Disclaimer: It's George's sandbox. I just play here.
AN: Here's chapter 11! Thanks for all the great reviews and I do apologize for last chapter's cliffhanger, but it was necessary. Enjoy!
A Matter of Trust
Chapter 11: The Skywalker Twins
Anakin squeezed Padme's hand to assure her that he was not going anywhere. With his other hand, he dabbed her sweaty forehead with a cool cloth. Two hours ago, the quiet lake house had erupted with commotion. Sola had quickly called her parents and Ruwee and Jobal were on their way with doctor Karre, who had been the Naberrie family healer for years. An hour ago, her contractions were coming about five minutes apart and now they were about three minutes apart. He only hoped that Padme's parents and the healer got here soon, as Sola had told him it would soon be time for Padme to start pushing. Anakin sensed another contraction building in her. He slowly reached into the Force and took some of her pain on himself. He opened his eyes and gave her a weak smile.
"You...don't have to do...that Ani," Padme said between her rapid breaths.
"Let me do anything I can to help you with the pain, angel," he replied.
"Goodness yes little sister. I wish Darred could have done what he's doing," Sola chuckled.
"We're here Padme!" Jobal said, as she, Ruwee, and the healer arrived.
"Hi mom...hi daddy. Hello...doctor Karre," Padme managed to say.
"Hello Padme, it's good to see you. And you must be Anakin," the kind, older woman said.
"Yes maim," Anakin replied politely. The healer moved to the end of the bed to see how far along Padme's dilation was.
"How far apart are her contractions?" Karre asked.
"About a minute and a half now," Anakin answered.
"Okay Padme, you're fully dilated, so once your next contractions comes, I need you to start pushing," Karre said. Padme nodded. Her next contraction came quickly and Padme began pushing. She squeezed Anakin's hand tightly and screamed in pain.
"Good Padme, breath," Karre instructed. Padme gasped for air and pushed again, as another contraction swept through her.
"Good Padme. The first baby's head is crowning. This is going to be a big push honey," Karre told her. Padme gasped for air and nodded. Another contraction came and Padme pushed again, screaming as the first child's head emerged. Padme whimpered, as she again gasped for air.
"You're doing great angel," Anakin told her, as he kissed her temple.
"Okay sweetheart, one more push," Karre instructed. Padme took a deep breath and pushed with all her might. A tiny cry filled the room, as Karre handled the tiny infant. She went through the procedure of snipping the umbilical cord, before handing the baby to Jobal and Sola so they could clean the baby off. Anakin stared at his new daughter in awe, as a few tears began to trek down his face.
"Congratulations Padme, you have a beautiful daughter. But I need you to do what you just did one more time," Karre instructed. Another contraction erupted through her and she screamed, pushing again. It passed and she collapsed back on the bed.
"Oh, I'm so tired Ani," she whimpered.
"I know angel, it's almost over," he reassured her.
"He's right Padme, this one's not wasting any time. The head is crowning, so I need you to push!" Karre instructed. Padme pushed again, screaming as the head of the second child emerged.
"Good honey, one more big push and it's all over. I promise," Karre said. Padme nodded and pushed with all her might. Another tiny cry mingled with the first baby's, as this one entered the world. Karre performed the same procedure, snipping the umbilical cord, before handing the baby to Jobal.
"Congratulations again to you both, you have a beautiful son too," Karre said. Sola beamed brightly, as she delivered Padme's daughter into her waiting arms. Happy tears streamed down Padme's cheeks.
"Hello Leia," she said.
"Oh Padme, she...she's beautiful," Anakin stuttered. Padme smiled at him and kissed his cheek.
"Anakin would you like to hold your son?" Sola asked. Anakin nodded and Sola carefully placed the baby boy in his father's arms.
"Hello Luke," Anakin said, as he and his infant son stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like the longest time.
"They're both so beautiful Padme," Anakin said, as he watched his children coo and wiggle around in their parent's arms.
"They are. I love you so much Ani," Padme sniffed.
"I love you too angel," he replied, as he kissed her forehead.
Sabe sighed tiredly, as she and Obi-Wan returned to Anakin and Padme's apartment.
"I don't know how she does it Obi-Wan. I don't know how she goes there and reals with them everyday," Sabe said, referring to those in the Senate.
"Me either, but while you were in session, I did get a comm from Anakin," Obi-Wan mentioned. That brightened her mood considerably. Obi-Wan smiled at her.
"Padme went into labor?" she asked.
"Very early this morning. The twins were born about 2 am. Anakin commed me this afternoon and I told him that we'd contact him tonight. He said that was fine, since it would give Padme ample time to rest.
"Well, what are you waiting for Jedi! I want to meet my God children!" Sabe exclaimed. Obi-Wan chuckled, as he heard the door chime.
"I hope you don't mind, but I invited Senator Organa, as he answered the door.
"Good evening senator, I was just about to get the Skywalker family on the holo screen, so you're just in time," Obi-Wan said.
