Title: "Beloved"
Written by: Shawn
Chapter 3 in the "Heart and Soul" series. (3/5)
This follows "Shadows of Winter"
Part (2/3)
Summary: Padme's quest to find Anakin begins...
Rated: M
Category: Heavy Angst/Romance/Drama/Grief
Pairing: Anakin and Padme Skywalker. Another slight, one-sided attraction/admiration/interest. Not slash.
Story Warning: Graphic Violence, Angst
Timeline: Obviously, knowledge of Star Wars: Episode 1 and 2 is needed. You must also read the other "Heart and Soul" chapters before this one. "The Light and the Dark" and "Shadows of Winter." This story takes place six months after SoW.
Disclaimer: George Lucas and Lucasfilm owns everything.
Email:
Authors Notes 1: In this universe the Clone Wars will last three and a half years. It's commonly known that Anakin and Padme were separated for five months before Episode 3 when Obi-Wan and Anakin were dealing with the Outer Rim Sieges. This story picks up two years and four months after Star Wars: Episode 2.
Authors Notes 2: If some of you are concerned about the Pairing notes above, I ask you to trust me and the story.
Authors Notes 3: Dorme, Padme's handmaiden/bodyguard and best friend in this story knows of her marriage to Anakin. Obi-Wan only suspects more is going on than he knows but elects not to pry.
Authors Notes 4: The official Star Wars database provided many of the details for this story, though some things are my original creations.
Extra Special Thanks: Anne, my Jedi Master of good grammar and all around help. She's the best. Seriously.
"Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight."
Rossiter Worthington Raymond
The mere sight of Anakin's blaster-scorched Jedi fighter anchored secretly in the private alcove beneath her apartment's official docking platform sent Padme's heart racing. The relieved exhale she enjoyed was as welcome as a beautiful morning sunrise. She imagined her husband's growing enthusiasm upon breaking Coruscant's atmosphere, that daring smile of his beaming as he approached their home while flying as fast as he could. Did he even stop by the Jedi Temple or just radio in that he was needed elsewhere? What excuse did he use on Obi-Wan for his absence? Did the highly perceptive Jedi Master graze his beard while listening to his former Padawan's story?
Padme found that she didn't even care. Not in the least. Anakin was home, and that was all that mattered.
Ever thankful that the bickering Senators from Toola and Sullust finally reached an agreement, her grand reward for having managed to not fall asleep during their lengthy fiasco of a negotiations session was at hand. The glorious expression the Senator wore wasn't something she could hide even if she tried, her fingers tapping impatiently in her lap. Her Anakin was home again. That simple fact renewed her spirit and gave
life to her soul. Once more he'd returned to her from the dreaded war.
She silently thanked the Force for that blessed gift.
Sparing a knowing grin for Dorme in the back of her personal starship, Padme waited until Captain Typho engaged the landing gear before rising to her feet. Data-pad in hand, she offered, "Dorme, I bid you goodnight."
Wearing a Sith's smirk, she replied, "Not as good a night as you're going to have."
Never mind her best friend's naughty teasing, Padme's luminous smile said it all. "Behave."
Dorme made a waving motion with her hand, shooing her off the ship. "I wouldn't dare say that to you tonight."
"Indeed." Wasting not another second, Padme said a polite goodnight to Captain Typho and then quickly exited her starship, racing across the landing platform to the veranda, and then inside her apartment. Behind her gusts of wind blew as her starship lifted and flew off into the distant night skyline of Galactic City, taking Dorme home.
While entering her own, Padme shut the doors to her veranda, and then made her way to the wall-mounted refrigeration unit in the kitchen area. She opened it, happily noting the two bottles of Correllian white wine chilling in an ice bucket. The cooks had prepared, upon her instruction, a magnificent feast for dinner. A number of warming containers were spread out over her curving counter top, each containing some of their favorite foods. One of them had been recently opened as a piece of frosted Bresk cake was missing. It didn't even look like the thief, no doubt a Jedi, even used a knife to cut it. The part missing looked to be torn away by hand. She couldn't help the amused laugher that bubbled out of her at the sight. "My Ani and his sweet tooth."
Upon lifting her gaze she found R-2 was settled into his droid recharging station in his personal alcove. C-3PO was powered down in the corner of the room, the sight of which made her smile as she was sure upon Anakin's arrival the droid talked nonstop to his maker until he had enough and shut him off for the evening. That was one less interruption in her estimation.
Moving deeper into the apartment past the center water fountain, Padme recognized Anakin's dark Jedi robe lying over the back of one of the couches in the living room. Why oh why did such a simple domestic sight as that, one she was sure was repeated in many households at the end of the day, charm her so? Perhaps because she was often denied such small pleasures as complaining about her husband's blatant disregard for order and putting things in their proper place. He just didn't care.
She would teach him, as her mother told her once all good men required such training. In time...
But not tonight.
Tonight was about taking what was hers.
Padme calmly walked into her bedroom and found her beloved husband laying face down on her bed, fast asleep.
He still had his boots on, yet another thing she'd have to have words with him about. Again, not tonight. He was home from the war, safe and sound where he belonged. There would be no complaining about anything on the night of his return. She intended them to sensuously drown in each other and let the galaxy fade away outside their apartment.
Nothing else mattered now that they were reunited.
Padme stared at his peacefully slumbering form, her heart overflowing with love for him. The war could not take his life. His life did not belong to him. Nor the Jedi Order. He belonged to her alone; she thought possessively. And when the war was over she'd decided that they would leave all of this behind. Not simply run away and disappear but walk away with their heads held high. There was no sin in marrying the man you loved and wanting to spend the rest of your life with him. If the Queen of Naboo and the Jedi Council had an opinion it would fall on deaf ears, dismissed as easily as a gentle gust of wind.
They'd earned the life that they wanted. And no one would ever make them feel guilty for taking it.
Padme was very independently wealthy, and they could easily start over on another world, any world, without ever having to hide no matter what the HoloNet press said.
At least they'd be together.
"Ani?" Padme softly called out, awaiting his slow roll over where he would grace her with the most handsome expression, and then raise off that bed to claim her in his arms. Alas, he didn't move. Not a muscle. "You must be exhausted, love."
