Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 39! Thanks for all the great reviews!
Forever Destined
Chapter 39: Accusations
Padme sat on the med table, a vacant expression on her face. Bant pulled Anakin aside.
"Do I need a rape kit?" Bant asked.
"No, I got there before he could get that far," Anakin replied, as he told Bant what had happened. Shmi walked in, carrying a yellow dress she'd picked from Padme's closet.
"Sweetheart, when you're ready, I brought you a clean dress," Shmi said, as she hung it on a hook nearby. Shmi gently brushed her disheveled curls aside and rubbed her shoulder. Padme looked like a scared little girl right now and Shmi pulled her into a hug. She felt the young woman's arms go around her neck and hug her back and she smiled gently.
"Everything's going to be all right now, sweetheart. Bant is going to make sure you're all right and then we're all going to go home," Shmi assured her. Padme nodded. Bant stepped over to Padme and gently dabbed a bacta cloth on her swollen lip. Padme hissed in pain.
"I'm sorry Padme," Bant apologized.
"It's okay Bant," she replied. Anakin put his arms around her, as Bant rubbed a bacta cloth on the red marks.
"The bacta should take the swelling in your lip away and the marks should fade in a day or so. Other than that, you just have some bruises from his manhandling and they should fade soon too," Bant replied.
"Can I take her home?" Anakin asked. Bant nodded.
"Just see that she takes it easy for the next day or so," Bant replied.
"Ani, can you help me get dressed?" Padme asked.
"Of course," he replied, as he helped her into the simple yellow dress. She hugged him, clinging to him for dear life and he held her tightly. He nodded to Sola, who was peaking in the door. She came in, pushing the hover stroller.
"Mama!" Luke and Leia chorused. An immediate smile came to Padme's face and it was the most beautiful thing Anakin had ever seen.
"There's my angels," Padme said, as she knelt down to kiss them both.
"How you doing, baby sister?" Sola asked softly.
"I'll be okay, because I have so many people that love me," Padme replied. Sola pulled her into a hug.
"You're right. We all love you so much, Padme. Don't ever forget that," Sola said.
"I'm ready to go home," Padme said. Anakin wrapped his arms around her petite form from behind and kissed her cheek.
"Everything's going to be all right, angel," he promised. She turned to him and they shared a soft, loving kiss.
"Let's go home," Anakin said, with a smile.
"Go! Go! Go!" the twins shouted.
"That's right angels, we're going home, but right after mommy and daddy change you," Padme said, as she picked up their son. Anakin chuckled and picked up their little girl. Sola smiled at the young couple and quietly slipped out into the waiting room.
"How is she?" Shmi asked.
"Fairly strong. I think she just wants to go home and be with her family right now," Sola replied.
"Sola, can we see her, please?" Jobal asked.
"Anakin has just got her to calm down, mother. I don't think you or dad deserve to see her. I hold you both partially responsible for this, especially you dad!" Sola said.
"I had nothing to do with this," Ruwee replied.
"You have encouraged Palo to pursue her all these years. You've tried to enslave her to that horrible man and his even more horrible father. You never had the guts to stand up to Governor Danae and tell him no! All you ever saw when you looked at Padme was credit signs! Governor Danae wanted her as his daughter-in-law so he could gain even more power in the government. And neither of you gave a damn that she would have been unhappy and abused had you forced her to marry that slime! You are not worthy enough to be her parents! You could have prevented this, but instead, you encouraged it. Do not be surprised if Padme decides that she never wants to see you again!" Sola ranted. Obi-Wan put his arm around her shoulders to calm her. Jobal began to cry, but Ruwee still remained stone-faced.
"Oh please Shmi, you have to talk to Padme for me. I really don't want to lose her," Jobal sobbed.
"You lost her a long time ago, Jobal, and I think you know that. You know, some traditions should die. Believe me, I know," Shmi said. Jobal looked at her questioningly.
"Did you know that I was a slave before I met Qui-Gon?" Shmi asked. Jobal shook her head.
"Yes, slavery is a tradition on Tatooine that still exists till this day, despite the Jedi efforts to abolish it. Maybe if you could have let certain traditions die, like forcing your daughter to marry someone she had not chosen, then maybe you would not be in danger of losing her. It may be too late for you to regain Padme's love and you have no one to blame but yourselves," Shmi told them both. As they waited on Anakin and Padme, two Republic Officers, Jansen and Scott, entered. The two Officers bowed.
"Captains," Dooku greeted.
