Well, here is the second to the last chapter. One more chapter and a prologue and it's all over. Thank you all for the encouraging reviews and I hope you enjoy the rest of the story…
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters or anything Star Wars related.
CHAPTER 24
Truth
Within the central spire of the Jedi Temple was the fully stocked hangar bay in which the Order's signature starfighters were launched and maintained. The compact space was efficiently used, with ships and various other transports lined along the inner circumference of the darkened chamber for easy access to Knights and Masters alike. To launch individual fighters, a retractable landing pad would slide into position from a hatch and once in orbit, the craft would dock with its assigned hyperspace transport ring before departing for its particular destination. Though the Temple had long been the central headquarters for the Order, the Jedi had always managed a number of scattered bases of operations throughout the numerous systems and many specific locations within the Republic. As the threat of the Separatists had escalated during the years preceding the Clone Wars, the outlying stations had seen increased use. After the Delta-7 starfighter had been introduced to the growing Jedi arsenal, it had been quickly distributed to their facilities on Kamparas, Eriadu and elsewhere to better defend the Republic against the ever-climbing conflicts.
Memories of past assignments during the devastating times of turbulence ran through Aayla Secura's mind as she entered the Temple's hangar bay and admired the rows upon rows of ships that still filled it. She had piloted her own starfighter on many occasions having once served as a commanding officer to her own battalion of troopers amidst the chaos of the raging war – some missions having resulted in victory while a majority of them had ended in tragedy.
Pulling herself from her wandering thoughts, the Twi'lek Knight looked over when the sound of footsteps tapping against the metallic ground of the hangar met her ears. Her first instinct was to smile when she saw that Obi-Wan and Anakin had returned safely, but her second was to reach for her lightsaber. Walking between the pair of Jedi was a familiar bounty hunter that she had previously encountered back on the peaceful planet of Naboo, with his hands bound behind his back and an enraged expression playing across his features. However, realizing that the situation was under control, she quickly removed her readied palm from her waist where the hilt of her lightsaber rested.
"Master Secura," Obi-Wan greeted her, almost appearing to be relaxed in the presence of the captive mercenary.
"Master Kenobi," Aayla formally greeted him back. Then, after a brief glance at the man known as Fett, she shifted her focus to Anakin. "What happened out there, Skywalker?"
"I just needed a ride home from Obi-Wan," Anakin informed her as he glared daggers at the bounty hunter beside him. "My speeder met an unfortunate end before I was able to apprehend our assassin."
"You should consider yourself lucky, Jedi," Jango spat back.
"Yes, Anakin, you must count your blessings," Obi-Wan added with a wry grin. "At least it wasn't you who ended up in pieces on the sidewalks of Coruscant."
"Let's get this over with," Anakin muttered in response, tugging at Jango's arm to drag him after him.
"Actually…" Obi-Wan interjected as he held their prisoner back by his other arm, earning him a hateful stare from the infuriated bounty hunter. "Master Secura, could you escort Mister Fett to the detention block? I would very much like to have a word with Anakin."
Aayla nodded her head in agreement while she took a step forward and firmly took a hold of Fett's arm in her own hand. "Of course, Master."
"It can't wait?" Anakin immediately countered. "I want to make sure he gets taken care of."
"I am quite capable of tending to our new guest myself," Aayla stated matter-of-factly. "Go on, Skywalker, he isn't going anywhere."
Anakin skeptically watched the assassin for a moment longer before finally releasing his arm in resignation, an uncertain and perplexed look of reluctance still evident on his face. His wary gaze remained locked on him until he had completely disappeared from the hangar under the custody and surveillance of Master Secura. He knew that the other Jedi Knight was a skilled and experienced warrior, but something about Jango Fett had always put him ill at ease. He seemed to be sneakier and more cunning than the average mercenary – traits that he found himself extremely hesitant to overlook or dismiss.
"Well, what was so important?" he eventually asked his old mentor, a faint detection of impatience in his tone as he turned to face him.
"Come, let us walk and talk," Obi-Wan replied.
