motioned for them to join them. "Anakin, we are almost completely prepared for the evacuation. We'll be sending the younglings in republic battle transports, while the rest of us will travel under private transport. Not leaving from the temple. Anakin, you and Senator Amidala will go with one of our three transports for the younglings. Master Ti, and Master Paratus will be the others."
"But Master, how can we possibly move everyone out of the temple that quickly?"
"We must move now. The younglings have already been moved to the shipping bay, and will be leaving shortly. We are attempting to transport the jedi archive history into computers we can bring with us. However, if it does not happen fast, we will have to abandon hope. Master Ti, Master Paratus, please report to the shipping bay, the younglings must be safely transported before the Clones attack and block off our air space. As for me, I shall oversee the final stages of the closing of the Jedi Temple. Then I shall leave for Naboo. May the force be with us all."
Anakin, Padme, Shaak Ti, and Kazden Paratus all left without a word and proceeded to the docking bay. Instead of finding clones guarding the area, he found republic freighter pilots, likely asked by Master Drallig to take over from the clones. Also there were a few loyal, non-clone Republic officers. The younglings pilled into the transports, at least 100 in each transport, with the different Jedi Masters placing protection.
Anakin and Padme boarded their transport and got into the cockpit to speak with the pilot, "Captain, there is a lot riding on this voyage. If we are to fail to reach our destination, all hope for saving the Republic will be lost."
The look on the captains face turned to straight fear, when Padme interrupted, "Don't worry Captain. These Jedi love to make the world seem like it is about to fall apart... But do be careful." She sighed and subtly grabbed Anakin's hand...
The 3 transports took off without much of a hitch, and were successfully able to make the jump to hyperspace. Once in hyperspace, Anakin thought of Master Drallig, hoping he was able to finish all that he was trying to do before the clones arrived. And he was sure, they would. Then he thought of Master Obi-Wan, hopefully he was able to escape Utapau before it was too late... He sat in a secured room with Padme. Knowing full well that there were more than plenty of younglings that would quickly tell everyone they knew that the Chosen One was with a Senator in a secluded room. However, neither of them particularly cared.
They agreed, once they reached Naboo, they would come clean to the Council. Regardless of the possible repercussions, it was too hard to keep this kind of a secret. Especially now with the galaxy on the possible verge of destruction.
Sometime later, the transport came out of hyperspace above Naboo, and Anakin and Padme left the room and went to the cockpit.
"Fly to the Theed Intersystem Spaceport, the Queen has a convoy there to meet us."
"Hopefully Obi-Wan and some of the others are already here. I do hope that Master Drallig was able to get off of Coruscant safely..."
The pilot took the transport down to the planet and followed Padme's directions and arrived in Naboo's capital of Theed. Upon landing, just as Padme had predicted, there was a security convoy awaiting their arrival. Captain Panaka was revealed to be in charge when he stepped forward, "Senator Amidala, a pleasure to see you again. The Queen has asked me to escort you and your party to the Palace."
"Nice to see you as well Captain Panaka, and very well."
The children were moved into a land transporter, while Anakin and Padme joined Panaka with Shaak Ti and Kazden Paratus in a speeder. The entire group was surrounded by Royal Naboo Security Tanks, and then quickly proceeded to the Palace. Anakin saw to it that the Children were taken care of with food and a place to rest, under the watch of the queen's handmaiden's, before rejoining Padme and Panaka who were on their way to the Throne room.
Before entering, Anakin caught Padme's glance, and simply smiled back at her. His reassuring smile was all she needed, and they entered the room.
Anakin was pleased to see that Master's Yoda, Plo Koon, and Obi-Wan had survived, and they were sitting with the Queen and a few senators Anakin recognized. Likely members of the Delegation of 2000 that Padme had contacted. The three Jedi and the Senator strode across the Throne Room to join the conversation.
"Your majesty, I present to you Senator Amidala, and Jedi Masters Skywalker, Ti, and Paratus."
The Queen, Yoda, and Obi-Wan turned to see the survivors. Obi-Wan seemed happy that his former Padawan had survived, and Anakin got the sense he wanted to talk to him as soon as this was settled.
