Chapter 10: Welcome to Geonosis
The next morning on Naboo, the rays of sunlight shined through the blinds, waking Anakin up. Last night, he had been with the most beautiful woman in the galaxy. His angel. Speaking of said woman, Padmé was snuggled close to him with her head on his strong chest with his arm around her. She looked so peaceful. So beautiful. Tracing his fingers down her back, he heard her moan as her eyes slowly opened. When they were fully open, brown eyes met blue, and the two smiled at one another.
"Morning, my angel," Anakin smiled down at her.
"Good morning, my Jedi," she replied, smiling back at him. "Last night was amazing. Though I may be walking with a limp as it was my first time."
Anakin chuckled and brought his lips down to hers in a sweet yet passionate kiss. Padmé wrapped her arms around his neck as he rolled her onto her back, and their tongues started battling. "It was my first time, too," he said after a minute, looking into her eyes. "I have no regrets."
"Neither do I," she returned. "You are the man I love. My heart is yours always and forever."
"And you will always have my heart," giving her a quick peck on the lips. He began trailing kisses down her neck, causing her to moan as a shiver ran down her spine.
Even though Padmé was still tender down there, she felt herself yearning for another round of lovemaking with him. Anakin stopped himself from what he was doing after sensing what was on her mind and gave her a lopsided grin. "We Jedi have a lot of stamina, you know."
"Then why don't you show me," grinning back and rolling him onto his back so she was now straddling him. "As the Senator who is under the protection of such a handsome and sexy Jedi. I feel like I should know the limits of my protector."
"It would be an honor, milady," he said as she leaned down, and their lips met in a soft passionate kiss. One hand traced up her back while the other caressed the side of her face. The feel of his strong hands roaming her body made her feel hot. When she felt him start to harden beneath her, she wiggled her butt. "Allow me to show you how strong I am."
Padmé moaned as she repositioned herself and lowered on top of his crotch.
Safe to say that none of them would be leaving the room for the next couple of hours, which was perfectly fine with the two. All that mattered was their love for one another. Nothing else mattered.
(0^0)
Anakin and Padmé didn't come out of the bedroom till noon. The two went to the fresher to grab a shower before heading into the kitchen wearing new clothes. Padmé wore a casual dress while Anakin put on his Jedi tunic. When Anakin stepped into the kitchen, he spotted her over the stove preparing breakfast and went to wrap his arms around her. "So, milady, did I meet your expectations?" He kissed her behind the ear and along her neck.
Feeling ticklish at what he was doing, she laughed, "more like you surpassed them," nestling herself in his warmth. "I hope you are hungry because breakfast is ready."
The smell of the food filled his nostrils as his stomach growled. "I didn't know you could cook." Anakin helped her bring the food out to the dining room table.
"I grew up in a mountain village, and my mom taught me how to cook when I was younger. Just because I'm a politician doesn't mean I don't know my way around the kitchen." She made cloudberry pancakes. Cloudberries were her second favorite fruit behind shuura. The expression on Anakin's face said he really liked the food she had prepared. From what she remembered, his mom said he had a healthy appetite and was inclined to agree. He didn't have an ounce of fat on him.
"These are great," Anakin complimented. He never thought anyone could surpass his mom when it came to cooking, yet Padmé's food was something else. If he were a judge, he'd say she was better than her mother.
The two sat together, eating and discussing different things of interest. Anakin recounted some of the missions he would be sent on with Obi-Wan, Mace, and his friends Tru and Darra. Padmé already figured he was close to Tru and Darra but didn't know they were that close. "After our mission on Korriban, things were tense, and Tru got censured. Seeing as he couldn't join us, Darra and I went to a club to unwind."
"Well, at least you all made it back. That is the most important thing," said Padmé. She added, "you, Darra, and Tru are really close. You three know you can rely on each other whenever things get tough."
An idea soon popped into Padmé's mind. "Would you like to go swimming? It's a great day to be outside." Anakin smiled in agreement as it seemed to be a good idea. The weather was great, and being outside near the water seemed appealing.
