I don't own Star Wars, Anakin, Padme or other characters

Rated: M….so much Sex… because we didn't get enough from George Lukas

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This story takes place long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away ...

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Sentinel , Chapter 7

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Coruscant 20bby

As Anakin returned to temple with children, Padme arranged the few belongings in the wardrobe. She didn't have so much, neither did the children.

"Ani, I'll need some clothes, I can't walk in these rags and the clothes I had are too wide. Children need some clothes too. I mean they don't have to wear Jedi robes, they are still to young. I have money, you don't have to pay anything."

"Of course I will pay for that. You are my family. Padme, the Chancellor's behavior strikes me as odd...and the children? They started crying as he approached them and then they used the force to throw down his horrible cape. The most strange of all was, he said he gave me permission to marry you...not that I would have given up on you without his permission. But at least there is no confrontation."

"What can it mean with the crying of the children?"

"I don't know and I don't like it. I will keep them away from him."

"Maybe you could talk to Obi-Wan about it"

"Yes, I will do it, but now we're going to buy some clothes. Then we put you in Baktatank for twenty-four hours to regenerate your skin. After that we can go to your parents."

"I don't know…."

"Padme, you should."

The best stores on Coruscant were in the government district where the rich and important people lived. Padmé found quickly what she was looking for. She grew up as a Countess, but she has always preferred understated and good quality clothing. She also found some nice things for children.

Staying in Baktatank worked wonders, her skin was velvety soft and healthy in color. Unfortunately, she was still underweight. The good condition came back, thanks to Anakin striving every night to give some of his energy to her.

After a few days, with advance notice, they made their way to her parents. Padmé almost didn't recognize them. They were both emaciated, especially the father and the parents were also surprised at their daughter's poor condition. The only pleasant thing about this reunion were the didn't know that she was outcasted because she was carrying Anakin's children, not because she was no longer a virgin.

"Here are Luke and Leia Skywalker, your grandchildren, Highborn."

Count and Countess wept. They were happy to have them and to see their daughter. In the saloon they all sat together, droids served finger food, children played on the floor.

"We are going to marry in Temple, without public...if you wish to come, you are welcome."

"Thanks Anakin...uh...Colonel."

"You don't need to call me by my military rank."

"And you don't need to use my title. When is the wedding planned?"

"In five days, Saturday at 1700, so early because of the children, we want to have them during ceremony."

"Good. After the ceremony I will give a press statement announcing to the public that I have found my daughter again. If the Chancellor and the Queen of Naboo think I should resign, then I will." Said Senator Naberrie.

"Padmé, stay here a little longer. Let me play with the children." asked Jobal

After two hours, they took the children to the Temple. Padmé called her sister Sola and invited her to the wedding ceremony. She agreed. That quietly meant, as Anakin said, just their families and a few Jedi.

This Saturday couldn't have come faster. Padme and Anakin were excited, even though it wasn't a big wedding as would befit a Countess and a Colonel and a Jedi Knight. Padmé thought it was a shame because the whole galaxy should see them on their happiest day. Anakin didn't care, he wanted to make her finally his wife, as it should have been from the start, but also to rid her of that horrible outcasted status. It should never have come to that. She belonged to someone else, but she was always his women. He remembered the lyrics of the ballad, his breakdown and all the suffering he had gone through. It's over now.

That Saturday at 1700, Padmé and Anakin stood before the Naboo Pontifex Agolerga. Anakin was in his festive jedi robe and Padme was in a cream lace dress and matching headpiece.

After reading his book, Pontifex first told Padmé to take her vows and she remembered the wedding to Prince Rush Clovis. According to Scipio's custom, only one of the bridal couple needs to take the vows and the marriage was considered concluded. Rush did it then, she didn't. Now she said:

Anakin Skywalker,
I, Padmé Amidala Naberrie
want to be your wife and
before all the gods of Naboo
and the whole galaxy
I swear my love and loyalty to you.
I will always support you
until the end of my life
and beyond the end."

