Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 41! Thanks for all the great reviews! Enjoy and let me know what you think:)
Forever Destined
Chapter 41: The Trial Begins
Padme sighed in contentment, as she lay atop her husband's bare chest, thoroughly entwined with him. She looked up at him and noticed the thoughtful look in his eyes. She reached up and brushed her fingers through his hair, which was still damp from their lovemaking.
"Did they treat you well?" she asked, referring to his night in prison. He smiled at her, content with letting her dote on him.
"Yes. Fortunately, most of the guards and wardens, including Commander Ackbar believe I'm innocent," he replied.
"Good...because if they hadn't treated you well, then they'd have to answer to me," she replied. He chuckled.
"I'm fine, angel. Especially now that I'm here with you and the twins," he replied.
"There's something on your mind. Tell me," she said, as she caressed her cheek. He smiled.
"There's no hiding anything from you, is there?" he asked playfully.
"You should know better than that. You're an open book to me, my sweet Jedi," she purred.
"I was just thinking about some things that my father told me this morning when he came to see me," he replied.
"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked.
"Considering that you usually make me feel better, yes, I think I do," he replied.
"Good, because I want to hear everything," she replied, as she pulled herself onto her side, so they were face to face with each other.
"Do you remember when I told you that I had a exceptionally high midichlorian count?" he asked.
"Of course. You are a prodigy...I believe that is what your grandfather is fond of telling people," Padme replied.
"More than you know," he said.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"My father...told me today that my midichlorian count is really the highest of any Jedi in history. It's even higher than Master Yoda's apparently," Anakin replied.
"What...what does that mean, exactly?" she asked.
"I didn't really think it meant anything, but I guess that dad, grandfather, Obi-Wan, Master Yoda and Master Windu are the only ones that knew about it all these years," Anakin replied. She was silent, waiting for him to continue.
"I guess they did it to protect me...from the Sith. But ever since I faced Maul, they've believed that I'm something called the 'Chosen One'," he said.
"The Chosen One? What does that mean?" she asked.
"I'm still more than a little confused by it, but I guess it's some sort of ancient prophecy that says one with extraordinary powers and abilities will destroy the Sith and bring the Force back into balance...whatever that means," Anakin replied. She took in what he was saying and didn't at all seem surprised by it.
"You don't seem too surprised," he said.
"We've all seen you do amazing things, Ani. You're definitely special and significant, I do know that. Are you angry with them for keeping this from you?" she asked.
"I wanted to be...but it's hard. I know that dad did so to protect me from the Sith until I was old enough to face them. And I grew up happy and loved as a result. It's hard to be mad at that, especially when I think about you and how you weren't so lucky growing up," he replied. She smiled.
"That is a very mature attitude, my love. And very much the correct attitude to take. Everyone loves you so much, Ani, especially me. You may be this 'Chosen One' they speak of, but you belong to me first and to your family first," she said. He smiled.
"You always know what to say," he said.
"I know it's a lot to take in, baby, but you just need to remember that we all love you so much and we're always here for you. If this is a burden that the Force wants you to bare, then you won't do it alone. We'll all shoulder it with you, because we love you," Padme said. He smiled and kissed her tenderly.
"And if you want my honest opinion. I think that your father was right not to tell you, until you were old enough and he had no choice. You got to grow up without such a burden. If you and everyone else had known you were supposedly this 'Chosen One', people may have may have looked at you differently. Some would have probably even scrutinized your every move. You could have ended up resenting a lot of the people you love if you knew too soon. I think your father was right to keep it from most everyone's knowledge. I know that if it were Luke or Leia in the same situation, I would not want everyone, especially those with evil intentions to know about their true potential," Padme said. Her words really put it in perspective for him. He realized that if Luke or Leia were in his situation, he would do exactly what his father had done for him.
"You're right. I would do exactly what he did for our children," he realized.
"Exactly. I think it was the best thing your father could have done for you," Padme replied. He smiled and kissed her hair.
"You always know what to say to put things in perspective. How'd I get so lucky?" he asked.
"I'm the lucky one, my Jedi hero. I only wish my own father was half as wise and loving as your father," she replied.
"He thinks of you as his daughter, you know," Anakin told her. She smiled.