An hour later, the two went down to the beach. Anakin found it hard to keep his eyes off of Padmé. She wore a blue two-piece swimsuit that matched the color of his eyes. Her beauty was surpassed by no one. None of them could possibly compete with her.
Meanwhile, Anakin wore a pair of swim trunks and was the first to dive into the water with Padmé right behind him. The chestnut-haired Senator was amazed at how fast of a swimmer Anakin was when they decided to have a race. She thought she was fast, but he was in a different league. When he said he had great stamina, he wasn't kidding; not only did he prove that earlier after they woke up, but also when they raced.
"You really are fast. Are you using the Force to help?" His only response was a sly grin. She then splashed him, "you cheater!" Once again, splashing him with some water.
"Careful, angel. This is not a war you want to start," Anakin laughed.
"Oh, really?" She gave him a challenging smile. "And what will you do if I don't stop?" Before he could respond, water got splashed in his face, and Padmé started swimming back to land as fast as she could.
"It's on now!" Anakin started swimming after her. This was by far the most fun he's had in months.
Thanks to her little distraction, Padmé reached the beach before him. The young Senator felt both exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. She had managed to out-swim her protector. "Looks like I won this round, love," she laughed as he was still in the water. "Seems a Senator can best a Jedi."
"All right, I concede to the victor. You deserve a reward," Anakin stated. A devilish smile soon appeared on his lips, "in fact, I know just the prize. . ."
Her smile faded when she saw the smile on his face. "Ani, what are you—"
In a fraction of a second, she soon found herself levitated in the air, cutting her off. Anakin then dropped her into the lake behind him. He was laughing so hard when she raised her head out of the water with an angry expression and spluttering incoherently. "Now you're gonna get it!"
"You better catch me first," he started swimming toward land with her hot on his tail.
Upon reaching the beach, he stretched his body. Just as he turned around, he found himself on his back courtesy of Padmé, who tackled him to the ground. Both his arms were being held at his side by her. "I had this coming, didn't I?"
"Yes, you did," playfully glaring at him with a mischievous grin forming on her lips.
"Please have mercy on me, milady. I was wrong to do what I did. How may I atone for my misdeed?" He asked with a faux defeated expression.
Curling her lips as if she was thinking. The grin on her face widened as she looked down at him. "The punishment must fit the crime. So your punishment is for you to wrap your arm around me while the sun dries us off."
"Anything for you, my angel," sitting up to bring his lips up to hers when she released his hands. "You are my beautiful angel."
"And you are my handsome Jedi," she replied, kissing him back before hopping off his waist to sit next to him.
They stayed like this for the next few hours, just sitting and talking while the sun-dried them. A few times, Anakin would steal glances at her; the Force surrounded her, and he got to thinking. Focusing his thoughts on the waves and feeling the cool air brush against his face, Anakin started meditating in the realm of the Force. He could feel the energy around the planet as it entered him. The Force energy around Naboo was similar to what he felt on Yavin 4, probably even stronger. It made him feel at peace; his senses were not clouded.
The more he meditated, the more Force showed him that the woman beside him was more Force-sensitive than normal people. While it may have been lower than a regular Jedi, the midi-chlorian count within her could not be dismissed as she was stronger than any non-Jedi. He wondered if she had ever been tested. Bringing his thoughts back to the here and now. "Padmé," he softly said, getting her attention. He continued when she turned to meet his gaze, "there's something I need to ask you. Do you know what midi-chlorians are?"
"Only a little," she answered. "It's what gives a Jedi their powers. Their ability to use the Force. Why do you ask?" A look of curiosity crossed her face, wondering why he asked that out of the blue.
Thinking for a minute about how best to tell her his theory. He decided to be straightforward and just tell her. "You have a strong presence within the Force. It may be with you, but it is less than any non-Jedi yet stronger than those without it." He allowed that to sink in whilst she contemplated what he said. "Have you ever been tested for midi-chlorians?"
"No," shaking her head. "If there's proof that I am Force-sensitive, then my parents or family's physician will know." For a few years, she had wondered why she was able to get a sense of what other people felt or were thinking, though she would occasionally brush it off. Yet if what Anakin said was true, it would be in her doctor's medical reports regarding her.
