Note 1: This is my first fanfiction work. Please read and review. I hope you guys enjoy this venture into this Verse.

Note 2: This takes place during ROTS, right after Anakin and Obi-Wan return from rescuing Chancellor Palpatine from General Grievous.

Note 3: Star Wars and its affiliates do not belong to me only the contents of this Verse.

Note 4: Thank you to my sister and beta reader, Darth Hope. (I know, ironic isn't it?)

Chosen: Restoration

Chapter 3: Boarding

By WrittinInStone

Humiliation.

Anakin Skywalker had never truly understood the meaning of the word until this moment. It was as though the whole Galaxy had turned up to watch the event that was his public exile. By the Force, it's a circus out there, Anakin thought.

HoloNet reporters littered the airways and citizens from all over Coruscant seemed to have suddenly needed to 'shop' and 'take care of business' in this particular quadrant of the planet. Anakin had greater respect for those citizens who did not hide the fact that they were there just to see the show.

Anakin was stationed in the docking bay, preparing to enter Twilight's Rain. He wore a special Breathalyzer that allowed him to temporarily interact with the public until he entered the ship. He had been skeptical about the device at first, but had been assured by his doctors that at least for a short while, it would be sufficient.

Anakin stood silently as he gazed upon the ship. When he had first seen it, Anakin's eyebrows had shot upward in surprise. The ship was massive. When Anakin asked Obi-Wan about it, Obi-Wan said that it was actually a cruise ship. After Obi-Wan explained the history of the ship, Anakin was sorry that he asked.

Twilight's Rain had been the premier cruise ship of the Republic eleven years ago. It boasted thirteen highly specialized floors and numerous amenities including beaches, casinos and even a music studio. It was supposed to bring countless wealth to the Republic due to its ability to reach into the furthest reaches of space, even beyond the Outer Rim. The future of Twilight's Rain looked promising until it its first test run through space when five days after it left port, the Republic lost contact with it. Frantically, ships were sent into every quadrant of space to learn the whereabouts of the lost ship. It was found two weeks later, floating eerily in an isolated region of the Outer Rim. Every crewmember, every person who had manned the ship was gone.

After that, stories of the ship's mechanical failure and the apparent stream of bad luck during its creation destroyed any chance of Twilight's Rain recovering from the failed test launch turned tragedy. It was decommissioned and placed in a storage center where it had sat until now.

What I don't understand, Anakin thought with more than a little annoyance, is why the Jedi Council thought it was okay to stick me on a cursed ship.

"Anakin." The Knight turned to find Obi-Wan approaching him. "The ship is perfectly safe."

Anakin sighed and then spoke, his voice muffled by his mask, "Were my thoughts really that loud?"

Obi-Wan smiled. "As long as you wanted the Jedi on the other side of Coruscant to hear you, you were perfectly fine."

Anakin rolled his eyes. "Very funny, Obi-Wan." Anakin turned his attention to Twilight's Rain where a contingent of clones were marching formally into the ship. At the last minute, it was agreed upon that the clones would accompany him into his exile. Anakin did not know whether to be grateful or not; he just hoped that one of them knew how to cook.

"So," Anakin asked casually, despite himself, "The Senate is in session today, right?"

Obi-Wan sighed, "Yes, the Senate is in session and…'discussing' whether or not the Chancellor should be given more emergency powers. When I left there, I believe that Senator Yamin and Senator Issac were about to go to blows over the issue. It was quite interesting, actually; I've never seen anyone turn so red as Senator Isaac. Strangely enough, there were some last minute changes to the schedule and they convened a little earlier than usual. According to Jar Jar, though, they should be ending the session in about an hour or so."

