Hello everyone, hope you had a nice thanksgiving. Sorry this chapter has taken so long to post, but I refused to put it out until I felt it was at it's very best. Having purchased Revenge of the Sigh on DVD, and reading certain passages in the novel; I have worked intensely on this chapter for a good three weeks now. I hope you like it, please let me know what you think, and now onto chapter 14 enjoy.
Chapter 14: Do what must be done
Since the night at the opera house almost two months had gone, and Padme was now over six months pregnant. It was only two weeks till their wedding, but Anakin and Padme had seen very little of one another. Despite their reconciliation in regards to Padme's involvement with the petition of the two thousand signatures, the soon to be bride, and groom's communication seemed to be breaking down like a severed battleship. Both had been extremely busy. Padme with her senate meetings; Anakin with his dealings with the Chancellor. When she was home he was out somewhere, or another, and by the time he would get home she'd always be asleep.
Fortunately this morning was different; there had thankfully been no calls from the Chancellor, and no early senate meetings. After a quiet breakfast they got dressed quickly, and began to make their bed; a piece of furniture that sadly had only been used for sleeping lately.
"You didn't come home until early this morning again. What did the Chancellor need this time?" Padme tugged the sheet roughly towards the corner of the bed.
Anakin tugged the sheet to fit to another corner on the mattress. "I was doing my job."
"I regret the day I ever said for you to take this job." Padme picked up a pillow and threw it on the bed.
"I do to, but I have an obligation to protect the Republic. Hopefully it will all be over soon." Anakin stopped what he was doing, and stood up straight. "I'm working out a way to save you, us."
"Save me." Padme dropped the pillow she was holding completely confused with what he had just said.
Anakin walked over to her, and gently grazed his hand over her arm. "From my nightmares."
"You're still having those. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I haven't been getting them as often, I've been able to control them better."
Anakin touched her delicate cheek softly. "I won't lose you Padme."
Padme's voice cracked in sorrow. "I, I feel like I'm losing you. We're losing us."
He put his arms around her. Deep blue eyes looking into chocolate brown ones. "You're never going to lose me. I promise you."
Gazing into his hypnotic blue eyes Padme lost herself in that sparkle that made her heart combust. Anakin as always was mesmerized by the combination of beauty, kindness, and strength that captivated him by looking at her, and being in his angel's mere presence. She seductively gazed down at his delicious full lips, and licked her own at the tempting site. A starved hunger for one another captured their senses. Suddenly their clothing felt heavy, stifling, and needed to be taken off. The insatiable craving to feel each other's flesh to touch and taste.
A hollow emptiness needed to be filled deep within her that only he could, and would ever give her. Lips reunited together that had not been kissed nearly enough with Anakin moving Padme down onto the bed. Padme happily moaned into his ear as he sucked, and kissed her neck franticly while unzipping the back of her dress. His fingertips, and warm wet tongue gliding over her smooth creamy skin creating fiery sparks wherever he touched. Feeling his hard need pressing insistently against her thigh made her feel much more like a desired sensual woman, then a stern serious politician. She didn't know what would happen after today, but Padme was certain things would never be the same again. The only thing on her mind now was to be with Anakin, and hold him inside her as long as she possibly could.
-----
Their bed was a tousled mess with sheets curled up on one corner, and the mattress had been pushed off its track. Pillows and clothes were thrown around the bed, and on the floor. A soft comforter was wrapped around their panting bodies slick with sweat. Lying next to the bed with a soft pillow beneath her head; Padme was on the carpet with Anakin holding her. The satisfied lovers came down from the haze of their passionate rounds of lovemaking. When their breathing, and pulse rate had finally started to slow down; Anakin gave Padme another slow arousing kiss.
Padme finally broke the kiss, and smiled as she threaded her fingers through his damp blond locks. "Your hairs grown out, I like it."
"I do too. Having that pony tail was annoying."
"I miss the braid though it was sexy on you."
"Well it's in your jewelry box if you miss it."
"You know we still haven't figured out a name for the baby."
Anakin looked down smiling brightly at her lovely face. "I know, we better start. We're running out of time."
"Well, I was thinking about what you said when you had first come back home."
"What's that?" He said while brushing a few sweaty dark curls away from her face that stuck to her flushed cheeks.