"We can go tomorrow morning after breakfast to find out for sure," she suggested. The expression on his face showed he was concerned for her safety above all else. Quickly kissing his cheek. "No need to worry. On the off chance I don't have a midi-chlorian count, then I at least know how to defend myself. Aside from being a skilled politician and marksman, I am very proficient in various forms of martial arts, especially in. . .Teräs Käsi."
He stared at her with surprise. "Hard to believe, huh?" She grinned at him before elaborating. "Ever since I was little, my Dad took steps to ensure that I knew how to defend myself should the need arise."
Anakin chuckled. "Smart man," sharing a smile with her. "Are you ready to head back?"
"Yes, I'm ready." The two got up, gathered their things, and returned to the villa as the sun started to set. After a quick shower and having dinner, Padmé sent a message through her datapad to her family's physician requesting a check-up to get some blood work done. Around twenty minutes later, she received a reply that he'd be available tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Following that morning, Padmé and Anakin woke up, got dressed, and had breakfast, then headed into Theed. Anakin rented a speeder to save time so they could get to the hospital much faster than on foot. The hospital took less time than they thought, and after parking the speeder, they entered the establishment. Coming toward the receptionist desk, Padmé informed the young woman, who appeared to be three years younger than her and gave a flirtatious wink at Anakin. When the Senator cleared her throat, she asked for some identification, which Padmé produced. With a quick verification, the receptionist told them they could sit down while she called the doctor to inform him that his 10 o'clock appointment was here. Anakin covered up his amusement with a cough at how Padmé tightened her grip around his hand. He had noticed the subtle glare she gave the receptionist and her hand tightening around his.
He kissed her quickly on the lips, proving that he only had eyes for her. Thankfully, they didn't have to wait long as the doctor came into the room. He looked to be in his mid-fifties, given the amount of grey hairs and a couple wrinkles on his face. "Hello, Senator Amidala. My, I haven't seen you in years."
"Hello, Dr. Kresper," she gave him a warm smile. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."
"It's no trouble," he then gave a nod to the young man beside her, which was returned. "Please, if you two would follow me," leading them down the hall to the medical ward, where he asked her to sit on one of the open beds.
Dr. Kresper looked at his clipboard to confirm the reason why she was here in the first place and, after a quick read-out, got to work. The entire check-up lasted about an hour, with him drawing some blood as the final test, yet Anakin saw that he looked somewhat reluctant. It was almost like he was trying to hide something important, though he didn't say anything. Instead, he opted to keep an eye on the man.
"All right, everything checks out," Darvili began after giving the blood sample to an analysis droid so it could review it. "From what I can tell, you are perfectly fine. Nothing is out of the ordinary, and your health records are up to date. We just have to wait for the droid to return with your blood test, and then you'll be free to go."
"Thank you, Dr. Kresper," said Padmé before turning to Anakin. "See Ani. Everything is fine." The droid carrying the results of her blood returned shortly afterward. Anakin did not share her optimism on the subject, as something was going on with the doctor.
As soon as the results were in his hand, he paled a bit, though nonetheless looked them over. "Like I said. There's nothing wrong. You are perfectly healthy."
"I can tell you are hiding something, Mr. Kresper," said Anakin. The young Jedi decided to finally speak up, which startled Padmé and the doctor. "There's no use in lying to me as I sense you are concerned about something. . .it has to do with Padmé's blood work."
"I-I have no idea what you are talking about. I have been in this field and the Naberrie family's exclusive physician for over 23 years. My tests are very accurate," he said, though he received a glare from both of them.
"What are you hiding, Darvili?" The doctor looked apologetic at her serious expression. Her eyes indicated both anger and betrayal. "If there is something in the results concerning my blood, then I have a right to know. What did the results say?"
The man looked very concerned now. She was right, but to break the news to her would be too much. There was also the chance that he could lose his medical license if he told her the truth. Plus, he didn't know who she'd be more made at. Buckling under their glares, he finally conceded, handing the report to the Jedi beside her. "I'm sorry, milady. I was only doing my job," unable to look her in the eyes, he looked at the ground in shame.
Anakin took the report in his hands and silently read it. The results left him at a loss of words, as his theory was right. Turning his attention to Padmé, "it as I thought. You are Force-sensitive."
