Chapter 17
We're Worth It
Words- 6,124
We Pretend It's Alright
(Two days after Padme has left)
"The Psychology team has determined that Anakin Skywalker is not psychologically unstable in any terms. He doesn't seem deceptive and passed all truth tests we performed on him. From our examination, it seems that Skywalker is the man he claims to be, and he did not have alter motives in murdering the Chancellor. However, he is very guarded and we have been unable to determine what he is triggering that secretively, though it is only around his personal life. A full copy of the report has been sent to the judges, defense, prosecution, and logged in the case record."
"The prosecution requests a question?" Fornium declared, stepping forward after the head psychologist finished speaking.
"Granted." Grumbled the Judge, looking down curiously.
"Dr. Krolium, if you believe Skywalker had no ulterior motives, such as Galaxy domination, why would he remain so secretive?"
"As I previously stated, we are unsure. Skywalker was forthcoming with all details around the Chancellor; his reluctance came with discussing anything to do with his personal life, such as his involvement with the Jedi and his past. But again, our exam concludes no quest for Galaxy-domination." The doctor reiterated, his expression quite emotionless as he returned Fornium's gaze.
"Can you really be sure that his secrets have nothing to do with his power-hungry nature?" Fornium pressed, refusing to lose the key point of his case.
"Of course, we cannot be a hundred percent correct, but our team believes Mr. Skywalker was not plotting to overthrow and seize control of the Republic." The Doctor said, a touch of boredom in his voice now as stated his point yet again.
"Is two days truly enough time to determine that?"
"We have thoroughly examined Mr. Skywalker and these are our results." The doctor said, adjusting his glasses in a habitual way. "Mr. Skywalker is mentally sound and not a psychopath bent on domination. Anything else?"
"That will be all," Fornium sneered, evidently frustrated with the result of his questioning. "Though I again implore everyone to remember Skywalker's secretiveness, what has he got to hide?" He let the question hang in the air as he returned to his desk, eager to leave doubt in the minds all over the Galaxy.
We Pretend It's Alright
(Three days later)
"The defense calls Ahsoka Tano to the stand."
Jinka's voice rang out in the court room as Ahsoka stood us from her seat amongst the crowd, hundreds of eyes turning to watch her as she descended the stairs to the courtroom floor. She gave Anakin a small smile as she passed him, hoping she wouldn't screw this up. Anakin returned the smile encouraging, wishing as he watched Ahsoka climb up to the witness stand that he could go up there with her. It had been five days since Padme had left and after discussion on the psychological exam and examination of evidence, it was time for Ahsoka's key character witness. The court in more of place to like Anakin after the positive exam results and finger print evidence.
"Ms. Tano, please describe your relationship to Mr. Skywalker." Jinka asked, leaving the rest up to Ahsoka. After the positive feedback from the psychological exam, they really needed Ahsoka's testimony to drive home confidence in Anakin's character.
"Anakin was my Jedi Master for almost three years." Ahsoka started, her voice calm and composed. "We spent almost all of that time together, fighting in the Clone Wars for the Republic. Anakin taught me loyalty, courage, and to how to trust my skills and overcome obstacles. He taught me almost everything I know." Ahsoka said, looking down at Anakin as she spoke. He smiled back at her, touched by her words.
"As someone incredibly close to Anakin, did you ever notice any dark tendencies?"
"Anakin has always been rooted in the light side of the force. The dark side has attempted numerous times to gain his alliance, but they never have because Anakin will never turn to the dark side. He isn't power hungry; his goal in life is not world domination."
"What would you say Anakin's motivations are then?"
"Anakin…" Ahsoka paused, not quite sure how to phrase this. "Anakin fights for peace, like all Jedi do. He wants to be a part of Galaxy free from suffering, especially for those he cares about. Anakin is driven by his loyalty to the Republic, to obtaining justice and freedom, and… his family."
"Could you define that family?"
