Disclaimer: It's George's sandbox. I just play here.
AN: Thanks for all the great reviews everyone! Here's chapter 12, so enjoy and let me know what you think!
A Matter of Trust
Chapter 12: Darkening Times
Zara burst into Chancellor Palpatine's office, tears streaming down her face.
"Zara, what ever is the matter child? Aren't you supposed to be on Naboo?" he asked.
"They recalled me from the mission. Master Offee has betrayed me!" Zara cried. That surprised even Palpatine a bit. He hadn't expected it to be this easy.
"Tell me what happened dear girl," Palpatine said.
"Master Offee told the council about my feelings for Anakin and my jealousy toward Senator Amidala. Now they want me to return to the temple for observation," Zara explained.
"Did you let these emotions interfere with your duties?" Palpatine asked.
"No, but they don't see it that way," Zara replied.
"It seems that they have treated you unfairly," Palpatine concluded.
"They have, but what can I do?" Zara asked helplessly.
"The Jedi don't deserve one as talented as you are in the Force. However, I am one who has never wasted talent. I believe I could find many fulfilling duties for you," Palpatine said.
"The Jedi would never allow it," Zara replied.
"Well, you could return to the temple...or you could work for me," Palpatine said.
"Work for you?" she asked.
"Yes my dear. Can I trust you with the information I am about to reveal?" Palpatine asked.
"Of course sir. You've been like a father to me, I would never betray you," Zara replied.
"Good. I knew I could trust you young one. The truth is that I believe the Jedi could be plotting to remove me from office by any means necessary. They want control of the Senate," Palpatine said. Zara looked stunned.
"I fear for my life and for the Republic. I need your help my dear," Palpatine pleaded.
"Of course I'll help you sir. But do you really believe that the Jedi will try to take over the Senate?" Zara asked.
"I'm afraid so. They always want to be in control. Why do you think they have all those rules? They like to be able to control their subordinates," Palpatine said.
"Like me," Zara answered.
"Yes, they are holding you back. You should have taken the trials months ago," Palpatine said. Zara nodded in agreement.
"I can teach you much, much more than the Jedi ever could...if you become my apprentice," Palpatine said.
"Your apprentice?" Zara asked. As she said that, they circled each other.
"You're the Sith Lord!" she exclaimed.
"Yes Zara. Become my apprentice and I will teach you to use the dark side. You will want for nothing, for the dark side will help you get everything you desire," Palpatine said.
"But...but the dark side is evil!" she cried.
"From the Jedi's point of view. They are wrong about me Zara. I only want to bring peace to the galaxy, but to do so, I need a powerful apprentice. You become my apprentice and your rewards will be rich. You want revenge on your master and the Jedi...and you want to be loved by the one you desire most. With the dark side, anything is possible," Palpatine goaded.
"Anything?" she asked.
"Yes my child. I've always wanted a daughter and you could be her. You have so much potential my dear, please don't let the Jedi control your future any longer," Palpatine begged. The emotions inside her swirled intensely. He was offering her...everything she had ever wanted. Power, revenge, and love. Through the dark side, it could all be hers...
The raging waterfall of negative emotions that had been swirling inside her for months finally broke through her dam and flooded her senses. Her dark, coal eyes burned with a Sithly yellow glow, as she knelt down before Palpatine.
"I pledge myself to your teachings my master," Zara said.
"I foresee you becoming the greatest Sith in history. But you shall no longer be known as Zara Caelan. From this day forward, you shall be called...Darth Psion," Palpatine announced.
"Yes my master...what is thy bidding?" Darth Psion asked.
"For now, Lady Psion, you will depart for Korriban to train in the dark arts. One of my agents awaits you. She will train you and you will become powerful. Right now, you are not quite ready to take on the Jedi," Palpatine said.
"Yes my master," she replied, as she pulled her hood up and exited his office. Palpatine chuckled evilly. When she returned, he would have an apprentice to be reckoned with...
Naboo...