Gesturing for Anakin to lead the way, Obi-Wan followed in tow as his former apprentice irritably started out of the spacious hangar bay…
Mace Windu sat directly in front of his wise Master, legs crossed beneath him while he unsuccessfully attempted to join the elder Jedi in mediation. In truth, his thoughts were plagued by troubles and concerns regarding his diminutive Masters' insistence to change the Order's age-old code. Wishing to reform and mold many of their most relevant principles to better suit the new generation, Mace couldn't help but feel that Yoda was being a bit rash in his decisions. His mind struggled to grasp just what had brought forth such a drastic change in his beliefs.
"Something bothering you, is there, Master Windu?" Yoda spoke up as he slowly drifted out of his meditation and lifted his eyelids.
"There is," Mace confirmed, not quite knowing exactly how to go about voicing his worries. When all he received from his Master was an expectant stare, he let a labored sigh escape his lips and proceeded to present his opposition. "Master Yoda, I can't help but feel that these altercations of the code may not be the best course to take. If I might ask, why have you so suddenly come to the conclusion that it would be best to change our mandates? Were these rules not put in place for a purpose?"
"Valid questions, these are," Yoda retorted with a knowing smile. "No longer clouded by the dark side, is my vision, with the loss of Sidious. Clear, it is…important events, I have foreseen."
"A premonition?" Mace asked in interest.
Yoda inclined his head in affirmation before continuing. "Lead the Jedi one day, young Skywalker will."
"Anakin?" Mace raised a puzzled eyebrow, thoughtfully stroking his chin as he considered the surprising development that had just been brought to his attention.
"Not Anakin," Yoda replied. "Another Skywalker…the child of the Chosen One and the good Senator. The will of the Force, their union is."
"Their child?" Mace could no longer hide his shock and his eyes widened.
"Perhaps arrogant, we were, in assuming we could unteach love," Yoda resumed his explanation. "Attachments, Skywalker already had, before becoming a Jedi. Gave him strength to fulfill the prophecy, his attachments did…wrong, we were."
Mace sat in stunned silence. Doing his best to take in the magnitude of the startling revelation, he said nothing more as his Master fell back into a deep meditative state and he was left to himself to digest the shocking information.
Senator Padme Amidala silently listened to the debates taking place within the enormous rotunda of the Senate from her native Naboo's viewing platform. Jar Jar Binks and several other representatives speaking on behalf of their peaceful homeworld intently watched while Senator Organa's own repulsorlift platform levitated to the center of the gathered politicians – the headstrong politician addressing important issues regarding the restoration of the recently shattered Republic.
Many crucial matters had been productively discussed and resolved among the present Senators: specific laws, legislators, bills, policies…almost every detail and area had been thoroughly covered. Everything but the controversial decision of whom would be serving as the next Supreme Chancellor of the united systems of the new democracy. Derived of numerous planets and various worlds that resided outside the boundaries and restrictions of the Outer Rim lines – the additional systems now rallying in favor of the New Republic and consisting of many locations that had previously been separated from the galaxies alliance – a trustworthy leader would soon need to be put in place to help maintain the installed government, and Padme already knew exactly who she had in mind to fill the position.
The lengthy sessions were drawing to a close and the time for the Galactic Senate to nominate prospective candidates for the Chancellor position had finally come. Granting any individual the opportunity to voice their own opinion of who should be elected, the young woman from Naboo wanted nothing more than to see Bail Organa appointed. From previous events and experiences, her old acquaintance seemed to be the most logical and safe choice. He was honest, devoted and competent. She herself had no desire to run for office and had made as much known when she had informed the elder Senator of her intentions to nominate him…she had promised a retirement to her family long ago and, personally, she had been in the public eye for a considerable portion of her life and didn't particularly want to prolong her presence in the swarming media. Once her duty had been fulfilled and the newly formed Republic had been securely established, she planned to return to her home and build a life of her own – a vow she had made time and time again in the past, but had yet to have followed through with.
"Take us forward please, Jar Jar," she eventually said in a hushed voice, quietly addressing the Gungan that had been watching the proceedings from just behind her.
Without delay, their viewing platform floated up towards the middle of the on-looking politicians until it steadily hovered beside the platform in which Bail Organa and Mon Mothma stood.