"Master Jedi," Jansen nodded in reply.
"Has the Medical Examiner determined the cause of death?" Dooku asked.
"Yes sir, Palo Danae was killed by Force choke, in which crushed his windpipe and snapped his neck. Dooku looked puzzled.
"Force choke is a Sith technique," Dooku mumbled to himself.
"Sir, I am very sorry. But we have orders to place your grandson under arrest," Scott said Dooku's head snapped up to them.
"Anakin did not kill him. He would never use a Force choke on an unarmed man," Dooku protested.
"The evidence suggests otherwise. His finger prints are all over the deceased, as he was also responsible for breaking the man's nose and bruising his jaw. The deceased did try to rape his wife. He was angry and may have used excessive force with the deceased," Jansen replied.
"My grandson was defending his wife from a mad man, but he did not kill Palo!" Dooku said angrily.
"What's going on?" Anakin asked, as he and Padme walked out with the twins.
"We're deeply sorry, Knight Skywalker, but we have orders for your arrest on the charges of murder," Scott said.
"What? I didn't kill Palo," Anakin said.
"The evidence suggests otherwise, sir," Jansen replied.
"No...Palo was alive when we left my office. Anakin didn't kill him," Padme replied.
"I'm sorry milady, but he didn't have to be in the room to Force choke him," Scott said.
"Force choke? I've never used a Force choke before. It's not the Jedi way," Anakin argued.
"I'm sorry, Knight Skywalker, but unless we can be provided with hard evidence, then we must follow orders and bring you in," Jansen replied, as he produced a pair of strange, bulky cuffs. Anakin recognized them as Force resistant cuffs designed to send an electrical current shooting through his body should he try to use the Force. Anakin and Padme set the twins down in the hover stroller. She clung to her husband and glared at the two Officers.
"You won't take him from me!" Padme yelled.
"I am sorry milady, but we have our orders," Scott replied.
"Your orders do not give you the jurisdiction needed her in the Temple," Qui-Gon said.
"Normally that would be true. But our orders come directly from the Chancellor, as Mr. Danae was a government employee. We are prepared to use force and call for back up if we have to," the other said, as he and his partner drew stun blasters.
"We suggest you come quietly, Knight Skywalker and that the rest of you do not get in our way," Jansen warned.
"No..." Padme sobbed. The twins sensed her distress and began to cry. Shmi and Elana picked them up and began trying to calm them. Anakin held Padme's face in his hands and lowered his lips to hers in a passionate kiss.
"We'll figure this out, angel," he assured her.
"He's right. We'll get to the bottom of this and find that evidence we need," Obi-Wan assured her. Sobs racked her petite figure.
"I need you...I need you. You can't go...they can't take you!" Padme cried, as they clung to each other.
"I'm sorry milady, but we must take him now," Jansen said, as they both took Anakin's arms and pulled him from her.
"No!" Padme screamed, before turning to her father.
"This is your fault!" Padme screamed at him.
"You're not taking my son for something he did not do!" Qui-Gon yelled, as he advanced on the Officers. One of them raised his blaster and shot Qui-Gon with the stun ray. He fell hard to the floor, unconscious.
"Dad!" Anakin and Obi-Wan cried.
"Qui-Gon!" Shmi screamed, as she knelt beside her husband. Padme tried to run to her husband and Jansen raised the blaster to her.
"No...don't!" Anakin pleaded. Instinctively, reacting on impulse from years of training, Anakin reached into the Force to attempt to pull the blaster from the Officer's hand. The cuffs around his wrists reacted to his action and a surge of electricity lashed through him violently. Anakin and Padme's screams rang out simultaneously, as they were stunned, him by the cuffs and her by the blaster. Dooku caught Padme, before she could hit the floor and the two Officer's grabbed Anakin's arms, dragging him out to the landing platform, where their speeder waited. Dooku placed Padme on a med table in Bant's ward, while Qui-Gon was placed on one by Obi-Wan.
"Grandfather, where are you going?" Ben asked, as Dooku prepared to leave.
"To the prison to sort out this mess with the authorities," Dooku said, as his cape billowed behind him, as he stomped toward the landing pad. He was not surprised to see Mace waiting for him.
"Need some help?" the Korun Master asked. Dooku sighed and nodded. Mace took the controls and sped off toward the prison.
"Blast it! He won't get away with this," Dooku said.
"By him, I assume you mean the Chancellor," Mace replied.
"Who else? But as usual, there is no evidence. But the Sith are pulling the strings in the Senate. I am sure of it," Dooku said.
