Obi-Wan picked up his belt and placed it around his waist, just as he heard the two bright tones of the visitor's bell. He fastened it security as he walked toward the door, then pulled his cloak around him, concealing the light saber that hung at his hip. He pressed the button on the console and the door opened. Tawn We, his hostess, was waiting on him.
"Good morning, Master Jedi," she said politely, bowing her long neck and head toward him. "I trust that you slept well and that your stay has been comfortable?"
"Oh, yes," he smiled in return, "quite comfortable. Thank you." He bowed slightly to his hostess.
"Wonderful," she replied. "Prime Minister Lama Su is awaiting us at the transport. If you are ready, we will join him."
Obi-Wan turned and picked his satchel up from the small table beside him and placed it on his shoulder. Tawn We smiled as he walked out of the room, and she closed the door, then turned to him. "This way, please, Master Jedi," she said politely, then started down the long corridor.
Obi-Wan followed close behind her as they made their way along the long, brilliant corridor. Windows were abundant, and Obi-Wan noticed the stark contrast between the interior of the city and the dark, rainy weather outside. It was still raining, he noticed, and the sky was still very dark. Were it not for the timepiece he carried with him, he would have found it difficult to tell night from day on this planet.
After a considerable distance, they arrived at the landing platform on the opposite end of the complex from where he had arrived. Outside, through the rain, he could see a large transport ship on the pad; its navigational lights were blinking slowly. Tawn We pressed a button on the control panel next to the door. As the doors slowly opened, she turned to Obi-Wan. "This way, please," she said, politely.
Obi-Wan pulled the hood of his cloak over his head, and followed her through the rain to the open door of the transport. He threw a quick glance upward at the rolling clouds, then climbed into the transport behind her.
Lama Su sat on a large chair in the passenger bay, and he stood up politely as Obi-Wan entered. "Good morning, Master Jedi," he said, bowing toward him.
Obi-Wan nodded back, tossing the hood of his cloak onto his shoulders. "Good morning, Prime Minister," he said with a smile.
"Please, sit down and make yourself comfortable," Lama Su said, and motioned toward the chair beside him. Obi-Wan placed his satchel beside the chair and, as Lama Su took his seat, he sat down beside him. Tawn We took the chair on the opposite side from Obi-Wan, and Lama Su pressed a small button on the arm of his chair. "We are ready, navigator," he said, "take us to the production facility."
A huge cloud of moisture whipped about the platform as the engines came up to speed and the transport lifted off. Through the rain, Obi-Wan watched out the window as the city disappeared into the clouds below.
The sunlight cast myriad patterns of multi-colored light on the smooth, wooden floor as it passed through the elaborately embroidered curtains on the window. Padmé rolled from her side onto her back, stretched her arms over her head and yawned. She opened her eyes slowly and looked to the chair where Anakin had been sleeping.
His jedi robes were folded neatly in the center of the chair, and his clothes, belt, and lightsaber were gone. He had awakened early, as was the habit of a Jedi, and had left the room quietly so as not to disturb her. A flash of color caught her eye, and she smiled as she saw the single red rose that he had placed on her pillow. She picked it up, closed her eyes and inhaled deeply; it was fragrant and freshly cut, having been recently picked from the garden at the rear of the house.
She placed the flower back on her pillow, then sat up on the end of the bed and stretched. After a few moments, she picked up her robe and placed it over her shoulders, fastening the tie securely around her waist. She picked up the rose from her pillow again, slipped on her sandals, and made her way down the hall to the main living area.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," her mother called brightly as Padmé walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning," Padmé yawned sleepily in reply.
Jobal wiped her hands on the apron around her waist, and then kissed her youngest daughter gently on the cheek. "I was about to come and wake you," she said. "I was afraid you were going to sleep the day away."
Padmé returned her kiss with a smile, and then watched as her mother went to the cupboard and fetched a plate and cup for her. "Are you hungry?" she asked over her shoulder.
Padmé nodded. "Yes," she said, "I am." She looked around the living and dining area. "Where's Anakin?" she asked. "Have you seen him this morning?"
Jobal set the plate and cup at the table, nodding in reply. "Yes," she said, "he was up early this morning, about the same time as your father." She fetched Padmé's breakfast from the cooler, popping it into the oven to warm it as she continued. "He had breakfast a while ago." She turned to her daughter with a smile. "I'm surprised that there was anything left for you."
"Yes," Padmé mused, "his appetite seems to have returned since yesterday." She placed the rose in her hand in the small vase on the kitchen table, then picked up the cup and poured herself some juice from the container in the cooler. "Do you know where he is now?" she asked, then took a sip from her cup.
The timer on the oven signaled that Padmé's breakfast was ready, and Jobal fetched it from the oven. She placed it on the plate on the table, and then nodded toward the window at the end of the dining room. "He's down at the far end of the garden, down by the river," she said. "He said he was going down there to meditate, or exercise," Jobal waved her hands with a grin, "or whatever it is that Jedi do."
Padmé sat down at the table, placing her napkin in her lap. She took a bite of the breakfast casserole that her mother had prepared for her; it was always her favorite, and was as good as she remembered it. Jobal poured herself another cup of coffee and sat down next to her daughter.
"Where's Dad?" she asked, between bites. "I haven't seen him this morning, either."
Jobal took a sip from her coffee cup. "He left early, with Darred, right after he and Anakin had breakfast. They're on their way with that little droid, Ar, whatever-his-name-is, to pick up your wedding guests."
"Artoo," Padmé corrected with a grin. "Do they know where to meet them?"
"Artoo," Jobal repeated, nodding, making a mental note. "They didn't, but he does," she replied. "Anakin had already given him instructions this morning. He apparently knows right where to go and what to do." She smiled, taking another sip from her coffee cup. "I think that little droid's handling everything. Your father and poor Darred are just along for the ride."
