DISCLAIMER: see chapter one

CHAPTER THREE
Stand In Judgment

I just laughed in the middle of the senator from Alderaan's and the Chancellor's heated exchange, not smart! Now everyone is starring at me, but I couldn't help it! It hit me so extremely funny that only a short time ago, I was lecturing Obi-Wan about leaving his socks on the floor and now I am here deciding Galaxy policy! The life of a senator and wife…I hope my stomach cooperates today.

I also hope everything goes well for Obi-Wan today, I play absently with the diamond he gave me on our wedding night; I know that when we speak with the council it will not be a pleasant thing.

Lovely, now the only thing I can think about is Obi-Wan…and a super sloppy sandwich with extra gravy from Dex's Diner…shame on Obi-Wan for taking me there, now I will be craving that all day!

"Senator Amidala, will you be joining us this morning?" Palpatine glares at me.

I try and hide my startle; now I've done it.

"Your opinion Senator?"

Way to go Padme, now you've got yourself into it! I buy time by smoothing my dress and straightening my shoulders.

"My opinion Chancellor," I stand making my voice stiff, loud and confident and like I know what I am talking about, "Is Alderaan's support is invaluable and as such we should do everything in our power to…"

"Master I looked for you this morning," Anakin stands as I enter the outer room of the council's chambers via the academy entrance.

"I'm sorry, I was up early and went for breakfast at Dex's," both true…

"Oh," he studies me for a long minute and then seemingly satisfied he shrugs his shoulders.

Silence follows and I start to feel my stomach knot. I can't believe what Padme and I are going to do…in a few hours our lives will change…again.

"Senator Amidala, are you okay?" an assistant to the senate rushes toward me.

I hold out a hand to stop him as my stomach gives up its contents. Morning sickness, my foot, I am nauseas all day! I am just glad I didn't heave while on the senate floor.

"Are you alright? Do I need to get anyone?" the flighty man hovers, afraid to get too close.

"No, no I'm okay…I just ate something that didn't agree with me," I try and assure as I fight back a wave of dizziness.

"If…if you are sure," he doesn't sound like he is too convinced.

"Really. I am okay, thank you," this time I am firm, he takes the hint.

Its 8:30, a little later then I told Obi-Wan, but I should make it.

"You did well, we are very pleased to have the situation on Maanan handled," Master Windu nods with approval.

"Yes, did well, you have," Master Yoda adds.

"Thank you," Anakin and I bow.

"We will let you know if there comes another pressing matter," Master Windu dismisses us.

Anakin heads for the door but pauses with a look of question when I don't follow.

"Go to the training yards Anakin, I will join you in a bit," I give the look that alerts him that there is no room for argument or space for hesitation. He looks suspiciously at me but dips his head in concession.

"Something else you wish?" Master Yoda taps his cane.

"Yes, if I may…" I pause as a small cough sounds from the guest entrance.

She has arrived, I was wondering if she was going to make it. I am so glad that she did.

"Senator Amidala," the escorting Jedi padawan announces.

"Senator Amidala, what a pleasant surprise," Master Windu welcomes her with a staunch tentative tone.

"Thank you Master Windu, council," she gives a small professional smile and slight bow.

"There is something that I, we, need to tell you," I swallow hard doubt starting to rise. If I drag this out much longer, I might lose my nerve.

"Two and half months ago when I was on Naboo, Padme Amidala and I were wed," I remain calm trying to let my words hold a tone of reasonability and offhandedness. I fail at both.

The council is silent and I glance at Padme. Her expression is pained and slightly frightened, I hate that I have put her in this position. I reach for her hand, her grip is assuring and warm, even as she trembles slightly.

Since the council seems unwilling to speak I continue, "I know that simply falling in love goes against the Code, I know that I have betrayed you…and my padawan. But I made a choice and I am willing to take what ever punishment you deem necessary," I square my shoulders, tugging her by the hand a bit closer to me, I am ready to protect my family, defend though not justify my actions to them; to explain away love is something I am not willing to do.

