Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Hello everyone and welcome to the newest Forever Destined Vignette. Six months have passed since the events of Wicked Planet. Enjoy this new chapter and let me know what you think!
Origins: A Forever Destined Vignette
Part 2/?
The beautiful, petite brunette woman slammed the man that was twice her size on his back. He choked air into his lungs and cried out, as blood seeped from the stab wound in his side. She smirked down at him and caressed his face. It would have seemed like a loving touch had she not been the one that had caused the fatal wound in his side with her own vibro blade.
"You Hut'uun!" the man spat, using the Mandalorian word for coward.
"Me? Oh, I think we know which one of us is the coward, lover," she hissed, as four other females, also wearing the Mandalorian armor stood by. A beautiful blonde huffed in annoyance.
"Come on already Day'na, end his worthless life so we can get on with our plan," she said.
"Patience Sal'ma," she simply requested.
"Your plan is foolhardy. You and your band of Sith witches will never stand a chance against the true Mandalore rule!" he spat, as blood seeped from his lips.
"Oh, but we will. The Republic sees the true Mandalore, the band of warring infidels, as a destructive threat to them. We're women and we will make peace, a very lucrative peace, and when the time is right, Duchess Satine will be conveniently dethroned and Mandalore will belong to us. But I need our daughter to accomplish this," Day'na replied. The man known as Alvez attempted to laugh, but it turned into a cough, as blood leaked from his mouth faster.
"Our daughter that you abandoned in an alleyway, because you wanted to make sure I never got my hands on her," Alvez spat. Day'na gritted her teeth.
"You were ruthless and vicious then and don't act like that's changed. You and your brothers sought only to take what bounties you could and do any job for money to further your war! You would have saw a baby as simply means to more credits and sold her on the slave market," Day'na spat.
"And you left her to die in an alleyway," he spat back. She smirked.
"Oh no, I knew that the Jedi often patrolled in that vicinity. I knew they would find her and when I learned that it was Anakin Skywalker that found her, I knew it would work in my favor in the future. But I got doubly lucky, because she was adopted by the Royal family of Alderaan and yet she will marry into the Skywalker family. So you see, once I tell them that I had to leave her behind so my evil lover and his goons wouldn't sell her into slavery, I'll become a part of them. They'll slowly be swayed to my cause when I convince them that we want peace for our planet. Then they will help me wipe out the rest of you. Jayden Skywalker, our lovely daughter's beau unknowingly has already taken out the biggest target. You and your brothers are weak without Boba Fett," Day'na spat with malice. He snarled.
"My brothers plan to make that brat pay for taking our leader and the Jedi, fools as they are, will still see right through you," Alvez rasped, as he coughed violently.
"Oh kill that fool already!" Bec'ca, a raven haired woman called.
"They won't see through me, because dear Natalie is going to love her long lost birth mother and feel so sorry for everything she's been through. My daughter is my means to ruling Mandalore. Your death is just a stepping stone," Day'na whispered, as she took her blade and without flinching, quickly slit his throat.
"Finally!" a fiery redhead called Jay'ma exclaimed.
"Now that he's dead, how do you plan to approach this Princess that is supposedly your biological daughter?" a dark blonde haired woman, Tan'na, the final member of her elite, asked.
"The right opportunity will present itself, but I need all of you to remain here while I make nice with my daughter. First, I need to get out of this armor and into some civilian clothes to dress the part," Day'na replied, as she prepared to change her biological daughter's life forever…
The next day
Padme was slightly nervous, as they stood outside the hearing room. The Senate was in recess today, but she was dressed in full Senatorial garb for the final formal hearing.
"You know, I've been thinking, angel. You don't have to go through with this if you don't want to. You've been through enough without me insisting on all this," Anakin said, as he stood beside her. She shook her head.
"I'm fine and we were right to press this. Even if he doesn't get any prison time, he needs to realize that his actions, even though he denies they were his own actions, that they have consequences. All Senators do. Too many start to believe that their position means they are above the law. Even if he worms his way out of this, it sends a message. And what kind of example would I be to some of the women I mentor in the shelters? I'm always telling them that they have to press charges and see that their abusers are brought to trial, no matter the outcome. You aren't pushing me to do anything, I promise," she told him, as she pecked him softly on the lips. He nodded, more confident about their course of action now, as Clovis and his entourage arrived.