Anakin said:

Padme Amidala Naberrie,
I, Anakin Skywalker
want to be your husband and
before all the gods of Naboo
and the whole galaxy
I swear my love and loyalty to you.
I will always help you
and protect you with my life
until the end of my days
and beyond the end."

When the rings were exchanged, Pontifex said:

„I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. The groom is allowed to kiss his bride."

As they kissed, the little children ran up to them, asking for attention. Padmé took her son and hugged him, so Anakin did with his baby daughter, prouder than ever that he had his family.

Palpatine surveyed the scene and considered the next step. The war was on. Republic agenst the Separatists, Separatists agenst the Rebellion, Rebellion against the Republic, and everything vice versa. Anakin will have to go to war, and his wife and most importantly his children will be left without his protection. If his wife is dead and children are kidnapped, there's nothing Anakin wouldn't do to save them.

The celebrations lasted three hours, Padmé and Anakin retired, the children had to be put to bed. The droids can do all that too, but Padmé and Anakin didn't want to raise their children that way, didn't want to leave them to droids or nanny.

The next day, Anakin prepared for the journey to Scipio. He landed his starfighter and the prince received him immediately. Since it was an unannounced visit, the prince received Anakin in his office and without his parents. He was prepared for a confrontation.

"Your Highness, I came personally to thank you for everything you have done for Padmé. Following your tip we found her, she survived and so did the children. I have to tell you that she had a terrible time until we found her. Still, everything turned out well, she came to Coruscant with me. We got married yesterday. She is no longer an outcast, she is Mrs. Skywalker now...as she always should have been."

"I wish you luck...which unfortunately I couldn't have."

"Padmé was meant for me. We've loved each other since we know we exist...so long we live. Once again, thank you for everything, especially for money you gave her to take with her. Without this money my children would not have survived. I will transfer the money to you in the next few days."

"You don't have to, I have more than enough of it and... with money you can not buy happiness."

"True, but I'll give it back to you anyway, it's a matter of honor. Goodbye…. or farewell."

"Farewell Colonel and I wish you safe journey home."

Prince Rush Clovis has closed the chapter. Anakin left Scipio with a good feeling.

On Coruscan was talked only about the war. Jedi prepared for the missions. The information Anakin and Obi-Wan brought from the Tatooine proved to be true and prompt action was required. The war had lasted almost two years, too long. Senate felt it should be nipped in the bud. Palpatine wanted to extend it, but Senate decided to act this time. Palpatine had no special powers for such situations, so the Separatist ships are to be destroyed in the shipyard. Anakin put on the military uniform, boarded the Star Destroyer and flew towards Botjef.

Padme was left alone with the children, but she was safe in Temple. Palpatine wondered how to lure them out, because without an invitation from the High Council, not even the Chancellor could walk in. He would have to lure her out with the kids, without the kids his plan wouldn't work.

So, he invited her and the children over to his office under the pretense of their father's situation as a senator from Naboo. Padme didn't think much about it, he was Anakin's uncle so family and if she could help her father keep the Senate seat, then she will.

There was enough space in Palpatine's office for the children to play, Padme thought. She was picked up by one of Palpatine's guards and landed in the Senate hangar bay. She was escorted to the Chancellor. As she entered the office, Palpatine greeted her with his evil smile, and Padme immediately regretted coming for not talking to Anakin about it first. Something was wrong. The children started crying.

"Oh, there are my Skywalkers. Welcome to old Uncle Sheev." and walked towards her.

Luke and Leia attempted to force him back, but while they could double their power, they were inexperienced and untrained to face a Sith Lord. He came even closer and grabbed them both under the arms. Padme threw herself at him she knew now that she was fighting a Sith and didn't stand a chance, but every mother would instinctively do that. Palpatine also grabbed Leia's left arm and raised his right hand to throw Padmé agenst the wall. She screamed, banged her head against it, and fell lifeless to the ground. He called the guards:

"Dispose of the body !"

That meant if she wasn't already dead, she soon will be, as she's going to be thrown into the Senate's trash compactor.

