Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. It all belongs to LFL.
AN: Here's chapter 6! Thanks for all the kind reviews!
A Matter of Trust
Chapter 6: Uncertain Future
Knight Barriss Offee and Padawan Zara Caelan stood before the council to receive their next assignment.
"The council has assigned you and your padawan to keep a close eye on the Senate. Barriss, you and Zara will also provide heightened security for the Chancellor," Mace informed them. Barriss and Zara nodded and left for the Senate building. Zara silently brooded over their new mission. Spending her days in the boring Senate sessions with snooty politicians, which included Amidala, was not sitting well with her.
"Be mindful of your thoughts padawan," Barriss lightly scolded.
"I'm sorry master. I am still having harsh feelings toward Amidala. Many other padawans feel like she stole Anakin from us too," Zara said.
"Maybe Zara, but you cannot let those feelings consume you. Let it go padawan," Barriss instructed.
"Yes master," she replied, but she didn't know if she could.
A few days had passed since Anakin and Padme's meeting with the council. The Senate, which had been adjourned since Chancellor Palpatine's kidnaping was convening this morning. Anakin snuggled Padme a little closer to him, knowing that he would soon have to wake her up so she could get ready for a long day of Senate sessions and meetings.
The last few days they had spent quality time together, something they really hadn't done before. Usually most of their secret meetings were very short lived. But now, he would be by her side every morning she woke up. That made her happy and whatever made her happy, made him happy.
They had talked a lot about the future in the last few days. They still had to tell her parents and sister about their marriage, not to mention tell them about her pregnancy. He could tell she was a little nervous about it, but her family seemed to only want to see her happy, so he hoped they would understand why they kept this secret for so long. Padme's future in the Senate was also uncertain. He knew that master Yoda and master Windu would be informing the Chancellor of the situation soon. He hoped the Chancellor took it well and did not demand for Padme's resignation on the spot.
Then, there was Queen Apilana to deal with, whom Padme would be speaking with today. Apilana may ask for her resignation too. Anakin felt a bit guilty about Padme possibly losing her career too. But Padme assured him that if it came to that, she was fine with it. If they did go home to Naboo, she even expressed an interest in teaching a few classes at the University in Theed after the twins were older. He had decided that whatever he did, it would be building and fixing things. It had always made him happy, just like Padme did. He smiled and brushed her curls away from her eyes.
"Angel, it's time to wake up," Anakin told her.
Obi-Wan Kenobi stood before the council awaiting his next assignment. They were probably going to send him back to the outer rim sieges, and it would be quite lonely without Anakin.
"We have received intelligence that General Grevious has infiltrated the Utapau system," Mace began.
"Go you will Obi-Wan. Once captured or killed Grevious is, the war will end," Yoda said. Obi-Wan nodded and bowed. The council was adjourned and Mace and Yoda left for their meeting with Chancellor Palpatine.
"Good morning master Yoda, master Windu," Chancellor Palpatine greeted.
"Good morning Chancellor. Much to discuss we have," Yoda said.
"Please sit and be comfortable," Palpatine offered. The two Jedi masters did so.
"Has your intelligence told you anything of General Grevious' whereabouts?" Palpatine asked.
"He has been spotted on Utapau. We have dispatched Master Kenobi to deal with him," Mace said.
"You should have sent Anakin with him. Grevious is almost too much for only one Jedi," Palpatine said. Mace and Yoda glanced at each other.
"Chancellor, Anakin Skywalker has been expelled from the Jedi order," Mace stated. Shock washed over the Chancellor's face.
"Expelled? He was such a gifted boy," the Chancellor said.
"He broke the code. He and Senator Amidala married in secret. We have dealt with Skywalker, but it is your discretion to deal with Amidala," Mace said.
"It is not illegal for Senators to be married, but her constituents may call for her resignation. I will tread lightly with this information. We don't want to put her in danger," Palpatine said.
"Very well Chancellor," as he and Yoda stood and filed out of the office. Once they were gone, Palpatine smiled evilly. Were they that incompetent? They actually expelled their chosen one. The one Jedi he was worried about foiling his plans now that he was grounded in the light. The Jedi were going to make this easier on him than he thought...
Padme yawned and sipped at her caf.
"Is that your new saber?" Padme asked, as she watched her husband tinker with the tools that were strewn about on the table.