"Well," Ahsoka started, "Anakin's family is his friends, Master Kenobi, Senator Amidala, Captain Rex, the 501st." She looked down at Anakin again, feeling a lump in her throat as she gazed encouragingly at him, thinking about what he had said to her six days ago. "And I guess me." She finished, trying to keep her voice clear as she tore her gaze from Anakin, a small smile trying to creep onto her face.
"As someone who has witnessed Anakin in battle more than most, would you describe him as overly aggressive?"
"Anakin knows where to draw the line, he doesn't cross it." Ahsoka said clearly. "He lives by a code, a set of standards he follows and holds himself to. I've seen Anakin face off with enemies that most would not think to keep alive, but he manages to."
"And how would you address events such as the murder of Count Dooku?"
"Count Dooku had escaped the Republic numerous times before, had cut off Anakin's arm, and it would have been incredibly difficult for Anakin to keep him prisoner while saving the Chancellor and Obi Wan in a ship that was ripped in half. I don't think many people realize how tricky that situation was, especially with the Chancellor directly ordering Anakin to kill Count Dooku." Ahsoka explained. "Anakin is good, but he's not that good. I don't think he could have kept Dooku prisoner in that situation." Ahsoka said, teasing lightly as she saw Anakin narrow his eyes at her.
"Is there anything else you wish to say about Anakin?"
"Anakin has too much to live for to throw it away by turning to the dark side. He has risked his life for the Republic since he was eight. He has risked everything so that people everywhere don't have to suffer as he has. He would never want to subject the Galaxy to more pain as Palpatine would have." Ahsoka declared, looking again at Anakin as she spoke. "He is one of the bravest and most courageous people I have ever met, and I am honored to know him. I wish you could all know him the way I do." She finished simply.
"The defense rests." Jinka said confidently, nodding to Ahsoka as she took her seat.
"Does the prosecution wish the question the witness?" The Judge aksed, looking down at Fornium.
"Yes, we do." The head prosecutor stated, stepping forward. "Ms. Tano, why did you leave the Jedi order a little over a year ago?"
Ahsoka frowned, caught slightly off guard by the question. "I left, well, because the Jedi Order wasn't something I wanted to be a part of anymore."
"Care to elaborate?"
"The war has dominated all of the Jedi order's actions and I believe it is clouding everyone's judgments and creating a path that was not ending in peace."
"So the Jedi are perpetuating the war?"
"No, that is not true. The Jedi are doing all they can to end the war, but the war has become the top priority for the Jedi and that is not how it should be ideally. The Order became something I couldn't see myself in for the time being." Ahsoka asserted, hoping everyone would understand her intentions.
"From what you are saying, it sounds like the Jedi have become power hungry. Could they have sought to overthrow the Chancellor and seize control for themselves?"
"No, the Jedi want the war to end so they can remove themselves from the conflict. The Jedi are guardians of peace, not rulers." Ahsoka restated, getting annoyed now.
"You spoke of Anakin's family earlier. Who would you say Mr. Skywalker is most loyal to?"
"I wouldn't have an answer to that." Ahsoka said carefully, wondering what Fornium was getting at.
"No?" Fornium said loftily. "Can you explain your relationship Senator Amidala?"
"I met Senator Amidala as Anakin's Padawan. We became friends and she aided in my legal defense when I was arrested last year on false charges." Ahsoka shot a glance at Anakin who was glaring at Fornium.
"You are… close?"
"I would say so."
"Are you aware that Senator Amidala and Anakin Skywalker are romantically engaged, that he is the father of her unborn children?" Fornium said suddenly, a satisfied smile on his face as noise erupted all over the room at his reveal.
The court room was out of control, beyond shocked by the man's words. Even the Judge seemed to forget his role in light of the news, taking a minute to regain his composure and call for order.
Ahsoka looked down at Anakin who was looking down, head in his hands. Ahsoka could feel the anger and pain streaming off of Anakin, and she knew Obi Wan would feel it to. She half expected the room to start shaking. This was not good. Jinka and Helgo exchanged shocked looks, before Jinka started whispering urgently to Anakin, who made the slightest of nods. Jinka turned back to Helgo, frustration on her face.
