Star Wars is owned by George Lucas. I own nothing; this is my creative twist to the series
Chapter 22: Engagement News Reaction Part 1
Author's Note-I want to apologize for my delay with this story. I had problems with my old and new laptops within the last 3 months, videos to complete and other stories to work on, but I have found time to complete another chapter, so enjoy!
As the sun rose in the Corellian skyline that morning, there were eight figures that were already up and down on the private landing platform of the family's estate. The engagement party had been a surprise success with everyone and the reaction to Anakin's engagement was taken well, except by Prince Xizor, who couldn't miss an opportunity to talk to Padme behind Anakin's back.
Flashback
Anakin was still talking with Obi Wan and his father, leaving Padme in the company of Shmi, Allana and Satine and receiving congratulations from the guests. Padme didn't know many of them but she was polite and kept a smile on her face. It felt so surreal-she was engaged! And it wasn't someone her father had arranged for her, she fell in love, truly. She was wondering what was taking him so long when she heard a voice approach her
"Senator Amidala, I must offer my congratulations on your 'engagement', although I must admit your choice of groom is upsetting" he noted as Satine only rolled her eyes while Padme remained strong and calm
"Prince Xizor, I am sorry that I do not share your feelings and your attempts to snatch me away from Anakin will not work and as for your pheromones, Anakin warned me about them. I will not succumb to your charms like other females you've 'charmed'" she informed him however Xizor only lifted up her hand to kiss it
"Oh Senator, I have always had a place for the strong willed women and despite you being in the company of the Jedi, maybe one day you'll be mine" he insisted before Padme quickly snatched her hand back
"Never! I'll always be with Anakin, he is my one true love" she informed him before another voice joined them
"I would advise you move away from the Senator now" came Anakin's strong voice as he continued "You may be the Prime Minister's guest here but I can still have you removed from the party" he warned him, slipping an arm around Padme's waist. Xizor's eyes narrowed down at them,
"I was merely congratulating the lovely Senator" he only replied before he turned and left them alone. Satine shook her head
"I never liked that man. I've heard rumors about him and I never want to deal with him" she noted as Anakin nodded
"Knowing what he's done to my family in the past, hopes he'll one day leave the Republic altogether" he confessed as Obi Wan joined them
"Is that before or after you attack him?" he teased as Anakin only rolled his eyes while Padme and Satine quietly laughed,
"The thought may have crossed my mind but it's not the Jedi way, even they are persistent with the woman I love" he pointed out sharing a kiss with Padme as Obi Wan shared a drink with Satine as the party continued.
End of flashback
Jaden and Allana stood on the landing platform, saying their farewells to Qui Gon, Shmi, Obi Wan, Anakin and Padme. Satine had also joined them much to Gav's disgust. Allana had just finished hugging both her grandsons;
"Now, you two, stop giving your father more worries with your little adventures and Anakin, do take care of this lovely lady will you?" she asks him as Anakin sighed
"Grandma, you have nothing to worry about. Padme is perfectly safe with me always and as for father, he just needs to worry less" he teased hearing Qui Gon scoff under his breath watching Anakin and Padme move up the landing ramp while Obi Wan was saying goodbye to Satine;
"You sure you don't want to come to Courscant?" he asks her as Satine gave a small nod, yet he sensed she was nodding with regret
"I still have more training to do here and Gav says soon I'll be made Duchess" she informed him "And I want you there on the night" she assured him, "You and your family of course" she quickly corrected seeing him smile
"I'd love to be there, I just wish you could meet Hannah" he admitted seeing her lower her gaze "I know what you said the other night about choosing the right girl but what happened between us was special but when you chose duty over love, I was crushed. I can't do that to Hannah" he informed her as she placed a hand on his face
"I wouldn't ask you to do that, maybe someday things may change" she admitted. Obi Wan gave her one last kiss on the cheek then turned to head up the landing ramp ahead of Satine heading back inside the estate leaving Qui Gon, Shmi standing with Jaden and Allana
"It was lovely seeing you and sharing Anakin's happiness" Jaden spoke up as Shmi smiled, one arm wrapped around her husband,
"Obi Wan and Anakin have made us very proud of them. They've grown strong, protective and will do the Order proud" she replied as Jaden looked over at his son,
"I'll have a word to the council to see if we can't make Anakin a Jedi Knight" he assured him "He is the Chosen One, he knows that and they do and he's done so much and they can't hold off any longer" he pointed out as Qui Gon gave a small smile
"Hopefully, they'll listen to you father. Who knows it could even be a early wedding present for him" he suggested as Allana gave him a hug
"Don't you go planning any wedding without us, we could even have it here on the estate" she hinted as Qui Gon shook his head,
"Mom, I'm sure Padme would love to discuss wedding preparations with you and Shmi" he promised and with one last hug, he led Shmi up the landing ramp and minutes later, Allana and Jaden watched their ship lift up into the sky and into the upper atmosphere until they were gone from view and Jaden and Allana headed back inside their home.