Anakin nodded, emotions of both relief and anxiety flooding him. He had spent a sleepless night worrying that Padmé would find out the truth about his condition, but having heard nothing from her, he assumed that she had accepted his message as truth. Now, with the Senate letting out after the ship's takeoff, Padmé would not find out about his departure until it was too late. Anakin pushed aside the feelings of guilt that came over him at deceiving Padmé. He was doing the right thing; he had to protect her. Force knows what she would have done had she known about this. He tried not to think about how furious she would be when his illness was confirmed and broadcasted across the HoloNet. She would feel hurt and betrayed. He just hoped that she would understand that he was doing this for her. He pushed his wife to the back of his mind, determined not to think of her until he was on the ship and in safety of his suite. I prefer to have privacy when I break down, Anakin thought to himself only half jokingly.

"Anakin, it's time." Obi-Wan said interrupting his thoughts.

Anakin nodded. "There's a lot of people here to see me isn't there?"

Obi-Wan sighed. "Yes, there is. I tried to convince the Council that it was best to just issue a statement confirming that the virus was not a threat to anyone and that you had been isolated just in case, but the Council felt as though this would better quell the public's fears about you. I'm sorry you have to endure this Anakin."

Anakin shrugged, feigning indifference at the situation. "I know it's not your fault, Obi-Wan. Besides, I'm the 'Hero With No Fear,' remember? Thanks to the Chancellor, I've been in the spotlight for the past three years as the Champion of the Republic. A little more publicity won't hurt me."

Obi-Wan watched Anakin closely and then squeezed his shoulder. "You have really grown up Anakin and I am very proud of you. You are truly worthy to be a Jedi Knight."

Anakin's looked away, his throat closing. It was always awkward when Obi-Wan said these things, but Anakin could not deny how it warmed his heart. "Thank you, Master. That means a lot to me."

Suddenly, Anakin looked up. He cocked his head as he turned to stare into the dark shadows of the far side of the docking bay.

"What is it, Anakin?" Obi-Wan moved forward, also looking toward the area "Is something wrong?"

Anakin gazed at the spot for a moment longer before shaking his head. "I thought I felt something, but it's gone now."

Obi-Wan nodded and then beckoned to Anakin. "Come, the Masters are waiting."

#*#*#*#*#

Padmé watched from the shadows of the docking bay as Anakin and Obi-Wan exited toward the ship's landing. She released the breath that she had been holding and slumped against the wall in relief. If Anakin had sensed her then her plan would have ended before it began. She had known that it would be risky to try to enter the ship here, but it was the best way to get on the ship without being seen. At the very least she had to get inside and remain hidden until the ship left port; at that point Anakin would have no choice but to bring her along.

Padmé glanced around the area before cautiously following after Anakin and Obi-Wan. After 3PO's revelation, Padmé had worked late into the night to set her affairs in order in preparation for Twilight's Rain's departure. As soon as everything was in place, she had given the Queen of Naboo her official leave of absence, effective immediately. The Queen had been appalled and more than a little angry at being awakened in the middle of the night to find that her Senator was leaving office with no explanation and no date of return. Padmé could not blame her although she had somewhat lessened the sting by reporting to the Queen that she had already selected a suitable replacement to represent Naboo in the Senate.

The Queen had been coldly formal, but had not pressed Padmé for the reason behind the abrupt notice. Padmé was grateful for that although she knew that she might have burned a bridge. Because she was a former Queen, she knew how quickly and how important even the smallest change in the political arena was; and now, due to her departure, she had placed the Queen in a very interesting position. Padmé was a very outspoken, very influential and very powerful Senator who had brought much honor and prestige to Naboo. She had also been a strong voice in the group of delegates opposing the Chancellor's growing powers. Padmé's absence would be a huge blow; she and the Queen were both aware that her replacement could not actually replace her.

Padmé knew how selfish she was being, but for the first time in her life she did not care; she was putting her needs before the needs of others. She was doing what was right for her, and she found that because of it, her heart was lighter than it had been in years.

Padmé scanned the area once again before proceeding cautiously toward the ship's landing strip. She paused by a window and peered out. Amazing, Padmé thought, we can't get people to participate in a local food drive, but the whole planet will show up for a public spectacle.