"If you really think it's a girl then I think we should name her Leia."
"That's beautiful, how did you come up with it?"
"Remember when we were lying together on the balcony before we made love for the first time. We were looking up at the sky, and you were pointing different planets out to me. I remember that you told me that Alderan's sister planet was named Delaya."
"Of course I remember. That feels like ages ago. Ok I love it. If our baby's a girl we'll name her Leia, but what if it's a boy. I could be wrong you know."
"You Anakin wrong." Padme's voice rose to tease him.
"It could happen." Anakin shrugged his shoulders and beamed a huge smile at her.
Padme giggled happily. "Your so humble." She said while play swatting him on the chest. "I don't know what to name the baby if it's a boy."
"I'm not sure either. I guess we'll have to think about that one. So I'll see you this evening?" He said smiling at her, and placed a quick peck on her rosy kissed lips.
"Unfortunately you'll be seeing me late in the afternoon."
"Why?"
Padme reached over to stoke his cheek. "We're Chancellor Palphetine's last meeting."
The huge smile that lit up Anakin's face disappeared immediately. "Padme please don't do this. I don't think it's a good idea. I have a bad feeling about this."
"Ani I'm sorry, but it can't wait any longer. This war is completely out of control, and so is the Chancellor. I have to do what I feel is right in my heart. I made a promise to the members of the senate that are a part of the petition. I can't back out now."
"You don't know what you're doing, or who you're dealing with. The Chancellor is not going to give into your demands."
"I have to try. I can't just sit here, do nothing, and watch him take over everything."
"I'm not going to be able to back you up while we're in that room together. If you do this you'll stand alone."
"I know that already."
Anakin closed his eyes and took a deep breath inhaling her sweet feminine scent. He gave her a gentle kiss to let her know he wasn't mad at her. "Well then we might as well start getting dressed, and prepare ourselves for your meeting senator."
-----
The Clone War had turned into a full out galactic battle with nearly every star system involved in some form. The fighting became horribly brutal with more lives being lost everyday. As the war got worse, and worse Chancellor Palphetine had seemed to only drive it further by suspending all senate meetings, and sending out vast platoons of clone troopers. Nearly every member of the Jedi Order had now either been killed, or was out fighting the war. Jedi Master Yoda had called an emergency council meeting after hearing disturbing news from Jedi Master Shaak Ti who was now stationed on the star system Llum.
Master Yoda's bluish hologram flickered in front of the Jedi Masters who still remained in the temple: Kit Fisto, Mace Windu, and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
"Fight to the very end the Wookies will. They will not give up Kasyykk easily. Love for this planet they hold."
"That is encouraging news Master Yoda." Obi-Wan smiled back at Master Yoda."
Master Yoda nodded. "Yes Master Kenobi good relations with the Wookies I have, but the battle here is far from over."
"As it is everywhere else we are fighting. Jedi Masters Master Stass Allie, Master Plo Koon, Master Aayla, Master Saesse Tiin,Master Agen Kola, and Master Ki-Adi-Mundi are positioned on the systems: Cato Neimoidia, Saleucami,Felucia,Mygeeto, and Tallanroaeg." Master Windu replied in frustration.
"Spread to far apart we all are." Master Yoda looked down, and shook his head in growing worry.
"We had no choice." Master Windu replied as another hologram began to appear before them. "Master Shaak Ti thank you for joining us."
"Hello Masters, I regret to inform you I cannot speak long. I will make myself brief. I request back up immediately. We have a crisis on our hands. On the frigid mountainous world of Llum where I have kept watch; the separatists are attempting to significantly weaken our defenses. They are placing thousands of mine-laying chameleon droids with explosives around the caverns, and the temple. As we all know, these structures hold the precious power crystals that are used as crucial components to build the heart of our lightsabers. From the most ancient days of the Jedi order; we have been traveling to this star system to gather these crystals. They cannot succeed in their mission." Jedi Master Shaak Ti finished her report. The Jedi Master's hologram broke, and faded out .
"The separatists are sending a clear message to the Jedi Order. Even beyond this attack I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi Order. A plot that goes much deeper, and further then the caverns of Llum." Master Windu said looking down wringing his fingers together. Even Master Windu couldn't deny the worry capturing his heart.
"Sense this I do. " Master Yoda nodded replying back in agreement.
