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STAR WARS:
THE DYING OF THE LIGHT
It is the end of an age. The JEDI KNIGHTS, who have defended the GALACTIC REPUBLIC
for a thousand generations, have failed to remove the Sith Lord DARTH SIDIOUS from the office of
Supreme Chancellor. Even now, the Grand Army of the Republic turns on the Jedi Knights as directed by ORDER 66.
Jedi Master OBI-WAN KENOBI, in a final, desperate bid to turn the tide, has followed his former apprentice
ANAKIN SKYWALKER to the planet Mustafar, hoping to turn him from the Dark Side of the Force. Anakin, believing himself
betrayed by his wife PADME AMIDALA has lashed out her, and even now battles his one time mentor for survival on the lava-flooded surface of the planet...
Darth Vader struggled for breath, drawing upon the Force to protect his lungs and his flesh from the searing heat of the lava behind him. Born in the arid wastes of Tatooine, he'd never believed thatanythingcould ever feel hot to him. When he finally left, he'd believed the rest of the galaxy to be like a glacier - beautiful, but cold.
Mustafar, however, had taught him the real meaning ofheat. And it was a brutal instructor.
So he breathed, chest laboring to fill his lungs with air as the Force kept the monstrous heat at bay and filtered the poisonous fumes. And as he breathed, acutely aware of the glowing river of lava behind him, he stared up at his one-time Master. His one-time mentor. And, it seemed, his one-time friend. Obi-Wan Kenobi, the man he'd loved like tje brother he'd never had. The one man he'd thought wouldunderstand. And there he stood at the top of the embankment, the actinic blue glow of his lightsaber making his face wan and pale in the ruddy light of the hell-world they'd fought through.
Vader focused, forcing the rage down. He had to try, once more. Obi-Wan was a good man, a man dedicated to the Republic. They'd fought together for a decade, breaking the back of the Separatist rebellion and working to preserve the Republic. surely he would understand. Hehadto understand. "How can youstillbelieve the Jedi?" he called, voice raised over the crackling and hissing of the lava. "Even now, after they staged acoupagainst the Supreme Chancellor?"
"Palpatine isSith," Obi-Wan countered. "He's shaken you, confused you..."
"Confusedme?" Vader laughed, despite himself. "Master Winduled a coup against him! Took a half-dozen Guardians into the offices of the legally-elected Supreme Chancellor..."
"A Sith Lord, Anakin! How can you defend him?"
"How can you defend theJedi, Obi-Wan?" Vader countered. "What evil has Palpatine done, to justify the actions of the Jedi? Did we defeat the Separatists, only to see the Order become justlikethem?"
Obi-Wan shook his head in that patronizing manner of his, dismissing his arguments as if they were nothing more than the ravings of a petulant child. "Comewithme, Anakin!" he said, offering his hand. "There is still good in you! I can feel it!"
Shifting his stance, Vader lowered his blade and extended his left hand. "Come withme, Obi-Wan. You've been a good friend, and you're still loyal to the Republic. I can feel it. Help me - helpus- restore it to greatness!"
The two men stared at each other for a long moment. And then Obi-Wan lowered is hand. "I cannot. Palpatine is the Sith Lord that has masterminded this civil war. You cannot ask me to support him now, Anakin."
"Vader", he said, lowering his own hand.
"What?" said Obi-Wan, surprised.
Vader raised his blade once more, gripping it with both hands as he looked for an opening. "My name, Obi-Wan, is Vader.DarthVader."
Obi-Wan raised his own lightsaber, eyes flickering over the terrain. "It's over, Anakin. I have the high ground."
Vader shifted his stance, crouching for a spring. "You underestimate my power!"
There was a frantic edge in Obi-Wan's voice now. "Don't try it."
Drawing on the Force, Vader launched himself into the air. As he did, visions of the near future filled his mind. He saw himself screaming in agony as Obi-Wan cut him down. Felt his arm and legs slashed away, and the rough super-heated stone of the riverbank burning and biting into his flesh. And thatwould nothappen. He would notallowit. Instead, he used the Force to alter his path, landing in a crouchbeforeObi-Wan as his one-time Master's blade slashed the air where hewouldhave been. There was no joy in his heart as his lightsaber tore through Obi-Wan's abdomen. He loved his former Master, loved him as a friend and a brother. But... there was no other way.
Obi-Wan crashed backwards onto the burning rock, shock and horror in his face. "But... how..?" he gasped.
"Did Qui-Gon's final lesson mean nothing, Obi-Wan?" Vader asked, looming over him. "Darth Maul had the high-ground as well, and look how it served him."
Obi-Wan gripped his abdomen with one arm, trying to keep the blood and viscera from escaping, and groped blindly for his lightsaber with the other. With an air of calm detachment, Vader cut the limb away. "You are dying, Obi-Wan," he said over the man's scream of agony. "But it's not too late. You can still come with me. Together, we can restore peace to the galaxy."
Obi-Wan's stump beat against the stones, as if he could still reach his blade. Vader flexed his right hand in sympathy, feeling the subtle whirring of the gears and servos in his artificial limb. As he did, his mentor's pain-glazed eyes found him. "... You were the Chosen One!"
"I've heard that, yes," Vader answered, softly. "It's why Yoda tried to refuse my training.'
"It was said that you would, would destroy the Sith, notjointhem. It was you who would bring balance to the Force, not leave it in Darkness."
Vader bent down, lifting Obi-Wan's saber in his left hand. "There's what? A million Jedi in the galaxy? A million Jedi, and only two Sith." He weighed his former mentor's weapon in his hand. "It would seem that Ihavebegun to bring balance to the Force."
Obi-Wan's eyes closed and his breathing slowed. Vader felt his life fading, and began to turn away. Then came an agonized whisper. "You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you."
Turning back, vader ignited Obi-Wan's lightsaber. With a single motion he split the man's head in half, destroying his brain. He stood for a moment, feeling unexpected tears trickle down his cheek. "And you were mine, Obi-Wan. Youweremy brother." There was a snap-his as he shut off the blade. Ignoring the heat, he knelt and curled his brother's limp hand around the hilt of his saber. Then, lifting him in his arms, he carried him to the edge of the lava flow. Gently, using the Force, he rested the body on the surface of the river. He shed tears as the body burned away, but none could have seen them - they evaporated as soon as they were generated.
Still numb, Vader slewed his skimmer to a halt outside his ship. Padme! In the ensuing minutes of the battle (had it only been minutes? It had felt like hours), he'dforgottenher. Forgotten his rage at his apparent betrayal. Forgotten that he'd lashed out atheras Obi-Wan had twisted his thoughts around and convinced him for just a moment thatshehad betrayed him. Frantically, he looked about. Was she alive? She had to be!
