Disclaimer: It's George's sandbox. I just play here.
AN: Here's chapter 9! Thanks for all the great reviews!
A Matter of Trust
Chapter 9: Friends Few and Far Between
It was later the next evening before Anakin and Obi-Wan found the time to talk.
"You mentioned earlier that you had a dream last night," Obi-Wan said, as they stepped out onto the veranda.
"Yes and before you tell me that dreams pass in time, let me say that this dream was different than any I've ever had," Anakin began. Obi-Wan nodded for him to continue.
"It was pitch black, I couldn't see anything. Then suddenly, a red lightsaber ignited. I could see the outline of a cloaked figure, but no face. Then I heard thousands of voices crying out in terror. That's when I woke up. I'll admit the dream doesn't make much sense," Anakin said. Obi-Wan stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Do you think it could mean the Sith Lord has found a new apprentice?" Anakin asked.
"It's very possible. It is likely that the Sith Lord will try to replace Dooku sooner rather than later," Obi-Wan replied.
"I just wish we knew more," Anakin sighed. Obi-Wan patted him on the shoulder.
"We must trust in the Force and let it guide us," Obi-Wan replied.
"I see you've finished your new saber. Mind if I take a look?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Be my guest master," Anakin said with a smile, as he handed the weapon to him. Obi-Wan stepped back and pressed the igniter. A brilliant, silver blade blazed to life with a steady hum. Obi-Wan looked surprised, as he elegantly swung the weapon.
"You've done a fantastic job Anakin. And the color is very unique," Obi-Wan complimented.
"Thanks master. I was wondering if you could manage to get me another crystal? I'd like to have a back up," Anakin replied. Obi-Wan smiled.
"I'll see what I can do," Obi-Wan replied.
"So you seem to be feeling a lot better today," Sabe said, as they both sipped at their shuura juice.
"Yes, Anakin massaged all the knots out of my back last night," Padme replied, knowing that she was instantly going to regret it.
"Oh did he? I bet that's not all he did to you," Sabe smiled slyly.
"Sabe! You're as bad as Sola," Padme exclaimed. Sabe giggled.
"Well, I must be right, because you're blushing milady," Sabe replied. Padme sighed.
"Enough about me. How was your evening with Obi-Wan?" Padme asked.
"We had a nice time, but there's not much to tell," Sabe replied.
"Really? Because you look like you're dying to tell me something," Padme replied.
"Well…I sort of kissed him," Sabe confessed. Padme beamed.
"Really?" she gushed.
"Yes…and he kissed back," Sabe added, with a hint of sadness.
"What's wrong?" Padme asked.
"There will never be anything between us," Sabe replied.
"Don't say that. If you really love him…" Padme began. But Sabe cut her off.
"No Padme. Even if we both had mutual feelings, Obi-Wan would never act on them," Sabe replied.
"Unless they change the code," Padme said hopefully.
"I can't wait around the rest of my life wondering if they'll change the code," Sabe replied.
"Don't be too hard on him Sabe. The code is all he's ever known. Ani's different in that respect. He remembers his life before he was a Jedi and loving another comes naturally to him. If Obi-Wan does have feelings for you, then they are probably very confusing and even frightening to him. Take it slow with him," Padme advised. Sabe arched one eyebrow.
"Padme Amidala Skywalker, are you encouraging me to go after Master Kenobi?" Sabe asked playfully. Padme giggled.
"Strange huh? Ani is such a bad influence. Love makes us do such crazy things. I'm encouraging my best friend to do what it takes to be happy. If Master Windu found out that I told you to do that, he'd be even more convinced that I'm trying to destroy the order than ever," Padme half joked.
Two weeks later…
As expected, the meeting with the council was cut and dry. Master Windu offered condolences and then ordered Tia to return to the temple, after she had given her master a proper funeral. She did so and returned to the temple, playing the part of the grieving padawan perfectly. The last two weeks, she had spent in the healer's ward, which was routine for young padawan's ripped from their masters by the war. Many masters had come to talk and meditate with her and so far no one suspected that anything was off. She returned to her quarters briefly, before reporting for her next assignment. She would be guarding the Chancellor when Zara left on her assignment to Naboo in a couple days. She smiled evilly, as once again, her master had fooled the Jedi into going along with this plan. Her master's suggestion at assigning Zara to Amidala's security was a direct slap in Anakin's face. Skywalker would learn the hard way that defying the dark Lord would cost him dearly. The idiot had chosen that weak woman over unimaginable power and control. She smiled again and turned on the small hand held holo projector in her hand. It held a message from her master.
