I don't own Star Wars, Anakin, Padme or other characters. All rights are reserved by Lucasfilm, I write stories to entertain you and for free.
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 9
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Coruscant 20bby
Once at the Temple, Anakin strode into Obi-Wan's apartment, where he lived with his family now, to change, out of his uniform and into Jedi robes. He went to the High Council to report, although he went on that mission as a Colonel. Being a Jedi was his priority. Grand Master Yoda and Master Windu were more than satisfied with the result, the rest of the High Council listened. After some additional questions they released him and he immediately made his way to Naboo to meet his family. He missed his children and his wife, each additional day without them brought more pain and longing because he couldn't be with them.
Naboo 20bby
In Theed, in Hangar Bay 5, Padmé was waiting with Luke on her arm, holding Leia's hand. It was a sight that welled up the tears to his eyes. He descended the ramp and walked quickly, stopping in front of her and picking Leia up.
"My little princess."
She hugged him tightly.
"Dada."
Tearfully and wordlessly, he hugged Padmé and Luke. They stood entwined like that for a little eternity.
"I've missed you all, but now we'll have time for us. The mission was successful, the galaxy is rid of evil...I hope. Let's go home."
Varykino was the place where they both felt most comfortable, so many beautiful childhood memories, the first kiss, yes that kiss on her cheek, a child's kiss but something of a promise for the future. Both of them held on to that for a long time. Some things in the past have been terrible and very painful, but now the sun is shining and not setting.
Anakin spent the days with his twins, playing with them, testing their Force skills, that got better and better, and teaching them a few important things. Nevertheless, his wish to entrust the two to his former Master, remained. Padmé loved watching her family and wondered if she really wanted more children. She, her twins and Ani, this little family could stay like this. She hadn't gotten pregnant, she has yet to tell that to Anakin, as well as her desire to have no more children. They wanted to talk about her getting into politics... but there was time, she didn't want to rush it unless Anakin remembered the conversation.
The nights belonged to the lovers. Even though they were married, they didn't spend much time together. They savored every second, loved each other to the point of exhaustion.
"Padmé, I take it you're not pregnant, otherwise you would have told me, right?"
"No, I'm not and for the time being I don't want more children. I'm not like before, give me more time."
"Of course, my Angel. Take your time as much as you need and if you don't want more children, that's fine too. I'm happy with our twins, with our little family."
"Thank you Ani, you are so good to me, what would I be without you."
"Princess of Scipio?"
"Not even as a joke. You can't imagine what it was like for me, I wanted to die and I almost did. You know, even if I had died, I would have left satisfied because I experienced your love….love me, Ani."
"Yes, loving you is what keeps me alive, having you in my life, you and our children."
And whenever it's the most beautiful, when you think you've come to rest, something has to come between. This time wasn't bad or urgent, but it was unexpected and not entirely welcome.
Anakin would be summoned to Coruscant by Military Staff. He didn't know what to expect but had a faint suspicion.
Coruscant 20bby
The chief of Staff, five-star General Tarkin, received Anakin and informed him that a number of officers would be promoted tomorrow and the Military Staff will be extended by one more person, one general. The ceremony will be held in the banquet hall of the Military Headquarters at 1600. Since the Chancellor was always present at such ceremonies, Master Kenobi was invited, as well as Master Mace Windu, who was considered the Supreme Chancellor and is to hand over the certificate of designation.
Master Kenobi always took care of his former padawan, even when he didn't have much time. He knew how much Anakin would mean if his family could be a part of it, especially since such a special promotion wasn't common.
The basis for designation as a general is determined by the Soldiers' Career Ordinance and general service regulations. Normally a colonel waited years before he can reach the rank of general, but Anakin wasn't just any colonel. He was an exception cadet, an exception lieutenant, an exception major, an exception colonel and many, many exceptions...and he was a Jedi Knight. Yes, there are always exceptions.
Anakin wasn't very interested in awards or promotions, knowing that they would only bring more commitment, more work, and more away from his family. He didn't really want that, he just wanted to spend as much time as possible with Padmé und twins. Well, he also knew that he should work like other people, to earn recognition for what he could do and respect from his family, not to mention being a good example for his children. No matter what the military leadership intends for him now, he will take it.