An alert sounded off in the council room as a teenage Jedi Padawan announced the arrival of senators Bail Organa, and Mon Mothma. The two senators walked quietly into the Jedi Council room and bowed. They couldn't help but notice how very few Jedi Masters were in the room with them.
"Hello senators you wanted to see us. What brings you before us?" Mace Windu asked with enormous curiosity.
Senator Mon Mothma stepped a little closer to Master Winduand began to speak theirplight."Jedi Masters, we have come to ask you if you are happy with Chancellor Palphetine's decisions, and how he is handling things to end this war."
"No we are not happy; far from it." Master Windu replied back bluntly.
"Senator Amadala has insisted for us to contact you Masters. We ask for your support on this petition." Senator Bail Organa handed the petition over to Master Windu.
"The Jedi counsel will not sign this petition. We are not in the senate. We only help to protect it." Master Windu handed back the petition of the two thousand signatures to Senator Organa.
"No Master Windu that is not what we are asking." Mon Mothma replied back.
"What are you asking of the counsel senators?" Obi-Wan asked the two senators.
Senator Mon Mothma turned to look at Master Kenobi. "We ask for you to follow us now to Chancellor Palphetine's office, and stand beside us."
"Carefully weigh this decision we must." Master Yoda's hologram said.
Master Windu looked at Master Yoda for a moment before responding. "I agree the counsel will have to think this decision over before we can give you a definite answer."
"Very well Masters our meeting with Chancellor Palphetine begins in an hour. We hope to see you there." Senator Organa replied back to the Jedi Masters. He and Mon Mothma bowed to the council, and left the Jedi Masters with their many thoughts.
"It is unfortunate that Skywalker left us. He would have been the perfect candidate to spy on the Chancellor because of his close friendship with him." Master Windu replied.
"Yes, I agree Anakin would have been the perfect person for that task, but I don't think he would have liked it, or appreciated it." Obi-Wan added in.
Master Yoda gave Obi-Wan a knowing nod. "Know what you've been up to I have."
"Yes Master Yoda." Obi-Wan said while trying to avoid Master Yoda's searching eyes.
"Think you have made the right choice do you?" Master Yoda's hologram asked Obi-Wan.
"Yes Master Yoda I do." Obi-Wan replied back with confidence.
"Skywalker stands by the side of the Chancellor now, he's marrying Senator Amadala, and will be a father soon. He's made his choice Obi-Wan." Master Windu said.
"Forgive me Master Windu, but I disagree."
"Skywalker announced his resignation with us in an unkind insulting manner.
Anakin has turned his back on the Jedi Order." Master Windu replied back with more conviction in his voice.
"I understand your point of view Masters."
"And you still feel you are doing the right thing do you?" Master Yoda asked while pointing his little green finger at Obi-Wan.
"Yes Master Yoda I do. He won't let me down; he never has. I believe in him. Even though he is no longer with the Order. I will not turn my back on him."
"And you must not turn you back on the Jedi Order Obi-Wan. We need you. All the remaining Jedi Masters besides ourselves are already spread across the galaxy fighting this war." Master Windu replied back in a disapproving tone.
"I will not betray the Jedi Order I promise you Masters, but Anakin is the chosen one is he not. Is he not the one to bring balance to the Force? Remember the prophecy Masters."
"A prophecy that could have been misread." Yoda finished that thought.
"Regardless if this prophecy is true, or not we must decide quickly on what is to be done.
The powers that be are pulling us in two different directions at once. The dark side surrounds the Chancellor; we've all sensed it. I feel we should support the senators and state our displeasure of this war. We should make it clear once and for all that this war must end. It is necessary for the survival of the Jedi Order. If the Chancellor does not comply there will have to be drastic measures taken in the near future." Master Windu replied back firmly.
"Agree with you I do. The Chancellor must know where we stand."
Mace Windu nodded in agreement. "There is no other choice, and very little time left.
We have already sent all other Jedi to fight this out of control battle. We will inform the Chancellor of the situation on Llum. Master Fisto, and Iwill depart immediately afterwards for the star systemMaster Kenobi will leave with a group of clone troopers, and meet us there. May the Force be with us all. This meeting is adjourned."
