Chapter 19
The Verdict
We Pretend It's Alright
Words- 6,547
We Pretend It's Alright
"This is…" Jinka trailed off, stunned.
"This is how we win." Helgo said, a grin breaking over his face. "Master Yoda, however you discovered this-"
"With help." Master Yoda said, smiling lightly at Anakin, who felt a rush of affection for the 501, especially Fives. Fives had died trying to uncover this, now his death would not be in vain.
"This will prove the chancellor's allegiances once and for all, and with Anakin's squadron as the leading force in its reveal, that points to his true allegiances as well." Jinka said, nodding to herself as she worked out her plan. "Once this is all out there, the Republic will be forced to see the Chancellor's corruption."
"What about the clones?" Anakin asked, his eyes narrowed. "We need to make sure they aren't seen as a threat, this wasn't their fault."
"A removal program, start we will." Master Yoda said thoughtfully. "For this to do, the Jedi must."
"That'll be good press for the Jedi as well." Helgo added. "You can start to regain the trust lost by the war."
Yoda nodded. "Corrupted, we have become." Yoda said sadly. "For change, time it is."
"We must go prepare for this, we will see you in the court room in an hour." Jinka announced, standing up with Helgo. "Thank you again Master Yoda."
Yoda nodded slowly, and the lawyers left, eager to prepare their final hoorah of the case.
"Master Yoda," Anakin started, breaking the silence left by the twi'leks. "I-"
"Young Skywalker," Yoda cut in, a knowing look in his eyes. "Failed you, we have. Failed your padawan, we have. Much wrong, the Jedi have done. Look closely enough, guide enough, we did not. Trust enough, we did not. For this, drive you away we did. Belong, you did not feel, seek comfort in others you did."
Anakin didn't know what to say. It was true, he had always felt out casted within the Jedi, only Obi Wan had truly welcomed him and expected him unconditionally. Obi Wan… his brother. Anakin hung his head, thinking of his lost brother. Obi Wan had betrayed him, yes, but he understood why. He thought he was helping Anakin, even if he had made the same mistake that… well, the same mistake Anakin had made with Ahsoka. Anakin sighed, he needed to of forgive Obi Wan, he missed his best friend, his brother.
"Thank you Master Yoda." Anakin said, looking up at the ancient Jedi. "Maybe I was never cut out for the life of a Jedi."
"Perhaps." Yoda mused. "Very independent, you are. But, a great Jedi, still, you are. Defeat the evil the Jedi was too blind to see, did you."
"Thank you." Anakin said, not missing the present tense. "I wish this could have gone a different way."
"Yes, but what use, reflecting on the past, hmm?" Yoda said, looking encouragingly at Anakin. "On the present, the future, must we look to."
Anakin nodded, contemplating Master's Yoda's words as he watched the ancient Jedi hobble out of the room.
oOo
"Senator Amidala, please come forward." Mas Amedda's voice boomed throughout the senate chamber as Padme took the floor, thousands of eyes watching her every moment.
"My fellow Senators, I present to you the finalized treaty that we have negotiated with the Separatists. This treaty has already been passed by the formerly Separatist worlds and they are ready to rejoin the Republic. I urge you not to let their war carry on when no more blood needs to be shed. It is time for the Republic to rebuild, so let it, I implore you!" She bowed her head as thunderous applause erupted throughout the chamber.
As Padme and Anakin's world had collapsed over the last two months, the rest of the galaxy was faring much better. With wide-scale war stopped following the deaths of both sides leaders, war torn systems had had a chance to recuperate and reflect. The amount of resources being put towards the war had been temporarily stopped as well, leading to decreases in shortages on many planets. Being all over the galaxy had noticed these changes and become vocal about ending the war as they did not wish to see the galaxy return to the disheveled, war-torn state is was accustomed to.
Since Palpatine's motives had been uncovered in Anakin's trial, some moderate worlds had switched to the side of peace and the treaty now had a fine chance at passing. The banking clan had lost power with these revelations and couldn't do much more to stop the war ending, much to Padme's satisfaction. The vote would be held tomorrow morning at ten, a week before the chancellor election.