A mutual look is passed between the Masters; Master Windu is first to speak, "Obi-Wan, the Jedi Code was not written as a punishment for its members, but to help them. The Code was put into place in the very beginning by wise men who sought to create equality and remove as much temptation as possible…"

I don't argue, how could I with that?

"Marriage, know of it we did," Master Yoda interrupts.

My jaw goes slack, and I feel Padme sway.

"Love is not easily hid and we had a suspicion when we sent you to Naboo that something like this would happen," Master Windu furthers.

"But why then send me? Was it a test? A test that I failed?" I shake with released stress, emotions threatening to get the better of me.

"It was not a test, at least not for you. Obi-Wan it was a test for the Force or rather for our trust in it. The future has been cloudy, but the council agreed that it was clear your path was indeed woven with Amidala's. If it had been any other Jedi we would have not risked it, but we trust you. You are one of the most dedicated, diligent, faithful Jedi in this Order. You are in touch with the Force and as such, we knew that you would not act without approval of the Force. We knew that sending you to Naboo would be putting our faith in both you and Fate," Master Windu sighs pausing.

"We of course wish that the outcome wasn't so against the Jedi Code, we believe this to be a one time thing, but for what purpose we aren't sure. We do know that you and Padme Amidala are meant to be, for what ever reason," Master Windu shrugs.

I am dumbfounded, totally blindsided by all of this. I can only stare mind fuzzy, I don't understand how they could possible know…how the Force could possibly deem love necessary for a single Jedi.

"But know we, that you wouldn't have come, if not for the baby…yes?" Master Yoda again floors us.

"What? How…how do you know?" Padme stutters, beating me to the question.

"Felt the growing life force, we did. Strong the Force is with the baby," Master Yoda leans on his cane.

"I just found out myself," Padme blinks in unbelief.

"You've come to us for advice, we've thought on this matter and we've come to the conclusion that…"

How did they know I was pregnant? I don't understand they knew we married, and now also know we are expecting a baby?

Okay, I know about the Force, to a degree anyway, but why would the Force want Obi-Wan and I together? I'm not sure if I should be relieved or slightly irritated that they put us through all this unnecessary stress. I am not sure, if I should be worried about the ramifications of this knowledge, or if I should accept this truly unexpected blessing without thought…

"We think it would be best for you to continue to keep the marriage and the baby quiet a while longer. We know what we ask is not going to be easy, but we believe it to be in the best interest for both the Order and yourselves. By doing this we avoid unpleasant questions and chaos in the Order. Obi-Wan you are a greatly respected Jedi, an appointment to the council is in your near future, and having you go against the Code could cause a great number of Jedi to stumble, their paths not being yours," Master Windu instructs.

Okay, I am pretty sure it is irritation I am feeling. First, they tell Obi-Wan it was his path to marry me; the Force wanted it, now they are telling him that by doing so he could make Jedi fall and nearly threatening that if he didn't act in compliance of their wishes he would be jeopardizing his council appointment! I can't believe it, if I handled politics as two faced as they are this…

"We will help you in anyway we can. Mrs. Keno…Senator Amidala, we know you are in a particularly precarious position…"

Oh you think? I am going to have to explain why in the coming months I am blowing up like a balloon! Precarious position, umm yes!

"How long do you suppose you will have before…before…?" I actually find some satisfaction in watching Master Windu flounder.

"I will be able to conceal the baby up till the last few months I believe," …assuming I don't carry out front like my mother did with me.

"Okay, well we'll deal with that when the time comes."

"What of us? I mean I would like to be with my wife during this," Obi-Wan eyes stare straight ahead, he still holding my hand.

"We will help the best we can, but we can not promise much, I'm afraid."

I can tell Obi-Wan is not entirely pleased with this arrangement, I however decided to be grateful for anything.

"Senator Amidala, Obi-Wan, we do offer our congratulations on your baby. Babies are wonderful miracles."

"Hope of the future they are," Master Yoda adds.

"If we might have a word with your husband alone, Senator Amidala," Master Windu voice cools.

