Disclaimer:It's George's sandbox, I'm simply destroying the sandcastles

Title: Disgrace & Slander II
Author: Jade_Max
Characters: Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala Naberrie Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano
Genre: Drama, Angst, Romance, Family
Era: Clone Wars / RotS AU
Summary: Anakin deals with the repercussions and perks of his suddenly public marriage and fatherhood
Notes: This is a Companion piece to "Disgrace & Slander" [starts three days after the 1st holo report] You'll want to read the other Vig to get an idea of what's happening here.

Notes 2: I swore I wasn't going to do this, but the idea hit me and won't let me work on anything else. This will have several parts depending on how the muse feels. In a day it was already 11000+ words so here goes...

Never having written Ahsoka or Cody before, and Rex very little, I tried to keep them in character with what I've seen in all the Clone Wars shows... so we'll see how I did ;)

Disgrace & Slander II

Three days after the first holo report in "Disgrace & Slander"

"You're married?" Ahsoka Tano stared at her Master with disbelief. "I thought that went against the Jedi code; you know, the attachment clause you keep quoting me?"

Anakin Skywalker watched his Padawan with an amused half smile, leaning against the ledge to the viewport in their quarters; as his Padawan she lived with him. "You can't really be that surprised, Snips; you've seen me with her."

"Well, yes, but... married? You're a Jedi, Skyguy, I thought…"

She trailed off and Anakin arched his eyebrows. "Thought what; that I was dallying with her?"

"More like she was dallying with you," even on her red skin, Ahsoka's blush was visible. "But I swear I never said anything to her about it!"

"Padmé dally with me?" Anakin chuckled, teasing her. "She'd get a good kick out of that, Snips; you could have said something."

"It wasn't my place," she retorted defensively. "Besides, it's not like Jedi can't…. dally, it's just not encouraged, right?"

"Right."

Pinning him with a glare at his amused tone, Ahsoka crossed her arms over her chest. "You're enjoying this."

"A little," he admitted. "What gave us away?"

"You think alike, Master – do I still call you that?"

"Until the council assigns you elsewhere, you're still my Padawan; unless you'd rather not be."

Rolling her eyes, Ahsoka slumped back into her chair and tilted her head against the head rest. "This is a little much to take in, that's all. Yesterday I was Ahsoka Tano, Padawan to the 'Hero with no fear' and Jedi 'Chosen one' Anakin Skywalker. Envy of every youngling and Padawan."

Anakin made a face at the names. "Laying it on a little thick, don't you think?"

"As if you're unaware of what people call you. Seriously; don't you have enough fancy titles?"

"Husband and father mean more to me than any of the others, including Jedi Knight, Ahsoka," Anakin told her, suddenly serious. "Padmé's my life; she always has been."

"But… but you're a Jedi! You've always been a Jedi; if you wanted to marry her, why'd you become a Jedi in the first place?"

Anakin pushed off the viewport. "Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn made me a promise when I was nine; that I'd be a Jedi. I believed him and it's what I wanted; but, more importantly, it's what my mother wanted. Obi-Wan believed him enough to train me. After I learned what I could do, the good that I could help bring… how could I be anything but a Jedi."

"How can you be one with an attachment like a family? I don't understand!"

"The better question, Snips, is how can I be a Jedi without it. Padmé's my rock, my strength. She's the reason I fight so hard to get home."

"You have a funny way of showing you want to get back to her; does she have any idea how reckless you are? The kinds of risks you take?"

Anakin grinned. "That and then some; she's not exactly lived a life of peaceful complacency, you know."

"I know," Ahsoka exhaled a long breath. "I got a taste of that the time I played bodyguard on Alderaan; she's always surprising me."

Anakin shut his eyes, feeling those words keenly; his wife was just full of surprises; like the most recent one... or rather two in the form of his children.

Ahsoka winced. "I'm sorry, Master; I didn't mean for it to come out that way."

"It's okay, Snips; it's the truth anyway. She's always surprising me too."

"Is that why you married her?"

Anakin smiled faintly, well able to see the last image he had of his wife behind his eyelids; sitting in a care center bed in the maternity ward holding his daughter. He would have given anything to be there. Next time, if there was a next time, he swore he would be.

"Master?"

He straightened and opened his eyes, turning to lean against the view port ledge again. "I married her because I love her, Ahsoka; the fact she can still surprise me after all this time is just a nice bonus."

"And that's the attachment thing again," she exhaled noisily. "Weren't you the one who said we all struggle to let go of our attachments?"

"It sounds like something I would say. So?"

"So? So?So what? Were you lying to me?"

