Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 51! Thanks for all the great reviews.
Forever Destined
Chapter 51: Unexpected Detour
Anakin set their bags down, as they prepared to leave the tiny island. It was the next morning and they had all enjoyed a good night's sleep after avoiding the near tragedy that could have resulted from Senator Danae's kidnaping of Padme.
"I really wish you didn't have to go so soon. I'm going to miss you all so much," Neela said.
"We're going to miss you too, Neela. We'll never forget how you cared for the twins while Anakin came after me yesterday," Padme replied, as she held Luke.
"I was glad I was here to be with them," Neela replied.
"We would love to stay, but I'm afraid that too many people know we're here now," Anakin said. Neela nodded in understanding.
"Then, promise me you'll be careful out there," Neela replied.
"We will. Thanks for everything...both of you," Anakin said to Neela and Jac.
"No thanks needed, my boy. Just promise me that when this mess is over, you'll all come back for a real vacation," Jac said. Anakin smiled.
"It's a promise. And you and Neela shouldn't be strangers either. If you're ever on Coruscant, come stay with us," Anakin said. Jac nodded.
"Will do, my boy. You say hi to your father for me," Jac replied.
"I will. Thanks again, for everything," Anakin said, as he and Padme put the twins in the hover stroller and carried their bags down to the dock, with Threepio and Artoo behind them. After loading the boat, they set out for Malawi where their ship was still parked. The storm had long ago cleared and there was nothing but wispy white clouds adorning the sky. They were a welcome change from the heavy, black clouds that had unleashed such a vicious storm the day before.
"I'm so terribly sorry, gentlemen. I assure you I had no idea of Tarkin's treachery. He had always been such a noble friend," Chancellor Palpatine said regrettably. After Qui-Gon and Dooku had shown him the evidence of the real verdict that was found and the credits he'd been paid by an unknown party to murder the jurors, Palpatine played the part of a very shocked and innocent man. While Qui-Gon, nor Dooku bought his innocent act for a second, they acted like they did.
"We are very sorry to bring you such news, Chancellor. But now, you must see that Anakin is innocent," Dooku said.
"Oh yes, of course Master Dooku. I am just sorry that I was fooled by Tarkin's heinous acts. I will pardon your grandson this afternoon in the Senate and then, they can come home," Palpatine said, with a smile.
"Thank you, Chancellor," Dooku said, with a smile. The two Jedi Masters exited, both smiling at the news.
"Do you buy his innocent act for even a second?" Qui-Gon asked his father.
"Not even for a nano second," Dooku answered.
"But he pardoned Anakin and did not try to make any more excuses," Qui-Gon replied.
"He had no choice unless he wanted to look even more suspicious. I'm sure he's up to something and we will be keeping a very close eye on him," Dooku said.
"What do you have in mind?" Qui-Gon asked. Dooku smirked.
"Zia broke into Tarkin's office and she will infiltrate Palpatine's as well," Dooku replied.
"But she will never get past the red guards," Qui-Gon said.
"Oh, leave that to Master Windu. He will be helping her," Dooku answered. Qui-Gon smirked.
"We must try to raise Anakin on the comm at once and tell him that it will finally be safe to return home," Qui-Gon said.
"Yes, the sooner he is home, the better. I know we are close, my son. We are very close to finding out exactly who the Sith Lord is," Dooku replied.
"Master," Xana bowed to Sidious, as he appeared over the holocom.
"Skywalker must be taken care of...immediately," Sidious spat.
"Master, I am in orbit of Dantooine. Senator Danae was killed in his attempt to abduct Skywalker's wife. But now, they are leaving and I will be following them. Once they make another landing, I will ambush them and do what needs to be done," Xana said.
"Good, my young apprentice. You must not fail me. Skywalker will be pardoned in the Senate this afternoon, but he must not return to Coruscant and interfere with my plans! Once you capture him, take him to Mustafar and make sure he cannot escape his imprisonment. You may do what you wish with the woman and brats and you will wait on Mustafar for my orders," Sidious said.
"Yes my Master, you bidding shall be done," Xana replied obediently, as the holocom went dark. She waited several more minutes and finally saw Anakin's ship clear the atmosphere. She locked onto his coordinates with her stealth tracking device and used them to jump to hyperspace right behind them...
Once it was safe to move about, Anakin raised the cabin lights. The twins squirmed and fussed in their seats. Padme sat them on a blanket on the floor and put toys out for them. They settled down and went about playing. Anakin came in back and sat down next to Padme. She leaned in and kissed him before resting her head on his shoulder.
"So where are we headed?" she asked, as she felt him kiss her hair.
"I'm not sure yet. I told Artoo to take us further into the outer rim. When we're half low on fuel, we're going to see where we are and pick the best option," Anakin said. Padme kissed his lips softly and cuddled against him, content to be in his arms.
"I wish I could take us home," he said.
"But we are home. As long as we're with you, then any place is home," she assured him, as she ran her fingers through his hair. He sighed.
"I know. It's just that this is no kind of life for you or the twins. Yesterday, you were kidnaped by a mad man and then thrown into the raging waters of a hurricane," Anakin said.
