Three Weeks Later:
Things changed in the three weeks following the day that Anakin took Luke into his custody. Luke and Anakin quickly formed a durasteel Solid Father and Son relationship that was impossible to break. Luke and Pooja also bonded fairly quickly and Pooja's love for Anakin only grew with each passing day and the same could be said for Anakin and his love for Pooja and for Luke.
Anakin spent the three weeks training his Son in the ways of the Force and teaching him how to duel and showing him various piloting skills. In the time that he didn't spend with Luke, he spent with Pooja.
As the days passed Anakin started anticipating the day that he would abandon the Empire once Palpatine was dead. He couldn't wait for the day that he would disappear in an effort to start his new life with his family.
On one particular day, Anakin found himself in Moff Treyu's office as he discussed his plans for his disappearance.
As his discussion ceased Treyu spoke, "So I am guessing that you want my help. I am just trying to figure out what you want me to do."
"It is simple, Organa trust you and I want you to see if he is willing to meet with me. He is my first choice as the Chancellor of the New Republic."
"He certainly is capable of doing the job while keeping the People's best interests in mind," Treyu commented.
"That is exactly why I have chosen him," Anakin replied with a smile.
"Tell me, do you plan to marry Pooja? I just want to be sure that this is real love between the two of you."
Anakin frowned, "In all honesty, Marriage has never been discussed between the two of us and I truly believe that it is probably because of the fact that all we can think about is being loved."
Treyu nodded, "The hardest ones to love are the ones that need it most, such as you."
"I think that you're right. So tell me Treyu, You were married if I remember correctly right? I mean I met you I think not long after the divorce."
"Yes, I was married."
"You have a lot of power and you could easily get custody of your kids. Why did you leave them with your Ex?" Anakin asked.
"Because I am more of a Man than some of the men with my Power and I knew that the kids would be happier with her. I was hardly there and in a lot of ways I regret it. That is why I am glad that you are running away with Pooja and Luke."
"If I could do it again at your age, I would do what you're doing. Just get a job on Naboo as a Mechanic or open up your own shop. Then be home every night for dinner. That is something that I would do over again if I could. It is worth it," Anakin nodded in response.
After a minute of silence Anakin spoke, "I know that Padme looked up to you far more than Sola that must be why she ended up becoming a Politician."
"I think so," Treyu replied.
Anakin then stood up as he spoke, "I have a few things to tend to at the Palace, I will see you later Treyu."
"For certain, Tell Luke that Uncle Treyu said hello."
"I will," Anakin replied with a smile.
Anakin then turned and left the room in silence.
Pooja found herself squatting down in front of the toilet in the refresher as she threw up for the second time in the day. For whatever reason she was feeling sick. She didn't understand what was going on. She sighed, Anakin has a Med Droid in his lab in the Level below. I will just go there for some help, Pooja thought as she got up.
As she walked out of the bedroom that she shared with Anakin, she noticed Luke looking at her with a look of concern, "Are you alright Pooja?"
"I am fine Luke," Pooja replied.
Pooja wordlessly got into the Elevator as she headed down towards Anakin's Lab.
She immediately found herself face to face with one of Anakin's Med Droids as she spoke, "I have been feeling sick and I want a diagnosis."
"What are the symptoms that you have had?" The droid asked.
"I have been throwing up and my stomach has just been feeling horrible. I also have been feeling very tired," Pooja replied.
"Please sit down on the examination table while I examine you."
Pooja nodded finding herself curious as to how many women Anakin's Med droid had examined besides her, if any.
After just minutes, the droid finished it's examination of the Former Senator, It then spoke, "You are suffering from Morning Sickness. You are exactly four weeks Pregnant," The droid stated.