A gleaming golden form shuffled down the landing ramp of the skiff. C-3PO, the broken protocol droid he'd rebuilt on Tatooine so long ago. "Master Skywalker!" it called in that prissy voice he'd kept meaning to change out, "We have Miss Padme on board. Please, please hurry. We should leave this dreadful place."
without pausing to respond he pushed his way past the droid, racing through the bowels of the ship. Padme was lying on a bed in the limited medical bay of the skiff, eyes wide. "Padme!" he called, falling to his knees beside her and gripping her hands. "Oh, Padme! Are you all right?" The tears he'd shed at Obi-Wan's cremation returned to his eyes, leaving tiny trails through the soot on his face. "I... oh, god, Padme. I'm... I didn't..." Sniffling like a child, he looked away as his shame at lashing out at her returned. "I... I'm sorry."
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"So this is how liberty dies... With thunderous applause."
Those words, her own words, were the only thing she could remember. Perhaps, she did not want to remember what transgressed afterward. It had all been a blur, truthfully. There were certainly bright moments in Padme's life, but they had all been wiped as she foolishly attempted to reconnect herself to the man she hoped she could trust. Obi-Wan had told her so many things. Too many things. Slowly, these dark memories surfaced into the mind of her poor sufferings. There would only be more to come. All she had to do was...
Wake up.
A voice? Strange. It sounded familiar, but too faint to make out a definite match. And soon, she could see the little black dots before eyelids slowly opened. Padme focused on her breathing first; this was an important step. Next, she remembered her duty that had now surpassed being a Queen, then a senator; the baby. Hand to her belly, she clasped there. Warmth. Life. Nothing had happened. It was either motherly instinct, perhaps the Force -- Anakin had mentioned this once, with that sly grin -- but her baby was moving. Perhaps a little slower than usual. She felt weak, but not undone. Never. She could hear the soft beeping, low, of R2 in concern. "Anakin," she whispered, her voice still lovely and calm like little chiming bells, but hoarse. She sat up very slowly, trying to stable herself. R2 began to pace the room as if nervous. One of his circuits was connected to a drip, giving Padme the fluids she had needed.
Touching her face, she reached behind her neck. All stiff. It was amazing what pregnancy could to do her. Anakin had said something about her 'glowing,' but she felt rather gross. Her head hurt, and as she swung her feet around, C-3PO nearly fell over, startled she had awoken. "Miss Padme!" He exclaimed, though his droid voice kept him monotone. Still, there was an emotional concern there.
"Where... where is Obi-Wan, he was just here, they... they were here," she could feel the tears ready to well up in her eyes. Never had she cried so much. Why? Why had she cried.
You must be strong for what is to come, senator.
"Who's there?!" Padme called. The voice, again, was calling her from a corner. Or... or something. But this was the ship, there couldn't have been any one else. C-3PO stared at her before turning. "I shall retrieve Master Skywalker," he commented and hurried his way out. R2 rolled back then bumped into the bedside next to Padme. "It's alright," she padded his rounded top and it seemed to offer some comfort. "It's all going to be alright." She had been reassuring the droid, but perhaps the words needed to reassure her own self.
Then, footsteps. Quickly, coming at her very quickly. She tensed, and as if she'd hit a brick wall stacked with the knowledge previously, she gripped her head. At that very moment, everything flooded back to her. Anakin and Obi-Wan had been fighting. They were arguing, something about betrayal... what had happened. Her breathing became heavy as Anakin, her one and only Ani, swept in and immediately came to her side. He never failed to do so, trying so hard to keep his emotions in check in public. He gripped her hands, quite hard, and suddenly, she remembered this grip. This strange grip that would hold her around the neck, choking the very life out of her. Eyes wide, she drew away from his touch. "Stay away," she called with what bravery she had left. "Where is Obi-Wan?" It seemed Padme, at least to Anakin in his state of mind, did not care for his tears.
"Ani, where is he!?" She demanded, her voice growing. She looked down to find not two baby blue eyes amidst his smoked face, but rather, yellow orbs. Piercing. Dangerous. "What have you done, Anakin?!"
If Anakin had tried to hold her hands, or kiss her, she had turned from all of it. She had feared this man, this path, that she could not follow. He had tried tokillher, hadn't he?
"Ah. And so sheisalive. See, Vader? Not all dreams, come true," a voice called and Padme tensed, her frightened figure began to tremble. There he was.SupremeChancellor Palpatine. No. This was no longer a man she thought she had known. She had her suspicions from day one, and as they began to build, she attempted to meddle in his affairs, striking delegations to try and weaken his power. He had changed. There was no longer the quick, coy smile of an aging man, but rather, a Sith Lord who commented an Empire. His Empire. A smile formed on his wrinkled skin as he attempted to come near Padme. Surely, his new, young apprentice would oblige.
"I am so glad to see the Senator safe. May I take your hand? If only for a moment." There was a strange attempt behind this and when he reached for it, she immediately flinched in his grip. "Let go!" She demanded, stumbling and almost falling off the bed in attempt to pull back. Padme was not unknown to the idea of putting herself at risk. In fact, she had done it multiple times during the Clone Wars (to Anakin's horror and slight amusement). Now, the game had changed and she feared she could trust no one. Palpatine was living proof of this and she looked in horror at the man she once called husband. The fear in her beautiful eyes and trembling in her hands.
"Anakin,please!"
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Her rejection...hurt. He should have expected it, mind - given how he'd lashed out at her, tried tokillher, she musthatehim. But... he hadn't expected to see that look of absolute terror in her eyes. Or to feel her hands rip from his grasp. Or to watch her struggle to cower away.
"Padme..." he said, voice broken. "I'm..." What could he say?I'm sorry?. Those were two hollow, empty words, compared to the hurt he'd inflicted on her. And then her next question struck as he struggled to find the words.
"Where is Obi-Wan?"There were tears in her eyes as she asked, and he felt the jealous rage stir in his chest like a serpent."Ani, where is he!?"She met his gaze, then flinched again."What have you done, Anakin?!"
"I... he's..." Vader swallowed, then drew a deep breath. "I... killed him." The pain from that simple admission was heart-rending. His brother. He'd killed hisbrother. His brother, his mentor, and his master. One of the only two Jedi who'd ever stoodforhim, believed he could be one of them. And he'd killed him. And for what? "He... he had gone... mad, Padme. He supported the attempted Jedi coup, against the Supreme Chancellor. He was even... even willing to try... again. And he wanted me to join him. Join him in overthrowing the Supreme Chancellor, and establishing a Jedi rule over the Republic!"
The memory of Obi-Wan's face, a smoking hole burnt through his forehead by his own blade, swam before his eyes. His one real hand started to shake, and he clenched it into a fist to control it. "I... it was... my... my brother... or... the Republic."
Then he felt it. A stirring, in the Force. The feeling of the dark, cool air that belched from the mouth of a deep cave, blowing across his soul. The chill, dark sensation was soothing, calming. And accompanying it came a voice."Ah. And so she is alive. See, Vader? Not all dreams, come true."
Darth Vader rose and turned, then dropped to one knee before his new Master, Darth Sidious. "The future is always in motion, my Lord," he said. "And if the future moves, it may bedirected."