Back on Courscant, the holonet was buzzing with rumors about Senator Amidala's surprise appearance on Corellia and engagement rumors! Rabe only hoped that these were merely rumors and the holonet was just making up gossip. She promised Rush that he would be the man in Padme's life; he wouldn't like the fact that she was engaged and would refuse to help her.
Rabe drummed her fingers along the edge of her chair, drink in hand, staring out into the night skyline of Courscant,
"You will be finish, Padme" she muttered "Only I can be the rightful Senator" she added as she hears the holo net news reporter continue with their story
"Our Corellian sources also inform us that the Senator is due to return to Courscant along with the Jinn family after their ship was seen leaving the landing platform this morning. No word yet if the Senator or the Jedi will comment publicly, however we did receive comment from one of Senator Amidala's closest friends, Hannah, who was delighted over the news"
The screen then changes to the image of a beautiful young blond haired girl Rabe remembers all too well of the being one of Padme's strong supporters.
"I've known Anakin and his brother Obi Wan for years and known Padme for quite a few years and consider her a close friend. When I first heard they were engaged, I was delighted and overwhelmed with happiness for them. In the time they've been together, I can see they are truly in love" she tells the reporter
Rabe scoffs and abruptly shuts off the holo net, getting up from her seat "Truly in love" she mocks "It's pathetic. How can she be a strong minded Senator and be in love?" she asks out loud taking a sip of her drink,
"I should be Senator!" she cries tossing her drink aside hearing it smash onto the floor, "I'm the one Naboo needs to represent them!" she shouts watching the traffic fly past outside her window
"Your days are numbered Padme, Anakin won't always be around to protect you. I will be Senator" she assures herself storming from the room. She needed to speak with Rush immediately. She couldn't wait for him to come to her.
Masters Yoda, Mace Windu and Shaak Ti stood in the Jedi Temple's hanger, along with Ahsoka Tano, Sola, Ryoo, Pooja and Hannah awaiting the arrival of Qui Gon and his family who had just entered the inner atmosphere of Courscant. Ahsoka looked over at Hannah who was unable to stop smiling, and Ahsoka knew why. She could sense Hanna's feelings for Obi Wan, something she wouldn't dare let Siri know about, even though she'd deserve it for all the teasing she had been giving her recently but she wouldn't let those thoughts cross her mind now as the familiar ship entered the hanger bay.
They watched the ship descend gently and it's landing ramp being lowered before Qui Gon and Shmi appeared at the top of the landing platform. Yoda noticed the bright cheerful smiles on their faces as they walked down the landing ramp, followed by Obi Wan who was almost knocked off his feet by Hannah as he reached the end of the ramp and finally, arm in arm, Padme and Anakin.
Padme could feel the nerves swelling inside of her as she moved down the ramp, glancing up at Anakin who smiled back down at her. Yoda, Mace, Shaak Ti, Ahsoka, Sola, Ryoo, Pooja, Hannah and Obi Wan who had his arm draped around her waist moved over to congratulate the couple.
Hannah happily hugged Padme, "I'm so happy for you Padme. You're a Senator and settled Anakin down" she teased before hearing Obi Wan laugh
"Settle Anakin down?" he asks "Unlikely, just because he's with Padme, doesn't mean he's going to slow down" he points out "Trouble seems to follow you, little brother" he smirks cheekily as Anakin glared over at him
"And half the time, it's usually when I have to save you" he snaps back. Hannah and Padme only sighed leaving the two brothers bickering as Padme happily embraced her big sister,
"I'm so happy for you Padme. You've found true happiness" she smiles as Padme hugs both her nieces who was only too happy for their aunty.
