Chapter 1
The Choice
Commonplace theme music whirled as the image of a Lorrdian female turned and centered behind a wide desk. Blue lines flickered throughout the holo image as momentary interference disrupted the transmission. A green and white ticker scrolled by in several languages.
"Good morning, citizens of Galactic City, and thank you for choosing Coruscant News Network. I'm Dialla Val-Ung. Today we find our capital city in turmoil as local factions target the secretive organization known as the Jedi Order. The Millennia old sect has come under fire for their practice of removing young children from their parents, and some say, forcing them into labor."
A suspended window appeared to the left of the newscaster. The face of a human male materialized, filling its borders. "My brother was taken when he was just a baby. They said he had special abilities or something. I'll never forget the look on my parent's faces that night." The words "Corellian protestor" identified the man. A rowdy crowd with bouncing signs and disorganized chants made up the background.
"A Jedi representative was unavailable for comment. Many questions remain, including the question of whether the current protests will remain peaceful." The Lorrdian turned to face a different camera. "When we return, death sticks, and the children addicted,"
Mace Windu, Master of the Order, switched off the holo feed and faced Yoda.
The ancient grand master gripped his gimer stick as a look of concern, and disappointment shadowed his wrinkled face. "Serious, this has become." Exhaustion laced his words. "Right we were to regroup." The tiny master spoke of the order summoning all Jedi to return to the temple.
The historic directive was given over a week ago. Most, but not all Jedi had safely made the journey home. They needed to stick together if they were going to survive. Everyday, for the past month, lone Jedi were attacked by terrorist cells operating out of Coruscant, and just recently, Corellian factions had joined the fray. Even more alarming, some of the attacks had been successful. There were other determining factors at play, however.
"What say you, Master Windu, of the senator?"
"Her fate is clouded, however, it is clear her death is connected in some way to our destruction." Mace rubbed his chin. "I don't trust her. Until we can decipher her connection to the Jedi, she should be...monitored."
"Protected, you mean." It wasn't a question, at least not in Yoda's eyes. The little master believed, and had foreseen that Padmè Amidala's death and life directly affected the Jedi, but how exactly, remained a mystery.
Countless hours in meditation had been devoted to solving this riddle in the Force. The senator had proven to be a complicated woman, however. Not only was her life of tantamount importance to the Order, a non-Jedi life force at that, but she was also harboring a secret love interest that only served to complicate matters. A void of information strangely shrouded her relationship, leading the Council to believe that identifying her counterpart was just as important as keeping her alive.
One aspect of the vision was clear, however. Padmè Amidala's death would surely usher in the untimely demise of the Jedi. And it was thought, that deferring her death just might buy enough time to save the Order. And to further complicate things, a number of senators and government representatives had either been assassinated or kidnapped recently, leaving the Jedi no choice but to act.
"Given an answer, has she?" Yoda referred to the discussion Mace and Master Damsin recently had with her about assigning a Jedi protector to her. The young senator had objected to their wishes immediately.
"My security staff is more than capable of keeping me safe." She'd argued, just weeks after a failed assassination attempt. After some coercing and negotiating, though, the former queen had agreed, although, under one condition.
"Fine. I'll agree to your terms, only if I may choose the Jedi that is to accompany me. After all, you expect me to endure this being night and day. I should at least have some say in who it is."
Acquiescing, the Jedi had granted her the short time she requested to make her decision. However, with the protests intensifying, and her continued entanglement in the fate of the Jedi becoming more elusive with each day, the Council felt it paramount to assign one of their own to monitor and protect Naboo's senator as soon as possible.
Mace stood, sensing their meeting was at an end. "There's been no word from the senator." He tucked his hands within the sleeves of his robe, awaiting orders.
Yoda pursed his lips in thought. "Young Obi-Wan and Skywalker, take with you. Press her, they may, to make a decision." The two Jedi were set to arrive shortly from Naboo where they'd been tasked with wresting Theed from the grasp of gungan insurgents.
Mace nodded as he exited the Grand Master's chambers. Yoda was right. The former queen of Naboo held an affinity for the two Jedi for past and present sacrifices they'd made on her home planet. The two fought against Darth Maul, the Trade Federation's current occupation, and now the gungan forces which sought to take over amidst the chaos. The planet had plummeted into turmoil. Although, Naboo still lay in ruins from the invasion years ago, it now faced a continued civil war, and pockets of Federation strongholds that held no resolution in sight. Recently, the Senator had organized lodging and transportation for thousands of her fellow Naboolians escaping the terror.