"I was telling you the truth, Snips," recalling after a moment just when he'd said that to her. "Just like you couldn't kill Barriss, I'd have a hell of a hard time accepting something bad happening to Padmé."

Ahsoka was quiet for a minute before cocking her head at him. "So what happens to me now, anyway?"

"Far as I know you're staying with Obi-Wan and I; the council hasn't passed along orders to the contrary."

"Oh."

"Not what you were expecting?"

"None of this is what I was expecting, Master. If you'd told me yesterday, I'd have thought it was a great joke. It's going to take some time to take it all in, is all."

"Take your time with it," Anakin advised. "I'm still reeling from the revelation of fatherhood myself."

"Is… that the reason you waited until after we caught Dooku to tell me?"

"Sharp as ever, Snips; I couldn't risk you being distracted. We needed you in top form because I knew I wasn't - and you were; you were brilliant."

She ducked her head. "All thanks to your training, Master. Are you okay?"

"What?"

"With this whole situation; how're you doing?"

Anakin looked away, towards the viewport, and crossed his hands behind his back. "How do you think I'm doing?"

"Holding on by a thread," her tone was as dry as his had been. "You're as jumpy as a Gundark on a hot rock."

"A pretty fair assessment," his admission surprised her; for once not arguing with her about his state of mind. "I'm nervous about going home. I left behind a wife I didn't know was pregnant-"

"To be fair, she wouldn't have known right away either."

He shot her a look and reiterated his point. "I left behind a wife I didn't know was pregnant and I'm coming home to her and two innocent children, my children, that I've seen only in holos. So yeah; I'm a touch on edge. A great many things can happen between now and then."

"Then we'll deal," she told him with a cheeky grin. "We always do, don't we?"

He grinned at her optimism, recognizing his influence in her comments; her cockiness. "Right."

"Sooo… how long have you and Padmé been married anyway?"

"Almost six years."

"Six…" her eyes widened. "Woah! How'd you keep it under wraps so long? I mean, the two of you are like…" she trailed off, shook her head and shrugged. "I mean, you're both such intense people; I'm surprised you were able to keep it a secret."

"It hasn't been easy," he admitted, bracing his hands against the viewport sill and looking out. "I think if this had come out a year ago, the council wouldn't have hesitated a second in expelling me."

"Are you sure they'll do that now; we need every Jedi we can get."

"That's exactly what Obi-Wan said; you've been paying attention."

"I'm a Padawan learner- what else am I supposed to do?"

Anakin grinned, shooting her a look. "Well, if you're anything like me, for all I know you up and married that Lux kid when you two were on the sly."

"Master!"

"All that running and hiding through life and death situations…" Anakin tapped one finger against his chin thoughtfully. "I remember how that is; I bet-"

"Master!"

Laughing, he held up one hand to forestall her indignant tirade. "Easy, Snips, I'm just teasing. I'm glad you've been watching Obi-Wan; he's a great mentor."

"So are you, Master; you were right, you know."

"Oh?" His tone remained teasing. "I'm right about so many things, Snips, you'll have to clarify."

Rolling her eyes, Ahsoka pushed up in her chair. "About me not making it as his apprentice if I'd been assigned to Master Obi-Wan, he-"

"I'd have made do; I did survive Anakin after all." Both Anakin and Ahsoka turned towards the doorway. "For all your faults, young one, I doubt you'd be half the trial he was; I'm not interrupting am I?"

"Come on in, Obi-Wan," Anakin offered, not moving from his place by the viewport. "What news?"

"Nothing, I'm afraid. Our orders haven't yet come through."

"Nothing at all from the council?"

"Nothing but a congratulations on a job well done in capturing Dooku," Obi-Wan corrected. Taking the only other chair in the room, he left Anakin to stand. "They were particularly impressed by your part, young one."

Ahsoka shrugged off the praise. "I did what needed to be done, Master Kenobi."

"You were the lynch pin," he corrected with a smile. "Master Yoda made a point of mentioning just how far you've come in such a short time with Anakin. We might not have succeeded without you, Ahsoka."

"A Jedi is only as good as their training," she offered, glancing at Anakin and then Obi-Wan. "Master Skywalker may be who I was assigned to Master Kenobi, but I've learned a lot from you both."

"I'm glad to hear it."

"Has Anakin had a chance to fill you in on the situation, Ahsoka?"

"You mean about him being married to Padmé and now having twins?" She asked the question innocently enough and then grinned when Obi-Wan nodded once, slanting a look at her Master. "He may have mentioned it."