"Yeah, I'm almost finished. Just a few more adjustments and I'll be ready to try it out. Then we'll find out if I tuned the color matrix correctly to get the color I want," he replied Padme smiled and kissed his forehead, leaving him to play with his "toys." She retreated to the fresher to get ready for the first session. About an hour later, Padme and Dorme emerged from the bedroom chambers. Padme was clad in a senatorial gown and her hair was done up in twin buns on either side of her head.
"That's an interesting hairdo," Anakin smirked.
"Don't make fun of my hair," Padme retorted playfully.
"I'm not. You look beautiful, you always do," he replied, wrapping his arms around her waist. She kissed him tenderly for a long moment.
"Stay out of trouble today," she told him. He quirked his eyebrow.
"Me?" he questioned.
"Yes you," she replied. He chuckled.
"Don't worry, Artoo and I are going to work on the cruiser. We need to make sure it's in tip top shape for our trip home to Naboo in a couple months," he told her. She smiled, as kissed him again before she left with Dorme. Her first order of business before the first senate session began would be her discussion with Queen Apilana.
Barriss and Zara were admitted to the Chancellor's office.
"Good morning Chancellor," Barriss said, as she and Zara bowed.
"Good morning master Offee, padawan Caelan," Palpatine greeted.
"Zara will accompany you to the Senate chambers, while I go check with security. I shall join you shortly," Barriss said, as she bowed and left the office.
"Padawan Caelan, I've heard much about you. Your masters tell me you are very gifted," Palpatine said.
"Thank you your excellency," she replied.
"It is a shame about Skywalker. I could have seen the both of you making a great team of Jedi Knights someday," Palpatine said. Anger and jealously swirled inside her. Palpatine smiled evilly, his back turned to her.
"Zara, you seem a little upset," Palpatine said. The young woman blanched.
"I'm sorry sir. Anger is very unbecoming of a Jedi," she replied.
"Don't be sorry young one. It is only natural to feel angry when you feel betrayed," Palpatine continued.
"Am I right?" he asked.
"Yes sir," she replied quietly.
"Anger is a normal reaction to such a situation. Come now, we had better be on our way for the first session," Palpatine said. Zara nodded and left with him.
The Twi'lek reporter stared at the datapad of information in disbelief. This information had just been delivered anonymously to them this morning, delivered by an unmarked carrier droid. The information…well it was almost too astounding to believe. The marriage between a Jedi and a Senator…and not just any Jedi or any Senator. This was the biggest piece of news in centuries and she was about to break the story wide open. She thought nothing of what it would do to the lives of the two people she was about to destroy, but only for the fame, fortune, and recognition it would bring to her career. She couldn't wait to get this to her editor…
Utapau
"It won't long before the Republic tracks us down here. I am sending you to the Mustafar system in the outer rim. It is a volcanic planet, you will be safe there. Your ship is waiting," Grevious told the separatist leaders, as Obi-Wan listened from above. Removing his cloak, Obi-Wan Force jumped down to Grevious' level.
"Hello there," Obi-Wan said.
"General Kenobi, you're a bold one. Kill him!" Grevious ordered his droid guards. Obi-Wan ignited his saber. Using the Force, he unclamped a mechanical fixture from the ceiling and it fell on two guards. Grevious halted his guards.
"I'll take care of this Jedi slime myself," the General told them.
"Your move," Obi-Wan replied.
"You fool. I've been trained in your Jedi arts by Count Dooku," Grevious sneered. The droid general removed his cloak. His two arms split in half creating a total of four, each with a lightsaber in the hand. He ignited the four sabers and began spinning two of them rapidly, while dragging the others on the ground, creating sparks everywhere. Finally, his four sabers clashed with Obi-Wan's. Obi-Wan flipped over the General's head and came around, slicing off one of his hands and destroying one of the sabers. The General came back at Obi-Wan and the saber spar continued, until Obi-Wan successfully disarmed Grevious of another saber. At that moment Obi-Wan's clone battalion infiltrated the base and began taking out the droids.
"You must realize that you are doomed," Grevious growled.
"Oh I don't think so," Obi-Wan replied. The Jedi Force pushed the general off the catwalk. Grevious landed on his hands and feet and decided it was time to flee. Obi-Wan gave chase, not intending for the General to escape again. Unfortunately, along the way on the rough terrain, Obi-Wan lost his saber, but kept going.