"You will disguise yourself differently and mask your Force signature for this next mission," Sidious began.
"Yes master, what will you have me do?" Zeel asked.
"As Senator Amidala and her entourage arrive at the Senate building this morning, you will attempt to assassinate her using a blaster," Sidious said.
"You want me to kill her?" she asked.
"No, you will try. Anakin will stop you and give chase. You must not let him catch you though," Sidious explained.
"I understand master, I will not fail you. But if I may ask, who are we going to cite blame to? It will be the first thing Anakin and Jedi want to know," Zeel pointed out.
"Ah yes, that is the beauty of this plan. It seems that some of Amidala's colleagues are upset that she has seemingly chosen her personal life over her duties to the Republic. They shall be the ones we set up as suspects. Anakin and Amidala will feel like they have next to no allies and we will make them pay..."
Anakin was once again escorting Padme to the Senate. Since his dream almost two weeks ago, he had felt very uneasy, especially in regards to Padme's safety. Suddenly, his senses were on fire. He whirled around, igniting his saber as he did, just in time to deflect several blaster shots from a faceless bounty hunter.
"Get her to cover!" Anakin yelled to Typho, as he took off after the fleeing bounty hunter. Anakin hopped into a speeder and chased the bounty hunter. Anakin followed the Force signature of the being, until suddenly, the life Force disappeared. He pulled the speeder over and sat for a moment, trying to find the signature. But it was gone. And he knew that only a Sith or at least someone trained in the Sith arts could mask their Force signature from a Jedi...
Anakin returned to the Senate rotunda frustrated and confused. The Senate was in uproar at the assassination attempt on Amidala, so the Chancellor dismissed the sessions for the day before they had even begun. Anakin whisked Padme away from the rabid holo-net reporters and home to their apartment. Padme attempted to choke back the sobs, as Anakin placed his hands on her shoulders. In his arms, she broke down crying.
"Why Ani? Why...is someone...always trying...to kill me?" she sobbed.
"Because you're a wonderful person who does so much good," Anakin replied, as he rocked her, while she sobbed into his chest.
"But...it's different this time. They could have...killed the...twins," Padme cried.
"No, I'll never let them harm you or our children, angel," Anakin assured her.
"It's time Ani, take me home. I want to go home," Padme sobbed. Anakin held her tightly, as her sobs began to lessen. He led her to the couch and gathered her in his arms. He heard her sobs begin to lessen and her breathing became steady. He smiled, realizing she had fallen asleep.
"Threepio," Anakin called softly.
"Yes master Ani?" Threepio asked obediently.
"Begin packing all our things. We're leaving for Naboo first thing in the morning," Anakin told him.
"Of course master Ani. I'll pack everything and load it all in the ship," Threepio replied.
"Thanks Threepio. Artoo, I want a full scan done on the ship in the morning. We have some very precious cargo and we need to make sure everything's in order," Anakin told him. Artoo beeped and clicked affirmatively.
Later that afternoon...
Anakin stepped in to Chancellor Palpatine's office.
"Anakin, it's so good to see you," Palpatine greeted.
"It is good to see you also sir," Anakin replied, with a respectful bow.
"I heard about that awful assassination attempt on Padme. I trust that she is all right?" Palpatine asked, concern lacing his voice.
"She's fine sir. I was able to sense the attack before they could shoot at her," Anakin replied.
"But I heard the assassin escaped?" Palpatine asked.
"He or she was a clawdite I believe and very good at masking her force signature," Anakin replied.
"That is unfortunate. I hear that you and Padme are returning to Naboo soon. It is a shame that you are not a Jedi anymore," Palpatine said.
"I respect the council's decision. And I am needed most at Padme's side. She is nearing her due date," Anakin replied.
"Yes, that is one of the reasons I called you here," Palpatine said.
"It would hurt me deeply if anything were to happen to you or Padme. With all this attention on your personal lives, I took the liberty of discussing this with the Jedi council. I believe that it would be a great asset for you to have a Jedi head up your wife's security. The council granted my request and assigned Zara Caelan to complete the mission. She will be traveling with you," Palpatine said. Anakin carefully hid his outrage. He calmly released his negative emotions into the Force.
"With all due respect Chancellor, I may no longer be a Jedi, but I am more than capable of taking care of my wife. We do not require Padawan Caelan's services," Anakin replied calmly.