Walking to the bed, she sat down on the edge and placed her hand over his shoulder, giving him a gentle nudge. "Your Angel has missed you," she whispered, allowing that tiny bit of possessiveness he loved so dearly to fall into her words. Still nothing. She shook her head, not surprised in the least he would toy with her upon his return. He'd done it many times in the past. His utter enjoyment of teasing her was yet another of his bad habits she hoped to break someday. "The more you prolong these juvenile games of yours the longer it will be before you see me in and out of this sexy little thing I bought just for you."
Still no response.
Her expression frowned as worry swelled in her belly. "Ani, stop it right now. This is not funny." She shook him again... harder. He was motionless. Her heart began pounding in her chest. "Ani..."
When she managed to turn him over she gasped loudly, her hand coming to her mouth in horror. Blood darkened all across the front of his tunic and smeared over his throat. There was no rise and fall to his chest. He looked far too pale, and when she touched his brow he felt cold. Deathly cold. She shook him harder, chanting, "No... Ani! Please wake up!! PLEASE!!"
Reality crushed her heart into nothingness.
He was dead.
Anakin was dead.
Gone.
Torn from her.
"Nooooooo!"
"The Avenger"
Curcean-class starship
Padme's private quarters
Fast approaching the Republic Blockade near the Outer Rim Territories
Three and a half standard hours later
Padme awoke suddenly with a harsh cry ripped from the pit of her lungs. She was trembling, her clothing damp with sweat. Her hand brushed over her forehead while her heart beat wildly inside her chest. "It wasn't real," she quietly repeated over and over to herself. "It wasn't real."
Her mantra until this nightmare was over.
Blinking as her eyes adjusted to the dim light of the small room she slept in, Padme tried to compose herself, but failed when she thought of the agonizing news of Anakin's death. Horrible grief yet again swept over her in hot waves, causing her to sob in her hands. Her tears seemed endless as the suffering she'd endure without him by her side. A dream... it was only a dream she swore to herself. Anakin was alive, and she was going to save him. She had too. After a moment she was able to calm down, mindful of the foreboding task ahead.
No matter her dark dreams, Anakin was alive. Somehow through their Force-connection he reached across the stars to ask for her help, and by the Force she was going to bring him home alive or die trying.
She sat up on the small bed, looking to the wall-mounted time readout. Three standard hours had passed since they left Coruscant. The trip to the Outer Rim world of Er'Kit, even in Hyperspace was going to take a while so she begrudgingly took some time to rest. Dorme all but ordered her to. She had meant to gain a modest amount of sleep, but mental exhaustion had taken over her to a degree she hadn't expected. The moment her head hit the pillow she was gone.
No matter. What she had to do next, she needed to do alone anyway. And if Obi-Wan sensed her intent... well, she was long past caring.
Padme slowly shut her eyes, centering her thoughts, focusing on the Force the way Anakin had privately taught her. Though she would never be a Jedi, there was a natural familiarity she shared with the Force that neither could explain nor define. Whether it was due to her connection with her husband or not, she called upon it now.
Breathing deeply with a clear mind, she sought Anakin with such intensity her head began aching. It felt as if her spirit became one with the universe. Her very soul centered on her husband... seeking him through the limitless boundaries of the Force... calling out to him. "Ani, please..."
"... angel..."
The voice was barely audible, but it was there. Her heart soared in reply.
There were no fast-moving images this time or a barrage of powerful emotions. But every fiber of Padme's being knew his voice. Anakin sounded so very weak, but he was still alive. Somehow, he was still alive. She set her will upon him. "Live," she focused on that thought alone. That he had to fight with all his vaunted power because she was coming for him. And nothing... no one... not the Force itself was going to stand in her way.
Padme's eyes opened suddenly; her heart beating a primal drum. The time was now. Summoning all her courage she got out of bed. The Senator wouldn't be an asset on this mission, so she left her clothes behind. Slipping into a black jumpsuit, reminiscent of the white attire she wore while a prisoner on Geonosis, she holstered twin blasters, and then a dark cloak to hide her identity. Inside a hidden pocket in the cloak was the light saber Anakin had given her for their anniversary. She pulled her thick, curly hair back in a simple braid. On the floor by her feet sat a transparisteel case containing one million unmarked credits. In the back of the ship was a brand new, technologically advanced Bacta tank and a plethora of emergency medical supplies.
'When' they found Anakin they would be prepared. For now, Padme focused on getting to him.
Space pirate clans, slavers, and bounty hunters were known to operate in the area of Er'Kit. They were violent criminals who held no respect for the Galactic Republic. Thankfully, they didn't hold any love for the Separatist movement either. Padme made sure she came prepared with plenty of credits and blasters. She'd use either one without a moment's hesitation to save Anakin's life. And if she had to kill...
She would kill.
Moving out of her room and down the short, cramped corridor of the medium-sized starship, Padme reached the cockpit. Dorme saw her and quickly vacated the co-pilot's chair next to Obi-Wan, allowing Padme to take it. Both Dorme and Obi-Wan had already changed clothes, now dressed like refuges in unremarkable brown clothing. Their cover for the mission.
Padme strapped herself in, and then began familiarizing herself with the Curcean-class flight controls. She hadn't noticed until just now that they'd dropped out of hyperspace already. "How close are we to the Republic Blockade?"
Obi-Wan noted the radar array, specifically the two large blips closing in fast. "We're coming up on it now, milady. There are two Republic Cruisers, the 'Valkyrie' and the 'Raven' enforcing the blockade. No doubt with a squadron of fighters patrolling the area." Sparing a curious glance her way, the Jedi Master had to ask, "Do I want to know how you were able to obtain a Class-9 code clearance when even Master Yoda doesn't possess one?"
Padme's serious expression didn't falter. "No. You don't."
Brandishing something of a small grin, his respect for the Senator's resourcefulness was unending. She was every bit a gladiator intent on defeating any obstacle in her path. Her absolute devotion to Anakin, while appreciated, carried a greater weight of which he intended to not dwell on for as long as he could.
Nonetheless, she was remarkable in his eyes.
"There they are," Obi-Wan pointed out as several Republic fighters appeared in the distance and then set a high-speed course straight at them. There was no doubt they'd been picked up on the fighter's radar
systems. The massive Republic cruisers entered the fray next, as the fighters began circling their starship. "Admiral Senova can be a bit trigger happy for my tastes. Let's hope he's in a good mood today," he quipped wearing his trademark grin. "I'm shutting down the hyperspace engines, powering down our weapons, and switching off our deflector shields."
