Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.

AN: Here's chapter 29! Thanks for all the great reviews!

Forever Destined

Chapter 29: Long Separation

Anakin lay in his sleeping bag by the fire at their campsite. He fingered the locket around his neck and stared at the picture of them together that was inside. He remembered when Padme insisted that he take it with him the morning he left...

Flashback...five months earlier...

Anakin kissed her passionately, as they shared their last private moments together. In just a few minutes, they would be leaving for the Temple and he would be leaving for the outer rim. Padme took her locket off and put it around his neck.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"I want you to take it with you," she replied.

"Padme, this is your grandmother's locket. I can't take this," he said.

"Yes you can, because now you have to come back to me so you can give it back," she replied. He caressed her cheek.

"I will come back to you angel...I promise. But I'll wear the locket to so I can look at your beautiful face everyday and then be here to place it around your neck again when I return," he told her. She smiled and kissed him softly.

"I guess...we should get going," she said sadly. He hugged her tightly and slowly led her to the room's exit...

End Flashback...

Anakin's reverie was broken by the annoying padawan that had just come back to camp. Of all the Jedi teams Anakin and Obi-Wan could have been paired with, they had somehow wound up with Siri Tach and Feris Olin. Anakin and Feris loathed each other with a passion. Feris was completely jealous of Anakin and an all around jerk. He was a couple years older than Anakin and still a padawan with no end in sight to apprenticeship. He was a suck up, but not a very good one obviously, as Anakin was fond of saying. This was one of many reason for Feris' jealousy. He loathed the fact that Anakin had been Knighted before him. He idolized Obi-Wan for some odd reason and his older brother couldn't stand the padawan either. But he could tolerate him better than Siri.

"Geez Skywalker, you look like a lovesick puppy. You look at that stupid locket every night," Feris complained.

"I miss my wife," Anakin bit back, as Obi-Wan and Siri came back to camp.

"Yeah, I heard she's been pretty vocal in the Senate. I heard people saying that she'll end up dead by the end of this week at this rate," Feris joked. Anakin took it seriously of course and Feris got a laugh out of it, as the Knight's face turned white.

"You're so predictable," Feris goaded.

"That is not funny Feris," Obi-Wan scolded sternly.

"I apologize, Master Kenobi," Feris said.

"Apologize to Anakin, not to me," Obi-Wan replied. Feris snorted and refused.

"You're just pissed off, because I had to save your ass out there again today," Anakin told him.

"I didn't need your help 'Hero With No Fear'. I wonder what the Holonet would think if they knew their hero whined and whimpered about missing his woman every night!" Feris said..

"Stop it! We are all on edge and this is not helping!" Siri said.

"Siri is right. You need to check your attitude padawan. Like it or not, Anakin is a superior to you. This kind of attitude will not get you any closer to the trials," Obi-Wan chided.

"Yes Master," Feris obeyed and wisely closed his mouth. Usually, he and Anakin tried to avoid each other. But Feris didn't like being rescued and certainly not by Anakin.

"We should all get some sleep. We need to be up early for a Council meeting in the morning," Obi-Wan said. They all agreed and bunked down by the fire for the night.

"Good night, angel," Anakin whispered, as he clutched the locket.

Padme sat on the sofa in her apartment with her sister Sola. She had come home from the Senate, upset as usual and now was indulging in a sweet piece of shuura fruit dipped in chocolate sauce. These days, Padme Skywalker found herself craving the sweet treat more than usual.

"Feeling better?" Sola asked with a smile, as she noticed how Padme glowed. Padme nodded and rubbed her swollen belly. She was five months pregnant with she and Anakin's first child. Anakin didn't know yet, since she hadn't been able to speak to him in a little over three months. Plus, this was not something she wanted to tell him over the Holocom.

"Yes, this baby definitely has Anakin appetite," she rolled her eyes playfully, as she saw a speeder land on the veranda. She recognized it as her father-in-law's.

