Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 22! Thanks for all the great reviews!
Forever Destined
Chapter 22:Seeds of Darkness
Three months have passed since Padme began advocating against the Military Creation Act. And it has been a tremulous three months in the Galactic Senate, as the government body has never been more divided than now. Padme's outspoken stance against a war has made her many enemies in the Senate, all who support Palpatine's plan to create an army of the Republic. Though she has many on her side to support her position, many of them are reluctant to speak so blatantly against the Chancellor. There have been threats made on her life, but so far no real attempts, as she has been carefully guarded by Anakin around the clock. The Senate adjourned for one week after a grueling three month session of everyday debates. Anakin and Padme returned to Naboo, but unfortunately, not for relaxation purposes. Once they arrived on Naboo, Padme met with parliament for five days, as she was required to twice a year to discuss various problems and concerns facing Naboo. The stress has been weighing heavily on her, but as always, Anakin has been her pillar of strength and support. Her long struggle against the Military Creation Act is to be voted on in just two days. Padme knows that despite her support, the bill is likely to pass. Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. She and Anakin are finally going to be married in just four days. Their wedding is set to take place in the gardens of the Jedi Temple at sunset, surrounded by family and friends. But not even the oldest and wisest Force adepts could predict the events in which are about to take place, for they will change the galaxy forever...
Anakin stood on the landing platform, as a few of Padme's handmaidens loaded their ship for their return trip to Coruscant. These last three months had been trying for his angel and he knew the outcome of the vote for the Military Creation Act was not looking in her favor. For every one supporter Padme had, it seemed that Palpatine had three. And then there were the threats on her life. He knew the Chancellor was connected somehow, but there was no proof. The slimy lech had hired hands to do his dirty work, but Anakin vowed to stop them all. Anyone who tried to get near her would meet the end of his light saber. Despite the troubled times, their love for each other continued to grow and flourish. He settled his mind on her soothing tremor and touched her heart with his own. She was conversing with Governor Bibble, who was a good man, but tended to get on her nerves.
"Anakin, I need to speak with you about something urgent," Captain Typho said.
"Has there been another death threat?" Anakin asked.
"I'm afraid so. This one promises that she will be assassinated if she returns to Coruscant for the vote," Typho informed him. Anakin sighed deeply.
"I'm not willing to chance that this is just another empty threat. We must take precautions," Anakin said.
"I suggest a decoy. The Senator will not like it, but I see no other choice," Typho said.
"I agree. Make the arrangements and I'll tell Padme that we'll be flying back in one of the escort fighters," Anakin said. Typho winced.
"Good luck with that," he said.
"Thanks," Anakin replied sarcastically. Over the last few months, Anakin and Typho had become good friends. At first, Typho insisted on calling him Sir or Knight Skywalker, something Anakin didn't feel was necessary and insisted that Typho just call him Anakin. Anakin decided to head inside and break the news to Padme.
"Senator, I do not like the possibility of war either, but parliament wishes that you would support the Chancellor. He is only trying to protect us from the Separatists. Speaking against him only complicates things," Governor Bibble argued.
"I will not support something in which I do not believe in! Chancellor Palpatine is lining the pockets of those who support him, including members of parliament. I will not just stand by idly and let this Republic go to war over something I am certain can be solved with proper negotiations and not the poor excuse of peace talks that took place just a month ago, which fell apart within a matter of two days!" Padme replied strongly.
"Forgive me Senator, I know that this is a passionate issue for you. But you must consider your safety. Many are not taking kindly to your position," Governor Bibble said.
"Don't worry Governor, I will let no harm come to her,"Anakin said, as he made his presence known.
"Forgive me Knight Skywalker, I was not doubting your abilities to protect her," the Governor replied.
"I understand and appreciate your concern governor. But any fool that attempts to get near her will have to go through me first," Anakin replied.
"Of course. If you'll both excuse me, I shall take my leave," the Governor replied, as he left them alone. Anakin pulled her into his arms and placed a kiss on her lips. Padme made a satisfied humming noise in her throat, as he moved his lips over hers passionately.
"Something is wrong. Tell me," she said, reading his feelings like an open book.
"There's been another threat on your life," Anakin said.
"There have been many threats on my life in the last three months," Padme replied.
"Yes, well, Captain Typho and I are not willing to take any chances, for this one promises your death upon your return to Coruscant," Anakin said.
"I'm not going to like this, am I?" she asked.
"You and I will be traveling back in an escort ship. Corde will be posing as your decoy," Anakin informed her.
"I do not like putting others in danger, because of me," Padme replied.
"I know, but you must trust my judgement on this. It would kill me if anything happened to you," Anakin told her, as he clasped her hands in his own.
"I trust you above all and always, you know that," she replied.
"I know you don't like it, but I promise I'll make it up to you," Anakin said.
"Oh? And just how will you do that, handsome Jedi?" she asked sultrily.
"I have my ways milady," he replied, as he captured her lips in another passionate kiss.
"I love you," she said, as she rested her head on his chest.
"I love you too, angel," he replied, as he held her close.