Padme agreed. "Their sensors will pick up on that. We don't want to appear hostile."
"We're being hailed." Obi-Wan allowed the transmission signal through.
"THIS IS ADMIRAL SENOVA OF THE REPUBLIC CRUISER VALKERIE. BY THE ORDER OF THE SUPREME CHANCELLOR OF THE REPUBLIC THIS BLOACKADE RESTRICTS ACCESS TO THE SECTION OF THE OUTER RIM YOU APPEAR ON COURSE FOR. YOU HAVE ENTERED AN UNAUTHORIZED AREA OF SPACE. TURN AROUND AND LEAVE OR YOU WILL BE TAKEN BY FORCE."
Padme swallowed deeply, and then spoke. "Admiral Senova, my name is Narkana of the starship 'Avenger'. I am traveling with my two companions on urgent business of the Supreme Chancellor. I am transmitting my clearance code now." A nod to Obi-Wan made it so. They all waited breathlessly, with Padme silently praying Palpatine hadn't led her on.
"This is beyond nerve wrecking," Dorme whispered in Padme's ear, her hands resting on the back of the chair.
"STARSHIP AVENGER, YOUR CODE CLEARANCE CHECKS OUT. I WOULD WARN YOU OF THE PIRATE CLANS KNOWN TO BE OPERATING IN THE AREA. YOU ARE ENTERING HOSTILE, UNGOVERNED SPACE. THERE ARE NO REPUBLIC FORCES THERE WHO WILL COME TO YOUR AID SHOULD YOU RUN INTO TROUBLE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED."
"Duly noted," Padme replied, exhaling a deeply held breath. Palpatine hadn't sold her out. She'd worry about the inevitable price she'd have to pay for his help later. "Admiral Senova, may we proceed?"
"PROCEED WITH CAUTION. YES."
Padme looked to Obi-Wan, who immediately swung their starship at a sharp angle, swiftly weaving between the massive Republic Cruisers and into the lawlessness of the Outer Rim territories.
With the navi-computer's course to Er'Kit set, the Jedi Master sensed Padme's intense worry, dread, and her unwavering determination. "Milady?"
"Padme, Ben," she politely corrected him. "We are old friends after all. You've known me since I was fourteen. I knew you when you were still a padawan. You've saved my life on more than one occasion, and I've saved yours. We've been stranded in a Tattoine desert together; we liberated my home planet together; you jumped out of a one-hundred-story window to chase an assassin who was after me. Don't you think twelve years is enough time to move beyond formalities and onto first names?" she smiled good naturedly at him.
Grazing his beard with his hand, Obi-Wan smiled back and almost felt guilty to not have acknowledged the history between them. "Padme, I have the utmost faith that you would never lie about the vision you spoke of, but I must attach some sense of plausibility to it. To that end I think I may, and I stress may, have a theory of what might have happened to Anakin."
Dying for any shred of hope, Padme listened intently. "Any theory at this point would be helpful."
Looking to Dorme and Padme, Obi-Wan explained, "I must preface this by saying my theory is at best a wild hunch. Alas, it is all that I could imagine could have happened."
"We trust your keen mind, Master Kenobi," Dorme interjected. "And we are desperate."
The Jedi Master nodded and then set the starship on autopilot. "The Separatists created hyperspace rings that charge with booster energy before hurtling a vessel that doesn't possess hyper drive capabilities across the galaxy. During my investigation I discovered that the hyperspace ring where the battle took place had been used prior to its destruction. We found multiple hyperspace signatures, some that were small enough to be from a Jedi fighter. Droid ships are very similar in size. Since we do not posses all the details of Anakin's encounter with the attack force, I can only speculate that he indeed used the ring, or was blasted into it. I had R4 plot every possible route he could have taken, but so far we've found no trace of his ship outside of the debris we collected."
This was where Obi-Wan knew he was reaching for answers, but had little else to go on. "It is my theory that during the fight the hyperspace ring was damaged and knocked off its original holding position. Somehow Anakin's fighter entered it at the moment it overloaded. The immense blast might have hurtled his starship farther across the galaxy than we projected. There are cases I've looked into where hyperspace rings malfunctioned by sending starships longer distances than they were ever intended to go." Sensing Padme's growing hope, he felt the need to respectfully temper it. "I must caution that a great number of factors would have to all fall into place for that theory to be even remotely plausible. I myself find it unlikely, but it's the best theory I could come up with."
"Anakin's mere existence is a mystery unto itself," Padme noted, her brown eyes facing the vast openness of space before her. "The impossible becomes plausible where he is concerned. Rest assured he reached out to me, and whatever the circumstances of how he arrived wherever he is, I will find him. Failure is not an option."
Padme Amidala possessed a Jedi's dedication to virtue, justice, and loyalty. No wonder Anakin was so taken by her. Obi-Wan understood her appeal. "Okay, let's go over the facts as we have them. Jedi fighters are equipped with the most advanced emergency beacon systems in the known Republic. No sign of Anakin's was ever picked up. That, in addition to the portions of his ship we found are evidence that his fighter was in grave condition."
"So finding his ship won't be easy at all," Dorme concluded. "What do we know about the moon itself?"
Padme brought up a blue holographic layout of Er'Kit and its moons. "Er'Kit's desert climate is similar to Tattoine. Thankfully, we don't need to go there. Its twin moons are on opposite sides of the planet. My vision revealed the red one as being where we would find Anakin," she pointed out. "That moon is a quarter the size of Naboo, so we're going to have to sensor sweep it close to the surface with our long-range scanners, as well as visually look for Anakin's ship. It's going to take time."
She continued, "There are reports of pirate clans, Hutt-loyal bounty hunters, and Thalassian intergalactic slavers operating outposts on the moon. There's no doubt they'd pose a great deal of trouble to us. And there's a chance any of them could have already found Anakin, which would only complicate matters."
Padme's unwavering belief that Anakin was alive wasn't something Dorme wanted to take away from her. She knew the Senator needed to hold tight to her hope. Alas, the evidence in her opinion painted the most grim of pictures. In her heart of hearts she prayed that at least they would be able to recover his body so that he could have a hero's burial... and then his wife could grieve and somehow, someday, move on. "Then let's not waste another moment."