Once the civil war had broken out, many sought refuge among neighboring systems. Some had even made it as far as Coruscant. During the mass exodus, families had been separated, and many had lost their homes. Having passed several emergency bills in the Senate to allocate funds, Senator Amidala had managed to secure a fleet of older transport ships, and a hired outfit to help safely, and permanently relocate the refugees.
Mace hoped they were making the right decision to involve themselves in the former queen's life. With each passing day, the Council's ability to interpret and decipher premonitions in the Force was diminishing. A great cloud of dark side energy had somehow settled over the Jedi. Even the seers were silenced with uncertainty as the Jedi's position in the galaxy was challenged.
The wise, but unsettled master slipped through the overcrowded hallways and toward the north hangars. The two Jedi he sought would be arriving soon.
Mace Windu watched Anakin Skywalker shift excitedly in the back seat of the common, prefabricated airspeeder he'd checked out from the Temple surplus. The craft thrummed smoothly as they sped through the neon lit skies, approaching 500 Republica. The vessel wasn't much to look at, but the engine had been fine tuned to peak performance by Jedi mechanics, and was able to keep up with even the most luxurious airspeeders.
Next to him, Obi-Wan Kenobi adjusted the stiff collar of the crisp, new tunic he sported as the wind tousled his hair. A mild unease hovered around the knight; a feeling of incompletion. Mace couldn't blame him for such feelings, though. Not when he and Anakin had essentially been yanked from their six standard month mission on Naboo without a resolution.
Exhaustion could also be felt between the two of them. Lately, masters and padawans alike had been stretched thin, dispatched to the far reaches of the galaxy, oftentimes charged with near impossible tasks. He understood their plight. However, the Jedi were running out of time.
"As I've mentioned before, the Senator is hiding something. Keep your senses alert and maybe together, the will of the Force will make itself known to us." Mace finished his request as he eased the airspeeder to a halt before docking it at Senator Amidala's receiving veranda.
"Anakin, I want you to be mindful of the Force for this meeting. Quiet your words, quiet your mind, and just listen." Obi-Wan took one final opportunity to guide his padawan.
"Yes, Master." Anakin answered, impatiently.
As Mace began deactivating the vessel, unsurprisingly, Anakin was the first to exit and make his way across the platform. Obi-wan sighed at his padawan's lack of control as he and Mace joined him.
"Why, Master Anakin, Master Kenobi, how wonderful it is to see you again." C-3PO raised a golden arm welcoming them. "And Master Windu, I'm so glad you all have arrived safely. Senator Amidala is waiting inside. Please, follow me." Once inside, the fussy protocol droid motioned for them to sit on one of the long, yellow couches filling the receiving chamber. "May I offer anyone a beverage?"
"That won't be necessary, Threepio." A voice answered from the shadows.
Ever the vigilant gentleman and negotiator, Obi-Wan stood first at the sound of their hostess' voice. Both Mace and Anakin followed suit.
"Please, sit." The Naboolian senator approached, then carefully sat on the couch opposite them. Her dark garments flowed and draped about her, strategically attempting to hide a very pregnant midsection.
Both Obi-Wan and Anakin remained standing as they came to realize her condition. Mace took his seat as he observed their shared reaction. Having communicated with her over the past few months, the size of her abdomen was no shock to Mace, though, the relationship that caused it remained a mystery.
Smoothly gathering himself, Kenobi nodded then sat. When Anakin didn't follow, the older man tugged his padawan's robes, breaking the spell. Necessity and anxiety fueled the young Jedi's actions. Question after question fogged Anakin's mind as he finally took his seat.
Why is Anakin so interested in the Senator's personal life? Curious, Mace thought. Refocusing, he got back to business. "Senator, we know you're very busy and don't wish to take much of your time."
"I always have time for the Jedi, Master Windu." She momentarily shifted her attention. "Anakin, Master Kenobi, it's always good to see you again."
"Yes, it is." Kenobi sat back and calmly stroked his beard.
"Padmè, it's been entirely too long," The younger man began, forgetting himself.
"Anakin." Obi-Wan interrupted, silencing his padawan.
Leaning forward, Mace cut to the point. "We Jedi are not in the habit of rushing delicate matters such as these, however, we need to know your decision. The dark side looms closer every day, Senator. What guardian have you chosen?"
"If I say none, what then, Master Windu? I've already explained the faith I hold in my personal guards. They've managed to thwart every assassination attempt successfully thus far. Why should I lose hope in their skill now?"