-----
This was a first for Anakin, and Padme. They were in a room together, and could not speak to each other. Anakin because of his obligations to standup for the Chancellor, and Padme attempting to keep everyone's focus on her political views, and tactics instead of on the fact that the father of her child was standing right beside a man she had come to despise. Senator Amadala was surrounded by her fellow delegates: Senators Fang Zar of Sern Prime, Nee Alavar of Lorrd , Male-Dee of Uyter , Bail Organa of Alderan, and Mon Mothma of Chandrila.
However, Anakin was much more taken back, and concerned with the other two inhabitants sitting quietly across from him. Jedi Master Mace Windu, and his former Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. They brought a unmistakable unease into the large spacious office. Anakin knew that this could only mean trouble. The Jedi did not make a point of attending meetings that primarily involved dealings within the senate, and he was positive that Chancellor Palphetine was thinking along the same lines.
The Supreme Chancellor sat in calm peaceful silence as he took in his surroundings; his dry scaly hands resting near the datapad containing the names of two thousands senators demanding an end to the Clone War.
"I want this terrible conflict to end just as much as all of you do, and when it does I guarantee an immediate return to democracy." Chancellor Palphetine displayed one of famous non-threatening smiles to the occupants in the room.
"May I take it that there will be no further amendments to the constitution, no more freedoms altered, or striped?" Padme said looking at Palphetine with a no nonsense stare.
"My decision, and the choices I've made have always been out of my overwhelming responsibility to protect the republic." Palphetine stated simply.
"You are pursuing a diplomatic solution to the war then?" Padme kept her eyes pealed to the Chancellor.
"You must trust me to do the right thing my lady. That is why I am here, and it is why I was granted emergency powers in the first place."
"But surely." Senator Fang Zar broke in.
Palphetine interrupted senator Fang Zar. "I said, I will do what is right. That should be enough for your committee." Palphetine pronounced the last word as if it left a bad taste in his mouth.
Master Windu who was tired of sitting patiently stood up from his chair drawing everyone's focus to him. "Unfortunately, it is not enough for the Jedi Order Chancellor. We are now spread so thinly apart from one another. Few are left as it is after the massacre at Geonosis. On top of this the separatists are now threatening to blow up the caverns on the Llum star system; these caverns contain the crystals that power our weapons."
"That is very unfortunate news Master Windu. I hope you are able to stop the separatists from succeeding. Without your lightsabers it would be much harder to defend yourselves, and the republic."
Mace Windu's eyes lowered in suspicion at the Chancellor. "The Jedi Order will do everything we can to make sure that does not happen. Master Fisto, and I will be departing for Llum shortly. Master Kenobi will meet us with a group of your best clone troopers."
"A plan well conceived. I wish you good luck Masters."
"Thank you Chancellor, but we do not feel you are doing nearly enough to end this war. Negotiations must be made with the separatists, and Count Dooku must be caught. This needs to be settled now, or we will be forced to take matters into our own hands." Master Windu said glaring down at Palphetine.
"Are you threatening me Master Jedi?"
"No, but we are warning you. The Jedi Order wants a peaceful solution to ending the war as quickly as possible nothing more." Master Windu stated sternly.
"I understand completely Master Windu, and I a sure you I will do my very best."
"Thank you Chancellor that is all we ask." Obi-Wan said.
"You are welcome Master Kenobi."
Padme stood up slowly from her seat. "On behalf of the delegation of two thousand I thank you Chancellor."
"I thank you all for bringing this to my attention." Palphetine's lips molding into a frozen smile, and nodded.
Padme's lips were glued together while raising her eyebrows at the Chancellor giving him a look of absolute disgust, and disappointment. She then turned her attention to Anakin. He swallowed hard while looking into her concerned eyes. The group of frustrated Jedi, and Senators all turned to leave. Anakin watched with sadness as his angel moved slowly out of the room.
"Their sincerity is to be admired, although I sense there is more to their request then they are telling us." Palphetine's foreboding voice broke Anakin out of his admiration for Padme's graceful ascent away from his presence.
Anakin turned to the Chancellor. "What do you mean?"
"They're not to be trusted especially the Jedi."
"Surely you are not including Senator Amadala in that statement?"
"Senator Amadala is hiding something. I can see it her eyes. She's a traitor."