Anakin rolled his eyes. "She reacted closer to what I expected from you Obi-Wan."

"Oh?" The older Jedi looked distinctly amused. "Did I disappoint you, Anakin?"

"A little," he admitted with a smirk. "I was expecting a bigger lecture."

"Why worry about what's in the past, over and finished when we can't change it?" Obi-Wan countered philosophically. "Objecting to the fact you're a father after the fact is rather like closing the barn door to keep the shaak in after they're across the pasture and over the hill; useless and counterproductive."

With a laugh, Ahsoka pushed up and out of her chair, stretching towards the ceiling. "You always have the best metaphors, Master Kenobi."

"Hey!"

She ignored Anakin's indignant response. "How'd you put up with him anyway?"

"You don't think I was always this patient, did you?"

Obi-Wan's wry response made her laugh and Ahsoka shot her Master a look. "I had a feeling…"

Anakin rolled his eyes. "I know I'm a trial, Master; you used to say it enough before I was Knighted. I'm sure that hasn't changed now."

"Not more than expected," Obi-Wan assured him with a grin before turning back to the Padawan. "You seem tense, Ahsoka."

"She's just worried about what comes next; what happens to her."

"Ah," Obi-Wan stroked his beard. "I've given some thought to this myself, young one. If Anakin can't keep you as his Padawan, I intend to ask the council to make you mine."

Ahsoka's eyes widened almost comically. "Your Padawan." she shot an apprehensive look towards Anakin. "Are you sure, Master Kenobi? Master Skywalker says I'm not exactly… er…"

With a look at Anakin, Obi-Wan arched his eyebrows. "And just what have you been telling your apprentice about my teaching techniques?"

"Nothing but the truth, Master,"

"Your version of it. Don't believe everything he says, little one; I'm not as bad as all that."

"You mean I won't be pulling your tail out of more scrapes than Master Skywalker?"

Anakin burst out laughing.

Obi-Wan's hand slid up over his face to cover his eyes, digging the pads of his thumb and forefinger into the sockets for a moment before letting his hand drop. "You just can't let me live that down, can you, Anakin?"

"You still owe me for the last nine."

"Eight. That business on Cato Neimoidia doesn't count."

The smirk that crossed Anakin's face said otherwise but both Obi-Wan and Ahsoka ignored him.

With a grin, Ahsoka dipped into a formal bow. "I'd be honored if the council would assign me as your Padawan if it comes to that, Master Kenobi, but I think you'll understand when I say I've no desire to leave Master Skywalker just yet."

"Somehow I don't think Padmé will be to understanding of you sharing their quarters, young one." There was no disguising the suppressed mirth in Obi-Wan's tone. "We'll just have to wait and see what decision the council reaches."

Anakin's comlink beeped and he frowned, switching it on. "Skywalker."

"Sir; do you have a minute?"

"Sure, what is it, Rex?"

"There's a bit of a dispute in the mess hall, sir; something I think only you and General Kenobi can settle."

Anakin sighed. After weeks and months on duty, the enforced down time while in hyperspace was already wearing on the men after a just a few days. Something about enforced inactivity never settled well with the men. "He's with me; we'll be right there." Clicking the comlink off, Anakin pushed away from the windowsill. "No rest for the wicked; you coming on this one, Snips?"

"To harangue Rex about a dispute he can't handle?" she grinned. "Any chance I can get! It's not a sight you see every day."

Anakin chuckled as she darted away, eager to see what it was that was giving Rex so much trouble and fell in step beside Obi-Wan.

"She seems to have taken it rather well."

"She's hiding it well," Anakin corrected with a shake of his head. "Three days in and I'm still reeling - and she can sense it."

"The downside of teaching," Obi-Wan cracked. "One's student always knows you as well as you know yourself."

"And yet I managed to keep my relationship with Padmé from both of you."

"Yes, well, just because you think you know everything there is to know about them, doesn't mean you do. For all I don't approve of your methods, I must say I'm impressed. I didn't think you had it in you."

"What?"

"To keep something of this magnitude to yourself," Obi-Wan's grin was almost proud for all it was teasing. "You like to advertise your accomplishments; why not that one?"

"With everything we had to lose?" Anakin shook his head. "It was a secret worth keeping, Obi-Wan; the only kind there is."

"Just goes to show you know discretion after all." A ruckus up ahead caught their attention and Obi-Wan turned his attention towards the mess hall. "That must be the dispute Rex was speaking of."

The doors to the mess opened and Anakin and Obi-Wan stopped in the doorway, wide eyed.