Anakin brought them out of hyperspace in orbit of the giant city planet. Behind them, a large cruiser followed, along with another escort ship. Anakin received landing clearance and began the decent into Coruscant. They landed on their designated landing platform and Anakin jumped out, before helping Padme. They removed their helmets, just as Typho came over to greet them, having been in the other escort ship.
"It looks as though there was no danger after all," Typho said. Suddenly, Anakin's senses were tingling, just a Corde was coming down the ramp.
"Get down!" Anakin called to them. Suddenly, the ship exploded in flames. Anakin put his hands over his face and turned to cover Padme, as debris and fire filled the air. Once the flames died down, they rushed over to Corde.
"Corde..." Padme said, as she knelt down beside her.
"Milady...I'm so sorry," Corde rasped, as she took her last breath and passed away.
"I shouldn't have come back," Padme said, as she mourned her friend with her fiancé by her side.
"Milady, we must get you out of here," Typho said, but Padme just stared at her dead friend, tears pricking her eyes.
"Senator Amidala...please," Typho pleaded.
Anakin held her close, as she slowly rose and let herself be led away. Anakin knew she was about to break down, but she would not allow herself to until he was the only one with her.
"Order! We will have order!" Mas Amedda yelled over the commotion in the body full of squabbling delegates. Chancellor Palpatine stepped silently to the podium to speak.
"My esteemed colleagues, I have just received some tragic and disturbing news. Senator Amidala of the Naboo system...has been assassinated!" he announced in sadness. Shock and disbelief erupted through the body of delegates. Mas Amedda quieted them again, as the Chancellor continued.
"This grievous blow is especially personal to me," Palpatine explained.
"Before I became Chancellor, I was a Senator, serving Amidala when she was Queen of Naboo. She was a great leader who fought for justice. So beloved was she among her people that she could have been elected Queen for life!" Palpatine said. He chuckled with a mixture of sadness and remembrance.
"But Senator Amidala believed in term limits and fervently believed in democracy. Her death is a great loss to us all. We will mourn her as a relentless champion of freedom...and a dear friend," Palpatine said, as he lowered his head. There was a moment of silence, before the debating began again. Arguments began, shouting the need for an army to stop the killings.
At the entrance to her platform, Padme scowled at their squabbling, as she prepared to reveal that she was, in fact, alive.
"Angel...are you okay?" he asked through their bond.
"No...but I have to be for now," she replied.
"I'm right here...I'm not going anywhere," he promised. She nodded and smiled briefly at him, as they stepped onto her platform. Palpatine's face showed complete shock, as she came into view. The body quieted, as Senator Amidala spoke.
"My noble colleagues, I concur with the consensus that, at all costs, we do not want a war!" Padme announced.
"It is with great surprise and joy that the chair recognizes the Senator from Naboo, Padme Amidala," Palpatine announced.
"Less than an hour ago, an assassination attempt was made upon my life. One of my bodyguards and six others were ruthlessly and senselessly murdered. I was the target. I have led the opposition to building an army, but there is someone who will stop at nothing to assure its passage," Amidala announced. Cheers and boos rang through the room and some shook their heads in confusion. Had Amidala just accused someone in the Senate of trying to assassinate her? That really was not what Padme was suggesting at all, for she and Anakin had a hunch that the Trade Federation might have something to do with, since they had just recently allied themselves with the Separatists. Though, both she and Anakin suspected that there were many in the Senate that were in league with them as well, though they had no proof. She took a deep breath and Anakin squeezed her hand.
"I warn you, if you vote to create this army, war will follow. I have experienced the misery of war firsthand; I do not wish to do so again," she said. More cheers and boos erupted through the chamber.
"Wake up Senators—you must wake up! If we offer the Separatists violence, they can only show us violence in return! Many will lose their lives and all will lose their freedom! This decision could very well destroy the very foundation of our great Republic! I pray you do not let fear push you into a disastrous decision. Which is nothing less than a declaration of war! Does anyone want that? I cannot believe they do!" Padme said passionately.
"By precedence of order, my motion to defer the vote must be dealt with first. That is the rule of law!" Orn Free Taa, the Twi'lek Senator of Ryloth stated. Padme glared at him and turned to the Chancellor, who was no help, though he appeared sympathetic to her plight. But she knew better...and so did Anakin.
"In view of the hour and seriousness of this motion, we will take up these matter tomorrow. Until then, the Senate is adjourned," Palpatine announced.
Anakin and Padme exited her platform and entered a conference room, where Qui-Gon, Dooku, Obi-Wan, Mace and Yoda waited for them. The Chancellor entered behind them.
"We're so relieved that both of you are okay," Qui-Gon said, as he hugged them both. Padme hugged Yan and Obi-Wan as well.
"Do we know who was behind the attack?" Padme asked.
"Not yet, but we will find them," Yan assured her.
"Warms my heart it does, to see you safe," Yoda said. Padme smiled.
"Thank you Master Yoda," Padme replied.
"Indeed milady, you gave us quite a scare," Palpatine said.
"Thank you for your concern, Chancellor," Padme replied politely.
"I'm afraid that I must suggest increased security for you," Palpatine said.