"Oh, very well said, Lord Vader," Sideous said with a smile. "But only by those with the strength, the will, to direct it." He turned his scarred face - still bearing the evidence of Master Yoda's treacherous final attack - towards Padme.
"I am so glad to see the Senator safe. May I take your hand? If only for a moment."
She recoiled from the Sith Lord, fear and loathing visible in her beautiful eyes."Anakin,"she cried out,"please!"
He rose without thought, interposing himself between his wife and his Master. Sidious' eyes narrowed at the action, and his stance shifted subtly. "Please, my Lord," Vader said, keeping his hands away from the two lightsabers at his belt. "She has been... no, I tell a lie." He let his hands fall and his shoulders slump. "I... attacked her. I tried to kill her."
Sideous considered that. "And why would you do that, Lord Vader?"
"Obi-Wan," came Vader's response. "I... he followed her here and... and..." He closed his eyes, remembering the horrific moments. "I believed... Ifeared... that she had betrayed me. Betrayed the Republic. And I... lashed out."
"Then you..." Sidious began, but he never completed the sentence.
"I should havetrustedher!" Vader exploded. "I should havebelievedher! My strength... the new strength I've gained... I should haveprotectedher! And in a moment - a single moment - I nearly losteverything!"
It was only with the exertion of an iron will that Darth Sideous refused to give ground before his apprentice's sudden rage, but he could feel the power of the Dark Side boiling within Darth Vader. "Then, if that is your desire, you should... make amends," he answered, soothingly.
Vader nodded. "I don't know how," he muttered. "Not for something like this. But..." He met Darth Sideous' gaze with eyes filled with yellow flame. "She has been hurt enough today. Unless she wills it, you willnottouch her."
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Anakin had struggled to answer her. This hadn't been like him. When he admitted to killing Obi-Wan and tried tojustifythis, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. In her state of shock still as Palpatine gripped her, Anakin finally rose to her cries. He positioned himself between them, the cool pale hand slipping from Padme's delicate ivory hand. He had all he needed. Darth Sideous curled his lips in distance. She still had her Life Force. And it was quite strong. Was this due to his new young apprentice's power? How easily he could have zapped her of her energy, but Darth Vader was in a strange, emotional state at this time. He would spiral out of control. Further out of even Darth Sideous' reach. Young apprentices could easily strike their masters and the Dark Lord would never allow such a mistake to happen.
When Anakin lashed, Padme found herself unable to hold herself up. She slumped back down on the white medical pod bed and placed her hands around her belly. Everything hurt and her head was starting to pound. Wetting her lips, she looked back up at him, admiring the strength and curve of his back, his tallness that she always felt a little silly standing next to. How close she had been to him, and yet somehow now, so far away. There was an alliance between these two Siths that she could never support. How could she? She had to be strong, like the strange voice had told her to do; at the very least, for her baby. Had Anakin forgotten so easily about their little baby when he tried to...
Padme swallowed down her fears when Darth Sideous toyed with Anakin and inquired that amends should be made between the young husband and wife. She looked up when Anakin defended her. Darth Sideous had certainly come to a point where this bored him. He had better things to do, bigger plans to make. "I will leave you to your travels to Coruscant. I expect to see you there for our... new plans," he muttered and offered Padme a slippery smile and turned on his heels, his dark presence leaving the bright room. Should Anakin have turned to her, she backed up against the bed, in fear. "We have to go to back to Coruscant?" She asked, her soft voice pleading with Anakin. How could she face her Republic? Where did her position even stand now? Could she still serve as Senator in what it had become? Naboo! Why couldn't they go there.
"Anakin, let's go to Naboo. Remember? The picnic near the waterfalls and in the meadows," she inquired gently and attempted to stand and approach him. She looked down to his black glove. Very carefully, Padme attempted to take his hand in her own. "I don't feel safe in Coruscant, not even in our apartment, please. So much is changing so fast. Obi-Wan... he can't be dead. He wouldn't have done this! He cared about you, Anakin. He cared about us. He... he knew," Padme already missed their own little world. Why couldn't they have stayed their longer?
R2 beeped softly and C-3PO approached the room, silent at Anakin's side. "The lava is growing quite unstable around our docking position Master Skywalker." Padme turned her back to Anakin and attempted to create a distance between them. She couldn't even look at him. This person was not her Anakin. ThisVaderperson, was not the kind husband she once knew. He was beginning his descent and Padme was simply at a lose. Idly, her hand began to stroke her belly in deep thought. It appeared she did not want to be disturbed. Whether Anakin left or not, Padme would find herself falling asleep on the uncomfortable bed, shivering against the cool travels of entering the stars above.
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"Naboo," Vader agreed, watching Darth Sideous depart. He nodded, as if confirming some decision to himself. "We'll go to Naboo, for a time at least. Our... our children. They should be bornthere. Away from the chaos and the politics of Coruscant."
He dropped into a chair, slouching like a tired, frightened child. "I'll need to return to Coruscant eventually, though. I... have duties." He couldn't bring himself to look at Padme now. Couldn't stand to see the fear and horror in her eyes. "I'll... if... if you want..." The fingernails of his real hand dug into his palms, the pain helping him focus. "I'll make arrangements..." His eyes closed now, trying to hide, but all he could see was the terror in her eyes as he drew on the Force to try to crush the life from her. "You... won't ever have to... to see me. Again."
The R2 unit beeped as C-3P0 shuffled into the room. "The lava is growing quite unstable around our docking position Master Skywalker."
Vader nodded and rose. "Prepare the ship for takeoff, 3P0." Glancing over his shoulder, he looked to see if she had any response. The sight of her back to him was all the answer he needed. "I'll be along momentarily."
The two droids left. He stood, looking at his wife for a minute. "I can feel your fear of me, Padme," he said, softly. "And... I understand."
No response.
Swallowing, he turned towards the door. "I'll see that you're taken care of, lo... Padme. I can't expect that you'll forgive me, not after what I did. But... I'll see that you and the..." He hesitated, and his next words sounded startled and pleased. "Twins?"
Another moment's hesitation.
"You... and the twins... will be safe. Protected. From anyone who might want to use you against me." There was a scrape of metal on metal as he gripped the door with his artificial hand. "And even from me," he whispered. "I will never give you cause to fear me again, Padme. Even if... even if I have to lose you to ensure it."
No response. Grimly, face set to hold back his emotions,he left the room and strode towards the cockpit.
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His words rang through her head. Twins.Twins. How did he know? Was that the Force? Twins. Boys? Girls? A boy and a girl? Names began to form in her mind, happy thoughts. At least she could return to Naboo, right? Something was nagging at her in the back of her head. It was telling her not to run. She had duties; she had far too many duties to attend to in Coruscant. If there was no good left, let she at least see to the mess. Being a mother or being a senator? A times, in their time of hiding, she attempted to be both. Now, things had begun to change.