"Senator Skywalker, so good to see you. The investigation has been completed and we can finally put all this messy business behind us. After you," Clovis' attorney said smugly. Anakin glared at him and led his wife into the room as the others followed. They rose, as the appointed Judge entered. He was a human male and one Padme was unfamiliar with.
"I'm Judge Mursky and I have reviewed this case. I will allow the investigator summarize his conclusions and then I will make my ruling," he announced, as they sat down.
"Inspector Chavis, you have the floor," the Judge said, as he motioned to the appointed investigator.
"Thank you, Judge Mursky. I have thoroughly investigated this matter and have compiled my results. On the night in question, there is no doubt nor is anyone denying that Senator Skywalker was indeed attacked in her home by her colleague, Senator Rush Clovis. However, I have discovered, after conducting interviews and researching cases like this that Senator Rush Clovis was only present in body," the investigator stated.
"Cases like this? There haven't ever been any cases like this," Anakin interrupted, as Padme put her hand on his to steady him.
"Master Skywalker, this will be your only warning to refrain from interrupting, lest you wish the bailiff to remove you," the Judge said sternly.
"I'd like to see him try to remove me," Anakin thought darkly.
"Ani…it's okay," Padme told him silently. He held his tongue and the Inspector continued.
"Senator Clovis was a victim as well and had no mindful control over his own body due to what has become known as a Force possession. As defined by one Jedi Master Adi Gallia, Force possession renders the subject unwillingly helpless to control themselves or their actions. The subject is completely helpless, especially if the possessor is of the dark side in nature. And according to all parties involved, the possessor is very much of the dark side. While my decision is in no way meant to trivialize Senator Skywalker's traumatic experience, it is my opinion that Senator Rush Clovis should not serve any prison time. However, it is recommended that Senator Clovis refrain from unnecessary contact with Senator Skywalker outside of Senate dealings, sessions, and committees," Inspector Chavis concluded.
"Thank you Inspector. Before I announce my ruling, is there anything either side wishes to say?" the Judge asked.
"Yeah, I have a few things I'd like to say," Anakin said, as his icy gaze swept over the people on the other side of the room.
"You have the floor, Master Skywalker," the Judge responded.
"Thank you. I just want to say that, first of all, this case should have been investigated as a Jedi matter, because no one truly understands the ways of the Force like a Jedi. That being said, I find it a bit suspicious that the Jedi you chose to interview was Master Gallia, rather than Master Yoda, our Order's wisest and most experienced Jedi Grand Master. I believe you would have received a much more complex and detailed explanation of the way Force possessions really work, rather than the simplistic and generic one provided to you by Master Gallia," Anakin said sternly, as Padme put her hand on his.
"There's far more I'd like to say as well, but I will choose to refrain at this time," Anakin added.
"Senator Clovis, you have something to say?" the Judge asked.
"Yes your honor, I just want to say again to Senator Skywalker how sorry I am for what happened and despite the fact that I had no conscious control over my actions, that she can find it in her heart to forgive me one day and perhaps we can even be friends again," Clovis said smoothly.
"Force choking is bad, my love," Padme reminded, as she felt the temperature slowly start to drop in the room.
"He knows he's won. Look at the smug smirk on his face," Anakin growled silently.
"He's won nothing. I'm yours, after all, and I always will be," she reminded.
"I know, I just don't like when someone gets away with hurting the woman I love more than anything," Anakin said back. Their conversation would continue later when they were alone, but now they would hear the Judge's final word.
"After reviewing this case myself, I have decided to agree with Inspector Chavis' recommendations. Senator Clovis, you will not receive a prison sentence for the attack on Senator Skywalker, as we have found that you had no control over your actions at the time. Thereby, you are free to go, but it is my opinion that you should maintain a distant and strictly professional relationship with Senator Skywalker. Any attempts on your part to pursue anything else may incite need for future restraining orders for Senator Skywalker's protection. I suggest you do no make this necessary," the Judge warned sternly. Clovis nodded.