An uneasy feeling began to creep up Padmé's spine at the amount of people outside. She had known that this would be a public event, but she hadn't thought that this many people would attend nor had she considered the likelihood of being seen. She had hoped to give her leave of absence and simply disappear without a trace, but now she had to consider the very real possibility that she would be found out.

The only question I need to ask myself is if this is going to change my plans. Padmé shook her head, already knowing the answer. No, it's not. Anakin needs me.

Padmé knew that she was risking Anakin's future as a Jedi, and her position as a Senator by doing this, but that was a bridge she would cross when she got there. Being with Anakin when he needed her was more important than the positions that they held.

Deep down, Padmé admitted that she was ready to be caught. She was tired of lying to everyone that she knew. She lied to her family, lied to her friends, lied to her handmaidens, lied to herself… She wanted the Galaxy to know that she was Anakin's wife, she wanted to stop those fresh women from flirting with her husband, and she wanted to stop fresh old men from flirting with her.

Padmé rushed past the entrance of the docking bay, praying that the crowd would keep Anakin distracted and unaware of her presence. All she needed to do was find the entrance to the servant's quarters. She could sneak in through there and then she'd hide until the ship had taken off. By that time, it would be safe to reveal herself to her husband.

Padmé had no illusions about how Anakin would react to her actions; he would be furious. Explaining to him why she had endangered herself was going to be harder than getting on the ship. But, he would just have to accept her decision. She was his wife; it was her place, no, her right to be by his side and that's exactly where she intended to be.

Padmé smiled as she spotted the entrance to the servant's quarters. Glancing furtively left and right, Padmé cautiously approached the door and after imputing several codes, the door opened. Once again glancing around to make sure she had not been seen, Padmé slipped inside.

Destiny awaited.

#*#*#*#*#

The city went nuts as soon he stepped onto the platform.

Anakin squinted as the sun hit his face. It was better to pay attention to the sun than to the crowd of spectators watching his every move. He straightened as Obi-Wan stood next to him. Obi-Wan had insisted on taking this walk with him, for which Anakin was grateful. There were hundreds of citizens out there and they were all screaming for his blood; it was always good to have a friend near at times like this, just in case another lightsaber was needed.

Anakin took a deep breath and then moved forward. He frowned inwardly as the crowd began to chant his name. An-a-kin! An-a kin! It confused him; weren't they here to make sure he went into exile? They were instead acting as though he were a movie star, or a celebrity.

"Wow." Anakin said unable to believe what he was witnessing. Beside him, Obi-Wan murmured his agreement at the sentiment.

Warming up to his apparent superstar status, Anakin waved to the crowd. He faced one of the many HoloNet cameras and smiled broadly, dangerously, alluringly. The camera's feed immediately switched to the large screens running through Coruscant. He winced as the noise level increased by several decibels. Anakin watched in amused amazement as several people fainted, and still others grabbed their hearts as though they were moments from doing so as well.

"Astounding." Anakin said fighting back a grin. He never would have thought that a smile could do all of that.

Then, all of a sudden, a pair of underwear flew at his head.

"What the—?" Anakin turned with wide eyes to look at Obi-Wan who looked as shocked as he did. "What the heck was that?"

"Anakin, we love you!" Distracted from the underwear, Anakin looked up at the sound of female voices screaming his name. The voices came from a redhead and a blond who hovered nearby in a compact speeder. They stood up where they were and lifted up their shirts to show their—

"By the Force!" Anakin exclaimed, quickly glancing away before he could see what the girls were displaying, all the while thanking all that was good in the Universe that Padmé was not there to see this. He turned just in time to see Obi-Wan look away, his face aflame with embarrassment. Obi-Wan clearly had not expected such behavior and had seen all that the girls had revealed.

"Unbelievable," Obi-Wan muttered, his eyes looking anywhere but at the crowd, "Is this truly what we've fought all these years for? They do realize that Jedi cannot have relationships, don't they?"