More worlds had turned to see peace as an out, eager to serve their citizens and begin to rebuild. The cost of war was one the most planets no longer wanted to bare. Republic and Separatist alike had felt the costs of this on-going struggle, and seeing as no side had gained much for the high price, they were ready to try another option. Negotiations, peace, a chance to rebuild the Republic with the corruption that had plagued it before, many planets were jumping at the chance to be a part of this.
Padme started out into the sea of Senators before her, hope burning inside her as she watched them discuss with one another, silently reflect, or withdraw to their offices. She felt the galaxy was on her side, this was the time to make peace and rebuild. These negotiations had to pass, the galaxy couldn't take anymore war.
Maybe this would be the first thing to go right for her, she mused, turning her back on the Senator Chamber and exiting her booth. She walked swiftly done the hall, smiling and greeting her fellow Senators as she walked past them, wondering how each was planning to vote as they returned her greeting. Padme brushed a stray curl from her face as she exited the Senate chamber hallways and preceded down the building to the court room, hoping Master Yoda's testimony would be a nice distraction as she waited for the Senate to reconvene.
Aside from this, she was desperate to see Anakin since yesterday's reveal of their relationship. She had watched the recording of his testimony over and over again as she returned home the night before. Every time she heard the pride in his voice when he spoke of their children, she couldn't help but beam. As terrified as she was of the possibly of Anakin never meeting his children, hearing the confidence and fierceness of his words brought her great comfort.
Glancing at her watch as the lift slowed, Padme saw the trial was just about to resume, and she hurried as fast as her body would allow her into the court room.
We Pretend It's Alright
"Master Yoda, you are claiming that the Chancellor implanted a… override protocol in all clones to cause them to turn against the Jedi and overtake the galaxy?" Jinka asked, wanting to clarify Yoda's long testimony for all to clearly understand.
"Yes, what they have done, this is. Blind to the problem, are the Jedi no longer." Master Yoda confirmed, his wizened face scrunching in disappointment as he spoke. Over the past two hours, the defense had launched this claim with proof Master Yoda had retrieved from Kamino. Along with a testimony from Rex and a Kaminoian, they had presented irrefutable evidence of this plot, leaving little doubt that Palpatine did indeed have a plot to overtake the galaxy. This new evidence, combined with the DNA connection to the light sith light saber and Ventress's recording of Sidious, seemed to prove just cause for Anakin's desire to stop Palpatine. The only variable left was if the judges would believe he wasn't a sith lord as well.
"Does either side have any more evidence or witnesses to present?" Mas Amedda Questioned after Yoda had filled down from the witness s stand and order had been restored.
"No, your honor." Each side announced, each knowing they had taken their respective cases as far as they could go.
"We will resume for closing statements in one hour." Announced Mas Amedda. "After, the verdict will be announced in two days' time."
Padme watched from the stands as the crowd began filling out, eager to discuss what they had just learned. She watched the hoards laugh, discuss the trial without any real care. What did the life of one man mean to the masses? Padme laid a hand comfortingly on her protruding stomach as she felt the twins moving. She felt a surge of warmth as she felt tiny feet kicking her tired hands, the same warmth she felt around Anakin. She wondered if the Twins were reaching out to her with the force, comforting her the same way Anakin did.
She looked up the almost empty room, watching the prosecution discussing intensely as they exited together. Ahead of her she saw Ahsoka, standing with Obi Wan and Plo Koon, the trio looking down at where Anakin was still standing, alone on his platform not yet moved back to the Chamber floor.
Padme walked forward, coming to stand next to Ahsoka, who placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I heard your speech to the Senate was rather convincing, it looks like the treaty will pass." Obi Wan mused as he turned his head away from Anakin and rested his gaze on the Senator, folding his arms as one hand reached up to stroke his bread thoughtfully. "Congratulations will be in order, I'm sure of it."