"Oh son, I didn't mean to insult your abilities. I just believe that this way you would be allowed to focus all your attention on your lovely wife and feel confident that her safety is secure. Since Padme is still a member of the Senate, I must insist that you accept her help," Palpatine replied. Anakin grit his teeth.
"Very well Chancellor, good day," Anakin said. He left the office fuming. Once he left, Palptine smiled evilly.
"Everything is coming along perfectly," Palpatine said to himself...
Anakin stormed into the apartment he shared with Padme. He saw that Obi-Wan had arrived and was glad that he was there. He had some questions for his former master.
"Ani, what's wrong?" Padme asked, coming to him.
"Chancellor Palpatine and the Council have seen it fit to assign a Jedi to your security. They've assigned Zara to accompany us to Naboo until the twins are born and they believe you are out of danger," Anakin said angrily.
"What? Anakin, I don't need more security, I already have you. There's no one that I could ever feel more safe with. Plus, Captain Typho is heading up my security, as usual," Padme protested.
"I know, I tried to tell the Chancellor that we didn't need her, but he insisted," Anakin replied. Obi-Wan sighed.
"I'm sorry Anakin. For what it's worth, master Yoda and I protested the Chancellor's request for more security for Padme, but the majority of the council is convinced that it would be best until the twins are born," Obi-Wan said.
"They don't think I'm capable of taking care of my own family?" Anakin asked.
"I don't know what they think Anakin, but you know what I think," Obi-Wan replied. Anakin nodded, grateful to once again have Obi-Wan on his side.
"Why is the council so interested in the twins?" Anakin asked, knowing he wasn't going to like the answer. Obi-Wan winced. He really wished Anakin hadn't asked that question, but he had every right to know.
"They have…sensed that at least one or both of the twins…are very strong in the Force," Obi-Wan replied reluctantly. Anakin shook his head and had to reach into the Force to calm his anger, even as justifiable as this anger was. Padme looked terrified by the notion that the Jedi would actually come after their babies. Sabe placed her hands on Padme's shoulders and gave them a comforting squeeze.
"They can't have them. If someone tries to come to Naboo and take them…they'll have to go through me first," Anakin said. Obi-Wan placed a hand on his shoulder.
"They'll have to go through me as well," Obi-Wan stated…
Later that evening…
"It's good to see you again. I'm really sorry to hear about your master," Zara told her friend.
"It's okay, I'm moving on. The council says that if I do a good job protecting the Chancellor, they might submit my name for the trials," Tia said.
"That's great. You'll do well with this assignment. I've spent the last few weeks with the Chancellor and he is a very wise man," Zara said.
"Indeed. But I'm sure you'll be enjoying your new assignment just as much. I hear Naboo is a beautiful planet," Tia replied. Zara snorted.
"I've been assigned to protect a woman I can't stand," Zara replied.
"Yes, I was in the Chancellor's office when Anakin came storming in. He was furious that the Chancellor and the council assigned you to her security. He thinks he can do it just fine himself," Tia replied.
"Well, he probably can," Zara replied.
"Come on Zar, don't tell me you're not looking forward to being this close to Anakin," Tia replied. Zara looked shocked, but Tia continued.
"Please Zara, I'm your best friend. I know about your feelings for him," Tia replied.
"Please don't tell anyone, I don't need a lecture," Zara pleaded.
"Oh I won't. Besides, I think you should go after him if your really want him," Tia suggested.
"Are you out of your mind? He's married to Senator Amidala with two children on the way! Plus, you haven't seen them together. It's nauseating how attentive and loving he is to her," Zara replied jealously.
"Just think about what I said," Tia reiterated.
"Tia, I would be disobeying the code," Zara replied.
"So? Anakin didn't seem to give a damn about the stupid code. I even heard that Master Kenobi has even suggested they begin revising the outdated code," Tia mentioned. Zara gave her a thoughtful look, but remained silent.
"We should both turn in for the night," Zara said quietly, as she left for her room. Tia smiled knowingly, after she had left the room.
The next morning...
Padme and Sabe waited at the door of Mon Mothma's apartment. Padme was here to say goodbye to her friends, while Sabe was here to get acquainted. She was filling Padme's post until Queen Apilana could find a replacement. Padme had yet to tender an official resignation and right now her official status was still maternity leave. Sabe was filling the position and because of the assassination attempts on Padme, Obi-Wan had been assigned to her protection by the council.
"Hello Padme, Sabe, come in," Mon Mothma greeted. Both woman nodded and stepped inside. Mon Mothma frowned slightly, as she looked at Padme's extended belly. The two woman sat down after being greeted by Bail and a few other senators.