Anakin watched and listened from the door way of their bedroom, as Padme softly sang a lullaby to their twins. It was fairly early in the evening and after a long day of being the center of attention, Luke and Leia were very sleepy. Anakin wrapped his arms around her waist and peered down at them over her shoulder. She turned her head and smiled at him, as she continued to sing softly. The melody ended and Anakin kissed her cheek and then her neck.
"We make beautiful babies Mrs. Skywalker," Anakin said, as he continued to gaze down at their sleeping children.
"Yes we do, Mr. Skywalker," she replied, as she turned in his embrace. She leaned up and met his lips in a long, tender kiss, which slowly turned more passionate. Anakin was about to use the Force to quietly shut their door, but they were interrupted by someone clearing their throat. They broke the kiss and their faces flushed, as Sola stood in the door way.
"Sorry to interrupt you," Sola said, tossing a cheesy grin to her little sister before becoming serious again.
"There's something on the holonet that you both should see," Sola said. Padme nodded and flipped on the baby monitor. She stuffed it's comlink into her pocket, before joining hands with Anakin, as they went into the sitting room. The holonet was broadcasting Chancellor Palpatine's latest speech live.
"The time for debate in this matter has passed and your votes are in. It is with a heavy heart that I place the Republic under marshal law until this bloody war can be ended. And it is with a heavy heart that I have to implement these emergency powers. But I assure you, once we put an end to this war, all will be set right," Palpatine concluded,. He was met with applause.
"So this is how liberty dies...with thunderous applause," Padme said. Anakin put his hands on her shoulders, as she turned to him.
"Did anything I ever do make a difference?" she asked bitterly. Anakin brushed his hand against her cheek.
"Of course angel. You've done so much good for your people, they will always remember you for it. And I'm going to make sure out children know everything their mother has done for the people of this galaxy," Anakin told her.
"He's right Padme. You've done more for people than all those politicians in the Senate combined," Sola agreed. Padme smiled slightly and Anakin enveloped her in a warm hug.
"Master Obi-Wan and the Jedi will end this war. Then everything will be okay," Anakin said.
"I hope you're right Ani, I really do," Padme replied. Suddenly, the holoscreen chimed, indicating that they had an incoming call. Anakin switched it on and the concerned face of Obi-Wan Kenobi appeared.
"Hello master," Anakin greeted.
"Hello Anakin, I'm sorry for the distressing tone of this call, but are you absolutely positive that Zara got on the transport headed for Coruscant?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Yes master, Captain Typho saw to her departure yesterday morning," Anakin replied.
"You mean she never returned to the temple?" Anakin asked.
"No and we are very worried. What was her state of mind as she left?" Obi-Wan asked. Now it was Anakin's turn to sigh.
"She was very upset and she felt betrayed. I'm afraid I didn't help the situation any when I told her that I couldn't have her near Padme and the twins if she was feeling the way she was," Anakin replied.
"No Anakin, you were right to tell her that. I'm sorry, but I have to cut this transmission short. I must contact Barriss and inform her of Zara's disappearance. May the Force be with you Anakin," Obi-Wan said.
"And you master," Anakin replied.
"Where do you think she could have gone?" Padme asked.
"I don't know. I just hope she hasn't got herself in to trouble...
Coruscant...The Jedi Temple...
"Obi-Wan, positive Anakin is that she got on that transport?" Yoda asked.
"Yes master, he said that Captain Typho put her on it himself," Obi-Wan replied.
"Very bad this is. Dealing with very dark emotions she was. Find her, we must," Yoda said.
"I have sent a couple of senior padawans to investigate," Mace said.
"What are we going to do about supreme chancellor Palpatine? He has placed us under marshal law," Ki-Adi Mundi said, concern lacing his voice.
"If take over the Senate we try to, multiply our adversaries will. Keep a close eyes on the Senate we must. No more we can do, until discover the identity of the dark Lord we do," Yoda said.
"Obi-Wan, for now, you will escort Lady Sabe back to Naboo. While your there, we would like you to obtain a blood sample from the Skywalker twins and determine their midichlorian count. Then please send the results back here to the temple," Mace ordered. Obi-Wan sighed deeply.
