Chapter Seventeen – Verdict

The blue flowing waves of hyperspace flew past the viewport glass. The blue glows lit up Anakin's face as he stood at the viewport watching the travelling waves with an almost hypnotic gaze. In his mind he recalled the many times that hyperspace had been the only view he could watch as he'd travelled in his fighter with Artoo on missions during the war.

It was almost impossible to believe that four days had now passed since the birth of his twins; it was as though time had sped up. But in that time he and Padme had just spent it enjoying being parents. Each day passed in a tranquil routine and there were no incidents or problems. Padme had told him all the stuff she had read up on being first time parents and it seemed complicated at first when he'd heard what could happen. But it surprised even him that the twins were good night sleepers, were obedient with their feeding time and didn't throw any noisy tantrums. And he didn't mind a bit about changing them and clearing up after them. It appeared he was going to be a natural father. He wished that this could last forever and that they did not leave that paradise of a planet he could easily call "home". But the possibility of that wish coming true was unknown at this present moment in time.

Though they had known that this was coming, being requested to return to Coruscant for Anakin's trial, it was still unnerving having to face reality once again.

So they had decided to just spend those four days putting all their worries all aside and enjoying what precious time they had. For they did not know what was going to happen when the verdict was passed. All they could do was hope that it would all work out. After all, Anakin had done so much for both the Jedi and the Republic put together that he deserved some kind peace, didn't he? Or maybe he didn't?

Anakin closed his eyes and recalled another memory which was both painful and reassuring:

Now, be brave and don't look back…don't look back.

His mother's words repeated in his head. He wanted to believe that these words could help him prepare for what was to come. For he knew that she had been telling him not to look back at his past and to look ahead towards his future. But he was afraid of what would come. The past few days with Padme and his children had been so happy, how could looking ahead to the future be his main focus now when it could end up being torn apart again?

Keeping is eyes closed he concentrated and called out, despite knowing that he would receive no reply. "Mom, please…help me. What should I do if the worse happens?"

Despite Obi-Wan and Ahsoka's promises that they would not allow his children to be taken, he was still afraid. Could their word be enough to convince the whole Jedi council? He did not know, he just did not know. He clenched his fists and his shoulders stiffened as he held back a sob.

Padme was watching him concernedly as she sat nearby holding Luke on her lap. The baby boy had his eyes open and seemed to be watching his father too. Padme looked down at her son wondering if he was feeling the same concern as she was, as Anakin's internal stress was visible even to the naked eye. In fact, she had had the feeling that the twins did indeed both feel the emotions of others. Their father was powerful in the Force and it only had to be natural that his own children would have inherited something of his powers, or probably even more than she thought.

She glanced at Ahsoka who was seated next to her cradling a sleeping Leia. And she too looked concerned for Anakin, meeting Padme eyes with her own, neither of them said a word. They had been anxious before leaving Naboo, whether it would still be unsafe to take the twins away from the planet. That no matter how heated a ship could be, the cold of space would be too risky for Luke and Leia. But Obi-Wan had calmly assured them all that it would be fine and that he and Threepio would keep tabs on the ship's temperature while they flew.

Her concern now went back to her poor husband who was still standing by the viewport, his shoulders stiff and his hands clenched tight. She was about to ask him to come sit with them when she saw Artoo entering the sitting area and rolling across the floor towards his master.

He stopped at Anakin's left side and beeped up at him, but received no reply. So the blue droid gave Anakin a gentle bump against his leg. Anakin opened his eyes and looked down at his friend who omitted a small, sad beep. Anakin's shoulders relaxed and gave the droid a sad smile before placing his flesh hand on the droid's dome.

Artoo beeped what sounded like a question and Anakin shook his head. "I don't know Artoo. I don't know what's going to happen." His voice almost broke on the last word and the droid let out another sad whirl before rolling closer so his metal body was right up against Anakin's leg. The Jedi rubbed Artoo's dome again in gratitude.

