Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 36! Thanks for all the great reviews! Enjoy!
Forever Destined
Chapter 36: Family Matters
"Good morning, Master Dooku. I hear that Anakin and Obi-Wan have returned. I do hope the news is good," Palpatine said.
"It is Chancellor. Anakin defeated Asaaj Ventress," Dooku replied.
"Is she dead?" Palpatine asked.
"The Clones could not find a body; however, she was severally electrocuted in a lightning storm and fell almost a thousand feet off a high cliff. Such a fall would have snapped her spine and neck. It is highly unlikely she survived," Dooku replied
"Yes...this is a great victory. Please, congratulate young Skywalker for me. However, we have yet to dispose of General Grievous," Palpatine mentioned.
"He will not allude us much longer, Chancellor. I assure you," Dooku replied.
"Very good. But now, you must excuse me. I am tardy for a meeting," Palpatine replied. Dooku bowed respectively and took his leave. Palpatine pulled his cowl over his head and pressed the panel next on the wall. A panel in the floor slid open and Palpatine walked down a flight of stairs and into his secret chamber. In the darkened chamber, he pressed a yellow switch on the control panel and a holoscreen appeared with General Grievous on the other side.
"Master," the droid General bowed.
"Did you recover the body?" Sidious asked.
"Yes Master. It appears that her spine snapped in at least two places when she landed. She died on impact," Grievous said.
"It is of no consequence. She was too unstable to make a decent apprentice. You will leave Rattatak and take the Separatist leaders to Korriban and await my orders," Sidious said.
"Yes Master," he replied, as the transmission winked out. Sidious eyes bled yellow, as he surveyed the mess that was this war. Skywalker kept mucking up his carefully laid plans and seriously endangered the creation of his Empire. He had to be eliminated! But non of his agents could touch him and he doubted Grievous would be able to succeed either. He had never known a Jedi to be born with such a pulsing connection to the Force or one that could wield its raw power so expertly. What was it about this young man that gave him such power? Sidious pondered this, as he saw a beeping audio transmission coming from his secretary.
"What is it?" he asked in the Chancellor's voice.
"I'm terribly sorry to both you, your excellency, but I have an important form you much look over concerning a matter with one of your aides," she said.
"Very well, Tana. Please bring it in," Palpatine said, as calmly walked up the stairs and the passage disappeared behind its closing floor panel. The woman came in and sat it down on the desk, before leaving quickly. Palpatine sat down and began looking over the form. He suppressed a growl. He had little time for such foolishness. It was a restraining order filed on behalf of Senator Skywalker against Palo Danae. As Palo's employer, he was required to take action of some kind. The only reason he had ever hired the annoying little bastard was because his blind loyalty made him an excellent pawn. But now, he was just becoming a nuisance. He wished that Skywalker would stop being so noble and kill the little termite for him. Suddenly, that thought struck him like a bolt of Force lightning. Palpatine smiled evilly, as a plan began forming in his head. It was evil and devious, just Palpatine's style. It would require careful execution and perfect timing, but if it worked, it would rid him of Skywalker for good. And Palo would be his perfect, willing pawn to do the dirty work for his goading promises. And the only reward the little womp rat would really receive was...death. Palpatine chuckled evilly. This plan was almost too good to be true...
Padme giggled, as he playfully nipped at her neck and shoulders. They were both wrapped in fluffy white towels, after having taken a long, very sensual shower together. Anakin kissed her lips and began dressing, as they heard the cooing and babbling of the twins on the baby monitor. He dressed quickly and rubbed the towel through his damp, shaggy mane.
"I'll go round up the ankle biters and spend some time with them while you get ready," he said.
"Thanks sweetheart," she replied, as she began to dress and primp.
Anakin could hear the twins babbling and blowing raspberries at each other, as he entered the nursery. Artoo whirled a 'good morning' to him.
"Good morning Artoo," Anakin said, as he patted the faithful droid's domed head. They had charged Artoo with keeping silent watched over the twins at night and it was something the little droid enjoyed immensely. The twins were both standing up in the crib holding on to the side.
"Daddy! Daddy!" they chorused excitedly. He chuckled and lifted them both into his arms. He kissed their heads.
"Daddy missed you both so much," Anakin said, as they squirmed and babbled.
