Chapter 12

If boredom could kill, Anakin was in serious danger. Four years had passed since the end of the war. Since he got married to Padmé. That time of his life had been full of suspense and adventures. Things were now really different. The tasks assigned to him by the Council were essentially diplomatic missions around the Galaxy. The Jedi were accompanying members of the Senate in their negotiations or went into problem areas to try to find peaceful solutions to conflicts. Anakin could not even remember the last time he had lit his lightsaber.

He had been on Malastare only two days and this mission seemed to have no end. Moreover, he had not been on Coruscant for six weeks. Since the end of the war, his absences were shorter and he had never spent so much time away from Padmé since they got married. It was already difficult for him, but adding to that a fight he had with her just before leaving, all the ingredients were reunited to put him in a very bad mood.

Fortunately for him, Padmé was frequently volunteer for diplomatic missions. It allowed her to fulfil her duty while enjoying spending time with Anakin. For them, being assigned to the same mission was that closest thing to a date. Anakin had learned that she was on her way to Malastare, escorted by Obi-Wan. They were supposed to arrive any time now. Anakin's excitement was such that he became unbearable for anyone who tried to approach him. Ashoka had taken control of the base and asked him to wait for the delegation on the landing platform.

Anakin could not keep his eyes away from the sky. The form of a ship was appearing in the distance, indicating that she would be there soon. Never before had he missed her so much.

As the ship approached, a strange feeling overwhelmed Anakin. He could not feel her. How was that possible? The mission report specifically mentioned her name. She never missed an opportunity to participate in negotiations. And especially not when she could do with Anakin! True, they had fought violently before saying goodbye ... but it was six weeks ago and Anakin could not imagine her still being made to the point of avoiding him after such a long time apart.

The main entrance of the ship opened and confirmed Anakin's fears. She was not there. Chancellor Organa and Obi-Wan walked to him and Anakin had to fight really hard to hide his disappointment.

"I heard that you negotiations were not going as planned," the Chancellor said with concern.

"Not exactly," Anakin said, his voice bitter, not because of the mission. "It lasted too long. It is now time to put an end to this conflict."

As he pronounced those words, Anakin was not sure if he was talking about the mission or himself.

As the group was walking back into the base, Anakin could not stop asking himself the question. Why is she not here? He wanted to ask the question to Obi-Wan, but he knew that asking right away would be suspicious.

"Ashoka is waiting for us in the control room with Senator Ask Aak," Anakin said to try to focus his mind on something else.

The Chancellor sighed. This Senator had been one of Palpatine's most fervent supporters. He had never officially joined the Separatists, but Bail Organa knew that he had always been involved in their business. He knew that finding peaceful solutions to conflicts with this planet was not going to be easy.

"Let's hurry, I do not wish to establish a permanent residence on the planet Malastare," Obi-Wan said with a grin.

The Jedi and the Politician joined Ahsoka in the control room. She was already discussing with the Senator, but her efforts seemed vain. The Senator was not only known to be a traitor, but also a very stubborn being.

The group was now sited around a large round table. Gran guards, an alien species native of the planet Malastare, were securing the room.

Anakin was sited between Ahsoka and Obi-Wan, his eyes lost in the distance. He was not interested in the negotiations taking place in this room and did not make any effort to hide it.

A female Gran served a drink to all the participants of the meeting. Anakin took a sip and remembered with satisfaction that alcohol was very strong on Malastare, especially for humans being who were not supposed to drink too much. As he was drinking, his mind drifted back to Padmé. His disappointment had not limit. They spent weeks away from each other. The war was over, she had accomplished everything she wanted for the Republic and Anakin had been a Jedi Master for years. When would the situation finally change for them? When would they stop hiding their marriage, like if it was something to be ashamed of? It had been the subject of their last fight. Anakin closed his eyes, trying to calm himself.

Voices started to rise and Anakin focused his attention back on the place where he was. The negotiations seemed to be quite aggressive. Senator Ask Aak suddenly stood and looked at the assembly around him. He had obviously no desire to join the Republic or Chancellor Organa's new government. He shouted something in the Gran native language and left the room.

Anakin shook his head lightly and sighed with annoyance. This mission would never end. He was stuck on Malastare with a bunch of stubborn politicians and was far from the moment were he would finally go back home.

"Well, it was not too bad!" Obi-Wan said to lighten the mood.

"You think?" Ahsoka said with sarcasm.

Chancellor Organa was really disappointed. Suddenly, he looked more like a man than like the leader of the Galaxy. For the last four years, he had succeeded in all the tasks that had been given to him but in days like this, he felt powerless.

"If only Vice Chancellor Amidala was here," he said sadly. "She knows how to handle conflicts in a remarkable way. She would have been perfect for these negotiations."

This statement immediately captivated Anakin's attention. He turned his gaze to the Chancellor with great interest.

"Why did she decided not to participate in this mission then?" Anakin asked in a tone that he hoped to sound detached.

Anakin grabbed his glass and took a sip, hoping to give himself a distracted look. He did not want the people present here to think that her presence would have been of great importance for personal reasons.

