Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 21! Enjoy and let me know what you think:)
Forever Destined
Chapter 21: Prelude to a Storm
"It must be very important if the Chancellor is here and I think you have something to do with it," Padme said, as she spotted Anakin's grandfather motioning them forward. Together with Padme, he stepped into the center of the room...
"I think the Chancellor is here to reward your bravery and capture of Wells," Padme said.
"I wish he wouldn't. I just did what had to be done, mostly to save you," Anakin replied.
"You're a hero Ani and not just to me. The galaxy will be feeling the effects of this for a long time. I mean, this crime ring controlled about half of the organized crime in the galaxy. It is a great victory for peace and justice," Padme told him. He smiled at her and wrapped his arm around her waist, as the room quieted and attention was turned to the Chancellor.
"It is a great honor to be here today. Because of the bravery and heroism of one exceptional young man, the Veridian crime and smuggling ring has been brought down and thousands are safer. The Senate wishes to reward this young man to whom we owe this significant victory over evil. This ring was responsible for supplying stolen materials to Cato-Neimodia to further the construction of their droid army. They also smuggled valuable stolen goods, illegal spices, and chemicals...and sadly even people to which were sold on the slave markets in the outer rim. But now, the Republic has stronghold on this operation and we have shut them down. Thanks to the information the Jedi confiscated, we know all about their dealings and operations. It is a great honor to reward the young man responsible for helping us achieve this victory. As Chancellor of this great Republic, I present Anakin Skywalker with this medal of bravery and honor," Chancellor Palpatine announced. Anakin blushed, as he became the center of attention and applause. Padme kissed his cheek and gave him a gentle shove forward. He shyly walked up next to the Chancellor and shook his hand. The Chancellor placed the medal around his neck.
"Thank you Chancellor. But this really isn't necessary," Anakin insisted.
"Nonsense son. You are most deserving of this honor," Palpatine said.
"We are very proud of you Ani," Qui-Gon said.
"Thanks dad," Anakin replied, as he stepped down and returned to Padme's side, as Anakin's grandfather stepped to the podium.
"I must confess that there is another reason that we have gathered everyone here tonight. You all know how important family is to me. And tonight, I'd like to announce that my family; our Jedi family is growing. Anakin has proposed to Padme, so this is a bit of an engagement celebration as well," Dooku announced. Anakin and Padme both blushed at the attention, as everyone applauded for them. Soon, the mingling began and conversation was struck. Anakin and Padme accepted well wishes from those who approached them. But not everyone in the room was happy. Siri sulked in the corner, sipping at her scotch.
"Hey, how are you holding up?" Aayla asked.
"Just dandy," she replied sarcastically.
"Are you going to be okay?" Aayla asked. Siri gulped down the rest of her drink.
"Considering that my life is in ruins, that remains to be seen," Siri replied.
"You're life is not over. You are very lucky you got off with being placed on inactive duty," Aayla replied.
"If one more person tells me I should be grateful that, I'm going to scream," Siri replied.
"Siri, I think you've had enough to drink," Aayla warned. Siri ignored her and gulped down another glass.
"Excuse me, but I need to go congratulate Anakin on his award," Siri said.
"That's not going to go well," Aayla said with a sigh.
"I really am happy for you," Serra said, as she hugged Anakin.
"Thanks Serra," he replied. He glanced over at Padme, who was talking with Shaak Ti. She caught his gaze and smiled back at him.
"That's a very nice medal they gave you," Siri said, as she approached. Anakin turned and fixed an icy gaze on her.
"Hello Siri," he replied.
"You know...I spent fifteen years embedded in that operation...and I got nothing. Guess that's life, huh?" she asked nonchalantly.
"Well, if you hadn't screwed up royally and nearly got Padme and me killed, then none of this would have ever happened. I didn't ask for this medal, but I couldn't very well refuse Chancellor Palpatine," Anakin replied.
"Have I ever told you how much you remind me of Ben?" Siri said.
"Well, he is my brother. I've always tried to follow his example when it comes to being a Jedi," Anakin replied.
"Yes, and you succeed. You're both strong, loyal...handsome," Siri said, as she placed her hands on his broad shoulders. Anakin removed them and looked at her sternly.
"You're drunk Siri," he stated.
"Eight glasses of pure Corellian scotch will do that to you. Tell me Ani, have you ever been with an older woman?" she asked. He looked at her incredulously.
"I'm not talking the farm girl turned Senator. I'm talking with a real woman. The experience can be quiet...enlightening," she said, as she stumbled tipsily. Being the gentlemen he was, Anakin did not let her fall.
"Oooh...good catch there," Siri said, as she tried to lean on him. But he held her at arms length.
"You're drunk Siri...and you're making a fool of yourself. I think it would be best if you just go," Anakin replied.
"Me too," Padme said, as she came to Anakin's side and wrapped her arm around his waist.