Clones were everywhere, most some arguing in loud, indistinct voices that sounded like a flock of birds. Angry birds that made it impossible to make out any of the words being thrown around. Ahsoka was off to the side with Rex and Cody, shaking her head, her expression firm and she was shaking her head, trying to be heard over the din, a clone in squad command stripes neither Anakin nor Obi-Wan recognized standing with them and speaking animatedly.

Obi-Wan, even the diplomat, amplified his voice with the Force and put up his hands. "And what is going on here?"

Silence was immediate and heavy, the hundred or so pairs of eyes turning towards the door and the speaker. There was a long moment of nothing and then, almost as one, the clones turned their attention from Obi-Wan to Anakin. The younger Jedi crossed his arms over his chest, glanced at Obi-Wan, and stepped into the mess hall.

"Attention!"

Generals on deck!"

As one, the clones snapped to attention, a hundred pairs of feet slapping the deck in time, in a reverberation of sound that was impressive on most days – but not this one. Clasping his hands behind his back, Anakin started into the room, looking at the clones as he passed in silence, noting that Ahsoka, Cody and Rex hadn't done as he'd ordered – even though Cody reminded the troops of their ranks - but wasn't about to make a point of it.

Not yet.

The clones were all looking straight ahead in perfect at attention postures but Anakin could still feel the division within the room. Some of the men were his, others Obi-Wan's and, as with every unit, there were the new recruits and replacements; those who hadn't been with them long enough to know any of the Jedi who led them.

These were men who'd been on the ship for less than a handful of days and, Anakin suspected, had come bearing tales none of the men who knew him, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka or Padmé would like. Walking slowly, feeling the weight of those stares, Anakin knew the time had come. Still, he didn't intend to make it easy for his men.

Stopping dead center, he turned in a full circle, noting that Obi-Wan hadn't moved from the doorway and Ahsoka was with Rex and Cody and the unknown lieutenant.

"I have never seen such a shameful display on this vessel," he started, noting how the clones snapped just that much more rigid at his hard tone. "Brother fighting brother; disgraceful. This kind of behavior is not tolerated on my ship; you shinyes have an excuse. The rest of you don't. Captain Rex; what's going on here?"

Rex snapped to sudden attention. "Sir?"

Anakin waved one hand at the room and then crossed his arms over his chest, leveling his gaze on his friend. "Discipline is lax, Captain; something unusual for you."

Rex didn't even have the grace to look abashed. "Yes, sir. The men were simply… expressing their difference of opinion as to the character of a certain Senator, General."

Anakin arched his eyebrows, his hand clenching where no one could see it, his real hand squeezing the metal one even as he nodded once. "And your opinion on the matter, Captain?"

"The Senator is a respected member of the Senate sir, and a personal friend. I'll hear no ill speaking of her."

Anakin smile faintly. Rex was a good man and about to get the shock of a lifetime. "I assume you're speaking of Senator Amidala?"

"Yes, sir."

"And the other side of the discussion?"

Rex clammed up, his lips tightening with displeasure and, to Anakin's surprise, temper. He'd rarely seen his Captain irate and it was a novel concept. Easing up on Rex, Anakin turned and surveyed the rest of the men in the hall. "Anyone else then?"

"Sir,"

Anakin turned towards the voice, giving the trooper a once over and not recognizing the clone as one of his men. He was the new squad officer in commander stripes. "Your name, Lieutenant?"

"Sizzler, sir. We came aboard yesterday."

"Very well, Sizzler. What's your side of the argument?"

"Senator Amidala deserves every bit of the publicity, sir. No Senator with her history could possibly be as upstanding and uncorrupted; this just shows-"

"Trooper."

Sizzler stopped, "Sir?"

"The Senator you're speaking of is a friend of the Jedi and a close personal friend of my own." Anakin's eyes flashed dangerously and the Trooper's lips snapped quickly shut. "I'd choose what to say next very, very carefully if I were you."

"I've nothing else to add, General," Sizzler told him shortly. "I'll keep my opinion to myself."

"Anyone else want to say something about Senator Amidala?"

"Technically sir, she's no longer a Senator."

Anakin turned towards the voice. "And you are?"

"Technicality, sir," the clone offered. "Tech for short."

It figured.

Anakin lifted one hand and rolled his wrist, motioning for the clone to continue and, much to his surprise, Tech did.

"According to the reports, which have been accurate to date, Padmé Amidala has been removed from office. She has no husband on record, be it in the Senate archives or otherwise, and has born twin children to an as of yet unidentified man. Her silence has been the most damning feature of the whole story; she refuses to defend herself. It is, General, a universally accepted sign of guilt."

"I see."