Anakin didn't answer as yet another pair of underwear sailed at his head. He ducked in time to miss it, but Obi-Wan wasn't so fortunate. It hit Obi-Wan square in the head. To add insult to injury, it landed perfectly, fitting around his head like a cap.

His eyes wide with horror, Obi-Wan peeled the underwear off his head. "Are these men's underwear?"

Anakin decided then and there that he it was his destiny to die long before the virus had a chance to finish him, because the effort not to laugh was literally killing him. The feeling was compounded by the fact that Obi-Wan was hyperventilating and turning green. For a moment, Anakin had to pause and cover his mouth. He turned red at the effort and had to call on all his Jedi training not to lose it right there for the whole Galaxy to see.

Finally, after enduring more flashing attempts, several proposals from both women and men, as well as more panty contributions, Anakin and Obi-Wan reached the entrance of the ship.

I should be promoted to Master for having to endure that, Anakin thought, I don't think I have ever been so tested in all my years as a Jedi.

"Made it, you have. Glad, I am. Sure of your arrival, I was not." Yoda said, trying unsuccessfully to hide his amusement. It was hard not to be amused when the normally proper Obi-Wan was still hyperventilating.

"That was…interesting," Mace Windu said, a light smile softening his face. It was the first time that Anakin had seen anything on Mace Windu's face but solemnity; the smile made Master Windu look completely different, human even.

Noticing Anakin's perusal, Master Windu's smile faded and he immediately got down to business.

"Anakin, everything you need for your period of isolation is on board." Master Windu said, speaking loud enough to be heard over the crowd, "There are enough provisions to last you for a year."

"A year?" Anakin exclaimed. "Why so long?"

"Know we not the severity of this illness." Yoda answered Anakin's question. "Prepared for the worst, we must be."

Anakin said nothing. Whether it was for a year or two days, he would still have to board Twilight's Rain; he would still be taken away from Padmé.

"Master Yoda, Master Windu," Obi-Wan spoke, seeming to have finally recovered from the platform ordeal, "I wish to accompany Anakin into his exile."

"What?" Master Windu's eyebrows shot to his forehead, "It's bad enough that we are losing Anakin, we cannot afford to lose you as well, Obi-Wan."

"Obi-Wan," Anakin said, shocked and moved beyond words, "You can't come with me, I'm sick and we still don't know if this virus is infectious or not."

Having forseen Obi-Wan's request, Yoda nodded, unsurprised. "Expected this, I did." Yoda stated, "Convene with the Council on this matter, we must. But I suspect, no help will you be, when gone your partner is. Burdened with guilt, you are."

"Yes, I am." Obi-Wan confessed. "I know that we have all thought it, but Anakin and I both went on that mission, yet he was the only one to contract this virus. Anakin rescued me twice and he could have very well caught it trying to save me." Obi-Wan said, finally sharing the burden on his heart, "And if this sickness gets as bad as we suspect, he will need someone other than a clone to care for him. I want to be that person. I understand the risks and I accept them, so please allow me to do this. He is my responsibility."

Master Yoda and Master Windu exchanged glances. "Master Yoda," Mace Windu said finally, "the decision is yours."

Yoda closed his eyes, attempting to see the future. It was clouded, as it had been for a long time. Yoda sighed and opened his eyes, "Unclear the future is but allow Obi-Wan to go with you, we will. Master Kenobi, ready you are?"

Obi-Wan did not try to hide the fact that he was already prepared. "Yes, Master Yoda."

"Wait one minute!" Anakin protested, "Don't I get a say in the matter?"

"I'm afraid not, my friend," Obi-Wan said with a wry smile, "This is not your decision to make."

"I will not let you risk yourself for me, my Master." Anakin said in a low voice.

Obi-Wan placed his hands on Anakin's shoulders and looked him in the eyes, "Anakin, I have raised you since you were a boy. You were my Padawan, then my partner, and now my friend. You have always been there for me over the years, and we both know that I would not be here if it were not for you. You have saved my life nine tim—"

"Ten times—," Anakin reminded him with a trembling smile.