"What did you say?" Anakin lifted an eyebrow, ground his teeth, and glared at the man sitting before him.
"She's a traitor to the republic, and to you Anakin. A traitor to everything you've worked so hard to protect."
Flames burned from Anakin's azure eyes as he ignited his lightsaber. The radiating heat, and cool blue hew of his blade reflecting off of Palphetine's throat. "Don't you ever say anything like that about her again."
Palphetine's body stiffened, but he did not move, or break eye contact with the furious young man. "I only speak the truth. Sadly sometimes it is the ones who are the closest to us that cannot see. I'm surprised your Jedi instincts are not more sensitive to such things. There is much conflict in you Anakin." Palphetine's words escaped off his tongue like a slippery slimy serpent's.
"There is no conflict. Your truth, and mine are two very different realities Chancellor. I simply don't sense betrayal in senator Amadala."
"But you don't seem to want to admit it either." With a frosty frozen stare Anakin moved his blade closer to Palphetine's throat. "Are you going to kill me?" Palphetine asked more in anticipation then fear.
"I would certainly like to." Firmly grasping his weapon Anakin could feel the same overwhelming powerful anger he had not felt since his mother had died in his arms at the Tusken Raider camp.
"I know you would I can feel you anger it gives you focus makes you stronger." Palphetine's voice was surprisingly full of delight.
Anakin was unnerved by the Chancellors reaction to his threat, and retracted his lightsaber. "You are unarmed. To kill you would not be the Jedi way. It would not be the light side of the Force."
"But you left the Jedi Order Anakin. You don't believe in their false teachings; their lies, and betrayals. What is the light side of the Force Anakin? In my point a view there are many different levels; nothing is all black or white, there are gray areas many shades of gray."
"Gray like the clouds above us, and the fog that surrounds us Chancellor?"
Palphetine moved slowly out of his chair, and stood next to Anakin. "Yes Anakin, but with my help you can break through the fog of lies the Jedi have hammered into you. Everything will be crystal clear. There will no longer be any confusion. Find that clarity. Find what you've been looking for. Ever since I've known you've been searching for a better life; a life greater then the life of a normal Jedi more extraordinary then a common man. You have hungered for control, and stability in your life. Let me help you find it."
"You cannot help me Chancellor."
"Are you so sure about that? All you have to do is ask me, and I will help you."
"Ask you what?"
"If I can help you get what you really want? Because I know what it is my friend. I know what has been troubling you, tormenting you."
"How do you know what's been troubling me?"
"My mentor trained me to tune my senses to the Force. He taught me everything I know even the nature of the dark side."
"You know the dark side?"
"Anakin if you want to become a wise, and powerful leader you must learn to embrace a larger point of view to the Force. Do you remember that legend I told you about; the legend of Darth Plaguis the wise; well it wasn't a legend. Darth Plaguis was my Master."
Holding onto his weapon, but not turning it on Anakin moved away from Palphetine, and nodded his head in understanding. Suddenly everything seemed to make complete sense. "You're the Sith Lord."
Palphetine began to pace around Anakin in a slow circle. "Yes Anakin, but I am also your friend. Only through me can you achieve a power greater then any Jedi. Learn to know the dark side of the Force, and you will be able to save your future wife from certain death." Palphetine's mouth cracked into a slight smile.
Anakin began to match Palphetine's movement in the same slow creeping circular pace. He swallowed hard trying to calm his nerves, and his heart throbbing manically. "You can do that? You can help me save her?"
"Yes my friend I have the power to save the one you love."
"I should turn you over to the Jedi counsel."
"Of course you should, but your not sure of their intentions are you?"
A small nasty grin moved across Anakin's face. "No not completely Darth Sidious."
-----
How had it come down to this? Master Windu realized at that moment that the possibility of the Jedi Order becoming extinct was getting closer to reality with each moment that passed. Standing on the Jedi Temple hangar with Master Windu was Master Fisto, and Master Kenobi.
"Master Fisto, and I will meet Master Ti and survey the area on the Llum system. Hopefully there will be no major damage if we can help it, but we must return quickly back to the Jedi temple. I fear to leave the temple unguarded for long will be a grave mistake." Master Windu said standing in the entrance of his ship.