Pooja looked at the Droid in shock and disbelief as she looked down at her stomach, A Child? She was having Anakin Skywalker's baby? What would he say? How would he take the news of her baby? Pooja glanced at the droid and nodded as she stood up and left the Lab. She found herself filled with joy, she was having a baby. She finally would have a child to love her. Yes, Anakin loved her but there was something in her that lit up at the thought of being a Mother as she returned to her chambers. She ignored Luke as she headed into Anakin's bedroom and laid down in the very bed where her child had been conceived.
Luke smiled as he finished putting his Lightsaber together. He had spent three weeks working on his Lightsaber and after spending the day working, it was complete. For whatever reason, He hadn't seen Pooja all day but it had given him the time necessary to finish so he really was fine with her absence. He watched with delight as his green blade appeared before him. At the same time, the doors of his Father's room hissed open as he saw Pooja walk into the room. Pooja looked straight at him and spoke, "Luke can you please help me make dinner? I am not feeling that well, I could really use the help."
Luke nodded as he got up. At the same time, Pooja spoke, "Don't mention anything to your Dad. I don't want him to worry."
"Ok," Luke replied with a smile at his Cousin.
"I am glad that I can count on you," Pooja replied.
Luke smiled as he followed his Cousin into the kitchen.
Luke at the same time spoke, "I finished my Lightsaber."
Pooja smiled, "That is wonderful. I bet your Dad will be excited."
"He probably will," Luke replied with a smile.
After an hour, Luke and Pooja easily had a decent dinner made that Anakin would for certain enjoy. As the table was set, Pooja looked at Luke with a smile, "Thank you for your help."
Luke merely smiled at Pooja in response as he heard the doors of their chambers hiss open.
Anakin entered his family Chambers to see Pooja staring straight at him. He smiled at his Girlfriend with an affectionate smile as he took her in his arms and gave her a passionate smile. He then turned to Luke and spoke, "How did your day go?"
Luke in response raised his lightsaber as he activated it.
Anakin then took the lightsaber as he examined the hilt before activating it, "You are on the path to quickly becoming a Jedi now."
"Do you plan to allow me to become a full fledged Knight?" Luke asked.
"Certainly, I can't say that the Order will take me back once It is reformed but the least that I can do is give you the training that you will need to join."
Pooja shook her head as she watched the exchange, "They will take you back Ani."
Anakin smiled, "If they do I am going to try to remain within driving range of you," Anakin stated as he kissed Pooja.
Pooja smiled in response as she pointed towards the waiting dinner table, "Let's go ahead and eat."
Anakin nodded as he sat down.
Pooja at the same time spoke, "I hope that you like it."
"You have been making me happy in the last few weeks Pooja. I am certain that I will enjoy it," Anakin replied.
Pooja nodded in silence.
Two hours later, after everyone had eaten and washed the dishes, Luke spoke, "I am going to bed, I am just tired from the day of work and concentration."
"Did you work on that lightsaber all day?" Anakin asked.
Luke nodded as Anakin spoke, "Then you certainly earned a good night's sleep. Goodnight Son."
"Goodnight Dad," Luke replied as he headed off towards his bedroom.
Pooja shook her head, "What are we going to do since Luke is going to bed?"
"Go to bed," Anakin replied as he moved forward and took Pooja in his arms.
"I can imagine that we are going to go to sleep immediately," Pooja sarcastically replied.
"Oh, I am exhausted," Anakin stated with a laugh as he kissed Pooja before carrying her off towards their bedroom.
Death Star:
Emperor Palpatine sat inside of the throne room on the still incomplete Death Star as an image of Wilhuff Tarkin appeared before him. Currently, Tarkin was on Coruscant making sure that several of his personal business operations were taken care of. He smiled as he spoke, "How are things your Majesty?"
"We are making progress. I am guessing that you want to discuss something with me."
Tarkin nodded with a smile, "I need to ask a favor of you."
"Let's hear it," Palpatine replied.
"Organa has been nothing but a Monkey Lizard on my back. I want to kill him and his brat and just make them disappear. Can we do that?"