A small smile spread across Padme's face as she watched this moment between the two friends. She was grateful to Artoo for helping Anakin relax even if it was to last for a short time. She looked down at Luke who was now looking up at her. She rubbed his cheek with her thumb, still astounded by the intelligent look which seemed so unnatural for a new-born who was only days old. Ahsoka's hand touched her shoulder and turned to face her, noticing at the same time that Leia had woken up and was watching her too.

"I think we'll be arriving soon," Ahsoka stated and Padme nodded, feeling her face drop slightly. "Keep strong Padme," she continued gently. "I know that we will get through this."

Padme smiled and reached up to hold the Togruta's small hand on her shoulder.

Soon they would be back once again on Coruscant. Would they be able to return to Naboo and remain there for as long as they wished? Unfortunately that was a question which had no answer yet.

Once they had arrived on Coruscant they first stopped at Padme's penthouse at her own insistence so she and Anakin could change and feed the twins. Since they now had a lot to carry round with them including clean nappies, milk, toys and a few other bits. Padme wanted to be sure they had everything since she didn't want to leave them alone with a babysitter at this point in time. When their bag was ready and packed, they laid the twins together in their baby hover-pram and re-boarded the ship and finally set out for the Jedi temple.

Anakin sat beside Padme this time though it was a short trip. They held hands and looked at the twins who were now sleeping peacefully with their tiny hands touching.

"Padme…I know you think that things will be ok, but for as long as I've been with the Jedi, their rules have never been contradicted as deep as this. And if the worst should happen, I'm afraid of what would happen if I resist their orders. I know the rest of them would overpower me. Though I know that Master Obi-Wan and Ahsoka would defend us, I don't want this to come to a fight. Not over our marriage, or Luke and Leia."

Padme put her arm round him. "It won't Anakin, I won't allow that to happen. After our few days rest, I have regained the strength I need to stand up for you. And I have many friends in the Senate that I'm positive would defend us if we needed. Just try to not focus on the worst outcome."

Through the viewport they both saw that they were coming into land and Anakin spotted Master Yoda and Master Windu waiting for them. They met each other's eyes again and she leaned in to give him a comforting kiss.

After landing, the eight of them descended the ramp. Obi-Wan and Ahsoka led the way, Anakin and Padme following with Luke and Leia, lying curled up in their hover-pram floating between them and Threepio and Artoo bringing up the rear. Along with Yoda and Windu, the small group of Council members stood behind them including all those who had accompanied them to Naboo stood waiting to greet them.

Obi-Wan bowed in greeting, but said nothing. Ahsoka's gaze was fixed on Plo-Koon who nodded to her in welcome. Most of the Council were looking towards the twins in wonderment while Master Windu and Master Yoda's expressions were blank and unreadable. Anakin clutched Padme's hand and she squeezed it reassuringly.

"Master Kenobi," said Windu. "You will join the rest of the Council to discuss the final verdict."

Obi-Wan nodded, his expression calm as he spoke. "Of course, I shall join you in a few moments."

"In the council chamber, we will await your presence," said Yoda. Both masters turned and left the hanger bay, the majority of the council following after them.

Kenobi came over to Anakin with Plo Koon following beside him. "Once we're ready for you Anakin, I shall contact you." He turned to Padme and Ahsoka. "And you're both welcome to attend as well."

"Thank You, Master Kenobi," said Padme gratefully.

He placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Don't lose hope, Anakin. I'm positive that a good number of the Council will be behind you."

Anakin nodded but his expression still looked unsure. "Thanks…Master." Kenobi squeezed his shoulder, his expression turning slightly sad.

"Keep strong Anakin. This is not the end." With that he turned away and went to follow Yoda and Windu.

Plo Koon put his own hand on Ahsoka's shoulder and she gave him a small smile. "I am proud of little Soka, your loyalty and spirit is as strong as a true Jedi."

