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"I have but one life to give, and I would give it for you".
Chapter II
"Order! The Senate will come to order!" Chancellor Palpatine commanded, his voice booming throughout the Senate Rotunda. The Galactic Senate had been debating granting the Chancellor further emergency powers, specifically him taking direct control of the Jedi Order. He argued the move would more swiftly bring about an end to the Clone Wars. About half the Senate was split on supporting the Chancellor and opposing him.
"My comrades, fellow stewards of the Galactic Republic do not be fooled! As my recent abduction proves, the Separatists ability to wage war on us has never been stronger! Though Count Dooku has been slain, General Grievous remains. No doubt he is mustering the bulk of his forces to strike us while we're still unorganized. I propose that the Jedi Order be placed subordinate under my Office to help facilitate this war's end!" Palpatine declared. About half the house cheering him, the other remaining silent and murmuring amongst themselves.
On Chancellor Palpatine's central podium an icon flashed, alerting him that one of the Senator's wished to address him directly. It was none other than Senator Amidala.
"The House recognizes Senator Padmé Amidala, representative of the sovereign planet of Naboo," Palpatine declared. Almost wishing she wouldn't give her input, she was a strong mover in the senate, and almost a rallying point for opposition of the Chancellor. However, he was looking forward to debating her views. She had such a keen mind, one the Chancellor appreciated.
"Chancellor Palpatine, The Jedi have guarded the principles of the Republic for over a thousand generations. Their loyalty is to this august body, not its leader," Padmé declared. Her petite voice echoing throughout the senate house.
"Here, here!" Half the Senate shouted, cheering senator Amidala. Palpatine scoffed at her statement. He would not be denied total control of the Senate, the Jedi, and soon the entire Republic.
"With all due respect senator Amidala, I believe it was because of your proposals, which led to the security compromises in our military which allowed me to be kidnapped in the first place. With the Jedi under my authority, I promise to bring a swift and crushing blow to the armies of the Separatists. This unpopular war has dragged on far too long! Haven't enough people perished? Senator, we need action, not hesitation. There isn't anyone here among us who hasn't lost a loved one in this war, and we all want this war to come to an end, and bring an end to it I will!" Palpatine declared. His voice, thunderous and powerful. Over half the senate this time cheered Palpatine on. A smile of victory showing on his face at the Senate's response to his statement. He had them wrapped around his finger. One by one, Palpatine was using his Sith powers to influence the minds of the Senators in the Republic. You my dear darling will be next... Palpatine thought, eyeing the beautiful Nubian senator.
"I say then, we put it to a vote. What say you, Senators? " Chancellor Palpatine suggested. Almost the entire house shouted with approval. Palpatine looked back at Senator Amidala, smiling triumphantly at her. A look a disapproval rippling through her face. He could feel her anger and disapproval for him through the Force. This only seemed to widen his smile as she went to work on her console, no doubt voting a resounding "no". It mattered little to him that she did, Palpatine was completely confident the Senate would rubber stamp his proposal to take control of the Jedi Order.
When the votes were processed they displayed on the main view screen in the senate house. Chancellor Palpatine grinned. "The House approves of me taking control of the Jedi Order by a percentile of 69 over 31. It is settled. Starting immediately, I will take full control of the Jedi Order. And I promise a swift end to this dreadful war. And once this war is over, I will step down and relinquish my emergency powers in the name of democracy," Chancellor Palpatine declared, the entire senate house cheering, drowning out all other noise. But only the first half of his statement was true. Palpatine had no intention of stepping down once the war was over...
The massive Jedi Temple stood as a symbol of peace, reflection, and justice for countless centuries throughout the Republic. It had endured war and subterfuge. No matter what occurred in the galaxy, the great monolith always seemed to remain standing.
