Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 49! Thanks for all the great reviews!
Foundations of Hope
Chapter 49: The Gift of Love
"Greetings my fellow Jedi. A progress report you have for me, I assume?" Yoda asked. Mace bowed.
"Yes Master, I have never been more convinced now than ever that Anakin is the Chosen One. His powers seem almost unlimited and he perfects his skills more and more everyday. His training is progressing extremely well and as you know, I am not someone that is impressed very often, but he is every bit the prodigy that we always believed that he would be," Mace stated.
"Then ready for the trials you believe he is," Yoda stated. Mace nodded.
"Yes Master. We are all in agreement," Mace responded.
"Then come to Degobah, he must. Test him myself, I will," Yoda said.
"Yes Master. We plan to send him after the Princess has given birth. Her condition is delicate at this time," Quinlan said.
"Hmm…if wishes to become a Jedi Knight, young Skywalker does, then come first, his training must," Yoda insisted.
"Master, my son is very dedicated to his training, but he is also devoted to his family. Once the children are born, we will send Anakin for the trials," Tahl stated.
"Hmmm…be patient, I suppose I must. Test him and make my own conclusions when he arrives, I will," Yoda said grumpily.
"Thank you Master," Tahl said graciously, as the transmission blinked out.
"Well, that went well, as usual. Master Yoda is always a ray of sunshine," Quinlan joked.
"I'm glad the time for Anakin to go before Master Yoda is almost here," Tahl replied.
"You are?" Quin asked.
"Yes. My son will not disappoint. It's time Master Yoda saw him for who he is and accepts him," Tahl replied.
"Darling, this is Master Yoda we're talking about. He will never accept attachment," Quin replied.
"No one that spends any time with Anakin and Padme can deny that they belong together. If he really listens to the Force as he claims, then his eyes will be opened," Tahl said confidently.
"I hope you're right," Quinlan replied.
~*~
Padme lay on her side on the futon by the fire in their quarters. Anakin lay beside her, as they cuddled, while pretending to watch whatever was on the Holonet. Anakin rested his hand on her belly.
"They're kicking a lot tonight," he mentioned.
"I know. I think they must be playing a game or something," she joked. He chuckled, as he kissed her softly. Padme wrapped her arms around his neck, as she pressed her lips harder to his with urgent passion. Her nimble fingers slowly undid the buttons on her husband's tunic, as her lips parted from his and began trailing hot, sensual kisses down his neck and to his chest. Regrettably, Anakin had to stop her.
"Angel, as must as I want to, you know we can't," he said. She pulled back and pouted her lip out.
"I know. I'm too far along," she replied.
"Dr. Johnson said that it could be any day now, being that it is twins. I can't believe that they'll be here soon," he said in awe. She smiled.
"I know. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined that I would be so happy or so in love," she replied.
"Me either. The farm boy usually doesn't win the heart of the Princess," he said.
"Well, he won this Princess' heart the moment she met him. And the farm boy became a heroic Jedi, who fought with everything he had to protect her. He married the Princess and they conceived two children together in love," she replied. He smiled.
"Great story," he said, as he kissed her tenderly.
"You look tired angel. Let's get you to bed," he said. She nodded, as he gently helped her sit up. She was so tiny to begin with. Carrying twins was really becoming difficult.
"I'm exhausted. We're going to have our hands full with these two," she said, as he helped her up. He chuckled and lifted her into his arms.
"Ani…I'm too heavy," Padme protested.
"Nonsense. Besides, your ankles are terribly swollen. I'm getting really worried about you," he said.
"I'm fine. Swollen ankles, exhaustion, and backache are part of the pregnancy. Dr. Johnson says all these things are completely normal," she insisted.
"Maybe, but you are staying in bed in the morning and I'm calling the Doctor here," he insisted, as he put her down on the bed.
"Ani…I don't think that's necessary," Padme replied, as he unzipped her dress and helped her out of it, before helping her into a lose fitting lavender nightgown.
"Sorry sweet angel, but you know that I'm right about this," he replied, as he undressed her and put his sleep pants on, before climbing into bed, as he quickly fell asleep against her husband. Anakin held her tightly and kissed her tenderly, before slowly falling asleep with her thoroughly wrapped in his arms.
~*~
Shaak Ti had waked early as she always did and began her morning meditation. Her usual routine was interrupted when she was called by Jagged Antilles to come to the common room for a meeting. She arrived and found that Mace, Tahl and Quinlan were also present.
"What's going on?" she asked. Quinlan shrugged.
"We're all wondering the same thing," Quinlan replied, just as Jagged Antilles entered.
"Thank you all for coming so early. I have an interesting matter to discuss with all of you," he began, as they sat down.
"A message and a package of sorts arrived on one of our covert outposts near Dantooine a few days ago. The message was addressed specifically to you, Master Ti, from someone called Barriss Offee," Jagged stated.
"Barriss?" Shaak asked in disbelief.