"They probably heard about my little disagreement with the Chancellor," Padme said. Sola smiled.

"They are so attentive. You are lucky to have them," Sola replied. Padme smiled and nodded.

"I am, but they are here for you too," Padme replied, as she stood up and groaned a little.

"Back pain?" Sola asked.

"The worst, but I think I will take it over the morning sickness. I am glad that most of it subsided after my first trimester," Padme replied.

"Well, if your pregnancy is anything like either of mine, it will return in your third trimester," Sola said. Padme stuck her tongue out at her sister.

"Thanks a lot," she replied.

"Hello darling," Shmi said, as she came in and hugged her daughter-in-law.

"Hi mom," Padme said.

"How are you feeling honey?" she asked.

"Pretty good, just a little back pain lately," Padme replied.

"Oh, Sola mentioned that, so I stopped by and asked Bant about that and she gave me these," Qui-Gon said, as he handed her a bottle.

"They are vitamins that should help with the pain. They're completely safe for the baby," Qui-Gon replied.

"Oh, that's wonderful. Thank you," Padme said, as she hugged him.

"Sweetheart, we heard you got upset with the Chancellor today? What has he done now?" Shmi asked. Padme sighed.

"He announced today that he is holding a gala tonight to celebrate the latest victory in the war. When he asked me if I was coming after the session ended, I answered him no. I told him that I did not see a reason to celebrate," Padme replied.

"Well, I agree. We do not have anything to celebrate until our boys come home," Shmi said.

"I agree. But he has insisted that I at least make an appearance," Padme said.

"Yes, he has asked that we attend as well. It seems he likes to rub it in my face that both my son's are out there," Qui-Gon replied.

"Well, at least I will not have to attend alone then," Padme said.

"Well, I don't care what our all mighty Chancellor says. You are pregnant and we will make our appearance. But I'll not have you wearing yourself down unnecessarily," Shmi said. Padme nodded. At that moment, Captain Typho walked in.

"Senator, forgive me for interrupting. But there is a Darred Janren here requesting to speak to your sister. He seems quite angry," Typho said. Sola looked up.

"He must have received the divorce finalization papers," Sola said.

"You don't have to see him, Sola," Padme told her.

"No, I will speak to him and allow closure on this matter. But I will not be alone with him," Sola said. Padme nodded.

"You may let him come up Captain, but warn Mr. Janren that he will remain civil, lest he wishes to be thrown out," Qui-Gon advised.

"Yes sir," Typho nodded. A few moments later, an angry Darred stormed into the apartment. He slapped a stack of papers down and glared at her.

"It would be wise for you to keep your distance, Mr. Janren," Qui-Gon warned.

"This is between me and my ex wife," Darred spat.

"We have nothing between us any longer, Darred. Our divorce is final and you have no business here," Sola said calmly.

"Yes I know, I received these just a few days ago. The whole village can't stop talking about your disgracefulness. And about your whore of a sister who has got herself knocked up by a Jedi! You've disgraced the Naberrie's and their name will never recover from the shame that you have brought them," Darred said.

"It wouldn't have had to be this way. And watch your mouth when you speak about my sister. She was not 'knocked up', as you so put it. She is married and they have conceived their first child. You've been here five minutes and you haven't so much as asked about your own children, because you don't give a damn about them! We have nothing more to say to each other," Sola said. Darred raised his hand to her, but Qui-Gon's words stopped him.

"Lay a hand on her Mr. Janren and you will be arrested for assault. I will see to it personally that the charge sticks and you will receive no less than three years in prison," Qui-Gon said. Darred lowered his hand and glared at Sola.

"I hope you'll be happy here Sola, while your parents' lose their farm. No one wants to have anything to do with them, because of their daughters," Darred said.