"Best speed to the red moon of Er'Kit," Obi-Wan announced before resuming manual flight control. He mentally centered and calmed himself, yet again reaching out with the Force to seek any trace of his Jedi
brother. Again he found nothing. Not so much as the slightest tremor in the Force where Anakin was concerned. The Chosen One was far too powerful to, and they were to close for Ben to feel nothing at all. He'd sensed the deaths of other Jedi friends of his in the past, but none shared the bond he did with Anakin. So why couldn't he sense anything now? Yet another mystery he set out to solve.
"There it is," Padme declared as the massive burnt-orange desert world of Er'Kit came into view. It looked more of a dead rock than Tattoine itself, if that were possible. As expected, a great number of old bulk cruisers, rusted freighters, rigged starships, and smuggling vessels bearing pirate insignias came into view. Some hovered above the world, while others descended down upon it. She could almost smell the filth of their treachery. She deplored slavers long before she ever met her husband, and after hearing some of his dark tales she was even more repulsed by them. "I'm engaging the cloaking device now. Keep us just below the repulser traffic lanes."
While bursting above the planet, Obi-Wan pointed out the small gray moon as they fast approached it. "Our sensors can't detect anything down there. No life forms, settlements, structures, or starship energy signatures. Of course I'm sure the criminal element employ cloaking devices as well."
"Hang on, Anakin," Padme whispered to herself, but was sure Ben and Dorme heard her. She was long past caring the implications this mission would have her on career or the secret of her marriage. She wanted her husband back, and no sacrifice was too great to reach that end.
The Avenger cleared the upper expanse of Er'Kit in a blazing rush as it maneuvered below the multi-lanes of heavy starship traffic, straying as far from sight as possible. Gazing through the cockpit's clear hub, Padme considered that her first reaction upon entering this system was almost hypocritical when she thought of the widespread corruption in the Galactic Senate these days. Were space pirates, bounty hunters, smugglers, or even the Hutt clans any worse than Palpatine? If she were honest, probably not. At least the lawlessness of the Outer Rim was up front and in your face. No one pretended to be something they weren't. Shady dealings were done out in the open. Criminal activities weren't just expected, they were accepted as business as usual. And in some ways... alot of ways, the Outer Rim territories were better governed by having no government at all.
Perhaps Anakin was right all along, Padme wondered with a heavy heart. No matter what they did, no matter their personal sacrifices or the performance of their duties the galaxy wasn't going to change. She swore right then and there WHEN she found him alive the life they lived would be an afterthought. She would not waste another day without him by her side.
Her heart began racing the moment the robust red moon of Er'Kit came into view. There was definitely activity going on down there. She recognized Obi-Wan's worry intensify when they began their descent to the moon past a growing number of pirate starships bearing numerous insignias denoting their respective clans. Hundreds of lights, ion space canons, and Correlian radar dishes were settled around a massive base of operations that could easily be seen from orbit. It seemed to be hidden underground on the moon's surface, complete with an advanced docking facility. "Is that the symbol of the Black Claw Marauders?"
Obi-Wan slowly grazed his chin, nodding. "Unfortunately, yes. It appears the pirate clans are not as unorganized as Republic intelligence believes. I've noted several different clans since we arrived with the Black Claw Marauders being the worst of their kind. This is not good."
Suddenly a powerful tremor roared over their ship, nearly knocking Dorme off her feet. She managed to catch her balance on the back of Padme's chair before another devastating rumble shook the entire vessel.
"Are they firing on us? I thought we were cloaked?" Dorme asked.
"No, worse," Padme offered as her brows knitted together with worry. "A tractor beam is locked on to us. They must have a way to pick up on ships that use cloaking devices. We're being drawn down to their base."
Obi-Wan turned to Padme. "I don't suppose you have a Plan B?"
"Welcome to Vostus Spaceport, strangers," a hovering, one-eyed Cycian protocol droid greeted in a heavily digitized voice. Three unauthorized visitors to the facility calmly walked down their starship's short landing ramp toward him. The droid's internal sensor array detected all three were armed, not that he expected any different from those who frequented this area of space. Thankfully for the droid, ten very large and intimidating Morgukai bodyguards stood at attention behind him with their blasters trained on the intruders. "I sincerely hope the next few moments will not end in bloodshed. I detest having my metal plating cleaned all the time."
"Since you have detained my vessel I assume introductions are in order," Padme began with her dark hood covering most of her face. Her cloak felt heavier after the 'additions' she added before exiting the ship. She just hoped they wouldn't be needed. For now the Senatorial formalities of the way she normally spoke had to be forgotten. "My name is Narkana, and these two are my devoted servants. Doth, my bodyguard," her hand ventured in Obi-Wan's general direction, "And Solesk, my pilot." Dorme bowed respectfully. "We're passing through the Outer Rim territories in search of smuggling opportunities. Word has it this spaceport would be a good place to start."
The droid quickly scanned the outer hull of their starship. "Your vessel bears no identifying insignias, humanoid. Are you affiliated with an organization or clan?"
Padme shook her head, mindful of the numerous hostile alien races watching this little exchange. "If we were we wouldn't be seeking work."
The red-eyed droid closed the distance between them, halting only when the female leader's hand brushed over the blaster on her hip. "The Outer Rim doesn't see many advanced starships such as yours. It's clean and smooth... belongs in the Republic territories with the pretty people. The locals here would strip it bare and auction the parts off for scrap metal." The droid's voice dipped quietly. "Then they'd auction off you."
"If anyone goes near my starship you're going to need a whole lot of body bags, droid."
Lifting its slender arms defensively, the droid slowly backed away. "Rest assured we keep them well stocked here, humanoid."
Taking in her surroundings, Padme felt her skin crawling in this wretched place. Rebuilt, restructured, rusted over, and repugnant. The massive space port smelled of grime, oil, and filth. The unmistakable sounds of Correllian blow torches, hydraulic lifting gears, ion-power drills, and other machinery could be heard in every corner of this place. No less than thirty heavily-modified starships were being outfitted in individual alcoves by every manner of astromech droid she knew existed. Insignia's representing the Black Claw Marauders, Black Sun, the Hutt Clans, and various other organized crime factions and bounty hunters detailed just how dangerous this place was.