"Yes, I am assuming you know her by your reaction?" Jagged asked.
"Yes…she was abducted by the Sith almost seven months ago after her Master was murdered. She got a message out to me?" Shaak asked.
"Yes…but we believe that she probably was killed for it. You'll understand more when you see the message and what she sent," Jagged said, as his wife Zena entered, carrying a red haired child in her arms. She handed a holodisk to her husband and he placed it on the table. A hologram of the young padawan, Barriss Offee appeared before them.
"Greetings Master Ti. For the last six months, I have been in the captivity of Emperor Vader's new right hand and her apprentice. One of our own has turned against us and I will reveal the identity of my Master's murderer to you. What I am about to do will mean certain death for me, but I have accepted this. The dark woman, Master Kuro lives. It seems that Palpatine recovered her body that day the Jedi were massacred on Coruscant. She somehow survived and was rehabilitated. In that time, she turned to the dark side of the Force and trained a young apprentice no older than myself. Her young apprentice, Sara Jade is as cruel and calculating as her Master. The child that I have smuggled to you is her flesh. It has been my job to care for the baby these last few months when she is not torturing me and trying to turn me. She plans to train her daughter in the ways of the dark side as soon as she is old enough. I know that I will die for what I have done, but I cannot let such a sweet, innocent child to be subjected to that life. I am giving my own life so she may have a chance. Please see that she finds a loving home, Master Ti. I know that you will. Goodbye Master," Barriss said, as the transmission blinked out.
"Oh Barriss…" Shaak Ti uttered, as she put a hand to her mouth.
"She sacrificed herself for a child in need. We will honor her," Tahl told her best friend.
"Who will care for the child?" Mace asked.
"I think Barriss wanted that left up to you," Quinlan said, nodding to Shaak Ti.
"Well…Anakin and Padme would naturally be the people that come to mind first. But I believe they have their hands full as it is. There is someone else that I would definitely consider. Someone who would love her as her own and give her all the love she needs," Shaak Ti said, as she stood.
"Can I hold her?" Shaak asked. Zena smiled and nodded, as she handed the baby to her. The little girl cooed and kicked her legs, as she giggled and latched onto one of Shaak Ti's lekuus. Shaak Ti beamed at the small girl, noticing how her bright green eyes stood out against her red hair. She was a beautiful child.
"Her name is Mara Jade. It was written on a piece of parchment that we found with the holodisk in her blanket," Zena said.
"A fitting name for such a beautiful little girl and I know that your new mother will be overjoyed to have you," Shaak Ti said.
"You're going to give her to Beru, aren't you?" Tahl asked. Shaak Ti nodded.
"She cannot have children of her own, yet she has so much love to give to one. She's already a mother; one without a child," Shaak Ti said, as she took the baby and exited the common room on her way to find Beru.
~*~
Padme moaned sleepily, as she slowly opened her eyes the next morning. Surprisingly, she didn't feel her usual morning sickness. She found her husband's side of the bed empty, but that wasn't unusual, as he was likely up meditating already. She got up and slowly made her way to the fresher. On her way back to bed, she saw her husband come in carrying a breakfast tray. He set the tray down, as she sat back down on their bed.
"Good morning angel," he said, as he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.
"Morning," she replied.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Surprisingly well. I don't even feel sick this morning," she replied.
"Good, then you're probably hungry," he said, as he piled a few big pillows behind her to prop her up.
"Breakfast in bed?" she asked.
"Yep and don't worry, I didn't cook it. Threepio deserves all the credit," he said, as he put the tray down in front of her.
"Ooohh…cloudberry pancakes," Padme said, as she took a bite.
"Yum. Aren't you going to have any?" she asked.
"I already ate," he replied. Padme looked at the chrono and saw that it was almost ten-thirty.
"Wow…I didn't realize that I slept so late," she mentioned.
"You needed your rest. After you eat and get cleaned up, I'm taking you to see Dr. Johnson," he said.
"Ani…I'm feeling fine. Aren't you supposed to be training by now?" she asked. He shook his head.
"I told Mom about last night and she feels that you could go into labor anytime," he said, as he kissed her hand.
"So, you're not getting rid of me today," he replied.
"Oh, then my plan to keep you all to myself has worked," she teased, as she continued eating. He chuckled.
"Yes, your plan has worked," he replied.
~*~
Beru answered the chime at her door and was surprised to find Shaak Ti behind the door. She was even more surprised to see the baby in her arms. The child looked at her with big, beautiful green eyes and she was momentarily captivated.
"Good morning Beru. May I come in?" Shaak Ti asked.
"Oh of course," Beru replied, as she stepped aside. Shaak Ti sat down and Beru served her some hot tea.
"Thank you," Shaak Ti said, as she sat the seven-month old child on her lap, so she could look around. Beru smiled at her.
"She's beautiful…but where did she come from? I haven't ever seen her in the crechling," Beru said.