"Miss daddy," Leia said. Anakin felt his heart melt.
"Daddy missed you too, little angel," he said softly.
"Hungwy!" Luke whined. Anakin laughed.
"You're definitely mine, aren't you, little man," Anakin said, as he turned him sideways and blew on his tummy. Luke squealed and then Leia did too, as he her father did the same to her.
"Come on, let's get you guys some breakfast," Anakin said.
"Bewies!" Luke called.
"Yeah, I'm sure mama has cloud berries," Anakin answered.
"Awtoo!" Leia called,. The little droid whirled and rolled along behind them.
She was greeted by the sound of Luke banging on his high chair tray, as she entered the kitchen. Her adorable twins were a precarious sight, their faces and trays covered in smashed cloud berries. Her husband made goofy speeder sounds, as he tried to get the twins to finish their baby cereal. But her precocious children were more interested sloshing the smashed berries around on their trays. Yes, the three of them were certainly a sight. Anakin gave up and set the bowl in the sink.
"I think they're full," he said. She took a warm, wet cloth and began wiping their hands and faces clean, a task which neither of them enjoyed. Anakin and Padme changed them and dressed them, while Threepio prepared a picnic lunch for them. Once they were ready, they loaded the speeder and set off for an afternoon together as a family.
"Well, bless my soul, it's good to see you Obi-Wan!" Dex greeted.
"Hello Dex," Obi-Wan grinned.
"And good morning to you too, ladies," Dex greeted.
"Good morning Dex," Sola replied. Take a seat and I'll get you girls some color pads," Dex said, as he ushered them to a booth. Dex returned and set the color pads down.
"Thank you Mr. Dex," the girls chorused.
"You're welcome, young ones. What'll it be for breakfast?" Dex asked.
"A couple of Dex's breakfast specials and a couple of the kids specials," Obi-Wan answered.
"Comin' right up," Dex replied, as he headed for the kitchen.
"It's wonderful having you home. Listening to those Holonet reports is unbearable," Sola said.
"Now, you know you should not listen to those reports," Obi-Wan replied, with a soft smiled.
"I know, Padme tells me the same thing. I never imagined being apart from you could be so hard," Sola said.
"Me either Sola. I miss you more than I can comprehend. I've spent the better part of the last fifteen plus years denying that true love existed. I was wrong and I did a lot of foolish things. I...I have a lot to tell you, Sola and I hope you'll allow me to take you somewhere special tonight," Obi-Wan replied. Sola smiled and stroked his cleanly shaven face. Tears of happiness welled in her eyes, as she too had much to tell him.
"I'd love to," she replied, as their lips met in a soft kiss. Dex soon brought their food and they enjoyed a wonderful breakfast together.
Padme giggled, as she lay in her husband's lap and he fed her another cloud berry. They had found a nice spot under a shady, albeit artificial tree in the Coruscant park. Padme took out a couple toys for the twins and now they happily played and crawled around the blanket.
"And so, that's how it happened," Anakin said, as he finished explaining what had happened during his battle with Ventress at his wife's insistence.
"Do you think she survived?" Padme asked.
"She fell almost a thousand feet. It should have shattered her spine and probably every other bone in her body. And if she did somehow survive, then she'll never be the same; thus useless to the Sith," Anakin replied. Padme smiled, as she watched the twins play. She sat up and kissed her husband passionately.
"All right...out with it. Something happened that's bothering you," he said knowingly. Padme sighed deeply.
"Something happened yesterday that you're not going to like," Padme began.
"Go on," he urged her.
"Captain Typho has filed a restraining order on my behalf against Palo," Padme responded.
"Was he threatening you again? Did he attack you?" Anakin asked, his eyes blazing with fury at the man who refused to leave his wife alone.
"He was just harassing me mostly. He told me that father had lost his farm and it was my fault. I rebuked him and he grabbed my arm. But the twins started screaming then, because I think they sensed I was in danger and that's when Captain Typho arrived to take care of him," Padme explained.
"I swear that slimy slug has a death wish," Anakin half growled.
"I'm fine Ani, really," she assured him.
"I'm going to have Typho increase your security if I have to leave again," Anakin stated. Padme sighed.
"Ani, you know how I feel about more security," Padme protested.