"I know and I think of him, as my father as well. I...I don't think I can forgive him for all he'd done. Even if I could someday, I really never want to see him again. I'm going to give them the credits I promised in the morning and make sure they are out of lives for good," Padme said.
"They're staying in the Temple, right?" Anakin asked.
"Yes, so you can come with me," she replied.
"Good, because you're not going alone," he said.
"I love you so much. Last night was the worst night of my life," she said.
"Mine too. I was so scared when I thought that I might not get to you in time," he said, kissing her forehead.
"But you did. You got there before he could really hurt me. He's dead now and he can never hurt me again. They're going to try to take you from me, but they won't succeed. We'll be together, no matter what we have to do. You belong to me and they will not take you from me," Padme said fiercely, as she crushed her lips against his.
"I love you," he said huskily.
"And I love you," she replied, as their passion consumed them once again.
The next day, the Skywalker family walked into the dining hall in the Temple. It was a social place for the Jedi and Luminara had asked them to come to discuss a few things with her. They received nods and looks of support from most everyone, indicating how unfair they thought the accusations against Anakin were. The twins babbled and waved their arms in excitement, as they usually did when they were here. Anakin and Padme sat down at a corner table where Luminara was waiting for them.
"It sounded important when you called. Is everything okay?" Anakin asked, as he shifted Leia in his lap.
"Everything's fine. I just wanted to take time to prepare you both for what to expect during the trail," Luminara said. Anakin and Padme nodded.
"Padme, your testimony will be vital since you are the true victim. Unfortunately, this means that the past will be brought up and you will have to relive some painful memories. I won't lie to you. Tarkin will try to rip you apart when you're on the witness stand," Luminara told her. Padme nodded.
"He can try if he wants, but I'll do anything for my husband and I will not back down from this," Padme replied. Luminara smiled.
"I admire your courage, Padme. Anakin, it will be no different for you, as you will have to testify in your own defense. He'll try to rip you apart too," Luminara said. Anakin nodded in understanding.
"We understand and we're ready," Anakin answered.
"Good. I would love to stay longer, but I must get back to continue the jury selection process," Luminara said.
"Thanks for everything, Luminara," Anakin said. She smiled warmly.
"Are you okay, Ani?" she asked.
"Yes, I just hate that you have to testify and relive all those painful memories," he replied. She kissed his cheek.
"I'll be fine. I'll do whatever I have to for you," she assured him.
"Are you ready for what we are going to do next? He asked. She took a breath and nodded. They slowly got up and left the dining hall.
"Padme, it's good to see you. Come in darling," Jobal said, as she let her daughter and her husband in.
"We came to give you this," Padme said, as she handed a credit chip to her father.
"This should be more than enough money for you and mother to start over on Naboo," Padme said.
"We don't need your money," Ruwee refused, handing the chip back to her. She looked confused and then noticed their travel cases that were packed.
"Where are you going?" she asked, noticing how her mother could not even look at her.
"Governor Danae has asked to join him at his hotel, of course. In exchange for my testimony, the Governor will reward me with a new land plot and fix my tarnished reputation in the village. He's offered to make me Marshall of the village, so we can prevent things like this from happening again. It will be my job to keep people in line," Ruwee said. Padme felt like she'd been punched in the gut.
"You're going to testify against Anakin? How could you?!" Padme screamed.
"It's simple, Padme. I have the opportunity to make sure no other daughters do what mine have and disgrace our village," Ruwee said.
"I'll fight this. I'll go to parliament and I will have Governor Danae removed. Then, I'll hand pick someone to replace him, who will put an end to these oppressive traditions. Parliament and the Queen already dislike what goes on in the rural mountain villages and they will support me,"
"And what happened the last time you tried this?" Ruwee countered. Padme was silent, remembering all too well.
"The rural villages provide half of Naboo's food supply. If they try and change us, we'll cut them off. That will be the end of the debate," Ruwee said. Padme glared at him.
"I'm going to take our luggage to the hanger and then I'll be back," Ruwee said, giving Jobal a stern look, before leaving.
"Mother?" Padme asked, as she touched the mark on Jobal's face.
"I told him this was wrong. That I didn't want to go back," Jobal sobbed.
"And he hit you for talking back," Padme concluded. Jobal nodded sadly.
"I am proud of you Padme. I never get to tell you that, but I am," Jobal said.