"I wish I had your confidence." Padme said, a twinge of worry persisting within her. "I'd wait an hour until the vote is done for congratulations." She said with a small smile, trying to put the worry aside.
"We must be returning to the temple, good luck Senator Amidala." Master Plo Koon said, and Padme liked to imagine he was smiling under his breathing equipment.
'"Thank you Master Plo Koon." Padme said with a bow of her head as Plo Koon and Obi Wan set off with a wave. She turned her gaze to Ahsoka as they continued to wait for Anakin to be brought back. "How are you holding up?" She asked, giving the troubled woman a searching look.
"Me?" Ahsoka scoffed, smiling bemusedly at her friend. "Compared to you, I'm living a fairytale."
"Ahsoka, we all have our own problems, yours are just as valid." Padme lectured softly, raising her brow questioningly at the young woman. "You came home last night after I'd gone to bed already, are you doing alright?"
"Well when your problems are galactic war and fighting for your husband life, not sure mine quite compare." Ahsoka said loftily, not wanting to be another for Padme to worry about. The poor woman was already single-handedly ending the war and working tirelessly on Anakin's trial all well just about nine months pregnant and still not on maternity leave. She didn't need any more to think about.
"Ahsoka, you matter to me, your problems matter to me. I want to be here for you, like you've been so often for me. Please, don't shut me out know."
Ahsoka hesitated, surveying the sincerity in Padme's eyes, no matter how tired they were. "I'm alright Padme, really. I was at Riyo's last night, I apologized and we talked a lot of things through. It was ... nice. I've missed that kind of connection." Since Liolee, went unspoken, but Padme understood.
"I'm happy for you, Ahsoka." Padme smiled, "We all need that kind of connection." She couldn't even contemplate losing hers as she turned to see Anakin finally began returning to the chamber floor.
oOo
How long they were planning on making him stand there, Anakin could not fathom. The court room had been cleared for at least fifteen minutes and still her stood on his platform, suspended over a sea of blackness as he was chained to stand still and forward, gazing up at the witness stand Master Yoda had sat upon not to long ago.
It had been heart breaking to hear Rex recall Fives's discovery of the override-chip and his struggle to bring the it to the attention of the Chancellor and end up killed for his knowledge. Anakin thought of Fives, Tup, and what other countless men who had been killed to keep this treacherous secret.
After rex's testimony, fixer, the clone Anakin had met at the medical Center inside the Max Prison on Coruscant two months before, presented his own research he had done on the chip after Anakin had told him about the danger. He presented his own chip, self-removed, and explained its properties as a mind override and its potential. After, he had spoken of Anakin's help in leading him to this discovery and that "the General" as Fixer called him, cared for clones in a way few others did and his respect for life was an asset not to be overlooked. Anakin had nodded his thanks, to the clone, hoping to see him again after this was all over and thank Fixer for perusing this research and helping unearth the conspiracy Fives had died to reveal.
Anakin hung his head as he thought of his men, hoping Obi Wan was looking out for the 501.
Absurdly, the platform lurched into motion, gliding back towards the chamber floor. Once the platform locked into place, two guards grabbed Anakin's arms, and turned him around to escort him back to his holding cell. That's when he saw her.
Padme stood feet away, smiling at him beside Ahsoka, who was also giving him a warm look.
"Well done, Skyguy." Ahsoka appraised him as the guards began leading him towards the two women who stood in the middle of the room. "You did right by Fives and Tup."
"I wish I could have done more." Anakin replied, his guards, clones themselves, choosing to pretend not to hear Anakin breaking his mandated silence as they paused, allowing him a moment to speak with his family. "Padme, I'm sorry." He added, looking at Padme with his brow scrunched. "I never wanted to it come out like this, there wasn't time to come up with a way to evade it- "
"Hush," Padme interrupted, her lip curling into a small smile as she took a step forward, now standing only a few feet apart from her husband. "I listened to the recording over and over again, I couldn't be prouder."
Despite himself, Anakin felt a smile forming on his face as well as he gazed back at Padme, the love in his eyes ever apparent. "Did the Senate vote on the treaty yet?" He asked.