"Ms. Tano?" Fornium asked, the crowd still buzzing.
"The defense requests a short break to review this new claim." Jinka interrupted, standing up.
"A fifteen minute recess is granted." The Judge allowed.
We Pretend It's Alright
"How could you not tell us this!" Jinka exclaimed as she paced around the room she stood in with Anakin, Ahsoka, and Helgo.
"We didn't think it would come up." Anakin said, now feeling resigned. The anger he had experienced right after Fornium had revealed their personal lives, putting his family at risk, had been dangerous. But if prison had tgiven one thing, it was time. He had been metidating for hours eahch day, potentially even rivialing Master Yoda's meditation scheldue. He had put his head down and found balance, working to dissapat his anger. He was now trying to remain calm, and anserwed the question calmly. "We wanted to keep our personal lives personal."
"We would have at least been prepared!" Jinka said, stopping her pacing and turning to face Anakin. "So you are the father of Padme's children?"
"Yes, I am the father." Anakin confirmed, ignoring how strange it felt to say that out loud in front of people and glancing at Ahsoka. "How did he find out?"
"It doesn't matter now, if we try to deny it, it'll only blow up in our faces." Helgo rationed, "We have to be forthcoming.
"Ahsoka, confirm it, then put me back on the stand." Anakin said, nodding as he formed his plan, knowing he was out of options. "I'll tell them about Padme, it'll win me sympathy. Play up the romance, right? Plus, now that it's out, I'll explain that's why I was expelled from the Order and that removes that suspicion. I didn't want this for Padme, but it's too late now, so let's use it." He finished looking around for confirmation.
"Alright." Jinka said, still a little agitated. "You better hope he doesn't find a way to use this against you."
"I'll be fine, everyone loves babies and a good love story, this will work." Anakin dismissed, hoping that he was right.
"You sure Skyguy?" Ahsoka asked, wishing this could go another way for both his and Padme's sake.
"It has to be this way." Anakin said. "Someone call Padme and let her know what's happening."
"I will." Helgo said, "I'll join you in court room by the time Anakin is on the stand. Good luck." He said, walking out of the room to reach a secure comm station.
Jinka exited as well, leaving Anakin and Ahsoka alone in the room.
"I'm sorry this is happening." Ahsoka said with a frown, placing her hand on Anakin's shoulder . "I know it's not what you wanted. I could feel your anger before, in the court room, but I felt it fade away,"
"I controlled it. I've been working on it, finally taking up that meditation Master Yoda was always recommending. Plus, what could I do? It's out there and I can't change that." Anakin sighed, meeting her gaze. "Now I just have to sell it."
Ahsoka nodded, trying to hide her surprise. After Padme had told her about their fight before she left, Ahsoka hadn't been expecting this new, calm Anakin. But to be fair, while controlling his anger is a good first step, she had felt that anger in the courtroom. Still, this was great progress and she was happy for him. They headed towards the door where the guards waited to escort Anakin back to the court room.
"What you said before, Ahsoka, on the stand." Anakin started as they walked out of the door way. "It meant a lot, to know you think that of me."
"Don't let it go to your head, Skyguy." Ahsoka retorted, flashing him a smile as the guards started to escort them back.
"I learned a lot from you too, you know." Anakin added thoughtfully. "When this is all over, you should stick around. Jedi be damned, but maybe we can teach each other a thing or two."
Ahsoka grinned back at Anakin as they approached the doors to the court room. "That's a date then." Ahsoka declared, nodding to Anakin who grinned back at her.
"A promise."
We Pretend It's Alright
"What?"
"Anakin is going on the stand as we speak, he's going to confirm it all." Helgo's voice sounded distant as it played out of Padme's comm link. How could this be happening? How did they get this information?
"And that's the best course of action? Having Anakin reveal everything?" Padme said incredulously.
"It seems so."
Padme looked up as someone knocked on the door to her temporary office.
"Madam Senator, they are ready for you." A voice came from the other side. Padme sighed looking down at her comm link as she contemplated her course of action. There was nothing she could do now, even if Anakin denied it all no one would believe him, especially if the prosecution had proof, which she bet they did.