"Hello Senator. Anakin and I were just chatting," Siri slurred.
"You may be drunk Siri, but I still do not appreciate you hitting on my fiancé," Padme replied sternly.
"Can't handle the competition, Senator? I've heard the talk in the Senate. You're just window dressing to them. A pretty face to look at, whose opinion matters little, especially to the Chancellor," Siri said.
"You're so hammered, you don't even know what you're saying," Anakin said. Aayla approached and took Siri by the arm.
"Let's go Siri. You're already in enough hot water with the Masters. I'm apologize for her behavior," Aayla said, as she led Siri out.
"She's crazy," Anakin said.
"She's partially right," Padme replied.
"What are you talking about?" he asked.
"I am window dressing to them. They don't listen to anything I have to say," Padme replied.
"That's not true and you know it. I'm not going to let you do this to yourself," Anakin replied.
"Ani, I've been pushing for negotiations with the Separatists for months. But all Chancellor Palpatine can talk about is preparing ourselves to build an army of the Republic if necessary. I'm beginning to think that Chancellor Palpatine wants to go to war," Padme said softly.
"That may be and he may have a bunch of slime supporting him. But you have nearly 2000 other Senators that agree with you. You are an amazingly compassionate woman and you do so much good. Don't let one drunk, bitter, washed up Jedi make you think otherwise," he told her.
"I love you," she said.
"And I love you," he replied, as he leaned in for a kiss.
Chancellor Palpatine watched the pair with carefully hidden contempt. Their love permeated the Force around him, making him purely nauseous. The boy was powerful; indeed, his grandfather was one of the most powerful Jedi in the order, trained by Yoda himself. But there was something unique about Anakin's power. So raw and surging with the energy of the Force. Never had he sensed such a strong connection before. It made him even more sick knowing that such power was being wasted on things like love.
"Good evening Chancellor. I hope you're enjoying yourself," Count Dooku said, as he approached.
"Yes I am, very much so, Master Dooku. I was just thinking about how wonderful young love is. You must be very proud of your grandson. He is a remarkable young man," Palpatine praised.
"Yes, we are all very proud of him. And very excited about his engagement," Dooku replied.
"Yes, I just wish our problem with the Separatist could be resolved peacefully, but it is not looking well," Palpatine replied.
"Negotiations may be slow Chancellor, but I assure you that democracy will prevail. There must be a peaceful solution to all this and the Jedi will find it," Dooku replied.
"Can you be so certain, Master Jedi? The negotiations on Cato-Neimodia have fallen apart completely. We may very well be headed for a war," Palpatine said.
"The Jedi cannot fight a war for you, Chancellor. Our ways have always been to keep the peace through negotiation...even if sometimes we may have to result to aggressive negotiations," Dooku replied.
"Well, I certainly hope you are correct Master Jedi. I would certainly hate to see it come to war. Nothing would break my heart more than to see your young grandson shipped off to one of those awful planets and torn away from the woman he loves," Palpatine said. Dooku carefully hid his contempt at the Chancellor's words. He did not like this man; not in the least. There was something sinister about him, even though he outwardly appeared harmless. His words were almost a carefully veiled threat toward Anakin. His grandsons...both of them off to war. The idea was unsettling to say the least.
"Well, I know that we are all doing our best to keep that from happening. Good evening Chancellor," Dooku said, as he took leave. Palpatine's eyes bored into the distinguished Jedi's back. How he longed for the day when he would finally eliminate these foolish Jedi and claim his Empire. For his ultimate plans to succeed, however, required skillful patience, which was something Palpatine had a wealth of...
Padme giggled, as he placed kisses along her neck and whispered things in her ear.
"You're terrible," she said, playfully smacking his arm.
"And you love it," he replied. She could not deny it. They swayed slowly to the music. Padme's eyes fluttered shut, as he drew her lips into a passionate kiss. Padme smiled at him and rested her head against his shoulder.
"Ryoo and Pooja look so happy," Padme said, as they watched the children play with the other younglings.
"Just think, someday, our own children may be here playing too," Anakin said, with a smile. Padme returned his smile with one of her own, at the thought of having children together.
"I hope so," she replied, as he kissed her softly again. As he found himself becoming lost in her kiss, he suddenly felt his senses tingling. This usually happened when the Force was trying to tell him something or warn him. He broke the kiss they were sharing and began looking around the room.
"Ani, what is it?" she asked.
"I'm not really sure, angel. It's almost like...we're in the eyes of a storm," Anakin replied.
"You think something bad is going to happen?" she asked.
"I'm not sure, it's just a feeling. But grandfather feels it too," Anakin replied, as his eyes locked with the older man's.
"I feel it too Ani. Something sinister is on the horizon. We must be on our guard," Yan spoke to him. Anakin nodded, as Chancellor Palpatine approached them.