"I agree. But without proof, we cannot make any accusations," Mace replied.
"No...but I will dig as deep as I have to and search every inch of this galaxy to prove the connection if I have to," Dooku replied.
"So far, the only thing Palpatine has proved is that he is a corrupt politician with his own agenda," Mace smirked.
"Yes, well, that description applies to over half the Senators," Dooku smirked back.
"The Officers accused him of using excessive force, didn't they? Mace asked.
"How did you know?" Dooku asked.
"Because I have been working with Anakin with Vaapad saber techniques, as well as hand to hand combat techniques. Vaapad contains several movements that can cause great damage with the least amount of force. Most men aren't trained enough to completely break another man's nose with one punch. But Anakin can, because I taught him how," Mace said.
"True, but Anakin would never use a Force choke, no matter how mad he was. Qui-Gon and I have taught him better than that," Dooku said. Mace chuckled.
"And Anakin knows that I would thoroughly kick his butt for doing something stupid like that," Mace chuckled slightly.
"I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to keep up the facade that I can actually defeat him. Anakin could defeat me and he doesn't even know it," Mace said.
"Yes...I have encouraged Qui-Gon to tell him about his true midichlorian count. I believe he is the Chosen One...I just don't believe the part concerning his birth," Dooku replied.
"If you want to know the truth...neither do I. Yan, that prophecy was written thousands of years ago. The part concerning his birth could have been completely embellished to add a mystical whim to the prophecy," Mace said.
"I agree," Dooku replied.
As Mace and Dooku arrived at the Coruscant Maximum Security prison facility, they both sighed deeply. The prison was not a pleasant place. Indeed, it housed some of the galaxy's most dangerous criminals, some of which Anakin had helped capture and imprison. The two Jedi entered the facility and Commander Ackbar was there to meet them.
"Master Jedi," Ackbar bowed.
"Commander, please take me to see my grandson," Dooku ordered.
"Of course. He just awoke and is in the interrogation room. We're getting ready to take his statement," Ackbar said.
"Ackbar, you've known Anakin since he was a toddler! You don't really believe he's guilty, do you?" Dooku asked.
"Of course not Yan. If you ask me and just about everybody else around here, that little bastard deserved to die for what he did and tried to do to Anakin's wife. But Governor Danae is already created a media frenzy over his son's death, vowing to make Anakin pay for it," Ackbar said.
"Damn it, so much for keeping the Holonet uninvolved," Yan swore.
"Don't worry Yan. We will have our own say in this. And we'll make sure they know what kinds of people Governor Danae and his son are and were," Mace replied, as they arrived at the interrogation room.
"Grandfather," Anakin said, standing up. Yan hugged him tightly.
"We'll get this mess figured out, Ani," Yan promised.
"Are dad and Padme all right?" he asked.
"They were still unconscious when I left, but I know they'll be okay. As soon as they wake, I'm sure they will both be on their way here," Yan assured him.
"I want to see Padme, but this is no place for her...um, no offense Commander," Anakin said. Ackbar chuckled.
"None taken Anakin," he replied.
"Do you think there is anything that will stop her from coming?" Dooku asked. Anakin sighed.
"No. Wild Banthas couldn't keep her away," Anakin replied.
"Anakin, we need to record your account of the events and statement then, you will need to enter a plea,"
"What happens after that?" Anakin asked.
"If you plead not guilty, then this case will go to trial," Ackbar said.
"Trial? Yan questioned. Ackbar nodded.
"A prosecuting attorney has already been hired to try the case," Ackbar replied.
"Anakin has been framed!" Dooku exclaimed.
"Then you need to prove it. I am sorry Yan. You know that I'd release him and dismiss all charges if it were up to me," Ackbar replied.
"We know you would, Commander," Mace said gratefully. Ackbar sat down across from Anakin and turned on a small recording device.
"Okay Anakin. Tell me in your own words what happened, starting with your arrival in your wife's office," Ackbar said. Anakin took a deep breath and began telling his story.
Padme woke up with a pounding headache and saw her sister standing over her.
"Oh Sola, tell me it's not true. Tell me they didn't take him," Padme sobbed. Sola brushed the chestnut curls from her face.
"I wish I could sweetheart. I wish this was all just a bad dream," Sola replied.
"Padme, darling, how are you feeling?" Jobal asked.
"How do you think I am feeling, mother?!" Padme snapped.