"I'll be right out." Padme called, trying to gather her thoughts. "Helgo, I have to go. I'll call you as soon as my meeting is over, alright?"
"Good Luck Padme."
"You too." She answered as the comm clicked off.
Well, there was no point in sitting here worrying, she supposed. She had a war to end. Padme stood up slowly, the immense weight of her stomach making it that much harder.
"Time to save the world." She muttered to herself as she stood up. She walked to the entrance of her door, which opened to reveal both Obi Wan and her escort waiting for her.
"Everything alright, Padme?" Obi Wan said as they began to walk, a few steps behind the escort. "You look a little shaken."
"Anakin is about to go on the stand and tell the Galaxy about our relationship." She said calmly.
"Are you serious?" Obi Wan said, shock in his voice. "Why would he do that?"
"The prosecution just asked Ahsoka if she knew about it, they must know. I don't know how they found out, but they must have."
"I'm so sorry, Padme. I know you didn't want this." Obi Wan looked regretfully at the pregnant woman beside her. After everything they had been through…
"I just need to focus on these negotiations right now." Padme said, smiling softly at the man. "Plus, maybe it will end up being a good thing. Eventually."
Obi Wan was silent for a moment, his mind wandering as it so often did to Satine. He could have been in this situation had she asked him to. But she never did.
"He misses you, you know." Padme said after a minute, noticing the sadness that had entered the Jedi's eyes. "He is trying."
"I know he is." Obi Wan said softly. "I hope he can forgive me."
"I think he already has." Padme said, wincing as one of the twins gave a hard kick. "If you went to him, I don't think he'd turn you away."
"Perhaps." Obi Wan mused, stroking his beard as they reached the negotiation room.
We Pretend It's Alright
Ahsoka walked into the courtroom first, ready to confirm her family's best kept secret.
Anakin walked I'm behind her, watching her walk back to the stand. As he felt every eye in the courtroom watch her walk up, he couldn't help but think about the start of this all, that hour two standard days after the Battle of Geonosis.
oOo
(Two days after the Battle of Geonosis)
"Hi."
Anakin looked up at the sound of the voice he had yearned for since he had heard it last.
"Hi." He said meekly, a timid smile on his face as he sat up in his hospital bed. She stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame.
Padme responded with a similar smile, walking into the room and over to Anakin's bed. There was a moment of silence as they looked at each other, neither quite knowing what to say.
"How's your arm? We're they able to save it?" Padme asked, breaking the silence.
"Not quite." Anakin said, holding up his arm and letting his sleeve roll down, revealing his robotic arm.
"Oh, Anakin." Padme gasped, looking regretfully at the metal appendage. "I'm so sorry."
"It's okay." Anakin reassured her, smiling. "I don't mind it, I guess. It works pretty well, so no complaints here." He reached out his robotic hand to Padme. "Go on, take it." He urged.
"Are you-"
"I'm sure, it's fine. Don't be scared." He smiled. She gave him a nervous look before slowly reaching out her hand. Tentatively, she laid her hand on the palm of the metal one, flinching at the coldness. Anakin's fingers entwined with hers and their eyes meet.
"I was worried about you." Anakin admitted. "I tried asking around, but no one was eager to tell me anything beyond you were released a few days ago."
"Well, that's about it." Padme said, sitting down on the edge of the bed as Anakin scooted over to make a space for her. "They treated the scratches on my back, and I stayed a night for that to heal. The next morning, I was released and I've been working non-stop for the past two days doing damage control. And there certainly is a lot of damage." She trailed off, her eyes deep in thought.
"I've heard they declared war on the Separatists." Anakin said off-handedly, watching her curiously.
"So they have.." She said with a frown, her eyes meeting his.
"Well, I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later." Anakin rationed. "Better to deal with it now than deny the inevitable."
"War is the only option to find peace?" Padme asked, her eyes narrowing and her eyebrows rising as she posed the question. "I wouldn't expect such a sentiment from a Jedi."
