Fallen Angels Sequel to Defining Us

by obi's girl

I don't have an official plot written up yet but the story starts after Sabé gave birth to Mara in the Epilogue of Defining Us. Parts of the story take place before Attack of the Clones, during, some after and a majority of it in Episode III.

11. Chapter 11

Fallen Angels - Chapter 11

Chapter 11, Post 1

"She'll never understand why you did that," Obi-Wan said, and smiled partly to him. "But thank you." Rabé had already left, saying something about looking for Sabé in case she decided 'to do something'.

Bail sighed. "Coruscant can't be saved now, Obi-Wan. The real issue is the neutral planets, like Alderaan and Naboo. I didn't want to say this in front of Sabé but there's a small alliance on Naboo. They're mostly of pilots, citizens and few royal officials. And...well...Sabé's parents, they're involved in it. They're actually key leaders in the movement."

"Like mother, like daughter," Obi-Wan mused, "I don't trust you but I know you have Sabé's well-being at heart, your highness. It's better she stay out of this as much as possible. She may think it's selfish because she's lost so much now, but she doesn't need this."

"Agreed."

Later that afternoon, Sabé unwillingly met Obi-Wan at the platform. She didn't want to talk to either Obi-Wan and Bail because they both refused her help to do whatever she could to make things better. Sabé barely looked at Obi-Wan as she stood beside him. Mara tugged Rabé's shoulder and the handmaiden let her down and she ran to Obi-Wan. Sabé crossed her arms, irritated and angry as she stood there, Obi-Wan standing next to her and Bail standing only a couple feet across from her with his handmaiden. How she wanted to yell at them both, like a child, but Rabé had warned her before hand to try and understand. Both men had made an unspoken alliance because of her. Because they both cared deeply for her and didn't want to see her life in danger, and then end so quickly.

Finally, Rabé spotted a small craft approaching, accompanied by two smaller patrolmen, and then it descended onto the platform. Once grounded and the ramp lowered, Sabé could see Master Yoda walk slowly down the ramp, followed by Master Windu. The little Master looked up briefly to Sabé, Obi-Wan and Mara and then continued on until he met the group. "Master Obi-Wan, much we have to discuss," he said, and then turned slightly when Mace joined them. He saw Sabé standing there and Mara barely noticeable behind Obi-Wan. "Lady Sabé, an honor to see you again and you -- " Yoda looked at Mara and smiled. "Grown you have, hmm?"

Mara smiled and laughed. "Hello, Master."

Sabé thanked Rabé as she led Mara from the room, leaving her, Obi-Wan, and Bail alone with Master Windu and Master Yoda. Among the many topics of discussion, she knew Padmé's children would soon come up and she wanted to be there to defend Padmé on her behalf. Obi-Wan glanced at Sabé, and then looked at Master Yoda as he sat on the couch, Master Windu next to him. "Know you do, Obi-Wan, the state of the Republic?"

"Yes Master ...I was shocked when we received word the Jedi were..." He looked at Sabé, she looked down, trying not to cry as he continued. "It's a tragedy."

"Also reason why Padmé's children must remain hidden," Yoda continued. Sabé straightened up, walking towards the couch and standing behind Obi-Wan. "Know you do, m' lady, what must be done?"

"I know once they're born, they have to be separated," Sabé said, "but I must speak on Padmé's behalf and ask you if there is another way. Masters, she can't lose both of her children so soon after Anakin and losing everything else she held dear."

Mace looked at Sabé sympathetically. "There is no other way, m' lady. Their presence in the Force, even now, is very strong, and that light will only grow bigger if they stay together, making them a target for Palpatine. That cannot happen. He cannot know about their existence."

Sabé looked to Obi-Wan, and then back to Master Windu. "What if I adopted one of them and stayed here on Alderaan ...Padmé could stay here too. She wouldn't necessarily have to be a constant presence. She would still be close to one of her children but would not interfere. I promise you she won't."

"Possible, m' lady," Yoda said, "but still dangerous the situation is."

"We do not want Palpatine to come to Alderaan, look for one of the twins and in the process find Padmé as well," Mace added. "M' lady, I understand your concern for Padmé and what this will do to her once she knows what has to be done, but it is unavoidable. The twins must be separated from each other, and their mother."

Bail stepped forward, standing beside Sabé. "If the twins will be separated from each other, where will they go?"

Obi-Wan shrugged. "I was thinking the elder of the two could come with me to Tatooine."

Sabé smirked. "A crazy old hermit, Ben?"