Ahsoka lowered her gaze from her old friend. "I'm afraid I shall never be a Jedi again," she stated.

"Nevertheless, I feel you are a true Jedi. The Force has remained your ally and you continue to protect those in need." She gave Master Plo a smile and he patted her shoulder before leaving with Obi-Wan and the others.

There was no doubt that the news of Luke and Leia's birth had spread throughout the Temple. Because as the seven of them made their way across the hanger bay and through the Temple, every single head turned to watch them as they passed by. Anakin, of course, could feel what they were feeling, nearly every single one of them were fascinated, curious and in disbelief. It was almost like it had been a few days ago after he had returned from defeating Darth Sidious and saved the Republic. Except that the emotions back then were different. Back then they all saw him as the "Chosen One" who had brought balance to the Force. Now he was the first Jedi who had borne offspring. Twins who had inherited his Force abilities. He decided not to watch them and instead kept his eyes on Luke and Leia who looked so peaceful and innocent.

Ahsoka led them all to a small meditation room not far from the entrance to the main Council Chamber. It wouldn't be long now. The trial was finally upon them where this time, the verdict would be passed. Ahsoka and Padme were handling this easier than Anakin. For Padme had the same confidence she always held before having to give a speech before the Senate. And Ahsoka was still determined to do whatever it took to ensure that Anakin and Padme's happiness would not be tampered with. She was even prepared to fight if it came to that, however she was hoping that none of this would result in any bloodshed. She was done with fighting and there was no reason to start any useless fights absolutely necessarily. Especially with people she had looked up to her whole life and had known like a family.

Anakin did not know how long they all sat in that room, waiting. But the longer they waited, the more anxious he became. If it was taking this long for the Council to debate their decision it must not mean anything good. Luke and Leia had awoken a few minutes ago and they seemed unsettled in their hover-pram which now rested upon one of the round meditation chairs. Now and again they kept looking up at their father with their bright eyes. Anakin kept giving them small smiles and stroking their cheeks with his finger to try and reassure them.

The door opened and Anakin stiffened wondering if it was Obi-Wan coming to summon him to the chamber. But it was Captain Rex who entered the room carrying his helmet under his arm.

"Rex!" Ahsoka gasped in delight, jumping to her feet and going to him.

"Ahsoka!" The captain greeted her delightedly with a friendly hug. Anakin relaxed as he watched them but remained seated.

When Ahsoka stepped back from Rex, he caught sight of the twins and his expression became full of wonderment before he quickly turned his gaze to Anakin and Padme. "General Skywalker, Senator Amidala," Rex greeted them with a nod.

"Good to see you, Rex," said Anakin, feeling his concern temporarily drain away. "How are things with you?"

"All is well General. Maul is imprisoned and won't be escaping any time soon."

"Good job, Rex," Anakin congratulated him.

"Well I wouldn't take all the credit, General. Commander Tano here deserves most of it too." Ahsoka smiled. "And you deserve congratulations yourself General, for your defeat of Darth Sidious and saving the Republic."

Anakin smiled. "Thanks, Rex".

The clone captain's eyes returned to the two babies. His expression once again filled with wonder and when he spoke again it was slow and awed. "It appears that the rumors were true…." He stopped talking as though he couldn't think how to finish the sentence, his eyes fixed on the twins.

"Where did you hear rumors?" Ahsoka asked him.

"All over the Temple there've been whispers and some of my men heard them. We still found it hard to believe that…General Skywalker had…become a father."

"Well Rex, the rumors were true. This is Luke and Leia Skywalker," said Ahsoka, happily gesturing to each twin as she spoke their name. Rex turned to his friend for a brief moment before walking further into the room to see the twins more clearly. The two of them met the clone captain's eyes and he was astounded by the almost mature curiosity that reflected from the pair of them.

"Well…they certainly resemble both of you," he said to Anakin and Padme who smiled at his compliment. None of them spoke again for a few minutes until Anakin's comlink buzzed making all of them look up, even the twins.