Waking from her sleep, she knew they were in motion. They were headed to Naboo. If she returned there, surely she would be protected, but for how long? Could she delay the hopes of the people who still believed in the Republic? What of the Jedi? Where would they go, who would lead them without a Council? She wept softly, her hand covering her face. She had faced these demons before. Her own little world, or that of the people? It had been born,burnedinto her very being at an early age. She was determined to stand by them. She had made her people and those who still believed in a republic that based its foundations on democracy. If Anakin would not fight Palpatine and expose him for what he is, then she would.
Padme rose from the small bed and hurried out. 3PO was there and gently called to her to slow down. "Miss, shouldn't you be resting?"
"I'm fine. I need to speak with Anakin now. We must travel to Coruscant."
When the doors slid open to reveal the cockpit for their destination, Padme moved to Anakin's side and she shyly placed her hands on her belly. "You ruined the surprise. The twins," she said, a little hint of playfulness in her angry voice. "That means I'll name them," she called, her voice reaching the usual tones he had become familiar with. "Move over," she commanded softly. "We are heading to Coruscant. I must see the changes that are in motion and I must find a way to bring peace. Our... my, hopes of peace must be put on hold. Don't try to stop me. I am still a Senator for the people and must remain so no matter my pregnancy."
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"Our hopes for peace," Vader corrected gently, even as he made room for Padme. Elation surged through him at her unexpected presence at bis side, and a shy, boyish smile ghosted his lips. "We both want peace for the Republic."
The ship hummed a little as it responded to his instructions. The deck suddenly ceased swaying with the tectonic shocks of Mustafar, and then the planet fell away below them as he engaged the antigravs. "Coruscant, then," he smiled, hope flickering in blue eys with only the faintest hint of golden-red flame. He started to rest his artificial hand in hers, hesitated, and then covered by adjusting a switch.
"We will win the peace," he insisted. "We've already survived the war - and a revolution. How hard could it be?"
A moment, and then he laughed. "Probably shouldn't have said that. Right?"
The mirror-bright arrow if silver winged across the night sky of Coruscant, hull a shifting reflection of the brilliant lights of the ecumenopolis below. It banked, merging into traffic patterns, then finally settled down on the private landing bay of the Embassy of Naboo. Gasses vented, and the landing ramp lowered as attendants gathered.
Slowly, footsteps were heard. A black-cloaked figure, little more than a backlit figure, marched unhurriedly down the ramp. Still swathed in shadow, it paused and spoke. "No, no, Luke is a fine name. I like it, really! But... Leia?"
A pause, as the figure listened. "Yes... yes, I did. All I'm saying is that I think 'Shmi Padme Skywalker' sounds better."
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When Anakin said Republic, she flinched. No, no. It wasn't a republic built on democracy, anymore. It was a dictatorship. It was the Galactic Empire. Her memories came flooding back, and poor Padm could hear the sounds of people as they stood to cheer and elect power to the very Sith Lord that her husband called Master. Anakin should not take it lightly. She gripped the seat and their destination switched from their peaceful getaway of Naboo, to the home they worked so hard to try and conseal their forbidden love and marriage. Anakin hated having to hide it and while Padm did as well, she was able to adapt better to make things work out for the both of them.
Reaching their landing dock, she relaxed back in her seat. "Luke." She whispered. When Anakin heard her, she said it again, a little louder, though there was hesitation in her voice. As if he'd lash out at her again. "Luke for a boy. Leia for a girl. They mean 'light' and 'meadow.' I thought that was fitting for our children. The twins." Still, saying twins felt unreal to her. Was Anakin sure? She didn't doubt his powers, nor the Force, but it still seemed like it was yesterday when they married in secrecy.
Anakin was first to exit the ramp, Padm following him more slowly. Somehow, the air felt heavier here, though the buzz and humming of traffic outside continued on as normal. "Her name will be Leia. You owe me that much. Her middle name can be Shmi."
She walked to him, touching his long cloak for a moment. "Let me look at you." She asked, clouded by the horrid smoke from the previous planet. Reaching up to touch his face, her hands surprisingly cool, she flinched a little when she saw the yellow orbs. Yes. Those baby blue eyes were gone. They had been there for a moment before, but not for long. Releasing his face when they heard a, "halt!" And two Stormtroopers approached. They asked for identification and Padm shyly stood behind Anakin.
"And the lady?" They asked and she moved past him, her courage suddenly boiling.
"Senator Amidala from Naboo. I have returned from a small absence. I wish to return to my work immediately. I wish to speak with the--"
"We will escort you to your new office tomorrow morning." Their intercom beeped and she nodded slightly. Already, she could feel her own powers being diminished. "I will not let my people suffer." She hurried past the soldiers and made her way past them and slammed the glass doors shut. This was their-- her apartment! Since when did Clones get a right to watch and maintain? "Please make them go away," she whispered and hurried into the apartment, checking if anything had changed.
Nothing.
The holocast screen was on, updating her on the latest news. Palatines rise of power, thefallof the Jedi. They showed images of the temple in ruins and somehow, Anakin's name was proclaimed Master General Skywalker and savior. He had saved them from what?! "This cannot be... all of the Jedi... And Master Yoda?" She could feel Anakin approaching her. Turning to him, she frowned. "I don't know you anymore..." When he approached her, the new information spiraling, she moved back a little, tears in her honey brown eyes.
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"Leia Shmi Skywalker," Vader repeated aloud. "I... yes. I like it." He grinned as Padme touched his cloak, turning to face her. "I still think Shmi Padme," he repeated, reaching to gather her into his arms as she touched his face. "For the two greatest women in the galaxy..."
And then the two troopers arrived, spoiling the mood. Vader glared at them, eyeing the red-on-black starburst of the 501st with displeasure as they demanded first his own identification and then Padme's. Finally, tired of the whole thing, she pushed past them. One trooper turned to follow, and his temper flared. "Trooper," he said, voice cold. "Your designation?"
The bone-white helmet turned back. "JJBX-327, Lord Vader."
Lord Vader. Somehow, hearing that from the soldiers of his own 501st sent a chill down his back. He pushed it aside, thawing the chill with his dark fury. "Are you satisfied of my bona fides, Trooper?" It wasalways'Trooper' when he addressed them. Or the names they chose for themselves. He'd been a slave once, himself. And the fate of the clones was too much like slavery to suit him.
"Uhm..." Even with the distortion of the helmet, the soldier sounded nervous. "Yes. Yes, Lord Vader, I..."
"Then you willdepart," Vader snapped. "Or do you havedoubtsabout my ability to protect myself from my wife?"
"General," a new voice said as anarmored figurerounded the ship, "Don't mind Jay. He's... new. One of the men brought in to shore up the Legion after Knightfall."
Vader's face lit up as he turned. "Rex!" he called, grabbing the armored man and thumping his back. "Good to see you! What is going on?"
"We haven't been able to account for all of the Jedi yet, General," Rex answered. "I thought it best if we secured the Embassy against your return. Thisisthe obvious place for them to strike at you. And I can vouch for the loyalty of the 501st." He glanced around. "And... General Kenobi?"