"If you want to come with me, I won't refuse you," Obi-Wan said and looked back at her. "In fact, I want you to come with me."

"Because you want to keep an eye on me?" she asked. "What about Mara? Raising two children isn't the same as raising one, Ben."

Yoda rubbed his chin. "Tatooine is not a part of the Republic. The child will be safer there under your care."

Obi-Wan glanced at Sabé, and then looked to Master Yoda again. "What about the other one?"

"Here," Bail said, "the other child can stay here. I want to adopt the younger of the two. He or she will be raised here in my household as Prince or Princess of Alderaan. He or she will be protected, loved and privileged. I know Padmé won't object to that."

Mace looked at Yoda, nodded and then stood up. "It's done then. The older will go with Obi-Wan, Sabé and Mara, and the younger of the two will stay here on Alderaan under Bail's care."

Sabé spoke quietly with Obi-Wan, kissed his cheek and then left the room as he confronted Bail. The prince and the Jedi had an odd relationship, they didn't trust each other, especially where Sabé was concerned, but they both wanted to protect her and do whatever they could to make the situation less painful for all concerned. "Padmé should stay here until she gives birth, and then, we'll leave," Obi-Wan said.

"Padmé can stay here too, if she wants...to be closer to one of her children," Bail said. "She won't be a dominant figure in the child's life, as Sabé said, but at least she'll know he or she is loved and safe."

"We'll see." He thanked Bail again and then left with Master Windu and Master Yoda.

"She isn't going to like this arrangement," Sabé said to Rabé as she settled on the bed, "to be separated from both of her children, and probably never see either of them again?"

Rabé shrugged. "I know. I remember when Saché and I first learned of Padmé's pregnancy, I told her that she needed to be careful, for her own sake and Anakin's. Now, we're forcing her to give up her children. Sabé, it's not right."

"I know. Believe me, I fought on Padmé's behalf, to try and convince them, but I think in the end, it's the best solution. Master Yoda was right. They have to be separated," Sabé said and glanced at the chrono. "Where are Padmé and the girls?"

"Yané, Eirtaé, Saché and Dormé took Padmé out on a walk in the garden, to continue the exercising session you started with her this morning." Rabé said.

"I'll wait until they get back," she decided.

tbc

Chapter 11, Post 2

"What do you think they're going to do?" Yané asked Saché as the two women came back, carrying baskets of fruit and some sandwiches from the nearby market. "I mean, can they really tell Padmé that her children have to be separated?"

Saché shrugged. "I don't think there's another choice," she said and smiled to herself. "I remember arguing with Rabé about what Padmé should do. I told her that because Padmé had been able to hide her marriage to Anakin from the public, there was no reason why her pregnancy would become an issue. Now, Padmé's pregnancy is an issue, a big issue and the consequences are greater than any one of us could have imagined. I hate it when she's right."

"I know...Rabé's always been the motherly figure, even before she was a mother," Yané said, "but she cares about Padmé, Dormé, Eirtaé, Sabé and you and I. If Rabé wasn't there, we wouldn't be able to agree on anything."

"Like which palace guard is the cutest?"

Yané giggled, "She'd never admit to that...Sabé wouldn't either. Saché, I'm glad you see where Rabé's coming from. It shows you're maturing."

"Oh no," Saché moaned, "I hate this growing up thing!"

"There you are," Eirtaé called, "Padmé was worried that you were flirting with a cute palace guard and forgot about us." Yané and Saché exchanged knowing looks before joining the group.

"Obi-Wan," Mace called him as the Jedi Master was about to leave the room. Master Yoda and Bail had already left, Yoda wanting to discuss with the details about their new arrangement. "What's going on?"

"What do you mean, Master?"

Mace smirked. "I mean between you and Sabé. When Master Yoda and I arrived, I had the distinct impression things weren't all right between you two. Am I right?"

Obi-Wan sighed, pacing around the room. "I don't know. I didn't think I would see Sabé or Mara so quickly after Coruscant ...I didn't know until yesterday morning that we were on the same planet for two days. She was living in the Alderaanian Palace and I was only a mile away with Padmé," he said. "There was something I learned that didn't make me particularly happy but I can't give into my anger, right? It isn't the way of the Jedi."

Mace sighed, leaning on a desk. "The Code is vague and misguiding at times. It says we should not give into love, but yet we are encouraged to show compassion to others. It says we should not be angry and to meditate instead, but I have to say, Obi-Wan, meditation doesn't always help." He paused. "You're angry with Sabé, why?"

"Actually, I'm less angry with Sabé and more wary of Bail. He's in love with Sabé and I know if he didn't know Sabé and I would be able to reunite, he would do everything possible to make Sabé fall in love with him."