"The vote is in fifteen minutes." Padme replied, checking her watch as that twinge of worry retired. "I should probably start heading back that way. May we walk out together?" She asked, more addressing the Clones that stood beside them. The two exchanged a look before one gave a brief nod of the head.
"I promise he won't try anything." Padme said in good confidence as the clones released Anakin's arms and moved to flank the trio, Padme having pulled Ahsoka to Anakin's other side as he threw an arm around each of them. The three began walking down the long room, languishing in the touch of the other's embrace and the faint hope that now clung in the air.
We Pretend It's Alright
"The treaty has passed, effective immediately, the Galactic Republic reabsorbs The Separatist Planets that broke off from the former Republic. For the next six standard months, the Republic will enter a rebuilding period as corruption is purged and peace restored."
Padme jumped up, clapping ecstatically as the Chancellor's words boomed throughout the previously silent chamber. It had passed, the war was really over!
"Tomorrow, the formerly Separatist senate will rejoin the Republic's Senate. Until tomorrow, the Senate is dismissed."
"Padme, you did it!" Shouted Bail Organa as he burst into her Senate platform seconds later, beaming and holding up his arms in celebration.
"We did it." Padme amended, hugging him excitedly as a million thoughts raced through her head. "Now all we have to do is get you elected." She added, beaming up at the man from Alderaan so many years ago.
"One step at a time." Bail said, winking at his old friend. "Why don't you come up to my office and celebrate? I've heard mon Mothma is even cracking open a bottle of Corellian Brandy."
"As much as I'd like to see that, I should get back to the court room, closing arguments are in half an hour. " Padme explained, gathering her things as she dismissed her aides and junior senator fir the rest of the day.
"Closing statements, already?" Bail asked as he helped Padme sort her things. "When will the verdict come out then?"
"Two days." Padme said, that worry resurfacing as she tried to shake it off. "We've beyond proved Palpatine's corruption, the question this case is going to come down to is if the judges believe Anakin was trying to stop him or overthrow him to gain the power himself." Padme sighed, straightening up and looking up at Bail with a resigned expression. "We've done all we can."
"Your case is strong, I believe the galaxy will see Anakin for the man he is, not some fictional villain others make him out to be." Bail said, giving Padme a small smile. "Do you mind if I join you for the closing arguments?" He asked as they exited the Senate chamber.
"Your company is more than welcome." Padme replied, smiling up at him as they began the descent.
We Pretend It's Alright
"My fellow citizens of the Republic, I implore you to see the bigger picture here. Regardless of the Chancellor's alleged corruption, Anakin Skywalker murdered him, eager to gain power over the galaxy. In this society, we give people the chance to defend themselves, just as we have given Mr. Skywalker. He didn't have the right to rob this of the Chancellor or anyone else. This is a man, who cold-bloodedly murdered the separatist leader mere months ago and has a history of violence and attempts to increase his status within the Jedi order. Along with his wife's political status, Skywalker intended to take over the galaxy with the death of Chancellor Palpatine, do not let him escape to do it again." Fornium finished his speech passionately, a faint smirk on his face as he took his seat.
Mas Amedda banged his gavel as chatter broke out in the chamber. "The defense may now give its closing remarks."
"Contrary to what the prosecution is trying to force you all to see, Anakin Skywalker is not a man attempting to rule the galaxy. This is a man who, from a young age, was shown violence and injustice. Growing up, he was taught to see himself as part of a community of peace keepers and grew to become a champion for justice and loyalty. He has severed the Republic from the age of nine, leading the Republic to many victories in the clone wars and preventing the spread of war. He is not a perfect man, but he is not the monster he has been made out to be." Jinka began, turning to face both Mas Amedda and the crowds.
