Disclaimer: In no way at all do I own any of the original character, locations, ships, or anything else mentioned in Star Wars. They are all owned by George Lucas. I only own my OC. Any similarities between this story and another are purely accidental.
A/N: I have decided who will do the sequel; jedimasterobi-wankenobi!
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The next morning, before leaving for the hangar bay, Lyra stopped by Padmé's quarters.
"Lyra!" greeted Padmé enthusiastically. "Come in." She ushered the Jedi into the room, urging her to take a seat at the couch.
"Hello, Padmé," said Lyra warmly. "It's good to see you. How's Luke?" She looked at Padmé's stomach, which had grown considerably larger.
Padmé laughed, taking a seat across Lyra's. "Why do you always assume my baby is going to be a little boy?" She placed two tea cups on the low table, both filled to the brim with steaming green tea.
Lyra took one, taking a drink before speaking again. "I'd like a boy around," she said. "Luke; he'll be a mini-Anakin and grow up to be a brave Jedi Knight, just like his father."
"And if it's a girl," said Padmé happily, "she'll be Leia; she'll be a mini-me and grow up to be the Senator from Naboo, just like her mother."
"And she'll meet a dashing rogue who will sweep her off her feet much like Anakin did to you years ago."
Padmé laughed. "Look at you, you sound like a mother-to-be!"
"However did you find out?" joked Lyra before becoming solemn once more.
Padmé giggled, setting down her cup. She looked at Lyra's face, which had become somber. "Spit it out. There's something wrong, isn't there?"
Lyra sighed. "You would have made a great Jedi, Padmé." She looked at the window. "Obi-Wan and I are being sent to the Utapau system to confront General Grievous."
"Oh." Padmé looked worried. "Well, I…"
"There's also something else," interrupted Lyra. "I'm worried about Anakin. He seems so…upset lately. He's becoming so moody."
"I suppose he's under a lot of stress," said Padmé. "He is on the Jedi Council. It's not exactly easy being a member."
"I think it's much more than that," replied Lyra worriedly. "He's under a lot of pressure. Chancellor Palpatine is his closest confidante, and the Council has asked Anakin to spy on him."
Padmé drew in a sharp intake of breath. "I see," she said softly.
"Padmé," began Lyra, "has Anakin said anything to you?"
To her surprise, Padmé began to cry. "No. He hasn't said anything to me at all. Sometimes I think he's falling out of love with me and falling in love with this war."
"That's not true," assured Lyra "I'm sure Anakin just wants to do his best for his future children." She gave her an encouraging smile. "He just wants to protect you."
Padmé slid her pinky under her lashes, wiping away the tears. "Yes, you're right," she sniffled. "I'm overreacting."
Lyra smiled. "Padmé, Anakin loves you. He loves you more than anything."
"Thank you, Lyra. Good luck. And goodbye."
Lyra stood up. "Thank you, my friend. Goodbye, and please, do what you can to help Anakin." She offered Padmé a last smile before leaving.
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Obi-Wan and Lyra headed for the landing platform. Two Jedi starfighters waited there for them, ready to take them to the Republic battle cruiser in space. With them was Anakin.
"You're going to need me on this one," Anakin remarked.
"Oh I agree," said Obi-Wan. "However, it may turn out to just to be a wild bantha chase."
There was a slight pause, in which Anakin looked at Obi-Wan. "Master," he finally said, "I've disappointed you. I have not been very appreciative of your training. I have been arrogant, and I apologize. I've just been so frustrated with the Council."
Obi-Wan smiled. "You are strong and wise, Anakin, and I am very proud of you," he praised. "I have trained you since you were a small boy. I have taught you everything I know. And you have become a far greater Jedi than I could ever hope to be."
"But be patient," added Lyra. "It will not be long before the Council makes you a Jedi Master." Anakin gave her a small smile.
The two Jedi started for their ships, but Anakin called them back. "May the Force be with you."
Lyra smiled at him. "Good bye, Anakin. May the Force be with you."
The two Jedi headed into their starfighters, then took off, heading for the battle cruiser above the skies of Coruscant.
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Clone troopers milled around the battle cruiser's hangar, waiting to board landing craft. Amidst the troopers, Obi-Wan and Lyra stood by their starfighters with Clone Commander Cody, observing a hologram of Utapau projected by R4.
"Fortunately, most of the cities," said Cody, pointing to somewhere on the hologram, "are concentrated on this small continent here, on the far side."
"We'll keep them distracted until you get there," said Obi-Wan. "Just don't take too long."
"Come on! When have I ever let either of you down?"
Lyra laughed, as she and Obi-Wan climbed into their starfighters. "Very well," she said. "The burden's on us not to destroy all the droids until you get there."
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A/N: Yes, I had Padmé and Lyra pretty much predict what was going to happen to Luke and Leia. It doesn't mean anything though.