Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. It all belongs to George.
AN: Here's chapter 31! Thanks for all the great reviews!
Forever Destined
Chapter 31: Failed Negotiations
"Your demands are outrageous! You are in no position to make these kinds of demands!" Ask Moe yelled.
"And your proposed sanctions on us are unreasonable!" Rune Haako of Cato-Neimodia argued.
"Those are the sanctions Chancellor Palpatine has put forth," Ask Moe said.
"If you cannot abide to them. Then these negotiations are pointless," Orn Free Taa said.
"Delegates please! I assure you that we can reach a compromise," Padme pleaded with them.
"You are deluding yourself, Senator Skywalker, if you believe we will ever concede to your incompetent Chancellor's sanctions. You should watch your back, Senator. There is still quite a price on your head on my home planet, because of Viceroy Gunray's death at your hands," Rune Haako accused.
"You are out of line...again, Representative Haako. Everyone in this room knows that the Viceroy was responsible for the attempts on her life and that Gunray was killed in her own self defense, for he was the one trying to kill her. Clearly, you are admitting your involvement by threatening her. Another cross word toward her and I will arrest you for conspiracy to commit murder," Anakin said.
"You don't have the authority, Jedi scum!" Rune spat.
"I assure you, he does, Representative Haako. You really are not in a position to make demands. Jabiim has been liberated. It is time you conceded this endless fight and negotiate terms, which we can all live with," Obi-Wan said. Rune Haako smirked evilly.
"There will be no concession today, Jedi...only your death!" Rune yelled. Suddenly, the door to the conference room was torn off its hinges and sailed into the room. Anakin reacted quickly and stopped the dangerous object in mid air, floating it harmlessly away for any people. The four Jedi were puzzled, as to why they had not sensed anything. But the moment the assailant stepped through the door, they knew why. He was almost entirely machine. And Anakin knew exactly who this metal monstrosity was.
"General Grevious," Anakin growled. The General was already responsible for the deaths of five Master and Padawan teams on various planets. He was ruthless and very skilled in killing Force users, despite having no Force abilities of his own. Anakin saw the trail of bodies that lined the hallway, as Grevious had made his way here.
"Jedi scum!" Grevious snarled, as he raised his saber and struck at Feris. The padawan blocked him, but Grevious shoved his metal foot into the young Jedi's abdomen. Feris cried out in pain, as he was thrown into a wall. Grevious swept his saber around and down on the frightened Ask Moe, beheading him. Padme cried out in horror and buried her face in Anakin's sleeve. Siri and Obi-Wan blocked Grevious' way to the other Senators.
"Anakin...get them to safety!" Obi-Wan called, as he and Siri blocked several blows. Anakin helped a winded Feris up and the padawan shrugged him off.
"I don't need your help Skywalker," Feris growled.
"Shut up and get moving," Anakin said, as he shoved him toward the exit.
"Senators, please follow Feris," Anakin said, as he took personal guard of his wife. Anakin and Feris led them to the Healer's ward and into a safe room where some of the staff had taken refuge.
"Feris, you stay here and guard them," Anakin said, as he prepared to return and help Siri and Obi-Wan.
"You think that just because I'm a padawan, I'm going to stay here..." but Anakin cut him off.
"That's exactly what I think! I don't have time to argue with you!" Anakin yelled at him.
"Ani, be careful!" Padme pleaded.
"I will," he answered, before kissing her quickly and leaving them. Padme watched the door nervously, hoping her husband would soon return to her. Sensing their mother's worry, she felt the twins kicked as if they were trying to reassure her that their daddy would be all right.
Anakin ran into the atrium where they'd managed to draw Grevious. Anakin winced, as heard a painful metal clang, as Grevious' metal fist connected with Obi-Wan's jaw. Anakin ignited his blade and flipped in front of his brother, who Grevious was hovering over. Siri and Obi-Wan pulled themselves up and attempted to catch their breath, as Anakin went one on one with Grevious.