Palpatine smiled, "I think that you have an excellent idea Governor. Go ahead and take your time and do it your way. I will have no part of it though, if word gets out about his death, I want it to appear that I gave you no permission so just cover it up."
"I will for certain. I am thinking of having Vader cover it up once they are dead. He is fairly good at making accidents," Tarkin stated with a smile.
Palpatine nodded, "I can say that I agree with you on that. Do whatever you want but make sure that Vader doesn't do the killing."
"Oh certainly," Tarkin replied with a smile.
"Let me know after everything is taken care of," Palpatine replied.
"Understood, Tarkin out!" the Governor replied with a cold smile.
Coruscant:
Anakin awoke with Pooja still cuddled up against him. He looked down at the Former Senator with a loving smile as she opened her eyes.
She then spoke, "What time is it?"
"Not sure, I think that it is probably mid morning or so."
Pooja nodded as she felt Anakin's warm arms surrounding her. She smiled, yet at the same time she did her best to hide her nervousness.
How am I going to tell him about the baby? Will he be angry? What will he say to me? What did I get myself into?
Anakin at the same time noticing Pooja's nervousness spoke, "Are you alright my Love?"
"I am fine," Pooja lied.
Anakin nodded although he wasn't fully convinced that his Girlfriend was in fact alright.
Pooja at the same time looked up at Anakin with a smile, she loved being held by him more than anything. It made her feel secure and protected and above all, it made her feel loved.
Anakin at the same time spoke, "I am going to get up if you're ready."
Pooja nodded in response.
Moments later, Anakin and Pooja entered their living room side by side. Pooja dressed in a nightgown, and Anakin in his trousers.
As the couple sat down on the couch Pooja spoke, "I am going to get breakfast made for you and Luke."
"That sounds wonderful," Anakin replied as he kissed Pooja's cheek. Pooja smiled at Anakin as she felt his hands running up and down her sides, "I don't know how I got along alone for so long."
"The same is for me," Pooja replied.
Anakin smiled at his girlfriend as he spoke, "We will never be alone again, that is for certain."
At that moment, Anakin looked towards Luke's bedroom and noticed the boy emerging from his room dressed in his trousers and his boots along with his unbuttoned tunic.
"Good Morning Son."
"Good Morning Dad," Luke replied with an eager smile.
Pooja then stood up after flashing Luke a smile as she headed for the kitchen.
Anakin then spoke, "We will probably practice your piloting abilities today after I take care of some things."
"Ok," Luke replied with a smile.
"If there ever is a time that you have to get Pooja off planet, I want you to be ready."
"I understand," Luke replied.
Shortly after finishing their family breakfast, Anakin headed into his quarters to dress.
At the same time, he turned to see Pooja staring at him with pure love in her eyes.
He smiled, "I hate having to leave you."
"You will be back tonight though," Pooja replied.
Anakin in response pulled Pooja against him as he kissed her.
Pooja found herself wondering how she was going to tell Anakin about the baby. Well, perhaps she would tell him in the evening instead.
She smiled as she watched her boyfriend dress. She gave him a loving kiss and then watched with longing in her eyes as he left for work.
An hour later, Pooja heard her comlink buzzing. She nervously looked at the Caller ID, noticing that it was her Sister calling.
She looked around her and smiled when she realized that Luke was out of the room. It would make her talk much easier without him eavesdropping.
She answered the comlink with a smile as she spoke, "Hello Ryoo."
"Pooja? Where have you been? Why did you resign from the Senate and fail to return to Naboo? What is going on?"
Pooja smiled, "I found love. I have a boyfriend that takes good care of me."
Pooja could hear a frown in the comlink, "A boyfriend?"
"Yes, he is really kind to me and very loving. I moved in with him a month ago."
"You're living with him? How old is he?" Ryoo nervously asked.
"Thirty Three," Pooja replied.