"This case is dismissed," the Judge said, as they rose and Anakin prepared to lead her out of the room.
"Padme wait," Clovis called. Anakin clenched his teeth. This guy had a lot of nerve and more guts too since his possession by Sifo-Dyas. Padme reluctantly turned.
"I just want to apologize to you personally for this whole mess. I fought your claims, but it was never because I wanted to trivialize what you went through. I just hope that someday you can forgive me," Clovis pleaded.
"I'm sure that I will be able to and I'm positive we can be civil. But friendship would likely be pushing the limits. Good day, Senator," Padme said professionally, as she prepared to leave.
"Anakin, you must know I never meant for any of this to happen," Rush called. Anakin focused his cold gaze on the Senator.
"Maybe…maybe not. I really don't care about you and your feelings at this point, not that I ever have. I am only going to say this one final time, Senator Clovis. Stay away from my wife," Anakin warned, as he led her out. As they got on the lift, Padme leaned against him, as he put his arm around her waist.
"I can't believe that investigator asked Adi Gallia of all the Jedi he could have interviewed," Anakin said.
"It's okay. It's over and we don't have to deal with him anymore," Padme replied. He sighed.
"I know and I'm sure he'll keep his distance, if he knows what's good for him," Anakin said, as he kissed her tenderly.
"The Senate is in recess today and I cleared my whole day for this. We have the whole afternoon together," Padme said.
"Whatever will we do all afternoon?" he asked playfully, as their lips met again. He groaned in annoyance though, as his comlink chimed.
"Damn…I forgot about the Council meeting," he cursed.
"That's okay, we'll still have plenty of the day left after that," Padme said.
"I could skip it, you know. All we do is bicker anymore anyway," Anakin suggested.
"No, you need to go and I'll just go visit Sola and Kimberly in the Healer's ward while you're in the meeting," Padme replied.
"There are much more entertaining things we could do at home, you know," he tempted.
"And we will…after the meeting," she promised.
"I love you," he whispered, as he held her close.
"I know. I love you too," she whispered back, as they gazed fondly at each other.
Natalie stuffed her books and datapads into her locker space, as her final class was over for the day. She should have expected the grilling she was about to get from her two friends, but was still caught by surprise when they made a beeline for her.
"Have you seen the datatabs today?" Cera asked, as she scrolled through her datapad.
"You know I don't read those trashy things," Natalie replied.
"You should. You and lover boy are all over them this morning," Pan added. Natalie rolled her eyes.
"They really should mind their own business. You have no idea how frustrating it is not to be able to go out in public together and show affection without holos being taken left and right," Natalie huffed.
"You better get used to it, Nat. You're dating sexy Jedi boy, whose last name is Skywalker, so you're destined to be splashed all over their pages for life. Look at his parents. They still can't get enough of them either, so you and Jayden are fresh meat," Cera said. Natalie sighed.
"No wonder running away to live together like hermits looks so tempting sometimes," Natalie joked, as she shut her locker space and walked between her two friends. She had unfortunately noticed the looks she was getting from everyone and that there was more staring than usual.
"You know, others in this University kiss their significant others, so why is it such a big deal when I do it?" Natalie wondered.
"Because you and your boy toy are high profile and you know how much people love gossip. And since we're your best friends, we should get the insight to what everyone is wondering. Is Jayden Skywalker a good lover?" Cera teased, as she and Pan enjoyed watching her cheeks turn pink.
"Jayden and I love each other and yes, we were kissing last night, but that doesn't mean it went further or that it ever has gone further than that," Natalie said adamantly.
"Get out, you two are so into each other. Are you really trying to tell us that you two haven't gone all the way?" Cera asked.
"Yes, that's what I'm telling you. We're waiting," Natalie replied.
"Waiting for what? For him to get sexier? Cause I don't think that can happen," Pan teased, as Natalie sighed in exasperation.