"Anakin Skywalker...I would have expected someone with your reputation to be older," Grevious taunted.
"General Grevious, you're shorter than I expected," Anakin retorted.
"Foolish Jedi whelp...you are no match for me," Grevious said.
"You keep thinking that, General," Anakin retorted, as he slashed furiously at him.
"The stories are true. You are incredibly powerful. Too bad you fight on the wrong side," Grevious said.
"You're just another Sith pawn. When you've served your purpose, they'll destroy you. The Sith destroy everything, so it's you who fights on the wrong side," Anakin replied.
"Stupid boy. The galaxy will tremble in fear when I pry your light saber from your cold, dead hands and display it as my trophy...after I use it to slay your wife and unborn younglings..." Grevious taunted. Anakin clenched his teeth and slashed furiously at the General. Their sabers locked and they glared at each other.
"I'll never let you anywhere near them..." Anakin growled. Grevious chuckled at his reaction, as his arms split into two more arms, each wielding a light saber. He ignited all four blades and brought them down on Anakin. The young Knight struggled against the General's oppressive strength, until Obi-Wan and Siri entered the battle again. Together, the three of them pushed the General back. Grevious skidded back and spun his sabers rapidly until they were just blurs of light. Grevious knocked Siri away and Anakin and Obi-Wan took him on together. The Jedi brothers fought in perfect synchronization. Neither left an opening or weakness that was not covered by the other. Grevious could find no way though their defenses. He couldn't knock one of them away without the other blocking him. He realized he could not best them together and he had to complete his mission to deliver the Separatist leaders to Cato-Neimodia. He would escape for now, but next time, he would separate them and kill them both. Grevious flipped back and began climbing up a pillar that led to the skyline. Anakin began climbing after him, as he attached his grappling cable to a ceiling beam. Grevious snarled and kicked at Anakin's face. The young Jedi dodged his metal foot, but not before a piece of metal caught the skin by his right eye, tearing open a nasty wound. Anakin cried out in pain, as it stung badly and blood seeped down his face. Grevious reached the skyline and busted the glass, sending it raining down below. Grevious climbed onto the roof and headed for his ship where the Separatist leaders had been ordered to go and wait for him.
Anakin climbed down and carefully touched the deep wound on his face, hissing in pain as he did so.
"Damn it, he got away," Anakin said.
"Cowards will always run," Obi-Wan replied, as he turned Anakin's head to examine his wound.
"Ouch," Anakin complained.
"This is pretty deep and it needs bacta," Obi-Wan said, as they headed for the Healer's ward.
Padme gasped, as she saw the large, bleeding gash by her husband's right eye.
"It's not as bad as it looks," he assured her.
"I'll be the judge of that. Healer Nanda, I have a stubborn Jedi patient for you," Padme said. Anakin rolled his eyes at his wife's antics, as she made him sit on the med table, while the Healer treated his wound.
"Well, since you've got things under control with our model patient, I need to go speak to the Council," Obi-Wan said, as he and Siri left to find an empty conference room.
"Greetings Obi-Wan. What news do you have to report?" Mace Windu asked, as he, Yoda, Shaak Ti, Dooku and Qui-Gon came online. Obi-Wan and Siri bowed respectfully.
"Greetings Masters. I am afraid we have bad news. Negotiations have fallen apart and General Grevious just attacked. It seems that these negotiations were merely a set up to harm the Republic Senators," Obi-Wan said.
"Casualties, were there?" Yoda asked.
"Just one, Masters. Senator Ask Moe was slain, but the other Senators are unharmed. Anakin received a gash next to his right eye, but it is a minor injury and is being treated as we speak," Obi-Wan replied.
"Siri, how is Feris performing?" Shaak Ti asked.
"With the exception of his inability to get along with Anakin, he is doing quite well. I ask that the Council consider him for the trials," Siri said.
"Mature, Feris must, if to take the trials he is. Monitor his behavior, we will in coming weeks and make our decision them," Yoda replied.