Anakin switched it on and Obi-Wan's voice spoke to him, "Anakin, it is time."

"Yes Master," he answered simply before deactivating the comlink and pocketing it. His heart sank as the words flashed on and off in his head. It is time. He met the twin's curious eyes and slipped his fingers into their tiny hands. As he felt their little fingers close round his larger ones the dread he felt coursing through him faded slightly from the assurance of their grips. It was still so incredible how intelligent these children were and he gave both of them a sad smile. "Thank you, my angels."

All together, the group made their way to the Jedi Council Chamber. Once outside, Rex gave Anakin a salute. "Good luck, Sir," he said gently.

"Thanks, Rex," Anakin replied with a small nod.

The clone captain then turned to Ahsoka who stepped closer to him and the two friends held each other's gaze for a moment before she spoke.

"I'll try and see you later if I can."

Rex nodded. "Of course, and good luck kid. I hope everything goes alright." She gave him a small smile then he donned his helmet and left down the corridor.

She re-joined Anakin at his left side while Padme stood on his right, Artoo and Threepio stood behind them silent and loyal as they always were. "I said this last time and now I will say it once more. May the Force be with us all."

The corner of Anakin's lip curled up slightly into an almost crooked smile. "Let's hope so." Padme agreed. Anakin turned to her and held her gaze for a few seconds. "No matter what happens…" he started but was cut off by Padme who stepped close to kiss his lips. This loving gesture eased the tightness which had been forming in his stomach for the past few minutes.

"Nothing will separate us, Ani. Or the children," she promised with strong confidence in her voice.

"Nothing and no one will get past me to get to any of you." Ahsoka stated firmly.

"Thanks, Snips." And without another word, the seven of them made the way into the Council Chamber.

Once they entered the circular room they found the Jedi Masters all assembled in their chairs including some Jedi Masters who did not have chairs on the council. They stood at the back of the room in front of the viewports. Anakin was surprised that there were more Jedi present than they had been for the previous gathering in this chamber. Were they here just to bear witness or for some other unknown reason?

Kenobi looked thoughtful while Windu had a stony expression which made a shard of nervousness spark to life inside him. He pushed it away instantly, he had no reason to think like this.

"Young Skywalker," Yoda's voice brought him back to the present and he turned to face the ancient Jedi Master. "Step forward." Taking a deep breath he stepped into the centre of the room, the force swirling around him and keeping him calm. Yoda started speaking the moment they made eye contact with each other.

"Before the Jedi Council, you stand. Continuing your original trial, we are." He leaned back in his chair, his expression becoming equally as thoughtful as Obi-Wan's. "Accusations, you have faced. Rules, you have broken. Know well you do, a Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. A disappointing place your actions have put you."

Anakin said nothing or made any physical response to his words and had to resist clenching his fists as he prepared for the words that would follow. But it wasn't Yoda who now spoke. The small Jedi turned his wise eyes towards Obi-Wan seated beside him.

"However Anakin, since we previously held you on trial, your brave deeds and heroic actions since then allowed us to expose Darth Sidious's plan and locate the rest of the Separatist Council. And when we were in the face of disaster, you made a risky decision in perusing the Sith Lord when he escaped our custody. According to Master Windu, Sidious made a third attempt to turn you to the dark side and against the Jedi Order. However, you made the choice which saved not only the Jedi, but the Republic and the whole galaxy from the Sith."

The other Jedi who were seated and standing round the room all seemed to now be smiling across at him. Anakin's nerves were fading the more he looked at them.

"In light of your recent actions, young Skywalker," said Yoda, "Proved to us, you have, a true Jedi Knight you are." Anakin's heart was starting to pound fast as he listened. Was this really happening?

"Therefore," said Obi-Wan, "It is the council's decision that you shall keep your seat on the Council and you will hereby be granted the rank of Jedi Master."