"Senator, I am so thankful you are alright. We have just been discussing possibilities on how to proceed. Senator Organa and Senator Mothma have a few ideas I'd like your opinion on..."
Anakin moved over towards Master Yoda and Obi-Wan, and they began a quiet side conversation, while Padme and the Senators deliberated.
"What has happened?"
"Well, it seems that the Chancellor has launched an attack on the Jedi Temple, and blamed Anakin and Master Windu as the culprits in attempting to kill him and overthrow the Republic. With that, he swiftly declared that the Republic would no longer exist, and an Empire would rise in its place..." Bail trailed off, probably lost in thought.
"WHAT?" Padme shouted almost in disbelief.
"I know... I know, he has called upon all star systems in the Republic to join his new order under a new declaration. If not, they will meet the wrath of his new empire." Mon Mothma added in.
"So what are the ideas you've been discussing?"
"Well, the Jedi believe that if they are able to take out the Chancellor, then they will be able to give power to someone that will bring the Republic back. However, I don't think that anyone will be willing to take power away from Palpatine now." Bail was now starring out of the palace window
"Our plan, is one that may ruffle a few feathers... All the systems and sectors in the outer and mid rim between the Corellian Run and and the Corellian Trade Spine, extending all the way to Bakura and Cerea, are members of the Delegation of 2000. One of the ideas we have been mulling over, is declaring our independence from the Empire..."
Anakin had been recapping over the events on Coruscant to Yoda and Obi-Wan before he heard Mon Mothma's suggestion. However it was not he who spoke, but Master Yoda. "Down a dark path, this chain of thought leads. For the next few decades, war would continue."
"Its treason." Obi-Wan said quietly.
"Is there no way we can see a way to oust the Chancellor legally?" Padme questioned.
"Even if there was a way milady, he wouldn't do it. This plan has been years in the making. He quietly seduced the Trade Federation to become his puppet and then used the clone wars as a cover as to his gaining powers, and now he has revealed himself to the galaxy for what he truly is." This was the first time Master Plo Koon spoke.
"Then we must forcibly remove the Chancellor from office. A Jedi Strike team should land on Coruscant and take out the Chancellor." Anakin stated this matter of factly, and everyone in the room now turned to look at him.
"That would be a rather moot point would it not Master Skywalker? If he is as powerful as you Jedi say he is, who could possibly defeat him?" Padme had asked this question, and he knew full-well why. Anakin strode around the table in thought, she didn't want him going back into harm's way, especially with their child on the way.
"I don't know. But if there is a single most-powerful Jedi in this room, it is certainly Master Yoda."
The small green creature looked up at Anakin, with no showings for a reason, but simply starred. "Right, Master Skywalker is. Before making plans to declare independence, attempt once to take back the republic, we must."
"Master Yoda, I suggest that we allow the Senators to establish a plan and contact any potential supporters of this independence movement. In the meantime, we will gather our strength, and wait for other Jedi to return from across the galaxy. Then, we can convene a council where we can debate this further." Obi-Wan added.
"Agreed," Master Plo Koon said, effectively ending the debate.
"Your highness, do you have a room where the Jedi can gather?" Anakin asked.
"Yes we do. Captain Panaka will show you to your quarters, and we will have all other Jedi that arrive here do the same."
The five Jedi in the room bowed to the queen. Anakin watched Padme walk off with Organa, Mothma, and the other senators. They would talk later...
They arrived in their room, which looked much like Jedi Council room on Coruscant. It was across a few bridges and on a semi-secluded island (think the fountain room from the Naboo Battlefront 2 Map), and they sat down in makeshift council chairs. Everyone fell into meditation, stretching out to sense other jedi across the galaxy. While Anakin stretched out to Padme... With everything that had happened today, he still worried for her. Even more so. He still didn't know how to save her from her impending death. It worried him. Then he was interrupted.
A group of Jedi had entered the room, led by Ki-Adi Mundi, followed closely by Voolif Monn, K'Kruhk, Adi Gallia, and Luminara Unduli entered. And took seats, before Master Mundi spoke.