"So, you're protecting Sabé from him. You don't want her to get close to him, even if that means working closely with him or allowing Sabé to help anyway she can?" Mace asked. Obi-Wan shrugged helplessly. "That's being selfish, Obi-Wan. I mean, I understand why you are protective of her -- because she's your wife -- but if you won't allow her some freedom, it'll be too overwhelming for her. You can't keep her in a closed space."

"I understand that, Master ...believe me, I understand that. Sabé and Mara are alike in that way. They both have a lot of energy and need to free that energy."

Mace grinned as he crossed his arms under his robe. "I don't think it's something that'll go away overnight, Obi-Wan. You have to allow Sabé some freedom, otherwise you'll risk her running to Bail anyway. You can't allow her too much freedom otherwise you won't know what she'll do...is that too confusing?"

"I think I understand, Master," Obi-Wan said. "Actually, our relationship now is a lot different than it was when we were living in the Temple. We understood each other and I think we still do understand each other, but it isn't the same relationship we had then. I mean, we're..."

"...equals?" Mace finished for him. "If you are, you should be able to understand her side too, Obi-Wan. I noticed too there is a change in Sabé that wasn't there before ...I mean, she was always very vocal about her beliefs in the Temple, but she doesn't step back anymore and accept things for the way they are. You have to see that she isn't that same person anymore."

"I understand ...Thank you, Master."

Mace grinned. "No problem, my friend."

"Sabé, are you in here?" Obi-Wan called into the room. He saw Rabé sitting at the coffee table with Mara, who had woken up from her nap. Mara kicked her heels against Rabé's dress and then stopped once she saw Obi-Wan, and climbed down from the handmaiden's lap and ran to Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan scooped her up in his arms, realizing she was a lot heavier than he remembered. "Rabé, do you know where Sabé is?"

"She's in my room. She wanted to take a nap as well."

Obi-Wan thanked her and then knelt down again, letting Mara down, and the girl ran back to Rabé and settled in her lap again. "Sabé?"

Sabé looked up at him and hid the holopad in the desk as he approached her. Obi-Wan leaned forward and hugged her and then lead her over to the bed and they sat down. "I wanted to apologize," he started.

"Apologize for what?"

Obi-Wan grasped both of her hands and kissed them. "For the way I acted after you told me about your dinner with Bail. You didn't know what to expect from him or what the dinner meant, and I reacted rather harshly afterwards, confronting Bail."

Sabé smiled. "Bail and I have been friends a long time, Ben. It was natural I turn to him after you left Coruscant because I didn't know what to do, but throughout the many years I've been friends with him, never once did he ever tell me his feelings for me or how he saw me. He knew then how much in love I was with you, and still am."

"I'm sorry again, but..."

Sabé backed away. "And of course there is a but..."

"I don't want you involved in the rebellion." Obi-Wan admitted. "I realize you want to do what you can to help, but Padmé will need your support these last couple of months. You said yourself that your first and last duty has always been to her."

"Yes, but one of the reasons, Obi-Wan, I got involved in politics was to help make the galaxy a better place. I can't sit here and watch the Republic crumble until it is nothing."

He nodded. "I understand, but Palpatine has already seized the Senate and destroyed the Jedi, Sabé ...There is nothing left to fight for now." Sabé frowned. The Republic wasn't the same anymore, it had been crumbling for years and for now, she had to accept things for they were. There wasn't anything anyone could to do to stop Palpatine. "What you need to do is help Padmé and to look after her children. Sabé, will you promise me you will not become involved?"

"I wish so much I was a Jedi so I could use one of those Jedi mind tricks on you, because what you're saying to me is that there isn't anything I can do to make the situation better. But how can you know that for sure Obi-Wan, if you won't let me?" she retorted.

"Sabé..."

"I know, make Padmé comfortable and wait with her until the twins are here.." she muttered and stood up abruptly from the bed, and left the room.

tbc

Chapter 11, Post 3

Sabé wrapped her arms around her waist as she walked into the main room. Padmé was resting on her bed, physically exhausted from the workout the handmaidens forced her into. She walked quietly over to the bed and sat on the edge. "Um, Padmé, I need to talk to you about something..." Padmé opened one eye, looked at her and then begrudgingly sat up. "It's about your children ...I, I tried to fight for you but Master Yoda and Master decided that they..."

"Have to be separated?" Padmé finished for her. "I know, Sabé. It's something I've known for a long time. Obi-Wan never talked about it but I knew it was an option. I don't like the idea, but how many other choices do we have?"