Anakin's eyes widened in astonishment. Did Obi-Wan really say that? Could this really be true?

"…Master?" he echoed.

Obi-Wan nodded with a kind smile. "Anakin, in the last three times you have faced Palpatine, he tried to turn you to the dark side. And all three times you resisted the darkness. Only a true Jedi has the ability to resist the temptation of power that he was trying to lure you in with. And in doing so, you have proved to all of us that you have the true heart of a Jedi and so earned the rank of Jedi Master." He gestured to Anakin's empty seat. "It's all yours, Master Skywalker."

This had to be a dream or a hallucination. But the Force which still surrounded him was telling him that Obi-Wan spoke the truth. At last he had achieved what he had been working so hard for in such a long time. And now that he had it, he couldn't believe that it had really happened. He looked towards his seat, but something else came to his mind. He glanced behind him at the others. Padme had tears of joy in her eyes, Ahsoka looked astonished, Artoo was rocking from side to side and let out an excited beep. Threepio had his hand placed on Artoo's dome and gave Anakin a respectful bow. Finally he looked at the hover-bed and there lay the question which still lay in his mind.

Slowly he turned back around and did his best to keep the nerves out of his voice as he asked, "What is to become of my children?"

At these words the mood in the room shifted. The smiles of some of the Jedi faded a little and a few gazes moved to the door where the hover-pram holding the two babies floated gently.

"A discussion on the young ones, there has been," Yoda stated. "Strong in the Force, they are."

"I wish to train them," Anakin declared quickly before Yoda could say any more. "I feel this strong connection to them through the Force. Stronger than any connection I have ever felt with another Force sensitive. I believe it strongly has to do with us being related by blood. Because of this powerful connection, I feel that I am the only one who can understand them and have the ability to teach them. And I intend to train them with or without your approval."

Silence followed Anakin's statement, and a mixture of emotions saturated the Force around him. Admiration, disbelief, amazement and off to Anakin's right he was sure he could feel a strong sense of disapproval coming from Master Windu, but he didn't dare turn to face him.

Nonetheless, it was Mace Windu who spoke up next. "It is our intention to have the children trained, Anakin. The potential they hold cannot be wasted." Despite still feeling the odd sense of disapproval from him, Anakin gave him a nod of agreement.

It was a relief when Obi-Wan's voice spoke up and directed his attention. "We have all spoken over the plan of having Luke and Leia trained. I shared your feelings and your wish, and the majority of us have decided that you certainly would be the right choice to teach these young ones. Furthermore, I have put forward the decision that the twins will not be brought here and be trained as traditional Younglings. The decision of the Council is that the twins may remain with you and Senator Amidala."

A burst of joy exploded within Anakin's heart. He could keep them! And he could be a father to his twins as well as a teacher! It was too incredible to be true, a joyful smile filled his face and he gave a grateful bow.

"Thank you, Master. I cannot express how grateful I am for all this."

Obi-Wan smiled back at him. "You earned all this, Anakin. So in a way you have done this yourself. And I am very proud of you."

"We all are," came the voice of Kit Fisto. "If not for you, we may not be here."

"You have already been a good teacher to Ahsoka, Skywalker. There is little doubt that you will be the same with your twins," said Plo Koon.

"And I think that they will look up to you the whole way, as both their father and their teacher," said Ayla Secura.

"You may start teaching them when they come of appropriate age," Ki-Andi Mundi stated.

Anakin smiled round at the Jedi Masters for their kind words.

"And finally Anakin," said Master Windu, "the charges of which you were previously accused of in the prior trial of breaking the Jedi Code and rule of "No attachments" have been cleared and the case has been closed."

Relief surged through Anakin and he could not put into words how he felt. He turned back to face Yoda and Obi-Wan.

"Go now, you may, if you wish, Master Skywalker," said Yoda graciously. Anakin felt his insides glow with the Force at being addressed as "Master".

"Thank you, Master Yoda. Yes, I wish to."