"Clones all over the galaxy are reported to have been turning on their Jedi Generals. We can assume that this was the Chancellor's plan to murder all of the Jedi."
"Killed, were many council members. Attempt to rebuild the Jedi High Council, we must."
"I agree."
"Anakin, we must ask you to leave the council chambers for a time." However, this was Obi-Wan who said this.
"Why? I am a member of this council just as you."
"Young Skywalker, leave this room you will, or leave this order you will."
Anakin looked taken aback, and bowed, and turned to leave. He would head to Padme, and just talk with her. That is what would comfort him. Even after all of this, the Jedi still didn't trust him. He felt the tears build up in his eyes.
*Meanwhile*
In the council room, what was left of the Jedi Council, Yoda, Obi-Wan, Ki-Adi Mundi, Plo Koon, Shaak Ti, Adi Gallia, and Luminara Unduli invited the other two Jedi that had reported to Naboo, Voolif Monn and K'Kruhk, both Jedi Masters, to temporarily join the Council.
"We must agree on a plan of action." Master Mundi started off.
"I agree, however, before we get to far into conversation, might I suggest that we discuss my former Padawan and his status in the order?" Obi-Wan inquired.
"What about him, would you like to discuss Master Obi-Wan?" Yoda asked, however knowing his answer.
"I believe that Anakin has shown wisdom beyond his years in the recent events, he was able to restrain himself from falling to the lure of the darkside, he was able to hold his own against a Sith Lord, something few have done in recent times, and he has paid his dues."
"Master Kenobi, you know how much I like Anakin. This is coming from someone who we all know hasn't done well at forming friendships in my time as a Jedi," Master Monn paused, and a few people chuckled before he continued, "but I believe he is too young. He is only twenty-three years old."
"Might I remind all of you, that I was but a few years older than he when I joined the council."
"Believe him to be ready, I do. However, an issue I have."
"What is that?"
"More than he leads on, I feel that his relationship with Senator Amidala is."
"What do you mean?" Obi-Wan knew plain well what Master Yoda meant, however, he didn't want to believe it.
"I am sure that you, along with every one in the Throne room, Jedi or not, felt their strong emotions towards each other." Plo Koon added.
"Apart from myself, the Senator is the only family he has. He has known her since he was a small boy."
"The key word, Master Obi-Wan, is family. Pregnant, she is. With Anakin's children I fear." Obi-Wan felt a sense of shock hit him. It all made sense now. And Anakin had always been very protective of her, this was why. "Before making a decision on the matter, question him, we will."
However, Obi-Wan knew quite well now what the truth was. And Anakin would be exiled from the Jedi Order...
*Meanwhile*
Anakin walked along the path, back to the Throne Room, when he arrived he spotted Senator Organa starring out upon the city of Theed.
"Senator Organa," Anakin began.
The man turned and smiled when he saw Anakin, "Master Skywalker, pleasure to see you again."
"As to you Senator. Would you happen to know where Senator Amidala is?"
"She has retired to her quarters."
Happy to hear they could speak in private, however he knew he had to be polite and didn't want to create suspicion, he decided to converse for a while with the Senator. "Ah well. I'll speak to her tomorrow. What's on your mind Bail?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just thinking about how we got to this point..."
"This point?"
"Fall of democracy? Possible declaration of independence?"
"Oh, of course."
"What are the Jedi views on all of this?"
"I wouldn't know. I'm being excluded from the council meeting. Despite being on the council."
"Why is that?"
Anakin answered this with silence for a few moments, before changing the subject, "Do you really think we can get away with this? Splitting off from the Republic-or, the Empire? Look at the separatists."
"Oh yes, I know. It's hard to believe but we Senators know a thing or two about politics. Much like you Jedi do about the force." The two men laughed for a moment, "We made a lot of progress today. It looks like if we have no other option, it will be very possible for us to do it. We contacted Senator Garandon of the Anoat Sector, which contains the Gerrenthum, a planet much like that of Coruscant. A single city that covers the entire planet. He is also a member of the Delegation, and is willing to have his sector capital serve as a Capital for a government if it comes to it. And systems on the northern end of the galaxy are also believed to prepare to cede, rallying around the planet of Taris."