"We are only asking you to check their midichlorian count Obi-Wan," Adi reminded him.
"And if they are high?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Then we will act accordingly to the laws of the Republic. Obi-Wan frowned, but said nothing as the council meeting was adjourned...
Within the next few days, Chancellor Palpatine adjourned the Senate until further notice. Anakin and Padme stayed quietly tucked away in the lake country, while outside their planet, the war raged heavily. The next six months would be some of the bloodiest and most costly in terms of loss of life in the course of the Clone Wars. As this became apparent to Anakin and Padme, they began to search for an even better hidden home, even deeper into the Lake country.
After the Senate was adjourned, Obi-Wan escorted Sabe back to Naboo, where they met their God children for the first time. It was only a few days later that the council was calling him back, telling him that he was needed in the intensifying outer rim sieges. Over the last few months, he and Sabe had grown very close. Neither could continue to ignore the feelings that were so evident between them, yet Obi-Wan still remained unsure about actually pursuing a relationship, especially with the old code still in debate.
"You leave in the morning?" Sabe asked, as she stepped out onto the balcony that overlooked the lake.
"Yes, I will rendezvous with commander Cody in the outer rim tomorrow," he replied. Sabe walked to him and hugged him, taking him completely by surprise. He was shaken by the desperation he sensed flowing through her. He hugged her back.
"Please be careful out there," she said.
"I will," he replied.
"And before you go, I need you to know..that...that I love you, even if you don't return my feelings," Sabe said sadly. Obi-Wan's heart just about broke in two, as he looked at the crestfallen look on her face. He recalled his earlier conversation with Anakin. He couldn't even remember how they had gotten on the subject, but somehow they had.
"If you love her master, then just tell her. You're only hurting her and yourself by denying your feelings for each other. Padme and I learned that very quickly," Anakin said.
"It's not that easy for me. Being a Jedi is all I know. And if the code isn't changed, then I'm not sure what I can do," Obi-Wan replied.
"It's your decision master, but I think you'll be making a huge mistake if you keep pushing her away...
"No Sabe, I do return your feelings. And it's about time that I stop denying it," Obi-Wan replied.
"You do?" Sabe asked.
"Yes Sabe, I love you too," Obi-Wan replied. Sabe threw her arms around him and kissed him passionately. A kiss that he eagerly returned.
"Stay with me tonight," Sabe whispered to him, her breath brushing on his lips. Obi-Wan responded by kissing her again, as they slowly made their way back inside and to her bedroom...
Six months pass...
Six months had passed since the Republic was placed under marshal law and still the separatists leaders were at large. Zeel Wessel, who had been leading them after Grevious' death continued to wage a fierce war against the Jedi and the Republic. In the last six months since she revealed her identity, she had made quite a name for herself. She never missed an opportunity to boast how she infiltrated the Jedi temple disguised as a Jedi padawan and went undetected. This had been a serious blow to the Jedi council since they realized that their ability to sense the dark side had diminished to almost nothing. Many were now calling them an embarrassment to the Republic and some were even calling for the order to be dissolved.
"It is time to discuss the Skywalker twins," Mace said, as their daily meeting opened.
"Go there, I believe we should not," Yoda said.
"But master, each twin has a midichlorian count of 14, 000. If we do not train them, it would be foolish of us. And we cannot wait until they're older or we risk them turning out like their father," Adi Gallia protested.
"Turned out very well their father did. Refuse to see it you do," Yoda shot back.
"I agree with master Gallia. I know it will be hard for Anakin and Padme, but I believe it is for the best," Mace replied. Yoda shook his head and looked around at the council. Obi-Wan was unable to attend due to the war in the outer rim. The same held true for Luminara Unduli, Kit Fisto, Plo Koon, and Ki-Adi Mundi. Yoda knew he would be outvoted...
Naboo...a few hours later...
Anakin laid content, his head in Padme's lap. Obi-Wan had managed to get some time to call, so they decided to leave Sabe and he alone, opting to come out to the meadow for a picnic. The twins lay beside them, happily cooing and squealing in delight, as they played and rolled around on the blanket. Anakin laughed, as Padme popped another piece of Shuura fruit in his mouth.