"Yes Master," Siri responded.
"Siri, we would like to speak privately with Obi-Wan for a moment," Mace said. Siri bowed and excused herself.
"What of Anakin's powers?" Dooku asked.
"They are continuing to grow at a frightening rate. I don't think he realizes how powerful he's becoming. He fought Grevious on his own for a while today. Siri and I jumped in to help, but truthfully, I don't think he needed us, though he would tell you differently.
"Then there is a possibility...that he is the one the prophecy speaks of," Mace said.
"He's already defeated one Sith Lord," Shaak Ti added.
"Yes, but what you are suggesting would mean that I'm not Anakin's father and I refuse to believe that," Qui-Gon said.
"Exist, Anakin may, even if met Shmi, you did not. But your son, Anakin is, Qui-Gon," Yoda stated.
"He is right, son. Regardless of any of this, Anakin is your son. He could very well be the Chosen One and that part of the prophecy could be incorrect. To be conceived of the midichlorians themselves is very improbable. Anakin's high concentration of midichlorians is evidence enough that he is it's Chosen hero. That prophecy is over a millennium old," Dooku said.
"Then it is likely that the Sith are aware of it," Mace suggested.
"They may be. Regardless, he is our best hope in defeating the Sith. For that reason, they will attempt to silence him," Dooku said.
"Your decision on whether or not we inform Anakin of any of this, it is Qui-Gon," Yoda said.
"Understood Master," Qui-Gon answered.
"We will go inform the Chancellor of what has transpired on Jabiim. We will contact you with instructions later tonight, Obi-Wan," Dooku said.
"Understood, grandfather," Obi-Wan replied, as the transmission blinked out.
"Ah, Master Dooku, Master Jinn, come in please," Palpatine said. The two Jedi Masters bowed.
"Chancellor, we have received disturbing news from Jabiim," Qui-Gon began. The Chancellor frowned.
"Please continue," he replied.
"General Grevious interrupted negotiations. Senator Ask Moe was slain, but the others are safe. Knight Kenobi, Knight Tachi, and Knight Skywalker engaged him, but he has escaped," Dooku said.
"This is most unfortunate," Palpatine frowned.
"The Jedi are tracking him, I hope," Palpatine said.
"Of course Chancellor. The Council is briefing Master Fisto and Knight Secura as we speak. They will be leaving at once," Qui-Gon said. Palpatine frowned again.
"You're not sending Knight Kenobi and Knight Skywalker?" the Chancellor asked.
"Chancellor, they have not had any leave since the war began. We request that they return to Coruscant with the Senatorial entourage and be granted at least ten days leave," Dooku said.
"I am sorry Master Dooku, but I must deny your request. Kenobi and Skywalker are the best the Order has to offer. They should be the ones tracking Grevious. The Jedi Council is putting the capture of Grevious as a high priority, is it not?" Palpatine asked.
"Of course Chancellor. Finding Grevious is our top priority, but..." Qui-Gon argued, as he was cut off.
"Then you will place Kenobi and Skywalker on this mission. See that my Senators are on a return ship to Coruscant first thing in the morning," Palpatine said, as he turned away from them to gaze out at the Coruscanti skyline.
"Very well Chancellor," Dooku said gruffly, as they left. Neither of them saw the evil grin marring the Chancellor's face...
Healer Nanda finished the bacta treatment and removed the bacta cloth. The wound had closed nicely, but there was a visible scar.
"Good as new, though it will leave a small scar," the Healer said.
"Is it bad?" Anakin asked his wife. She smiled.
"Not at all. In fact, it's actually pretty sexy and a bit rugged," she said playfully.
"I agree dear. It would take a lot more than that little scar to make you anywhere near unattractive, young man. The women of the galaxy envy you, Senator," the Healer said. Anakin blushed at the Healer's forwardness, as Padme wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I know," she said, as she played with the hair on the back of her husband's neck, knowing how much he loved it when she ran her fingers through his hair.
"Can he be released right away?" Padme asked.