Not to mention the various criminal elements present were all armed. Padme recognized four high-profile criminals wanted by Galactic Republic authorities for various crimes. Knowing that she wasn't here for them, she quickly brushed that discomfort aside. Her goal was her husband and nothing else. "Who are you, and what do I need to do to get my ship out of here?"
The droid's red-eye carefully monitored each of the strangers, noting no bionics inside to their bodies. They were fragile humanoids at best. "I am Moiq, a humble servant droid to my master, Empress Sesar." The droid gave something of a gentleman's bow amidst the smoky, dimly lit surroundings of the colossal hanger bay. "Our infamous facility is a safe haven of sorts for those who conduct all manner of business in the Outer Rim. Smugglers, pirates, bounty hunters, slavers, blaster runners, and exotic drug dealers are all welcome here... for a price. You'll find that every single ship at this spaceport has paid a license fee to my Empress to dock here for repairs... or whatever else they might need." The droid spun sideways, extending its slim, grey robotic arm ahead towards a broad, winding corridor. "For the fee of twenty-five thousand credits you may register here and have access to most of the station. In addition, you will be guaranteed safe passage at any time you require it. Even if a bounty were on your head it could not be collected here."
"And if I refuse?"
"You can die where you stand." The droid's head lifted ever so much as the Morgukai behind it aimed their weapons at the trio. "Like the several hundred others who refused to pay over the last three standard years. Ours is a secret society here. You're either a part of it, or your life is extinguished. The choice is yours."
Padme thought things through. If this place not only outfitted and repaired damaged starships, more than likely there was a medical station for the wounded somewhere. If Anakin were found he'd be there, a prize this Empress Sesar would no doubt take great care of. The Hero Without Fear would be worth a fortune to whomever offered him alive.
The choice was made. Padme calmly lifted her right hand. Dorme produced a red satchel from inside her cloak, handing it over. "We'll pay and then take our leave."
"Just as soon as you are registered your vessel will be released to you once more," the droid added before its head swiveled completely around, the blue-green hue of its small Phalon engines igniting as it led them away. "Follow me."
Though feeling a bit out of place in a passive role to start, Obi-Wan had done as Padme asked, Force-sensing their surroundings while letting her do all the talking. He wasn't able to find Anakin, but felt waves of anxiety, paranoia, and stress around them through the Force. Typical feelings for the criminal element he'd learned over the years. Nonetheless, his thoughts returned to his Jedi brother. Anakin was far too powerful in the Force for him to be nearby without feeling his presence.
Yet again he quietly grieved for Padme's loss as he suspected this mission would not have a good outcome. At least as a last tribute to his fallen best friend he would see Padme safely back to Coruscant.
No matter what.
Minus his traditional Jedi robe, the worn, dark, hooded outfit he wore appeared every bit the struggling refugee he sought to portray as they followed the droid toward its master. The spaceports rugged, hollowed-out interior seemed built on one basic level, with many interconnecting tunnels. As if being outnumbered in a very hostile environment wasn't bad enough, the leathery bronze-skinned Morgukai soldiers were known to be particulary resistant to the Force. Thankfully there were very few among them that were female, so he hoped Empress Sesar wasn't one of them.
Minding his silence, Obi-Wan found himself almost approving of this facility. The hanger itself was nearly the size of the one at the Jedi Temple, and though a bit rough around the edges, seemed well kept and more than capable of handling heavy starship traffic. He was certain some of the most clever starship design minds in the galaxy were present here. Smugglers always had the best outfitted ships. They knew what to add, what was dead weight, and held no love for the vanity of outside visuals.
He allowed himself a small grin that Anakin would have absolutely loved this place.
Padme walked alongside the hovering droid through a wide hallway towards the inner section of the base. The Morgukai soldiers followed close behind. "Tell me about the registration process?"
Moiq's head swiveled to face her. "You will meet with Empress Sesar, explain why you are here and how you found us. Then you will pay the fee and have your starship and your identities recorded in our registry. This facility is a neutral ground for all. No one collects bounties here. No one steals from another here. No one fights. All angry disputes are be addressed outside this base. Here, we are all one big intergalactic criminal family. Except if Empress Sesar is angered. Then we are a not so happy family. And the body bags we spoke of will be needed."
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy," Obi-Wan declared his assessment and then was halted by the droid.
"Why thank you, sir. We do our best." Swiveling its head once more, the droid carried on, leading them towards a long red-carpeted staircase.
The group ascended the stairs and then all stepped aside when a tall, angry-looking Utapaun rudely marched past them without uttering a word. He was followed closely by several weary-looking, canine-humanoid Nelvaanian's wearing slave-chokers around their necks. Padme's fist clenched at the sight of those accursed devices. Used by illegal slavers all over the galaxy, the chokers dampened ones ability to speak, coordination, and will power. In addition, each carried a small explosive device that could be detonated anytime the master wished.
What was worse, two among the seven were young girls. Padme knew all to well the fate of young female slaves in the Outer Rim. They were often sold into forced prostitution.
Grimacing himself, Obi-Wan held his peace as well, gently touching Dorme's arm as she had stopped to scowl at the slaver. They had to keep up appearances no matter how distasteful the people around
them were. This was the Outer Rim territories. Ethics and morals were an afterthought here. Only profits mattered.
Moiq led the trio down one last droid-crowded hall toward a large meeting room at the end of the corridor. Twin ceiling-high Durasteel doors slid apart upon their approach. "Your excellency, Empress Sesar," the droid acknowledged with a bow as all eyes were drawn to incredibly beautiful Twi'lek female seated behind a large Draka marble desk. An absolutely stunning view of Er'Kit was visible in the curved transparisteel glass that made up the entire back wall. The black office walls here adorned with beautiful, antique Ryloth paintings, offering a particularly unique decor. "We have new visitors to your spaceport who are seeking to register, milady."
Tracing a well-manicured red nail over the smooth top of her expensive desk, Empress Sesar favored the new comers with an expression as deadly as a Bothan carving knife to the back. She stood slowly, her lovely features nearly as humanoid as the strangers, although her bluish skin pigment and the shapely prehensile tentacles that grew from the base of a Twi'leks skull easily distinguished her. Tall and thin as most Twi'lek females were, she wore a form-fitting white Faras gown that hugged her sensual curves. The long, jeweled blade holstered on her hip was evidence enough that her attractive appeal wasn't to be misinterpreted as a sign of weakness. "Welcome to Vostus Spaceport, my friends. I look forward to doing business with you. And I promise that a more secured, opportunistic facility you won't find anywhere else in the Outer Rim territories."
