Luke slowly shook Anakin's shoulder as he heard his father grumble to himself about Padme kissing Clovis then rolled over and started lightly snoring again. He should've known waking Anakin up would be a bit of a challenge. "Father, wake up. There is trouble at the landing field."
"Padme, I told you I didn't deliberately jerk the ship around forcing Clovis to strap in, I'm not jealous," Anakin mumbled as he glanced at Luke as his eyes widened in shock then he frowned. "What's wrong?" He whispered so he would not accidentally wake-up mom. "What time is it?"
"They said the enemy has landed coming off our transports," Luke explained with a frown. "Did you want to go?"
"That's not right," Anakin mumbled under his breath as he glanced up. "I'll come, just don't wake your mother."
"What's going on with her?" Luke questioned in concern as a grin fell across his father's face. "I'm guessing it's not bad, is it?" Anakin shook his head as he stood up and grabbed a long body pillow and placed it beside Padme wrapping her arm around it.
"When did you have time to buy that?" Luke questioned wondering when Anakin had time to go shopping.
"It belongs to Fress," Anakin explained. "Jess had a spare on him that he lent me until the baby is born."
Luke's jaw dropped open as realization dawned on him. "You got mom pregnant? When?"
"Just over three weeks ago," Anakin answered with a small grin as he stood up and pulled his robes on. "That's why your mother got sick at the party last night. She'll be fine, just her hormones are starting to act wacky. On the bright side, you and Leia will have a new sibling to help look after."
Luke grinned as they walked out of the bedroom where Chewie was waiting for them. A new baby sibling was exciting news and he wasn't too worried about mom getting sick again. That was a load off his mind.
Anakin glanced at Luke as they approached the landing field. He smiled as Luke piloted the speeder with ease. "How do you feel about the prospect of a new sibling?"
"I'm excited," Luke answered honestly as they approached the landing zone. "Next time tell me before I find out the hard way."
"All right," Anakin agreed as he spotted Piett waving his arm. It looks like Piett came down for shore leave. He was dressed in civilian's clothes and was cleaned up. He climbed out of the speeder as they approached Piett. "What is going on, Captain?"
"They keep saying the enemy has landed but I can't get in close enough to identify, they keep shooting at me," Piett explained with a serious expression as Anakin unhooked his lightsaber from his belt.
"Luke, keep your senses wide open," Anakin tuned his attention to Chewie with a frown. "Once we locate the shooter, would you mind shaking them down?"
Chewie nodded his head yes as he took the bow caster off his back and growled in agreement causing Anakin to smile a bit.
Anakin entered the landing field as his senses flared. He ignited the lightsaber as a silver blade appeared with a snap hiss as he blocked the bolt sending it back to the owner. "Chewie, can you track it now?" He noticed the wookiee standing by the tree shaking it as two people dropped out. "Luke, you take the left and I'll take the right."
Luke nodded as he slowly made his way around the shuttle as Anakin started making his way around the other side of the shuttle. He glanced down and noticed two bodies causing him to frown as he bent down to the check the ID's. He didn't recognize neither of them and they weren't carrying alliance cards on them. Great, two Bakuran's he thought to himself as he stood up to his full height and continued making his way around the shuttle. Luke was standing with two Calamarian's causing him to groan. "The two bodies back there, are they with the Alliance?"
"No sir," the Calamarian on the left answered with a frown. "They started shooting at us claiming we were the enemy and didn't get us a chance to respond. We killed them in self defense."
"Leia and Padme are going to want to know about them," Anakin muttered under his breath as Chewie and Piett herded three people between them dressed in civilian clothing. He turned his attention to the three with a neutral expression. "You're not cleared to be here. This landing field is closed off to the public and is being used by the Alliance. Mind explaining what you're doing here?"
"We don't need those aliens around here," the man on the left spat angrily as he stepped in to take a closer look at the Calamarians. His face turned a pale green color from Luke's blade. "Those aren't the Ssi-Ruuk."
"Now that we have that cleared," Anakin growled a bit as Luke nudged him in the arm. "Don't let me catch you in here again. Next time I won't be quite as generous and will take you as a prisoner and charge you for meddling. We patrol this area. We don't need troublemakers interfering. Am I clear?"
"What ever you say, sword boy," the man answered with a frown. "When Nereus finds out you meddled…"
"Did you say Nereus?" Anakin questioned with a frown. "And when was the last time you spoke with him?"