Padmé and Jobal laughed together for a moment. Her father had never had much use for droids, and the thought of him being ordered about by an astrodroid he barely knew was amusing to the both of them.
"So," Jobal beamed, "are you ready for today? We have a lot to get done before this afternoon."
Padmé took another sip of juice and smiled at her mother. "Yes," she said happily, "I am, Mom." She looked at her mother thoughtfully. "I just hope I'll be a good wife to him."
Jobal squeezed her hand, smiling warmly, then stood up and started to work again in the kitchen. "You'll make a wonderful wife," she said, reaching into the cupboard for a large bowl. "And he'll make a wonderful husband."
Padmé smiled at her, and then went back to her breakfast, watching her mother as she prepared the food for their wedding reception.
After breakfast, Padmé showered and dressed, changing into a lovely pale yellow dress. Low cut and very flattering, it was trimmed in lace along the neckline, drawing attention to the bright gold locket that she wore around her neck. She wore her hair down this morning, brushed smooth and pulled over her left shoulder.
She stepped out the back door onto the garden patio, closing the door behind her. The sun shone brightly this morning, and the air was already warm. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in the fragrant aroma of the newly opened blossoms that adorned the garden walk. These were the simple things that she had so often missed during the years she had been in political service. Her mother had always been a wonderful gardener, and the rewards of her hard work showed in the myriad blooms and bright colors of her handiwork. Padmé walked down the stone path that wound through the center of the garden to the garden wall, where she could see down into the meadow below.
She smiled as she saw Anakin, standing in a small clearing near the riverbank. Leaning forward, she rested her elbows on the garden wall and watched him. He was in the middle of his morning exercises and, knowing how important they were to a Jedi, she didn't want to disturb him.
It wasn't fair to him, she thought to herself; why were love and commitment forbidden for a Jedi? What was it about love, about security, about happiness, that was so dangerous? Love was what the universe needed most, wasn't it? She looked fondly at him; wasn't love the one thing that had finally brought happiness to the both of them? Perhaps, she though, the Order wasn't as wise as she had once believed them to be.
Whatever the reason, she knew that, even though he had decided to leave, he would always be a Jedi. He was what he was, she thought, and she loved him deeply for it. Whether the Council acknowledged it or not, she had decided that she would always encourage him to be what he was, and she would stand behind him and support him.
She turned her attention from her thoughts back to Anakin. He stood motionless, his arms at his side, as the small practice remote hovered slowly around him. She had heard of this exercise, but she had never actually seen a Jedi at saber practice before. She folded her arms and leaned against the wall, watching him intently.
She felt herself jump as suddenly, quick as a flash, he drew his lightsaber from his belt, ignited the blade, and deflected several quick laser blasts that came from the remote. She smiled, feeling herself relax again as she continued to watch him.
She was astounded at how quick his reflexes were. She remembered how quickly he had crossed the hangar when they were attacked the day before, and she watched with an almost childlike wonder now as the remote suddenly began to whirl about him, firing bolt after bolt toward him.
His movements were perfectly fluid as he spun his body in synchronization with the remote, his lightsaber moving in perfect circular motions as he deflected the blasts away from him. The remote continued to fire faster and faster, until it was moving so quickly that Anakin seemed to be encased in a bright blue field of light as his saber hummed and whirled continuously around him in a blur of motion. She had seen master Qui-Gon in battle when he had rescued her during the Trade Federation invasion ten years ago, but even he had never moved as Anakin did now. She had never seen anyone move so quickly, so accurately, and she felt herself begin to laugh with amazement as she watched him.
Jobal stuck her head out of the kitchen door. "Padmé," she called, waving a small, round device in her hand.
Padmé turned, placing her finger in front of her lips, and motioned for her mother to join her. With a puzzled look, Jobal closed the door and joined her daughter at the garden wall.
Padmé nodded toward Anakin, then turned to look at her mother with a bright smile. "It's amazing, isn't it, Mom?" she said.
Jobal turned her attention toward the meadow below and saw Anakin as he continued to practice with the remote. She slowly lifted her hand to her mouth in astonishment as she watched him for a long moment, transfixed. "It's the most incredible thing I've ever seen," she said finally. "I've heard stories, but I never imagined..." She stopped speaking, as she watched with the same fascination as her daughter. Finally, she turned to Padmé. "Are all Jedi that fast?" she asked.
"No," Padmé said, "I saw several of them in battle during the Trade Federation invasion. Not even Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn could move that quickly."
Padmé turned her eyes back to her fiancé as he practiced. "Anakin's extremely gifted, Mom," she said. "Master Qui-Gon knew that all those years ago. He has special abilities, he can do things other people can't." She looked at her Mother thoughtfully. "And they seem to be getting stronger, too. Even since I first saw him again a few days ago."
Jobal shook her head in amazement. "He's a remarkable young man," she said, and then turned to smile at Padmé. "Which reminds me," she said, "Anakin asked me to let him know if Artoo signaled him. It beeped a moment ago." She placed the small round transmitter in Padmé's hand and smiled. "I though you might want to take it to him."
Padmé smiled at her mother as she turned and walked back to the house. She turned her attention to the meadow again, and she watched Anakin deflect the last few laser blasts from the remote, and then extinguish the blade of his lightsaber. The remote shut off, and he sat down on the ground, leaning back on his arms.
She walked through the garden gate and down the path to the riverbank where he sat. As she approached him, she could see that his eyes were closed; he seemed to be meditating.
"Am I disturbing you?" she asked softly.