"This man hasn't sought bring destructions, he has tried to prevent further destruction. Anakin is a loyal man, loyal to his friends and the Jedi, loyal to the Republic. When presented with the chance to take over the galaxy with the chancellor, he declined, and fought battled the sith lord to the death to save the galaxy. We have resented irrefutable evidence of the chancellor's true intentions, including his connection to the light saber that killed the Jedi Masters. Not only this, but the Jedi Council, who are the protectors of peace in the Republic, have deemed Anakin innocent, giving him their support and confirming the existence of a sith lord, now known to be Sheev Palpatine."
"I ask you again to look at this man, not the "Murderer", not the "Hero with no Fear", not even the "Jedi". I ask you to look at Anakin. Look at the man who want nothing more than to raise his children in a world at peace, a man who is loyal and courageous, who fights for what he believes in and challenges injustice and corruption. I ask you to look at the man who stopped tyranny, the man who declined power for what is just. I ask you to look at Anakin and see his innocence, think of what those who know him best have said. I ask you to look at the facts, not the speculation. Look at the man." Jinka spoke her final words with passion and sincerity, hoping what she said was enough to save her client.
"In two days, at noon, the judges will deliver the verdict to this case. This court room is dismissed."
We Pretend It's Alright
Padme sighed with exhaustion as she fumbled with the lock on her apartment door. What a day. The war had ended today, peace had been brought to the galaxy, this was what she had worked towards since Naboo was first invaded all those years ago.
Why wasn't she happier?
After the closing arguments, she had spent two hours with Anakin, trying to calm him and catching up on the near week since she had really seen him. Seeing the look of joy on his face when she told him the war had ended had made all the heart ache worth it. They hadn't fought and lost in vain, peace could now come to the galaxy. Anakin had apologized for how he had reacted to her leaving afterword, know seeing the gravity of that trip and having had time to calm down.
Now, Padme entered her apartment, ready to collapse for the night and hoping she had left overs somewhere in the fridge. Moving with the grace of Shaak1, Padme ambled inside and took off her shoes, setting down her heavy bag as her stomach grumbled.
Ahsoka had gone out to dinner with Rex and a few other members of the 501 and told Padme not to wait up. Padme hoped Ahsoka didn't get into too much trouble… but she supposed the Tortuga could handle herself and Rex would certainly look out for her.
Padme froze, suddenly realizing another pair of shoes, a pair she did not own, were sitting on the threshold as well. She looked up carefully, a trickle of fear flooding her system. Was someone in her house? She narrowed her eyes, her breathe quickened. It couldn't be a thief, they would never leave their shoes at the door as if they were a house guest. Padme looked around, realizing that the kitchen light was on. Cautiously, she started to edge towards the kitchen, picking up a small stone sculpture of a woman to use as a weapon if need be. As she got closer, the kitchen door suddenly opened and Breha Organa walked out, a smile on her face.
"Padme!" She exclaimed, walking over and hugging her friend.
"Hi." Padme responded, surprised as she set down the statue and retuned the hug. "Breha, what are you doing here? Is everything okay?"
"everything is fine, don't you worry about me, you do enough worrying already." Breha smiled gently, wrapping her arm around Padme and leading the tired woman towards the kitchen. "Bail mentioned how much you had on your plate and I thought you could use a home cooked meal and some relaxation."
Padme beamed back at her friend as she entered the kitchen to see plates of food on the table and a one chair covered in pillows.
"Oh Breha, you shouldn't of- "
"Nonsense! I'm happy to do it!" Breha insisted, leading Padme over the pillow covered chair and helping her down into it. "Now, tea?"
Two hours later, after a delicious meal and a soothing bath, Padme was being helped into bed by the Queen of Alderaan.
"Breha, I cannot thank you enough." Padme said genuinely as she sat down on the bed, her nightgown clinging to her very pregnant stomach. "I- I really needed this."
"I know." Breha said with a small smile. "You're so busy taking care of everyone else, someone needs to take care of you."
Padme laughed lightly, feeling the relief as the pressure was taken off her swollen feet. "You must stay the night, it's so late and I could never look bail in eye again if I let his pregnant wife leave in the middle of the night."
"Oh, I don't want to impose."
"Of Breha please, you be intruding if you left." Padme said, patting the empty space in the bed beside her. "Come on, it'll be like when we were young and having sleepovers on diplomatic missions."