While Anakin was getting ready for the upcoming ceremony and polishing his uniform, Obi-Wan Kenobi arranged for Padmé and the twins to be there. In the banquet hall of the Military Headquarters, all officers who are to be promoted gathered, Military Staff, Master Kenobi, Master Windu and Padmé with Luke and Leia. She was sitting in the back row, Anakin hadn't seen her, he only felt a slight tremor in the Force, recognized her signature and thought it was just the excitement or because he was thinking about her so intensely, wished she were there. One officer after the other was called, certificates were handed out and then applause followed. Last but not least, General Tarkin called Anakin to come.
"Colonel Anakin Skywalker, you are promoted to Brigadier General. Master Windu, please hand over the certificate of appointment."
Anakin took the certificate and thanked him.
General Tarkin continued with another document.
"General Skywalker, with this certificate you will be commissioned into the Military Staff."
Anakin thanked him but didn't know what to say next, he smiled. Then followed the handshake and at the end his family stood in front of him and gave him the warmest hug he has ever received.
"I'm as proud of you, as I can be, Ani. You deserve it, you have risked your life more times than anyone else and always won, you have saved the galaxy from the invaders so many times, from the Sith Lord...I love you so much."
"Thanks for the recognition, Padmé. You have always been the driving force behind all the battles I had to win, to win for us so that we could live safely."
After that there was a celebration, Anakin and Padmé could only stay as long as the kids could stay up.
Now there was more work, he had to appear on the Military Staff every day. Strategies and plans were developed how to fight the remaining Separatists, it was clear that with the disappearance of the Sith Lord from the scene, not all problems would be solved. They will continue to try to defend their interests with violence, maybe just not to the extent that they used to and the Huts were still in the background. The military is still needed, the galaxy will never settle down completely. There will always be someone who is not satisfied.
Since Anakin was only a Brigadier General, his work hours were cut in half, plus he was a Jedi Knight and as such had duties at the Temple.
Not much time has passed since the High Council met in session to make a very important decision. Grandmaster Yoda was of the opinion that Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker should be raised to the rank of Jedi Master. He killed the Sith Lord they sought for so long and now his successor as well as his apprentice.
They were aware that Anakin belonged to the Military Staff now and would be very busy, but made the decision to offer him a membership in the High Council after all, and let him to make decision to take the seat or not.
When Anakin was informed of the decision and upcoming appointment, he was not so surprised, but at the offer to serve in High Council. He needed to talk to Padmé. Over dinner at Obi-Wan's apartment, where they were temporarily staying, Anakin wanted to bring up the subject, but the children insisted on their time with their parents.
"We'll have to sacrifice some of our precious time for our discussions." She winked.
"Reluctantly, but it's necessary, Padmé. We have some serious decisions to make. They affect you, me, us as a family, our living situation...our future...and in general."
"Oh! I see we're not getting to the main point at all tonight." She winked again.
"…..and I see my wife is in a good mood today. I suggest we get the main point done first." he winked now.
Leia, sitting on Father's lap, put her small hand over his eye.
"Dada, ouch?"
Padme and Anakin laughed and then so did the twins, sensing that the situation wasn't serious, their father didn't have a sore eye.
After the meal, the twins were forced to go to sleep, under protest. Whenever Anakin was at home putting his children to bed, he would sing them the lullaby his mother used to sing to him when he was little boy. It was so comforting for him and for the kids, their bond grew stronger.
After cleaning up the dining room and kitchen, they set the agenda for the coming days, watched the holonews, showered and went to bed.
"Anakin, your pajama pants are in the top drawer..."
"I won't need them tonight." He grinned..." ..come my Angel, we have not much time for each other, don't let us waste it."
At the same moment they put their arms around each other and the lovemaking began. He knew what she liked and gave her everything... every kiss at the right place, every mock bite that made her moan, every pressure that made her squirm and endearing words that made her melt...
"...I love you so much my Angel, you are the only one for me...always have been."
"...and you have always been the only one for me, my protector, my Sentinel."
And then he slid into her, making very slow movements at first that both of them enjoyed to a point. The need for satisfaction made the pace faster and faster, leading her to the edge of that glorious abyss into which they both fell at the same time. There were always declarations of love afterwards.
"Are we going to have another baby...or two? Look how beautiful our children are."
"That's one of the things we need to talk about, Ani. I told you I want to start working. First three or four hours, later when the kids are older...we'll see. You said the other day you agreed."
"Yes, I agree, not that you have to ask my permission but if we agree in advance there will be no problems. I assume you want no more children. Pity."
"Not for the time being, I want to work first."