"Then perhaps mother and father will finally realize what kind of place our village really is. There are many other places they can build their farm where no one will judge them. In fact, I can think of a few villages that would be happy to do business with the parent's of a well-known Galactic Senator. Mother and father will be fine if they choose to be fine. Padme and I have done what is best for us and they should too. We are done," Sola said sternly.

"Captain Typho, please see Mr. Janren out and make sure he leaves the premises. He is no longer welcome in this building," Padme ordered.

"I will see to it personally milady, with pleasure," Typho said, as he grabbed Darred's arm. Darred shrugged him off and stormed out with Typho following him to make sure he left. Sola sighed in relief.

"It's over Sola. He can't hurt you anymore," Padme promised.

"I know and I'm glad. I still worry about mom and dad though, even though they don't deserve my worry," Sola replied.

"Mom and dad have done this to themselves and only they can fix it," Padme told her. She nodded in agreement. Padme sighed, as Dorme walked in.

"I know you're not looking forward to this milady, but if you are to attend tonight's gala, then we must prepare you," she said. Padme nodded.

"Very well," she replied. Shmi hugged her.

"We will be back in an hour to pick you up, darling," she said.

"Thanks mom," she replied, as she followed Dorme to her bedroom.

The three senior members of the Jedi Council sat in their weekly meeting with Chancellor Palpatine. Dooku, Mace, and Yoda all looked at the Chancellor with a bit of disbelief.

"Chancellor, you cannot be serious about this?" Dooku asked.

"Of course I am serious, Master Jedi. The Separatists on Jabiim have suffered severe defeat at the hands of your grandsons. They are ready for possible negotiations and that is why I have decided that I will send six Senators there to the capital city of Ja'aal to begin negotiations. A cease fire was negotiated a few hours ago by Master Kenobi. His team will serve as security during the negotiations. With that being said, I believe Senator Skywalker will be perfectly safe under her husband's protection," Palpatine said.

"I have no doubt that my grandson will protect his wife and the other Senator's. I just believe sending her in her state is not wise," Dooku replied.

"I must agree with Master Dooku. Senator Skywalker's condition will continue to become more fragile as her pregnancy progresses. I am not sure Anakin will feel right about Padme coming to a war zone, no matter how badly he will want to see her," Mace said.

"Now, my friends, my Senators will not be near the battle zone. They will arrive safely in the capital and stay in a very secure location in which they will be perfectly safe. In addition to Senator Skywalker, Senators Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, Bel Iblis, Aks Moe, and Orn Free Taa will attend. I will inform them each individually tonight at the gala I am hosting to celebrate the victory on Jabiim. I hope to see you there," Palpatine said. The three Masters nodded.

"Yes Chancellor, be there, we will be," Yoda said reluctantly.

"Very good. If you will excuse me now, I must prepare for tonight," Palpatine said.

"Of course Chancellor," Mace said, as the three Jedi excused themselves.

Padme sipped at her non-alcoholic beverage, as the evening droned on. She had just spoken to Chancellor Palpatine about the negotiations on Jabiim that were being held in two days. She was thrilled that she would finally be reunited with her husband, but her family was concerned about her going. They knew she'd be perfectly safe once she got to Anakin, but it was before then that they were worried about. But the Chancellor had made his decision and the good thing about it was that she would be reunited with her husband in just a few nights. And then, she'd finally be able to reveal her pregnancy to him.

"Well, well, so it is true," a male voice said. Padme turned and glared at the man.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Padme demanded, as she glared at Palo.

"Chancellor Palpatine offered me a position as a personal aide and I accepted. So, I guess that means you'll be seeing a lot of me. I see that what they say is true. You're pregnant with his spawn," Palo said. Padme grit her teeth.

"Do not speak about our baby like that! And stay the hell away from me!" Padme said. Palo smirked.

"Poor Padme. Her husband is off to war and she knows not if she'll ever see him again," Palo goaded. Padme raised her hand and smacked him across the face, taking him completely off guard. Padme was not usually one to make a scene, but it definitely drew attention.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Dooku asked, as he approached.