Anakin opened his eyes and turned to see her standing a few feet away. "No, not at all," he said with a grin. "On the contrary, your presence is very soothing. I was just resting." He patted the ground next to him, inviting her to join him.
She kneeled and sat down next to him, then leaned over and kissed him gently. "Good morning," she said with a smile. "You were up early this morning."
"I know," he nodded, "I usually do better if I exercise early." He took her hand in his. "I didn't wake you when I got up, did I?"
"No," she said, "I didn't even know you had left until I woke up." She leaned closer to him. "Which reminds me," she said softly, "thank you for the rose." She kissed him gently on the cheek. "That was very thoughtful of you."
"You're welcome," he said, his eyes twinkling as he smiled at her.
"I watched you practice," she said, smiling broadly at him. "You did very well."
"I didn't know you were watching," he said, surprised.
"Oh yes," she nodded. "I couldn't help but too. You don't mind, do you?"
He shook his head, smiling at her. "Of course not," he said, "you can watch me any time you want. In fact," he said, with a thoughtful look as he took the lightsaber from his belt and handed it to her, "you can be my padawan learner."
She took the shiny, silver tube from his hand and held it gingerly. "Oh, yes, right," she laughed out loud. "I'm sure I'd make a wonderful apprentice!" She looked at his weapon as she turned it over slowly in her hand, making sure to keep the emitter pointed far from her. "I don't even know how to turn this thing on," she laughed.
"I think you'd make a great apprentice," he said with a laugh. "And we're going to have plenty of time to train you." He reached over and tugged on her hair playfully. "Besides," he said, "You'll have the best looking padawan braid in the galaxy."
"You're awful," she said with a laugh, and pushed him playfully with her free hand. He fell onto his back, laughing and smiling happily.
She turned his Jedi weapon over slowly in her hands and looked at it thoughtfully, then turned her attention back to him. "Your powers are getting stronger, aren't they?"
Anakin nodded. "Yes," he said thoughtfully, gazing out over the river. "They are, Padmé. I don't really understand why, but they are." He looked at her thoughtfully, then reached beside him and picked up a small round stone. "Here," he said, as he handed it to her, "take this and throw it as far out into the river as you can."
She laid his weapon down next to her on the grass, taking the stone from him with a grin. "Are you sure?" she asked, cocking an eyebrow slyly. "Sola and I grew up doing this, you know," she said, standing up as she bounced the stone a time or two in her hand. "I'm pretty good at it."
"Yes, I'm sure," he chuckled, nodding his head. "Let me see what you can do."
"All right, but just remember, you asked for this," she chuckled, and she drew her arm back and, with all her might, threw the stone as far as she possible could.
It was a good throw; she'd had lots of practice at this particular activity as a child, and she had a strong arm. The stone sailed out high in the air over the river, more than halfway across, and started down toward the water.
Anakin closed his eyes and raised his hand, stretching out with the Force, and Padmé watched in amazement as the stone suddenly stopped just inches above the water. She sat back down and watched, mesmerized, as the stone slowly began to float towards her, finally coming to stop just a foot or so from her, still hovering in mid-air, perfectly still.
Anakin slowly opened his eyes and smiled as she reached up and plucked the stone from the air. "That was amazing," she said, shaking her head as she grinned back at him. "How did you do that?"
He smiled, shaking his head. "I don't know," he said. "I can just feel the Force so much more strongly," he said, thoughtfully. "I don't know if it's this place, or..." He paused, and then smiled at her. "Or if I just feel so much more peaceful when I'm with you."
"That's a good thing, isn't it?" she asked, as she gazed fondly back at him.
He leaned closer to her. "Yes, I think it is," he chuckled, taking her hand in his again.
She squeezed his hand gently, as she slowly turned the stone over and examined it with her free hand. After a moment, she spoke again, but this time her voice had a more concerned tone to it.
"You had another nightmare last night," she asked, turning her eyes toward him. "Didn't you?"
Anakin sat quietly for a moment, then nodded his head. "Yes," he said softly.
"I heard you call out early this morning," she said, and then squeezed his hand. "It was about your mother again, wasn't it?"
Anakin nodded again. "I just don't know why I keep dreaming about her, Padmé." He turned a troubled face toward his fiancé. "I saw her more clearly last night than I have before," he said. "I saw her almost as clearly as I see you now." He looked down toward their joined hands, then back up to her face. "She was in pain," he said, softly.
He turned his troubled face to look out over the river again. "I just don't know what it means," he said.
"I'm sure you'll figure out what it means in time," she said, reassuringly.
"I hope so," he said, quietly.
Padmé remembered the transmitter in her hand. "Oh yes," she said, " Mom said that Artoo signaled you a few minutes ago." She handed the transmitter to him, and he pressed a small button on the side. Momentarily, a small message popped up on the tiny display.
Anakin smiled. "Artoo says that they've arrived in Theed," he said. "They should be picking up Queen Jamilla and her party any minute."
Padmé stood up, smoothed her dress with her hands, then smiled and extended her hand to Anakin. "In that case," she said, "we'd better be getting ready."
Anakin returned her smile, then took her hand and stood up. They were a good ten yards back up the path when he finally remembered his lightsaber, and he turned his head and extended his free hand toward it. With a smooth, flowing motion, it flew from its resting place on the grass to his hand, and he caught it and placed it back on his belt. Hand in hand, they continued back up the winding meadow path to the house.
Obi-Wan watched out the window of the transport as they descended through the thick clouds. Below him, through the fog and rain, the massive, domed production facility came into view, looming large above the waves.
The Kaminoan transport ship touched down gently on the landing pad at the end of the complex, clouds of water vapor whipping wildly from the rain saturated pad as it's engines slowly powered down. As the entry hatch slowly opened and secured, Prime Minister Lama Su walked slowly down the ramp and into the rain, followed closely by Obi-Wan and Tawn We.