"How could we possibly fight off the clones? Palpatine would attempt to crush any group, or groups fighting against his rule."
"We thought of that. And planetary militias wouldn't do to well. On a galactic scheme."
"No. They wouldn't."
Bail paused for a moment, knowing exactly what Anakin's reaction would be, "We shot around a bunch of ideas. But if you Jedi have a plan to rid us of the Emperor, then its all moot anyways right?"
"Bail, what is the idea?"
The two men starred at each other for a moment before the Senator continued, "If worst comes to worst. And truly, only if worst comes to worst, we would contact leaders of the Separatist droid armies in an attempt to-"
"WHAT?" Anakin was almost shouting, "That is your great idea?"
"Trust me, none of us are in favor of it. But if we are without sufficient battling capabilities, we would have no other choice. Before you go on a rant to the council about this, listen to me out. Alright?"
Anakin wasn't sure what he felt, but it certainly wasn't delight. "Fine."
"If we can't recruit enough outer rim corporations to join us, or build enough funds to buy our own weapons, our independence will be short-lived. We won't be able to arm any troops we can recruit, we won't have fleets to protect our borders, and by all intents and purposes, nothing to fend off the invading clone armies of the empire. If that is the situation, what other choice could we have but to turn to droids to fight our battles?"
"I understand the thought process. But I certainly am not excited about that prospect."
"Believe me. Neither am I." Once more, the two men laughed. "Well Anakin, I best be off to sleep. I'll have to return to Alderaan tomorrow, so if I don't see you for a while, that is why. It was nice speaking with you." The two men stood up, and shook hands, before Bail left.
Anakin took this chance to head to Padme's quarters. It was outside of the Palace room, but not far. He moved with stealth, just in case someone was following him. When he arrived, he spoke with a security droid.
"May I help you sir?"
"Yes. I am Anakin Skywalker, here to see Senator Padme Amidala."
"One moment please... One moment please... Thank you sir. You may proceed."
Anakin nodded his head, and walked down a long hallway before knocking on a door. Padme opened the door, and immediately grabbed onto Anakin. She hugged him. She kissed him. He didn't know how long they simply stood there in the doorway embracing. Finally she pulled him into the room, and closed the door.
"What happened with the council? Did they interrogate you about anything-?"
But before Padme could continue her string of never ending questions, Anakin cut her off, "I wasn't with the council for most of the time."
"Why? What happened?"
"They asked me to leave near the beginning of the session. I don't know why."
"Then where have you been?"
"I was talking with Bail. Why are you asking so many questions?" He turned away and walked to the balcony.
"Anakin, I'm worried about you. I just want to make sure you're Ok. Anakin, please don't do this. Do shut me out. I need to be able to help you."
He turned back and took her hand, "I know... It's-Still... Obi-Wan and the council don't trust me. They kicked me out of the meeting at the very beginning. Even after everything, they still don't trust me."
"Anakin, I'm sure they do. They trust you with their lives. You just need to be patient."
"They know about us."
Then Padme stopped her quick talking, and took a moment before continuing. "How do you know?"
"I just do. I sensed it as I left the meeting. They're going to confront me about it soon..."
"Oh Anakin..." She said this as she fell into her arms.
"This isn't something to be sad about. If they know, and kick me out, then that is perfectly fine. I won't fight it. Then we will be able to raise our child in the open, not in hiding."
"And if they don't?"
"If they don't. I'll tell them."
Padme stopped for a moment, and looked up at Anakin, "I know that's what we said. But are you sure?"
"I'm positive. I can't live a lie any longer. We said all those years ago on the lake that it wouldn't be possible to live a lie, I think it's time that we finally follow up our words."
Padme nodded in silence. Time went on, and they simply held each other on a couch in Padme's living room. What seemed like hours later, Padme broke the silence, "Can we just stay like this tonight?"
Anakin smiled, and nodded, before kissing his wife's forehead. They quickly fell into a deep sleep... Without a worry in their minds...
ooc: Please review guys!