"You're sure you don't mind?" Breha hesitated.
"I want you to stay, borrow one of my nightgowns, someone should wear them." Padme joked, thinking of all her clothes she couldn't even dream of fitting into.
"Well… alright, let me just let Bail know." Breha smiled heading for the hall as Padme felt the twins begin to kick again. "Just like old times." She said with a laugh as she left to talk to her husband.
We Pretend It's Alright
Padme had woken the next day to find Breha no longer beside her. The woman had talked another hour into the night before falling asleep, discussing baby names and reminiscing about their past. Padme had to admit, it had been comforting to sleep in the same bed as someone. With all the stress in her life right now, having someone else with her was so relieving.
Slowly, she heaved herself upright and slowly got up, sliding her sore feet into slippers and pulling a plum robe around her body, pulling her curls into a messy bun and making her way to the kitchen.
As she approached, the smell of breakfast filled her nose and her stomach grumbled in anticipation. Trust Breha to make sure she ate. Walking inside, Padme greeted Breha and began making tea as Breha pulled a batch of Alderaanian biscuits out of the oven.
"Those smell amazing." Padme moaned, filling two mugs with tea as Breha finished fixing them each a plate.
"So, today the Separatist Senators return, right?" Breha asked, taking a bite of her breakfast.
"Yes," Padme confirmed, digging into her meal as well. "We are going over initial propositions to remedy the Republic and just trying to mend the divide really. Hopefully we can work together as one Republic."
"I'll be interested to hear what changes they seek, I've heard rumors of a new ruling system, abolishing the role of chancellor."
"I would expect that, and I don't think it's a bad idea. Having shared leadership will help stop corruption or anyone having too much power. Are you coming to the Senate today?"
"No, unfortunately, I'm meeting with Ryloth leadership today to discuss new trade agreements and a program to help displaced twi'leks return home safely." Breha replied, sipping her tea.
"That sounds wonderful." Padme said, thinking of Ahsoka's lost companion. "Good luck."
"Thank you." Breha smiled, standing up to pack away the left overs. "I better be going, I need to go back the apartment and change before my meeting."
"I should be getting ready as well, the Senate convenes in a bit over an hour." Padme agreed, helping Breha clean up. "Thank you again, really. It was so nice to have someone around." Padme said, hugging her friend good bye a few minutes later.
"I'm glad I could help." Breha smiled back. "I'll see you tomorrow at the trial. I cannot wait to hear the phrase 'not guilty'." She said with a wink, closing the door behind her as she left.
Hopefully, thought Padme, returning to her room to get ready for the meeting.
We Pretend It's Alright
The day passed in a blur. The Senate had been insane, with the number of new senators and the tension that still lingered. The first proposed measure had been approved however, and work to make a formal law about the new leadership system. Rather than one chancellor, the Republic would have a council of three guardians of the Republic, the name intended to imply their duty to maintaining the Republic.
Padme hadn't been allowed to see Anakin today, something she had anticipated. She hoped he was alright, not in his head too much. Padme had a feeling that Anakin didn't believe they would win, but she couldn't afford to think that way.
She'd be damned if she didn't walk out of that court room with him tomorrow.
We Pretend It's Alright
Anakin stared up at the black celling of his cell, unable to quiet his racing mind. In, by his calculations, eight hours, the fate of his life would be determined by a group who knew nothing but sad stories from his past and his Jedi history.
Anakin rolled over onto his side, reaching out with the force and trying to sense Padme. He felt her presence and tried to relax, knowing she must be just as nervous as he was.
He was going to forgive Obi Wan, he had decided. Regardless of the outcome of the trial, he wanted to forgive his old master, a man who had cared for Anakin all this time and was his family. Why die holding grudges, Anakin supposed, shaking his head as he tried to shake the feeling that he was going to lose.
All day, he had been unable to rid himself of the notion that he was doomed.
But, that was tomorrow's problem.