Obi-Wan looked around as he walked. The facility was enormous, it's huge dome reaching far into the rainy skies above. They walked through the rain to the access door that stood across from the landing pad, and it slowly opened as they approached. Obi-Wan tossed his hood back onto his shoulders, shaking the rain from his cloak as they entered.
"Welcome to our clone production facility," Lama Su said proudly, his arms stretched proudly over his head as he turned to face Obi-Wan. "I'm most certain that you will be pleased with the results of our work, Master Jedi," he said. "If you will follow me, we will begin our tour."
Obi-Wan smiled pleasantly in reply, and they started down the corridor to the doors that waited at the far end. Lama Su spoke to him as they made their way to the main facility.
"I think that you will be most impressed with our methods," he said proudly. "We have, over the years, overcome the major problems inherent in cloning, and have achieved a success rate of over ninety five percent."
"So if I understand you correctly, Prime Minister," Obi-Wan asked, "this army that was commissioned is entirely made up of... clones?"
"Yes," Lama Su replied proudly, as they approached the towering doors at the end of the corridor. "Entirely."
Lama Su pressed a button on the panel near the door and the doors slowly opened. He extended his long, narrow arm politely, and Obi-Wan walked slowly onto the catwalk that encircled the large development area beyond.
Obi-Wan was speechless. Dex had told him that the Kaminoans were cloners, but nothing he could have been told would have prepared him for what met his eyes as he entered the development chamber. Before him, without question, stood the largest genetic development facility he had ever seen; it seemed to go on nearly forever.
Before him, without question, stood the largest genetic development facility he had ever seen; it seemed to go on nearly forever
The area in which they now stood was the primary development chamber. Literally thousands of human embryos, in various stages of development, could be seen floating inside large glass containers filled with amniotic fluid. Suspended from large overhead conveyors, these containers snaked along seemingly endless pathways as they wound their way through the overhead maze. He stood motionless, his mouth agape in amazement. He had never anticipated an effort of this magnitude.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Lama Su asked proudly. Obi-Wan, didn't speak, but simply nodded his head slowly.
Finally, he found his voice. "Prime Minister," he said, "If Master Sifo-Dyas requested this army only ten years ago, how could any of them be ready now?"
"We have developed a reliable accelerated growth program," Lama Su replied, as they began making their way along the catwalk that wound around the embryonic conveyors. Obi-Wan listened intently as they walked. "Having overcome the inherent problems with accelerated aging," Lama Su continued, "we can now produce a mature clone in only one third of the time that it would take to produce a mature adult naturally."
Obi-Wan nodded his head slowly. "So that's why you have so many units ready now," he said.
"Yes," Lama Su replied. "Without accelerated growth, a mature clone would take a lifetime to develop." He smiled proudly. "And I am happy to say that we are well on the way to having the next million ready within the next five years."
Lama Su continued. "We are also very proud of our technical and combat training programs," he said. "We are not only interested in providing mature clones, but ones that are of the highest quality as well."
They reached a set of doors at the end of the embryonic facility, and Lama Su led him to the training area. As they entered, Obi-Wan saw thousands of clones, in groups of differing ages. Some were adults, dressed in white combat armor and practicing drills in formation. Others were younger, grouped around simulation consoles studying various combat methods and techniques. He saw several large dining areas, with hundreds of clones seated together. Always, they seemed to be grouped by age. Overhead, monitoring droids watched their progress.
"I'm sure that you will find," Lama Su said, "that our clone troopers are much more effective than droids. Able to think independently, they are much more effective in battle. I'm sure that you will be most pleased with their performance."
Lama Su regarded his handiwork with obvious pride. "We have modified their genetic structure to make them much less independent than the original specimen. You will find they have no problems following orders."
Obi-Wan could barely believe what he was seeing. How could an operation of this size, the creation of an army of this magnitude, have been going on for over ten years without the Council's knowledge? Somehow, he had to get this information back to the Council as soon as possible.
Lama Su led him around the training area's observation catwalk, and Obi-Wan watched below as clone troopers by the thousands continued to practice combat drills in precise formation. They were as accurate and well trained as any army he had ever seen, a truly formidable sight.
"Tell me, Prime Minister," he asked as they walked along, "who was the original donor for these clones?"
Lama Su nodded, as though he expected that question. "The original donor was a bounty hunter named Jango Fett," he replied, matter-of-factly.
The name struck Obi-Wan like a bolt of lightning. Fett? That was the same name that Anakin had given him in his message last night. At last, one piece of this puzzle fit with another. He needed more answers, he needed them quickly, and he was determined to find them.
"And where is this bounty hunter now?" he asked.
Lama Su continued as they walked along the catwalk. "We keep him here," he said. "From time to time, we need fresh samples for new batches."
"Aside from his pay, which is considerable," Lama Su said, "Fett demanded only one thing; an unaltered clone for himself. No genetic manipulation, no growth acceleration – pure, genetic replication." He turned to regard Obi-Wan. "An unusual request, wouldn't you agree?"
Obi-Wan nodded in reply. "Unusual, indeed." He looked at Lama Su. "I would very much like to meet this Jango Fett," he said, smiling pleasantly.
Tawn We finally spoke. "I would be very happy to arrange it for you," she said.
Obi-Wan smiled and nodded politely in reply, and the three of them continued down the catwalk and through the doors at the end of the training facility.
Ryoo and Pooja burst through the kitchen door into the garden. "Mother!" Pooja squealed loudly, "They're coming, they're coming!"