Padme wasted no time approaching the Empress's desk, never mind the Morgukai's weapons trained on her. She tossed the red satchel Dorme handed her earlier on the desk top. "Twenty-five thousand credits, as we were told was the price of registering at your spaceport."
"Hello to you, too. And it's not that easy, dear," Empress Sesar noted with the makings of a cold smile lifting her ruby lips. "You can't just show up here unannounced in a starship rarely ever seen in the Outer Rim and expect me to simply look the other way. The security of this spaceport requires me to be certain of each and every member's intentions. To that end I require answers from you and your crew."
Padme crossed her arms, pushing back her anger at the time they were wasting. How a Twi'lek of all people, especially when the females of their kind were often sold into slavery, would allow it to take place before her very eyes disgusted her, she had to let it go. "You may begin."
Being spoken to as if an order had been given wasn't something Empress Sesar found to her liking. Not at all. Her eyes narrowed at this tiny humanoid. "Give me your names, intentions, and where you're from? And be mindful that I can have you killed with but a single word. Trust that I welcome the truth."
Detailing their back story, Padme laid out a tale of adventure as they'd stolen this brand new starship from a wealthy resident of Coruscant and were now seeking fortune and fame in the Outer Rim territories. She painted a picture of being a bored wife of a politically-connected man deeded into great wealth. A man she killed not that long ago when she found out about his infidelity and that he secretly possessed tastes of the same-sex variety. She needed so much more out of life than the mundane world he'd shown her... and now she was having an elicit affair with her very capable bodyguard, Doth.
Blinking suddenly, Obi-Wan swallowed hard when that part of the story was revealed.
"The Avenger is as good a mid-sized starship as there is in the galaxy. I'd be happy to share its schematics with you as an added bonus if we can speed the registration process along, Excellency," Padme concluded, humbling her voice as she recognized the Empress seemed to need that sort of thing.
Upon locking the spaceport's tractor beam on their ship, Empress Sesar noted they weren't carrying anything of particular value on their ship. Typical blaster-firearms and medical Bacta. Nothing out of the ordinary for a smuggling vessel. Still, she had a certain feeling about this woman. She was more than she seemed and her story, while plausible, could just as easily be a lie. Perhaps a little test would reveal her true
nature. "Care to give me one good reason why I shouldn't simply seize your pretty ship for myself, confiscate your credits, and kill you?"
Padme's right arm lifted, brushing aside the interior of her cloak, revealing the several silver/gold orbs attached to the fabric. "I do believe these Thermal Detonators convey my stance far better than I could say with words."
Smiling widely, Empress Sesar nodded respectfully. Her hand lifted, signaling her Morgukai gaurds to relax. "And to think I didn't like you at first." She calmly gathered the red satchel on her desk and began counting the credits, noting there were equal to what was required. Moments later she produced three new data pads and sat them on her desk. "Each of you must lay your palms on the data pad's surface. They will record your prints and DNA markers. I shall have a member of my staff Piro-graft twin insignia's bearing this spaceports crest on your starship. Afterwards you will be free to come and go as you please."
"Thank you, Empress," Padme bowed, followed by Obi-Wan and Dorme. Each of them rested their hands over the data pads. "How long should this process take?"
Empress Sesar raised a brow. "You seem in a rush to leave?"
Padme addressed her. "I have a lead on a smuggling job I'd like to look into as soon as possible. Credits to make and all. I'm sure you understand."
Empress Sesar gave a nod, still watching the trio carefully. "Thirty standard minutes should suffice. In the meantime feel free to tour the facility. There's multi-race fried meat bar and restaurant here, as well as a starship alteration shop area should you require anything modified."
"My wrist has been giving me issues lately. Would you by any chance have a med-droid on staff?" Padme asked.
"Down the stairs and to your right, all the way down the halls," Empress Sesar offered. "You'll find a very capable medical station on this spaceport."
Her desire to question the Empress any further was tempered by not wanting to push things to far, or alert her that they might be searching for someone. Padme played it cool, bowing once more. "We shall take our leave, your Excellency. Thank you."
Moiq hovered beside his Empress as the trio quietly exited the room. "They are searching for something, your Excellency. Of that I am certain. My initial read-outs of their starship show that it has been outfitted with some of the very best scanning systems and radar array's this side of the Republic Military."
"Indeed," Empress Sesar thoughtfully considered. "Their ship lacks the heavy armaments and the weaponry to enter the smugglers world. Still, most who visit my spaceport are lying about something. Their reasons for being here matter little to me. I have their credits and have Viro-tagged their vessel. If they play by the rules I don't care what lies they hold dear. But if they cross me then death awaits them."
As soon as they reached the bottom of the long staircase out of earshot from the Morgukai guards, Padme walked in-line with Dorme. Her voice carried just loud enough for her former handmaiden to hear. "Please give me some good news?"
"The listening device is behind a glow lamp on the far left wall of Empress Sesar's office," Dorme noted in a quiet tone while adjusting her hidden ear-piece. "The Empress doesn't trust us, but then again, I can tell she doesn't trust anyone. Our time here needs to be short. She's already suspicious."
Wired and restless, Padme gave a knowing nod as the trio calmly made their way through the interconnected corridors of the spaceport, heading toward the medical station. "The device is small enough to go undetected for now. We'll be long gone before her next security sweep. Just keep monitoring every conversation in there."
"Done."
"Go back to our ship, and as soon as Sesar's staff is done grafting the insignia get on aboard and prep it for an immediate launch." Dorme marched off without another word, playing her role of the faithful servant masterfully. With that bit of business concluded, Padme turned her attention Obi-Wan. "Were you able to learn anything?"
The Jedi Master sincerely wished he had better news to report. "I sensed no dire worries over our unexpected arrival. There was nothing in particular the Empress was attempting to hide," he explained. "I've encountered many like her in my travels. Her sole concern lies with the credit-earning business of this space station. She maintains a certain note of paranoia that probably keeps her keen senses alert. Our meeting was business as usual. No more, no less."
"And still nothing from Anakin through the Force?" Padme hated the tremble in her voice that accompanied her query.