I glance at Obi-Wan, he nods, I give him a smile then turn back to the council, "Of course, thank you for your time," I reply crispy, curtsey and start for the exit.

Padme leaves and I alone face the council. I won't even try and question the Force or what the council has revealed, I wouldn't know where to begin.

I do ponder the thought the council issued when they said they knew I wouldn't act against the Force in the matter of Padme and I. Because I honestly don't know if I really took into consideration the will of the Force; I did the Code, and the way of the Jedi, but never truly did I seek the answer of the Force because I was sure the answer would be no, because after all I am a Jedi. I do believe that it was my internal struggle that prevented the connection to Force when I was first resisting my feelings toward Padme and once I embraced my feelings—found peace with them, the connection returned. Did I act in compliance of the Force or human nature?

Maybe the bigger question is would I have still married Padme even if I had felt the Force tell me no? I am sure I would have…I know I would have. What reason could there be for the Force will us together?

"How are you going to explain this to your padawan?"

And we now reach the pinnacle of this discussion; the one I haven't been able to face.

"I don't know Master Windu."

"He is going to find out."

"I know, Anakin is perceptive and let's his emotions get the better of him a lot of times…"

"He also thinks that he is in love with your wife."

I knew Anakin could not hide his feelings!

"I know. He's told Padme and me as much. I've tried to reason with him, tried to reach the core of the issue which I believe is he is using Padme as a substitute for his mother. But he is hard headed, and I've yet to reach him…but I will soon."

"Great fear…and anger in him there is," Master Yoda shakes his head sadly.

"I know, but he is a good boy," I turn to address Master Yoda, "a good man, he just feels so deeply. I am sure that he will be able to control his emotions with a little more time and training!" I am quick to defend him, after all I am his teacher…I should have trained him up better…I should have been more aware…I should have been more prepared…

"It was for him and his type that the Code was written! He is emotionally uncontrolled! When the council first began to sense the connection deepening between you and Amidala we were discontented, but we came to realize that we needn't be. We were not afraid that you would become corrupted, that you would fall because you were acting within the Force and you were not rash. You are reasonable and wise far beyond what you training and years would normally produce. Your padawan however isn't. Anakin is strong—stronger then any we have seen with the Force but he is extremely emotional and quick to act, this concerns us."

The distress on Master Windu's and the rest of the council's faces is plain.

"He is only 18, there is time, I am sure of it! He will be a great Jedi!" I plead making eye contract with every member, trying to get them to understand.

"Great faith you have, unsure Skywalkers' future is," Master Yoda frowns.

"Surely you're not saying there isn't hope?"

"No Obi-Wan we aren't, but we are saying it is crucial you stay alert and stay dedicated because the future for Anakin isn't clear. Your padawan is going to go through trials, and as his teacher you will have to be prepared to guide him through."

Just what Qui-Gon had said: trials.

"My marriage and child will not hinder my training of Anakin. I will not neglect the Order, I will stay faithful," I say with true conviction.

"Glad to hear it Obi-Wan, because there is still much for you to do," Master Windu taps his fingers in a pyramid shape, leaning back in his chair.

"Focused you must be, the Force with you it is," Master Yoda offers before I am dismissed.

To say I feel better about everything is a stretch, but not having to have the hanging dread of the council finding out is weight gone from shoulders.

I step out of the doors into the guest sitting area, "Obi-Wan…is everything alright? What did they say? Are they angry?" Padme springs from a chair rushing to me.

"It's okay," I hug her, drawing comfort and strength from the embrace; "We need to talk."

A/N: Well congrats to everyone who graduated and to those who are out of school for the summer! Thanks again to all the reviewers, again you guys rock!

Lehcar Sundance: Oh, I whole heartily agree, Obi-Wan would make a most awesome father!

I know the blanket thing just made me laugh, I added it in at the last minute… I like to leave things to the imagination ;-) So glad you enjoyed!

sarahhillary39: Oh, I am so glad you thought it was okay, I was worried I wouldn't play up to people's expectations. Thanks for the review.

Nyoko: I am sorry… lol you can go back to 2 now and click and 3 will be there…if that helps…and I am working on 4…honest.