The Clone Wars however had seemed to fracture the Jedi, bringing out some of the worst in them, such as Barriss Offee, who recently bombed the temple in an act of protest against the Jedi's involvement in the Clone Wars. She had felt the Order had lost its way and the Republic had become a corrupt institution. To make matters worse, after bombing the temple, Barriss had framed her best friend, and Padawan to Anakin Skywalker; Ahsoka Tano. It was an act that shook the Jedi Order to its core. Even though Ahsoka Tano was later exonerated through the efforts of Anakin Skywalker uncovering the truth, she had lost faith in the Jedi and left the Order. Anakin was never quite the same afterwards, and it left a certain void in his heart.
The great Jedi Temple, the shining symbol of the Jedi Order now no longer seemed to stand so proudly. Its foundations lie metaphorically cracked. Ominous grey and black clouds gathered above the temple that blocked out the sun, the approaching storm was about to hit.
Inside the giant temple, Master's Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mace Windu sat, deliberating on the events that had just transpired that day in the Senate.
"Moving to take control of the Jedi, the Chancellor has," Master Yoda said, distressed at this sudden turn of events.
"I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi. The Dark Side of the Force surrounds the Chancellor," Mace Windu said worriedly.
"As it surrounds the Separatists," Obi-Wan added matter-of-factly. "There is a shifting of the Force... All of us feel it. If the Chancellor is being influenced, or controlled by the dark side, then this war may be a plot by the Sith to take over the Republic," the bearded Jedi Master also added.
"Speculation! Proof we need before taking this to the Council," Yoda cautioned.
"If the Chancellor does not end this war with the destruction of General Grievous, he must be removed from office." Master Windu simply stated. These were dark times indeed for not only the Republic but also the Jedi, and both their futures seemed uncertain...
Padmé Amidala stood out on her balcony. She wore her long curly brunette hair down, and was dressed in a very casual simple royal blue colored gown. It was late into the evening. Padmé watched the different speeders passed by, and admired the beautiful city that lay before her. Even though Coruscant was a beautiful place, it was too crowded for her tastes. She had grown up on the simple planet of Naboo, and she did miss her homeworld. But she always returned there whenever she could. She sighed... She was so disappointed with how the meeting with the Senate went today. Is democracy dead in the Republic? How can they just blindly follow that man? She thought to herself. Things in the Republic had changed so much in the past 15 years. It all started with the Trade Federation blockade on her homeworld of Naboo. Back then she had been elected Queen. Padmé recollected everything from that time. That's when she first met a young 10-year-old scrappy boy named Anakin Skywalker. She remembered when she told him her name how he tried to sing it out loud and said: "It's good that you have an unusual a musical name! Like the whistle of an arrow or the roar of a seashell!" She never forgot that, and he had grown from a mischievous little boy who could fix anything into a noble Jedi Knight, and hero to the Republic. She had to admit though, she never would have imagined he would become her husband someday when they first met on Tatooine. "I'm going to marry you someday, I promise you Padmé Amidala" Anakin's words echoed in her mind. He had said that to her just before departing for his Jedi training. Padmé thought he had been joking, and was just being cute. She had no idea, even at age 10 he was dead serious. She knew later on to take Anakin for his word. When he came back into her life unexpectedly ten years later, and fulfilled what he had promised. She had to admit, when he put his mind into something, he always completed it.
Padmé placed her hands on the balcony railing and looked deep out into the vast city and planet of Coruscant. One could get lost from just looking at the vast skyscrapers and buildings. It never seemed to sleep either, then again, neither did she anymore. But with Anakin back, she looked forward to finally getting a good night's sleep. She couldn't remember the last time she was able to get a full night's rest.
Without warning Anakin had slipped his arms around her from behind, he pulled her close as he planted soft kisses on the side of her neck. Padmé closed her eyes, she didn't fight his passionate advances, how could any woman resist him? Anakin knew all the right buttons to push when it came to romanticize her. She turned around abruptly, wanting to ask him how he truly felt about the baby. "Ani... This baby will change our lives... I don't know if the Queen will allow me to continue to serve as Senator when she finds out. And if the Jedi council discovers that-", but Anakin put a finger over her lips. Gently silencing her.