"Aunty Padme" Ryoo speaks up seeing Padme look down at her,
"Yes Ryoo, what is it?" she asks her seeing the girl giggle
"Could Pooja and I be in your wedding party?" she asks as Sola, Hannah and Padme all laughed, before Padme gave them another extra hug each
"Of course you both can girls" she replies just as Anakin and Obi Wan stopped bickering turning their attention back towards the girls. Yoda, Mace and Shaak Ti were now talking with Qui Gon and Shmi. Anakin looked down at Ahsoka who was keeping quiet
"What's wrong Snips?" he asks placing one hand on her shoulder seeing her look up at him, giving him a small smile
"Sorry Skyguy, my mind was distracted elsewhere" she confesses. This was half true, while she was here to welcome her friend and his family back, her mind was still thinking about Siri and her words, hurtful as they were, they still made her wonder if they could be true about Anakin not ending up choosing her for a padawan one day, she felt Anakin squeeze her shoulder
"Well don't worry Snips, I may be engaged now but our friendship won't change" he promised seeing her give a small smile watching him more back over towards Padme and his family seeing them moving out of the hanger before she quietly followed them.
The news of Anakin and Padme's engagement had started to spread throughout the Jedi Temple and it wasn't long before the rest of the masters had heard, some of them against the Chosen One getting married for fear of having too many attachments could be dangerous despite his grandfather, father and older brother proving their strength as Jedi. Once again, Qui Gon found himself defending his son once more, just like he had when Anakin was with Darra;
"The Chosen One should remain focused and able to fulfill the prophecy!" one master exclaimed as Qui Gon rolled his eyes. They were in the main council chambers. Yoda remained seated in his chair listening quietly as another master spoke up, "If Skywalker is really the Chosen One, he shouldn't be allowed to hold too many attachments, a romantic one could spell danger!" they exclaimed as Qui Gon shook his head, deciding to intervene
"We've already had this conversation!" he exclaimed "Anakin was in love with Darra but when he decided he wasn't truly in love with him, he ended it, did he become dangerous?" he asks seeing the room remain quiet "No, he didn't!" Qui Gon went on attempting to hold his temper. "Anakin only wants happiness and he has found love with Padme. She will be there alongside him and ensure he doesn't fall to the dark side" he explained as another Jedi, only known as the Dark Woman spoke up
"You cannot make that promise because your son is reckless and he heads for danger instead of holding back. He is a wild one and no woman can love him. The Chosen One needs to remain on the Jedi Path and fulfill his destiny" she stated as Qui Gon shrugged
"Are you saying my son isn't strong enough to be in love and fulfill his destiny?" he asks. The Dark Woman was about to respond when Yoda spoke up,
"Enough, pointless conversation this is" he told them. "Skywalker, young he is, but I sense goodness in him. His love for the Senator will help him fulfill his destiny and so we will celebrate his engagement" he informed them, chuckling "Happy for him, we will be" he concludes before dismissing the council.
Qui Gon nodded over at the elderly master. Ever since he can remember, Yoda has always been on his family's side. Though it took some time, he didn't always believe in love but he was glad to have the master on his side defending his children.
Shortly after being back on Courscant, Padme was whisked away to the Senate which left Anakin, Obi Wan, Ahsoka and Hannah alone to hang out. Hannah offered to accompany Padme but Padme assured her she was fine and needed to prove herself as a Senator on her own. So instead, the four friends headed to Dex's Diner to celebrate Anakin's engagement.
Dex smiled over at them from his place in the kitchen when they entered the diner. "Ah, there they are, my favourite customers!" he beams as Obi Wan wraps an arm around his brother.
"Always a pleasure to see you Dex and today is a special day and we're here celebrating Anakin's engagement" he tells him as Ahsoka smirks
"Yup, Skyguy's getting married" she adds as Dex chuckles moving out from the kitchen
"Ah yes, I heard the news through the holonet. Congratulations my boy!" he exclaims placing one hand on Anakin's back as Anakin smiles.