"Thirty three years old and you're living with him? He is fifteen years older than you," Ryoo replied in disgust.
"He loves me."
"It sounds to me like he's using you," Ryoo replied.
"Just wait until you meet him. He lost a lot of loved ones just like me. We are coming to Naboo in a few weeks or sooner. You will get to meet him. I promise you, he loves me."
"I will have to believe it to see it," Ryoo replied.
"Ryoo you're not my Mother, give him a chance please."
"Alright Sister, what should I tell Mom?"
"Just that I have a kind and loving boyfriend," Pooja replied.
"Fine, I love you and be careful for your own sake."
"Ok Ryoo, I love you goodbye."
"I love you too Pooja, I will see you soon," Ryoo replied as the transmission was ended.
As Pooja turned off her comlink, she turned to see Luke entering the room. She smiled at her cousin as she spoke, "What are you up to today?"
"Just a little bit of lightsaber practice and some practice in the flight simulator. What about you?"
"I just was talking to my Sister."
"Is she older or younger than you?" Luke asked.
"Older," Pooja replied.
Luke nodded as he spoke, "You didn't seem overly happy from what I heard you saying."
"I didn't want to tell her just who my boyfriend was but she was all nervous just because of the fact that I told her that I am living with your Father now."
"Oh," Luke replied
Pooja then spoke, "How about a little swim?"
Luke smiled, "That sounds good to me."
Pooja smiled at her cousin in response.
A few minutes later, the two cousins entered the pool together as Pooja spoke, "You are going to love Naboo once we get there Luke."
"Yeah, from what I heard it is not as sandy as Tattooine. I already like the place based on that fact."
Pooja laughed, "You don't like Tattooine do you?"
"Have you ever been there?" Luke asked.
"No," Pooja replied.
"Good, you're not missing out on anything," Luke stated.
"You don't miss your Aunt and Uncle?" Pooja asked
"Why do you think that I ran away from them?"
"Because they lied to you."
"How would you take it if they lied to you about your Parents? What if they told you that your Father was a Cantina owner when he was an Architect? What if they never told you your Mom's name? They could have easily told me those two things," Luke replied in frustration.
Pooja nodded, "You're right, I would have been just as angry if they had done something like that to me."
"It's like they were trying to take who I was meant to be and make me into something that I wasn't. There is no way that I could ever be a Farmer, yet here they are trying to make me into one by saying that my Father was a nobody and not even telling me who my Mother was. It really makes me angry," Luke replied.
"Do you think that you will ever confront them on it? I mean go back and say something to them when you're older?"
Luke frowned, "Maybe, I honestly never thought about it, but that is a good idea. Maybe, once I am an adult or a fully trained Jedi, I will go to them and confront them."
Pooja smiled, "I think that that is a good idea. Do you think that you will have Anakin come with you?"
Luke snorted, "He doesn't want to go back there. His Mother died there and he was a slave there. Would you want to go back?" Luke asked.
"No, but I am fine with living on the planet where my Father died," Pooja replied.
"That is because you have good memories along with the bad ones," stated another voice.
Pooja looked towards the doorway to see Anakin watching her and Luke.
She smiled, "I never thought of that but I guess that you're right."
"The only real happy memory that I have is the day that I met Padme, but she's dead and gone forever because of my stupidity," Anakin added.
"I guess that you're right Anakin."
Anakin then spoke, "I picked something up for lunch. Why don't you two dry off and join me?"
Pooja and Luke both immediately climbed out of the pool to dry before following Anakin into the dining room.
Luke immediately sat down with his Father and Pooja as the three of them started to eat.
Anakin at the same time spoke, "After Lunch, I am going to go see Organa. If he is unavailable, I will go see him tomorrow."
"That sounds like a reasonable idea," Pooja replied.
Anakin smiled at his girlfriend in response.
Alright, that is it for now. Thank you for reading and reviewing. I will have more up soon.
-Fallen Jedi 79