Sola placed the last tray of food on the table near the house, and turned to catch her excited daughter. "Pooja!" she scolded, "There's no need to shout!" She pointed toward their father, standing near her mother and father across the garden. "Go over there and stand with Nana and Papa," she said, "and settle down and be quiet." The two children nodded to their mother obediently, then went to join their father and grandparents as she had directed them.
Queen Jamilla regarded the children with a smile as they went to join their father. She had arrived on time, thanks to Anakin's planning and Artoo's exceptional piloting skills, and had been greeted very warmly by Padmé's family. The rigors and demanding schedule of palace life made calm, peaceful occasions like these an extreme rarity, and she made it a point to enjoy them as much as she could whenever they presented themselves.
This particular occasion was a special treat for her. Padmé Amidala had been one of her most trusted confidants, a dear friend whom she had known for many years, since their first meeting during their time in the political service academy. After her two terms as queen, Padmé had been a dedicated senator, serving tirelessly in the Republic Senate on her behalf for the two years since the end of her final term. She knew the dedication with which Padmé had served her people over the years, and she had been as shocked as anyone when Padmé had told her just a day before that she was resigning the Senate to marry Anakin.
She stood with Captain Typho and his security guards as she and the others awaited the start of the ceremony. It was a good decision, she thought to herself, as she made conversation with Padmé's family. She had brought so much happiness and goodness to so many people; it was only fitting that she now be able to enjoy some happiness and contentment in her own life.
Naboo weddings were simple. Not elaborate, gaudy ceremonies, they were meant to be a private, yet public profession of a couple's love for each other. They were quiet and small, usually held with a very limited number of guests; pure like the love of the couple themselves, and yet a meaningful event for the couple's family and closest friends.
There had never been a more appropriate setting for such a ceremony. Jobal's garden was a beautiful place on any given day, but she would have confessed that she had never seen it look more beautiful than it did today.
Jobal stood near Ruwee, talking with a tall, silver-haired woman dressed in ceremonial robes. Jendoo, a Naboo priestess, had been a friend of Jobal's for many years. An elegant, regal woman, she had a peaceful demeanor and a kind, compassionate face that always seemed to radiate with a warm, genuine smile. This was her third wedding for this family; she had married Jobal and Ruwee so many years ago, and Sola and Willem during Padmé's first term as Queen of Naboo.
Jendoo finished her conversation with Jobal, then hugged her tightly, and walked to the archway of bright, vibrant flowers that had been placed near the wall at the head of the garden. She took her place there, standing quietly, and the guests and family finished their conversations and took their places on either side of the garden walk.
Jobal stood alongside Ruwee, her husband of more than forty years, and she watched with a vibrant smile as Anakin, dressed in his dark brown Jedi attire, opened the kitchen door, and then turned and extended his hand to his beautiful young bride.
Padmé smiled radiantly as she took his hand and stepped through the door to stand beside him. She placed her arm in his, and the two young lovers began to walk slowly down the stone walk, past the beaming, smiling faces of their friends and family, and took their places in front of Jendoo.
Jendoo regarded them both for a moment, then turned her attention to the guests standing reverently in the garden beyond them. "Dear friends," Jendoo said, "it is with great joy and happiness that we gather together today, on this wonderful occasion, to bear witness to the profession of love and the eternal union of Padmé Naberrie Amidala and Anakin Skywalker."
"Be it known to all in attendance," she continued, "that this couple has come today, of their own free will, to be joined in the sacred bonds of marriage."
"Anakin," Jendoo said, regarding him, "What is it that you seek?"
Anakin turned to face Padmé, taking her hands gently in his own. Smiling fondly at her, he spoke. "I seek the hand of this woman, Padmé Amidala, in marriage."
Jendoo turned to regard Padmé. "Padmé," she said, "this man asks that you and he be joined in the bonds of marriage." She smiled at her. "Will you then, of your own free will, give yourself to be joined to him and take him to be your lawful husband?"
Padmé gazed deeply into Anakin's eyes. "Yes," she said lovingly. "I will, of my own free will, give myself to be joined to him as his wife," she paused, smiling at him, "and take him to be my lawful husband."
"Be it known to all present," Jendoo said, directing her attention once again to the wedding party, "that these two have made willing petition that they be joined together as husband and wife." She turned to Jobal and Ruwee. "Are you, Jobal and Ruwee Naberrie, the lawful parents and family of this woman?"
"We are," Jobal and Ruwee responded in unison.
"Ruwee," she said, "As lawful patriarch of this family, will you then give your consent and blessing to this union," she asked, "and take this man, Anakin Skywalker, into your family, as your own son?"
Ruwee smiled at Anakin. "Yes," Ruwee said, proudly, "I will, happily."
"Then in accordance with our laws and customs," she continued, "these two shall now make public profession of their love and commitment to each other."
Jendoo turned to Anakin, and he took the bright red silken cord that Jendoo offered him. Padmé extended her right hand to him, and he wrapped the cord around her wrist two times, and then tied it gently.
He took her hands gently in his own, and gazed at her fondly. She was radiant, more beautiful than he had ever seen her, or imagined that she ever could be. Her long brown hair framed her lovely face, flowing gracefully around her shoulders. Her bright white wedding gown was simple, yet beautiful, with fine lace sleeves that gathered at her wrists. Around her waist, she wore a sash of pure white satin, and her hair was adorned with a lace band interwoven with white and yellow flowers. She was an angel; of that he was convinced, just as he had known she was all those years ago when he first met her.
"Padmé," he said softly, gazing lovingly into her eyes, "I fell in love with you when I was just a boy, all those years ago."
Padmé squeezed his hands tightly as he continued. "Since that day, not a day has passed when my heart hasn't longed to be with you. My love for you has grown each day, and I know that I will love you more tomorrow than I do today."