"Thank you Dex. I've found the girl of my dreams" he replies as Dex grips his shoulder
"Well, now, how about I bring you each your favourite meals, on the house" he suggests as Anakin grins before Obi Wan speaks up
"That's very kind of you Dex" as Dex laughs
"Anything for my favourite customers" he tells them moving back into the kitchen as Obi Wan and Anakin followed Ahsoka and Hannah to a empty booth. Obi Wan took a seat next to Hannah, wrapping an arm around her as Anakin slid in beside Ahsoka.
Hannah smiled "I'm so happy for you Anakin" she gushed "Padme's a very lucky girl though I feel you may have broken a lot of girl's hearts right now" she giggles as Anakin only rolls his eyes,
"Whilst I'm flattered by the attention….." Anakin begins to reply ignoring Obi Wan's sniggering, "I've fallen in love for the girl of my dreams and no one is going to stop us from being together" he assured them right before they heard a voice behind them
"Oh really?" they asked as all four turned to see Rabe moving towards them, "So Skywalker's getting married, to Senator Amidala" she scoffed as Hannah rolled her eyes,
"Rabe, what are you still doing here on Courscant?" she asks frustration in her voice, "You're never becoming Senator and you need to stop harassing Padme and her new family or you will be removed from Courscant by force" she warns him as Rabe now rolls her eyes,
"Don't be too sure about that. Her father won't let her marry a Jedi, nor will Palo" she informs them as Obi Wan shook his head,
"Rabe, you can't scare us or Padme with your warnings. Padme's not returning to Naboo. She will remain the Senator for Naboo, be with Anakin and my new sister, so unless you want a return trip to Naboo, you'll never bug us again" he warns her as Rabe scoffs, a smirk crossing her lips
"Hmm, you're all talk aren't you Kenobi" she snaps "Perhaps you should tell Hannah about who was the beautiful blond girl by your side at Anakin and Padme's engagement" she pointed out as Obi Wan went silent, Hannah looked over at him, confused as Anakin had, had enough of Rabe bothering them
"Alright Rabe, I think it's time you left" he told her grabbing her arm to escort her out, Rabe attempted to break his grip on her smirking, "Anakin Skywalker, if you wanted to be alone with me, you only had to ask" she grins as Anakin moves towards the entrance,
"You'll never have a chance with me, so leave us alone or you will be removed from this city" he assures her pushing her out of the diner before returning to Obi Wan, Satine and Ahsoka, who smirked
"Nice work there Skyguy" she tells him as Anakin nods, pleased with himself however Hannah had one thing on her mind,
"So, Obi Wan, who was the blond girl at Anakin and Padme's engagement?" she asked straight out as the table remained silently leaving Obi Wan to find an answer for his girlfriend, but what could he say that wouldn't upset her?
Xanatos had only been on Geonosis for only a day by now, and already he was becoming annoyed with the constant noises coming from the factory. Lord Maul seemed unfazed by all the noise, all Xanatos wanted was to destroy his old master and his family and he didn't understand how being on Geonosis could help him.
Xanatos groans in frustration "Uh, we are getting nowhere!" he exclaims "These droids are continuing to come out of the factory only to be boarded up with nowhere else to go!" he goes on as Lord Maul remains silent
"I want my old master to suffer what my father had to suffer, all those years ago and if the Chosen One is killed then the Jedi Order will fall" he points out, he turns back to Lord Maul, "Allow me to carry out the task of ensuring my old master and his family are killed, they will destroy our plan if they are alive" he insists however Lord Maul simply turns him
"Your old master is a fool. He thinks he can stop us with his sons but his time is soon at an end. My master has plans and our new army will bring us the war this galaxy is yet to see" he informs him as Xanatos smirks. He may not have been allowed to destroy his own master right now, but trusted in Lord Maul that the Republic will be forced into a war and he'll get his chance to kill his old master…..on the battlefield!
Next time: Obi Wan comes clean about Satine to Hannah, whilst Padme discovers that there is a Military Creation Act about to come forth in the Senate, Rabe tries once again to destroy Padme, only to get Ruwee and Palo caught and Lord Maul receives his first set of new orders, what are they and who do they involved? You'll have to wait and see