"Master."

"Anakin."

Anakin didn't turn to look at either Ahsoka or Obi-Wan, recognizing the admonishment for what it was but he didn't need the reminder. Tech's assessment of the situation had drained all of the fun from this encounter. Turning, he took in the whole room and pitched his voice to be heard. It was time to end this; now.

"Listen up, men, and listen well; if I hear of any more rumors or slanderous statements against Padmé Amidala, I will personally see to it you're on maintenance duty for the rest of your tour."

"Respectfully sir, it's not slander if it's true."

"Tech!"

"Shut up!"

"Did you breathe vacuum?"

Turning back, Anakin narrowed his gaze on the insistent trooper, the hissed admonishment from other clones reassuring him that they were still a unit despite this one's seeming density. "Define slander for me, Tech."

"Sir?"

"Do it."

"Sir!" the clone snapped to attention at his terse order. "The action, or crime, of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation, sir."

"The action, or crime, of making a false spoken statement." Anakin repeated the words slowly, deliberately, taking a step so that he was nose to nose with the new clone. "The woman you're speaking of is my wife trooper. That title alone makes your statement false."

"Wife!"

It wasn't Tech who spoke, but Rex behind Anakin as the ripple of the word and Anakin's statement made its way through the clones. Stepping away from Tech, Anakin looked around and found he still had most of their attention. His next words brought it completely back.

"You're hearing right, but just in case there's a shred of doubt, here it is; Padmé Amidala Skywalker is my wife. Any questions?"

"Uh, sir?"

"Fives?"

"I didn't think Jedi could have wives."

"Follow that thought through, Fives." Anakin smiled faintly, finding his sense of humor again. Part of him was enjoying the revelation to his troops.

"Sir?"

"If I were allowed to have a wife, don't you think you'd all have known it by now with how often we're assigned to protect her or in her company?"

"Then might I say, sir, you've shown remarkable restraint. The Senator is a fine looking woman."

A ripple of laughter passed through the men, agreement with the statement.

"That she is." Anakin relaxed a little, glancing back at a confused looking Tech. "Nothing to add, Tech?"

"Just one question, General."

"Just one?"

"When were you married?"

"Just after the first battle of Geonosis; about five and a half years ago." His smile turned smug. "I'd give you the date, but I'll save that for the official press release."

The answer had another ripple of laughter going through the men and Fives stepped toward to slap Anakin on the shoulder. "Congratulations, sir. Rumor has it you're a father."

"No rumor," Anakin replied with a pointed look at Tech. "I spoke with Padmé a few days ago when the first news bulletin reached us. When we drop out for our next hyperspace correction, I'll be in touch with her again to discuss the press release that needs to be issued to correct the miscommunication and falsehoods. So you men are aware, it will be a full disclosure."

"Sir, does that mean you'll be leaving us?"

"Anakin's fate is in the hands of the Jedi council," Obi-Wan informed the gathered as he stepped into the conversation for the first time. "Until we reach Coruscant, or receive further orders from the Jedi Council, things will proceed as normal. You'll all be informed if the situation changes."

"Yes, General."

"At ease," Obi-Wan smiled. "I trust this has put any dissention to rest?" The clones, almost as one, nodded. "Good."

Anakin extracted himself from the center of the crowd as he made his way back to Obi-Wan, the clones talking amongst themselves. Several who'd served with him for some time, like Fives, reached out to slap him on the shoulder and offer congratulations.

"Well, that was certainly interesting," Obi-Wan commented with a grin as Anakin joined him. "Think that puts an end to it?"

"I doubt it, but it'll curb the worst of what's being said until I can talk to Padmé about the situation."

"But it won't be getting back to you anymore, Master," Ahsoka told him dryly. "You laid it on a little thick, don't you think?"

"Thick but necessary," Anakin agreed. "What is it Rex?"

The Captain extended his hand. "Might I say, sir, I always thought you and the Senator were better off together than apart? I couldn't understand how you were able to keep away from her when you're so obviously well matched; even with you being a Jedi."

"You might say especially being a Jedi?" Anakin laughed, taking the Captain's hand. "Nice to know I'm human, Rex?"

"That too, sir," agreed the clone with a grin. "Congratulations, General."

"Thanks."

"Allow me to add mine to Rex's, sir," offered Cody with a smile, taking Anakin's hand as Rex released it. "Had you any idea you were to become a father, General?"

Sizzler wasn't anywhere to be seen as he rejoined the men, Ahsoka at Cody's elbow as Anakin returned the handshake of Obi-Wan's commander. "Not even inkling, Cody," he admitted. "We've been away from Coruscant so long…" he shook his head.