Vader sighed, then turned and strode towards the apartment. "Dead."
"Dead, general?"
"I killed him. He... was part of the plot, it turned out."
Rex was silent for a moment. "A pity. He seemed to be a good man."
"He was," Vader corrected. "And that, I believe, was the problem."
Vader didn't join Padme. Not right away, at least. The new realities on Coruscant demanded attention, and he turned his attention towards inspecting Commander Rex's deployment. As always, there was almost no need. Rex knew his business, after all. But the simple act of verifying this soothed his nerves, made him feel the as if he were peacefully back on the battlefield instead of ankle-deep and sinking in the dustsands ofpolitics.
"And the Embassy staff?" he asked as he strode upwards along a ramp.
"Processing them now, General," Rex answered. "There are twelve that we're holding for further investigation at the moment, and the Supreme Chancellor has personally vouched for seven. We should be finished by morning."
Vader nodded. "Good." He turned and looked downwards at the Commander. "Tell the Troopers that they've done well, and that I am pleased with their performance."
"They know, General."
Vader chuckled. "Tell them anyway."
Rex nodded, then hesitated. "General..?"
"Yes, Rex?"
"What... I mean... the new Troopers are calling you 'Lord Vader'." Rex hesitated again. "What... how should we address you, now?"
Vader stared at him for a long time. "Darth," he finally said. "I am DarthVader, now."
"Yes, Gen... Darth."
Vader's lips twitched. "Rex. I will never be offended to hear the 501st call meGeneral Skywalker. But..."
Rex nodded. "Politics." The distaste was thick in his voice.
"Exactly."
The two men stood silently for a moment. Then, Rex saluted. "Good evening... General Skywalker."
"Good evening, Rex."
The door hissed open. Padme turned sharply, haunted eyes looking away from the HoloNet display. "I don't know you anymore..." she whispered, tears shining in her eyes as she backed away.
He stopped, features impassive as he watched the recap in the broadcast. "Padme..." he began, starting to reach out to her. Thinking better of it, he gestured at the terminal and switched it off. "Youdoknow me," he whispered.
Removing his cloak, he entered the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. The simple act still mystified him, decades later. The idea thatwatercould be dispensed at will, freely and in whatever quantities desired. Thatthirstwas not a universal sensation, but an irritant to be quenched. "Not all of the Jedi," he said, back still to her. "Not all. Many escaped."
He drank the water slowly, in the fashion of Tatooine. Swishing each mouthfull around, allowing it to penetrate the tissues before swallowing. And the finished the tumbler. Even now, the idea ofwastingwater was horrifying. "Master Yoda," he said, speaking softly, "was a traitor. In a sense,thetraitor."
Padme's face was visible as a pale reflection in the dark window. Still he did not turn, choosing instead to look at the reflection. "He prepared a coup, presenting it as defending the Republic. He managed to convince me that the Supreme Chancellor was a threat, that he had somehowmastermindedthe war for his own political ambition." His smile was wry. "Master Yoda, it seems, is a master manipulator, because I accompanied the Jedi sent to arrest him." A sigh. "Master Windu. Master Kolar. Master Tiin. Master Fisto."
He put the glass down, listening to the dull clink of ceramic on metal. "They didn't try toarresthim, Padme. As soon as we entered the Office, the Masters drew their lightsabers andattackedhim." He shook his head. "I was sent by the conspirators on an errand, when they did this. By the time I arrived, Master Windu was preparing to murder him. And so, I made my choice. The Jedi have defended the Republic for a thousand generations, Padme. Against all threats. All."
Again, that wry smile.
"The Supreme Chancellor is a powerful office. But that power is nothing, compared to Jedi who will betray the Republic for their own ends. And so, I acted. I chose the Republic over the Order."
gpt
In her alone time, she had merely checked every nook and cranny to make sure that nothing had changed. She also began to look for tracking devices. Nothing. When she heard the door hiss open, she cursed herself for not changing the password. Padme closed the box which held Anakin's padawan braid and the japor snippet that he had carved for her and she often wore as a necklace. She hadn't today. Slowly the night of Coruscant was descending about them and Anakin moved past her, unfastening his cloak and making his way to the kitchen. He poured himself a glass of water as he began to speak. When she heard that many of the Jedi had escaped, she perked up. Slowly, she sat on the ottoman.
Padme was wearing her hair slightly pulled back, but down, long and curly. It appeared she had freshened up in his absence. However, she still wore black. She continued to hide her pregnancy that only at this point, Anakin knew. She wore a long, high neck purple dress with black beads and a black shawl over her shoulders. Still elegant, but in secrecy.
Things just still did not sit well with her. "I don't understand..." It appeared for a moment that she had believed Anakin. But the statements did not make sense. "The Jedi have a code. They don't murder. You know this," she narrowed her eyes at him. He was justifying his actions based of false accusations. What had the Chancellor done to him, to twist his mind? Where had her Ani gone? "What Republic," she whispered and stood angered at him, a hand at her chest. "I see no justice! I see no Republic! How can I believe anything or anyone anymore?!" She blinked hard to conceal the tears.
"Don't... don't come near me," she called, bumping into the long couch as he approached her. Padme could feel a sliver of fear. If this continued... his temper would rise. Anakin had a tendency to do it. He had already established the fact that he would hurt her if she continued to disagree with him. Would it be worth it to keep defying it? Her stomach suddenly hurt and she gripped the back of the nearest desk and held herself. "I... I'm fine. I just need to sleep. I need my husband back," she whispered softly. Looking to him, she seemed frightened. Padme Amidala Skywalker rarely did whenever she was with Anakin. She had trusted him. "You really wish to serve him? Call him Master? It doesn't seem like you to serve someone. Obi-Wan was different." Holding her head, she felt cornered by his sudden presence, his concern for her and the children. "What am I suppose to do..?"
human
"Iknowthey have a code, and that they don't murder," Vader said, finally turning to face her. "But... you know how easy it is to justify actions." He snorted. "Master Yoda and Master Windu filled the ears of the rest of the Council with dire warnings about the Supreme Chancellor - they may even havebelievedwhat they said." He strode towards her, his pace measured. "And if I had not acted, there would be no Republic. Just a galaxy ruled by Jedi with hands dripping blood."
"What Republic," she whispered and stood angered at him, a hand at her chest.
He stopped, gesturing out the window. "ThatRepublic, Padme," he declared. "The one that stillexists, because I chosejusticeand the rule oflawover..."
"I see no justice!"she snapped."I see no Republic! How can I believe anything or anyone anymore?!"
Vader moved towards her, holding his left hand - hisrealhand - out to her. "Believe inme, Padme," he asked. "I'm your husband. I..."
"Don't... don't come near me."
He froze as she stumbled backwards, nearly tripping. Fury and fear surged in him. He was herhusband! Howdare... But no. He'd gone down that road, once. And once had been a million times too many. And so he mastered his fury, and waited.