"My husband is being framed for murder...but then you know all about it, don't you dad," Padme glared at him.
"I haven't seen Palo since he left Naboo," Ruwee said.
"You're lying, Mr. Naberrie. I could sense it a mile away," Qui-Gon said. Ruwee looked trapped.
"Tell us what you know and don't bother lying," Qui-Gon demanded.
"Okay. I saw him briefly the day I arrived, but I knew nothing about what he was going to do," Ruwee began, as he flashed back to that day...
Ruwee and Jobal stepped off the transport. Palo waited for them.
"My father told me you were coming," Palo said.
"Yes, we lost the farm," Ruwee replied.
"Yes and we all know who to blame for that. Are you really going to see her?" Palo asked, as they got into his speeder.
"Jobal and I wish to meet our grandchildren," Ruwee replied.
"Children she spawned with that Jedi!" Palo spat.
"I am no happier about it than you, but we have no place to go," Ruwee replied.
"Because of that little bitch!" Palo yelled, but Ruwee was silent.
"You're such a fucking coward. Because you couldn't control the little wench, she's made you a laughing stock and it has reflected on me! My father thinks I am a failure! She need to be taught a lesson," Palo said.
"And how do you propose to do that with her Jedi husband hovering around her?" Ruwee asked.
"Pretty boy Jedi doesn't scare me. He won't stand in my way of claiming what belongs to me," Palo growled.
"What do you plan to do?" Ruwee asked.
"Sorry, but a coward like you couldn't stomach it. But she won't soon forget what I have in mind for her," Palo said. Ruwee was silent, watching the menacing gleam in Palo's eye. He contemplated the harsh threats he'd made against his youngest daughter, but that's what they were; just threats. Or so he thought...as he saw no way Palo would get away with any kind of attack against her as long as her husband was around...
"And you did not feel that you should inform us that Palo seemed violent?" Qui-Gon questioned.
"I didn't think he would really physically attack her. Most of his threats have always been verbal," Ruwee replied. Sola snorted.
"Except the two times he raped her! That's how you men deal with the women in the village, right dad? They're abused and raped and beaten into submission! But it didn't work with Padme, did it? No, all the abuse only made her stronger. You're not a father...you're a monster, just like Palo!" Sola cried.
"You will not speak this way to me anymore, Sola!" Ruwee bellowed.
"I'll speak to you anyway I please, for you do not deserve any respect," Sola said. Ruwee snarled and grabbed her arm.
"Mr. Naberrie, if you do not let go of her, then they'll be arresting me for murder," Obi-Wan warned. Ruwee let go and stared angrily at his daughters. Padme stood up.
"I'm going to see my husband," Padme stated.
"Padme...please stay and let's talk about this," Jobal pleaded.
"There's nothing to talk about. I can't even bring myself to call you mom and dad anymore, because when I say mom and dad, I think of Qui-Gon and Shmi. They've been wonderful and supportive. And they love me unconditionally. You will be provided with a room here in the Temple, until I can withdraw the credits you'll need to return to Naboo. It will be enough for you to live on for the rest of your lives," Padme stated.
"You're cutting us out of your lives?!" Jobal exclaimed.
"What did you expect, mother?" Sola snapped.
"I'm sorry, but I can't take the chance that he will take it upon himself to discipline the twins by striking them or filling their heads with his garbage. I also cannot be in the presence of someone has hurt me so badly so many times," Padme sobbed. Qui-Gon patted her shoulder, as she joined him at the doorway.
"Be safe," Shmi said, as they were on their way.
"And the next thing I knew, the Officers were telling me that he was dead. But I didn't kill him," Anakin said, finishing his story.
"So, you are pleading not guilty?" Ackbar asked.
"Yes sir," Anakin answered.
"What happens now?" Dooku asked. Ackbar sighed.
"I have to book Anakin for lock up. He'll make his formal plea to a judge sometime tomorrow and he or she will set a trial date. Ackbar informed him. Yan pulled Ackbar aside.
"Please tell me you're not going to put him with other prisoners. He's a Jedi and they'll gang up on him," Dooku said.
"Don't worry Yan. I've arranged for him to have his own cell. I may not be able to free him like I want to, but I am very much in charge of what goes on internally here. His treatment will be considerably better. A lot of the warden's here have wives of their own and they're pulling for him. Even if he had been the one to put that bastard in the ground, they don't think he should be punished for it, because they'd do the same thing for their wives; or at least they'd want to," Ackbar said. Dooku sighed in relief. Anakin was led to his cell and ignored all the jabs and remarks from inmates. Dooku hugged him tightly.