"Her health does not allow the Vice Chancellor to travel at the moment."

Anakin's heart jumped in his chest. Padmé was sick and he was not even at his side! This thought broke his heart, but he tried not to show it. The three Jedi were staring at Chancellor Bail Organa with anxiety. They were all close to Padmé and her health was a topic of great concern.

"She does not want the news to spread around the Senate, but your are among her closest friends. I suppose that she will mind if I discuss this with you," the Chancellor said.

He did not look certain of his declaration and decided to think about it before continuing. She had shared a private information with him, but surely she would not mind her close friends knowing?

"Vice Chancellor Amidala is pregnant," he said with a smile.

Anakin nearly choked on his drink. He just had time to turn to spit the contents of his sip on the other side of the table and could not contain an audible cough. His glass hit the ground, while his friends and the Chancellor stared at him in stupefaction.

His reaction would raise suspicions, but it did not matter anymore. Padmé was pregnant. They were going to have a kid. How could he contain his emotion with this kind of news?

"Hu… Are you all right?" Ahsoka asked, her hand on her former Master's shoulder.

"I'm fine," Anakin said, his voice still hoarse.

Bail Organa and Obi-Wan exchanged a quick glance. They both understood that something was odd and they both silently agreed on not commenting the subject.

"You allow us to continue?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice slightly sarcastic.

Anakin did not answer and stood. He tried stammered something that sounded vaguely like excuses and left the room without adding anything. The long halls of the base seemed endless. He needed fresh air. The news had really shaken him up.

Anakin finally came to a large circular balcony. He leaned on the fence and lost his eyes in the infinity of Malastare swampy jungle.

After a few deep breaths, he finally managed to regain his composure and a normal breathing pattern.

Padmé.

Pregnant.

Those words seemed to echo in his mind. All of it seemed so unreal! He could not believe it. Gradually, the surprise gave way to a new sense. Boundless joy came over him. He had never really thought of forming a family. His situation was already so complicated. But now that he was faced with the news, he could not deny the happiness it brought him.

Sitting alone in a dark tavern bar on Malastare, Anakin drank his glass with large gulps. The amazing effect of Gran's alcohol was just what he needed at that moment. His mind wandered from one question to another, without receiving any answer. Was Padmé expecting a boy or a girl? How long had she known? Would he leave the Jedi Order? And what about her position in the Galactic Senate? All these questions raced through his mind, fuelling his apprehension. He was going to be a father. He still could not believe it.

The dark side of it was the way he had learned the news. Anakin would have liked to be with Padmé. He could not help but wonder how she would have told him. By the whims of the Force, he wanted to be with her more than ever now.

Suddenly, a familiar presence pulled him out of his reverie. Obi-Wan sat at the bar next to him and motioned to the waiter to bring him a drink. The young Gran complied and approached the Jedi Master with a glass that he hurried to fill. As he was about to turn around, Obi-Wan held his attention.

"Leave the bottle," he said and sighed while turning his gaze to his former apprentice. "I think it will be much needed."

The young waiter shrugged but did not object Obi-Wan's request. He returned to his duties and left the two old friends alone for a discussion that Anakin had apprehended for a long time.

"Got something to say?" Obi-Wan asked before taking a sip of his drink.

The question seemed simple and easy to answer, but Anakin did not know how to form a good answer.

"Well… I probably have do," Anakin answered awkwardly.

A heavy silence settled again between the two friends. They took their time and filled their glasses again before deciding to speak.

"I never understood that aspect of the code," Anakin sated with this declaration. In the end, there was no perfect way to say what he had to say. "I loved Padmé since the day I met her on Tatooïne when I was nine. I never stopped thinking about her. The fact that her feelings are reciprocal changes nothing."

"So you are together," Obi-Wan comments. He allowed himself a moment of reflection. He was not surprised, but he never really knew what his former padawan had done in his back either. In fact, he had never sought to know. Padmé made Anakin happy where nothing else had yet succeeded and that was enough.

"And now she is pregnant," he added. "I don't understand…" Obi-Wan stopped for a second, seeking the right words.

"You do not want me to do a drawing?" he asked sarcastically.

Obi-Wan looked at his old friend in despair and sighed deeply. Even in the worst situations, the young man did not seem to lose his sense of humour.

"It is not what I meant to say," he answered and shook his head with a grin. "I am simply trying to understand your situation."

Anakin took a deep breath. He had no reason to hide the truth from his friend. He just decided to say right away what he should have shared with him for many years.

"I married her on Miriette after her kidnapping attempt. I know this goes against the Code and my duty as a Jedi," he added, taking his head in his hands. Obi-Wan looked at his friend with sympathy. Anakin's fear of disappointing his former Master was obvious.

"I did not say anything!" Obi-Wan declared.