"Well, the hour grows late for an old man like me. I believe I will return to my residence and retire for the evening. Congratulations to you both on your engagement," Palpatine said, as he shook Anakin's hand.
"Thank you Chancellor," Anakin replied.
"Milady," Palpatine said, with a bow.
"Good evening Chancellor," Padme replied. With that, the Chancellor left, flanked his red guards.
The dark cloaked figure stood before the holo-projector in the dimly lit room. The image of Darth Maul appeared before him.
"What do you have to report?" Sidious asked.
"The Kaminoans have achieved great advancements in the maturation of our clones. We will have the first wave of troops ready in a matter of weeks," Maul reported.
"Excellent Lord Maul," Sidious smiled evilly.
"Master, what of the negotiations between the Republic and the Separatists?" Maul asked.
"Negotiations will deteriorate through the course of the next month. At that time, see that the Separatist leaders are delivered to Geonosis," Sidious replied.
"And of the opposition against an army in the Senate?" Maul asked.
"It is likely that Senator Amidala will continue to advocate strongly against the Military Creation Act for her delegation. She must be eliminated. Tell our friend, Fett, that her death is worth one million credits to the Separatists leaders," Sidious said.
"It will be done, my master," Maul replied.
"Things are coming about as I have foreseen..."
Anakin and Padme arrived home with Sola, the children, and Obi-Wan in tow.
"Wow, this place is so big!" Ryoo said.
"Well, it's your home now too," Padme replied.
"Can we see our room?" Ryoo asked excitedly.
"Sure," Anakin said, as he put Pooja on his shoulders, and he and Padme took them to see their rooms.
"Sola, I've been meaning to ask you a question about Ryoo," Obi-Wan said.
"What is it?" Sola asked.
"Well, she is a very perceptive child. Has she ever had her midichlorian count taken?" Obi-Wan asked.
"What is a midichlorian count?" Sola asked.
"The midichlorians exist in the blood. The higher the count, the stronger the Force potential. If she wishes and it is all right with you, I think she should be tested," Obi-Wan answered.
"And if it is high?" Sola asked.
"Then, if she wishes, she could begin studies in the Temple. And...when she is a few years older, I could take her as my padawan if you permitted me to. She would live here and spend her days at the Temple. But if you or Ryoo decide that's not hat you want, I won't mention it again" Obi-Wan replied.
"Ryoo has always been full of energy. And she always seems to know how you are feeling," Sola said.
"I figured that she was very empathic. I think she may get that from her aunt," Obi-Wan replied.
"You could come by for breakfast in the morning and we could speak to her about it then. If she wants to, the I will have no objections," Sola replied.
"Then I will see you in the morning. Good night milady," Obi-Wan said.
"Good night Ben," Sola replied, as she went to tuck her children in. Obi-wan bid goodnight to Anakin and Padme and they retired for the night.
Padme sat by the panoramic window in their bedroom, reading through her agenda for tomorrow. She was meeting first thing with a small contingent of those who were opposing the Military Creation Act. She knew her position was unpopular at best. And she knew it was becoming increasingly dangerous to oppose Chancellor Palpatine, but she simply could not let this bill pass. It was against everything she believed in. She believed whole heartedly that there was a diplomatic solution to this conflict with the Separatists. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Yan all agreed with her, as did most of the Jedi. But Yan had told them both that he and many others suspected that a sinister Force was behind the Separatist movement. She did not want the Republic to go to war, for her Ani and many of his Jedi comrades would be the ones forced to fight it on the front lines. The very real possibility of Anakin going to war scared her to death. She simply could not bare to lose him. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even hear Anakin come out of the fresher. Anakin rubbed the towel through his damp hair and fished his sleep pants from the dresser drawer. He slipped them on and noticed the distraught look on Padme face. He tossed his towel away and sat down on the edge of the window seat beside her legs.
"Angel, what's wrong? You look like you're about to cry," he asked with concern.
"What if the Republic goes to war? What if Palpatine has his way? What if you have to go off to war?" Padme asked.
"We have to hope that doesn't happen. And if it does, then you have to believe that I'll always come back to you. But let's not worry about something that hasn't happened yet," Anakin said.
"I know, I'm sorry. Once again, the Senate is making me crazy," she replied.
"Well, I think I can take care of that," he said, as he took the datapad from her hand and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. She parted her lips, allowing his silky tongue to collide with her own. The intensity grew between them, turning their kisses hungry and deep, as they drank in the taste of each other. Anakin stood up and swept her into his arms without releasing her lips. He moved his lips over hers hungrily and sensually. Their lips met again and again in a frenzy of passionate, deep kisses.
"Make love to me..." Padme whispered breathlessly, as his lips moved along her neck, nipping and kissing the soft column of flesh. Anakin let the bed catch them, as they lost themselves in one another...