A/N- Thank you for the reviews. Side note to reviewer: Believe or not that " dream of him proposing" is the original version's proposal. I used the scene as more of possibilities of the universe and Anakin's visions don't always exactly come out as they are seen. -GP

Chapter 8 - Palo and Qui-gon

Summary: Alternate World: The Empire Prevails and the Jedi have all been in hiding for thirty years. Emperor Palpatine searches for a way to live long past his dying body through cloning technology and his attempts at descendants. One of his " experiments" escapes and comes to live a slave's life on Naboo. He will meet and forever his destiny changed by the fateful meeting with none other than one young Naberrie girl…

Location: Theed, Naboo

Month 9 Day 21 Year 29 BBY

Padme' sighs and she rubs her eyes. She had decided to stay late at the library for the third night in a row. She has exams within the next few days and has been struggling with some of the content of her historical art class. Art is not particularly her favorite subject to study and unfortunately it is part of her legislative program. Many artists study through the legislative program as well and there are a few elective political courses they are able to take instead of mathematics or combative courses. Padme' has two electives this semester and her historical art course is downright dreadful.

Her instructor mainly focuses on art that was created over two centuries ago and are mainly famous pieces that anyone can see in the Theed Museum. The art focuses on mainly the line of electoral kings Naboo has had in the past which were numerous up until a century ago, when women were given the equal opportunity to run for government positions. If Padme' could have chosen to take a more recent historical art course, then she would have been more than glad too. It isn't that she doesn't enjoy painting and such- it's just dramatically boring when it is one of the only hobbies besides shopping and mingling that your stepmother enjoys.

Katrina had taken the girls to every art gala she could as they had gotten older. She enjoys the lavish art and discusses the art with the artists. She even became a benefactor to a local artist a few years ago. Padme' and her sisters' wondered sometimes if more was going on behind closed doors. Katrina's local artist is always invited to one of their galas at the house and their father hadn't seemed to mind the peace and quiet. Padme' will not question her stepmother's faithfulness to her father out of respect for her keeping the secret that she is actually force sensitive. She would have a very different career path at this point in her life. And now that she knows the truth about her sensitivity, she does not try to judge Katrina and her lifestyle. Her father had made that bargain a long time ago to keep her safe, and perhaps they have something kin to friendship within their marriage.

Katrina and her father seemed to get along on a regular basis. They appear in public together as a happy married couple with grown children and grandchildren. Even on outings with the family, they seem to be happy with their companionship, but Padme' hadn't really seen her father and Katrina be affectionate like Darren and Sola are in front of everyone. No one questions it and that's the way it remains. Padme' knows someday she wants to be with someone who treats her like Darren treats Sola. Someone kind, generous and able to be a good father. But that is someday- right now she tries to keep her mind off her friend who's far away from her. The friend she has wondered if there could be more. But that is all it remains. Padme' knows that Anakin has two full years of training which he will need to focus on- he doesn't need the distraction of some woman back home. Even if Sola has helped her buy some new clothes and wear some makeup out in public, Padme knows her friend will remain oblivious to her feelings and who knows, perhaps he's never noticed her more than his little friend who has grown into a respectable young lady.

That clear fact is one Padme' felt the last time they had talked over comms. It had been exhilarating to see and hear her friend in real time, instead of his voice through a record holo message. He had seemed very chipper and delighted with his latest exam scores. He had told her all about his new friend Obi-wan and how his classes were going. She had smiled and listened to every detail he had shared, and had shared her own details about everyone, including the arrival of baby Pooja, her darling new niece. Yet- even then he hadn't commented about her different style of dress- nor her recent hair cut. This fact had torn at her heart a bit harder than she wanted it to. This fact had her struggling with her reality- at least for now- she needs to accept that her feelings have to remain below the surface.

She plops her head down and lets out a loud moan. How can she even concentrate on her studies when all she can ponder on is how hard her heart aches? Is this heartbreak? She has never been in love- nor had a real boyfriend for that matter. So how would she know? All she knows is that it hurts- deep and it's raw. She bites back the real tears trying to form in her eyes and returns her eyes to book in front of her. Her eyes scan the notes she had made once more on her datapad.

" Perhaps I can be of assistance, art is not worth crying over." A deep baritone insists.

Padme' blinks back her tears and her eyes lift to meet a young man's chocolate orbs. He has a heart-shaped face, with deep brown curls hiding his eyes. Well- what a rescuer.. He's handsome.

She takes the tissue from his hand and sniffs into the tissue. She crumbles it up and places it down on the desk. Her eyes meet those of the handsome stranger and she says, " Thank you. You are too kind."

He places himself in the chair next to her and holds out his hand, gesturing towards the datapad in front of her. " Professor Minu is intense, I know. But if you would like- I'd be happy to tutor you. I'm Palo Jemabie."

Padme's cheeks redden upon feeling his hand touch hers. She tries to keep the blush from her cheeks as she tries to clear her throat. She fumbles out, " I'm Pad-me- Naberrie and I'm fine- but thank you."