"What?!" She screamed in shock, looking from him to the person who had been her family's physician for years.
"Wait, hold on," intervening when she was about to snap at the man. "According to this, you do have a midi-chlorian count, though it wouldn't have been enough for you to be recognized as a potential Jedi. If what I'm reading is accurate, then you should have likely been identified when you were around two or three years of age."
She sucked in a sharp breath. "I will be speaking with your Director," her eyes laced with fury and betrayal. "Who else knew about this?"
Knowing that this would be the end of his career, the man decided to come clean and tell her the truth. "The only other people who knew about this were your parents. When you were two, your parents brought you here for a regular check-up. You were a perfectly healthy child, though after a blood sample had been taken, it was discovered that you possessed a small number of midi-chlorians." He continued explaining the arrangement between him and her parents, namely her father. They felt it best to hide away this information from others: the government, the Jedi Order, and, more importantly, herself.
"I cannot believe this," Padmé's rage flared to new heights. Her ire was not only directed at a man whom she'd known for her entire life but that her own parents had kept such vital information from her.
"Milady, please. I am so sorry," the man pleaded.
Darvili shook her head in disgust. "You lied to me," her voice was laced with venom. "How many other lies have you told me over the years. I'm sorry, Darvili, but you and I will have no further interactions together."
She got off the bed and left the room. Anakin felt sorry for the man when he sensed his sadness and regret over what he did in concealing the truth. He did not stay to linger; leaving the medical ward, he found Padmé against the wall, sobbing over the amount of betrayal. She had felt like her whole life had been a lie. Doing the only thing he could do, Anakin wrapped his arms around her, bringing her closer to him. Padmé turned around and silently cried into his chest while gripping his tunic.
"I got you, Padmé. I got you," he said, trying to comfort her. "We can go home if you like," brushing her tears away.
"No, I need to speak with the Director and pay a visit to my parents before returning," she replied in a firm tone.
"I will be with you," said Anakin, which Padmé gave him a big hug.
Together, the two went to speak with the director in his office, reviewing some documents. Given the expression on Senator Amidala's face, he knew this could not be good. True to what he thought, the Senator filed a complaint against Dr. Kresper and explained why. The man was both surprised and angered at what one of his doctors did by tampering with the Senator's medical reports. This was a serious breach of his contract and a complete disregard of the hospital's rules. Dr. Kresper would definitely be losing his medical license. The director promised that he would handle this matter.
Anakin and Padmé soon left the hospital and got into the speeder. From there, Anakin drove to Padmé's parents' house. Even though he felt like this would be best saved for later, arguing with Padmé would amount to nothing, as she was dead set about having some words with her parents. The two rode silently, for as much as Anakin wanted to say something, he could find the right words. While he loved Padmé, this discussion would have to be between her and her parents. A family matter. The only thing he could do was be there for her. He could already tell this was going to be a long discussion.
Arriving at their destination, they were soon greeted by Padmé's nieces Ryoo and Pooja. Ryoo saw past her auntie's forced smile and could tell she was not happy. When asked what was wrong, her aunt's only response was to inquire if her mother and grandparents were home. The oldest confirmed with a nod. Then the four went inside to find Ruwee and Jobal in the living room watching the HoloNet. Sola had been in the backyard tending to the garden.
"Padmé, Anakin. This is a surprise," Ruwee was slightly stunned to see his youngest daughter and Jedi Padawan. "What's the problem? Is there something wrong?" The smile on his face soon turned to one of worry at the look on his daughter's face.
"You can say that," Padmé had to take a breath to keep her anger from rising. "Ryoo, Pooja head to your rooms. I need to speak with your grandparents alone."
The girls looked like they wanted to protest but were ushered away by Sola, who noticed the anger in her little sister's eyes. She turned to Anakin to see if he might know why Padmé was in such a foul mood. He shook his head and mouthed not good news.
"When?" Asked Padmé, looking at her parents. "When were you two going to tell me I was Force-sensitive?" Ruwee and Jobal instantly went pale while Sola was stunned to stillness. How did she find out?