"But you jumped in and saved me, just like I knew you would," Padme replied.
"But..." he started, but she put her finger to his lips.
"But nothing, my love," she replied, as she smiled.
"We've been through so much and there's probably plenty more in store for us. But no matter what it is, we'll make it. Come what may, my Jedi hero, come what may," she said, as she caressed his cheek while looking deeply into his eyes.
"Come what may, for the darkness can never consume the light and our love will always prevail," he said, with a soft smile.
"I still hate that you and our babies are in danger because of me, though," he replied.
"Ani, you told me that you'd walk through the fires of Sith hell for me if you had to. Do you not think I would not do the same for you?" she asked, as she pressed a tender kiss to his forehead.
"I know you would. I guess I'm just a little overprotective," he replied.
"We like you that way. We always feel so safe with you," Padme replied, as their lips met in a passionate kiss. Artoo rolled into the cabin and whirled to Anakin.
"What's he saying?" Padme asked, as Anakin took the translator from his belt.
"He says there is a transmission coming over the comm," Anakin said, as he stood up.
"Watch the twins for us, Threepio," Padme said, as she followed her husband to the cockpit. Anakin sat down at the comm and looked at the blinking message.
"Do you know who it's from?" she asked. He smiled.
"This is grandfather's encryption code!" Anakin replied, as he accepted the transmission and Dooku's face appeared on the screen.
"Grandfather," Anakin greeted.
"You don't know how good it does my heart to see that you're both all right," Dooku said.
"Do you have good news?" Padme asked.
"Yes sweetheart, I do. Anakin is being pardoned," Dooku said, with a smile. Padme gasped and threw her arms around his neck. She kissed his cheek and hugged him tightly.
"You found the evidence?" Anakin asked.
"Zia was able to track down the medical examiner that performed the autopsy. He originally discovered the symbol of the Sith burned into the back of Palo's neck. He said he was paid to omit this from the report, but of course, he couldn't tell her who paid him. Unfortunately, the holo of the symbol was not sufficient evidence for the Chancellor, so we kept digging," Dooku said.
"What did Zia find?" Padme asked.
"She broke into Tarkin's office in the middle of the night...and she found the real verdict. It seems that the jury originally found Anakin innocent. Tarkin admitted to being paid to switch the verdict and kill the jurors. Unfortunately, the Chancellor has still managed to keep his hands clean. Just as Tarkin was about to tell us what he knew about the Sith...he was killed right before our eyes. Master Yoda tried to sever the Force choke, but it was too late. However, once we showed the evidence to the Chancellor, he had no choice but to pardon you. Word of your pardon is spreading like wild fire," Dooku said, with a smile.
"That means we can come home, right?" Anakin asked. Dooku grinned.
"Yes Ani and we can't wait to see all of you," he replied. Padme hugged Anakin tightly.
"We're going home Ani! I told you everything would be okay," she said.
"Grandfather, what about Palpatine? He was surely involved in Tarkin's plot," Anakin said.
"I think so too and that's why Zia will be breaking into his office...tonight," Dooku said.
"Isn't that kind of dangerous though? Breaking into Tarkin's office is one thing, but Palpatine's is heavily guarded and she is pregnant," Anakin said.
"That is why Mace is going with her," he replied. Anakin nodded, feeling better about Mace being with her.
"We're getting close, Ani, I can feel it," Dooku said. Anakin knew he was referring to the Sith
"We're changing course now and we'll be home soon," Anakin said.
"May the Force be with you both," Dooku said, as his transmission blinked out.
"Artoo, bring us out of hyperspace and change our course. We're going back to Coruscant," Anakin said, with a smile. Padme smiled and kissed his cheek.
"I'll go strap the twins in," Padme said, as she hurried back into the cabin. Artoo dropped them out of hyperspace and changed course. He and Anakin went through the procedure needed to jump to hyperspace again and engaged the hyper drive engines. The ship lurched and the hyper drive engines lost power.
"What happened Artoo?" he asked. Artoo whirled an 'I don't know,'.
"Run a diagnostic check and find the problem. I don't want to be sitting out in open space for too long. There's still a war going on," Anakin said.
"I felt the ship shudder. Is everything okay?" Padme asked.
"I'm not sure yet, angel. The hyper drive engine wouldn't engage after we changed course," Anakin replied, as Artoo clicked and whirled, while Anakin read his response on the translator.
"Great," Anakin sighed in exasperation.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"The alternator in the hyper drive engine is busted. Can you go down and fix it, Artoo?" Anakin asked. Artoo whirled.
"He says it's completely shot. We need a new one. Artoo, what's the closest planet where we can get one?" Anakin asked. Artoo whirled a response and Anakin scoffed.
"Please, anywhere but there," Anakin said. Artoo whirled and clicked regrettably.
"He says we can be on Tatooine in an hour with the thruster power. It is not an ideal choice, but we should be able to find the part there easily enough," Anakin said.
"We don't have much choice. We'll be fine if we stick together," Padme replied.
"Okay Artoo, set the course for Tatooine. But set us down on the outskirts of Mos Espa and avoid the port," Anakin said.