She gripped the back of the desk, and fought for control. Any of her political enemies would have been fooled. But not Vader. He could see it in the tension in her body, feel it in the turmoil in her mind. She was terrified."I... I'm fine,"she lied.
She wasn't. She was off balance. Afraid.
"I just need to sleep. I need my husband back," she whispered softly.
"I'm here, Padme," he whispered, voice equally soft.
"You really wish to serve him? Call him Master?"
Ah. And now he saw the reason.Partof the reason, at least. "I serve the Republic, Padme. And, with the emergency powers granted by the Senate, heembodiesthe Republic."
"It doesn't seem like you to serve someone. Obi-Wan was different."
Jealousy flared through him. Jealousy and rage, and he fought to contain it. "He was, yes." A pause. "Hewas a traitor. To the Republic, and to the ideals of the Jedi."
She leaned against the wall, holding her head."What am I suppose to do..?"
"Rest," Vader whispered. "Rest. The children need their mother healthy." He took one step forward, smiling faintly, then stopped at the look of horror in her eyes. "I need their mother... my wife..."
She didn't answer. After a moment, he sighed. "You'll be safe here," he said sadly, turning and taking up his cloak. "I'll give orders that nobody - not even me - is to be admitted without your express orders." He tried to chuckle as the heavy cloak settled on his shoulders, but it came out a grim bark. "You know Rex. He'll obey that order, even if he has to throwmeout of the Embassy."
The door hissed open. He paused for a moment, then half turned. Silhouetted by the city lights of Coruscant, he was a shape of blackness in the night. "I love you, Padme. And... I only hope that, someday..."
He turned.
"That someday, I'll earn your forgiveness."
The door hissed shut behind him.
gpt
Rest.
Swallowing hard, she nodded. Yes, rest. Only rest. Taking a deep breathe. She attempted to process all of this information. What if Anakin was right? What if the world she had known, thanks to Anakin's presence in the Jedi, she had learned much from it. She had considered Obi-Wan a brother, the council a good guide for keeping the peace. But Master Windu had acted spontaneously. They had acted quite on the offense. Time was moving quickly and all Padme could hold her hope to was the calmness that Naboo would bring her once the children were born. They would breathe that clean air and live a life hopefully away from the corruption. He gathered his cloak and promised her safety. There was a further notion to be said that no one - himself included - would not enter without her consent.
She had remembered Rex. His bravery was unmatched and the two had been close. Padme was grateful that Anakin had close comrades. But for how much longer? What else would push Anakin to the brink? When he told her that he loved her, for a moment she believed it. It had all sounded just as it had from before. Her lip quivered as he turned, her hand outreached. But he was gone. Emptiness. Padme was at her desk within the hour, writing an "official note" and gently placed it within her cloak as she exited her room, locking it and R2 (who had beeped sadly when she said she was leaving without him!) within her apartment. It was her usual sweet smell that attracted the Stormtroopers who, now, were nearly lining every wall of every hallway, watching her go by.
Padme was stopped at one point, the threat of a BlasTech E-11 blaster rifle pointed a little too close. "Excuse me, I only have a note to be delivered." One of them quickly took the note and flipped it over. They both looked to one another. One nodded and the other entered the room they had been guarding and Padme was politely asked to leave.
The new Darth Vader would find a little sealed envelope with the word 'Ani' written on it. When unfolded carefully, her careful and lovely writing would read,Come to bed soon.
In reality, she would have wanted for him to come immediately to her and maybe he tried. Maybe there were a couple Troopers down, but by the time she reached her apartment and took the time to change and settle in bed, Anakin had not returned. R2 was quietly in the corner, protecting Padme against any unseen threat, perhaps tracked straight to Anakin to alert him should anything have happened in his absence. As she lay down, feeling the empty space of the bed that she had felt for too long as Anakin had always been on a mission or out and about, she turned on her side and hummed gently, stroking her belly. Soon. Soon they would be born. Force, how would Anakin handle being a Father? Was he ready? He could barely keep his cool now. Naturally, much of the duty would fall on her, but she was prepared for it. Padme had always lived some kind of duty. Queen, Senator, wife, now mother.
Her dreams consisted of two little fair haired children running through a familiar meadow when she heard a soft voice calling to her. "Mm, Ani," she called in her sleep. She was wearing her soft, silky light blue night dress with pearls draped along her shoulders. They fell down a little, revealing her the gentle curve of her breast and the way her dark hair fell in curled masses along her shoulders and spread against the cool blue pillows. "Let's make love," She cooed. Again, she scooted forward to the presence in bed. "Ani... Ani, you're late... why are you cold?" She grumbled and when her eyes opened, she released it was most certainly not Anakin but rather...
"Ahh!"
She cried and kicked the golden droid who had hit the bed post, fell when he could not see and ended up knocked over in bed with Padme. R2 immediately sent out a distress signal. If Anakin had been nearby he was no doubt, thoroughly amused. Perhaps he had come after all? Or merely watched her in the darkness? Or hadn't even been here at all and attempted to join his wife in bed properly soon? Padme was scrambling to get up, her face beat red, her body trembling in embarrassment and sudden shock of it all.
"Oh, dear," C-3PO attempted to remedy the situation but could still not get out of the bed.
human
"What is thy bidding, my Master?"
One knee bent, arms folded across his thigh, Darth Vader knelt before the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. The man simply known as 'Palpatine', after his noble family from Naboo. The man known to a select few as Darth Sidious. Head bent, he waited.
"Rise, Lord Vader. You have done well." The Sith Lord's voice was like oiled silk.
Darth Vader rose, meeting the gaze of the wrinkled, scarred old man who was the most powerful force in galaxy. "The purge is not yet complete," he said. "Many Jedi have escaped both Order 66 and Knightfall."
The scarred face twisted in a feral, evil grin. "It matters not, my young Apprentice. They will be found.Youwill find them." A laugh. "Find them, and destroy them."
"Yes, my Master."
"Destroy themutterly, Darth Vader. Render unto them, as they rendered unto our ancient Sith bretheren." Sidious leaned back in his chair, watching his apprentice's face. "But... you are ill at ease. Tell me."
Vader sighed. "Padme."
Sidious nodded. "As I expected. She is willful, is she not? The very attribute that made her a great queen - and that attracted you to her - makes her... difficult." His eyes went distant, focusing on the horizon. "She will join us, in time. I have forseen it." He watched his apprentice again. "Go to your wife, Lord Vader."
"She fears me," Vader answered. "Fears what I have done."
Sidious cackled. "As she might, yes. But it is the nature of women to draw close to power. And besides..." He smiled again. "Women are changeable."
"But..."
"Go, Lord Vader! We have much work to do, in the coming months and years. And you have earned a night's rest!"
Bowing, Vader turned on his heel and strode away. Sidious watched him leave, then rotated his chair to stare out into the early dawn light. "I have forseen it," he murmured. "She will join us. Or she will die."
