While You Were Out

Chapter 8

Turning the Ratchet

Anakin awoke before dawn and care fully shifted Leia into a new position. It was only then he saw the blinking light on the mini holo projector.

"Padmé?"  He whispered hopefully as he turned it on, but to no such luck. Anakin uttered an oath and Leia squawked her disapproval.

"Fa-poo!" She burbled as she grabbed at his chest. Unfortunately for Anakin, her grip was as strong as ever despite her illness, and he stifled a yelp.

"Taking lessons from your mother I see..." he muttered as he pressed the start button. "Might as well see what this Sith witch wants now..."

As usual, Healer Ratchet was right down to business, but to Anakin's surprise she actually seemed... Warm?

"Jedi Skywalker," she began smoothly. "You gave us quite a scare last night. I would think you would realize that a Senator's daughter would have guards against any disturbance? But that is neither here nor there. Ameris will bring some breakfast for you and your daughter..."

Breakfast... the thought sounded incredibly intriguing yet at the same time just... Nauseating...

"We've had very little problem getting your daughter to take fluids..." the holo continued. "Perhaps you'll have better luck? Use the summoning bell when you're ready Jedi Skywalker, and we'll bring right to you."

"Luck will have nothing to do with it..." Anakin snorted inwardly and winced as Leia pinched him again.

"If all goes well, Master Kenobi will be bringing your son to visit you this afternoon as I am sure you will not wish to have to spread yourself too thin... Ratchet out."

Gods! Could the Ice-Hutt of Coruscant actually have a heart? He dimly heard Obi-Wan's "Possibly..." ringing through his memory as he reached down to stroked Leia's head lightly. To his delight, she grabbed his fingers and began sucking contentedly.

"Fa-fa..." she said sleepily as Anakin gently rocked her in his arms, but even the light swaying motion brought on the nausea with a vengeance.

"Wonderful," he thought to himself. "You get better as Father gets ill... to quote our golden friend, 'Will this never end?'"

Leia's grip loosened only slightly as she drifted off to sleep again and Anakin, unable to stand the rocking motion, just quietly began humming a lullaby.

Breakfast could wait....