"Are you just going to lay there and let me feed you fruit all day?" Padme playfully huffed. He laughed.
"Sure," he replied playfully, as she leaned down and kissed him passionately. The twins gurgled and cooed at their parents. Anakin chuckled and sat up, pulling the twins into his lap.
"There's room for you here too," Anakin said. She giggled and crawled over to him, joining the rest of her family. She kissed him tenderly, thinking about how happy she was. This is the happiest either of them had ever been in their lives. Suddenly, Anakin frowned and his face turned serious.
"Anakin, what's wrong?" Padme asked. Anakin's eyes were transfixed on the other side of the meadow. Padme followed his eyes and saw what he was seeing. Two Jedi stood in the distance, approaching them. She soon was able to make them out as Master Windu and Master Gallia.
"Oh Ani, they can't! Obi-Wan would have told us if they were coming, wouldn't he?" Padme exclaimed.
"He's been in the outer rim and not present at council meetings, so he probably didn't know," Anakin replied. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes.
"Don't worry angel, I won't let them take the twins. I'll fight them if I have to," Anakin said, as he kissed her softly on the lips. He kissed each of his children on the head, before handing them to their mother, while he stood up to meet the Jedi.
"Master Windu, master Gallia," Anakin bowed respectfully.
"It's good to see you Anakin. And you too Padme," Mace greeted.
"What brings you to Naboo?" Anakin asked, even though he already knew why. Mace sighed, realizing that this was harder for him than he thought.
"Your children each have midichlorian counts of 14,000. We have come to take them to be trained as Jedi," Mace said calmly. Tears leaked from Padme's eyes and trailed down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry masters, but you can't take our children from us," Anakin replied calmly.
"I'm afraid it's not a choice Skywalker," Adi replied.
"I said no, master Gallia," Anakin said firmly. Padme stood up behind Anakin, holding both the twins.
"It is Republic law Anakin, we must do our duty," Adi said. Padme's tears were coming faster now and Luke and Leia must have sensed their mother's distress, as they too began to get upset. Anakin looked back at his family and did the only thing he could think to do. He got down on his knees and prepared to beg if he had to.
"Please...please, I'll do anything, anything you ask. Just don't take them away from their mother," Anakin begged, as tears trekked down his face.
"Please, I'll do anything," Anakin repeated. Adi looked unfazed, but Mace was truly shocked. The Anakin Skywalker he knew had never begged for anything for the sake of someone else. What he was displaying was true selflessness and that was a trait of a true Jedi. Master Yoda was right, he had been wrong about Anakin. But it wasn't too late to redeem that.
"Let's go Adi," Mace said. Master Gallia turned to him sharply, shock on her face.
"What?" she asked.
"Let's go. We're sorry to have bothered you both," Mace said, giving them a small smile. Adi followed him, her mouth ajar.
"Master Windu, what are you doing?" Adi asked.
"Well discuss this back on the ship. But master Yoda was right. It would be wrong of us to take them," Mace replied.
Anakin and Padme looked equally as shocked, but relief washed over their faces. Anakin took Luke from her and wrapped his free arm around her. Padme kissed him passionately and he could feel the happiness and joy flowing through her.
"I love you Ani," she said, as she kissed him again.
"I love you too angel," he replied. Together, with their children in their arms, they trekked back to the house.
On the distant, dark world of Korriban, two females charged at each other. Their crimson lightsabers clashing together furiously. For the last six months, Darth Psion had been training on this desolate world with one her master's top assassins. And Asaaj Ventress had taught her well, as she was ready to do her master's bidding. Their clashing lightsabers ceased and the blades were extinguished.
"I am ready," Darth Psion said.
"You are ready when I say you are ready," Ventress spat back at her.
"No master Ventress, I am ready, because master Sidious says I am," Psion said darkly, as she ignited her saber. Before Ventress could react, Psion plunged the crimson blade through her heart. Indeed...she had taught her well...