Rex was waiting as he returned to the Embassy - it didn't feel like home, not now. But... where else would he go? The blasted remains of the Temple, to sleep among the dead? It might be better, that way. But then, Rex was at his side and handing him a lavender envelope scented with delicate perfume. "From your lady," he observed.
Vader slit it open, then laughed as hope surged through him. "Rex! Do you... do you know what this means?"
The Clonetrooper shrugged. "Dunno. Does it let me toss you off the Embassy roof?"
"Not tonight,"Vader laughed, clapping an armored shoulder with a prosthetic hand. "Not tonight, at least!"
He walked the meandering paths of the Embassy slowly, using a measured pace to calm his nerves and keep his legs from shaking.Come to bed soon, she'd written! Had... had she forgiven him? What else cold it mean? Grinning, he slung his cloak by the door and passed through the darkened house, then quickened his pace as he heard her cry out. By the time he reached the bedroom, his lightsaber was in his hand. Had the Jedi come? Would they strike at him through...
Suddenly, he was laughing. "Oh, dear," he gasped out, slumping against the door frame. "Not... not gone an hour... and I'm replaced?"
"Master Skywalker!" the golden droid protested, sounding distressed. "I would never! I am not programmed for such..."
"Six million forms of communication, right 3P0?" Vader laughed harder. "I'm sure that... that somewhere... there's..." He couldn't keep it up. Sides shaking, tears of relief and release glinting in his blue eyes, he stepped forward and dragged the protocol droid from the bed. "Never mind, 3P0," he laughed. "I did a good job, putting you back together. And I'm sure I didn't make any... ah...specializedmodifications."
Despite being unable to display expressions, C-3P0 managed to look both offended and disturbed. "I'll... I'll depart for the evening then, Master Skywalker."
"Go, 3P0," Vader laughed. "And take R2 with you." The stumpy astromech droid seemed to hesitate for a moment, staring at him with various eyes before trundling away. Clutching his sides, which ached from the sudden burst of laughter, he shook his head and gave Padme the first real smile he'd worn since leaving for Mustafar. But the amusement faded swiftly as he watched her, and he wondered if he dared to hope.
"So..." he said, resisting his urge to simply gather her into his arms. "Uhm..." A sigh. "Damn it, Padme. I'm a fool. No, something worse - and I can't think what. But..." He started to reach for her with his real arm, then stopped. "I... hurt you. And all I can do is say that I'm sorry. And that will never be enough, Padme. Never."
He looked away, emotions struggling on his face. "You deserve better than me, Padme."
gpt
And there he was,laughing.Anakin rarely laughed, at least in their last year together. Rarely had he been knelt over with doubled the laughter when 3P0 tried to explain himself with furthered the humor. Padme bit her cheek to keep from laughing too. She was over the embarrassment, but her smile and laughter had been a reflection based on Anakin. She couldn't believe it. For a moment there, she could have sworn she'd seen his blue eyes when he finally came to the side of the bed. He requested their alone time, 3P0 happy to oblige and R2 following in a slow roll behind him. 3P0 was muttering something about how he'd have to 'check' his circuts more carefully next time.
As Anakin smiled down at her, she merely stared at him. Her large brown eyes wide and drew the sheets quickly up around her like a frightened child. Suddenly, a look of determination to stand up to his tall presence replaced it. Immediately, Anakin recoiled. Though he physically moved to sit next to her, he did not engage in anything further for fear he may do something... wrong. Again. He began to speak and when she called softly with a "hm?" herself, he seemed frustrated. It wasn't unusual for Anakin to go from 1 to 10 in a minute, but he seemed to have an internal struggle. Suddenly, a spark of hope. She had not truly realized it, but at least Anakin hadfeltthe emotion of guilt. A Sith Lord wouldn't have looked back, yet Anakin did so, at least for her. He regretted his actions and that was something that kept him in the light. Something she prayed would never be taken away from him completely.
Taking in his words, she turned to face the large extended window now draped with curtains for her privacy. She slipped out of bed and moved toward the other side, making her way out onto the balcony as she did so many times before. He could watch her now, her petite figure, rounded belly and slim shoulders raising then falling as a small sigh escaped her lips. "It won't. But you are apologizing to the wrong person. Wrong people," she said, turning back to face him, a look of hurt on her face. He knew what she had meant.
"Perhaps I do." She commented quietly, playing with the many curls in her hair. "But we can't change what's happened now, can we?" Always the voice of reason for the both of them. On most things, not everything. Anakin had always been wise beyond his years. That's why they had called him the Chosen One. Now, they continued to do so. He was becoming something of a celebrity which made Padme a little nervous. Since Anakin was no longer a Jedi... what was their status now? "Do they know?" She whispered softly.
Turning back to face him, she placed a hand idly on the balcony. "Do they know about us? The Chancellor? Who knows? Is there still a code? Or can we..." For a moment she seemed happy to consider the fact that they wouldn't have to hide their love. If this was true, the world would demand a public acknowledgment of their marriage. The pregnancy. The people loved her and now they followed Anakin's so called "justice" for the "people" so now what? She moved back to bed, her head hurting again. Looking to his real hand, again, extended, she took it a little quicker than normally. "Touch me. I know you won't make the same mistake again. You never do. Don't be frightened of me. If anything, you know I'm tougher than I look."
human
Anakin reached out, gently resting his hands on her stomach. Under his touch - one hand flesh and the other metal - he could feel the faint stirring of the twins. Through the Force, he could feel their fleeting, unformed thoughts. Both hesitated as he touched their minds faintly, like the petals of a flower. He could feel the strength in them, the uncertainty about the cool, dark presence he was in the Force. Smiling, he let his love for them and their mother flow gently over them.
"They're... magnificent," he managed, feeling unshed tears prick his eyes. He looked up at her, smiling with joy and relief and an overwhelming sensation of love. "As are you, Padme. You deserve better than me, far better."
The world seemed to contract around them as he leaned forward, cupping her cheek with his living hand. His lips touched hers, soft and gentle as he kissed her. "And I know you're tougher than you look," he smiled. "I was there, remember? When you faced down a droid army on Naboo?"
His next kiss was harder, fiercer. He pulled her into his arms, feeling her body soft and tight against his as he crushed her to him. His mouth was hot on hers, tongue demanding entrance to her mouth as he parted her lips and his metal hand pressed against her back. "More powerful than me, too," he whispered, his blue eyes meeting hers with wonder. "I've led armies, defeated Dark Jedi and monsters, and yet you've conquered me entirely."
He kissed her again, hands slipping down her shoulders to cup and lift her breasts. His living thumb played with a nipple through the thin fabric of her gown, and he moaned a little into her mouth as he felt it harden into life. "And to the victor," he gasped, voice playful, "goes the spoils." His lips crooked in a sly, lust-filled grin. "What would my captor demand of her prisoner?"
gpt
Anakin was quick to do as he bidded. He reached out slowly to touch her belly. The coolness of his metal hand was felt but she looked back at him, slight hesitation in her face. He was making out their life Force, wasn't he? He was searching slowly until a small smile crept upon his lips and tears came to his blue eyes. There! They were there. No longer were they yellow orange, burning bright with anger, but the blue hues that she had fallen in love with. He looked so at peace and she dare not break this.