Obi-Wan was sent to Palpatine by the High Council, to deliver an intercepted saved message from the Separatists. He was standing in front of the massive door of Palpatine's office when he heard a scream and a thud. He ran to open the door, which was unnecessary as the door opened on its own and he heard Palpatine yell *dispose of the body* The guards rushed into the room to carry out the order, with Obi-Wan following. To his horror, he saw Padmé lying on the floor and stood in front of her before the guards could lift her off the floor. Palpatine was no longer in the room. He let the thought of where to look for him, the priority being getting Padme away. He bent down, felt her pulse, it was weak but she was alive. He had a tough fight ahead of him, there were four of them, but he was a Jedi, a Master, one of the best, he had to win…. and he did. All four of Palpatine's Red Guard lay dead on the floor.

He was out of breath but there was no time to think about resting. Padme had to be taken to the Temple. He picked her up, she didn't weigh much, and ran through the corridors of the Senate, down to the hangar bay where his speeder was docked. He drove to the Temple at a speed that would make even Anakin dizzy. He was expected, everything was prepared, all doctors and healers were assembled. She was immediately put through the scanner. Prospects were never good. Due to the strong impact, Padme suffered a severe concussion and several complicated fractures. The best doctors on the planet, some rushed to the Temple from Coruscant Medical. After the operation all that was left was to monitor and wait.

With nothing to do but wait, Obi-Wan went to nanny and asked where the Skywalker twins were. She was informed that they went to the Chancellor with their mother. Obi-Wan was a well-balanced person, but that hit him as a ton of rocks. What the hell…..

He started to think about. Palpatine had been his suspicion for a long time. Bit by bit, he usurped so much power that he was almost able to rule like a dictator. He summons Padmé and the twins while they are on the planet without Anakin's protection. He throws Padmé against the wall to kill her, the twins are gone, he probably took them with him... What does he want, what does he intend? Extortion? Anakin? Is Anakin a pawn in the game too? OMG! He is the key. Yes, it must be, there is no other explanation: Palpatine is the Sith Lord sought after. He wants to draw the mightiest Jedi to the dark side. When Anakin loses the love of his life and is about to lose his children as well, he will do anything to save them, including turning to the dark side. And at the moment he does it, the Sith will kill the children too. Then the Anakin is left with nothing but pain and anger, that will forever bind him to the Sith Lord and the dark side.

What can I do now, Kenobi thought. He pulled out his commlink and called Maser Windu.

"Everybody come to the Council Chamber at once"

Coming in, Obi-Wan explained everything that happened and why he suspected Palpatine. All Council members nodded in agreement. Surprisingly resolutely said Grandmaster Yoda:

"Something quickly we need to do, without meditating much"

Everyone looked at him and knew that when the Grandmaster reacted like that, the situation was extremely serious.

"It's not just about the lives of the Skywalker twins, it's about the whole galaxy. We need to contact Skywalker, on the way to Botjef he is. Master Kenobi, contact military command you must."

"Yes, immediately, Grandmaster."

Marine generals, as always, received Master Kenobi with respect, but could not believe that the Chancellor was a Sith. They reserved the right not to react immediately, but to wait and assess what orders the Chancellor would issue. Kenobi understood the Jedi had no power over the military. It is only to call back to Colonel Skywalker, since it concerns his family and his uncle.

Military func announced that Colonel Skywalker was to proceed to Coruscant immediately. He was not informed about what it was . It was just an order.

When Anakin received the message, he was totally confused, but there was no one who would or could give him an answer. He got into his starfighter and made a quick jump to Coruscant. He first reported to headquarters, logically he worn Colonel uniform, where he was told to report to the High Council. It was confusing, but Anakin did as he was told.

Outside the Council Chamber, Obi-Wan was waiting, they went in together. Anakin had a really bad feeling about this. When he was told what was happened, he nearly fell to his knees from the pain he felt at that moment. Obi-Wan supported him and said that Anakin must first see his wife, get over the shock, and then they will go in search of Palpatine and the children. It is still to be decided who will come along as reinforcements from the other Masters.