"You are my heart, my soul, my very reason for living," he said. "I love you, more than life itself, and I will be by your side every day of the rest of my life."
He smiled at her, and then continued, softly. "I love you, Padmé, and I pledge myself to you with all my heart."
Padmé turned and took the white silken cord that Jendoo offered to her, and fastened it around his right wrist in the same manner that he had. She took his hands in hers again, then gazed fondly up at him, her eyes glistening from the happy tears that stood in them.
He was so handsome, she thought, as she gazed at him. He wore his Jedi robes, as he had little else to wear with him, but she would not have wanted him to wear anything else. This was who he was, she thought, and she loved him so deeply for it. This was the Anakin that she loved, the one that she had known for so long, the one that cared so deeply for her, the one she was so happy to share the rest of her life with.
"Anakin," she said, holding his gaze with hers, "You've had a special place in my heart for so long. You have brought me happiness, more happiness than I ever thought I would ever know. You have brought me security, and you have brought me hope."
She squeezed his hands tightly as she continued. "Most of all, you have brought me love, and I return it to you, willingly and happily. I know that our love will grow with each passing day, and I pledge myself to be with you, to care for you, and to love you, for the rest of my life."
She gazed deeply into his eyes. "I love you, Ani," she said softly, "and I pledge myself to you with all my heart."
As they gazed fondly at each other, Jendoo reached down and took the loose ends of the long, silken cords around their wrists into her hands. She raised them up in front of her as she spoke.
"Love and purity are the two binding ties that bring these two together," Jendoo said, as she tied the red and white cords together, then wrapped them gently around their clasped hands. "It is the purity of love, and the passion of love, that bind these two in the bonds of eternal matrimony."
Jendoo smiled at them both as she raised her right hand. "It is then by your own profession of love for each other, and by the witness born by this company of family and friends, that I pronounce that you, Anakin, and you, Padmé, are now, and forever, husband and wife."
She turned to Anakin with a smile. "Anakin," she said, "you may kiss your bride."
As Anakin and Padmé's lips met in a long, passionate kiss, the wedding party erupted into applause and celebration.
Tawn We pressed the button next to the door, then lowered her hand and waited patiently beside Obi-Wan. In a moment, they heard footsteps inside the living quarters, and the door slowly slid to the side. A small, dark haired boy, about ten years old, looked up at Tawn We, then regarded Obi-Wan with a wary expression.
"Boba," Tawn We said with a smile, "is your father home?"
"Yeah," he replied, standing motionless inside the door. He made no effort to talk, offered no further information; he just watched the both of them with the same suspicious expression.
Finally, after a long moment, Tawn We spoke. "May we see him, please?" she asked politely.
The lad regarded them for another long moment. "Yeah, I guess so," he finally responded, then turned and headed back into the living quarters.
Tawn We and Obi-Wan entered, and the door closed behind them. "Dad," the young boy called, "Tawn We's here."
The living quarters were small, but neatly maintained. They followed the dark haired boy into the main living area, and a stocky, muscular man with a dark complexion entered, wiping his hands on a small towel. He looked at Tawn We, then turned his attentions to Obi-Wan, eyeing him with the same suspicion as the young boy had only a few moments before.
"Jango," Tawn We said politely, "It's so good to see you have returned. Was your business trip profitable?"
"Somewhat," Jango replied with a forced smile, his gaze still focused on Obi-Wan.
Tawn We turned her attentions to Obi-Wan. "This is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi," she said. "He has come to check on our progress."
Obi-Wan smiled and bowed politely. He regarded Jango with a wary eye. "Your clones are very impressive," he said with a smile.
Jango approached Obi-Wan, stopping only a foot or two away from him. The air was tense as the two men eyed each other with an air of obvious suspicion.
Obi-Wan reached into the Force; Jango was nervous, he could sense that very clearly. About what, he wasn't quite sure, but he felt that it was time to go fishing for some answers. "Tell me, Jango," Obi-Wan asked curiously, "do you ever make it as far into the interior on your business trips as, say, Coruscant?"
Jango smiled slightly. "Sometimes," he replied. It was obvious, Obi-Wan realized, that Jango wasn't going to be freely forthcoming with any information.
"Jango," Obi-Wan continued, "Who was it that recruited you for this cloning job? Ever heard of a man called Sifo-Dyas?"
Jango shook his head. "Never heard of him." He looked at Obi-Wan with a sly, sarcastic smirk. "I was recruited by a man named Tyrannus on one of the moons of Bogdon." He took a step closer to Obi-Wan, a look of sarcastic, self-pity on his face. "I'm just a poor man trying to make my way in the universe."
Young Boba watched his father as he spoke. It was obvious that Jango didn't like this strange visitor, and if his father didn't like someone, then he didn't like him or her either. He stood nervously, ready to respond to anything that his father might ask of him.
Obi-Wan cast a quick glance around the room, eagerly searching for any clues that might be helpful. Something told him that this man was the one he had been searching for, the one Anakin had mentioned in his message, but he had to be sure. As he looked back toward the main entrance, he noticed the open closet door. He caught a glimpse of a something that jogged his memory; a blue face shield on a smooth, silver helmet, and some silver-grey colored armor. Those items looked remarkably similar to the armor he had seen on the mysterious bounty hunter that had jetted away right after Zam Wessel was killed during her attempt on Senator Amidala's life.
Obi-Wan craned his neck, trying to see a little more detail on the armor in the closet. Seeing the focus of Obi-Wan's attention, Jango turned to Boba, who was still standing next to him. "Boba," he said flatly, "Eeeja nam idja dormatta."
Young Boba nodded his head, and then walked slowly past his father back down the hall. He pressed a button on the control panel near the door, and the closet door slowly closed, hiding the armor that Obi-Wan had been observing.