"A nice surprise to come home to though, isn't it?"

"I could have stood to learn about it another way. I think I owe one of the men a holo receiver."

"That would be me, sir," Cody informed him with a grin. "Don't worry about it, though; I've already requisitioned a new one."

"The joys of military life," letting go of the Commander's hand, Anakin stepped out of the mess hall, the buzz of conversation increasing as the three Jedi and their two commanding officers left the area.

"Can we get you a drink, General?" Rex inquired, glancing from Anakin to Obi-Wan and back as they headed down the corridors, pausing at the junction that would take them back to the clone's barracks. "Something special in the way of celebration?"

"Special?"

Cody and Rex exchanged looked and identical grins. "Something we've been saving, sir," Cody added. "For a special occasion. I think this qualifies."

Anakin paused, glancing at Obi-Wan and Ahsoka and then back to the two commanding officers and crossed his arms over his chest. "You have contraband?"

"No, sir," Rex informed him with a grin. "Something the Sena- your wife, offered me the last time we were on Coruscant. She said I should have something on hand for special occasions. At the time she said something about the end of the war, but I suspect she would appreciate it being used for this."

"Padmé gave you alcohol?"

Rex shrugged. "It's not much; a half glass a piece, but good news like this isn't something we hear every day."

"Especially about a Jedi," Cody interjected with a pointed look at Anakin before he led the way towards the barracks room he and Rex shared as the commanding officers.

"Of course, if anyone's a rule breaker…"

Anakin chuckled. "Too predictable, am I, Snips?"

"Hardly sir," Rex assured him. "With the risks you take, we never even suspected you had a wife back home."

Not exactly a complimentary statement as far as Anakin could tell, but at least his Captain was honest. "Are you objecting to my tactics, Rex?"

"Never, sir; you're effective and far more innovative than most Generals; no offense General Kenobi."

"None taken," offered the Jedi Master dryly. "Anakin's tactics have a certain flair that's unmistakable and, when they work-"

"Hey!"

"-they work especially well. It's part of the reason he's not yet been expelled, I suspect."

"Only part?"

"You have nothing to worry about, sir," Rex palmed open the door to the small room he and Cody shared as Cody led the way in. "I'm sure it's not the only reason."

The quartet shared a chuckle at Anakin's expense as Ahsoka and Obi-Wan settling on one of the bunks and Anakin bracing himself against the wall by the door. Cody remained standing, ever the Commander even off duty, and Rex bent to the other bunk, palming open his personal effects storage.

A small bottle was extracted and Anakin's eyebrows raised as he made note of the markings when Rex turned them his way. "You said Padmé gave you that?"

"Yes, sir," Rex assured him, pulling a couple of mugs out from the same drawer as Cody produced three more from a locker on the wall. "She said it was something I should share with you and General Kenobi when the time was right."

Anakin laughed softly, shaking his head at Padmé's foresight. The bottle was a rare wine, probably worth more than Rex made in a year, and a favorite of his and his wife's. Not to mention it was from the year they'd been married and exclusively produced in the Varykino vineyards on Naboo. Just tasting that vintage would make him feel closer to her and she knew it; it was likely the reason why she'd supplied it to Rex. "Any particular reason she gave it to you?"

"Actually sir, because of you."

"Me?"

"Yes, sir." Rex grinned as he opened the bottle. "She said something about not wanting you to drink it alone."

"You sure she wasn't talking about Obi-Wan?" Anakin accepted the glass Rex offered him but didn't drink it just yet. "He's the one with the drinking problem."

"Excuse me?"

Anakin grinned. "You're the one who always wants to get a drink whenever we're anywhere near a cantina."

"Did it ever occur to you the reason I drink is you?"

Ahsoka laughed, accepting a glass with a dash of the precious liquid and only laughed harder when Anakin shot her a quelling look. "If Master Kenobi could handle you Master," she snickered. "He's right; handling me will be a breeze!"

"Are you going to become General Kenobi's Padawan then, Commander Tano?"

"Call me Ahsoka, Cody," she offered, lifting her drink in silent thanks. "I don't know what will happen to me until we know what happened to Master Skywalker. For now, he's stuck with me."

"He's lucky to have you," Rex offered, handing out the last of the glasses. "If I may say so, the pair of you make a good team; the three of you are damn near unbeatable."

"Here here," Cody agreed. "There's no pair of Generals and their Commander I would rather serve with."

"Coming from you, Cody," Obi-Wan offered with a smile, raising his glass. "I'll take that as the deepest of compliments."