"When you start working you get off in the flow and then work keeps getting more and more, you won't be able to get off for three years. Then we'll stay with our twins and you can slowly build your career…" He stroked her face. " Yes, the career ... so I come to my own. I was informed today that I will be raised to the rank of Master…."
"Oh Ani..." She started kissing his face "...I'm so happy, I'm so proud of you...now, shortly after you've been promoted to General and are on the Military Staff...I can't find the words, me …."
"That's not all, Padmé. The High Council offered me a seat in their ranks and that's what I wanted to talk to you about, to consult with you."
"As the political situation is now, you wouldn't do that...assuming you accept the offer, wouldn't that put you in a conflict situation?"
"That's the point. This power vacuum has only fueled the lust for power. The Military tends to take over, and the Jedi refuse to relinquish the temporary powers granted to them by law. The Jedi want me as member in Staff, so they can know exactly what the military are planning, and the military want to know what the Authority is up to. The Jedi intend to maintain the status quo for as long as possible. It seems to me, the good Master Windu has found pleasure in ruling. Well, and I'm supposed to sit on both chairs now, or fall between the two. I don't like it Padmé and frankly I don't know what to do."
"How do you see yourself, as a Jedi or as a soldier?"
"I am a Jedi in first and then I am a soldier. As long as the war lasted, my skills as a Jedi and as a soldier, in person union, were needed and an asset. Now in time of peace they are disadvantageous as such...to me."
"Then you have to choose sides, if you can imagine that."
"It was never my wish to go to the military academy, it was my uncle's wish, you know what that means. I'm good at everything, you know, so in wartime I rose to the rank of colonel very quickly. In peacetime, the progress is much slower. I'm just a Brigadier general, one star, nothing special, but I'm better than them all, in wartime I'd rise quickly to general of the army, become supreme commander, leader...
"Anakin! What are you talking about !?"
"What? The force is strong in our family….even the dark side…."
"I don't think I heard that now..."
"No..." He laughed "...it was a joke, Angel. I wanted to test your reaction."
"It's not funny, Anakin, not a bit."
"Excuse me. Can I make it good somehow?
"I have an idea."
"Tell me."
"You could turn to the right, your left leg over..."
He was faster than she could explain her idea and his lips were on hers.
After a while, when they caught their breath, he said:
"If the night weren't so short, we could finish our discussion."
"Nevertheless, I'm listening, I know you have something important to say."
"Yes. I intend to turn down the seat on the Jedi Council, I want to see exactly what the Military Staff want from me, whether they just need my extensive skills, or expect me to spy the Jedi."
"That could work, Ani, and that's actually what you have to find out. Besides, you wouldn't be away from home too much. The kids need you and now we only have to discuss our housing situation."
"Let's leave that for tomorrow...and now..."
He was already with his left leg on her….
The next day, Anakin appeared before the High Council to be informed of the upcoming appointment ceremony and to state his decision on the seat offered.
"I am very honored to be offered the seat on the High Council, but unfortunately I have to decline. You must understand that otherwise I would find myself in a conflict situation. I definitely don't want to have to spy on Jedi versus Military and vice versa. Unfortunately, I have the impression that both sides expect exactly that from me. If I waive my seat on the High Council, that will not be possible."
Mace Windu saw his plan fail and thought of a way to get Anakin to change his mind.
"So, you see yourself more as a soldier than a Jedi, am I right?"
"No, on the contrary. Therefore, I will keep my ears open on the Military Staff and should I see a situation or even plans against Jedi, I will inform the High Council immediately. This power vacuum should be ended with new elections as soon as possible, otherwise the greed for power could plunge us into civil war with a military coup. The signs are already there. You, Master Windu, must set the date for the new elections as soon as possible."
"Don't tell me what I must and what I must not, Knight Skywalker."
"Excuse me."
"Your appointment as Master takes place at 1600 on the fifth day of this standard week."
"Thanks Master."
After completing his daily chores in the library, Anakin went rafting with his former Master. They met often, but not every day, for this exercise. Obi-Wan couldn't be allowed to freeze, as he put it, even though he was actually choking on Senate work.
"Master, what do you think, has Master Windu been upset? I'm beginning to suspect he's enjoying his position."
"Anakin, I'm not your Master anymore….oh no! I'm finally giving up now, call me whatever you want. Now, as to our subject, our Master Windu does, it seems to me, hold onto his executive position as Supreme Chancellor. The High Council should be asking him to set the date for the new election, not you. That was inappropriate, Anakin."