The ancient Master gave him a small bow of his own before saying, "May the Force be with you."

Anakin gave all the Jedi one last smile and a bow before he turned to his family who were all bright with happiness. He saw that Padme's tears of happiness were still there and wrapped an arm round her as the group exited the Jedi Council Chamber.

Anakin and Padme walked out from the Council Chamber with the others, and the moment they were alone down the sunlit corridor, they flung their arms round each other and Anakin swung her around making her giggle. He kept his arms wrapped round her as he set her down and the two held each other close.

"Oh, Ani," Padme said happily burying her face into his neck.

"I can't believe it! I just can't believe they allowed us this!" He said running one hand up her back. She leaned back and so did he so they were facing each other.

"I know, it's so wonderful! I knew we could count on Obi-Wan."

"We don't need to thank just Obi-Wan," said Ahsoka, who stood beside the twin's hover-pram. "Master Plo and more than half of the Council are supporting you due to your heroic efforts in saving the Republic. I also believe that Master Yoda thinks it's time for a change. I mean, things can't stay exactly the same forever."

Anakin nodded. "I don't think Master Windu agrees with this, Snips. I could sense it the whole time we were in there," he said with gloom entering his voice.

"I know that he doesn't Anakin, but his opinion is overruled by the majority of the Council. And the decision had been made and declared before them all. You have nothing left to worry about now. You can be a parent and remain as a Jedi Council member."

Anakin nodded and his smile returned. He reached toward Ahsoka and she joined the two of them in a group hug.

They broke apart as Luke and Leia began letting out cute baby giggles and rolling about together in the pram. The sound of his children's laughter was music to Anakin's ears and he stepped over to scoop both the babies up into his arms and hold them to him. They murmured into his chest, and he kissed them both on their foreheads lovingly. Padme and Ahsoka smiled happily and the two of them wrapped each other in a hug.

The door to the chamber opened and they all turned to see Obi-Wan come out, a warm smile lighting up his kind face. Padme let go of Ahsoka and ran to the Jedi Master who caught her up in a hug.

"Thank you so much, Master Kenobi," she said joyfully.

Obi-Wan laughed softly and returned her hug whole heartedly. "It was nothing, Padme."

"But without your help this probably wouldn't have worked out the way it did."

Obi-Wan laughed again and rested a hand on her shoulder. "But Anakin did it himself. His actions of the heart proved who he really was and in doing so, most of the Council decided that he deserved this."

Anakin put the twins back in the pram and approached Kenobi while Padme went back to stand with Ahsoka and the babies. "Master, I have wanted to receive this rank for so long and now I have it, it doesn't feel like I thought it would."

Obi-Wan chuckled and squeezed his upper arm. "It's just because it was an unexpected surprise. After some time you will become more accustomed to how it feels. And I think it's time that we establish that I am no longer your master. Since you now have the same rank as myself you don't have to use it as though you're still my student."

"But I can use it if I still wish to?" He asked.

"Of course." A short silence followed between the two Jedi as the both smiled warmly at each other.

"Come on," said Anakin finally. "Let's go." Putting his arm back round Padme the group walked on down the corridor.

The droids who were following a short way behind them turned to each other. "I don't know about you, Artoo but I am so happy for Master Anakin." Artoo beeped delightedly. "Yes, I also hope that more good will come." And with that they continued following their masters as the sun which still shone through the windows gleamed off their metal bodies.

Author's Notes
Hello there! I know it has been another long break between the last update. But since then I have been busy and when I eventually continued working on this new chapter it took a long time to write. Since I wanted to get the trial written right and I hope that you like it.

I am very grateful for the strong support and kind words that were sent to me in regard for my late Grandad. I am also grateful for the continued following and reviews of this fanfic. And please continue doing so with this chapter. Review, favorite, follow and keep and eye out for the next chapter.

And thanks very much to my Great Beta Reader Carrie2sky.

May The Force Be With You!
LouisaJane007