Palo chuckles with an air of music. It is enchanting and Padme' can't help but feel herself smiling. He seems so at ease with himself and she needs cheering up. He peers over at her notes and offers, " Come now- I'm an art major so this is my forte. Please let me offer my assistance."

Padme's smile broadens and she hands him the datapad. " Fine then, if this is your forte perhaps you can help me understand these questions on my next exam."

Palo grins wide at her and his chocolate orbs sparkle with acceptance. " Challenge accepted. Now- we shall begin with the Nabooian kings' portraits and the shading that is commonly used in their portraits."

Padme' doesn't say much as she begins to listen to Palo's knowledge of art history. She is enchanted by the handsome dark stranger. He is very composed- elegant and calm- many things her best friend is not- complete opposite in fact. But she finds herself drawn to him and his experience with art. She isn't sure what the future holds for them, but she knows she'd rather feel companionship than feel alone.

Location: Imperial Center, Imperial Academy

Month 9 Day 22 Year 28 BBY

Anakin ducks beneath the fist of an oncoming opponent. He whirls to his right and lands an upper-cut to the man's stomach. The older cadet groans out of breath from the hit. He attempts to swing wildly at Anakin, but misses several times. Anakin leaps to his feet and kicks the man in the rear which makes several of the young men laugh. Anakin chuckles and states, " Is that all you've got, Cadet Madison?"

The blond man on his knees refuses to stand and whimpers out, " I'm finished."

Admiral Jinn walks through onto the training mats and watches the young man arrogantly prance around the other cadets. Anakin had overcome many obstacles and training came easy to him. He is a first year cadet and at times could be arrogant about his talents. But not much can be asked of a young man of almost 19 years.

Qui-gon has been waiting to speak to Anakin about his future- about his choices and his training to come. He hasn't had much time with the boy on his own, but Obi-wan has been reporting on his fits of anger, and his focus on his work the last month. Qui-gon knows allowing a cadet who knows nothing of their world is dangerous, but if the young man isn't trained in the light-side he'll fall to the darkness and straight into the path of Maul and Sidious. If Sidious pulls the boy over to the darkness all would be over- and the rebellion might as well surrender. Although Qui-gon is sure by now Sidious knows of the boy's existence.

Any force user within the academy can feel the raw sheer power flowing off the boy. His raw power is untapped and neither light nor dark. He's the balance that the Jedi predicted to come forth.

" Class is dismissed for today. Cadet Skywalker and Commander Kenobi, I need to see both of you in my office." Qui-gon's voice hollers over the crowd.

Several of the first year cadets snicker at his words. Anakin eyes his friend out of the corner of his eye. Obi-wan shrugs and follows Anakin back to Admiral Jinn's office. He only went into the office when he got into trouble- when is often. He didn't enjoy the yelling of his childhood idol, but he also disobeyed the laws and rules of the Academy on a monthly basis. If He focused on his studies in a semester's time he'll have to choose a specialty branch to train under. He knows which he desires to follow, but he also tries to stay out of the way of Inquisitor Maul.

Maul had come to many training sessions and today his presence had been lacking. Anakin has felt his probing more and more each time he arrives and watches the cadets, scouting out prospects for the Inquisitors branch.

They reach the small office off of the training floor. Admiral Jinn's gray eyes pierce through Anakin's as he perches himself on his desk. Anakin watches the older man in interest. He looks up to Jinn. Qui-gon Jinn was known throughout the empire as a hero. His childhood stands at attention next to his friend. He waits for the Admiral to speak.

Admiral Jinn removes his brimmed hat. He rubs his graying hair back into place. Jinn keeps his hair short and neat like everyone else in the Imperial Navy. He dislikes his hair this short, it isn't anything like the hair he kept back in his padawan day. He misses wearing his hair longer, though it's been in this way for thirty years.

" Obi-wan tells me that you are considering a full time engineering position for your speciality." General Jinn's voice begins as he leans against his desk.

Anakin nods at his commanding officer and suggests, " Yes sir, I have a knack for engineering so I think my talents would be useful to the Empire as a mechanic."

Admiral Jinn nods in acceptance and eyes his apprentice. It's time. He needs to be trained before we lose our chance.

Are you sure? We don't want to expose ourselves unless it is absolutely necessary.

Admiral Jinn's nods in agreement and states, " You have a fine talent for engineering. However I think you could go farther in your career and be more useful than a mechanic."

Anakin's eyes widened in dismay. He never expected to receive such a compliment of his talents, though he knew he is better than most of the cadets here. He bows his head with gratitude and states, " Thank you sir, I take pride in your thoughts as my commanding officer."

Jinn shakes his head and replies, " Anakin, you excel in all of your classes well. Have you ever wondered why?"

Anakin tilts his head to the side and shrugs, " I am no different than others in their first year at Academy."