"Sir." Cody lifted his glass in acknowledgment. "Shall we drink to why we're here?"

"To General Skywalker; Jedi, General, husband and father."

Obi-Wan tilted his glass to Anakin and inclined his head in a show of respect following Rex's toast with one of his own. "A man of many identities, some of them new, some old, but the most important of these being friend; congratulations, Anakin."

The others echoed the toast and Ahsoka grinned before Anakin could respond, her words and tone impish. "May your own children bring you as much joy in their training as I have, Master."

Obi-Wan laughed, nearly choking on the sip of wine he'd just drunk. "I believe you stole my line, young one but well said."

"Funny; real funny," Anakin took a sip of his drink and then smiled. "But I couldn't be in better company. To the best of friends a man could have; there's no one else I'd rather be sharing this with."

"Except your wife, right sir?"

Anakin laughed, grinning and lifted his glass in a silent toast to that. "Right Rex; except Padmé." His comlink rang and Anakin blinked, glancing at it and then around the room; most of those who would be calling him were in the room with him. Activating it, he answered while looking to Obi-Wan. "Skywalker."

"Transmission for you sir," the bridge officer reported. "The former Senator from Naboo, Padmé Amidala, has requested you make contact."

"I'm on my way."

"I wasn't sure if they'd put me through."

Anakin smiled, leaning forward on the console. The bridge had been cleared again and the deck was his; his status as a married man still wasn't widely known but after the row in the mess hall, that wouldn't last long. For now he'd take his privacy where he could.

"I left orders any transmissions you might send be put through to me immediately," he told his wife, drinking in the sight of her despite the fact she was still be ridden. "How're you feeling?"

"Claustrophobic."

"It's a temporary arrangement, Padmé; only until you've recovered."

"I know." She agreed with a sigh and a ghost of a smile. "And the help here is invaluable. I don't think I could handle the twins on my own right now. I don't have the energy yet."

"See? It's not all bad."

Reaching towards him, she waited as his hand came up to touch her ghostly one and her smile was soft, aching. "I miss you."

"No less than I miss you," he responded, his throat closing. "How are Luke and Leia?"

"Growing," she offered with that same secret smile he'd seen the last time when speaking of their children. "Perfect. I wish you could be here to see them, Anakin."

"Word is we're headed for Coruscant. No matter what happens with the Council, I will see you again soon."

"How soon?"

He grinned at her eager question and the way she perked up, sitting forward eagerly. "Not as soon as that, my love; not tomorrow, but possibly as soon as next week. I'll be home before the end of the month for sure."

"Not tomorrow as I dream?"

"Unfortunately not. The outer rim isn't exactly an easy jump from the core. I'll be home as soon as I can, but if we're going to save your reputation, we have to do something now."

"Don't get me wrong, Ani, I'm all for the idea of going public with us, but there are going to be more questions than answers."

"So tell them everything," he offered, watching her eyes widen. "We don't have to hide anymore, my love; we don't have to hold anything back."

"I don't exactly want everyone to know everything about us, Anakin."

"Neither do I," he agreed. "But we could do a test run."

"A what?"

"A test run; you know, give the story to say… Naboo and let it run for a day."

"And then what?"

"If it's well received, we can look on a bigger picture. I want your name cleared as soon as possible, Padmé; we did this to protect my career, people need to understand that."

"Not just yours."

"True, but that spin leaves you blameless," he told her with a smile. "Which is what I'm going for."

Padmé rolled her eyes and shook her head with a tolerant smile. "I refuse to make you out as the bad guy in this, Ani. Keeping our relationship a secret was a mutual decision. If we tell people the truth, they're more likely to understand and empathize." She shot him a look. "And yes, I know you just suggested telling people the truth."

"It's the easiest way," he admitted, "and the simplest."

Leaning back in the bed, Padmé tilted her head back and closed her eyes.

"Padmé!" Concern was swift and intense; he'd never seen her looking more exhausted. "Are you okay?"

"Just tired, Ani," tilting her head so she could smile at him. "While I don't like the idea of telling everyone everything, we should still give them the facts."

"Like how we were married after the battle at Geonosis?"

"I was thinking farther back than that," she admitted. "It's common knowledge that you're a Hero on Naboo and that you gained that acclaim while I was Queen. We can use that to turn people in our favor; at least on Naboo."

"Turn people in our favor? To what end?"

"If people understand the reasons behind why we kept our relationship a secret, there's a chance they'll petition the Jedi if we hint that we'll be separated."

Understanding dawned and Anakin whistled softly. "You're hoping public pressure will push the Jedi council into preventing my expulsion."

