Chapter Twenty-One


(A/N: Don't laugh at me. I've tried my hardest to write this story in the third person and I'm struggling. That's not how my mind works. In other words, I'm switching. I'm not done with this story. There's an idea I want to explore and I won't get another chance at it – so here goes!)


The Jedi Temple is imposing, especially when you're new in town. Deepest Depths! I was still new at everything! Walking, breathing, dressing in these ridiculous layers. Sometimes I longed for the freedom of the water and the comradery of my fellow Mer. But that had all been taken from me.

Obi-Wan was doing his best to help me stay focused and relaxed; to not allow myself to become too despondent and melancholy. I had a purpose, he often reminded me, and the Force was guiding me toward it.

He often spoke of the Force intervening in my life and I didn't understand at all how that was possible. I was choosing my own path, wasn't I? I never heard whispers in the night telling me which way to go or what decision to make. Obi-Wan was my only counsel and I appreciated him so much. Without his help, I didn't know what would've become of me. More than likely, I'd be living in a shelter on Naboo meant for those who were cast aside.

And here I was, in the capital city of the entire Galaxy hesitantly stepping through the lobby of the Jedi Temple surrounded by strangers busy with their own purpose.

I was here to find Obi-Wan although I didn't know who to ask. During his last communique, he'd informed me he'd return from his latest mission today, but he had to report to the Council before he came home.

A smile spread across my face despite my nervousness. Home. I wasn't even sure how that had happened, but as soon as I moved to Coruscant, he quickly became a fixture in my apartment. When he wasn't performing his duties, he was there with me. I guess you could say he was living there part-time, which was entirely acceptable, and was part of the reason I was here searching him out. The news I had to share with him couldn't wait. It was too important.

I finally stood still in the middle of the grand foyer, my feet planted upon a stone emblem inset into the marble flooring – the symbol of the Jedi, I had learned over the past few months on Coruscant. It made sense there would be a greeter here of sorts or at least a receptionist, and even though everyone who passed by smiled at me in a friendly way, they didn't stop to ask if I needed assistance, which surprised me.

Just before I was about to literally reach out and grab the next Jedi passing by, I noticed a small being approaching slowly. He also looked friendly but nothing like any other Jedi I'd seen so far.

I had lived a somewhat sheltered existence in the Abyss, but serving as Queen of Naboo for four years exposed me to the extensive variety of sentient beings across the galaxy. This particular being, though, was nothing like anyone I'd met before. His skin was green and wrinkled, his eyes large and kind, and his ears were broad and stuck out on either side of his oval head. It took him forever to reach me as he required the use of a cane to walk, but when he finally did, he stopped and glanced up curiously.

"How help you, I can?"

There was only one Jedi Obi-Wan ever talked about who spoke this strangely.

"Master Yoda?" I asked with genuine surprise. Obi-Wan had told me many stories about the ancient Jedi although he had never described his appearance.

"Senator Amidala," he said with a gruff voice most likely roughened by his advanced years. "Good to finally meet you it is. Knight Kenobi, speaks highly of you he does."

"I have to admit I've heard a lot about you from him," I replied, "but you're nothing like what I expected," I admitted, blushing slightly.

"Judge me not by my size, you should," he scolded although his large eyes remained gentle. "I sense searching for Knight Kenobi you are. Lead you to him, I will."

"How did you…" I began to ask before stopping myself, suddenly remembering I was in the presence of the oldest and most powerful Jedi alive. Of course, he knew why I was here. The expression on my face was most likely broadcasting the reason. My mentor in the Senate had often cautioned me that I needed to learn how to have what he called a sabaac face. I didn't know what that meant exactly, but I reasoned it had something to do with disguising my feelings.

"Thank you, Master Yoda," I told him, walking slowly next to him.

He actually didn't take me very far. In a room to the right of the lobby was where I found Obi-Wan standing before a group of podlings. They were of a variety of species from all over the galaxy and the cutest things I'd ever seen with their oversized helmets and tiny lightsabers. Obi-Wan hadn't seen us yet and I didn't wish to interrupt, so I stopped Master Yoda just inside the room.

Apparently, Obi-Wan was teaching them how to call forth their lightsabers from their belts and ignite them without getting hurt. Some of them did well, while others dropped them entirely or flung them accidentally across the room. During the lesson, Obi-Wan remained patient, understanding, and supportive. My heart was relieved as I realized he would make a good father. I had never seen him interact with podlings before and I was pleased with what I was witnessing.