"No, but in this case it's unavoidable. Better to except the fight and defeat them on the battlefield then to hide behind politics." Anakin said with a shrug.
"And what of the innocent lives lost?" Padme argued, her brow furled as she stared at him.
"There are always casualties, one way or another. People know what they are risking. At least this way, they have a choice."
"And what choice is that?"
"A choice to fight, to stand up. I choose every day to fight, so do you. We could end up as casualties, we almost did." Anakin explained, and his hand tightened on hers when he mentioned their brush with death. "But we lived, and now we will choose to fight again, as is our duty."
They were silent for a moment. The weight of Anakin's words hung over them, each thinking about how close they had come to death, to becoming causalities.
"I still don't think war is the solution." Padme murmured, and Anakin could see the fear in her eyes.
"Well, at this point I don't think our opinions matter. What's coming will come, and we'll meet it when it does." Anakin said, giving Padme a reassuring smile. His smile turned to a frown as she lightly hit his arm laughing.
"Very original Anakin." She snorted, rolling her eyes at the Jedi. " "What's coming will come", Master Obi Wan said the same thing at a meeting this morning."
"How was I supposed to know he told you that too?" He defended himself, Padme still laughing. "It's not my fault he comes up with one good thing to say and then repeats it to everyone!" By now they were both laughing and Padme clutched his arm, feeling truly happy for the first time since Geonosis.
"Anakin, I love you." Padme laughed. They both froze, realizing what she had just inadvertently said. "I'm sorry." She said at once, turning away. "I told you that in a hard situation and I shouldn't-"
"No, don't be sorry." Anakin said at once, leaning towards her. "I… I love you too." He said with a smile. "That hasn't changed for me. I want to be with you, Padme, forever. I've loved you since the day I met you, and my love for you has only grown. I want to be with you, do you want that too?" He asked, trying not to sound to desperate for her answer. If she didn't feel the way he did, he didn't want to get his hopes to high.
"Anakin…" She trailed off with a sigh.
Anakin moved back from her, his face expressionless and his mind blank, certain of her answer. "It's fine, I understand." He said quickly, looking down and retracting his hand from hers. "I'm sorry, I-"
"No, that's not what I mean." She interrupted, taking his hand again and turning towards him. Her other hand caressed his cheek and he looked back up at her, their faces inches apart.
"I… I meant what I said. I love you." She murmured with a smile, Anakin's face now mirroring hers. "I'm just worried." She said after a pause. "I don't know how we can do this. I'm a Senator and you're a Jedi. I just don't know how we could do it."
"We could though." Anakin said softly. "I mean, if we really cared about each other, and I think we do, we could make it work."
"How-"
"Well, we wouldn't see each other all the time, but I'm on Coruscant often, and so are you. Plus, with the war the Jedi will be working closely with the Senate."
"But it's forbidden for you to have a relationship." Padme pointed out.
"Well," Anakin started with a mischievous expression. "Technically relationships aren't banned. What's banned is forming attachments, and what that means is disputable even."
"Anakin." Padme said, her eyebrows raised. "I don't think the Council will go for that."
"Maybe not, but we could keep it a secret. And if it ever did happen to come up, I could claim ignorance."
"Anakin, I am not naive enough to believe that would work, and neither are you. If we do this, we both must accept the risks of what could happen if we were found out." Padme said with a grim expression. "Is it worth it to you?"
"Yes." Anakin said earnestly without hesitation. "You're worth it to me, Padme. Is it worth it for you?"
"I think it is." She admitted after a pause, sounding a bit surprised herself. "I think we're worth it." She said with a laugh, and Anakin grinned back at her.
"I think we are too." He agreed, and his smile grew. "Are we really doing this?" He said after a moment in giddy disbelief. "Are we going to be together?"
"I think we are." Padme laughed in the same happy, disbelieving tone. She leaned in and kissed the Jedi, who kissed her back with equal enthusiasm.
oOo
"We're worth it." Anakin murmured to himself as he took his seat at the defense's table, looking up to watch Ahsoka sit back down in the witness chair and bracing himself for what was about to occur.