"Not many," Sabé admitted, "I'm sorry, Padmé."

Padmé nodded. "I am too...In a way, if I hadn't given into Anakin and my feelings, we wouldn't be here. I was selfish. I thought because you were allowed to marry Obi-Wan, have a family together that I could have the same thing. My sister had already settled down, she had a family of her own and I -- I tried so hard to avoid the issue."

"I did too for awhile, Padmé," Sabé admitted, "but I don't blame you if you were jealous. I never knew until Obi-Wan that I wanted it so badly, and in a way, we flaunted it in front of you."

"No, you didn't," Padmé said, "You didn't flaunt it. I just didn't know ...I knew I loved Anakin but ...I wanted to be able to live my life. I wanted everything. To be a Senator, wife, mother -- I thought I could have it all."

Sabé sighed and hugged her slightly. "Someday, Padmé. Someday you'll have it all."

2 Months Later, 3 Weeks Before the Birth of the Twins

Padmé sighed and looked over to Sabé as the two women relaxed in the garden. Padmé tried to sit up, but the weight of her stomach had grown over the last two months -- it was ridiculous. Finally, Sabé sat up and helped up her friend and they walked back to the palace. "I hate this being pregnant thing," Padmé said. "Of course, you had it easy because you were only carrying Mara but I'm the size of a shaak!"

Sabé laughed. "It'll be over soon.."

"Just three more weeks," Padmé reminded herself. "Have you heard anything from Naboo?"

"No," she said quietly, "but I sent a coded message to Queen Jamilla to pass on to my parents and my sisters."

Padmé nodded. "You're really not supposed to do that. Obi-Wan says it's too dangerous," she said. "What did you tell them?"

"I only asked how they were doing. I didn't say anything about where we were. After they heard about Coruscant, they became worried about Mara and I. The galaxy isn't the same anymore."

"Does Obi-Wan know you...?"

Sabé stopped walking and turned to her. "He doesn't know and you can't tell him, either. I've been able to keep it secret for two months and you can't tell him about this, Padmé."

"All right," Padmé said, "I won't say a word. I promise."

"Obi-Wan," Bail greeted as the former Jedi Master met him in his study. "Where are Padmé and Sabé?"

"They went out for a walk, but I think they'll be back soon. Rabé and Eirtaé still haven't returned from their trip to Naboo, though."

Bail gestured he sit down. "We may have to speed up Padmé's pregnancy."

Ben blinked. "Why? Is something wrong?"

"Palpatine and his new apprentice, Lord Vader, have been making stops along the inner rim to ask for allegiance to the Empire. They'll be here on Alderaan soon. Palpatine cannot find Padmé and the twins, or you, Sabé, and Mara. The six of you have to leave as soon as you can, possibly to Tatooine, and wait there until they've gone."

"What about the handmaidens? They all can't stay here either if Vader and Palpatine will be coming," Ben added. "They'll have to leave as well, but I suggest they return to Naboo. Rabé and Eirtaé are already there."

Bail looked out his window to the garden below. Padmé and Sabé were returning to the suite. "They have this afternoon to pack their things."

Obi-Wan stood up again, thanked him and left the study.

"Padmé, Sabé..." Obi-Wan called as the two women came back from their little exercise. Sabé laughed at some joke Padmé made and then frowned as she noticed Obi-Wan grabbed their bags and pack as many clothes as he could into them. "I just talked to Bail and he said Palpatine and Lord Vader are making stops along the inner rim and eventually, they'll stop here on Alderaan."

"Are Rabé and Eirtaé still on Naboo?" Sabé asked.

Obi-Wan glanced at his wife as he grabbed more clothes and stuffed them into bags. "They are."

Sabé looked at Padmé and then to Obi-Wan. "Then we're going to Naboo."

Ben stopped packing and turned to her. "Sabé, you can't go to Naboo. We need to stay together. Saché, Dormé and Yané are going back to Naboo, but you're coming with me to Tatooine."

"Obi-Wan..." Sabé started again, and then Padmé excused herself. "I need to go to Naboo. I'll catch up with you later, I promise."

"Sabé..."

"Ben.."

He nodded, "All right. You have three days to visit with your family if you want, but then I expect you on your way to Tatooine."

Sabé hugged Obi-Wan and kissed his cheek. "I promise, my love."