"I'm sorry... no."
They walked in silence for a moment. Exhaling deeply, Padme knew that the dark dread threatening to devour her wouldn't provide the inner strength she needed to persevere through this. Anakin was depending on her to keep her wits about her so that she could save his life. He needed her at her very best. And despite the overwhelming sorrow and worry clenching tight around her heart, she ignored her pain. She had to for her husband's sake.
But deep down, Padme was well aware that Dorme and Obi-Wan felt she needed to do this for her own personal closure more than they genuinely believed Anakin was still alive. Their eyes, no matter their courage in accompanying her to the Outer Rim, betrayed them. Nonetheless, she wasn't going to fail her husband.
Not now and not ever!
Brushing her emotions aside, Padme was pleased to find the medical station not far up ahead at the end of the hall. The thick, ceiling-high Durasteel doors suddenly whizzed open, revealing a wiry-thin Sologan who politely excused herself between them. She led a limping male Wookie down the corridor, speaking to it in a caring tone that touched Padme considering her surroundings. You could truly kind a sliver of kindness anywhere if you looked hard enough.
For a moon-settled smugglers spaceport in the Outer Rim territories, Obi-Wan and Padme were astonished by the technical marvel of this immense med-station. Two dozen wall-mounted scanners were attended to by several 2-1B med-droids and just as many of FX-7 analysis droids. Computer terminals were set in an oval-shape near the center of the room. What drew their most intense attention were the row of tall Bacta life-support shell tanks aligning the back wall.
Three of which were currently occupied.
"Excuse me, miss?" a three-eyed Malastare began to nervously shout from behind its desk when the cloaked humanoid female sprinted towards the Bacta tanks. "I am Administrator Cesk. If you do not identify yourself immediately I will call securi..."
"You don't need to contact security."
The Malastarian blinked as another cloaked humanoid approached his desk, peering into his eyes. He felt greatly compelled to repeat, "I don't need to contact security."
"You will inform your med-droid staff that we are allowed full access to your station and computer files. We should be ignored and will not interfere with their work."
The man standing before the administrator seemed so friendly and reassuring. His mind found favor with the request just made of him. He quickly did as he was told, announcing the humanoids were free to do whatever they wished. "My staff is at your disposal."
Obi-Wan nodded respectfully. "Sir, I do feel you work too hard and are in need of a long break. Unless a dire emergency is brought to your attention, how about you go and enjoy a very quiet tour of the entire space station. And please do enjoy yourself. Take your time."
The administrator thought it over and seemed to agree. "You're quiet right. I could use a walk to stretch my legs." As calmly as if he'd thought of doing so himself, he rose from his desk and exited the med-station without so much as saying another word.
With one hurdle out of the way, Obi-Wan began walking to the back of the room. "Padme?"
"He's not here." She'd been hopeful despite her Force-vision that Anakin had been found and attended to. She was already planning their escape route in her head, but he wasn't here. Fighting off a fresh wave of grief, she pressed on. "You take the computer terminal over there, and I'll work on this one. Check for any recent humanoid patients admitted or released."
"I'm on it." Obi-Wan sat down at the terminal and began using the system. The mainframe wasn't very technologically advanced, but he was sure it well served the space station's needs. For the next twenty-standard minutes they sorted through a great number of patient examination files. No humanoids had ventured to this med-station in over forty standard days.
"Dammit!"
Her frustrated swear surprised him, but Obi-Wan didn't require access to the Force to tell Padme was dying inside with worry and pain. He could do nothing to comfort her, nor had he any time to grieve himself. Still he would see her through this for Anakin's sake. "Milady, we must be on our way. Anakin is not on this spaceport."
Standing from the desk, Padme shut her eyes to mentally center herself and then pressed on. She had no other choice. Anakin needed her. Period. End of story. He would not be failed until she drew her dying breath. And not a second before. "We need to start sweeping this moon with the Avenger's scanning systems."
Padme blazed past Obi-Wan, who quickly fell in step with her as they made their way toward the exit. "Always on the move."
Suddenly stopping dead in her tracks, Padme caught sight of six well-armed Morgukai guards marching towards the med-station through a clear transparisteel opening facing the hall. "They're force resistant, aren't they?"
"For the most part, yes," Obi-Wan replied, his hand gracing the hilt of his lightsaber in preparation for battle should the guards attempt to arrest them. "With the administrator gone and us here alone, I doubt we will be able to talk our way out of this. Their suspicions will greatly delay our departure."
The Morgukai were closing in, heading their way with focused intent. Padme felt her breath catch as a spontaneous plan formed in her mind. Simple, but effective. She found herself with no time to think it over. "Ben, my apologies in advance."
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi was a Galactic Republic general known for his unshakable poise and inability to be shocked no matter the situation. That was until now. The most uncharacteristic shriek of sorts barely escaped his lips the moment Padme's arms slid round his neck, her soft mouth closing over his in a deeply passionate kiss that saw her clinging tightly to him. The entrance the doors whizzed open, revealing the group of startled Morgukai guards.
And for the briefest, most un-Jedi like moment of his entire life, Obi-Wan gave into a seconds worth of Padme's tenderness... not since Siri had he ached for a woman.
Padme anxiously broke away, smiling widely as she turned to the Morgukai while still in Obi-Wan's arms. Her bashful expression would hopefully aid her cause. "My apologies. My bodyguard and I paid a small gift of sorts to the administrator for a small bit of privacy."
The lead guard tilted his head curiously, and then grunted a dismissive noise. "There are rooms for rent here for that sort of thing, humanoid. Vacate the premises immediately, or I will be forced to arrest you. And if you run into the administrator, be sure to tell him we will have words later."
"Yes, of course," Padme noted quickly, moving from Obi-Wan to the door with him following closely behind. Once they were in the hall striding away she graced him with a grin of sorts. "It was all that I could think to do at the time. I apologize if I embarrassed you."
"Oh no. I applaud your resourcefulness, milady." By the Force itself, Obi-Wan had to shake his head to free his very male thoughts enough to speak. No wonder Anakin found her irresistible. He swallowed hard and hoped she didn't notice while they progressed down the corridor. "Rest assured that experience was far from embarrassing."