"The defense plans to call Anakin Skywalker back to the stand after Ahsoka Tano." Jinka announced and excited whispers ignited throughout the room.
The Judge nodded, "The prosecution may resume."
All whispers in the room stopped immediately, everyone desperate to learn the truth. Ahsoka tried to look calm and confident as Fornium approached, hoping he wouldn't push too much.
"Well, Ms. Tano, my question remains the same. Are you aware of a romantic relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala?"
"Yes, I am." Ahsoka stated, bracing herself as noise erupted throughout the room yet again.
"Order!"
As the noise died down again, Fornium resumed his attack. "When did you first learn for their relationship."
"About two standard years ago."
"How did they reveal this to you?"
"I… I overheard a conversation." Ahsoka said, fighting the uncomfortable feeling dwelling up in her stomach.
"Did Skywalker ever use his status as a Jedi and relationship with Senator Amidala to gain access to Senate information?"
"Anakin is not interested in the Senate, he doesn't like politics." Ahsoka said coldly, her brow furled as she narrowed her eyes at Fornium. What was he on about?
"And yet he secretly married a Senator?"
Ahsoka shrugged, wanting to get this over with, she didn't think anything more she would say would help.
"The prosecution rests." Fornium announced, obviously eager to get to Anakin.
"The defense calls Anakin Skywalker to the stand." Jinka announced and Anakin was escorted up as Ahsoka descended. They shared a brief look as the crossed paths, a silent encouragement.
"Mr. Skywalker, can you please explain your relationship to Senator Amidala?" Jinka asked, giving Anakin the perfect platform.
"I first met Padme when I was a boy on Tatooine, a slave, when she came to with Jedi Master Qui Gon Jinn and Obi Wan. After Naboo was freed from the Separatist Blockade, I went to be trained as a Jedi and she continued serving as Queen of Naboo. I thought I'd never see her again." Anakin started, the crowd hanging on his every word.
"About four years ago, when I was still a padawan, she returned to Coruscant, now Senator of Naboo, and I was assigned as her protection while there was a plot to assassinate her. Over that time, we… became close. After my mother died, I think we both realized our feelings for each other. At least, that was when I knew. The next day, as we awaited our execution on Geonosis, she told me how she felt and I told her the same, both of us believing we were about to die. "
A few "aww"'s were hear in the room as everyone felt for the couple.
"After the Battle of Geonosis, we decided that we would be together, but both maintain our respective duties as Senator and Jedi. We decided keeping it a secret would be best for everyone. We married in secret a short time later."
"So you told no one?" Jinka asked, leading him again.
"No one." Anakin confirmed. "We didn't wish it to interfere with our professional lives. Our duty has always been important to us, especially Padme. Even right now, she is off negotiating the end of the war because it is her duty to the Republic." Anakin said, a hint of pride in his voice.
"Did either of you regret your actions?"
"No, at least I haven't, and I believe I can speak for Padme as well. It hasn't been easy, often times we see each other very little, but for the ten minutes I see her after two months apart, I'm reminded that it's worth it." Anakin said, watching as the crowd ate up his every word, falling for the Galaxy's newest love story.
"And you are the father of Senator Amidala's child?"
"Yes." Anakin said proudly. "Those are my kids, and I'll be damned if I don't see them grow up." He said fiercely, looking pointedly at Fornium, who was still smirking.
"No further questions."
"The prosecution may begin." The Judge said, looking thoughtfully down at Anakin.
"Mr. Skywalker, do you truly believe us to not see what's going on here?" Fornium said, stepping forward with a glint in his eyes.
"Seeing as you're the one who decided to reveal my personal life, I don't know what you are insinuating." Anakin shot back, not eager for what Fornium was going to try to spin this into.
"Coincidence is it, that you visited Senator Amidala right after you committed this crime?"
"First, I am innocent of these crimes. And I went to her because I knew I could trust her."
"Do you truly believe that we don't see the plot?"
Anakin narrowed his eyes, still not sure where Fornium was going.