"Mother, stay here with Sola and I. He can't hurt you if you leave him," Padme said.
"I'm not strong like you and Sola," Jobal replied.
"You can be mother. If you stay with us, I promise he can't hurt you," Padme said.
"Padme's right, Mrs. Naberrie," Anakin assured her.
"You have four beautiful grandchildren that you'll never see again if you go back with him. If you go back, you'll be trapped for the rest of your life. Please mother...do not let him abuse you anymore," Padme pleaded.
"Oh Padme," Jobal sobbed, as she collapsed in her daughter's arms.
"It's okay mom...it'll be okay," Padme assured her. Jobal dried her tears and looked at her grandson's smiling face.
"Luke senses it. You're making the right decision," Anakin assured her. As he said that, Ruwee returned.
"Let's go Jobal," he snapped.
"No," she squeaked.
"What?" he roared.
"I'm...I'm not leaving with you," Jobal said softly.
"Shut up and let's got now! I'll deal with your disobedience later," Ruwee threatened.
"She's not going anywhere with you, you monster," Padme said.
"I'm staying with my daughters," Jobal said.
"The lady has made her decision. Now leave or be thrown out. It's your decision," Anakin said.
"You're my wife, Jobal. You'll do as I say," Ruwee demanded.
"She's done taking your abuse. Get out," Padme demanded. Anakin handed Luke and Leia to her, before grabbing Ruwee's arm.
"Let go of me, Jedi scum!" Ruwee spat. Anakin opened the door and hauled him out.
"Need some help, Master Skywalker?" Padawan Whie Malreaux asked.
"Yes Whie. See that this piece of filth finds his way to his hanger and leaves," Anakin ordered. Whie nodded and forcefully led Ruwee to the exit.
"You made the right decision, mom. I'm proud of you," Padme said.
"Yes...it is something I should have done so long ago. I still have much to atone for with you and Sola," Jobal said.
"Yes, you do. But this is a very big step in the right direction," Padme replied, with a gentle smile.
Three days passed quickly and on the morning of the fourth, Anakin and Padme arrived with their entire family. They had left Luke and Leia at the Temple with the caretakers in the crechling. Anakin and Padme took their seats next to Luminara with their family behind them. The judge brought the court into session.
"We will begin. General Tarkin, you may begin open arguments," the judge said.
"Thank you, your honor," Tarkin said, as he stood and approached the twelve person jury.
"A serious crime has been committed. This man was murdered, by the defendant sitting over there," Tarkin pointed to Anakin, before turning back to the holo of the deceased. As you can see, the victim's nose and jaw were broken before the Jedi crushed his windpipe in a fit of anger and jealousy. I come before you today to see that justice is done. A father had to bury a son yesterday and the man responsible must pay for his crimes," Tarkin concluded, before sitting down.
"Master Unduli, you may proceed," Judge Masterson stated. Luminara stood up and approached the jury.
"General Tarkin has painted the deceased as the victim, but this is far from the truth. The man you see in that holo is an abuser and a rapist. The true victim is Senator Skywalker," Luminara said, as she held up a hold of Padme after Palo's attack.
"On the night he died, he attacked the Senator and beat her. Had her husband not arrived when he did, he would have raped her too. But this would not have been the first time, for Palo Danae had previously raped her twice. Anakin Skywalker stopped him and subdued him with necessary Force. But...he did not kill him. As you've all seen on the Holonet, the Hero With No Fear does not take lives; he saves them, even if they don't deserve it," Luminara concluded, as she took her seat.
"General Tarkin, you may call your first witness," the judge said.
"Thank you, your honor. I call Ruwee Naberrie to the stand," Tarkin said. Ruwee took the stand and Tarkin began his questioning.
"Mr. Naberrie, Palo was engaged at one time to your daughter, Senator Skywalker, was he not?" Tarkin asked.
"Yes, our families made an agreement when Padme was ten. She was promised to Palo and was supposed to marry him at eighteen," Ruwee stated.
"Are arranged marriages a common thing in your rural village?" Tarkin asked.
"Yes, they have been a tradition for centuries," Ruwee replied.
"But Padme refused to obey that tradition, didn't she?" Tarkin asked.
"Yes and she broke Palo's heart, especially when she started running around and sleeping with that Jedi," Ruwee said.