Anakin's heart pounds in his chest. Did his superior officer sense his force abilities? Would he try to persuade him to join the Inquisitors? Anakin didn't want to torture others. He'd rather fix machines than kill others for joy. But you enjoy the darkness. That dragon's voice whispers into his head. Anakin eyes the pair of men watching- waiting to see where this conversation is leading.

Obi-wan steps forward and pats his friend's shoulder and utters, " But you are."

Anakin eyes his gray eyed friend and asks, " What do you mean?"

I think you know the answer to that Anakin. A voice crawls inside his mind and he turns his gaze back onto Qui-gon. His mouth is dry and he cannot form the words so he speaks through the force.

Is it that obvious? I try to keep a low-profile and not rely on the force during combat.

" No- your force aura screams in the force most of the time." Obi-wan admits as if he had heard their private conversation through the force.

Anakin steps away from his friend and questions, " You too? I wondered if you were force sensitive, but why reveal yourselves to me now?"

Anakin's eyes land on his commanding officer, " Sir if this is about joining the Inquisitors- I decline. I don't want to join their ranks even if I'm special. I'd rather stay hidden."

Qui-gion believes the boy. This boy wants a life away from the battles of the Sith and Jedi. He wants a normal life- one he can't have. He is not a normal force sensitive. His power is too great, even surpassing his former Count Dooku.

Qui-gion crosses his arms and replies, " Anakin, it's possible the Emperor already knows of your existence. You are a threat to the Emperor's power and Maul will probably recruit you, but it's your choice on what to do with your power."

Anakin can hear the seriousness within the older man's voice. Is he a threat to the Emperor? Why?

His eyes are cold as he says flatly, " I'm no one. I'm a former slave- no one. I can't be a threat to the Emperor."

Obi-wan eyes his Master. Master, perhaps telling him the truth of his mother's escape.

I agree, but he's on the edge. If he learns the truth then it may tip the darkside in the Sith's favor.

" Can I please be part of the conversation?" Anakin snaps angrily.

Qui-gon nods and states, " You are a threat to the Emperor because of your power. Your mother escaped with help from the laboratories the Emperor had been experimenting with."

Anakin's stomach churns. He's a clone? Even Anakin knew about the horrible crimes the Emperor had committed almost 20 years ago. There were claims that he was trying to create a clone of himself- to live forever. Anakin's chest tightens as he questions, " Am I the Emperor's clone?"

Qui-gon's own chest tightens upon hearing the young man's question. It is possible the boy can be genetically related to the Emperor. The date of conception was in question and until he did a DNA test, it is pure speculation. However, that knowledge can wait until he is sure the boy is on their side- if he chooses the darkside and joins the Inquisitors then there is no reason for Qui-gon's heart to break further. The idea of the young boy in front of him, being his son, is enough hope for now. For now, it is better to tell a certain point of view of the truth.

" You are not a clone. The genetic DNA of the Emperor was used in creating you. You were an experiment to see if the emperor could create another powerful being for his transference at the end of his life."

His eyes widen-. He's actually the son of the Emperor. Oh Force sithin hell! He rubs his hands through his messy hair. The Emperor had him created…. To do what?

" What did you mean transference?" Anakin asks cautiously.

Qui-gon's tone is flat as he answers, " In short when the Emperor is on his deathbed, he had you created to transfer his force essence to. He desires power and immortality. We don't know if the transference would work or not. That is why you're a threat to him. That is why you stand between the light and darkness. That is why I helped your mother escape- so the lab could be destroyed and the Emperor's plans failed."

Anakin hears the bitterness in the older man's voice. The sounds of betrayal by his former master. The betrayal of all he knew so long ago. But did that mean they are part of the Rebellion, infiltrating the Empire to try and stop the Empire?

Anakin notices the tone of raw emotion floating in his childhood hero's voice. He had known his mother well- perhaps a friend during her time on Coruscant.

Qui-gon answers his tone dire, " You're at a crossroads, Anakin. It's your choice. If you are trained in the arts of the Jedi you have a fighting chance to be a hero to the galaxy. If you choose to remain hidden and untrained you can become the destroyer of the galaxy. The choice is yours though."

Anakin takes all this information in. He feels overwhelmed but can sense the crossroads. He has felt it for a while. The force had been warning him along- and he had a choice to make. He sighs and states, " If I chose to be trained in the Jedi ways I'd be considered a traitor and anyone in association with me can be in danger."

Obi-wan nods and replies, " Yes the life of a Jedi is one of solitude. But the life of a Sith is also one of solitude. It is your choice to make. Qui-gon and I both have made our choices- now it is your turn to do the same."

Anakin sighs. He doesn't want to become a vessel for the old man on the throne. He wants to be able to help others in the service of serving the people- not murdering countless worlds and people.

Anakin's blue eyes turn to his childhood hero. He murmurs, " Teach me to become a Jedi. I wish to help the galaxy, not plunge it into darkness."

He holds out his hand to shake in agreement. Qui-gon nods and takes the young man's hand in acceptance. The force sings with their acknowledgement. The choice has been made and the force has a chance of becoming balanced once more.

To Be Continued.