As if he sensed there were visitors, Obi-Wan told the tiny Jedi students to power down their weapons and take a break. Immediately, they began playing, some pretending to battle each other with invisible weapons while others chatted quietly. It was a charming scene.

"Padmé," he announced as he approached before embracing and kissing me quickly. I was startled he had done so before his elder, but then I recalled Obi-Wan telling me he had chosen the path of the more lenient Jedi Code which allowed romantic attachments. Still, I was uncomfortable with the display of affection.

"Is everything all right?"

After offering him a smile of reassurance, I glanced back at the older Jedi Master who was gazing at us quite comically as if he was enjoying the scene.

"Master Yoda, may I speak with Obi-Wan privately? Thank you for your help."

"Of course," he informed me. "Resume your class I will, Knight Kenobi. Take the Senator into the conference room, you may."

The podlings immediately came to attention when the elderly Jedi approached them as if they knew their playtime had ended.

Obi-Wan escorted me through a set of double doors leading to the next room and we walked into a small amphitheater that reminded me of the throne room back in Thalladi. Rows of empty seats ascended toward the ceiling with a single platform at the bottom. It was in the first row of chairs that Obi-Wan and I sat.

"What is it? I can tell something's bothering you," he insisted while taking my hand.

This was the moment I was anticipating but also dreading. I told myself everything was going to be okay. Obi-Wan was a kind and responsible man and he loved me.

"Is it something about the Senate? Is it something I can help you with?"

My reluctance to speak was causing him concern, which wasn't fair. I needed to be as courageous as he often claimed I was and just come out with it.

"I am gravid," I admitted while watching his face closely.

"Gravid?" he repeated. "Do you mean with child?"

"Yes." There were many Mer terms that were considered unusual amongst the human species. I was doing my best to accommodate those I was with but I still had a lot to learn. "Is that okay?"

It was apparently his turn to be silent and I couldn't read his expression at all. Talk about a sabaac face! "Obi-Wan?"

"I, uh," he stammered as my heart fell. "This news was unexpected," he blurted out while grabbing my other hand. "But not unwelcome! Not at all!"

His broad smile lifted my spirits and he pulled me into a powerful embrace before pushing me back out of his arms.

"I'm going to be a father? I'm going to be a father!"

And just like that, he was gone. His gray eyes scanned the ceiling as his mind was most likely traveling to a distant future where he could see himself teaching his offspring how to call forth his own lightsaber, which prompted me to share more news.

"Obi-Wan."

"Hm?"

Once I had regained his attention, I reasoned in my mind the best way to explain what the medic had told me.

"I went to see the physician this morning and told him about – well, about what I used to be. He took a lot of blood samples and scans."

There was actually no good way to tell him the results and I once again paused, which I could tell was driving him insane.

"And?" he blurted out. "It's healthy, isn't it? Because that's all that matters. I don't care if the baby is male or female. If it is a girl, I just hope she looks like you. And if she's Force-sensitive, that's great. But if not, that would be perfectly fine. Don't worry about it."

I tried to smile to ease his worry, although my mouth didn't exactly cooperate. What appeared was more like a timid smirk.

"What about if our child isn't exactly…human?" I asked, which quickly erased all of his questions and lowered his brows.

"Okay," he said, drawing the word out. I could tell his mind was considering all the possibilities. "Is it Mer? How is that possible? I thought the serum eliminated all of your Mer…ness."

I wanted to laugh at his naïveté. It was a charming look on him, but I didn't want to embarrass him.

"It is true that I lost my tail, my fins, and my gills, but my biology remains the same," I informed him. "I wasn't sure that would be the case if we ever did procreate, and the physician supported my belief. He said there was a fifty-fifty chance our podling would either be human or Mer."

Obi-Wan remained silent for a long moment. I sat still and allowed enough time for the news to sink in, reminding myself that he was reasonable, supportive and loving. Please, let him be supportive, I prayed.

"In that case, you'll have to return to Naboo," he finally announced in a more serious tone. "Our youngling will have to remain in the sea and you'll have to stay with her, so you can't live on Coruscant. We'll figure something out."

I expected him to say as much, although I had different ideas. "Obi-Wan," I softly said, removing my hand from his to caress his bearded cheek. "I think we need to wait and see what the Force has designed for us. No matter what happens, we'll be a family and we'll be together. One way or another."

He did smile then, although the expression didn't last long. And then he put his arm about me and leaned us both back into our chairs. We both had places to be, but we remained in that position while thinking silent thoughts.

I had meant what I said. Even though I didn't understand the workings of the Force, I trusted it. So far, it had taken good care of my Obi-Wan. I had faith it would continue to do so.