Author's Note: I can't believe how many reviews I've gotten! It just blows my mind at how many people like this story! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and keeps reviewing. Padawan Sydney Bristow, FlamablePajamies, Shawn, Jelp, Shadow131, tensixtythree, REV042175, Relyan, The End, Tiggs, LVB, Gionareth- you guys were great from the very beginning and you still are! I also want to thank Martina for writing me that awesome review. I knew exactly what you were saying and I'm glad you love my story! Thanks again everyone…and keep the reviews coming!
TO LOVE A SITH
Chapter Sixteen
The ship descended into the atmosphere of the planet Alderaan. Vader sat in the cockpit, his eyes intensely watching the space between him and the ground. Only one thought ran through his mind as he drew closer to Alderaan: Bail Organa was as good as dead.
When the ship finally touched the ground, he immediately took off for the exit, headed for the small house that his investigators had located. It was only a matter of time now.
Bail Organa paced around the dimly lit room in a frenzy.
"We can't keep her here much longer, Obi-Wan."
"I know, just relax…"
"I can't relax! How can you be so calm when you and I both know that it's only a matter of time before Vader's minions find out where we are. We need to move quickly."
"We can't move her. If we do, the stress could induce labor."
"I'd rather have her go into labor now, and get her the hell out of here!"
"Bail, I told you to relax. We still need to figure out what we're going to do with the children. I still think it would be best to separate them. Two heirs are a threat and he knows it. The Emperor isn't going to allow the daughter or Padme to live long after the birth. And we can't let him have the son. "
"I know, I know. But we can't stay here! Obi-Wan! Look at me!"
But Obi-Wan's attention was focused elsewhere, for a livid Padme was now standing in the doorway.
"You're going to take one of my children away from me?"
"Now, Padme-"
"No, Obi-Wan, I won't allow this! You can't do this! If I can't get back to my husband, at least let me have both of my children!"
"It's too dangerous. They need to be separated and we need to keep you in hiding."
"Who's the slave now, Obi-Wan? You're no better than the Emperor. Trying to control everything! I won't let you control my life and the lives of my innocent children!"
"I'm trying to keep them innocent, Padme!"
She took a step back, stunned at his outburst.
"They won't be innocent for long when Vader gets a hold of them, especially your son. He'll turn into a miniature Vader, is that what you want?"
Padme took another step back. He was right. She had tried so hard not to think of her son's Sith training, because she knew that it was inevitable. As much as she wanted a complete family, she knew that her children would be better off if they were hidden from their father. Maybe she could find a way to keep her children safe from the Emperor and still be with her husband…
"Obi-Wan?"
He looked at her solemnly, giving her his full attention.
"Separate them. Hide them as best as you can. Take them somewhere he'll never be able to find them."
He nodded, relief shining in his eyes.
"Then let me go back to my husband."
His mouth opened slightly, the relief replaced by shock and horror.
"Padme, if you go back without the children, there will be no reason to keep you alive."
"I can't stay with my children. I can feel his presence everywhere. He would find me, then he would find the children. If I go back without them, they'll be safe."
"Yes, but…"
"I can accept death, if that is my fate. And if my death means my children's safety, then I surrender. I would rather die than allow my children to fall into the hands of the Emperor."
Obi-Wan nodded, knowing full well that he wouldn't be able to sway her decision. Padme was a strong woman, and he couldn't deny her wishes.
Suddenly, the door burst open and several storm troopers entered the room. Then a dark figure entered the room, his black cloak flying out behind him as he ran breathlessly in the room, pushing aside the storm troopers. His eyes immediately rested on Padme and he felt a relief creep through him. But then his eyes flicked to her captor and they narrowed with malicious ice.
"Obi-Wan."
His former Master nodded to him and in a flash, two light sabers were ignited. Just as Vader was ready to pounce, he heard a scream.
"No! Don't!" Padme screamed, stepping in between them.
"Padme get out of the way!" Vader grunted.
"He meant me no harm. He didn't hurt me. Let him go!"
"Let him go? No."
"Please, don't hurt him."
Vader looked at her pleading eyes, unable to comprehend her sympathy for his former Master. Yet, something inside him was begging him to listen to her.
"Please, let him go. He was just trying to help."
"Help you?"
"Yes," Obi-Wan cut in. "I was trying to save her and her children from you and your Master."
"They don't need saving." Vader charged back furiously.
"You and I both know what's going to happen when she gives birth."
Vader clenched his light saber tightly, still unable to decide what to do. He knew he should strike Obi-Wan down immediately, but Padme's pleading eyes were stopping him.
"Ohhh!" Padme cried out.
The confrontation forgotten for the moment, Vader turned immediately to his wife and she collapsed in his arms.
"The children are coming! Ohh, it hurts! Get me out of here now!"
Vader looked from his wife to Obi-Wan. His decision was made in a split second. As he ran out the door with Padme in his arms, he yelled to a storm trooper: "Bring him back to the ship and anyone else you can find!"
He rushed back to the ship and quickly laid Padme down. She was panting now and grasped his shirt tightly.
"It hurts so much!"
"The medic is on his way…don't worry…I'm here…I'm here Padme."
He smiled reassuring at her and she managed to smile back as she squeezed his hand tightly.
"I knew you would find me."
He smiled and kissed her forehead lightly.
"I know."