"Late last night, why?" The man questioned with a frown.
"Take me too him," Anakin hardened his expression as fear crossed the man's face.
Luke went back to the apartment to tell Padme and Leia what happened and Anakin decided to check out the spot where the men met up with Nereus last night. Chewie decided to tag along to watch his back. He highly doubted the man would still be there but it might give him a clue as to where he went.
Anakin glanced at the man, he seemed really nervous. He most likely didn't know that Nereus was no longer in charge. But it appears Nereus has been busy since he escaped custody last night. The speeder came to a stop in front of a building near an alley. "This is the place? Chewie, stay here and keep an eye on him," he pointed to the man who flew them here as Chewie howled in agreement.
"It is," the man answered as Anakin climbed out of the speeder and closed his eyes searching through the Force. He didn't sense Nereus close by. He opened his eyes as the man climbed out of the speeder and pointed to a door on the left. "This is the door we went through."
Anakin walked up to the door as he used the Force to open the door. He unhooked his lightsaber and entered the small apartment as he sensed no one was inside. He ventured further in finding a cup of caf sitting on the table and a half eaten plate of food. He placed his hand near the cup noting it was barely lukewarm. He left an hour ago and in a hurry he suspected.
Anakin entered the bedroom but there was nothing left. He sensed fear and urgency through the Force. Maybe Nereus realized this wasn't a good place to stay after sending men in last night.
Eventually the man would surface again, but there was no telling when and where. Anakin shook his head as he stepped out of the apartment noting the speeder was gone. Chewie was waiting for him causing him to shake his head. "I guess we have a bit of a walk a head of us."
Chewie lightly growled in agreement as they headed back towards the apartment that was rented out to them. Anakin glanced at Chewie with a slight smile. "Sorry I dragged you into this."
Chewie barked and growled lightly causing Anakin to smile. "You're right, regardless of losing our ride. I never know when I need back up. You're a good friend, Chewie," he patted the wookiee on the shoulder appreciative of Chewie's understanding.
Anakin entered into the apartment as Padme rushed into the fresher causing him to frown. Did she over sleep this morning? He glanced at the chrono noting it was barely past eight in the morning local time. He walked to the kitchen and started warming up blue milk. While it was warming up he grabbed crackers from the dry goods cabinet.
As he walked back to the fresher the door to their apartment opened. Leia entered in with an expression that let him know that she was not amused at all. Anakin gave an apologetic smile as he headed back to the fresher door. "Your mother is in the fresher."
"I heard what happened at the landing field this morning," Leia spoke up causing him to grimace. "Where have you been for the last three hours?"
"Walking back from the apartment Nereus was holed up in this morning. Our ride decided to leave us there, Chewie can confirm my where abouts," Anakin answered honestly as Leia raised an eyebrow. "He left an hour before we got there and I didn't find any evidence on where he went too next."
"Luke told me about the two civilians that were shot. I'll have to find out who they were and issue an apology to their families," Leia muttered under her breath. "Nereus was behind this?"
"Yes he was," Anakin answered as the door opened. Padme looked at him and took up the warm glass of blue milk and drank a quarter of it as she walked towards the couch. He followed her and placed the tray down on the coffee table as Leia sat down in the armchair. He sat down beside Padme. "I don't know what else to tell you, Leia. We're in a war and these things happen."
"I know," Leia looked a little frustrated as Padme raised a questioning eyebrow.
"What happened this morning? And Anakin where did that body pillow come from?" Padme questioned as he gave a slight tight smile.
"The pillow belongs to Fress, they have two and Jess offered it to me so I wouldn't accidentally disturb you. Considering you slept for as long as you did after I left, it's serving its purpose," Anakin answered with an honest tone as Padme shook her head. "As for what happened at the landing field, Nereus hired some civilians late last night to watch our landing pad. They mistook two Calarmarians for Ssi-Ruuk and they shot two people in self defense."
"Two dead bodies?" Padme questioned with a frown as Leia nodded in agreement. "What's the plan for this morning?"
"We're meeting up with Thrawn, Captison and Belden this morning to sign the treaty," Leia answered with a frown. "Do you feel you're up for some breakfast, mom?"
"I will be in a few minutes," Padme answered as she started chewing on some crackers. "You're not touching me again, Anakin."