"Well, that's because she just came to us. Do you remember us speaking of Barriss Offee?" Shaak Ti asked. Beru nodded.
"Yes, she was the padawan that you suspect was abducted by the Sith," Beru replied.
"Yes and it has been confirmed that Barriss was in their captivity. The Sith apprentice charged her with caring for her child, which she planned to train as a Sith when the child grew old enough. But Barriss made a valiant sacrifice and surrendered her life when she put the baby in an escape pod and sent her to one of our outposts," Shaak explained.
"Are you talking about the baby in your arms?" Beru asked.
"Yes, this is her. Little Mara Jade," Shaak replied.
"She's adorable," Beru said.
"Yes she is. It was Barriss' final wish that Mara found a loving home," Shaak said.
"I know you'll raise her to be a wonderful girl," Beru replied.
"Yes, I could raise her myself, but I am very busy with my many duties. Mara needs someone than can devote themselves fully to her and you were the first person that came to mind," Shaak explained.
"Me? You want me to take her?" Beru asked in disbelief.
"Beru, I know how much you want a baby. And this little one desperately needs a mother to love and care for her. If it had not been for Barriss, this little one would have suffered severe neglect. Her biological mother is evil, but this little one is good and pure. She needs a mother like you," Shaak said. Tears rolled down Beru's cheeks, as Shaak placed her in Beru's arms. The baby grinned at her.
"Oh, you will never know what it's like not to be loved again, little one," Beru cried, as she hugged the baby.
"I'll leave you alone with your new daughter. This bag has stuff she needs for now and you can replenish her supplies when you need to. There's lot of baby supplies in storage," Shaak said.
"Thank you Master Ti. Having a baby of my own was something I was sure would never happen. I will be forever grateful to you and Mara will have a loving home," Beru promised.
"I know she will and that's all that I want," Shaak Ti replied, as she left.
"Well little one, let's get you a bottle and then we can go introduce you to Uncle Anakin and Aunt Padme. You have a Daddy too and you'll meet him someday soon…even if I have to go after him myself," Beru said, as she took the powdered milk out of the bag, along with a bottle.
~*~
Padme came out into the living area, dressed after a nice, hot bath.
"That bubble bath was exactly what I needed. Do you think maybe you could take me outside the compound for a walk later?" she asked.
"I don't know if that's such a good idea. You need to be resting," Anakin replied.
"Oh please Ani…I promise I'll take it easy. Just one little walk. It will be romantic," she said, as she ran her fingers through his hair. The door chimed, rescuing him from most certainly giving in to her.
"I better see who that is," he said, as he got up. He pressed the panel and the door slid open, revealing his mother and Padme's father.
"Hi sweetheart," Tahl said, as she came in.
"Hi mom, Ruwee," Anakin greeted, as they came in.
"We just came to see how our girl is doing," Ruwee said.
"Don't worry Daddy, Anakin isn't letting me do anything," Padme replied.
"Tattle tale," he teased her.
"That's a good thing pixie. You have a tendency to over exert yourself. That's why I brought you some books to read," Ruwee said.
"Thanks Daddy," Padme replied, as the door chimed again. Threepio opened it this time.
"Oh, hello Miss Beru. Please come in," Threepio said.
"Thank you Threepio," Beru said, as she came in carrying a red haired child.
"Who's the little one?" Padme asked.
"Well, thanks to Master Ti, I've just become her new mother," Beru announced. Padme gasped and struggled to get to her feet.
"Oh Beru, that's wonderful!" Padme said, as she hugged the other woman.
"Hello there, pretty girl. What's her name?" Padme asked.
"Mara," Beru replied.
"I'm really happy for you," Anakin said, as he hugged her.
"But where did she come from?" Anakin asked.
"Barriss survived long enough to get her into an escape pod. She cared for her in her captivity to the Sith, but couldn't bare for her to be raised to be a Sith, so she gave her life so that this little one could have a chance," Tahl explained.
"Well, welcome to the family little one. You're going to have a couple of playmates in the near future," Padme said, as she touched her belly.
"Ohh…" Padme cried out suddenly, as a contraction hit her.
"Padme…are you okay?" Anakin asked, as he was by her side in an instant.
"I'm fine. It was just a small…ohhhh…" she cried out again, as she held her stomach. Tahl placed her hand on Padme's distended belly.
"I think you're in labor, sweetheart," Tahl stated.
"What? No…isn't it too early?" Padme fretted.
"Not for twins really. And I delivered Ani three weeks early. If these two are as impatient as their father, then it's no wonder that they're coming early," Tahl joked.
"Very funny Mom," Anakin replied, as he gently swept Padme into his arms.
"Get her to the bed and I'll go get Dr. Johnson," Tahl said, as she rushed out.
"Threepio, start gathering the things we told you we'd need," Beru requested.
"At once, Miss Beru," Threepio said. Ruwee followed Anakin, as he carried Padme into the bedroom. It was time at last.