"Yes Master, but the temple is not completely unguarded there are quite a few fully trained Jedi Padawan's to protect the younglings. They will contact us if there is any problems, but are you sure you want me to bring the clones troopers on our mission?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Yes we might very well need them. There's no telling what we might find once we arrive."
"As you wish Master Windu. I will contact Commander Cody to send over a group of troops to accompany me." Master Windu leaned over, and patted Obi-Wan on the shoulder. Obi-Wan smiled back at Master Windu, and Master Fisto. "I will try to leave as quick as possible."
"Thank you Master Kenobi may the Force be with you." Master Windu said while smiling at Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan bowed to his two fellow Jedi Masters. "May the Force be with you as well Masters."
-----
The sun had completely faded into the horizon, and night had taken over Coruscant. Dark shadows engulfed the room, and spread eerily across deep creases in Palphetine's face. An expressionless mask that Anakin studied standing before the man he had known since he was boy. He had looked up to him, and admired him throughout his whole life training to be a Jedi. A man that he now knew had always been the very thing he had vowed to destroy.
"Why tell me all this?"
"Because I trust you Anakin."
"If you trusted me. Why didn't you share with me your true identity before? I've known you for years why now?"
"Because I know you need my help. Remember if the Jedi capture, and kill me any chance of saving her will be lost."
"I understand."
"You have to ask yourself Anakin who are your real friends; The Jedi a cult of mindless unfeeling warriors casting anyone aside whoever does not share their narrow dogmatic views, and stands in their way of achieving ultimate power, or me a man who has supported, and believed in everything you've done?"
"But the Jedi use their power for good. The Sith are evil. They think only of themselves."
"As I've said before Anakin good is a point of view. What could be more of an act of pure good then saving the one you love? The Jedi don't understand love, or passion. They're the ones who think only of themselves. Do you think the Jedi came here today just to show support for this so-called petition? No Anakin, this is just the beginning you heard Master Windu. They are trying to take over everything. If I do not follow their orders they're going to kill me. You know they will."
"If they knew you were the Sith Lord they definitely would."
"Now you see what a threat the Jedi are. They want to take over the republic, and they will if they are not stopped now. Learn the dark side of the Force; the power to save Padme. I know how much she means to you. I understand what it is to want something so badly."
Anakin thought about Padme, and their baby. He thought about how elated they were just a few hours ago before they had left for that blasted petition meeting. Their careers, and duties to the Republic always getting in the way of their happiness. All he wanted was to spend a long joyous life with Padme at his side to raise their baby, and hopefully expand their family someday. She was his other half, and without her he'd be lost. I won't fail you my love I promise. This had better work. It had to work; he thought to himself. Tears were shining in Anakin's eyes as he felt his legs weakening underneath him. His eyes drew down to the blood-soaked red carpet beneath his feet. "I don't want to lose her. I can't."
"And you won't if you let me train you; we can solve this mystery that separates life, and death. Full fill your destiny. Let me teach you be my apprentice."
Anakin dropped to his knees looking up at the inhuman looking figure standing above him. "I couldn't go on if I lost her. I will do anything to save her. I will do anything you ask." Anakin's eyes traveled down to the carpet, and squeezed his eyelids shut shaken by what he saw in Sidious's eyes.
"Good." His demonic voice hissed the word out. Darth Sidious slithered over to Anakin. His hand touching the frightened young man's shaking shoulders like the claws of a reptile tearing into his pray. "The Force is strong with you, a powerful Sith you will become. Follow and live by the Sith code. Peace is a lie; there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me."
Anakin looked back up at Darth Sidious. "Yes my Master you are very wise. I am ready to study your teachings. I am at your command."
"Hence forth you shall be known as Darth Vader."
"Yes my Master."
Darth Sidious lifted his thin bony arms slowly. "Lord Varder rise."
He rose, and stared into the Sith yellowish red eyes of Darth Sidious. "Thank you my Master."
Darth Sidious pulled up his cloak, and placed it over his head as he sat back down behind his desk. "Every single Jedi is now an enemy of the Republic including your friend Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the traitors that have committed treason within the senate. We will deal with their pitiful petition." He spat the last words out of his mouth with pure hatred.
"What about Padme she was a part of it?"