"As you all know, I'm leaving his morning for Naboo. I have not yet made a decision on the future of my service to the Republic, but for now Sabe will be filling my post," Padme informed.
"Padme, I must say that I am a little concerned about your possible decision to leave the Senate," Mon Mothma said.
"I know, but my husband and my children must come first now. I will not have a handmaiden raising my children for me. Anakin and I want that pleasure to ourselves. If it becomes certain that I cannot find a balance between work and family, then I will resign my post in the Senate," Padme informed everyone. Mon Mothma seemed even more concerned now.
"Padme, are you sure giving up your career for this relationship is a wise decision?" Mon Mothma asked.
"Of course it is. My career has been very fulfilling and I have accomplished many things. I'm ready to add being a good mother to that list of accomplishments," Padme told her.
"Forgive me Padme, I just think that you're leaving the Senate at a bad time. It is rather selfish," Mon Mothma said.
"I assure you Mon Mothma that I am leaving my post in Sabe's very capable hands. She won't disappoint you," Padme bit back.
"I'm sure that Mon Mothma didn't mean that they way it sounded Padme," Bail replied, trying to dispel to the growing tension between the women.
"But I did Bail. This is a most inopportune time for you to be running off with your Jedi husband to settle down and have babies. The Republic is in shambles and you're deserting your obligations," Mon Mothma said. Padme put a hand to her mouth, wincing from the verbal slap that Mon Mothma had delivered.
"I thought you would be happy for me Mon. I have never been so happy as I am with Anakin. We've both tirelessly served the Republic and they don't seem to be very appreciative of us. Anakin and I are very content to now be focusing on our family," Padme said, as she rose to leave. She was followed by a stunned Sabe. Bail quickly rushed out after the two women.
"Padme, please know that not all of us feel that way," Bail pleaded with her.
"Not all of them, or just you Bail?" Padme asked. Bail winced.
"I don't feel that way and I want you to know that I am very happy for you and for Anakin," Bail told. Padme smiled softly.
"Thank you Bail," she replied.
"I expect a call when those babies are born," Bail said.
"I promise you'll have one, thank you," Padme replied, as she hugged her friend and bid him farewell.
Padme arrived back at the apartment, only to see Threepio busy packing things. Obi-Wan was out on the veranda with Anakin, who was busy checking the ship over with Artoo. Zara had arrived and was standing quietly in the corner, a brooding look on her face. Padme gave her a small smile and a nod, which was not returned. Sabe followed her out to the veranda. Anakin saw her and went to her.
"Did everything go okay?" he asked.
"No, but I'll tell you later," she said, with a small frown. He nodded, though his face showed his obvious concern for her. He kissed her gently, a gesture which she eagerly returned.
"The ship's in good shape. I think we're just about ready to leave," he said. She nodded.
"Let's say goodbye to Sabe and Obi-Wan," she replied, as they joined hands.
Threepio started toward the Nubian cruiser, his arms full with two of Padme's travel cases.
"Oh, I don't much like flying," Threepio muttered to himself. Artoo rolled along behind him and emitted a series of beeps and clicks.
"Excuse me, what did you call me you little bucket of bolts?" Threepio asked in a snotty tone. Artoo replied with another series of boops and clicks.
"A useless chatter box! Why you little scrap pile!" Threepio exclaimed.
Threepio mumbled to himself, as he took the cases onto the ship. Artoo emitted what sounded like chuckles, as he swung his dome around to look at Anakin. Anakin shook his head at the little droid, conveying that it had not been very nice to get Threepio all worked up. Typho, Dorme, and Zara boarded the ship, while Anakin and Padme said goodbye to Obi-Wan and Sabe.
"We want to hear the moment they are born," Sabe told Padme.
"Don't worry, Anakin will contact you both when I go into labor," Padme assured her.
"Be careful Anakin and take care," Obi-Wan said.
"We will master, I just wish you and Sabe could be there," Anakin replied.
"We do too Anakin. But we'll see you both soon, as well as our little God children," Obi-Wan assured him. Anakin nodded, as he hugged his former master. Obi-Wan and Sabe hugged them both. The couple joined hands and boarded the ship with Artoo following them up the ramp. Anakin made sure everyone was strapped in, before he and Artoo took off and piloted the ship out of Coruscant's atmosphere.
"Are we clear for the jump to hyperspace Artoo?" Anakin asked. Artoo beeped a yes and Anakin began the sequence. The sleek, Nubian cruiser made the jump and was well on the way to home to Naboo...