We Pretend It's Alright
"Prisoner 95746, Anakin Skywalker, you stand accused of 5 counts of murder as well as treason. After this trial's month-long duration, the panel of five judges have reached a verdict on your case." Mas Amedda read off of a sheet held in his out stretched hand.
Padme clutched the table as she stared down at Anakin. In a few seconds, the fate of Anakin, herself, and their family would be decided. What she wouldn't give to be standing beside her husband right now.
Anakin stood on his platform, looking at the blackness below. Would this be the end of his life? He reached out with the force, shifting through the hundreds of people in the room to find Padme. He sensed her fear, her anticipation. He looked up, his eyes catching hers. He gave her a soft smile, sending comfort though the force.
Padme felt a warmth, sweet, comforting. She knew it was Anakin and smiled back, barely able to contain her anticipation as they stared intensely at one another. Unable to help herself, Padme mouthed 'I love you' to Anakin, her eyes beginning to burn with tears. Anakin, smiling softly mouthed 'the feeling is mutual' back, making Padme smile too as a tear dripped down her rosy cheek, failing to land on her enormous stomach. The twins were moving around a lot, perhaps they sensed what was going on, maybe they sought to comfort her too. Padme folded her hands atop her stomach, closing her eyes as Mas Amedda began to read again, Anakin still watching her.
"The defendant has been found, not guilty of these chargers."
The uproar was instantaneous.
Screams, cheers, cries, all echoed throughout the courtroom. Padme opened her eyes, tears of joy spilling out of her eyes as she beamed at Anakin, who was gazing back at her as if in a daze, shock in his blue eyes. Jinka and Helgo hugged one another and Padme saw Ahsoka and Riyo jumping up and down in excitement as they cheered. She watched Obi Wan smiling down at his former padawan, relief in his tired eyes. She found Bail Organa in the crowd, noting the excitement on his face and saw Breha beaming as well, the woman starting to show herself now.
'Thank you' Anakin mouthed at Padme, a single tear falling from his eyes.
Padme just beamed back mouthing 'I love you' once more, emotion overwhelming her. It was finally over, this nightmare, it was done.
"Order!" Mas Amedda was shouting, and finally after some minutes the court room settled once more.
"All though Anakin Skywalker was found not guilty due to the evidence surrounding Sheev Palpatine's corruption and mace Windu's testimony, the judges still acknowledge the potential threat Mr. Skywalker poses in terms of the prosecution argument of his power-seeking nature. Therefore, the judges have set out terms for a five-year probation that will monitor Mr. Skywalker's actions to ensure he can be trusted. If these terms are broken, Mr. Skywalker will be sentenced to five years in jail, pending another trial after the five-year sentence."
Anakin narrowed his eyes, wondering what absurd provision he would be forced to follow.
"The probation bans Mr. Skywalker from being within any core system, and requires him to report whenever he travels from one planet to another. The probation also bans him from serving in the Grand Army of the Republic or holding any position of power with the Republic. The judges were considering banning Mr. Skywalker from interacting with any politicians, but, given his wife's status, they determined that would be difficult and unfair to uphold."
Anakin laughed softly, turning to smile at Padme, who let out a laugh as well as a chuckle rippled throughout the room.
"As the probation states, Mr. Skywalker will be escorted to his last known off-world home, the Outer-Rim planet of Tattooine. From Tattooine, Mr. Skywalker must register with the justice department of his intent to travel to another world outside of the core systems and check in once he arrives. Mr. Skywalker, do you agree to these terms?"
"Yes." Anakin said instantly, eternally grateful that Naboo wasn't a core world.
"Very well, you will be escorted immediately to Tattooine, your personal affects will be returned to you aboard."
"Thank you." Anakin said, turning his gaze back to Padme as discussion broke out once again in the hall as the guards prepared his escort. He watched as Padme's smile suddenly turned to a grimace of pain and confusion as a sharp pain ripped through her body.
"Padme!" He shouted over the noise as she sank to a chair, disbelief flooding her face. "Padme!"