Surprised, Kenobi spoke up. "Because there's more at stake now than we ever imagined. Not only are you in danger, but," The younger Jedi sat up and chose his words carefully. "But, the fate of the Jedi hangs in the balance as well."
Anakin chimed in, nearly bursting at the seams. "Please, Padmè. Allow us to help you. I could protect you."
Mace took note of Anakin's use of her first name. They're closer than I thought. Interest now piqued, the older master focused on Anakin's behavior.
"Anakin, that's sweet of you." She spoke fondly to him.
"I had no idea there'd been multiple attempts on your life." Obi-Wan's gaze grew stern. "This begs our case even further, Senator. It's only a matter of time before one of these attempts is successful. I'm afraid we must insist you choose a Jedi guardian."
Senator Amidala's brow furrowed as she addressed the insistent Jedi. "Master Kenobi, I won't be pushed."
"I beg you to see reason. How will you continue to aid your planet if you're dead? We only wish to help."
The senator locked eyes with Kenobi, outwardly annoyed with the knight's logic.
"Please, Senator. Now who would you prefer?" Mace asked, again. From where he sat he could feel longing and anticipation building within Skywalker. It was obvious now, that he held feelings for the former queen. He needed to inform Yoda of this development immediately.
The young woman, frustrated, crossed her arms over her swollen stomach. "To be clear, it's not a matter of preference, but a matter of which Jedi is better suited to the task, yes?" She looked him in the eye. Mace could sense her discomfort, and something else... Quickly, she buried her thoughts and looked away before he could get a solid read.
"Of course." Mace finally offered. She was clearly angry with being backed into a corner. And, honestly, he couldn't blame her.
She sighed. "I haven't made this decision lightly...but I must go with a Jedi that I've known for years, and have worked with before."
Mace could feel Skywalker's heart pounding, nearly escaping his chest. The love he felt for this woman was above all reason, clouding and tainting his judgment. The revelation was alarming to Mace.
The Senator continued. "Master Windu, would it be acceptable for Master Kenobi to fill this position?"
And like the crashing of a thousand moons, Anakin Skywalker's very being flamed and plummeted into darkness. The boy had been so certain she would choose him. Taken aback by his powerful emotions, Mace eyed the unusually quiet padawan a moment before answering. "It will be as you've requested, and thank you." He then turned to his right. "Master Kenobi. Do you accept?"
With much peace and patience, the blue eyed master stood then bowed. "I do."
A fleeting smile graced the Senators lips before years of discipline and training took over again. She was pleased. "Good. Then it's settled." She said, attempting to quickly stand with her unbalanced body.
Without hesitation, and before Anakin could, Kenobi caught her hand, helping her to her feet.
"Thank you, Master Kenobi." Senator Amidala raised an eyebrow. "Where were you when I was stuck in the tub a few days ago?"
"Staring down the smoking muzzle of a blaster, no doubt." Kenobi answered, quickly, before releasing her hand and taking a step back.
Mace rose then looked down at the unmoving padawan. Slight tinges of jealousy tainted Anakin's aura. He would have to speak with the boy about harboring such emotions.
No doubt feeling Mace's steely gaze, Anakin stood.
"Safe travels, Master Windu, Anakin." Padmè nodded in their direction. "Master Kenobi, I'd like you to speak with my head of security. She should be available now, if you have the time."
"Of course" Obi-wan bowed slightly as Padmè left the room. Turning, he faced them again. "I'll get myself back to the Temple. Anakin, you and I will talk later."
Mace nodded as he eyed Skywalker, expecting some sort of defiance. For once, not arguing, Anakin stepped into the speeder and silently crossed his arms in defeat. He was sure Yoda would want to speak with him after Mace reported what he'd sensed here.
Tap...tap, was the only sound that echoed from the rounded entrance of the holocron vault. Strategically located, the priceless room lay at the fringes of the Jedi Archive, away from prying eyes. Yoda's gimer stick tapped with each, slow step he took. Deep in thought, the slight master pondered the Order's fate.
The mystery of Senator Amidala's importance in all this was perplexing. After having spent the better part of the day meditating, Yoda had settled on another disturbing revelation; Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One, was linked to the vision of the Senator's death, maybe even the cause.
Yoda could feel the familiar presence of Mace Windu approaching before he rounded the corner. He felt the master's thoughts swirling, on the verge of conflict. "Master Windu. I sense much you have to tell."
"Unfortunately, yes." Mace answered. Thoughtful enough to mind the small Jedi Master's height, Mace knelt on one knee to look him in the eye. "We need to speak. In private." He added, quietly.