"I wish to nominate Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan for the position of Supreme Chancellor," she proudly announced once they had reached them.
Cheers and thunderous applause instantly followed as the Senate erupted in approval. Padme offered the Alderaanian Senator a subtle smile when he gave her a momentary look of gratitude and turned back to formally acknowledge her request.
"Thank you, I am truly honored," he humbly accepted.
Anakin patiently waited in the stretching courtyards leading up to the main entrance of the Senate while its occupants emerged from within its towering walls. Picking nervously at the sleeve of his cloak, he watched the conversing Senators and representatives from beneath his raised hood while they filed out from the interior of the massive building, exchanging idle chatter and handshakes. He had rushed out of the deliberations immediately after they had been adjourned, hoping to beat the crowd before it began to make its way outside.
The Jedi Knight tensely leaned against a shadowed ledge and continued to scan the many faces surrounding him for one person in particular. His chest tightened when he spotted the alluring Senator he had been searching for as she stepped through the front doors of the massive structure and started out into the courtyards. Keeping his transfixed gaze on her while she walked a short distance away, he hurriedly drifted towards her and grimaced when she was suddenly met by a small group of her fellow politicians.
Slowing his pace but not stopping, Anakin pulled the hood obscuring his face down and they all looked in his direction as he drew near.
"Aah, Master Jedi, it is a pleasure," one of the Senators greeted him with a slight, insincere bow and an unmistakable look of disdain after noticing the distinct tunic he wore under his dark cloak. "Tell me, my boy, what brings you to the Senate? A place of politics is hardly an appropriate environment for a Jedi."
"Master Skywalker and I have an appointment," Padme spoke up first, clearly offended by the Senators blatant display of disrespect. "And I must be keeping it, so if you will excuse me, gentlemen…"
Anakin didn't hesitate in following Padme when she resumed her course and brushed past the rude Senator. Casting a brief and angry glance at the older man, he joined her at her side and ignored the snide remarks he could hear being whispered behind them.
"I'm sorry about that," Padme quickly apologized once they were out of earshot.
"What do you have to be sorry about, milady?" he countered, offering the fuming woman a lopsided grin.
"They can just be so…suffocating at times," she replied as she somewhat calmed herself. Then, furrowing a puzzled brow, she curiously glanced over at the smirking Knight. "Anakin, what are you doing here?"
"I was sent to escort you back to the Temple," he answered nonchalantly. "You are still under the protection of the Jedi, after all. It wouldn't do to leave you unaccompanied."
"I assure you I will be fine," Padme sighed in exasperation. "Bodyguards, decoys…I have had enough of hiding behind others. When will all of this end?"
Anakin frowned in response. "Soon, we hope."
Both Jedi and Senator walked in silence for a long moment as they made their way towards several air taxis that awaited the profitable members of the adjourned Senate. The wealthy politicians had always proven lucrative customers, and so most of the local transport businesses found on Coruscant would often compete for their business after the Galactic Senate had convened.
"Padme, can I talk to you?" Anakin asked as they approached one of the taxis.
"Of course, we have the whole trip back to the – "
"No, not there," Anakin interrupted, looking around at the crowd that mingled around them. Gently but firmly taking Padme by the arm, he led her into a vacant alley that was only a few feet away and inconspicuously concealed their presence in the darkness. "I can't wait, Padme…there is something I need to know."
"Ani, what's wrong?" she questioned, easily detecting the desperation that was evident in his urgent tone.
"Nothing," Anakin softly chuckled as he gingerly released her arm and allowed the intensity in his voice to fade away. His nerves had obviously given the baffled Senator the wrong impression and the last thing he wanted to do was concern her. "Nothing's wrong. It's actually the opposite."
"Anakin, what's going on?" Padme asked, still confused by his odd behavior.
"Something wonderful has happened," the now collected Jedi answered. "But I have to ask you…"
Understanding washed over Padme as the Knight trailed off and struggled to finish his explanation – though his eyes sparkled with barely subdued joy.
"You have spoken with Obi-Wan?" she stated the question more than asked it.
Anakin stared down into Padme's captivating doe brown eyes, clearly startled. "You know?"