Sabé smiled, hugging Padmé as Saché, Yané, Dormé and Obi-Wan waited for them to part. All six handmaidens had been living under the same roof for two months. It was decided that Dormé and Saché would accompany Padmé to Tatooine and Yané would go with Sabé to Naboo, and once there, they would meet up with Rabé and Eirtaé. They would eventually all reunite on Tatooine and if Padmé had already given birth by then, they would have to make a new plan.

"A few days isn't long," Sabé said, letting go of Padmé and then turned to face Obi-Wan. "I'll see you in three days on Tatooine."

Obi-Wan sighed, sensing his wife's emotions about the separation. "You can take longer if you want.."

"I said I'll be there in three days, Ben." Sabé repeated, "that means I will be there. I promised."

Sabé hugged Obi-Wan again, Dormé and Saché settled beside Padmé and Mara, and Yané stood beside Bail, waiting for Sabé. Obi-Wan glanced at Bail and then head on to the ship as Dormé, Saché and Padmé followed behind him. "Are you sure you can face them alone?" Sabé asked him.

"I don't know," Bail said and looked at her, "you'll know if I was successful by the time you get back here."

"In case, I forgot.." Sabé leaned up and kissed his cheek, "thank you for everything you've done for us, Bail. Not just for Mara, Obi-Wan and I, but for Padmé too."

Bail blushed. "Thank you, milady."

Sabé hugged him and then joined Yané as the two women boarded the second ship.

En Route to Naboo

"Sabé," Yané called and she pulled up a chair, sitting beside the other woman, carrying a set of data pads. "Here are the data pads you requested." Sabé thanked her, leaning back in her chair as she read them over. "You could have just told Obi-Wan the reason you want to go to Naboo is because you know your parents are involved in this freedom movement."

"I could have, but I think he already knows about it, which means if he did and didn't tell me about it, says that he underestimates me. He said I have three days, but I can take longer if I need." Sabé said, and tapped on one of the data pads. "There won't be enough time for me to really be active in this movement since Ben expects me to join him on Tatooine. At least with these, I'll know what my loving parents have been up to since the last time I saw them."

Yané shrugged, looking at one of the data pads. "What about Rabé and Eirtaé when we see them?"

"Rabé went back to Naboo because she was worried about her children and her husband, but knowing her, she probably took out a couple of days and stopped by to talk to my parents." Sabé said, "I know it's sneaky, Yané, to hide all of this from Obi-Wan, but this is something we have to do."

"I'm not doubting that," Yané said, "I just hope everything works out, but knowing us and how much worse the situation can get, it probably won't."

Bail walked around the platform and as he turned towards the palace, he heard a buzzing from above. He looked up and was taken aback as the large Imperial shuttle landed on the platform. He didn't expect Palpatine and Lord Vader to arrive so quickly, but they were there, only hours after Obi-Wan, Padmé, Sabé and the handmaidens departed. Bail stood his ground as the ramp lowered. Lord Vader walked down first, flanked by four guards, two on each side and then Palpatine walked down, escorted by another guard.

"Lord Bail Organa," Palpatine greeted, "you know my servant, Darth Vader."

"No, I don't believe we've met before," Bail said jovially and extended his hand to him, but Vader only stood there.

Palpatine smiled. "I know we're early for our visitation, but there are pressing matters I wanted to talk to you about, your highness."

Bail watched the dark lord as he walked around the study. He didn't know why, but there was something oddly familiar about him. He looked away from him and directed his attention to Palpatine. "I'll be honest, your highness, one of the reasons why I came here is because I'm looking for someone."

"I don't know who you're talking about."

Palpatine smiled. "I think you do. Tell me where he is, and perhaps I'll spare Alderaan."

"Why is one man a threat to you, Milord? You have already killed the Jedi and seized control of the Senate," Bail stated. Vader moved towards him and then stopped as Palpatine signaled to him to ignore his comments.

"Kenobi is not a threat, but I would like to know where he is. He is the guardian of a very powerful child, and it would benefit that child is she were tutored by Lord Vader."

Bail frowned and stood up abruptly. "You have wasted my time, Milord. I know nothing about Kenobi's whereabouts."

"Very well, Milord." He looked to Vader and the two exited the room. Bail moaned, hoping he didn't reveal anything to lead them to Obi-Wan's whereabouts.

"He's lying, Master," Vader said as they walked towards their shuttle. "I felt it. He's covering for him, and for her, too. Organa knows where they are."

Palpatine and Vader walked up the ramp. "Patience, Lord Vader. We will find them, and when we do, I give you my permission to do to them whatever you want, but I want that child alive. Her powers are strong and will only grow stronger as she gets older."

Vader bowed. "As you wish, Master," he said, and vanished to the back of the shuttle.

tbc