"Blast! Another saber. At least Anakin isn't here, he'd never let me live it down," Obi-Wan said to himself. Though Obi-Wan did wish that he had his brother here to help him right now. Obi-Wan managed to catch up to Grevious on his landing pad. Grabbing one of the weapons Grevious' guards had been armed with, he engaged in hand to hand combat with the General. Obi-Wan found out that hitting or kicking the General was just as painful as being hit or kicked by him. The general threw Obi-Wan over the ledge of the landing pad. As Grevious approached, Obi-Wan hung onto the ledge. Using the Force, he brought the blaster to him. He shot the General several times in the chest, destroying what little organic substance he had. What was left of General Grevious fell to the ground in a heap of flames.
Obi-Wan pulled himself up and tossed the blaster away.
"So uncivilized," Obi-Wan scoffed. Moving quickly, Obi-Wan made his way back to his Jedi star fighter and began the trip back to Coruscant.
"Good morning your majesty," Padme greeted, as Queen Apilana's hologram floated in front of her.
"Greetings Senator Amidala. You message said that you wished to speak with me about a very important matter," the queen replied. Padme nodded and took a deep breath, before telling the queen her whole story. When Padme was finished, she waited patiently for the queen to respond.
"This is...a very big surprise. Jedi are forbidden to marry and I'm not surprised that the council expelled Anakin," Apilana said.
"I know your majesty and if you ask for my resignation, I will give it to you. But I have been serving my planet while being married to Anakin for the past three years. He is no longer a Jedi and so it is no longer forbidden," Padme argued.
"Yes, I realize that. Anyone else, I probably would ask for a resignation, but you have served us loyally for years. I will allow you to continue to serve if that is what you wish. And I will also grant your request for a six month maternity leave," Apilana said. Padme smiled.
"Thank you your majesty. Anakin and I are both grateful for your lenience and understanding.
"I bid you farewell Amidala. I look forward to seeing you once you and your husband return to Naboo," Apilana said, as the hologram faded. Padme sighed in relief. That had gone a lot better than she thought it would. Suddenly, there was a knock at her door.
"Come in," Padme said, as she shuffled through datapads.
"Senator Amidala, hard at work, as usual," a female voice said. Padme's head shot up.
"Sabe! " she exclaimed. Padme stood up and hugged her old friend.
"How are you?" Padme asked.
"I'm doing well and I've heard you are well also. You went and married little Ani Skywalker," Sabe teased.
"Where did you hear that?" Padme asked.
"Relax, Anakin contacted me yesterday. He told me everything and thought it would be a nice surprise for me to come see you. He said you could use a good surprise," Sabe said.
"That wonderful, thoughtful, adorable man. I'd kiss him if he were here. I'm just sorry that I have Senate sessions all day," Padme said.
"That's all right, I'll come with you and then we can catch up tonight. I only met your husband through hologram. I must say I didn't recognize him," Sabe said.
"Well, you didn't expect him to be a little boy anymore, did you?" Padme teased.
"No, I guess not, but it was still a shock. You do know how to pick cute ones," Sabe teased, as they left her office.
Typho, Dorme, and her security flanked them, as she headed for the Senate chambers. She thought the extra guards were unnecessary, but Anakin insisted upon it.
"So, how have you been handling all this?" Sabe asked seriously. Padme sighed.
"Not as well as I would like to be. I fell apart that night after our meeting with the council. Ani's been so strong for me and Obi-Wan has been supporting us," Padme mentioned. Sabe smiled slightly at the mention of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
"Well, it's good to know that Obi-Wan has chosen friends over the code," Sabe replied.
"We're grateful to him, but we don't want him to get in trouble with the council for supporting us," Padme replied. Sabe scoffed.
"Well, I heard that Obi-Wan is on Utapau facing that awful General Grevious," Sabe replied.
"Yes, I could tell Anakin was worried about him," Padme mentioned, as they continued their trek to the Senate chambers.
Coruscant; late afternoon
Obi-Wan landed his star fighter on the landing pad back at the temple. He checked his chrono and realized that Master Yoda and Master Windu would probably still be at the Senate session. It was very late in the afternoon, so he may be able to catch them as the sessions were ending.
The Senate session ended and Padme was making her way out. Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the Senate chambers. Holocams flashed at her and reporters began firing questions.
"Senator Amidala, is it true that you are married to a Jedi?" she heard, followed by several other personal and rather inappropriate questions including things about her pregnancy. How did they find out? Who told them? Padme wondered in horror. Just then, she saw Obi-Wan pushing his way through.
"Obi-Wan, how did they find out. The council wouldn't let something like this out, would they?" Padme asked.
"No Padme, they did not find out from the council. I'm not sure how they found out, but I just commed Anakin. He is on his way," Obi-Wan said, placing his hand on her shoulder. As he said that, many reporters were being shoved aside, as Anakin made his way through. The reporters realized who he was and began firing questions at him. He ignored them and made his way to Padme.