Padme looked up, knowing what was happening. Another ripple of pain occurred and she felt her thighs damped, her water-breaking. She looked down in horror as another contraction hit her.
"Padme!" She heard Anakin yelling her name as she closed her eyes in pain. Not right now, this couldn't be happening today, right now.
Ahsoka alone had noticed Anakin's yell and Padme's movements and she sprang into action. Jumping over the railing of the stands, she ran to Padme, using the force to quicken her pace and ignoring Riyo's call of confusion as she leapt into action.
"Padme, are you okay?" Ahsoka asked urgently as she knelt by the woman's side, the Senator's 3yes scrunched tight in pain.
"I-I" Padme didn't want to say it, to accept it was happening. She opened her eyes as the contraction faded. "Ashoka- "She broke off, looking down as the wetness on her dress. Ahsoka looked down too, her eyes widening in shock.
"Are you- are you-"
"She's going into labor." Came the calm voice of Obi Wan. The woman looked up to see Obi Wan standing beside them. Like Ahsoka and Anakin, he too had sensed something happening. "We need to get you to a medical center at once, these babies aren't going to wait much longer." He said gently, knelling beside Padme as well and placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Padme!" Anakin yelled as his platform began moving, watching desperately as Obi Wan and Ahsoka surrounded her.
Padme looked at Obi Wan, fear on her face as another contraction occurred. Judging by the quickness of the contractions, the twins weren't giving her much time.
Anakin reached the floor. Four guards surrounded him, motioning for him to begin walking. "I need to see my wife." He said staunchly, refusing to move, staring desperately at her. "Please, something is happening, I need to know she's okay." The guards exchanged looks.
"Mr. Skywalker, you have consented to be taken to Tattooine immediately. From there, you are free to contract your wife." Mas Amedda said from behind him, a small smirk on his face. Anakin narrowed his eyes at the Senator, old friend of Sidious. "If you do not go now, you will be in violation of parole and sent to prison for five years."
"Anakin!" Anakin looked up sharply as he heard Padme's voice. She was standing ten feet to his left, supported by Obi Wan and Ahsoka as she inched closer. "you have to go, we'll be fine." It was cruel, she thought as Anakin stared desperately at her. Freedom at the price of missing his children's birth to be delved to a place that had brought him nothing but pain.
"Padme, I can't leave you, I need to be there, what if- "
"Anakin, you can't." She breathed, clenching her teeth as another contraction hit. "Go to Naboo straight from Tattoo8ne, you know where. I'll meet you there tonight." She smiled as a tear fell from her eye. "We'll meet you there." She added, looking down to her stomach and back to Anakin.
"Ahsoka," Anakin said as the guards started to lead him away. "Make sure nothing happens, you read my journals, you know- "
"Everything will be fine Skyguy, I promise." Ahsoka called back as Anakin was shuffled along, knowing the weight of the promise she had just made.
"I love you!" Anakin yelled behind him, not caring about the thousands looking on, emotion flooding through him as he looked behind at his wife and best friends, his family.
"May the force be with you, Anakin." Obi Wan called back, his heart twinging as he watched Anakin being all but dragged away from his Padme, who doubled over in pain as another contraction hit. "We need to go know." Obi Wan said, beginning to lead Padme away, Ahsoka supporting her other side.
Obi Wan froze as he felt Anakin reaching out with the force.
'May the force be with you, Obi Wan. Protect her, protect them all'.
AN:
Hi! Well, four months isn't as long as nine so…. Anyways, here it is, the end of the trial! I know have the rest of this story planned out and there is about three more chapters left, hopefully I will finish this before 2019 but no promises ;)
The renewal of Clone Wars is what inspired me to get back to writing and I've written everything since that news last week. Also, the new Padme book! Sooooo much awesome prequel content to look forward to next year! What new Star Wars content are you looking forward to most?
Sorry for any missed errors, I have a feeling there is a few I missed.
Thanks to everyone who continues to read and review this story. Reading the reviews is so motivating to continue writing and I'm so thankful for them!
Till next chapter,
Diamondgirl3;)