"In a hurry to take him somewhere?" the Healer teased. Padme smirked.
"Well, you know how crazy a pregnant woman's hormones can be," Padme giggled, as Anakin cheeks burned.
"Padme," he said incredulously.
"He has a clean bill of health. He's all yours, much to the envy of the nurses and I," Healer Nanda replied. Anakin decided they were enjoying his misery a little too much, as he stood up. He gasped, as he felt his wife pinch his rear. He looked at her in surprise.
"What has gotten in to you? Not that I'm complaining," he added.
"I told you, my love, it's the hormones. Now be a good husband and take me to our room, so you can take care of my needs, sexy Jedi," she ordered playfully. He smirked.
"As you command, milady," he replied, as he led her to their room, playing her little game.
Obi-Wan and Siri bowed again, as the five senior Council members came online again. Obi-Wan could immediately tell it was bad news by the look on his father's face.
"What has happened?" Obi-Wan asked.
"We informed the Chancellor of what transpired on Jabiim. We told him we would be ending Aayla and Kit after Grevious and requested leave for you and Anakin," Dooku said. Obi-Wan sighed.
"And he denied it," Obi-Wan replied knowingly.
"I'm afraid so. As Commander and Chief, he has the last say on everything concerning the war, thanks to all the power his loyalists in the Senate have handed him. He wants you and Anakin to go after Grevious," Qui-Gon said. Obi-Wan sighed.
"I really think Anakin should be with Padme right now. There is no reason that I cannot go after Grevious with another Jedi," Obi-Wan said.
"We suggested that, but Chancellor Palpatine wouldn't hear of it. And unfortunately, if you are to confront Grevious, you'll need Anakin," Mace said.
"Very well. I will gently break the news to them at dinner," Obi-Wan replied.
"What of Feris and I, Masters?" Siri asked.
"You'll provide security for the Senators as they return to Coruscant. Then you'll be reassigned in a few days," Mace answered.
"We'll contact you again the morning before you depart," Dooku told Obi-Wan
"Understood. May the Force be with us all," Obi-Wan replied, as the transmission winked out.
Padme hummed pleasurably, as he husband kissed her passionately and deeply. She lay entwined with him under a mass of bedding, as they bathed in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Anakin smiled down at her, as he lay above.
"Did I fulfill your needs and desires, milady?" he asked playfully, as he trailed kisses down her neck.
"Mmm...and then some," she replied, as she let her hands roam over his bare, muscled chest and torso.
"I love you," she said, as he continued to kiss her.
"I love you too angel," he replied. After some time, they made their way to the fresher to clean up for evening meal.
Anakin pushed Padme into the table, as she sat down, before he sat down beside her.
"I'm starving," Padme said, as she immediately began eating the shuura fruit beside her plate.
"Well, you are eating for three, angel," he told her as he watched her eat the fruit. The staff served their main entree and they began to eat.
"Three? Did I miss something?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Anakin and I had an ultrasound before that whole mess this afternoon. We're having twins," Padme said, as she began cutting her bantha steak. Obi-Wan's eyebrows were in his hair and Anakin chuckled.
"Twins?" he exclaimed.
"A boy and a girl," Anakin answered proudly.
"Congratulations to you both," Bail replied.
"Thanks Bail, we're really excited," Padme replied.
"What did dad and grandfather have to say when you talked to them earlier?" Anakin asked. Obi-Wan's face darkened.
"It was bad news, wasn't it?" Anakin asked.
"Father and grandfather informed the Chancellor that Aayla and Kit would begin tracking Grevious. They requested leave for us," Obi-Wan said.
"Well, that's great! That means you and Anakin will be returning to Coruscant with us," Padme said. Obi-Wan sighed.
"I'm afraid that Chancellor denied the request for leave," Obi-Wan said.
"What?" Anakin asked.
"He was not satisfied with the choice of Aayla and Kit for this mission. He wants you and I to take this assignment," Obi-Wan said.