"Shh... I don't care if they find out Padmé. I'll give up my life for you. I love you... I couldn't live without you Padmé. You're the most important person in my life. I don't mind settling down and having a quiet life with you," he said gently. Padmé looked up at him with her chocolate eyes. They seemed to sparkle like water reflecting in the moonlight. Her eyes had never lost that sparkle. They reflected her strong fire, and passion of will, all which Anakin loved so much. He gazed back at her, and smiled. "Anakin... What about the Jedi council? You're so vital in this war... You and Obi-Wan are already big heroes. They need you... The Republic needs you. They say you're the chosen one. Ani... Don't give up your destiny for me," she said.
"My destiny is with you Padmé. Ever since I saw you on Tatooine in Watto's shop all those years ago. I'm sure this war will be over before our child is born. And then our baby can grow up in a universe of peace... Not war. I know that's the last thing you want. After that, if the Jedi Council discover our marriage, and decide to banish me. Then... So be it," said Anakin, drawing his wife close to him. Padmé spoke in her gentle petite voice. "Ani... I know but... I just, I want us to be able to have our cake and eat it too, that's all."
Anakin closed his eyes. "I can just imagine if it's a girl, she'll be blessed with your charisma, intelligence, beauty and cunning. She'll grow up to be a strong diplomat, or even a leader. Just like her mother" Anakin said, a gentle smile forming over his lips as he opened his eyes and looked into his wife's deep brown eyes.
Padmé returned her husband's soft smile. "And I can just imagine if it's a boy, him growing up being a handsome heroic Jedi... Just like his father. Surely the Jedi can change their views? Maybe that's why you're here Anikan. Maybe bringing balance is not just destroying the Sith... But changing the way the Jedi Order see things." Anakin smiled at that. Padmé was very intelligent. She always looked for the best in people, and their potential. Noticing things in people which not even Master Yoda could see. Maybe she's right. Maybe I am destined to change things, and bring peace and order to the galaxy... Could the prophecy really be true? Anakin thought. But tonight... no more thought's Anakin concluded. He hadn't seen his wife in so long, right now, it was just them. Anakin swept his wife up off her feet and passionately kissed her. Padmé was caught off guard by her husband's sudden action. She closed her eyes, and returned her husband's loving caress with her lips. She didn't want to fight him, all she wanted right now was to give into her aching desire for him. What did he have planned for her? A soft sound escaped the back of Anakin's throat as he kissed his wife and carried her to their generously king-sized bed.
With great care, Anakin laid Padmé down onto the bed. Padmé looked up into Anakin's dreamy blue eyes. Those eyes yearned for desire... Desire for her. Her soul ached to be one with him, but she was afraid they might hurt the baby. "Anakin... What about our baby? I don't want to hurt our child." She asked. Anakin gently caressed her sides. Feeling her soft skin through her silk nightgown. A shudder ran up Padmé's spine. This man was tantalizing her. "My Angel... I promise I'll be very careful," he said, gliding his hands over her chest, and across her breasts tenderly, treating her as if she was a fine piece of China. From the moment he met her, it was almost as if she had cast a spell on him. And from then on, he had become her prisoner. But being bonded by her was the most wonderful thing in the feeling, words couldn't describe what being married to this woman was like. Tonight, Anakin wanted just her... All of her. He leaned down and kissed Padmé tenderly on her lips. Padmé moaned against his mouth... Yearning for more. She ran her fingers through his long wavy hair. She felt so lost in this moment. All she wanted was her husband's love. And to give him her most intimate embrace. Padmé had lost herself in the absolute intoxicating feeling of her husband's love that she had no idea that the two of them were being watched...