"I assure you that I am fine, Chancellor. And my security is in Anakin's hands, which means I am perfectly safe," Padme replied.
"Oh, I meant no offense to Anakin, milady. Perhaps though, a few more Jedi on hand would be appropriate. Someone you're both comfortable with, like Master Kenobi," Palpatine suggested.
"It would ease my worries, my dear. We do not want to lose you," Palpatine said.
"Very well, Chancellor," Padme replied.
"Good. I shall take my leave now, gentlemen...milady," Palpatine said, as he bowed and left.
"I don't normally agree with the Chancellor, but perhaps it would be best if Ben stays with you both," Qui-Gon said. Padme nodded in agreement.
"Yes, and maybe Sola and the children should stay with us at the penthouse for the time being," Yan suggested.
"I agree. I do not want them near this danger," Padme replied.
"I will escort them to grandfather's penthouse this afternoon. By the way, Ryoo is doing very well in her studies. We believe she will make a fine padawan someday," Obi-Wan said with a smile. Anakin and Padme smiled at that as well.
"I'm glad to hear that," Padme replied. They continued their conversation for several minutes, before they returned home to Padme's apartment.
Later that evening, Obi-Wan waited for Anakin to do the final security checks.
"Is everything all right?" Ben asked, as Anakin returned.
"Quiet as a tomb," he replied. Obi-Wan nodded and checked the surveillance camera in her room. Obi-Wan sighed in frustration.
"She covered the camera," he said.
"She doesn't like being watched. Don't worry, I'll be with her," Anakin replied. Obi-Wan sighed and nodded.
"She's even more stubborn than you are sometimes," Ben said.
"Tell me something I'm not very well aware of," Anakin replied, with a sly smile, as he entered the bedroom he and Padme shared.
The sight that met him, as he entered, nearly broke his heart. Padme was curled up on the bed in her nightgown. She held his pillow to her chest and was quietly sobbing.
"Angel...come here," Anakin said, as he sat down beside her. She rolled over and practically threw herself in his arms. Anakin held her tightly, while she cried against his chest.
"I'm so sorry angel...I wish I could have saved Corde," Anakin told her. She sniffed.
"It's not your fault Ani. I'm going to really miss her and she was like a sister to me...but that's not the only reason I'm crying," Padme said.
"What else is making you cry? You know it breaks my heart when you cry and I hate that there is nothing I can do to about it," Anakin replied.
"But you help me, just by being here and holding me in your arms. I don't know what I would do without you," she said, as she looked up at him, love shining in her wet eyes.
"You'll never have to find out," he replied.
"But don't you see Ani? I could have to live without you. This vote is going to go in Palpatine's favor...he's going to start a war! And you'll be one of the first to go...all the young Knights will," Padme sobbed.
"Hey, hey, look at me," he said, as he lifted her chin, so he could look into her eyes.
"You have to believe that I will always come back to you if this does happen. Nothing will stop me Padme...nothing. I'll walk through the fires of Sith hell to get back to you if I have to," he said passionately.
"Oh Ani..." she cried, as she began placing kisses all over his face.
"I love you...I love you so much!" she cried, as she continued kissing him everywhere. Anakin tangled his fingers in her disheveled curls, as she plundered his mouth with her own in desperate and deeply passionate kisses. His senses swam in a sea of her glorious scent and incredible taste. His hands were filled with her luscious curves, just as her hands busied themselves on his hard, muscled torso. Passion licked at their every nerve, as they gave in to its spell, and became lost in each other...
They bathed in the afterglow of their lovemaking, enjoying each other's closeness. They kissed and caressed softly, enjoying the bliss that they always felt when they were together.
A couple hours later, Padme slept deeply in Anakin's arms. He had only been dozing, his senses highly aware of possible danger. He slowly disentangled himself from her and covered her with the blankets, and dressed. Obi-Wan was maintaining a keen watch on security, but something wasn't letting Anakin sleep. And suddenly, as he heard an eerie clicking sound, he knew why. His saber blazed to life, just as Obi-Wan come storming in. He jumped on the bed and killed the two poisonous kouhuns. Padme woke up with a start, careful to cover herself with the sheets, as she rose.
"Ani, what's going on?" she asked.
"It's all right angel. Someone released two poisonous kouhuns in here, but I killed them," Anakin explained. Out the window, Obi-Wan spotted the device that had delivered the deadly creatures. A carrier droid...that could lead him back to its master. A large crash was heard, as Obi-Wan went through the window and latched on to the fleeing carrier droid.
"Oh great...and he says I'm crazy. Stay here with her," Anakin said to Dorme, as he went running out of the apartment.
"Milady...are you all right?" Dorme asked.
"I...I think so," Padme said. Suddenly, she was very aware of her state of undress and she blushed. Dorme smiled and handed the Senator her robe. Padme wrapped it around her body, as Dorme turned away and then moved to the living area to wait for Anakin and Obi-Wan to come back. No amount of reassurance could decrease her worry about these recent events. Two assassination attempts in one day. Things were turning much more serious that she'd ever thought possible...