"You won't be here long. I only wish I could have done more," Dooku said.
"You did all you could, grandfather. I'll be fine," Anakin said.
"They won't convict you," Dooku said.
"I hope you're right," Anakin replied.
"I sense your father and Padme are here. I'll send them back one at a time," Dooku said, as the guard put him in the cell and the purple plasmic bars came to life.
Dooku walked into the waiting area, where Qui-Gon and Padme stood nervously.
"Is Ani all right?" Padme asked. Dooku patted her shoulder.
"He's all right. I think he's more worried about the two of you," Dooku replied.
"We'll be able to take him home soon, right?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Neither Padme nor Qui-Gon like the solemn look the patriarch of their family gave them.
"I'm afraid things are quite complicated. They are holding Anakin and he has entered a plea of not guilty. Tomorrow morning, we go before a judge to make a formal plea and the trial date will be set," Dooku told them.
"Trial?" Qui-Gon asked in disbelief.
"They're charging him with murder?! He's innocent!" Padme panicked.
"I know sweetheart and I have already lined up a defense attorney. We will beat Palpatine at his little game," Dooku promised.
"Can I see him?" Padme asked. Dooku nodded and motioned to one of the guards.
"This way, Senator Skywalker," the guard said, as he led her back.
"You believe the Sith are involved in this?" Qui-Gon asked.
"They haven't been able to eliminate Anakin by other means. Why not manipulate the justice system? The Sith Lord is already manipulating the Senate. Palpatine seems to be a willing puppet. Why not Palo too?" Dooku said.
"But that doesn't explain his death," Qui-Gon replied.
"He was used and then betrayed. An assault charge against Anakin would have been laughed at. But murder...is an entirely different story," Dooku said.
"Yes, but the question is, how do we prove it when there is no proof?" Qui-Gon asked.
"That is what we must figure out," Dooku replied.
Padme tried to ignore the unsettling whistles and hollers from the inmates, as the guard led her to Anakin's cell. Anakin jumped up fro his seat, as he saw her.
"You have fifteen minutes," the guard said, as he let her in and then activated the plasmic bars again. Padme ran into his arms and he scooped her up, planting his lips on hers in a passionate kiss. They ignored the whistles and hoots from the inmates. Anakin pulled her into the corner of the cell and away from view. Padme let herself become lost in his kiss and the feel of his body against her own. Padme trailed her kisses down his neck and he felt a couple tears splash against the nape of his neck, where her face was buried.
"I won't let them do this to us. They can't keep up apart...they can't!" Padme cried.
"We'll get through this angel. The truth always come out," Anakin assured her.
"He's behind this. The Sith want rid of you," she said.
"They won't succeed, my love. Nothing will keep me from you and the twins...even if it means our leaving the Republic," he whispered, as he stared into her eyes. And then she knew...he was already preparing for the worst case scenario and it was likely Dooku was also. Padme was very well aware of the punishment for murder in the Republic. That was what the Sith wanted! If Anakin was sentenced to death, it would work out perfectly for the Sith. If Anakin was wrongly convicted...he would receive the death penalty. No...she and Anakin would run if that happened. She opened her bond and spoke to him.
"Ani...what if the worst happens?" she asked.
"Grandfather is already preparing for every possible scenario. I am confident he and father will find the evidence. But...they are working against the clock and if...if the worst happens, then grandfather will probably break me out and...we'll have to go on the run to buy them more time to clear my name," Anakin told her.
"I do not care what I have to do to be with you," she replied.
"Being on the run will be no life for you or the twins," he said.
"And our lives would be broken and empty without you. I would not survive losing you...you know that. We will not care where we are or how much we have to move. As long as we're with you, we'll have everything we could ever possibly need," she replied.
He smiled and caressed her beautiful face.
"I am the luckiest man in the galaxy," Anakin said. She smiled.
"Now Ani, I believe we've been over this. I am the lucky one, my gorgeous husband," she replied, as she crushed her lips against his in a hungry, passionate kiss. They heard a soft knock on the wall and knew their time was up. Padme hugged him tightly.
"I can't bare leaving you here. You should be at home with me in our bed," she said.
"I will be soon, angel. We'll be together one way or another," he replied. There was another insistent knock from the guard. Their lips met again in a searing kiss, before they were forced apart. The guard let Padme out and then the bars returned. Padme gazed at her husband one more time, before she was unwillingly led out...