"The holocron vault, hardly public it is." Yoda waved a hand toward the empty halls. He'd also used his senses earlier to sweep the area. They were alone.
Trusting the much older Jedi, Mace lowered his voice and described the meeting he'd just had with Senator Amidala, including Anakin Skywalker's peculiar behavior.
Yoda rubbed the sparse hair on his head as he considered Mace's words. Brash, impatient, and fearful, were just a few of the terms Mace used to describe Skywalker's behavior. These were not new qualities in the boy he was describing, but weaknesses they'd known of from the start. Weaknesses, that apparently had not improved.
"And something else." Mace stood and rested his hands on his belt. "Skywalker may be in love with her."
Yoda's ears drooped in disappointment. "Pregnant by him, do you suspect?"
"It's possible."
"Lost our way, have we. Clouded, the present has become." Yoda began walking as Mace matched his pace.
"At least now, we know of whom the vision foretold. This is progress."
"And such small progress, should we rejoice in?" Yoda voiced his frustration not at Mace, but at the veil that had suddenly shrouded his clarity and every other master's on the Council. Yoda sighed. "Revealed to me, another vision has been. Young Skywalker, I have seen attacking the senator. Kill her, he may."
Mace stopped walking and faced Yoda. "Then we must confront him before this happens."
"Just one path, this is. Interference, may lead to action. Keep this between ourselves and the Council, we must. Bring Skywalker before the masters. An important decision, we must make."
Anakin Skywalker stood confused before the twelve masters of the Jedi High Council. He'd been summoned from his quarters shortly after second meal. He waited, leaving his thoughts open as instructed as every Jedi present searched his mind and spirit. A feeling he'd not had since Qui-Gon presented him to this very council years ago. The uneasy feeling was not missed.
Was he being debriefed? Surely not. This felt more like an inquisition, as if he'd committed a crime. His mind reeled as he hoped this wasn't about the bongo he'd stolen on Naboo to get Obi-Wan out of a pinch. That gungan was going to kill them...
Suddenly, the silence was broken as murmurs filled the chamber with many master's discussions. This is about the bongo, Anakin thought as he prepared himself to argue.
"This isn't about the bongo, Skywalker." Mace offered, surely hearing his thoughts.
"Then, forgive me Master, but what is this about?
Mace turned to Yoda before answering. The small, green master offered nothing but mystery as he intently watched Anakin's every move.
"Anakin, you are aware of the prophecy of the Chosen One, yes? Mace asked.
Anakin merely nodded, cautiously.
"And it is known to you that Jedi are not allowed to have attachments?"
Anakin shifted where he stood, weary of their games. "It is."
"Perfect. Then please explain the behavior and feelings I observed at our last meeting with Senator Amidala."
Anakin feigned ignorance. "Master, you're going to have to be more specific than that."
"There is no doubt, young Skywalker, that the Senator holds certain affections for you, and you're harboring an attachment to her." Mace softened his normally stony look, however, just for a second. "These feelings are dangerous for a Jedi, Anakin, especially for a Jedi in your position."
"If I'm the Chosen One as you've said, then I can handle it."
"Anger, hate, fear. These emotions over the years, have we only seen you mishandle. The same, you have been, never improving." Yoda interjected.
"We're trying to help you avoid the lure of the dark side, Anakin."
Truly angered with this line of personal inquiry, Anakin shut down. Closing the connection through the Force he'd allowed, the padawan suddenly grew suspicious of the curious line of questioning the Council had taken.
"Where's Obi-Wan? I'm not answering another question until he arrives." It was the only thing he could think to do. The intense suspicion and overbearing presence of the twelve masters present, even those on holo, were suffocating, and quite frankly, alarming to the young Jedi.
"Your Master has already been summoned." Shaak Ti offered.
Resolute, Anakin clasped his hands behind his back, prepared to wait for Obi-Wan in silence.
Obi-wan watched Mace and Anakin speed away into the busy sky until they were merely a speck in the distance. Once he could no longer feel their immediate presence, he turned and rushed inside to find Padmè. Sensing her beautiful, but tired presence, he made his way into her bedroom where he found her sitting on the sofa at the foot of her bed.
Upon seeing him, she stood and met him halfway. Holding the woman he'd been separated from for months, Obi-wan wrapped his arms tightly around her. She buried her face in his chest and neck as he bathed in her familiar presence. Touching her skin, soaking in her smell, they kissed. Her lips were warm and soft as he ran a hand through her thick curls.