Jango turned his attention back to Obi-Wan. They regarded each other for a long moment. "So," he said, "how do you like your army?"
Obi-Wan could sense through the Force that Jango's defenses were up, on full alert. Obi-Wan smiled. "I look forward to seeing them in action," he said.
Jango smiled at him. "They'll do their job well," he said. "I'll guarantee that."
Obi-Wan knew that he had overstayed his welcome. He had all he would get from Jango Fett, but it might be enough for the moment. He nodded politely to his host. "Thank you for you time, Jango," he said. "I leave in peace."
Jango nodded, his eyes never leaving Obi-Wan's. "Always a pleasure to meet a Jedi," he said, flatly.
Obi-Wan smiled and nodded to the small boy at Jango's side, then followed Tawn We back through the open door and out into the hall.
The door closed behind them, and Jango Fett stood thoughtfully in the main living area. Boba turned his eyes to his father. "What is it, Dad?" he asked, concerned.
Jango stood still for another moment, and then turned his eyes to his son. "Pack your things," he said, a serious tone in his voice. "We're leaving."
The evening stars were just distant, twinkling points of light, just beginning to shine through the dark, topaz sky. The soft, babbling song of the flowing river was the only sound in the meadow, other than the rustle of leaves as the gentle evening breeze worked its way through the trees. Off in the distance, the faint chirp of the evening crickets could be heard as they emerged from their underground burrows and slowly moved back into the meadow.
To Padmé, it seemed that time had stopped, and she had no desire to see it start moving again, at least not now, not tonight. She lay on her back on the soft, thick blanket, her young husband's arms wrapped securely around her as he lay beside her and held her close to him, kissing her gently, passionately. Her lips moved slowly over his, and she pressed her body against him, her heart pounding as she surrendered to his strong, intoxicating embrace.
She kept her eyes closed and inhaled deeply, her arms wrapped around him tightly, as he moved his kiss first to her cheek, then down to the nape of her neck. She smiled, sighing softly, as she felt the tiny pinpricks of the chill bumps that moved down her neck in perfect synchronization with his lips; it was a perfectly wonderful sensation.
She smiled to herself; Sola was right, she thought, remembering what her older sister had told her in the kitchen last night. "If he loves as good as he looks, baby sister, you're in for a treat," she had said; Sola had always been fascinated with boys, much more so than she had been when she was younger. Now, as she surrendered herself to her handsome young husband, as she felt her body thrill to the touch of his hands on the soft, satin dress that she wore, she was beginning to understand what it was that Sola so enjoyed about the closeness and comfort of a man's affection.
"Mmmm," she said softly, "That tickles." She turned her head towards him and kissed him gently on the cheek, and Anakin turned his lips back to hers.
"I'm sorry," he said, as he opened his eyes and smiled at her, running his free hand through her long, brown tresses.
"Don't be," she said softly, slowly opening her eyes. "It feels wonderful." She kissed him again, then turned her head and looked up at the stars twinkling in the sky above. Anakin turned his attention to her neck again, and she smiled, running her fingers gently through his hair as he kissed her again and again. "It's getting late," she said. "We should probably go in soon."
"Do we have to?" Anakin asked; his voice was muffled as he spoke, and he kissed her again on the neck. "I'm enjoying myself right here," he said, and he blew softly on her neck as he kissed her.
Padmé laughed out loud as she tried to push him away. "Ooohhhh, you're doing that on purpose," she squealed, and the two of them began laughing as she wrestled with him playfully, trying in vain to break the hold he had on her. Laughing happily, Anakin rolled onto his back and pulled her on top of him. He wrapped his arms tightly around her as they both laughed together, gazing happily into each other's eyes.
Padmé gently stroked his cheek with her hand, gazing deeply into his bright, shining eyes. "This has been the happiest day of my life," she said softly.
"Mine, too," Anakin replied. "I love you, Padmé," he said. "Very much."
She kissed him softly on the lips. "I love you, too," she said, and she smiled softly at him, and then paused for a long moment, holding his gaze with her own. She could feel his body trembling as much as her own, and she longed to be with him, to hold him. She rolled off of his chest and lay by his side, her hand resting gently on his chest.
"Let's go," she said softly, passionately. 'I'm ready for bed."
Anakin smiled at her, then stood up and offered her his hand. He helped her up, and then picked up the blanket and the empty food tray they had brought with them, and together, they started off for the house.
"Are you sure you want me to do this?"
Padmé stood behind Anakin as he sat in the chair in front of her dressing mirror. "Yes," he said with a grin. "I'm sure. Go ahead."
The scissors trembled slightly in Padmé's hand as she gently took his padawan braid in her free hand. She held it out gently, and placed the scissors near the top of the braid. She smiled back at him, and then took a deep breath.
"Okay," she sighed. "Here goes."
She squeezed the scissors gently, and with one smooth motion, his padawan learner's braid, which he had worn for nearly ten years, dropped loosely into her hand. She placed the scissors on the table, then took the braid into her hands and held it, almost reverently.
Anakin scratched the side of his head where his braid has been just a second before. "Feels funny," he grinned. "It's been there so long, it feels really strange without it."
Padmé placed her hands on his shoulders. "Well," she said, "No harm done. You're just as handsome without it." She leaned down and kissed him on the cheek, then walked to her dresser on the other side of the room.
"What're you doing?" he asked, turning in the chair so that he could see her, still scratching his head.
Padmé opened the top drawer of her dresser, and then took out a small box. "I'm putting this away," she said, as she opened the box. Anakin stood up and walked to the dresser where he could see.
"What's that?" he asked curiously.