"I have to know that you and the twins are protected, angel. Between Palo and that petition you wrote, it is in your best interest...and you know it," Anakin argued. Padme pouted her lip out.
"Fine, but I don't have to like it," she argued back. He chuckled and kissed her pouted lips. The twins chattered and continued to play, as their parents watched. They watched with some amusement, as Leia lost interest in her toy and began playing with Luke's, which made him very upset. Luke whined and tried to pull the toy away. This made Leia mad and she slapped her brother.
"Leia, no, no!" Padme scolded, as she picked her up. Luke began crying and took comfort in his father's arms. Leia whined and squirmed in her mother's arms.
"Leia Elana Skywalker, that was not very nice at all," Padme scolded.
"They're getting cranky," Anakin said, as he shifted Luke in his lap.
"It's time for an N-A-P," Padme spelled out. The twins hated the dreaded N word. Anakin got a bottle out of the diaper satchel and Luke latched onto it eagerly. Padme tried a bottle with Leia and she fussily pushed it away.
"Naaahh...daddy!" Leia whiled.
"She wants you. Big surprise," Padme said sarcastically.
"Trade you," he said, as he handed an almost sleeping Luke to her.
"Come here princess," Anakin cooed, as he took her. She settled down in his arms and finally took her bottle. Padme shook her head in amusement.
"She's got you wrapped around her little pinky," Padme said.
"Well, so do you and I have no complaints," he replied. Padme smiled, as they continued feeding the twins their milk from the bottle since she was no longer breast feeding. The twins quietly fell asleep and their parents loaded them in the speeder. They packed up their picnic and headed home for the day.
They arrived home some time later and quietly tucked their sleeping babies into their crib. Anakin held her in his arms, as they watched them sleep for several moments, before quietly slipping out.
"They're sound asleep," Padme said.
"Well, they played heard...and now that they're napping, mommy and daddy can play," Anakin said, as he swept her into his arms. Their lips met in a loving kiss.
"Mmm...mommy likes playing with daddy," Padme replied, with a sly smile, as he husband carried her to the bedroom. As the door slid closed behind them, their lips met again and again in an array of deeply passionate kisses. Padme began unbuttoning his tunic, as her husband fumbled with the zipped at the back of her yellow sun dress. Anakin moaned, as his wife kissed and nipped at his neck.
"That feels amazing, angel," he said huskily, as he felt her teeth gently graze the skin and her tongue leave a trail of wet kisses.
"You taste amazing," she said, as she gently sucked on his earlobe.
"Mmm...so do you," he replied, as he kissed her bare shoulders. An annoying tapping and an irritating voice interrupted their bliss.
"Master Ani," Threepio called.
"Not now Threepio," Anakin half growled.
"I'm terribly sorry sir, but you have guests," Threepio replied.
"Who is it, Threepio?" Padme sighed, as she began buttoning his tunic, while he zipped her up.
"I do believe they are your parents, Miss Padme," Threepio replied. His answer stunned them both.
"Why would they be here? They've never come to Coruscant," Padme said.
"We'll be out in a few, Threepio," Anakin called.
"Your father lost his farm. Maybe he's coming to us for money," Anakin replied.
"My father would live on the streets before he'd ask for money from me. His pride is his worst enemy," Padme replied.
"If you don't want to see them, angel, I'll go tell them to leave right now. Just say the word," Anakin told her. She smiled.
"Part of me would like to take you up on that. But I know I should at least go see what they want," Padme said. He put his arm around her waist and they calmly walked to the living area.
"Mother, father," she said calmly, as they entered.
"Padme, darling, you look beautiful as ever," Jobal said, as she hugged her daughter.
"Um...thank you," Padme replied.
"And this is such a beautiful apartment. You did a fabulous job with the decorating," Jobal said. Padme was very confused, as her mother never complimented her about anything.
"Thank you mother," Padme replied.
"Well, where are they? Can we see them?" Jobal asked. Anakin and Padme glanced at each other knowingly. That was why they were here; the twins.
"They're taking their afternoon naps. You'll have to wait until they wake up," Padme replied.
"Could you just take me to see them. I promise I won't wake them," Jobal asked. Padme nodded reluctantly and led her mother to the nursery.