"When do you leave?" Padme asked, fearing the answer.
"Tomorrow morning. I am so sorry to both of you. Dad and grandfather argued with him, but he would hear none of it," Obi-Wan said. Anakin and Padme sat stunned. They knew he would have to go back to the front lines again, but neither expected it to be so soon. They had but one short night to say goodbye.
"Excuse me...but I've lost my appetite," Padme said, as she hurried away to their room.
"Padme, wait!" Anakin cried, as he chased after her. As he entered their room, he saw her lying on her side on the bed, sobbing into her pillow. He carefully sat down next to her and rubbed her shoulder.
"He's cruel! He's a cruel, evil man!" his wife sobbed. He knew she was talking about Chancellor Palpatine.
"He lets me have you back for a few days and then he rips you away from me again," she sobbed. He pulled her into his arms and she cried into his chest, soaking the collar of his tunic.
"I don't know...if I can...do it again, Ani. I don't know if...I can get through more endless...nights without you," she sobbed.
"I know angel...I know," he soothed her, as he rubbed her back.
"What if...what if he doesn't let you come back in time for the babies to be born?" she feared.
"Angel, when you near your due date, I am coming back even if I have to disobey direct orders for Palpatine himself," Anakin promised.
"There you go again, being a rebel," she teased. He smiled and wiped a few of her tears away.
"Now, why don't you go sit down at the table, while I go have them bring our dinner to our room. Maybe I'll even see if they have some of that non-alcoholic sparkling cider," Anakin said. She smiled.
"That would be nice," she replied.
"This whole thing is terribly unfair, but we still have tonight. Then I'm going out there and I will end this war," he promised. She nodded and hugged him tightly, before he left to fetch their meal. She dried more of her tears and sat down at the table to wait for him.
Padme opened her mouth, as he fed her the rich chocolate dessert.
"Mmm...that's so good. I've been craving chocolate like crazy lately. The twins like it," Padme said. Anakin chuckled.
"Of course they do. It's chocolate," he replied. She giggled and sipped at her sparkling cider. He leaned in and kissed her softly.
"I love you," he said, as he leaned down and kissed her belly.
"And I love you too, babies," he said. He smiled in awe, as he felt them kick. Padme smiled.
"And they love you too," she replied, as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"We don't have much time. I think we should make good use of it," she said. They knew tonight would be th last night they would sleep in each other's arms for quite some time. It was killing them both, but their resolve would remain strong, for they knew they would be reunited. He would fight the war on the front lines and she would fight it in the Senate. They would work tirelessly until this war was over and they would never leave each other's arms again. Anakin lifted his beautiful wife into his arms and carried her to bed where they would lose themselves in the world of their love and unimaginable ecstasy, forgetting for the time being that they would soon be forced apart again...
She hugged her husband fiercely, as they stood on the landing platform the next morning. They had just spoken briefly with their family over the holocom and now the dreaded moment had come. Anakin pressed his lips to hers in a hard, passionate kiss. They plundered each other's mouths and held tightly to one another.
"I love you so much," Padme said, as she cried freely.
"And I love you, my angel," he replied, as tears slipped down his own cheeks. She took off her locket and placed it around his neck.
"Come back to, my love," she sobbed.
"Always Padme...always. And one day, after we've ended this war, it will be forever," he promised. They hugged tightly again, before they were forced to leave each other's arms. Anakin boarded the transport with Obi-Wan, his eyes watching her till the last possible second. Padme sobbed and felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and was surprised to see Siri.
"I know we haven't got along in the past, but I'm here if you need a shoulder," Siri said gently. Padme broke down in the older woman's arms.
"I'm so scared that I'll never see him again," Padme cried. Siri rocked her gently.
"Now, you know that won't happen. He'll come back to you and your babies," Siri promised.
"Thank you Siri," Padme said, as she continued to cry on her shoulder. Not long after the Jedi brothers departed, the Senatorial entourage and two Jedi boarded the Republic cruiser that would return them to Coruscant...