Padmé smiled at him as she worked. "It's my keepsake box," she said, tying the freshly cut end of his braid securely with a small piece of string as she spoke. "I'm saving this so that we can show it to our children someday."
She placed the braid gently into the box, and then closed the lid. She looked at him with a smile and kissed him on the cheek. "You never know," she said, turning to put the box back into the drawer. "Your own son or daughter may have one of their own someday, and they'd probably like to see their father's."
She closed the drawer, then turned and put her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled at her, his eyes twinkling as he spoke. "Children, huh?" he asked, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.
She returned his grin, leaning close to him. "Yes," she said softly. "Children."
He tilted his head and looked at her, playfully, thoughtfully. "I think you'll make a wonderful mother," he grinned, then turned his attention to the lamp near their bed. He raised his right hand and closed his eyes, just for a moment, and the lamp's brightness began to slowly fade, until the room was lit only by a soft glow.
She smiled, and snuggled closer to him. "Hopefully," she said softly, "we'll find out someday." She closed her eyes, and kissed him tenderly.
She felt that familiar flutter in her stomach again as she moved her lips slowly over Anakin's, and she inhaled deeply, taking in his now familiar scent. She felt his arms tighten around her waist, and she pressed her body against his as his hands caressed her, moving slowly down her shoulders and across the small of her back.
All day long, indeed, ever since Anakin had asked her to marry him the day before, her mind had drifted, time and time again, to this moment where she now found herself. Now, finally, she was here, in the arms of her new husband, and she wanted him, wanted to be with him, longed to give herself to him, completely.
She kissed him gently, at first, and then pressed her mouth tighter to his as her hands moved down from his neck, caressing his shoulders and arms as she brought them to rest on his chest. Their lips parted for a moment, but their eyes never did as she found the tie at the neck of his tunic, and, with trembling hands, slowly untied it. Anakin lifted his arms, allowing her to pull it up and over his head, and she dropped it on the floor beside him.
She kissed him again, much more passionately, as she allowed her trembling hands to explore his broad, smooth chest, keenly aware of the soft feel of his skin beneath her fingers. She felt a deep warmth spread throughout her body, and her heart pounded in her chest as she slid her arms under his and up around the small of his back, pressing her own body closer to his, losing herself in him.
Anakin cupped her face in his own trembling hands, his mouth over hers, lost in the sensation of her fingers on his skin. The familiar, soothing tremor that he felt through the Force whenever he was around her was much stronger now, as the barriers that separated their bodies began to give way to passion's embrace.
Their lips parted for another moment, and they gazed transfixed at each other as Anakin allowed his hands to move gently to her shoulders. Padmé closed her eyes, and her breathing grew more shallow as he traced the thin, satin straps of her nightgown with his fingers, down her shoulders and across her chest to the tie that fastened above her bosom. She looked down and watched, her heart pounding, as his trembling hands slowly unfastened the small, white ribbon at her neck, then kissed him again, deeply, passionately, as she took his hands in hers, guiding them to her shoulders. She could feel his breathing, as shallow and ragged as her own, as, shrugging her shoulders to help him, she encouraged him to push the satin straps over her shoulders, and her silk nightgown slowly slid down her slender frame and landed softly on the floor.
Padmé felt herself slip willingly under passion's spell, and her lips never left his as her own hands traveled down his chest and across his stomach, shakily fumbling with the cord at his waist. A moment later, with the final obstacle between them gone, she leaned her head back, and felt herself give in completely to the passion that consumed them as Anakin's soft lips kissed her gently on the nape of her neck, over and over again.
Anakin gently scooped her up into his arms, and his gaze never left hers as he carried her to the bed. As she lay back against the soft sheets and pillows, she put her arm around his neck and pulled him down with her, as the fires of passion that had burned in them for so long finally consumed them both.
Yoda sat quietly on his meditation pad, deep in thought, his senses and mind keenly aware of the Force that flowed through him. Invariably, the Force guided him again and again to a certain young padawan this evening.
Since he had first met the boy long ago, the diminutive Jedi master had taken a keen interest in young Anakin Skywalker. Like Qui-Gon Jinn, he had felt the boy's significance, and he knew that he could well be the one that the Prophecy had foretold, the one who would and could bring balance to the Force. He remembered how he had, reluctantly, at Qui-Gon's bequest, allowed Obi-Wan to take Anakin as his padawan learner. He always had, and still did, sense a great deal of uncertainty and danger around this exceptionally skilled young Jedi's future.
But, Anakin's future had always been clouded, dark, and difficult to see, even for a Jedi of Master Joda's abilities. He sensed many things when he stretched out and probed the young padawan's life force; fear of the future, frustration at Obi-Wan's expectations, pain and suffering at the loss of his mother at so young an age. Yoda had always been concerned for young Anakin's fate.
Fear, frustration, pain, suffering; all of these could, and often did, lead to the Dark Side.
But, among those familiar tremors that revolved around Anakin's life, Yoda now sensed something new, something that pierced the darkness of the young boy's life like a bright flash of light; security, peace, a sense of profound love and happiness. Strange, he thought, that he should sense them only now, after all these years. Strange that the veil of uncertainty that had surrounded Anakin's life and future for so long should lift, if only slightly, for a brief moment.
Even stranger, Yoda thought to himself, that he should now also sense another as he stretched his feelings toward Anakin. Were it not for his exceptional skills, his many years of training, his oneness with the Force itself, he would have never noticed it. But it was there, as clearly as Anakin's own; familiar, more subtle, separate, yet interwoven with his in such a fashion that the two seemed to be one.
Yoda opened his eyes and took a deep, thoughtful breath. He picked up his cane, and made his way out of the meditation chamber back to the main hall.
Our story continues shortly!...