"That's wonderful, but please call me Bail," Organa said, as he entered. Obi-Wan proceeded to turn on the holo screen and send a comm signal to Anakin on Naboo.
Anakin flipped on the holo screen and the images of Obi-Wan, Sabe, and Bail Organa came in to view. He sat down with Padme on the bed. She was holding Leia and he was holding Luke. Padme looked rested after her long well deserved nap that afternoon. Thanks to Jobal and Sola, she had enjoyed the rest. And besides being sore, she was feeling very good. At his mother-in-law's urging, he had also laid down with her for a while, not realizing how much he needed the sleep as well.
After that, Padme had taught him how to operate the bottle warmer properly, so he could help with feeding, especially in the likely event that both decided they wanted to eat at the same time. While she breast fed Luke, Anakin had taken great delight in feeding Leia. He thought back to when Padme had told him to have faith in their love and that it would always be enough to save them. Now, he truly believed that after seeing the two little miracles that had been created by their love. He had let those warm feelings wash over him. He knew how close he had come to the dark side and he knew the darkness would always be apart of him. But it would never again control him or consume him.
"Well, it seems our new parents look to be doing well," Bail said.
"We are, thank you Bail," Padme replied.
"Well, let's see them," Sabe said excitedly.
"They're both beautiful, congratulations to you both," Obi-Wan smiled.
"Oh they are. I can't wait to meet them both in person," Sabe said.
"Thank you," Anakin replied to them both.
"How are things on Coruscant?" Padme asked. Bail sighed.
"Not very good, I'm afraid. The senate is in uproar, because the separatist attacks have not ceased and the leaders are still at large," Bail said.
"The council believes that the same clawdite assassin that tired to kill you may be the one helping the separatists evade capture and orchestrating the attacks," Obi-Wan said.
"Talks in the Senate are going no where. Chancellor Palpatine is adjourning the Senate tomorrow. All sessions will be suspended until further notice," Sabe said.
"Sabe, what are you not telling me?" Padme asked. Sabe wrung her hands in her lap and looked up at her best friend.
"Chancellor Palpatine has proposed an amendment to place the republic under marshal law until an end to this war can be reached," Sabe said.
"Marshal Law? But that's against everything the republic stands for!" Padme said.
"I know, but I can assure you that Bail and I will do everything we can to see that it's not passed," Sabe replied. Padme frowned deeply.
"It won't matter, you'll be outnumbered," Padme replied sadly. Anakin put a hand on her shoulder. Luke cooed up at them both, bringing smiles to their faces. There was no doubt about it, their children were very strong in the Force. And that thought suddenly brought a frown to his face.
"Since the senate is adjourning, the council has given me permission to escort Sabe to Naboo, so we'll be seeing you in a few days," Obi-Wan said. Anakin smiled.
"That's good to hear. We're anxious to see you," Anakin replied.
"We're anxious too, but for now, we'll let you both get some rest," Obi-Wan said. They bid each other good night. Anakin and Padme placed their sleeping twins in the bassinet by their bed. They undressed and changed into their night clothes, before snuggling into bed together. Anakin wrapped his arms around her and kissed her tenderly.
"Good night angel," he said.
"Good night Ani, I love you," she replied.
"I love you too Padme," she said. It wasn't long before they were both fast asleep like their children.
Barriss Offee sat so deeply in her thoughts that she did not even hear her master's approach. Luminara placed a hand on her former padawan's shoulder. Barriss jumped in surprise.
"I'm sorry master, I was lost in my thoughts," Barriss apologized.
"What has got you so deeply worried Barriss?" Luminara asked, concern lacing her voice.
"It is my padawan, master. I believe letting her take this assignment was a mistake," Barriss replied.
"What has brought you to this conclusion?" Luminara asked.
"She has been warring with some very dark emotions. It started with the death of her first master and is being fueled by her inappropriate emotions toward Anakin and Senator Amidala. I feel anger, hate and jealousy in her. Her infatuation with Anakin is growing into an obsession. Putting her close to him was an error in judgement," Barriss said.
"Have you discussed this with the rest of the council?" Luminara asked.
"No master, I wanted to give Zara the chance to work through her emotions on her own. If I tell the council, she will feel like I have betrayed her," Barriss said.
"Perhaps, but you must do what is in her best interest. Perhaps you should contact master Kenobi and proceed from there," Luminara advised. Barriss nodded and sat before the holo screen to make her call.
"Obi-Wan answered the holo com in Anakin and Padme's apartment. Barriss' image appeared.
"Good evening master Kenobi, I hope I'm not disturbing you," Barriss greeted.
"Of course not Barriss, you look troubled. What can I do for you?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I am very worried about my padawan. She has been struggling with some things lately. Barriss proceeded to tell Obi-Wan about the things she had been sensing and what she had told master Unduli. When she finished her explanation, Obi-Wan's face was set in a deep, contemplative frown.