"Yes and what happened the first time you met Anakin Skywalker?" Tarkin asked.
"Objection! None of this is relevant," Luminara said.
"It is relevant to the character of the defendant," Tarkin argued.
"Overruled," the judge stated. "Please answer the question," the judge ordered.
"I first encountered Skywalker at my daughter's lake home after the blockade a little over two years ago," Ruwee said.
"Did Skywalker threaten Palo's life at anytime during your visit?" Tarkin asked.
"Yes, he got violent with him in fact and threatened to kill Palo if he came near Padme. Then he threw us out of the house," Ruwee said.
"So, it's not wonder that he did actually kill Palo after all, isn't it?" Tarkin asked.
"Yes...I saw Palo a few days before he was killed. He said he only wanted to talk to Padme and Skywalker killed him for it," Ruwee said.
"He's lying," Sola whispered to Obi-Wan.
"I know, but just wait until Luminara cross examines. She is a fantastic litigator," Obi-Wan assured her.
"So, you would say Palo was the victim of a husband's jealous rage?" Tarkin said.
"Yes, I would," Ruwee replied.
"Nothing further," Tarkin said, as he retreated.
"You may cross examine the witness, Master Unduli," the judge said.
"Thank you, your honor," Luminara said, as she approached the bench with a stack of documents.
"Mr. Naberrie, can you please tell me what these documents are?" Luminara said. Ruwee looked at her, dumbfounded. He had no idea how the woman had got a hold of these.
"Mr. Naberrie, answer the question," the judge ordered.
"It is an agreement between Governor Danae and I regarding our children's union," Ruwee said. Luminara handed a copy to each juror.
"Mr. Naberrie, please read clause V aloud for the court," Luminara said.
"Objection! Why is this relevant!" Tarkin demanded.
"I assure you that it is relevant to the character and credibility of the witness, your honor," Luminara replied.
"Proceed, Mr. Naberrie," the judge ordered.
"Upon Padme's marriage to Palo, any inheritance or wealth she has acquired is forfeit to her husband. Upon marriage, her independence is forfeit and she will belong to the Danae family until her death. In exchange for her ownership, her father, Ruwee Naberrie will receive ten million credits," he finished. Anakin and Padme looked stunned, as most everyone else, except Dooku who wore a mysterious smile.
"You sold your daughter to Governor Danae, but when she refused to marry Palo, the credits were taken back. Tell me, Mr. Naberrie, what kind of father sells his daughter like a piece of property for a stack of credits?!" Luminara demanded.
"It was a business deal. She would have been taken care of," Ruwee replied.
"Really? By a man who raped her?" Luminara questioned. Ruwee was silent.
"The truth is, Mr. Naberrie, that you do not give a damn about your daughter and you sold her to the highest bidder!" Luminara turned to the jury.
"These documents should prove what kind of man Palo Danae was. A rapist and a abuser. Like so many, Mr. Naberrie has been consumed by his greed and sold his daughter to the man willing to pay him the most," Luminara finished.
"You may step down, Mr. Naberrie," the judge said. Thoroughly embarrassed, Ruwee did so. Luminara sat down and Anakin turned to her.
"Where did you find those documents?" Anakin asked.
"Your grandfather hired a private investigator to dig up all kinds of dirt on Palo," Luminara said. Anakin and Padme turned to Dooku, who simply winked at them. Over the course of the next five days, Tarkin called his witnesses in an attempt to damn Anakin. At the end of the fifth day, the prosecution rested and Luminara would begin calling her witnesses on the sixth day...
Later that night, after Anakin and Padme slipped into bed. Padme cuddled close to her husband, as he wrapped a protective arm around her waist. He tilted his head and kissed her passionately.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" he asked. She nodded.
"She'll probably call you as her first witness. She's going to have to ask a lot of painful questions," he said.
"I know, but I'm ready. I told you that I won't let them take you from me, so I'll do anything I must," she answered.
"You're such an amazing woman. So brave...beautiful too," he said, as his hot gazed seared through her. She blushed slightly and he kissed her flushed cheek.
"I love you," he said, in a husky whisper.
"I know, now why don't you show me how much," she said, as she feathered her hands along his bare chest. His lips claimed hers and she giggled, as he threw the covers over their heads, as they became lost in each other...