"I will be, as soon as I don't have to look at him anymore," Padme said.

"You have been warned to stay away from her. I suggest you heed that warning," Dooku told him sternly. Palo glared at them both, before he stalked off.

"How could Palpatine even consider hiring that...that womp rat!" Padme huffed.

"Why does our good Chancellor do anything that he does nowadays," Dooku replied.

"I'll have to agree there," Padme said, with a sigh.

"Padme, are you all right?" Shmi asked.

"I'm fine mom. I'm just tired," Padme said, as she placed a hand on her belly and smiled.

"The baby knows when I'm agitated I think. He's kicking like crazy," she said, as she placed Shmi's hand on her belly.

"Goodness, that is an awful lot of kicking," Shmi said.

"You're still insisting that it's a boy? Bant said that she couldn't tell yet in the first ultra sound," Qui-Gon said, with a smile. Padme returned his smile.

"Motherly intuition," Padme replied.

"She's right darling, I knew Anakin was a boy," Shmi replied. Qui-Gon and Dooku shook their heads in amusement. Padme sighed.

"I can't wait to tell Ani. He's going to be so happy. What...what if he can't be here when I go into labor? What if he's still off fighting?" Padme asked.

"As you near your due date, we will do everything in our power to bring Anakin back and place him on leave," Qui-Gon assured him. Padme smiled and nodded. She knew that they would.

"I think we've fulfilled our commitment for the evening. We should take you home so you can rest sweetheart," Shmi suggested.

"I agree. Let me get your cloaks," Qui-Gon said, as he ventured off. He returned a few moments later and the four of them slipped out.

"Hi, how was the gala?" Sola asked, as she closed the book she was reading and set it down.

"Boring and completely horrid. Palo showed up," Padme said, as she flopped down on the sofa and took her shoes off and began rubbing her swollen feet.

"Why in the world was Palo there?" Sola asked.

"Chancellor Palpatine has foolishly hired him as an aide. He made a point to bother me, as usual," Padme said.

"And just when you hoped to be rid of him," Sola said.

"I did find out that I will be seeing Anakin in a few days," Padme replied.

"Really? They're coming home?" Sola asked. Padme frowned.

"I wish, but no. I will be going to Jabiim with five other Senators to participate in negotiations with the Separatists. Obi-Wan's team will serve as our security," Padme replied.

"That still sounds dangerous," Sola said.

"It is probably, but at this point, I will do anything to see my husband. This has been the hardest and longest five months of my life. I need him Sola and I don't care if we are reuniting on a war torn planet, I just need him," Padme replied. Sola nodded in understanding and stood up.

"Come on, you look uncomfortable in that gown. Let me help you out of it since I told Dorme she could retire," Sola said. Padme stood up and followed her.

"Thanks Sola," Padme said, as she followed her sister to the bedroom.

"Besides, I thought we could play that truth game," Sola said. Padme groaned.

"Why do you insist on playing that game?" Padme asked.

"It's a lot of fun. Come on Padme, let's get in our pajamas and get some chocolate and have a little sisterly time," Sola said.

"Oh okay. But every time we play that game, all your questions seem to steer toward my sex life," Padme said, as Sola unzipped her gown, while Padme undid her hairpiece.

"That's because you are the only one of us that has a sex life and a very active one," Sola replied, with a cheesy grin. Padme rolled her eyes, as she shed the gown and put on a long sky blue nightgown.

"Come on baby sister, let's go get that chocolate," Sola said.

"I'll be there in a minute," Padme said, as her sister headed for the kitchen. Padme looked at herself in the full length mirror and rubbed her growing stomach.

"Just a couple days my little angel and we'll be with daddy," Padme said. She felt a thump inside her womb and smiled brightly, before she went to join her sister...

In the next chapter, Padme and her colleagues arrive on Jabiim...