"Do not think that we did not try to avoid this," he added, without taking into account the remarks of his friend. "Our history goes back a long time ago ... when I was assigned to her protection on Naboo. We have developed a strong attachment. Neither she nor I have been able to fight against our feelings. We avoided each other for four years, but when our paths crossed again at the end of the war…" Anakin did not finish his sentence. Obi-Wan already knew the rest of the story anyway.

A heavy silence fell between them again. Anakin had finally told the truth to his old friend. He felt as if the weight of the Galaxy had been removed from his shoulders. This feeling of relief was nevertheless accompanied by a considerable apprehension. Obi-Wan had not replied yet.

The old Master took a deep breath and stared at his former apprentice, as if he saw him clearly for the very first time. He was not disappointed in him as a Jedi. Anakin had served the Republic faithfully for years and had risked his life for the Jedi Order on many occasions. He was not a bad Jedi. No, what bothered Obi-Wan was quite different.

"Why did not you tell me?" he asked in a voice that could not hide his disappointment. "During all those years, you did not find a minute to talk about this with me?"

Anakin gasped. He had expected Obi-Wan to recite the Jedi Code. He had expected to be reprimanded for his actions. He had even imagined that Obi-Wan could denounce him to the Council. But not that. His friend seemed ... hurt?

"You are part of the Jedi Council. I did not want to put you in a… delicate situation," Anakin answered. As he pronounced the words, he realized that he was not convinced of what he just said.

"A delicate situation?" Obi-Wan asked, unable to believe what he just heard. "Please! After all those years we spent together fighting all around the Galaxy, you truly think that I would report you to the Council?"

Anakin stared at his former Master with amazement. He understood at that moment that Obi-Wan was not disappointed in Anakin because he thought he was a bad Jedi. He was disappointed in his friend who did not trust him enough.

"I am not mad at you," Obi-Wan quickly adds. "I would just like you to know that I will not mention any of this to the Council and that I would not have not it neither if you had told me sooner."

Anakin did not answer. He did not find any word that you be suitable in their situation. Instead, he smiles lightly.

"Judging by your reaction, I suppose a child was not part of your plans."

"No, indeed," Anakin replied and too another sip. "But it is good news nonetheless."

Obi-Wan stared at his friend with a new emotion. As he was looking at Anakin, he felt very proud. He had transgressed on of the most fundamental rules of the Jedi Code and he had lied to everybody for years, but it had never prevented him from being a good Jedi and a good friend.

"What are you going to do now?"

"Well, I'm stuck here," Anakin replied, not trying to show his irritation.

"And about the Jedi Order?"

"I don't know," he muttered sadly. "I would like to talk about it with Padmé." Saying those words out loud to someone still felt strange after so many years trying to hide the truth, but Anakin did not care anymore.

Obi-Wan sent a sympathetic look at his friend. If he were to leave the Order, he would miss him. Its tasks would never be the same without him. The Master got up and put his hand on Anakin's shoulder.

"I think your mission here is over."

Anakin stared back with astonishment. "What do you mean?" he asked, not able to believe what he just heard.

"Go back home. I feel that you are tormented and, for what it's worth, you have good reasons to feel that way. Also, no offense to you, you are of no use here," he added with a grin.

"I don't think the Council will approves."

"I don't think the Council will know," Obi-Wan replied. "And, let's be honest, you are probably past that anyway," he added, smiling. "Ahsoka and I can handle the negotiations just fine. Unless an army of Sith attacks us in the days to come, your presence here is not essential."

Anakin could not move. He did not know how to react to all this. He had the habit of action, adventure and surprises, but today had brought much more than what he had expected. Maybe he just started to be too old for all those surprises?

"But by the Grace of the Force I think we're safe on that side," clarified Obi-Wan at the lack of response from his friend. "So why are you still sitting there?"

Anakin got up and followed his former Master to the exit. Malastare at night was oppressive and damp. The swampy climate that prevailed was not particularly pleasant, but it was not enough to damage the excitement that gradually seized the young Jedi. He was finally going back home!

The two old friends walked together to the base of the Republic. Anakin stopped in front of the main entrance to say goodbye to Obi-Wan. He could not find words to express what he felt at that moment. Actually, he was not even entirely sure to understand what he was feeling himself.

"I will contact you when we return to the Temple. Whatever your decision, I will respect it. Meanwhile, try to be discreet ... and don't get yourself into more troubles than you usually do."

Anakin shook his head sheepishly and walked to the main hangar, which housed his Jedi starfighter. He had always held Obi-Wan in the highest esteem. He knew his former Master was a powerful and unparalleled fighter. However, he had always blamed him for his lack of spontaneity and his tendency to cling fiercely to the Code. Anakin had never been happy to be wrong before.

The twelve hours in hyperspace that separated him from Coruscant promised to be rich in reflections.

END

There is a version of the epilogue in French, but I am not a big fan of that version… So, I will keep the English version to its official end and maybe, if one day and can make the epilogue as good as what I would like to do, I will translate it! ;-)

PS: Sorry for the English mistakes, but I don't have my beta reader anymore… this is the best I could do on my own, without the help of someone to correct me. Hope you enjoyed the story anyway!