When neither of them spoke, Sola did. "Padmé, what is going on?"
"It would appear that our parents and family Physician have been less than honest about my medical results," Padmé vehemently stated. "I went to see Dr. Kresper about getting a physical and an analysis on my blood. . ." she explained the reason why she went to the hospital today and what Anakin and her discovered about Dr. Kresper's arrangement with her parents.
"Padmé, please," Jobal stood up, "we were only trying to protect you. If it was known that you could use the Force, then that would have placed a bigger target on you. Your career as a Senator is dangerous enough. But if it were found that you had the ability to use the Force, then you would have been taken to Coruscant and trained as a Jedi. Then we would have never been able to see you again."
"Actually, Mrs. Naberrie," Anakin stepped in on Padmé's behalf. "While it is true that Padmé does have a small amount of midi-chlorians, it wouldn't have been enough for her to be enrolled into the Temple," he explained.
"Do you know that for certain?" Ruwee questioned. "It is well known that the Jedi Order takes children when they are extremely young and before they can get to know their birth family."
"That was the old rule," Anakin contradicted, "as it is now. Younglings, Padawans, Knights, and Masters are allowed to have contact with their birth families. Surely, my mom told you that."
"She did," Jobal replied. She remembered that conversation with Shmi many months ago. "But what did you mean when you said that Padmé had a low midi-chlorian count? I thought anyone with them get taken into the Order."
"I don't know who started that rumor, but it's not completely true. Padmé may have some Force abilities, but that will not be enough to train her to become a Jedi. Some are sent to work in the Agri-Corp or returned to their birth family." Anakin had a feeling that if Master Windu heard this, then he'd not be happy. "That said, Padmé still has a connection to the Force—however limited it may be—she will be in danger if she doesn't know how to use it so she can protect herself."
"I am not too sure that is such a good idea," voiced Ruwee.
"You do not have a say in the matter," Padmé bit back. "The choice is mine and mine alone."
Padmé was really pissed with her parents. And rightfully so. She spent a good long hour laying into them about how her life was hers to live as she saw fit. They may be her parents, but they do not get to make her decisions for her. Legally, they have no power over her since she was an adult. Sola couldn't help but smile about how brave her younger sister was and, more than that, how she stood so close to Anakin, holding his hand. She could only guess they finally admitted their feelings for one another while at Varykino. But she wasn't going to voice her opinion out loud. "Besides, I trust Anakin with my life. He can keep me safe while at the same time teaching me what I need to know."
"We have a lot to consider, Padmé. . ." Ruwee didn't get a chance to finish.
"The decision is not yours," Padmé cut him off. "You and Mom have already damaged our relationship. Do not push it further. For now, both of you are forbidden from communicating with me. If either of you try, then you will see and hear from me less and less." She turned around and left the living room with Anakin.
Jobal wiped away a few tears that ran down her face while Ruwee bowed his head in shame. Their daughter had just forbidden them from speaking to her and had left the house. Sola only shook her head in disappointment at them. She was still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that her parents had kept such information from Padmé. But more than that, she couldn't get over how close her baby sister was with Anakin. They were attached at the hip.
After leaving the house, Anakin and Padmé returned to the villa, where they sat on the couch to discuss her abilities to use the Force. However, Anakin could sense her emotions of anger, heartbreak, and betrayal and wrapped an arm around her. "We can discuss this further another time if you want."
Padmé agreed. "Then just hold me," leaning her head against his chest.
"Anything for you, my angel."
(0^0)
After his escape from Kamino, Jango piloted Slave I to Geonosis with Bob sitting in one of the two seats behind him. That Jedi Knight had given him more trouble than expected, and he thought for sure that he would have been captured. More and more, he regretted taking this assignment. Dealing with the Neimoidians hardly ever ended well, with them being a slippery and cowardly lot. Anyone willing to do jobs for them better air on the side of caution and be ready for their dirty tricks.
Jango was broken out of his thoughts when Boba looked at the scanner when it beeped. "Dad, I think we're being tracked!"
"Must be that Jedi. He must have put a tracking device on our hull," said Jango, who wondered how that Jedi was still alive. "Hang on, son, we'll lose him in the asteroid field, and we'll have a couple of surprises for him." Boba only laughed while his father grinned evilly.