"We're barely sixteen and we both have duties and things that are expected of us. And we're in love, so we want to wait for the right time. We'll know it when it's here and even if we were sleeping together, which we're not yet, it wouldn't be anyone's business but ours," Natalie said adamantly.
"Normally yes, but you are both in the public eye," Pan reminded. Natalie nodded.
"I know and I should be used to all the attention. Jayden's parents seem like it doesn't even faze them and they print outlandish things about them all the time. My Mom tells me that I shouldn't let what they say get to me, but I'm not sure she really understands the extent of the attention we get, as much as she tries to. They've never bothered her and daddy as much," Natalie said.
"Have you talked to Jayden's mom?" Pan asked.
"No, but that's probably a good idea," Natalie replied, as they went outside. Jayden was waiting for her and she smiled at him.
"Get out of here and don't let the Holonet vultures stop you from giving him a steamy kiss, because every girl on this campus wants to be in your shoes," Cera said.
"Including Cera," Pan joked, earning her an elbow in the ribs.
"You bet including me. I'd definitely love to ride that, if you get my drift," Cera said seductively. Natalie's mouth dropped open.
"Cera…you're terrible!" Natalie exclaimed.
"No, I just say what you're thinking, Princess. Now don't keep him waiting any longer," Cera said, shooing her away.
"I'll see you both tomorrow," she said, as she shook her head and walked away.
"Hey," Jayden greeted, as they kissed softly.
"Hey," she replied, as she gazed up at him, admiring his handsome features, something she did more and more these days.
"Want to come over for dinner?" he asked. She nodded.
"Of course, I'll comm my parents on the way. I kind of want to talk to your Mom about something later anyway," Natalie replied.
"Is everything okay?" he asked, as they got in. She nodded.
"Yeah, everything's fine. It always is when I'm with you," she replied.
"Stop stealing my lines," he teased.
"Maybe you should find new lines," she challenged back in a teasing tone.
"You're the up and coming future Senator. You're the one that can come up with big fancy ways to say stuff," he retorted, as he dug his fingers into her side, purposely tickling her in one of her most ticklish spots. She laughed out loud and smacked his hand.
"Stop and start driving, handsome," she ordered playfully.
"Yes milady," he drawled back playfully, as the speeder took off.
Riley stepped out of his speeder, as he approached the crime scene that Rex had called him about. Being a private investigator with Zia Jade-Windu as his partner, they usually only took cases that they were called for specifically. But being that they had built quite the reputation as the best in their business, they were called on quite often. But Rex only called him when he thought there was something significant that he should see and Riley was curious.
"What do we got?" he asked, as three Clones dragged the body out of the dumpster.
"Dumped like trash. Someone hated this guy," Rex said, as he came beside him.
"Is this why you called me?" Riley asked, as his one eye was fixated on the Mandalorian armor.
"You've had a little experience with them so I figured you should see this. I don't know if it's just a random thing or if it means something. It's possible I've been hanging around Anakin too long, but something in my gut tells me that this is significant," Rex replied. Riley nodded.
"I agree. Finally got what was coming to you, didn't you Alvez, you evil bastard," Riley spat.
"You know him?" Rex asked in surprise.
"He used to pal around with Jango and he learned a lot from him. He has been making quite a name for himself as a bounty hunter in the last few years. Not anymore I guess," Riley replied.
"You've kept tabs on him," Rex said.
"With good reason. Jayden killed Boba and so I've been doing what I can to keep tabs on their movements, which isn't easy. I knew there was a chance they would want revenge on Jayden for Boba's death and now that they're on Coruscant, that might be highly likely," Riley replied.
"But how did this guy end up dead?" Rex wondered.
"There's the million credit question, because this guy isn't a pushover. Can you make sure I get a copy of the autopsy report?" Riley asked.
"Consider it done. Are you headed to the Temple?" Rex asked. Riley nodded.
"Jayden is a powerful kid, but he's still a kid and Anakin needs to know about this. I have a bad feeling that this is just the beginning of something a whole lot bigger," Riley said with an uneasy tone, as he got back into his speeder.
"I believe that is all we have to discuss today," Mace said, as he prepared to conclude the meeting.