"I don't know how they found out Ani," Padme said.
"It's all right, let's just go home. We'll figure this out," Anakin said, as he took her hand in his.
Holocams flashed and holonet reporters fired questions so fast that the sound of them all blending together began to sound like a whirring sound inside Padme's ears. She and Anakin both had their eyes adverted from the obtrusive people and their cameras. Anakin had his arm wrapped protectively around her waist, as he led her into the turbo lift. There were a few moments of silence, as the turbo lift took them up to the apartment. Obi-Wan and Sabe said nothing to the young couple who stood behind them. Once the lift reached the top floor, the group exited again, only to be assaulted once again by a different set of reporters. The group hastily entered Padme's apartment, leaving the various holonet reporters scrambling and yelling through the door.
"Who would do this to us Ani? Who would have leaked this information to the holonet in such a vicious manner?" Padme cried. Anakin wrapped her arms around her.
"I don't know Padme. I'm so sorry I ever let any of this happen," Anakin said.
"Oh Ani, it's not your fault. None of this is," Padme said.
"Padme is right Anakin. Whoever did this must have some kind of grudge against Padme or you. They did this to hurt you both," Sabe said.
"Padme, are there any senators that you've had conflict with?" Obi-Wan asked. Padme gave him a half smile.
"Obi-Wan, I have too many enemies in the Senate to name. Chancellor Palpatine promised that our marriage would not be revealed to the entire Senate body, as he believed it had not effected my performance in the Senate. I do not know how the information got to the holonews," Padme replied.
"Most of the masters do not like me, but I don't believe they would do something like this," Anakin said. Obi-Wan nodded in agreement. Padme wiped a few tears and suddenly felt a huge pain in her abdomen.
"OH," Padme cried, clutching her stomach.
"Padme, what is it?" Anakin asked, as he held her up.
"She's having contractions," Sabe said.
"But it's much too early!" Anakin panicked.
"Oh Ani, it hurts," Padme said, as she doubled over in pain.
"We need to get her into bed and we need to get a healer here," Sabe ordered. Anakin picked Padme up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom, while Obi-Wan turned on his comlink.
"Offee," her voice chimed through his comlink.
"Barriss, we need your help," Obi-Wan said.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Senator Amidala just started having contractions. We need a healer here immediately," Obi-Wan said. There was silence on the other end.
"Please Barriss. Anakin is still your friend and his wife needs your help," Obi-Wan said.
"Zara and I will be right there," Barriss replied. Obi-Wan shut off the comlink and walked toward the bedroom.
Master Yoda sat in a deep, secluded meditation. Darkness swirled around him and his fellow Jedi. The darkness clouded the future, making it impossible to see. But there was a welcome change as of late. No longer was the darkness clouding the future of the Chosen One. The force allowed him to see brief glimpses of Skywalker's happiness with his family. Could they have made an error in judgment? The future of the Chosen One was no longer clouded, yet his path still seemed tied to not only his family, but the Jedi as well. Should they allow Skywalker's attachment? Anakin claimed that it was the will of the Force that he and Padme were together. Was the boy right? Yoda wondered.
"The Force has revealed these things to you. But now you must trust in it and reshape the order," a ghostly voice said.
"Master Qui-Gon. Found the path to immortality you have," Yoda replied, as he stared at the ghostly silhouette of the deceased Jedi.
"Yes, I've been watching for sometime now. The Jedi order is destroying itself," Qui-Gon revealed.
"Difficult changes these are Master Qui-Gon. Divided on Skywalker the council already is. Divide us more this will," Yoda said.
"Anakin is the Chosen One master. But he was not just chosen to destroy the Sith," Qui-Gon revealed.
"Reckless and angry Skywalker has always been, until recently," Yoda pointed out.
"Yes, Padme has done what the Jedi couldn't. She has grounded him in the light. Because of her, he has not fallen. Had she not discovered the Sith plot to turn Anakin, he would have fell to the dark side. And the council would have held a great amount of responsibility in pushing him there. Not trusting him and shunning him only pushed him away from the Jedi, thus allowing him to be manipulated by the Sith. But Padme has saved him from that terrible fate. But the Sith will find another and the Jedi order is still in grave danger master," Qui-Gon replied, as he faded into the Force, leaving master Yoda to meditate further on what he had said.
Suddenly, Yoda felt a ripple in the force around the Skywalker's. He hobbled up and exited his chambers, heading for the landing pad.