"I understand your concerns Barriss. Zara will feel betrayed, but I am more concerned about Padme if Zara is indeed feeling jealous toward her. I will place a request to have her removed from this assignment with master Windu and Master Yoda. Then I will have to speak with Anakin. You did the right thing by coming forward Barriss," Obi-Wan said.
"I know master Kenobi and thank you for speaking on my behalf. May the Force be with you," Barriss said.
"And with you," Obi-Wan replied, as her transmission blinked out. Obi-Wan sighed. It was late and Sabe had already gone to sleep. He decided that he should meditate on Padawan Caelan's state of mind. If it was as serious as he thought, then Anakin needed to know about the possible threat to Padme right away...
Obi-Wan Kenobi entered Master Windu's meditation chamber, only to find both he and master Yoda waiting for him.
"What is it that you wanted to discuss with us?" Mace asked.
"Barriss Offee contacted me last night and asked for me to make a request to you on her behalf. She has asked that we recall Zara from this mission, as she has sensed some troubling emotions coming from the padawan," Obi-Wan said.
"Agree with her, do you?" Yoda asked.
"Yes master, I believe she could be a threat to Senator Amidala," Obi-Wan said.
"A threat to the Senator? How so?" Mace asked.
"According to Barriss, she has become increasingly infatuated with Anakin ever since he saved her life after that explosion and increasingly jealous toward Padme," Obi-Wan reported.
"This is unacceptable. This is exactly why the Jedi do not allow attachment," Mace replied.
"Forgive me master, but I don't think you can compare the feelings that Zara and Anakin are feeling. Zara is feeling jealousy and obsession. What Anakin feels for Padme is love. I don't feel that you can continue to deny that. You have to be able to feel how much Anakin has begun to mature and change, even if you don't want to," Obi-Wan said. Mace Windu sighed deeply.
"Hard on him, you always have been. With good reasons before perhaps, but does not deserve this now. Not many could have resisted the pull of dark side, especially not one that strong. Commended Anakin should be, not condemned," Yoda said.
"I know I have been hard on him and that I have never liked him. And I know that I can't change my mind about him over night, but I will make a sincere effort to do so," Mace offered.
"No more can we ask of you master Windu," Yoda nodded.
"I agree that we must deal with padawan Caelan. Speak with her and Anakin and make sure she is on the next transport to Coruscant," Mace said. Obi-Wan nodded and left to speak with them.
"We must address the matters in the Senate. Chancellor Palpatine is calling to place the Republic under marshal law today. We must remove him," Mace told Yoda.
"Hmm...a dark and dangerous place that will take us. Take control of the Senate we would have to temporarily. See it that way some might not. Use it as an opportunity to destroy us, the Sith Lord could," Yoda advised.
"Then what will we do?" Mace asked.
"Bide our time. Give the dark Lord a reason to attack us, we will not. But discover his identity we must and soon..." Yoda said.
Zara furiously stuffed her things into her small travel case. Master Offee had betrayed her! She had told the council about her feelings toward Anakin and Padme! Now, she was to report back to the council, where she was sure she would undergo months of observation, meditation, and lecturing. Zara swiped her tears away angrily.
"How could master Offee do this to me!" Zara growled.
"She's just doing what's best for you Zara, what's best for all of us," Anakin said, coming in to her room.
"I suppose master Kenobi told you all about my feelings! They seem to be on display for the public!" Zara yelled. Anakin scoffed.
"Anything that concerns my wife and children is something that I need to know about. Obi-Wan was just informing of the situation," Anakin replied.
"Just get out Anakin, I know you hate me now," Zara yelled.
"I don't hate you Zara. You're just confused about what you're feeling. Master Offee will help you work through this," Anakin replied.
"So now my feelings for you aren't real!" she yelled.
"I didn't say they weren't real, but what you're feeling toward me isn't love. And if you are feeling jealous toward Padme, then I can't have you near her. This is for the best," Anakin replied.
"What has she done to blind you so? All you ever think about is her!" Zara retorted.
"She is my wife and I love her. What has happened to you? That's the question you should be asking yourself. Don't let this anger control you. I almost let mine control me and I would have lost everything because of it!" Anakin replied.
"She's a politician and she'll betray you someday, you'll see," Zara tried to convince him.
"No Zara, Padme will never hurt me like that. Captain Typho will be taking you to Theed," Anakin said. Zara scowled at him and stalked out. Anakin hated that things were going to be left like this between them, as they had been friends for a long time. But if she was a threat to Padme or the twins...then he wanted her as far away from Naboo as possible.
Several hours later, Zara arrived back on Coruscant. She scowled at the Jedi temple in the distance. She would face nothing but scolding and lecturing there once she returned. She didn't want to return...but where could she go? Suddenly, she knew in an instant where she could go for help. Chancellor Palpatine would help her...she knew he would. He always understood her plights and she guessed he would be none too happy about the Jedi removing her from this assignment. The chancellor would help her. She didn't need the Jedi...