Obi-Wan escorted Anakin to the medical center. Padmé was in intensive care. They couldn't get in, they stood in front of the glass wall and watched. Anakin cried, Obi-Wan fell silent, concentrating, thinking…there are no feelings-just peace…to hell with Jedi philosophy, it broke his heart just watching the two. He had feelings for both of them, he loved them both...and the children, he won't find that peace, especially if he can't save the children.

Anakin turned and walked to the other side of the hallway, leaned against the wall, and slid down to the floor.

"Master, why does this woman have to suffer so much? Wasn't allowed to marry the one she loves, was outcasted on a desert planet where she had almost no chance of surviving just because she was carrying my children and now almost being killed because he ist trying to capture me with this act? Why? It's all my fault, Master, isn't it?"

"No Anakin, you must not see it that way. Even if she hadn't met you again, she might have suffered for someone else, and to Palpatine she was just easy prey. We'll find the Sith, don't worry, and so will the twins."

"Master, I can't take this. What if she doesn't survive?"

"She will. She had a concussion, no cranial trauma, the broken bones will heal...and now we're going to hear what the High Council decided who's coming with us. Come on Anakin, we have to find the twins."

Anakin slowly stood up and straightened his uniform.

"Yes Master."

"Don't call me Master, you're not my padawan anymore, you understand?"

"Yes Master."

Obi-Wan shook his head and had to smile at the end.

In the Council Chamber, all the Council members were gathered, Anakin standing in the middle, Obi-Wan at his side and not in his seat. Grandmaster Yoda began:

"We studied surveillance camera footage. Palpatine go out he didn't. In the Senate building he must be. In the catacombs search you must ."

"The masters Kit Fisto, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Adi Gallia and I come with you."

Announced by Master Windu.

"We'll search all the rooms for the old plans of the Senate building."

All the named masters got up and left the Council chamber. In the hangar bay of the Temple, they boarded the ship that was taking them to the Senate. The guards carried out the inspection that had become mandatory some time ago by decree of Palpatine. Then they went through all the rooms of the lower levels. They didn't find anything. Anakin suggested going to the Palpatine's office. Everyone stood in the room and watched the ceiling, floor, walls, windows... and Anakin said to Obi-Wan:

"I'm going to blow up the wall paneling with the Force, watch out!"

He stretched his hands out in front of him, closed his eyes and began to pull his hands apart around himself. As his hands pointed, the paneling flew off the wall, leaving the durasteel substructure bare. A door became visible in the wall to the left of the window. It had no door handle or keyhole.

"Master Windu, you can feel us opening this door," Anakin said.

Master Windu laid his hand and felt the cracks in the durasteel, pushed the door with the Force and it broke. Behind the door was a narrow passage that led to a staircase downstairs. All the Masters went downstairs and found themselves in a large room with no doors. Mace Windu's skills were in demand again. He felt the walls but found nothing. Then he began to check the floor and found a flap. He picked them up and saw a staircase again. They all went down, at least two flights down, and then along a corridor at the end of which was a door. They could see a thin gap under the door that was illuminated. Mace Windu opened the door with the Force….and there he stood, the Sth Lord they knew as Chancellor.

"I was expecting you...nephew." He laughed evilly

"Where are my children?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry about your wife. Where is she? Landed in the trash?"

"No, she's alive...thanks to my Master." Anakin looked at Obi-Wan

"He is not your Master! I am your Master now. You will join me... to save your children."

"Where are my children? We will kill you, you Sith scum."

"I will kill all the Jedi here, none of you are a match for me."

He jumped, spinning like a screw in the air, killing Kit Fisto, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and Adi Gallia in a matter of seconds. He had much more trouble with Mace Windu and he hadn't been able to kill him.

"I have a very special death for you Kenobi." The Sith Lord Sidious spat.

He fired the Force Bolts at Obi-Wan, who blocked them with his lightsaber. They came back towards the Sith and started burning him.

"Anakin help me, otherwise you will never see your children again. Join me and you will keep everything, your wife and children."

"Master stop, otherwise my children will die!"

"Anakin, don't believe him."

"Master, please."