"Don't worry, we will unlock the mystery to save her, but we must move quickly the Jedi are relentless if they are not all destroyed it will be civil war without end. First, I want you to go to the Jedi Temple we will catch them off balance. Do what must be done Lord Vader. Do not hesitate show no mercy. Only then will you be strong enough with the dark side to save Padme."
"What about the other Jedi spread across the galaxy?"
"Their betrayal will be dealt with."
"How so and when Master?"
"Leave that to me."
"Yes Master."
"After you've killed all the Jedi in the temple. I want you to contact Jedi Master Kenobi tell him you have discovered where Count Dooku has been hiding, and convince him to meet you on the Mustafa system. Make him think you are still his friend use his trust to your advantage."
"I understand."
"Count Dooku will be arriving at Mustafa soon. I have ordered him to go there to wipe out Vice Roy Gunray, and the other separatists leaders. Once you and, Kenobi have arrived there kill Count Dooku. Shortly after that I will meet you, and we will destroy Kenobi together."
"I will kill your former apprentice, and my former Master to show my ultimate loyalty to the Sith. Then I will have earned my rightful place as your apprentice."
"Yes Lord Vader. Once more the Sith will rule the galaxy, and we shall have peace."
-----
The Jedi Temple was quiet, and dark. The lights within shined over the hill of stairs leading to its entrance. He was climbing the darkness with hundreds of clone troopers following behind him. Soldiers were ready to fire at his command to wipe out life. All he could hear was the pounding of his heart beating like a drum in his chest. The steady relentless pace of the troops marching up the stairs, and the clinking of cold metal of blaster riffles signaled death. An end to all that he had ever known.
In the pitch-black sky speeders, and ships of all kinds were moving aimlessly to their destinations completely unaware of the evil that surrounded them. He was silhouetted into the shadows. From behind him the twinkling lights of Coruscant seemed to stretch out over his broad shoulders to the ends of the universe. His weapon was clutched firmly in his fist. The weight of his hood kept the material close to his forehead soaking up the perspiration pouring down; his cape flowing from sided to side gracefully as he walked with purpose. A strip of soft light spread across the long corridor leading him to the place that had been a second home to him, and held a family that he had known since he was a boy. This was it he was fulfilling his destiny. The prophecy was true. He is the chosen one to bring peace to the galaxy, but most importantly of all to save Padme.
Darth Sidious stared out towards the Jedi Temple with enormous delight; his plan had worked, the galaxy was his. The Sith had finally gotten their revenge, he knew the moment had come to unleash the rest of his brilliant plan. His long pale thin fingers pushed the button to signal his army's attack.
"Commander Cody your time has come execute order sixty-six."
"Yes my lord it will be done."
On speeders and fighter ships in the air, and on the ground the sounds of lasers fired by clone troopers were blasting away member after member of the Jedi Order. The great loss caused Jedi Master Yoda to drop his walking stick. He could hardly catch his breath, or keep his legs from giving out. His heart tearing into shreds at the knowledge of what had happened.
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Padme had been staring at the flames for hours from their landing platform. Her tears flowed down as the flames soared into the atmosphere. She wondered why Anakin hadn't contacted her by now? If something had Force forbid happened to him she would feel it. She had no doubt she would. From the corner of her eye a Jedi fighter ship was approaching. Padme wiped her eyes to great relief when she realized who the pilot was. He quickly jumped out of his ship. Padme ran into his safe strong arms, and their lips clung and slid over the other for a moment. Breaking the kiss they held on to each other for dear life.
"Ani where have you been? Are you all right? I heard there was an attack on the Jedi temple you could see the smoke from here.""I'm fine, I fine. I was busy. I couldn't contact you until now. I came to make sure you, and the baby are safe."
"What's happening?"
"The Jedi are now enemies of the Republic. The chancellor has declared martial law on the Jedi Order. He feels they're trying to overthrow the Republic."
"I can't believe that. The Jedi would never do such a thing. What about Obi-wan? Oh Anakin what are you going to do?'
"The chancellor wants Obi-Wan dead along with all the other Jedi. Many have already been killed. They were outnumbered. The Chancellor also plans to deal with anyone else who he feels is a traitor to the Republic, and who has been disloyal to him in the senate."
"You can't be saying what I think your saying"
"You shouldn't have gotten involved with that petition Padme, but the Chancellor feels I have been loyal to him, and therefore you are safe. I will do my job to protect you and the Republic. I will do what I know has to be done.