"This attack on the Chancellor, regardless of the Chancellor's true motives, was a plot planned by Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala to seize control of the Republic." Fornium announced to the room at large. "Skywalker took out the leader of the Republic, and now his wife leads the discussion on the fate of the Galaxy. They have played us since the start."
"That is ridiculous." Anakin scoffed, rolling his eyes as the room started to buzz. "If Padme was trying to gain control, why wouldn't she be running for Chancellor? Why would she be about to take maternity leave? Why would she be trying to end the turmoil in the Galaxy? This is nothing more than slander and lies."
"But her close friend Senator Organa is running."
"He has been planning to run for Chancellor for years now, and again, Padme has no plans to run for any high office. As for myself, I was a Jedi and General, but not anylonger. I gave it up for Padme, for my family. I have no position of power and am not going to pursue one." Anakin shut him down again.
"Then what do you plan to do, assuming you are freed? You except us to believe you will hide away?"
"That's exactly what I was planning on." Anakin said, though he wouldn't have phrased it that way. "Once the war is resolved, Senator Amidala and I planned to go off world and raise your children away from places like this." Outside of the eyes of the Republic, Anakin thought to himself.
"And what of your duty you spoke so highly of?"
"I am no longer a Jedi, I was expelled because of my relationship. Padme will continue to serve the Republic I expect, and she's pretty good at it too." Anakin said, pride in his voice again.
"So this is the reason you were expelled from the Order? This is the measure of the 'code' you broke?"
"Jedi aren't supposed to form attachments, I did. This is why I was expelled, unrelated from the crimes I am accused of, as I've been saying the whole time." Anakin said calmly, watching as Fornium struggled to gain back the advantage.
"Anything else?" Anakin asked mockingly, knowing he had gained the favor of the Galaxy today.
"The prosecution rests." Fornium said reluctantly. This had not gone as planned.
Anakin smiled down at Jinka, who was looking up at him mildly impressed with how he had handled the situation. Maybe this had helped the case.
We Pretend It's Alright
"-And Core worlds and Outer-Rim worlds are to have equal standings." Padme confirmed as they went over the deal for the hundredth time. "We want all planets to be heard and have their needs met, not to exploit them like what has happened in the past. And the special counsel for overseeing that the needs of Outer-Rim worlds are addressed will assure that this happens."
"And the ultimate power clause will be repealed."
"Yes." Padme said, feeling a sense of relief as the negotiations finally seemed to be wrapped up.
"Senator Kihn, urgent message." An aide to the acting leader of the Separatist convoy had walked into the room and quietly stated this to the Senator, a sense of immediacy in his tone. The Senator narrowed his eyes curiously as he briefly excused himself, following his aide into the hall.
Padme leaned back in her chair, eager to finalize the treaty and return to Coruscant with it. She had been gone five days now and been working tirelessly day and night to bring a swift end to the negotiations. They had finally found the correct terms that each side agreed on, all she needed was this final signature from the head of the Separatist convoy and she could return to Coruscant with the treaty. The Senate would Ratify it and that would be the end of the War. She couldn't help but smile to herself as the reality of this crossed her mind. This conflict had brought nothing but pain for the Galaxy and this end would be a triumph for all. They were creating a new Republic, one she would be proud to serve.
She was also eager to get out of this meeting to find out what happened with Anakin announcing their relationship. This would hurt her politically, but she didn't believe the people of Naboo would lose their faith in her, even if she lost the trust of some of her colleagues. Half of them already hated her, what's a few more?
With a cough, Senator Kihn reentered the room, looking troubled.
"Senator Amidala," He started in his thickly accented voice, "Are you married to the man accused of murdering the former Supreme Chancellor?"
Padme looked up shocked, how could news have reached here so quickly? "Well, yes, I am." She said, no shame in her voice.
The man stared incredulously at her. "How could you not share something of this gravity? This crime is the only reason these negations are taking place, do you truly believe us to expect this was not all your plan?"