"That's what you said after you found out about Luke and Leia," Anakin reminded Padme as she slapped him on the shoulder.
"I'm older and it's harder on me," Padme explained with a frown as Anakin wrapped his arm around her. She leaned her head against his chest.
"I'm touching you now," Anakin spoke up with a smirk.
"One of these days, Anakin Skywalker," Padme smirked as she snuggled in closer to him. "Holding me is one thing, the other is what got me into this situation."
"I was thinking Berias for a boy's name," Anakin suggested as Padme smiled.
"Berias Skywalker, I like it," Padme agreed with a smile as Leia raised a questioning eyebrow. "I got to name you and your brother. I thought it would be fair for Anakin to chose the name this time."
"That sounds fair," Leia agreed with a smile. "Did you both want to come?"
Anakin glanced at Padme as she nodded. "We would love to, Leia," Padme answered with a smile.
"Great, the Captison's driver should be here soon. Don't worry, dad. You won't have to dress up this time," Leia explained.
"Glad to hear that," Anakin gave a slight smile as Padme stood up and headed to the bedroom to get changed. He patted the space beside him as Leia stood up and sat down beside him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders holding her.
Leia weaved her arm through Han's extended arm and smiled at him. Han gave her a lopsided smile and kissed her on the lips. Anakin and Padme followed closely behind them along with Luke, Fress, Jess and their son. She wanted to invite Ahsoka but she decided to go and check on Kay and Rex to make sure they were okay. Chewie brought up the rear as Yeorg and Orn stood up and gave a slight bow to her. She returned the bow as Thrawn stood up and faced Anakin. "Is everyone well this morning?" She questioned with a smile.
"Everyone is well, Princess," Orn answered with a smile then turned his attention to Anakin. "General Skywalker, we have a request of you. That is if you don't mind."
"What is the request?" Anakin questioned with a frown.
"I realize this will be a topic of sensitive nature," Orn started to explain sounding a little nervous. Leia let go of Han and stepped in beside Anakin and placed her hand onto his forearm. She had a feeling she knew what they were about to ask. "You were Palpatine's right hand man for the past twenty-one years, we were hoping you would sign the treaty as Vader to make it more official. We do realize you are no longer with the Empire or by Palpatine's side."
"Admiral, what are your thoughts?" Anakin questioned after a minute of silence had passed. "You're in better position to sign the treaty then I am."
"It was my idea, General," Thrawn answered honestly. "I don't agree with Palpatine's theories any longer and wish to put my support behind the Alliance. If the Alliance is willing to have me."
"We would be more then happy to have you on our side, Admiral Thrawn," Leia agreed with a smile. She turned her attention to Anakin with concern. "It's okay to do one last act as Vader. It's signing a treaty under his name and nothing more."
"Just the name, correct?" Anakin questioned in a concerned tone.
"Just in name," Thrawn answered honestly. "You don't need to behave like him."
"If that is what you want, I'll do it," Anakin agreed with a tight smile.
"Excellent," Orn gestured for everyone to sit down at the table as the waiters brought out the food. "We shall dine first, then sign the treaty after."
Leia gave Anakin a kiss on his cheek. "Thanks dad," she walked back to Han's side as Anakin smiled in appreciation as he sat down at the table beside Padme. She looked at the food on the table, toast, sausage, bacon, eggs, fruit and fried potatoes. "This looks delicious. Let's eat."
Leia and Padme finished reading over the treaty and both nodded in agreement. Leia signed her name then handed the pen over to Padme as she signed. Anakin reached for the pen and signed Vader's name. "This is my last act as Vader."
"How do you feel?" Leia questioned with a curious expression.
"Good. I'm done with the killing, lies and deceits," Anakin answered honestly as he handed the pen to Thrawn.
"Glad to hear it," Leia spoke with a smile as she stepped in beside Anakin and kissed him on the cheek again. "Would you be willing to train me in some of the basics?"
"I would be more then happy too, Leia. Would you mind being in a group session with Brice?" Anakin questioned with a smile.
"That would be fine with me," Leia answered honestly as Padme smiled proudly. She gave Anakin a quick hug before heading back to Han's side as he wrapped an around her shoulders. He kissed her on the forehead as everyone continued to sign the treaty. The day has started off wonderful. Now comes the hard part, pushing the Ssi-Ruuk back to where they came from.
Thanks for reading :)