"I've seen you on the Holonet lately. They say you're winning the war for the Republic. I think...it's brave of you to be out there on the front lines," Ruwee said. Anakin narrowed his eyes, wondering if Mr. Naberrie had actually complimented him.
"I do what I must to end this war and protect my family," Anakin replied.
"Anakin...I believe I was hasty in judging you. I...I was hoping we put this behind us," Ruwee said.
"That depends entirely on Padme, Mr. Naberrie. You've hurt her over and over again her entire life. And I will not allow it anymore. It may take a long to for Padme to accept you again," Anakin replied. Ruwee nodded, like he understood.
Padme and Jobal crept quietly to the crib and peered over.
"Oh...they're beautiful. What did you name them?" Jobal asked.
"Luke and Leia," Padme replied.
"Leia...after your grandmother," Jobal said tersely. Padme noticed the annoyance in her mother's voice, but ignored it.
"Um...how is Sola?" Jobal asked.
"She's wonderful. She and the girls have adjusted well and she is dating Anakin's older brother. They are very happy together," Padme replied.
"Oh," Jobal replied in disappointment.
"What did you expect mother? Did you really expect her to come home to an abusive husband?" Padme asked. Jobal was silent for a moment.
"I really am happy for you, Padme," Jobal replied.
"You have a funny way of showing it," Padme snapped.
"There is no need for such hostility, Padme," Jobal scolded. Padme scoffed.
"Your father and I wish to make amends. Can you not meet us half way?" Jobal asked.
"Tell me mother, are you really making amends with me because you love me or is it so you may be part of the twins' lives?" Padme asked.
"Darling, do such things really matter?" Jobal asked.
"I don't believe you. It is the twins, isn't it? Please know that you will not be allowed to fill their head with the garbage that you tried with Sola and I," Padme said. Jobal nodded mutely, realizing that she and Ruwee would have to gain Padme's trust again. They would not be able to spend time unsupervised with the children, unlike the twins' other set of grandparents.
"There's my pretty girl. Did you have a good nap, baby?" Padme cooed. Leia grinned and kicked her legs happily. Padme picked her up and kissed her. Leia latched on to the locket and japor snipped that Padme wore around her neck.
"No, no, baby," Padme said, as she pried them out of Leia's hand.
"Padme, may I hold her?" Jobal asked. Padme wanted to be selfish and say no, but she reluctantly agreed by handing Leia to her. Leia whimpered a little, for she was not used to the woman holding her. Jobal swayed with her, trying to let her know that it was okay.
"She looks just like you, Padme," Jobal mentioned.
"That's what her daddy always tells her," Padme as she noticed Luke was awake now too.
"There's mommy's handsome boy," Padme cooed, as she lifted him up.
"Sweetheart, have you gone back to work yet?" Jobal asked.
"Of course mother. I went back when they were four months old," Padme replied.
"But darling, who watches them? You're not letting a stranger raise them, are you?" Jobal half scolded.
"Of course not, mother," Padme replied sternly.
"Shmi and Elana adore them and they usually take them during the day. They are Anakin's mother and grandmother. Sometimes Sola takes them, but a few months ago, Sola found a part time job she really likes" Padme replied.
"She did?" Jobal asked.
"Yes, she's a Healer's aide in the Temple's medical ward. She helps with the younglings inoculations and minor injuries. She says it's very satisfying work and it makes her happy. Well, Ben makes her happy too," Padme giggled.
"Ben?" Jobal questioned.
"That's what we call Obi-Wan for short sometimes," Padme explained.
"Padme, don't you think it may be time to give up that job?" Jobal asked. Padme knew that question was coming.
"No mother, I will retire from my career in the Senate when I am ready. It is possible for a woman to have a career and raise a family at the same time. Why can't you be happy for me? And for Sola? You can't possibly tell me that you enjoy being treated as a lesser being, because you are a woman," Padme said.
"It's all I've ever known, Padme," she replied.
"Well it's wrong, mother. I'm sick of you trying to shove those traditions down my throat. I am happily married to Anakin and he treats me like a queen. You should feel relieved that I have found a man that loves me as fully and as deeply as Anakin does. But instead, you criticize every little thing you can about me; you always have and I'm sick of it," Padme cried.