"He told me," she confirmed, diverting her gaze to the ground at their feet. "Anakin, I know what you're going to say, but we can't."
"Why not?" Anakin instantly retorted. "With the code changed – "
"You are still a Jedi and I am still a Senator," Padme cut him off, her sorrowful eyes darting back up to his icy-blue orbs. "Our lives are too different. We both have our duties, our responsibilities…you live in Coruscant while I will soon be returning to Naboo. It couldn't possibly work, you must see that."
"I'll leave the Order," Anakin defiantly replied.
"I won't let you leave for me," Padme sternly countered. "You have spent your entire life training to be a Jedi."
"I don't care about that anymore," Anakin said as he took a step forward to close the short distance between them. Tenderly clasping Padme's shoulders in his hands, he bored straight down into her eyes and into her very soul. It only took one glimpse for him to see what she was really feeling: love. Love for him, but also her dedication to the Republic, to liberty and to her beliefs. "I wanted to be a Jedi, but not if it means I can't be with you. What is the point of living if you can't be with the one you love?"
"You don't love me, Anakin," Padme said sadly.
Anakin instinctively tightened his grip on her shoulders. "You're wrong, Padme, I do love you – more than life itself. I always have."
"No, you are fascinated with me," she meekly replied. "You don't know me well enough to love me."
"You're wrong," Anakin repeated, lifting his flesh hand and caressing Padme's jaw line with his fingers. "You may not think we know each other well enough now, but we have a lifetime to learn more."
Padme felt her pulse quicken when the sensation of their skin made contact, but she refused to give into the overwhelming temptation that nearly consumed her. Hastily reaching up and taking Anakin's hand in hers, she removed it from her cheek despite her hearts protest.
"Anakin, don't…please."
"Fine," he replied in resignation as he lowered his hands back to his sides. However, he would not accept total defeat so easily. "Tell me you feel nothing for me – that I am mistaken in thinking that you feel the same as I do – and I will never bring it up again."
Caught off guard, Padme moved her mouth to speak, but was unable to conjure up any kind of response to the unexpected declaration. Her pause gave Anakin all the reassurance he needed and he immediately swept her into his arms, delicately pulling the warmth of her body against his as he covered her luscious lips with his own and passionately embraced her. Padme felt elated as she pressed further into him and wrapped her arms around his neck, completely losing herself in the heat of the moment yet again and not resisting the Jedi's hold on her. Her eyes shut in pure ecstasy as the kiss deepened and her lips slowly slid across his. She could lose herself there, could kiss him for hours, forever…she felt as if she were in a dream and nothing in the galaxy could wake her from it. She didn't want anything to wake her from it.
An uncontrollable moan of pleasure escaped her mouth when Anakin's lips hungrily began to trail down her chin to her neck, vigorously searching and tantalizing her soft skin. Her mind told her to end it there, but her racing heart begged for more. In the end, her emotions conquered her thoughts of reasoning and she was unable to extinguish her growing desires. She did love Anakin and she had known as much for some time before he had revealed his own feelings for her, and her reaction to their intimacy was driven by that love. Being with him just felt right…
"Anakin," she panted, grabbing the Knights' attention and pulling him from his act.
Running her fingers through his thick hair, Padme couldn't help but smile at the dumbfounded expression on his face.
"Padme, what is it?" he asked in concern as he wiped a fresh tear from her cheek. "Why are you crying?"
Having not even realized that her face was wet with tears, Padme lifted her hand to her face and wiped away the moisture herself.
"It's nothing," she replied, lightly laughing at herself as her voice cracked. "I'm just happy. Anakin, I…I want you to know that I do love you. I've never been in love before and…"
"Padme, listen to me," Anakin said as he watched the beautiful Senator struggle to form words. "I have never loved another before and I never will. Forget about our titles; forget about everything…how can we not even try to make it work?"
Nothing was said for a long moment as blue and brown eyes peered into each other. Finally, standing on the tips of her toes and tenderly placing a single kiss on Anakin's lips, Padme brushed the last of her tears away and leaned into him. She felt safe and at peace in his arms. Sighing in contentment, she rested her head against his chest and basked in the comfort that his soothing presence brought her.
"You're right, Ani…"