Author's Note:I realize an error in last chapter, Obi-Wan wasn't there to translate for Han. I wrapped up this story late last night and I guess you see the results. It was Master Gallia that was there to translate for Han Solo. Sorry about that.—DarthGladiator45
Ryoo knew that the Gungan would be so easily fooled it wouldn't take much to get him out of the Skywalker home, especially if he knew that Padmé needed him. So with the help of some of her friends she managed to forge a diplomatic packet to send to the Jar Jar Binks. Sadly, she knew that she would have to leave Pooja out of her plan, because Pooja though she loved her sister dearly, though she was too obedient and too honest.
Jar Jar Binks went to the door and found a messenger with a package, once he signed for it he inspected the contents, it was a summons to go to Coruscant to meet with Padmé. When Ryoo was certain that Jar Jar Binks was gone she called all her friends for a party for that evening. Darred and Sola went out to dinner that evening, leaving Ryoo in charge of Pooja, who didn't like this idea of going to her uncle's house for the party, but she went anyway. Unfortunately, parties without parental supervision have a tendency to get out of hand and this one did, Pooja disappeared right before the police arrived to arrest loud outraged teenagers. Ryoo was one of those who were arrested, Pooja returned home and waited for her parents. She was still shaking with fear, not only had her sister gotten arrested she also had wrecked the home of her uncle. He was not going to be pleased when he came home. Sola found Pooja sitting on the sofa crying when she entered.
"Pooja? What's wrong?"
"Ryoo is in trouble again, mom. She threw a party at Uncle Anakin's house and her friends wrecked their home, the only rooms that weren't trashed were the rooms that had a special lock. Ryoo also got arrested breaking the noise violation. Uncle Anakin is going to kill her isn't he?"
"No, Pooja; he won't kill her."
"Mom, he told her no parties."
Sola took Pooja to bed and they would talk more about it in the morning. Ryoo had called home, but her parents decided that it would be a good lesson if she stayed overnight.
Leia woke the next morning and found a black tunic, black pants, and a black cloak sitting on the chair in front of her bed.
"Father! You've got to be kidding me! I look horrid in black!" Leia yelled.
"It is necessary for stealth, we are going to try to get the kidnapped tribal leader back, and he is in this village on the outskirts. We will be going this evening when the sun sets, so I want you to be prepared okay?"
"I hate black and there is no way I'm going to wear it." Leia stomped her foot down in defiance while she crossed her arms. Even though Anakin thought Leia's defiant attitude was reminiscent of Padmé and some what endearing, he stood to his feet and towered over the little girl and gently raised her to his eye level. Brave Leia glared defiantly at her father until she saw his normal clear blue eyes turn into a shade of a dark stormy gray and he shook his finger at her, "You will do as I tell you, young one. The consequences of defying a father and a Jedi Master are very dire." Anakin sternly stated. Leia gulped and immediately backed down, "Yes, father you are right of course." Leia whispered.
"Good, now go work on your physical training, I want you to swim five laps from the island and back, 30 sit-ups, and to work on your hand to hand fighting skills with Mara Jade." Leia sighed and obeyed. She obviously didn't have a choice, "Fathers can be so stubborn."
"Young one you don't know the half of it." Anakin sent to her telepathically.
Leia turned suddenly and said, "Sometimesit can be so irritating to have a father that is a Jedi, you know?" Leia sighed deeply and ran out of the cabin.
"Morning, Leia."
"Morning, nerf-herder."
Han rolled his eyes and returned the Falcon for maintenance. Mara Jade stretched out on her bed and heard Master Gallia calling for her.
Mara quickly responded, "Morning Master."
"Morning, Mara. As soon as you are ready we will start."
Mara smiled, this mission with the Wookies maybe difficult at best at least she was getting a break from Master Skywalker, even though the both of them were close, sometimes it was refreshing to break away from routine. She did feel badly for Leia however who wasn't used to Anakin's strict adherence to physical training and his prowess with a lightsaber.
After a day of political maneuvering, debating, and hardly getting anything done, Padmé was looking forward to hot bath and spending some time in the gardens. Padmé entered the garden to find Master Yoda in the center of children, they were practicing meditation. She smiled at the sight, younglings were so adorable. Padmé sat on the rock near the fountain and dipped her bare feet into the warm soothing water. After mediating the younglings were allowed a brief time to play before dinner. Keri approached Padmé.
"Mrs. Skywalker?" Padmé heard the dulcet tone of the youngling's voice.
Padmé turned with a start; she wasn't used to being called that even after all these years.
"Yes?"
Keri sat beside her, "Master Skywalker really loves you."
"Yes, I know." Padmé blushed and a huge smile came across her face.
Keri took Padmé's hand into her own, "You have a secret." Keri whispered.
"Shh, I don't want anyone to know right now, okay?"
"Okay, but its hard to hide from Jedi Masters."
"Yes, I know."
Keri heard her name being called and she briefly hugged Padmé and returned to Master Yoda.
Padmé smiled and stood to her feet after pulling on her sandals, she saw Master Windu enter the garden.
"Master Windu, how are you?"
"Fine, milady." He bowed briefly and then excused himself. Padmé returned to her quarters and after eating dinner she decided to explore a little bit of her husband's apartment. She found an old box of odds and ends, mostly projects that he never completed. "Anakin was always working with his hands." Padmé whispered to herself.
She then found an odd book, it was written in Huttese. Only people from Tatooine would be able to read this book. Padmé knew certain words that she had picked up from Anakin, including some swear words that she hoped that the children would never pickup. It was definitely her husband's handwriting. It was strange; most men she knew wrote sloppily and in short cryptic phrases. Anakin always had written very well and articulately. She heard a sharp knock on the door and Padmé quickly put away the book.
"Master Yoda, what a pleasant surprise."
Padmé offered to make some tea, but Yoda declined, he looked rather serious.
"Is something the matter?"
Yoda hopped up on the couch and looked deeply into Padmé's eyes.
"With child you are." Yoda stated.
"Yes, but please don't say anything to the other masters. I'm only in the first trimester."
"Become obvious soon."
"Yes I know."
Yoda sighed. "Master, there's something troubling you isn't there?"
"Have gone to the doctor have you?"
"Not yet."
"Go to our healers tomorrow you will."
"Master Yoda, you are scaring me. What's going on?"
"Only when I'm certain will I tell you."
"Certain of what?" Padmé yelled.
Yoda patted her arm and leapt off the couch, he prayed to the Force that what the future was showing him was wrong.
Author's Note:Thank you for your continued support, sorry to leave you with a cliffhanger. I think my writer's block might be breaking up a bit, we will see . . . DarthGladiator45.