It took some time but Padme adjusted to life on the Outer Rim. It wasn't so bad. Their house was nicer now that Anakin had a job. In fact, she sometimes wondered how he managed to afford them the luxury they lived in. The little enclave had been outfitted to look as good as her old apartment. Only different, but different in a good way.
Their house overlooked a winding road and a cliff that could only be accessed by the ice bridge. Something, Anakin once told her, that could change with a swipe of his lightsaber. The neighborhood had gotten better...dare she say it, even livable... and the people were nice. Especially to Anakin. They bestowed him a respect unlike anything she had ever seen. Some grateful that he had taken the time to restore order to their neighborhoods. Others, because they feared him. Some treated Anakin like a godfather, ocassionally bearing gifts and asking favors of him. Leaving the Jedi had not changed him. He was still in service of the overall peace and prosperity of the community, and for that, Padme loved him even more.
But... there were rumors about the relationship he had with his boss. The old lemur-like man, Jacooto. And she was worried. Apparently, the hutt was upset that Anakin had driven some of his minions out of the area. In fact, Threepio told her that he had overheard a conversation between Anakin and some of Jacooto's men. He was leaving the organization and starting his own and they were going with him.
"Master Skywalker said his organization would be greater than anything Jacooto had ever seen. He won't allow Mygeeto to degenerate into a cess pool of chaos and crime, he would bring peace to the planet... perhaps throughout the Outer Rim. It sounds like a very good plan... in fact, I feel safer already!"
Padme walked by the droid moving to the patio, datapad in hand. "That's my Anakin," she mumbled. "Always prepared to conquer that which is bigger than himself. Because he cares. That's why I love him so much."
Love? That abstract word again. Threepio searched his database.
Padme sat on a chair next to the balcony, her lips trembling. Spring on Mygeeto felt like winter months on Naboo. She leaned toward the datapad and read the latest holonet news. Suddenly, there was a sharp intake of breath and Padme clutched her chest.
"Is something wrong, my love?"
Padme spun around at the sound of Anakin's voice.
"I don't know. Holonet news is reporting that the senate has disbanded the clone army. The Jedi felt they were no longer needed as there was peace throughout the Republic."
"Apparently they've never been to Boz Pity. Or anywhere outside of Coruscant."
Padme continued reading. "Millions of disgruntled, misplaced clone troopers. All without jobs."
"Or purpose," Anakin continued.
Padme sighed. "The senate I know and love is dead." Not even Mon Mothma or Bail Organa can resurrect it now.
Anakin sat beside her in one of the chairs and kissed the back of her hand. "I know my love, but... you mustn't mourn our old lives. We're happy, and that's all that matters. Someday, you'll serve the senate again."
"With the scandal? I don't think it very likely."
Anakin caressed her face. "Whatever your heart desires, I will give to you. Anything to make you happy."
Padme leaned over the table and kissed him. "I don't need the Senate anymore. You make me happy," she replied.
Anakin stood, taking Padme by the arm to stand with him. His eyes softened as he pulled her toward the balcony to overlook the cliffs, roads, and neighboring towns. He gestured, spreading his arms wide.
"Everything you see, except that which is in the shadows in the far west, is ours."
"Ours? What do you mean?" Padme tried to hide the worry in her eyes.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, hands covering her belly. "Yours, mine, and the baby's. When we first came to Mygeeto, stripped of everything we owned, I decided we would never be that way again. I used the money Jacooto paid me and started my own organization. Nearly all of his men followed. They work for me, now."
"You mean... you've become one of the hutts?" she asked him, cautiously.
"Hutts are criminals. I'm greater than that. I'm also greater than the Jedi and senate combined. So I've also decided to pursue a career that would allow my organization to expand to planets outside of Mygeeto."
Padme rubbed his arm. "But Ani, your organization will become another Separatist movement."
"Unlike the Separatists, I'm not against the Republic. I'm sworn to protect it. And that's what I'm doing. I'm the chosen one, remember? I may not be a Jedi, but my duties have not changed."
"My love, I'll defer judgement on the matter, for now," Padme decided. "I trust you will do the right thing. You always do."
"I am doing the right thing."
All the members of the Jedi Council sat in the Room of a Thousand Fountains, each murmuring and nodding to each other as they waited for Master Yoda to speak. The little green Whim walked in, hand pressed on his gimer stick.
He sat in a chair reserved for the Supreme Chancellor of the Jedi, eyes brows pressed together until silence fell across the room.
"Master Yoda, our field Jedi have accounted for all Clone troopers but few. The rest have returned to Kamino as ordered," Mace said.
Obi Wan Kenobi drew his cloak about him, his blood suddenly run cold.
"Master Kenobi, have concerns, do you?" Yoda asked.
Obi Wan was the only master to disagree with how the clones were treated, but was unanimously out voted by his peers. Hundreds of thousands of clones, all without purpose, awaiting their own destruction on Kamino. A last sacrifice for the Republic by the brave men. But some were not too pleased about the turn of events.
"I feel, the mass termination of the clones is a situation ripe for trouble."
"Let fear, guide your decisions, have you, Obi Wan Kenobi?"
"It's not fear. But uneasiness."
"The clones were ordered by Sidious and must be destroyed," Mace replied. "It's unfortunate, but those who served the Chancellor, or fostered relationships with him, must be driven from the Republic if peace is to remain, just as we have gotten rid of the clones, the senate," Mace Windu replied.
"...and Anakin Skywalker," Obi Wan finished.
"It seems you still have concerns about our decision to expel your former apprentice, Master Kenobi. Could that be the reason why you have not captured him yet?"
"After the prophecy was fulfilled, Anakin was never seen again. He's gone into hiding."
Mace smacked his lips. "Just as well."
Kenobi leaned back in his chair. He felt like Anakin the day the council denied his mastery.
"He is still a fugitive."
"And what is his crime?"
"Coercion. Conspiracy with a Sith Lord."
"I feel we have done our former comrade a horrible injustice. If I find Anakin, I will fulfill my duty just as I always have, and send him before the courts. But let it be known, I do not agree with your decision."
"Regardless of that, you have your orders, Master Kenobi. I should hope your attachments won't prevent you from carrying them out."