Chapter 6 – Layers
A/N: To all who have supported and faithfully reviewed, you are the best! Thanks again to ElviraWhovianPadawan128 for requesting this story, it's really taken on a life of its own. Have a great day and thanks for reading!
"Senators are given their own personal data pad when they are elected," Padmé explained to Anakin. They were inside Anakin's star fighter, on their way to Naboo. The Council had suggested travelling on a large transport with many passengers, so as to blend in. But Anakin had refused. He was determined to get to Naboo as quickly as possible and be done with this mission. However, making the voyage in a ship that screamed "Jedi" was much more dangerous. It made them an easy target for any wandering Separatists.
"Every two years, they exchange their data pads for the latest model. If they are promoted, they also turn in their data pad for a new one." Padme's voice wavered. "It appears the chancellor didn't follow these rules."
"He was the rules." Anakin said. "As chancellor, he had no one to answer to but himself." At this, he inwardly shuttered.
Anakin reached over into the pilots seat and brushed back a wisp of Padmé's long brown hair. The one-person cabin was a little crammed but Anakin liked it that way. "I'm glad we are going back to Naboo. You can prepare the babies' room there. Just like you wanted." He pushed down the images from his nightmares, and tried to focus on the healer's assurance of Padmé's healthy pregnancy.
Padmé smiled. "I am excited for that and to see my family again. I can't wait to tell Ryoo and Pooja that they will soon have new cousins." She looked at her husband who was lost in her eyes. "Will you concentrate on flying the ship instead of me?" she joked.
They were nearing the planet when the star fighter's sensors picked up a foreign presence. Suddenly, blaster fire rung out on each side of the fighter, shaking the cabin. Padmé gripped the seat. Anakin burst into action. He looped, dived, and barked orders to Artoo. Anakin prepared to fire back when Padmé said, "We don't want to bring the war to Naboo!"
"Then we'll just have to lose them before we enter!" Anakin yelled above the clamor.
Artoo beeped something and Padmé read the translation. "He said, 'Head to the moons,'" she reported.
"Good thinking, R2!" Anakin darted over to the third moon of Naboo. He timed his moves perfectly. In one swift motion he let the next blast hit his tail in a spot that could surely be repaired. Then, he dropped into one of the moon's craters.
"Artoo, grenade!" commanded the newly promoted Jedi Master. Artoo shot a grenade far away from the ship. To their pursuer, Anakin's starship would appear to have blown up. They waited a little while, and then continued on their journey.
"Separatists?" Padmé asked.
"Hard to say. Definitely not a friend of the Jedi," Anakin replied. He was still tingling from the adrenalin. He looked at Padmé and lovingly placed a hand on her stomach. Through the Force, he felt one of the babies' heartbeats become one with his. His wife was a strong woman. She had kept her cool during the entire ordeal. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," she placed her hand over his. "I just think that the Council should have informed the Senate of Grievous' death and had them vote on whether to continue the war. I am sure they would have agreed to stop it."
"What good would it do to vote to stop a war? The Separatists would still attack, and the Republic wouldn't be defending itself," said Anakin. "Besides, the war will only be over when the droid armies are deactivated. They are all being controlled from a single power source. We hope that Palpatine's data pad will hold the location of the Separatist base."
Obi-Wan was grateful to be back in his quarters. He hadn't slept in three days straight. But he was also feeling helpless. He knew he should be by Anakin's side working on this mission, like old times. That's why he had offered to accompany Anakin and Padmé on their excursion to Naboo. Siri had readily agreed to come as well. The more Jedi searching for the missing data pad, the better. But, stubborn as ever, Anakin had vehemently declined. Only Obi-Wan knew why. Padmé would be ready to give birth any week now. He wanted to be alone with his wife and family.
Family. Thinking of the word brought a tear to Obi-Wan's eye. He wasn't supposed to know the meaning of that word, but he did. His family had nothing to do with blood-related ties, but had everything to do with love. Through the years, people in his life had shown him the love and support of a family. First there was his best friend Bant, Garen, and Reeft (when he wasn't eating). Then came Qui-Gon. If anyone had a familial bond with Obi-Wan, it was his master. Their Force-bond was unmatched, but so was their human bond. They had both seen the man inside each other, not just the Jedi. Obi-Wan had seen Qui-Gon fall in love, and vice versa. Next, there was Anakin. The two had been drawn together by Qui-Gon, but had developed a bond all their own. They were brothers, in Obi-Wan's eyes. Soon everything would change. Anakin may be expelled from the Jedi Order.
As Obi-Wan drifted off to sleep, he contemplated these things. He wondered what would happen to Anakin, the Jedi Order, and the Republic. He pictured Anakin living life as a father on Naboo. The pristine lake glistened as his children swam in it. He threw them up in the air. Obi-Wan could hear their giggles as if he was right there. Sounds of birds chirping and waterfalls rushing filled the air. It was a blissful existence. But it wasn't the life of service Anakin was destined for.
His dream drastically changed course. A bearded, long-haired figure appeared on the shore. He was outlined in a blue, glimmering light. Suddenly, Obi-Wan was present in the dream. The figure turned around to look at him. It was Qui-Gon.
"Master," Obi-Wan could hardly breathe. Qui-Gon looked so peaceful and radiant.
"Hello, Obi-Wan. Thank you for meeting with me." Qui-Gon's voice was sure and steady.
Obi-Wan didn't know what that meant. He hadn't chosen to meet with Qui-Gon, but he was glad that they were together.
"Many things are changing, Master. I am uncertain of the future. And I am worried for my Padawan."
"You have done well with him, Obi-Wan. He came dangerously close to the Dark Side of the Force."
Obi-Wan momentarily held his breath. "Yes. And now he faces another decision. Not as physically dangerous, but much more heartbreaking."
"Ah, Obi-Wan, perhaps this is where you are wrong. Perhaps it is not a decision he faces. Anakin may not have to choose." Qui-Gon's mouth curved into a small smile, and he disappeared.
"Don't leave, Master." Obi-Wan looked around. Anakin was still frolicking in the lake with his children. Obi-Wan delighted in watching them play, even if he could only see their backs. Then, Anakin turned to face him. But the man was not Anakin at all. It was Obi-Wan.