"Excuse me Master Windu, but I have one more topic for discussion," Kuro interjected.
"You have the floor, Master Kuro," Mace relented.
"With Master Dooku's death six months ago, it has left young Jenna Skywalker without a Master and I propose that I be allowed to resume her training," Kuro said. Anakin looked at her with a frigid gaze.
"I'm training Jenna," Anakin stated.
"You already have a padawan," Kuro refuted.
"Luke is going to be taking the trials in two months and I understand Jenna's unique powers better than most can," Anakin said sternly.
"I disagree. I believe Jenna's unique abilities require someone less…emotional to teach her the true ways of the Jedi," Kuro retorted, glaring at him.
"She's my daughter and you're the last person I would agree to oversee her training," Anakin growled.
"Her Master is a decision for the Council," Kuro growled back.
"She's my daughter, so it's my final word," Anakin spat.
"The Council only created that rule for you so you could make sure you got the people you wanted training your brats. Attachment makes a Jedi weak and a girl with her kind of power needs to be taught the right way," Kuro replied.
"Really? Attachment makes a Jedi weak? Are you hearing yourself? Because, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's because of my attachment to my family that I've been able to defeat our enemies. And that attachment is called love, by the way," Anakin retorted.
"You're too emotional. If this Council was smart, they wouldn't allow parents to be so involved with the padawans we train, if you ask me," Kuro said with an air of superiority.
"No one ever asks you," Obi-Wan retorted, earning him a glare.
"I must say that most disagree, Master Kuro. Whether or not a Jedi chooses to have a family is their personal choice. We as an Order do not see the benefits in turning away from our families," Mace said. He was very quiet about his personal life and feelings, but those who knew him well, knew that he deeply loved Zia and their daughter Mara.
"Well, as usual it seems that no one save for a select few want to give my suggestions the time of day," Kuro said, as she cast a sideways glance at a few of her colleagues that were in agreement with her position.
"That's because your suggestions involve casting our families away and isolating ourselves from the galaxy. You'd rather have us cooped up in the Temple and only serving causes you deem…worthy," Obi-Wan refuted.
"The Jedi are not policemen, yet we are out carousing the streets and mingling with scum. Those jobs are for regular law enforcement," Kuro argued.
"The Jedi protect those who cannot protect themselves and if that means we're taking spice dealers or human traffickers off the streets, then that is our purpose. We should be out there protecting children and the meek from those with evil in their hearts. Those that are not Force sensitive are no less important than the rest of us," Anakin said passionately. Kuro only huffed.
"Once again you enlighten us all with a passion driven speech. More proof that you're no better than an untrained padawan letting his emotions dictate his use of the Force. You're a disgrace to the traditional Jedi, Chosen One or not," Kuro spat.
"That is enough Kuro! My son is the reason that any of us are here!" Qui-Gon roared. Kuro snarled back at him, as she prepared a retort toward the one that was responsible for the present thorn in her side that was Anakin Skywalker.
"ENOUGH!" Yoda snapped, raising his voice as loud as Anakin had ever heard it. Everyone quieted immediately.
"Quarrelsome this Council has become. Stop…it must or grave danger I fear there will be," Yoda said sadly. Kuro opened her mouth to speak, but Yoda shot her a warning look.
"Speak, you will not dark woman. Heard enough from you today, I have. The Chosen One, Anakin is. His methods, unorthodox they are, but effective they are as well. Learn to co-exist with each other's differences, we must. Remain under her father's tutelage, young Jenna will and continue her joint training with her twin under Master Qui-Gon's training she will as well," Yoda stated firmly, ending the discussion.
"Very well Master," Kuro relented. Anakin shook his head and released his anger and frustration into the Force. What Kuro said about him didn't bother him. He didn't care what she thought of him, but for her to suggest that they weren't fit to raise Jenna was something he wouldn't tolerate and he knew about the horrible things she often said about Padme behind his back. He didn't understand how someone who could spew so much hate claimed they could be an effective Jedi. He left with his father and brother to find Padme and the kids. He needed to cool down and time with his beloved angel and their kids was what he needed right now.