She looked abashed. "You think too much of me, Anakin. My motives were a little more… personal."

He stared at her and then exhaled. "You're hoping they don't separate us; that they'll keep me near you."

"A girl can dream."

There was silence following her soft statement and Anakin forced himself to think straight around the images her words conveyed. "I think the best we can hope for is a continuation of things are they are, my love," he admitted reluctantly. "I don't like it any more than you do, but-"

"-but it's the best we can expect." she sighed wearily. "I know, Ani; I know. I keep getting asked for a statement; are you sure about this?"

"It's the best way; are you up for this, Padmé? Are you sure?"

"The sooner the pressure's off, the sooner I'll sleep better," her admission was almost guilty. "You trust me with this?"

He laughed; he couldn't help it and his tone turned teasing. "I don't know, Senator; can I trust you?"

"Ex-Senator, Anakin."

"You'll be reinstated; you'll see." Reluctantly, he took in her exhaustion once more and reached towards the hologram to touch the image of her face. "I should let you rest."

She half closed her eyes, turning her head to his holographic touch. "I should probably be sleeping," she agreed, "but I don't want you to go just yet. Now that I can talk to you freely there's so much I want to say…"

"And you don't know how to say it," he smiled, wishing he could feel her instead of touching empty air that looked like her. "I know how you feel, my love. Is there anything you need from me before I go? Anything you need me to do to make this easier?"

"Maybe one thing… would you do an interview with a holo reporter, Ani?"

"A holo interview?"

She nodded. "I don't have the stamina to deal with the press in person," her admission was reluctant and Anakin could see that even this brief conversation was taxing to her. She's used a lot of her body's resources to deliver their children without him and guilt struck him again. "We could give an exclusive to the Coruscant new who have been running the story; they don't have to air it before they verify their facts, but it should cut down on the speculation."

"And take the heat off you. Whatever you think is best, Padmé. This is more your arena than mine, but if you think it'll help…"

"I do."

"Then set it up and have them get in touch with me. But don't tax yourself, all right? I don't want you over doing it."

"Same Anakin," she teased tiredly. "As over protective as always."

"Padmé."

Something in his tone must have warned her he was serious because she smiled, lifting her ghostly hand to his and ran her fingers along it. "I'll be careful; the doctor is making sure I don't overdo it. The welfare of our children has to come first."

"Exactly. Just write something up and send it to the consulate with your copy of our marriage license; you can send any questions my way and I'll handle it along with the holo interview you want done. I'd do the rest, but the outer rim isn't exactly the easiest place to submit a confidential report."

"You're sure; you don't mind?"

"Anything to make it easier on you; Luke and Leia should be your only worry right now. I'll handle the rest if you can get the ball rolling."

"I'll do that. Thank you, Ani."

He grinned. "Don't thank me; it's entirely self serving. Get some rest, my love. I will be here whenever your holo reporter calls."

They touched holographic hands again before the transmission flicked off. Anakin closed his eyes as her image disappeared, bracing himself on the transmitter as he fought the feeling of helplessness and tenderness that had accompanied the last time he'd spoken with her no less for all it was a few days later. Part of him was still having trouble dealing with the fact he'd left behind a wife and was coming home to a family.

Taking a couple of minutes to himself, Anakin forced himself to breathe evenly before straightening and heading for the doors. He exited the bridge to find Obi-Wan waiting for him, his back to a bulkhead, his arms crossed nonchalantly, Ahsoka, Rex and Cody nowhere to be seen.

"And how is Padmé?"

"Tired," Anakin returned with a shake of his head. "I should be there, Obi-Wan; she should be resting and is in no shape to handle this."

Obi-Wan pushed off the wall, coming to grasp Anakin shoulder in a show of support before letting it go as they fell into step, heading for their quarters. "So what's the plan?"

"Padmé's going to put together a written press release and hand it over to the Nabooian local news to be run for a day to see what kind of response it gets before we release it on Coruscant."

"A wise move. If the people who respect her can accept the facts and support her, the rest of the Galaxy is likely to follow. And, if I know Padmé, she'll have that press release out this afternoon even with your twins to look after."

Anakin smiled faintly. "True enough. I've agreed to do at least one holo interview; think it will cause a problem?"

"Hardly." Obi-Wan chuckled. "As long as you stick to the facts, Anakin, the people are bound to be behind you."

"I wish I was as confident about it as you, Master. I don't even know what the Jedi Council is going to do with me yet and now I've got to worry about the rest of the galaxy."

"One thing at a time, Anakin; one thing at a time."

TBC