"Padme, please! I only wanted what was best for you. But you were so defiant!" Jobal said.
"What you call defiance was simply free will, mother. I wanted an education and I wanted independence. I was Queen of our home planet for Force sake! Yet, instead of being proud of me, you treated as if I were the worst daughter in the galaxy! And don't even get me started on Palo!" Padme replied sternly.
"Padme...I..." Jobal began.
"I don't want to hear it mother. I know all about the wealth Palo's father promised you and father if you forced me to marry him," Padme replied.
"It would have set our family for life," Jobal argued.
"Mother, please! I have made my own wealth, but daddy is too proud to ask me for money," Padme argued back.
"Your father just thinks that a woman has her place and I agree with him, Padme. But we are trying to accept you and we do want to make amends," Jobal replied.
"If you are trying to accept me, then you'll stop your disapproving lectures and condescending comments. If you want to make amends, then you'll love me unconditionally and accept me for who I am," Padme said.
"I am trying, darling," Jobal replied.
"It should not be that hard, mother. Did you know that Shmi has accepted and loved me like her own daughter since the day Anakin introduced me to her. I don't even know why I bother craving your acceptance. Shmi is more of a mother to me than you ever were," Padme said sadly. That stung Jobal greatly, but she knew it was her own fault.
"Padme, is everything all right?" It was Shmi, who was at the nursery door, looking in. Padme smiled.
"Everything's fine mom," Padme replied.
"Nana!" Leia called, as she strained away from Jobal, wanting Shmi.
"Hello there, little princess," Shmi cooed, as she took her. Jobal was jealous at how Leia responded to her.
"I don't believe we've met. I'm Shmi Skywalker-Jinn," Shmi said.
"Jobal Naberrie," Jobal replied.
"Oh, you're Padme's mother. It's wonderful to finally meet you," Shmi greeted.
"It's nice to meet you too," Jobal replied.
"Padme is such a wonderful girl. You must be so proud of her. I couldn't have asked for a better woman for my little Ani," Shmi said. Jobal looked down shamefully, knowing how horrible she'd been to her daughter. Shmi had noticed the tension the minute she entered the room, but she decided it could be dealt with later.
"We should get to know each other better. Why doesn't everyone come for dinner tonight?" Shmi suggested.
"I suppose that would be nice," Padme replied uncertainly.
"I'll go discuss it with my husband," Jobal said, as she calmly exited.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, mom?" Padme asked.
"We have to break the ice somehow, sweetheart," Shmi said. Padme nodded.
"Everything's going to be fine, dear. Now, let's take these two to see their papa," Shmi said.
"Want to go see grandpa?" Padme asked her son.
"Papa!" Luke said. Padme kissed his head, as they went to join everyone in the living area.
After a wonderful breakfast together, Obi-Wan and Sola took the girls to the Coruscanti zoo and now they were at the Temple to let them play with the other younglings.
"Thank you for today. It was wonderful," Sola said.
"I enjoyed it too. But it's not over," Obi-Wan replied.
"It's not?" she asked.
"After dinner with mom and dad, they're going to watch the girls for the night and I'm going to take you somewhere," Obi-Wan said.
"And you're still not going to tell me where?" she asked.
"It's a surprise..." Obi-Wan said cryptically. Sola laughed, as they strolled into the Room of a Thousand Fountains.
"Oh, I love this room," she said, as he inhaled the scent of fresh water and flowers.
"It is a favorite of mine too," Obi-Wan replied. They continued on through to the gardens, hand in hand, before they were back inside and encountered Dooku.
"Hello grandfather," Obi-Wan said.
"Good afternoon to you both. I just talked to your father and it seems we have a couple added guests at dinner tonight," he said.
"Who is it?" Sola asked.
"Your parents, Sola. Apparently, they showed up at Anakin and Padme's apartment today, claiming they wish to make amends," Dooku said. Sola was very silent for a minute.
"Are you all right?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I'm really nervous. I haven't spoken to them since I left," Sola said. Obi-Wan pulled her into a hug.
"We're all going to be there and I'm not going to let them put you down or say terrible things to you," Obi-Wan replied.
Sola smiled and nodded. They rounded up the girls and followed Dooku home for what would be a very interesting dinner...