"I asked to apologize. Well, I'll keep an eye on what the Military Staff is up to, for the time being, especially General Tarkin. I bet he already has a lousy plan and is just waiting for the right opportunity to push Master Windu aside and take over."
"Be careful, Anakin."
"Yes Master. I have to go home now, family is waiting." He smiled.
"See you tomorrow and say my regards to Padmé."
"I will, thank you Master and have a nice evening."
Anakin walked down the corridors towards the apartment, where his family was eagerly awaiting him. He kissed his wife and immediately sat down on the floor to play with the twins. Luke and Leia could clearly call their father:
"Dada, Dada."
Even though Padmé affectionately called him Ani, that wasn't compared to Dada. He could have sat and played with them on the floor for hours if his stomach hadn't growled.
"Padme, what did you cook today?"
"C3PO did a little thing."
"Oh no, please not...I'll just go to the canteen."
"I heard that, Master Ani." The droid reported offended.
"All right, what did you screw up for us?"
"Bantha meat,oven roasted and vegetables. Ice cream for dessert."
"Well, at least ice won't be burned."
"Nothing is burned, I followed the recipe exactly."
"OK. give it to me...and beware if it's inedible."
"Pretty irritable today, huh? Has something happened….in the Council chamber?" asked C3PO.
"I didn't know droids could develop sarcasm."
"They are able to learn, Ani."
"Exactly... and from whom can they learn?... of course from the people around them." said C3PO.
"Oh! They can also insult. I think it's time for the charging station, C3PO."
"Not yet, Master Ani. I decide when the time is for it."
"Padmé, I think we have a problem."
"I have no problem with him, Ani. You didn't treat him like a machine before. Maybe that's what bothers him. Be a little more tactful, you are his creator."
"All right then. Let me taste... what you've performed magic there, C3PO."
"Who's being sarcastic now?"
Anakin didn't want to argue anymore, sat down and started to eat.
"I have to say, C3PO, it tastes good. Let's bury the hatchet."
"Weird phrase."
"I say nothing more."
After this strange conversation with C3PO, they bathed the children, put them to bed and after Anakin sang his mother's lullaby for them, they fell asleep. Anakin was still on the couch with Padmé, they were watching the evening holonews as usual, and then he told her about his conversation with the High Council and his conversation with Obi-Wan.
"Is this the final decision now or are you still thinking about it...I mean, you'll probably never get an offer like that again."
"It's final and it's not about me, it's what's best for the galaxy...this potential menace that Tarkin poses, niping in the bud. I can clearly feel he has bad intentions, but I can't read his mind, he's kind of shielding it. I wonder who could have taught him that."
"I can only think of one: Palpatine."
"You could be right. Palpatine was always looking for allies, or rather, ones he could manipulate to his own advantage, and now, when I think about it, Tarkin fitted in perfectly with his perverse schemes. With the devoted military and clone army...yes, now I can clearly see the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. Well, Palpatine is gone, but Tarkin still sees the possibility of usurping power."
"If these are really his plans, Ani, then this is a dangerous game you intend to play. You have to be damn careful, I don't want to lose you."
"I'll be careful, I promise. I need to talk to Obi-Wan as soon as possible, first thing in the morning."
"You said we need to discuss our housing situation, of course we can't stay here forever, you don't want Obi-Wan to stay in your room that long. He needs his comfort. Do you have something specific in mind?"
"Yes. I imagined buying a nice house with a garden, somewhere on Savvam Lake, on the shore…..remember Varykino when we were kids?"
"Sure, Ani. Those are my fondest memories...you and me on the shore, you gave me a kiss."
"I can give you one more now, but not on the cheek."
"Later, Ani, we have to discuss our concerns, we have to make a decision. As for the house, it's more important to find a good area where we're not too far from the Senate and Jedi Temple."
"You mean because of your work? Have you thought it through carefully?"
"Yes. I'll start in four weeks. I'll take Luke and Leia to my mom while I'm in the Senate, she wants them."
"If that's okay with you, then so am I. Grandmother is better than nanny, she loves her grandchildren. I'll look for a house nearby... and when the discussion about the house and your work is done, we can move on to other topics like: what do you think about sex?"
"I don't think we need to discuss that."
"And why not?"
"It is better to practice."
She fixed his eyes and was already on her way down his chest with her tongue.
Regards from Germany