"Why should we avoid the port?" Padme asked.
"It is run by the Hutts and they are informed of anyone who lands there," Anakin replied. Padme nodded, as Artoo powered up the thrusters and headed for Tatooine. Unfortunately, thanks to Xana's clever stealth technology, Artoo did not detect her ship following them...
Zia answered the knock at the door of her quarters in the Temple. She smiled, seeing it was Mace Windu at the door.
"Hello Master Windu, please come in," she said.
"Hello Zia, but please call me Mace. I thought I would come by and go over tonight's plan with you," Mace said.
"Please come in," she said. He smiled and sat down on her sofa.
"So, from what I've been told, getting past the Red Guards isn't easy," Zia said.
"No, it isn't, but it is possible. The Red Guards are less susceptible to mind tricks, thus why they are chosen to guard the Chancellor. The set of daytime guards always leaves with the Chancellor and guard his residence in the evening. The set of night guards arrive immediately after the Chancellor leaves," Mace explained.
"Then how do we get past them?" she asked.
"With this," Mace said, as he held up a small, circular device.
"What is it?" she asked.
"It will release a sleeping mist and should put the guards out for hours. The Jedi in the building will make sure any Clone Troopers stay out of the Chancellor's wing, so no one should be alerted to our presence," Mace said.
"Anyway, I thought you might like to join me for dinner beforehand, perhaps," Mace said. Zia smiled.
"Master Windu, are you asking me on a date?" Zia asked coyly. He smiled softly.
"Would you accept if I did?" he asked.
"Most certainly. Let me go freshen up and we can be on our way. The baby and I are starved," she said, as she slipped into her bedroom.
Artoo set the ship down on the outskirts of Mos Espa. Padme had the twins in the hover stroller and put Luke's hat back on him.
"Sorry baby, but you're really going to need a hat in the hot sun," she said.
"Artoo, you and Threepio stay with the ship. We'll be back as soon as possible," Anakin said, as they set out to find the part they needed in a junk shop. Some time later, after passing several junk shops, Padme wondered what kept Anakin from passing them up.
"Ani, are you looking for a particular shop?" she asked. He smiled.
"Actually, yes. I guess I'm a bit curious to meet the being that owned my mother before my father freed her. I don't know why really," he replied. She smiled.
"You're curious to see what kind of person he is. I understand that," she replied. He smiled at her and pointed to the shop in front of them.
"If he's still in business, then this is where he would be according to the stories my father has told me," Anakin said. She nodded and pushed the hover stroller into the shop, following him inside. As they entered, a blue Toydarian flapped his wings and flew up to them. Anakin regarded him, guessing that this was the Toydarian that his father had described as the mean-tempered and greedy being that owned his mother at one time.
"Ah, customers...what can I do for you," he asked, as he regarded the people that had entered his shop.
"I need an alternator for a Syrian 2500 Mach Cruiser," Anakin said.
"Hyper drive failed?" Watto asked.
"Yes, do you have the part?" Anakin asked.
"Of course I do. A new alternator for a Syrian is going to cost you a pretty credit," Watto sneered.
"I can assure you that I'm good for it," Anakin replied.
"What's your name, boy?" he asked.
"Anakin Skywalker," he replied.
"Skywalker?!" Watto exclaimed.
"Yes, I believe you knew my mother," Anakin replied.
"Yes, she belonged to me until that no good Jedi scum came in here and whisked her away," Watto growled.
"Careful Watto, that's my father you're talking about," Anakin replied.
"So, he freed her after all," Watto replied.
"Yes he did and they are very happy. Now, do you have the part so I can get my own family off this sand ball?" Anakin asked.
"You got the credits, I got the part," Watto replied. Anakin handed him his account card and Watto went to the desk to run it. Watto's droid boxed up the part for Anakin and handed it to him. Watto handed Anakin's card back to him.
"Thanks," Anakin replied, as he and Padme turned to leave.
"Skywalker!" Watto called. Anakin turned back to him.
"Your mother...she was a good worker. Glad she's...she's a happy," Watto admitted. Anakin smiled.
"Thanks Watto," Anakin replied, as he and his family left.
"He wasn't too bad, for a slave owner I guess," Padme said.
"No, she could have had a lot worse. For that, I'm grateful," Anakin replied.
"How long will it take to repair the ship?" Padme asked.
"Probably about an hour with Artoo's help. We'll be home by morning," Anakin told her with a smile, as they headed back to the ship.
Siri sat in the Cantina, sipping at her Corellian scotch. Her ship was being fueled and she was waiting for it to be ready again so she could be on her way. She'd been in the outer rim for the last few months and had just been recalled to Coruscant. Just a few minutes ago, she had begun sensing Anakin's presence. She couldn't imagine how he and Padme had wound up on this sand box, but she decided she was probably the last person they wanted to see. Suddenly, in addition to Anakin's presence, she sensed a dark presence closing in on him. She stood up from her seat, trying to get a read on the ominous presence. She threw a few credits down on the counter and sprinted out of the Cantina. Anakin, Padme, and their children were in grave danger...