"What's that?"
"The chancellor has given me a very important mission; the separatists including their leader Count Dooku have gathered on the Mustafa system. I'm going there to end this war."
"Anakin I'm afraid." Two glistening gemstones fell from her glittering amber eyes as she looked up at him.
"Have faith my love. Have faith in me." He said while rubbing her tears away from her cheeks with the pads of his calloused fingers.
"I do Ani. I do."
Anakin gathered Padme in his arms, and looked deeply into her eyes. "If everything goes as planned everything will soon be set right. Things will be different I promise."
"What do you mean planned?"
"That is between me, and my Master."
"Your Master. What Master? Anakin what's going on?"
"I cannot say anything further. Just know that I love you, and I'm doing this to protect you, and our baby. I must go now; wait for me until I return." Anakin grazed his fingers over the soft shell of her ear down to her wet tear stained cheek. Padme moved towards him, and parted her mouth to except his smoldering passionate kiss. He held her face in his hands. They're tongues moving gently causing friction as they brushed against each other; his mouth leaving hers all to soon.
"Please wait for me."
"Come back to me soon my love, be safe." Padme said as his fingers slowly slipped out of her hands. He gave her one last longing loving glance, and then turned to walk to his ship.
"Farewell my little friend." C3PO said sadly as he watched his Master fire off his ship into the dark starless sky. He turned to his mistress. "My lady is their anything I can do?"
"No thank you 3PO." Padme shook her head biting her knuckles in a nervous frightened manner.
For a long moment she stared into the sky where his ship had disappeared. Padme walked slowly back into the apartment, and into their dark lonely bedroom. She walked over to her vanity, sat down, and patted her belly.
"Oh Leia your father's got to come out of this ok he's just got to. Please come back to us Ani."
Her tears were falling onto the satiny blue material of her dress. She opened her jewelry box that held all the precious possessions that Anakin had given her. Padme picked up the lotus blossom corsage, and the dried bouquet of pink roses that he had given her the night he had proposed to her. The once soft silky loveliness of the flowers could now easily fall apart, and crackle into pieces in her delicate hands. The young woman picked up the gift that had meant more to her then anything else she owned. Padme put the shiny chain around her neck, and placed a kiss on the beautifully carved pendent of the jepor snippet.
The realization of everything that was now happening weighed heavily on her shoulders, and her fragile heart. A great deal of this was her fault. She was the one who had listened to Palphetine in the first place to set forth that vote of no confidence on Chancellor Valorum. And then later on placing the gungan Jar Jar Binks in such a powerful position in her absence while Anakin was protecting her. As a result Binks granted the supreme Chancellor emergency powers. Not to mention her convincing Anakin to work with Palphetine after he had left the Jedi Order.
That thought hurt her more then anything as she picked up his Padawan braid brushing her fingers slowly over the silky woven strands of gold, and red hair. It was a symbol of Anakin, and Obi-Wan's broken bond. Anakin was no longer with the Jedi Order, and never would be because of her. But she couldn't help it. She loved him too much, and couldn't shut his heart out from hers for long.
Her memory took her back to that unforgettable night at the lake retreat as he professed his undying love, and devotion to her in front of the fireplace. Her words to him "maybe that kiss doesn't have to become a scar." After that everything changed, and by the end of the night without even knowing it yet she was carrying his child.
She had made many mistakes during her young life, but the one constant that she knew was true, and real was her love for her Anakin, and his love for her. Why should he suffer for her mistakes. Padme thought of her words to him all those years ago "many things will change when we reach the capital Ani, but my caring for you will always remain."
Focusing on that last memory; Padme rose from her vanity. "Force, If the man I love, and the father of my child is going to the depths of Sith hell then I'm going there with him."
Alright folks, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Believe me when I tell you there is a method to my insanity so please keep on reading. I will share with you all that we are getting closer towards the end of this story so hold on to your seats because the most exciting, and challenging chapter is coming. I've already written parts of it, but it's far from finished.
If you are out there please review, and let me know what you thought of this chapter I worked tirelessly on it. I think you can pretty much figure out where the next chapter is going to take place. I will try to have chapter 15 posted as soon as I feel it's ready. Thanks again as always for reading, and reviewing.