Padme raised her brow, staring in disbelief at the Senator. "You can't be serious?" She asked. "That concept is ridiculous. Anakin Skywalker was confronted by the Chancellor, who was playing both sides of the war, and he was forced to fight him as he attempted to murder Anakin. This was no premeditated power play, I gain no status from this, if anything I lose it." She exclaimed. "The Chancellor orchestrated the escalation of this war, eager to throw the Galaxy into chaos to gain more power. The problems we have discussed did start long before him, but could have been resolved without war, as we know see after both sides have gained nothing from the fight. We are negotiating a stronger Galaxy, one that works for all systems, not just the Core. I am going on leave as soon as this is done, I am not seeking power."
The Senator considered her for a moment. After a minute, he nodded slowly. "I am sorry to accuse you, Senator, the situation was rather shocking, and you must admit it did seem suspicious. I believe what you have said, I do not wish for this war to continue either."
"Thank you Senator Kihn." Padme smiled, straightening up and pushing the paper towards him. "Shall we put an end to this?" She asked, extending her pen towards him.
"I believe so." The Senator replied, accepting her offer and signing his name with a flourish.
We Pretend It's Alright
"I'll be flying tomorrow to the Separatist Senate to present to them the treaty personally. " Padme told the hologram of Ahsoka that stood in her vanity. "I should be on my way back to Coruscant late tomorrow night and home by morning."
"Anakin will be excited." Ahsoka smiled, also eager for the Senator to return home. "And I'll be excited not to hear about his whining from Jinka anymore." She laughed, earning a smile from Padme as well. "I can't believe you finally did it."Ahsoka said, impressed. "I can't believe the war will be over."
"The Galaxy is turning a new page." Padme replied, a sense of excitement in her voice. "Hopefully the measures we are implementing will work and the Republic will help all systems, as it was meant to."
"With people like you leading it, it will."
"Please let Bail Organa win." Padme wished, laughing lightly with Ahsoka. "You did really well, you know." She added, resuming prepping her hair for tomorrow's elaborate style.
Ahsoka looked questioning at her for a minute, not understanding what Padme was referring to.
"Your testimony today." Padme prompted, "I watched the recordings of the trial from today, you did really well."
"I just talked about Anakin." Ahsoka shrugged. "I think the prosecutor let me off easy, he just wanted to use me to confirm you guys."
"Don't diminish your actions." Padme chastened lightly, "The crowd loved what you said, you really drove home that he's a person, especially after the psychological report."
"Anything I can do to help." Ahsoka said. "Speaking of help, Master Yoda plans to speak in Court tomorrow, any idea what that is about?"
"No, I hadn't heard that." Padme said, surprised. "When did he decide that?"
"Just a few hours ago." Ahsoka shrugged.
"You'll have to let me know what that's about." Padme said with a yawn, tying a scarf around her hair to keep it in place as she slept.
"I will." Ahsoka promised. "How's Master Obi Wan?"
"Well, he's almost as eager as me to finish these negotiations." Padme supposed. "He's been a big help. He seems eager to give the Order a fresh start, a chance to reevaluate their role and priorities. I'll be curious to see what he and Master Yoda end up doing."
"That's good, the Jedi could use a revelation of their priorities, free from the demand s of the war." Ahsoka agreed. "How are you? The babies not giving you too much trouble?"
"No, they've been angels." Padme beamed, placing a hand on her enormous stomach. She was only about a week from her due date at this point and needed assistance sitting down and standing up. Thankfully Obi Wan was ready and willing to help. She supposed being her protection included those tasks. "I'm optimistic that they will go full term."
"That's great." Ahsoka said, hoping Padme returned home before the twins decided it was time to grace the Galaxy with their presence. "Well, I should get going, I have to meet Riyo in a little bit."
"Good." Padme beamed, hoping the Pantoran was helping Ahsoka find her way. "I'll see you soon, keep me updated."
"Same here, be careful." Ahsoka said, giving a short wave before the link disconnected and her hologram disappeared from the surface of the vanity. Padme sighed, heaving herself off the stool in front of the vanity and over to her bed that she promptly collapsed in. It had been a long five days and a good night's sleep was just what she needed.