Had her mind been focused anywhere other than Anakin, Padme might of noted the modest compliment in what he said. "Once we're off this spaceport we'll begin searching the..." Her head turned sharply when she recognized a(n) anguished cry for help. The sound caught her attention from behind a partially open holding-vault down a small side tunnel. Turning to Obi-Wan who nodded, they quietly approached the origin of the person in need.
That's when they heard the unmistakable sound of a fist striking someone. A small body collided into the floor. The crying appeared to belong to a child.
Padme quickly shoved the vault door open. wasting no time when a child appeared to be in danger. She found that same Utapaoun slaver standing over one of the young female Nelvaanian slaves. The slaver had the front of his clothing undone while the child cowered on the floor, scurrying away from him. "You disgusting filth. Get away from her this instant!"
"This is none of your business, humanoid." The Utapaun defiantly snarled at her unexpected presence. "My possessions belong to me. And this little one will learn to please her master."
Noting the child appeared no older than her beloved when she first met him years ago, anger burned like a dragon's fire in Padme's chest until a blind rage came over her so fast she had no time to control it. Her emotions flared as hot as Coruscant's sun. The dire dread of Anakin's death, the fear of not being able to save him, her revulsion at the mere idea of slavery, and the rage she felt towards all who sought to take Anakin from her triggered the single most uncharacteristic moment of her entire life.
She never felt the cool metal of her blaster fit into the palm of her hand.
Nor did she think to grip it tightly, lifting the weapon.
It fired before she even realized she'd pulled the trigger.
Her lips parted in a half-gasp, half-prayer as the Bothan crumbled to the floor from a grave wound to his chest. His body trembled and shook before fading into a peaceful stillness. Her mind could barely comprehend what just took place.
"I..." Padme could barely breathe, and then found herself moving on autopilot when Obi-Wan quickly ushered her inside the vault, Force-sensed the corridor for anyone who might of have heard or saw anything, and then hit the wall switch to shut the door. She went to help the young girl, who minus a bruise coloring the left side of her face appeared to be unharmed.
The rest of the Nelvaanian slaves huddled against the back wall, shaken and terrified. Obi-Wan bent down to check on the Bothan. "He's dead."
"Remove their collars," softly pled Padme while her brown eyes remained on the lifeless Bothan slaver she just killed in cold blood. The mere fact that he was dead by her hand barely registered at the moment. His bleeding form would be a sight she knew she'd never forget. Nonetheless, Anakin still needed her.
Using the Force, Obi-Wan's extended right hand, causing the slave-chokers around the Nelvaanian's necks to rapidly beep several times, and then unlock. As if awakening from a drowsy daze, they quickly removed those accursed devices, throwing them to the ground with such force most of them broke on impact. "Please take a moment to breathe deeply. Those devices wreck havoc on the nervous system and equilibrium."
"I... I am Vexor," the eldest Nelvaanian spoke up while holding onto his brother. "We were captured by that Utapaun slime on Tattoine weeks ago."
"You're free now," Padme was pleased to report, finding sheer relief upon the faces of the Nelvaanian's. "But I feel if you stay on this space station any longer that might not be the case. Do any of you know how to pilot a starship?"
The eldest Nelvaanian nodded, his strength returning now that the slave-chocker was gone and his family's freedom was at hand. "I can. And I will."
"Then waste no time finding the Bothan's ship. Get off of this spaceport and never look back." Padme removed a small black satchel from inside her cloak. She looked inside, counting, and then handed the bag to the former slave. "That's seven thousand credits. I wish I could give you more." She watched tears glisten the Nelvaanian's eyes, and then accepted a sincere hug from the freed slave.
"What is your name so that we may never forget our deliverer?"
"My name is Narkana. And all that I ask is you that someday you help someone in dire need."
"We will. I swear it!" Vexor swore, his spirit renewed. Before leaving they all thanked Obi-Wan and then sought the spaceports landing bay for the Bothan's starship. "May the Force be with you."
Wasting no time, Padme and Obi-Wan carefully drug the Bothan's dead body behind a row of barrels, and then edged back towards the door. Padme snuck a glance outside, noting that the Nelvaanian's were thankfully no where in sight. "Do you sense anything?"
Reaching out with the Force, Obi-Wan shook his head. "Nothing outside the usual. That's not good to begin with."
"Then let's go." Padme drew her cloak over her head once more while parting a sea of new alien arrivals to the spaceport hanger on her way back to the Avenger. She desperately called out to Anakin through their connection with the Force, and found only the distant, faint beat of a weakening heart. Her thoughts focused for him to hang on. She was close and coming for him. He had to hang on because she needed him.
And she loved him endlessly.
Striding with the most serious purpose past a slew of astromech droids, their starship finally in sight, Padme and Obi-Wan were soon forced to a full stop when they were suddenly surrounded by a horde of Morgukai guards, their weapons trained on them.
Empress Sesar strode from behind the scenes, walking right up to the duo. "You killed someone on my space station. My security camera's caught it all. Did you really think you could deceive me?"
"That Bothan trash was about to rape a child," Padme asserted in the Empress's face. "Surely of all races, a Twi'lek has a heart when it comes to such a violent crime."
"I don't judge how anyone makes their credits, humanoid. Do not use my race to garner sympathy. Slaving is as legal as anything else here." The Empress ventured closer to Padme, her eyes narrowed. "Murder isn't. And for that crime, you'll be executed."
Padme heard her threat like some distant whisper in the wind, but only thought of Anakin. Her beloved husband who had given his health, years of sacrifice, and all that he had for this accursed war. Time and time again he was called upon to do the impossible, and never failed the Republic. Never failed the people who so believed in him. And all that he had ever wanted was to be with her. To live his life free of lies and deceit. To love her and make her happy. And now he needed his Angel more than he ever had before.
Senator Amidala wasn't here tonight.
Padme Nabberie was still on Coruscant.
Mrs. Skywalker understood how to handle this so called Empress. Understood that she only observed one form of dialogue. Inside her cloak, her small hand tightly gripped the lightsaber Anakin gave her for their wedding anniversary. "If you don't get out of my way right now I swear by the Force there won't be enough of you left to scrape off this floor."
The End
Next: "The Finale"
The fate of Anakin Skywalker!!
PS: Be sure to check out my authors page in the coming days for a new AP fanfic archive ceated by a very good friedn of mine called "500 Republica" More exciting details soon. Shawn