Obi-Wan lowered his lightsaber and the Sith immediately charged at him. Anakin intervened. Sidious threw him with the Force against the wall . Anakin fell but tried to get up, it all hurt. He had to help Obi-Wan. Just as the Sidious was about to stab his red lightsaber into Kenobi's chest, Anakin jumped at him from behind with the last of his strength, ramming his lightsaber into his neck, making one more horizontal movement and separating his head from his body. This one rolled away.

"Thanks Anakin."

"This is now the eleventh time."

"No, no, that on Cato Neimoidia doesn't count." He smiled.

"We're looking for the twins now. There must be rooms here."

"I'll feel the floor and you the walls, Anakin"

The search began, inch by inch.

"Here Master, a small opening. Hopefully we can get through this. I'm going ahead."

"Let me try, your shoulders are wider."

Obi-Wan climbed through the hole into the...unknown. A channel. It was dark and stuffy. He crawled on his knees until he hit a bottom and stopped. He ignited his lightsaber to light up this room. What he saw made his blood run cold. The scuttling was a round hole about three feet in diameter and about six feet deep. The floor was littered with bones, human and other species. The twins lay there, unconscious. He deactivated his lightsaber and, unable to turn around, crawled backwards out of the channel. He was pale, his expression unable to describe his feelings, horror.

"What is the matter Master, tell me."

"I found them Anakin."

"Thank all the gods of Naboo…..but I don't hear them, what's the matter? Master?!"

"Anakin, it will be difficult to rescue them, they are unconscious, but I felt their life energy. We can do it. I'll try to force them first. If that doesn't work, I'll have to climb down the hole and you'll have to pull me out with the steel cable. Luckily at least I have the utility belt."

"Good Master, hurry up."

Obi-Wan climbed back into the canal and crawled to the hole. With Leia lying on the hatch, he used the Force to lift her up and levitate her to a height where he could pull her to him. Crawling backwards, she dragged on her back to the end of the canal and handed her to her father.

Anakin's eyes were full of tears. He hugged the limp body and kissed her forehead.

"I have to go there again, stand by when I call. Here the steel cable."

Obi-Wan crawled back through the channel to the edge of the hole and ignited a stick of light. Using the Force, he also lifted Luke and levitated him up to his hands. Like Leia, he pulled him through the canal and put his arms around him.

"Anakin, we need to get out of here as soon as possible. We don't know if the Sith had an apprentice here or not."

Each with a child in their arms, they quickly found their way out of the secret underground dungeon. No one was in Palpatine's office yet, the bodies of the Jedi still lay on the floor, down in catacombs.

Without attracting any attention, they came to the hangar bay and boarded the ship they had come on. Obi-Wan notified the healer at the Temple that they were coming with the twins.

Arriving at the Temple, they ran to the medical station to have the children cared for. Barriss Offee was waiting for them and immediately they were examined. The healer was certain that the children were not injured and that the cause of their unconsciousness was that they were put to sleep on purpose.

"That's okay Knight Skywalker, you won't remember anything, for such young children that memory would be traumatic."

"Thank the gods. I want to see my wife, how is she?"

"She is in stable condition but still unconscious."

Anakin went to her room where she was meanwhile moved. She lay quietly as if she were sleeping. She was still thin and had dark circles under her eyes. Anakin came to her bed, leaned down and kissed her forehead, nose and then very tenderly on the mouth.

"Hello Angel, I'm back. I brought our children back."

Her eyes started to flutter and he felt that she would wake up soon. He took the chair and pulled it all the way to the bed where he sat down. He took her hand in his, kissed it and waited.

He had time and many things went through his head. What direction will democracy take now that Palpatine is dead. Will the Senate return to its old inertia, or will new, younger forces prevail and bring more dynamism and decision-making power to politics? Will the Jedi recognize their own flaws, break free of their own complacency and arrogance, and recognize themselves as keepers of the peace rather than soldiers vying with the military for supremacy? In any case, there will be changes. Whether he would find his place with his family somewhere in between, Anakin couldn't answer himself yet.

Anakin squeezed Padmé's hand.

"Come back to me, Angel."

...and very weakly she squeezed back.

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Best regards from Germany