Obi-Wan followed the bounty hunter's ship into the asteroid belt around the red planet known as Geonosis. The minute he saw a seismic charge, he angled his starfighter away when it collided with one of the rocks. This was followed by another charge, which he managed to avoid, though his ship rattled as he avoided the debris when the charge exploded in a large seismic wave.
His troubles were not yet over as Fett's ship entered one of the larger rocks with Obi-Wan pursuing them; however, it was a trap as he soon found himself dodging a barrage of laser bolts. "Blast! This is why I hate flying!" He then saw that Fett had shot a missile. Not just any missile—a heat seeker.
"R4, prepare to jettison the spare part canisters," said Obi-Wan, who received a few beeps from his astromech. As the missile drew closer to his starfighter, Obi-Wan ordered. "Fire them now!"
Releasing the part canisters, Obi-Wan steered his ship and landed on a large asteroid. He was then safe when the missile exploded, giving the bounty hunter the impression that he was dead.
"Well, we won't be seeing him again." Smiling at his son, he decided to reward him for being able to hit the Jedi's starfighter by letting him fly the rest of the way down to the planet's surface and land. Normally, he was more cautious whenever Boba would accompany him on assignments, but his son did well and thus earned the right to pilot the ship.
When he was sure that Fett's ship was gone, Obi-Wan checked with R4 to ensure he had gotten the ship's trajectory before heading down to the surface. What he saw surprised him greatly. "There's an unusual concentration of Federation ships over there, R4," he said while looking through the screen. This mystery brought in many more questions that needed to be answered.
From what he saw, the planet seemed a barren and arid red plain, but his scanners did pick up some activity in the distance. Obi-Wan then put his ship a good distance away on a rocky hillside. This would be good enough to provide some cover, away from any night patrols. He then hopped out of his fighter to feel the night air, which had a curious metallic taste, and the temperature was comfortable. A strong breeze blew in Obi-Wan's face, carrying that metallic taste and odor and the occasional strange cry. Looking at his ship, he saw that while it may have taken a couple laser bolts, it was still operational.
Obi-Wan then decided to investigate to see if there were any answers to the questions he sought. Despite taking time to get into the droid factory, he managed to enter and stayed within the shadows while he moved through the factory. He had a bad feeling about this place. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of battle droids on the conveyor belts being assembled. The Geonosians were working to build an army for the Separatists, and that much was certain. He sensed something more was happening, so he followed his instincts to a maze of corridors, approaching a vast underground chamber with huge, vaulted ceilings and rough-styled arches. He started across, moving pillar to pillar, sensing that something or someone was near.
A group of individuals walked past him. Count Dooku was among them, along with Nute Gunray and his constitute. Gunray demanded answers on whether or not Senator Amidala was dead, stipulating that he would not sign the treaty until he had confirmation she was dead. That was one question answered and confirmed what Anakin had said about the Neimoidian being the one who put the hit out on Padmé. After the invasion of Naboo, which had exposed the Trade Federation blockade over the planet, Padmé had embarrassed him. So this was revenge.
Later, after a short pause, Obi-Wan headed up a flight upstairs, where he looked through a narrow archway overlooking a smaller room. There, he saw the six who had passed him sitting around a large table with a handful of others. Silently, he listened to the entire conversation between Count Dooku and the Senators around him. The Corporate Alliance, Trade Federation, and Techno Union Army had pledged their allegiance to Count Dooku. The former Jedi explained that ten thousand more systems would likely rally with them after the Chairman of the InterGalactic Banking Clan agreed to sign his treaty. To say this was bad would be an understatement. The Republic would be in great trouble. Was this the reason why Master Sifo-Dyas had a Clone army created?
Brushing his thoughts aside, he went to explore the factory further. The possibility of a war between the Galactic Republic and the Separatists had risen significantly.
(0^0)
Since the day she found out she had a connection to the Force, Anakin had been teaching Padmé how to use it. Because of how limited her midi-chlorian count was, there were certain things she could not do. However, that did not mean she couldn't learn some Force abilities. Over the next two weeks, Anakin had been teaching her how to open herself up to the Force. As a result, she started to learn how to sense the intentions and emotions of others more clearly, keep her mind closed from other Force wielders, and create a Force bond between them.