Too much 'coupleness'? Sorry if it was, I thought it would be fun to throw in a bit of the everyday moments of a married couple but still keeping the passion there :-) LoL

Yes, they are awesome, and now that we know how the council reacted, Anakin's reaction is left in the balance…hmm ;-)

Yes, you would be hard pressed to find a guy that didn't leave their socks on the floor lol Thanks for the review!

sassy-satine: OWW Scotland, have fun…if there be a Ewan relative that looks like him send him my way lol

I am glad that you liked the chapter, I know these first couple chapters were a bit basic but I wanted to kind of a give a brief set up to the story. I hope everyone still likes the story though…

Have great fun in Scotland and I hope your sister has a great wedding!

Aiska Kenobi: nope Obi doesn't get kicked out of the Order…but problems are certainly on the horizon ;-)

Thanks again for posting my story on your site; I appreciate your praise :-)

TheAmazingTecnocolorRingWraith: I am so glad you weren't disappointed! Moby Dick ey? Hmm big whale and old sea captain… I think I will stick with the handsome Jedi and big lightsaber ;-)

Yes, Obi is always responsible, that is just the kind of guy he is, and don't we all love him for it:-) Thank you so much reviewing!

amber75: Wow, well welcome to my stories and thank you for reading and reviewing! I hope you enjoy them!

I know, Anakin or Obi-Wan whats the problem again in choosing? …Obi-Wan is so much more then Anakin could ever be (and not just by way of looks either… lol) I spent most of my first viewing of Ep. III saying 'what if' and 'could have been different if…' that I missed lots and had to see it again lol. I've also spent a lot of time watching I and II fast forwarding and rewinding the parts with Obi and Padme watching the moments that inspired this story, the connection was there a connection that I don't think Anakin and Padme really had! Thanks again for reading!

SuP3RG1R: Well thank you so much for reading and reviewing; I enjoyed your reviews of part I so very much ;-) I am glad that people have stuck around to read II and are enjoying it! Thank you!

S. B. Kisses: Well welcome, welcome to the land of Obidala and may you stay and never go back! Lol :-)

Thank you so much for reading part I too, I am glad that you enjoyed it! There was Obidala running over in ep. III and I can tell you I drank it all up!

I am so happy you found my stories and have enjoyed them! Thanks again!

heartnut: Thank you, an author always loves to get praise with such awesome words as 'stunning'! I have taken considerable creative AU license here and have played with the original plot twisting and scrunching dipping and rearranging to come up with this plot that kind of follows the original lines and now is Obidala, I hope it come across okay and somewhat believable :-)

Oh yes Obi-Wan as a daddy would be a sight I would want to miss! And I can promise he will be a most wonderful father in this story :-)

mrs. skywalker: You and me both, Obidala's make the Star Wars universe worth living in! Thank you for reviewing!

Sparkle85: I am glad you are glad to see a continuation! Thank you for reviewing I too:-)

Vee017: Thank you so much for the awesome comments! I am delighted you enjoyed part I and have come to read part II!

I am terrible at keeping secrets…at Christmas time everyone wants a hint about their present and by the time I am done I have giving everything away lol, the hints about the baby were a little blatant, but oh well :-)

Were you reading over my shoulder when I was writing? Council felt the growing life force they did…lol Now don't go and ruin the rest of the story by guessing it all lol :-) Thanks again for reviewing!

Sir-writes-a lot: Well congratulations! Always nice to get high school over and done with…at least it was for me lol! I am so glad you'll have time to read my stories, I just adore reviews:-) lol

I think it was mistake Anakin didn't tell the Order because really what would have happened in Anakin didn't fall and Padme had the twins and as they grew up and looked like Anakin and they wanted to know their father…I mean come on something was going to have to happen there, lets be reasonable lol…but since we all know Anakin is not the reasonable one, but rather Obi-Wan a whole new route opens up when the path not taken is taken. Thank you for reviewing (it's so nice to have those faithful reviewers who I can always count on for a good honest review!)