"No, no, no," Obi-Wan said, smiling and waving his hand, "that business on Cato Neimoidia doesn't count. But no matter the number, Anakin, you have never let me down and I will not let you down. I will not allow you to face this alone."

Unable to speak, Anakin nodded accepting Obi-Wan's decision. Obi-Wan smiled and then he turned and bowed to Mace Windu and Yoda. "When we reach the ship, I will draw Anakin's blood and send it through the transport pad to be tested in the lab. The doctors should be able to determine in a few day's times whether this virus is contagious."

"Very good, Master Kenobi," Mace Windu answered, disturbed by the affection he saw between Obi-Wan and his former apprentice. "You should check and see if everything is in order for your departure."

Obi-Wan bowed his head, "Very well, Master Windu." To Anakin he said, "I will meet you inside, Anakin, but don't be long." Obi-Wan glanced at the rowdy crowd, "as long as you're out here, they're not going to leave."

"I know, I get that," Anakin said, watching the crowd uneasily, "Let's depart now, before something happens. There's no need to linger here."

Bowing respectfully to Master Yoda and Master Windu, Anakin entered the ship. He paused at the massive windows to gaze outside. Moments later, after confirming the departure details, Obi-Wan joined him.

As the doors ascended to their upright position, Anakin turned to Obi-Wan, "You know it's not too la—."

"It's truly beautiful in here," Obi-Wan remarked, cutting Anakin off, "truly beautiful."

Understanding when he was being told to drop it, Anakin fell silent and watched as the doors finally closed with a thud, sealing them inside.

As soon as Anakin heard the sound, his heart dropped to his feet. His thoughts pulled him to the one place he had tried desperately not to go. Padmé, Anakin thought closing his eyes. He'd tried his best not to think of her, but his heart refused to listen.

"Obi-Wan," Anakin spoke, suddenly heartsick, "The ship will be leaving in a few moments and I know that I should stick around to make sure that everything is okay, but…"

"It's okay Anakin," Obi-Wan said gently. "It's been a very long day. You're allowed to rest. Go, I will handle things here."

"Thank you, Master." Anakin said gratefully. He watched as Obi-Wan hailed a nearby clone to go over the specifics of the ship's mechanics. Anakin still could not believe that Obi-Wan was here with him. For so long, he had seen Obi-Wan as the stern, overly critical mentor who would not allow himself any affection or fondness for his former Padawan. But now, his whole view of Obi-Wan had been shifted, and it left Anakin in turmoil.

Had he been unjustly harsh in his assessment of Obi-Wan all of these years? Had he done the very thing that he had accused Obi-Wan of doing, not truly seeing Obi-Wan for who he was? The possibility that he had been unfair toward Obi-Wan did not sit well with Anakin. Another thought surfaced; if he had been this wrong about Obi-Wan, who else in his life was he wrong about?

Disturbed by his thoughts, Anakin made his way to the suite designated for him. He would have to meditate on this because suddenly, he very much wanted to know the answers to these questions.

Anakin punched in the security code to his suite when he reached the door. He released a huge sigh as he entered and began to pull off his clothes. He was so tired that he did not notice the splendor and luxury of the room.

He had just removed his belt when he heard a small noise from the closet of the room. Immediately on alert, Anakin pulled out his lightsaber and enabled it. Moving cautiously toward the closet, Anakin pressed the button to open it and then stepped back to confront what was there, lightsaber at the ready.

A very surprised and unsuspecting Padmé Skywalker tumbled from its depths.

His eyes wide, Anakin disabled his lightsaber. "Padmé?"

Padmé stood up and brushed herself off. She looked steadily into Anakin's face and as pleasantly as she could, said, "Hello, husband."

End of Chapter 3: I hoped you guys liked this, if you did, please review.

4th Chapter: Padmé's Choice: Padmé must deal with the consequences of her decision.