At the minute, they were sitting in a lush field by the waterfall. Padmé sat in a meditative position with her eyes closed with Anakin in front of her. "Remember, the Force is everything. Let it enter and flow through you," Anakin instructed. He could feel how calm and at peace she was. The emotions she felt at the doctor's office and her parents' house drifted away into the Force. He decided to test her mental shields and sent a light probe into her mind.
Minutes later, he pulled out. Did you feel that?
Yes. I felt your presence, said Padmé through their bond. I can still feel you. Anakin smiled with delight as they now could communicate with one another. She would undoubtedly need more practice since their bond was not complete. However, the fact remained that she continued to exceed his expectations, which surprised him.
She then opened her eyes, "that was. . .amazing Anakin," her eyes were shining. "But will it always feel like that?"
He knew what she was talking about; it was the same feeling he got when he formed his first bond with Mace. Chuckling a bit, "yes, it will. Look at it this way: we can sense where each other is and communicate now."
Anakin then had her move on to the next form of training, which consisted of allowing the Force to fill her up and feel the energy around all living things. This was to teach her that she was more connected to all living things than any normal person. He could feel her presence around him. Then, responding in kind, he touched her with his. It was absolutely amazing for the two, as they were now connected.
"Know that I will be with you always." Anakin smiled at her.
"And I will always be with you. My heart is yours. For this moment and forever," Padmé's eyes shined as she returned the smile.
(0^0)
In his quarters at the Jedi Temple, Yoda sat in deep meditation on one of his pods. The diminutive Master meditated into the realm of the Force, where he felt a positive spark of energy between young Skywalker and Senator Amidala. Over eight hundred years of living, he had never felt such love and acceptance. A bond between the two was developing. One he had never seen before.
"Yes, Anakin, Padmé. Trust the Force. Let it connect you both," a familiar voice said.
It belonged to an old friend and Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. There was no denying who that voice belonged to. Qui-Gon had a powerful connection to the Force. But this was something else; he had died on Naboo, so how could his voice and presence be heard and felt beyond the grave?
For as much as he wanted to dismiss this as merely an illusion, Yoda knew better as something between young Skywalker and Senator Amidala had somehow touched the deceased Qui-Gon Jinn. Meditating deeper, the Force showed that Anakin and Padmé are meant to be together. It was by the will of the Force that they were meant to meet and be with one another.
He hummed, coming out of his trance when the door slid open, and Mace Windu walked in. The Korun Master sat on one of the meditation pods and looked at him. "What is it?" Mace asked.
"A powerful connection has been forged. Something amazing has happened. Your son. Young Skywalker's destiny has become much clearer. Bring balance to the Force he will," said Yoda.
Mace looked at him curiously, wondering what Master Yoda was talking about. How did this link to Anakin? Even though the boy was off on another planet, Mace could still feel Anakin's Force signature. It suddenly became more pronounced, and he could sense positive emotions flowing into him. Whatever it was, Anakin had become more mature, responsible, and a reason to ensure Force was brought back into balance. This change had indeed become something big. He only wondered what was the reason for it.
Master Yoda did not say anything else—particularly not on how Skywalker and Amidala's bond resurrected the voice of Qui-Gon. Other things needed to be attended to.
A/N: For weeks, I contemplated the idea of whether or not Padmé should be made Force-sensitive or not. Eventually, I decided what the heck just do it. Rest assured; she will not be a Jedi but will still have a degree of control of the Force. The fact that her parents would keep her midi-chlorian count a secret for so long has damaged their reputation with her. Now that she has started training with Anakin, they will be able to sense where each other is and communicate through their bond.
Obi-Wan has arrived on Geonosis, where he discovers a droid factory with hundreds of battle droids being assembled. More than that, though, he learns that the Separatist under Count Dooku's leadership is growing in strength. War will soon come.
It was never specified how long Anakin and Padmé stayed on Naboo, so let's say they spent close to a month there.
Next Chapter: Battle of Geonosis