"I was so worried. I missed you, Obi-wan."
"I know, I'm sorry. I wanted to return sooner." He pulled back to look at her stomach; a surprise which had nearly knocked him to his knees earlier. "Padmè, when?" Slowly, he placed a tentative hand on her rounded belly. Immediately, he felt his child turn and squirm beneath his palm. It's presence in the Force was strong and captivating.
Padmè placed her smaller hand atop his, covering it. "It's a surprise, I know. I found out a week after you left."
His breath caught in his throat as the gravity of her words settled. He'd been gone while she had to go through this alone. She'd never know how sorry he was that he wasn't there for her. But, he was here now, and he wasn't about to let anything change that. "Have you been well, and is everything...normal?" He searched her beautiful brown eyes.
"Yes, and everything is fine." She smiled.
Relief flooded his mind as for the first time he realized he was going to be a father."Why didn't you tell me? I would've returned right away."
"When I didn't hear from you for months, I feared the worst." Padmè's eyes began to water as she uncomfortably looked away. His absence had been the longest they'd ever gone without communicating. "And I couldn't exactly contact the Temple and demand to know your whereabouts."
Obi-wan wiped her tears with his thumbs and gently brought her face back to his. "I know. You're right, and you deserve better." He slid her hand into his and kissed her soft lips. He allowed his mouth to linger, savoring every moment and regretting every missed one. Still holding her hand, he led her to sit on the sofa. He could sense her back was aching.
Decided, he kneeled in front of her, and placing both hands on her belly, he kissed it. He looked up at the woman who'd given him everything. "I'm going to tell the Council."
Her brow furrowed in surprise.
"I want to be here for you, for our child, always. And I can't do that if we continue to hide."
"Obi-wan, you could get into serious trouble or lose your position in the Order. I know how important the Jedi are to you. I won't ask you to make that sacrifice."
"Titles mean nothing to me; you mean everything. This," he lightly rubbed her stomach, "is everything."
"You've devoted your entire life to the Order. What happens in a year when you regret your decision?" Fear laced her words.
It hurt him that she would ever think that he'd regret loving her. "I could never regret you, or the child we've made." He badly needed her to understand. So, with much gravity, Obi-wan removed the lightsaber hanging from his belt and placed it in her grasp.
The cold, deadly weapon seemed out of place in her innocent hands. Still looking up, he held her unsure gaze. "Padmè, I love you more than life, and I'm prepared to spend the rest of my days with you, if you'll have me."
She brought his weapon to her chest as she squeezed it with both hands. "You would give up everything for me?" Her brown eyes searched his as the realization of what his words truly meant, gratified and filled her. Finally, she understood.
With pure love in her heart, she lifted Obi-wan's chin with her fingertips.
Eager to taste her lips again, he rose to meet them. Having everything he'd ever needed in her, he laid her back onto the sofa and removed his tunic. Finding himself between her legs, he moved closer.
Dragging her hand down his chest, her fingers carved an electric path that excited him. Resting her fingertips at the top of his belt, her other hand let his lightsaber fall to the side. He could sense her mind racing with anticipation as she allowed once suppressed desires to run free.
He smiled as he quickly unclasped her top to reveal what he'd dreamed of night after night in his absence from her. Likewise, she freed him of his pants.
Giving in to desire, he leaned in. Though, excited as he was, Obi-wan hesitated.
"What?" She asked, impatiently.
"I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't." Not willing to wait any longer, she pulled him to her.
And for the first time in months, he felt complete.
Obi-Wan awakened to the sound of his comlink chirping, tucked within the pile of clothes he'd left on the floor last night. The warmth of Padmè beneath his draped arm brought peace to the chaos. Her enticing body pressed against him as he squeezed her one last time before getting up. Rushing, he freed his com from the heap and activated it.
A page's voice from the Temple began, "Jedi Knight Kenobi, your presence is requested immediately at the chamber of the High Council. No response is necessary."
Quickly, the knight gathered his strewn garments and slipped them on. In a rush, he pulled his tunics over his head inside out.
Padmè rose awkwardly and helped turn his undershirt the right way before handing him his belt. "Would you mind bringing blue fish when you come back, any kind? I've been craving it for days."
After buckling his belt, Obi-Wan outstretched his right hand. Without hesitation, his lightsaber landed perfectly in his palm. He clipped it on before taking a moment to kiss her. "Of course, my love." He lingered, not wanting to leave her. "Get some rest." He slid his boots on, then rushed out the door.