From within the office of the Supreme Chancellor, Sheev Palpatine watched on a view screen, Padmé and Anakin making love. While Skywalker and Kenobi were on the outer rim fighting the Separatists, he had discovered through a source on Naboo that Padmé Amidala was secretly married to Anakin Skywalker. At first, he was in disbelief, however he followed up his source's revelation and decided to keep a close watch on her. He later discovered through his Force sense that Padmé Amidala had become pregnant. Wanting to confirm his source's information, Palpatine had his agents bug the Nubian Senator's Coruscant apartment with discrete listening devices. Hoping it would confirm the information his source told him. However, it was only part of the equation: Palpatine had a growing lust for Padmé... He wanted her, ever since he saw her as the Queen Amidala of Naboo did he want her. Like her, he was Nubian as well. And he knew Naboo was home to some of the most beautiful women in the galaxy. He had never taken a wife, and even Sith have carnal urges that must be fulfilled occasionally Even though he often butted horns with her in the Senate, he had never known a woman more alluring, and as intoxicating as her. From her keen intellect, to the sweet scent of her perfume. His desire and lust for her over the years never diminished, in fact it seemed to grow stronger after seeing her grow up and blossom into a goddess. Skywalker, he doesn't deserve a real woman such as her. It takes an Emperor to rule an Empire, with an Empress by his side yes? He thought in anger, the Dark Side of the Force surrounding him as if he were a beacon of hate, and death.
The Republic Chancellor leaned back in his chair and folded his hands. Palpatine was however rather enjoying this. Again, he suspected a Jedi might have fathered her child, but Skywalker? This was a tremendous shock. One that would work to his advantage. After coaxing Anakin into murdering Darth Tyranus in cold blood, he knew Anakin would make a powerful Sith. Already he could feel his influence on the young Jedi. But for right now, Palpatine just sat back and enjoyed the show. "Good, Anakin, Good! Now take her! Do it!" He hissed at the screen. Palpatine closed his eyes and imagined he was Anakin in this perverse fantasy of his, doing those things to Padmé. He opened his eyes, and let out an evil cackle as he watched the passions which were unfolding on his view screen. He could see Padmé was close to climaxing, she was clutching onto Anakin's back, and digging her fingernails in so tight, he could see blood bearing drawn. And the expression on her face was priceless. Her actions instantly increasing the Sith Lord's arousal...
In his mind, Palpatine was already concocting a scheme to seduce Padmé Amidala, and turn her husband to the Dark Side of the Force. He knew Anakin's wife was his weakness, and he would use her as the instrument to turn Anakin. It was all too perfect. Even now Palpatine had control of half the Senate. Soon, he will have total control of the Senate, and with it, the entire Republic. The seeds of his new empire had already been sewn.
Soon, the final phase of my grand plan will commence. The Republic will be mine, and so will you Senator Amidala... As will your husband, and your unborn child! Yes... One big happy family. Palpatine thought to himself, a malevolent smile forming across his face. Perhaps this night wouldn't be so lonely for the Sith Lord after all…
Master Yoda sat in deep meditation along with Master Windu. Yoda's face twitched as he felt a disturbance in the force. Yoda snapped out of his meditative state. Mace Windu's eyes popped open and he looked over at the old Jedi Master. "Master Yoda, are you, all right?" He asked. "Strong love, passion, romance I sense... Between Senator Amidala, and a Jedi." Yoda said, concern in his voice. Mace Windu's eyes went as big as saucers as Master Yoda said this. He couldn't believe it... But, Master Yoda was rarely wrong. "Could this Jedi be the father of her child?" He asked, with reservation in his voice. The Jedi had been aware Senator Amidala had been pregnant for some time now, they could feel it in the Force, however they did not confront her about, as they felt it wasn't their business, until now.
"Mmm... Uncertain, that is. Clouded the Force is. Bring her here, question her tomorrow we will," Master Yoda replied. One thing was for certain, Senator Amidala and her Jedi lover would have some explaining to do...