She held her breath when he said how magnificent they were. She was included in this gracious commentary and he leaned forward, holding her against him as he kissed her very lightly as he had done the first time their lips had met. A smile twitched at the corners of her lips, only a moment as he reminded her that he was present at the time when she had to handle herself against a droid army. "Yes," she recalled gently.
Before Padme could breathe in the air once more, he kissed her harder, hoding her more tightly as if to never let her go. To never make the same mistake twice. And suddenly, Padme forgot. She forgot the world around them and the troubles that had always seemed to follow. No Jedi, no council, no Chancellor, no senate. Just them. It had always been their hope. When he looked down to tell her that even she was more powerful than him, she took great pause. For a moment, she thought to use this wisely. To remember the voice she heard before waking up. To stay strong. This was only the beginning.
"Anakin," she breathed hotly, gasping softly when he gripped her tender breasts and held them up slightly. She could feel her body growing warm beneath the silk sheets. He was turning her on again with that kind of talk, he always did. Most didn't know or understand it, but the late Queen of Naboo had always been a naughty girl when it came to her husband. "We shouldn't... I... I can't right now," she breathed after he gave her a final, forceful kiss. Her back fell against the pillows perfectly able to prop her up. "Please don't, I can't," his young wife gripped his hand and frowned. She meant it and brought her hands over her face. "I'm sorry," she whispered lightly.
Whether Anakin was annoyed or gracious to have had least held his wife in an intimate way, the promise of a heated night would have to be reserved for a later time. Innocently, she pecked his cheek and turned on her side facing away from him. He wasn't entirely forgiven yet it seemed, but progress was being made.
~
When next she woke, she would find Anakin's sleeping face mirrored to her own. She had curled into his protective embrace, naturally as she had done before. Shyly, she ducked her head and attempted to move from his arms, being as sneaky as a petite pregnany woman could. All she needed was a hot bath... hmm. A hot, steamy, bath with General Anakin Skywalker. Well, Darth Vader, but Anakin to her. Always to her. She could just imagine his warm body beneath her own as she rode up and down on his--
"Good morning Mistress!" C-3P0 called joyously, padding through the sliding door.
human
Anakin's face fell, just a little, as Padme declared she wasn't ready. "I..." He nodded, barely able to trust his words. "No, no, I... I understand."
Disappointed? Yes, of course he was. But... well, her quick, warm kiss on his cheek took the sting out of it. Maybe he wasn't forgiven yet, not completely. But she settled down into the bed with a warm smile, and he elected to take that as a sign that things werebetter. And so he simply sat, watching her in the darkness, heart full too bursting at the sight of his wife and their children. Finally, moving silently, he slipped his clothes off. The belt with the two lightsabers - his own, and the shoto he'd carried since he left the Temple - he rested on the endtable. Everything else he draped over a chair.
Still silent, he slid beneath the covers and rested his living hand on her hip. She shifted a little and he settled back, content for the first time in days.
Always in motion, the future is...
He stood in darkness, a chill wind plucking at his cloak, saber thrumming in his hand as he held his defensive stance. Across from him, on a slight rise, stood an unfamiliar Togruta woman gripping a crimson lightsaber. Or was it green? No... it was both, in the vision.
"Snips?" he asked, as he realized that he knew her.
"Don't call me that!" she thundered, shifting her stance. "You don't have the right,..." The last word was, somehow, both 'Vader' and 'Skywalker'.
He lifted his own blade, both blue and crimson, and waited. With a cry of anger (desperation?), she lept...
The vision changed...
warm water sluiced over his skin. An unbelievable luxury, one he hadn't believed people actually did as a matter of routine hygiene. Submersing yourself in water to clean yourself, and then simply letting it drain away? He'd thought the attendant at his first bath was mad.
Padme slid into the water with him, her bare skin beaded with sweat from the temperature of the water. He sighed as she straddled his thighs and pressed against him, letting him feel the swell of her breasts and her belly against his chest. His fingers combed through her hair as he kissed her, and he moaned softly into her lips as she rocked against his erection. "I love you," he whispered. "I love you so much..."
She smiled back, the tender expression belying the mischievous expression in her eyes and the way her hands trailed down his chest to wrap gently around him. As she stroked him, she spoke...
"Good morning, Mistress!"
His eyes snapped open, focusing on C-3PO as the golden droid minced into the room. "Threepio," he groaned, hoping to sink back into the delicious dream-vision he'd begun to share with his wife, "goaway!"
"Oh, dear me," the droid said, sounding worried. "I had rather hoped you would both be awake."
Anakin looked at the beautiful woman still tangled in his arms and their blankets, and rolled his eyes at her. "We're not, I assure you."
"Are you certain?" the droid asked, sounding confused. "I was certain you addressed me just..."
"Threepio," he groaned, shifting a little in an effort to keep his erection from tenting the sheets. "Whatisit?"
"Commander Rex has several messages, Master Skywalker. Multiple requests for audiences with Lady Padme." The droid paused. "Oh, yes, and Chancellor Palpetine has requested that you attend him as soon as possible."
gpt
Looking up to Anakin, she buried her face back against his chest inhaling the scent. He always smelled good to her. A little minty in there. Gently, she began to trace the lines of his muscles along his chest, her kind fingertips taking a moment to familiarize herself with every muscle, every brush of skin. When he rolled his eyes at her, assuring 3P0 that they were indeed not ready to wake up. Blushing, she managed to turn and sit up a little, brushing her hair back and out of the way. Of course she had audiences to attend to. She was still a senator.
"And finally, a public reception is requested at the Gala ball this evening." Padme looked to Anakin. A ball? Would they go together then? He hadn't answered her when she had previously asked who knew about their marriage. Did Rex know? Padme knew that they were close, but she feared what Palpatine would think. But the former Queen knew how to handle tricky public situations. But now, her children's lives were at stake. "Thank you 3P0," she commented softly. He seemed pleased and grateful to be thanked and scurried out as R2 followed.
She looked at Anakin finding him always watching her before she shyly gathered the sheets around her. "I'm going to take a bath," she whispered lightly and slipped from bed, hurrying out in a cute fashion, and politely closing the door behind her. She locked it and turned to start the water before looking back and then unlocking it. Maybe Anakin would need to come in and... brush his teeth! Yes, it was technically his apartment as well. They both had plenty of credits. Tossing her nightdress into the laundry shoot where it would would freshly cleaned and proccessed by the next morning, she slipped into the bath and closed her eyes.
Touching her belly, she smiled a chuckled noticing how her belly still stuck out amonsgt the bubbles covering her slender figure. Humming lightly, she reached up and over to light a nearby candle. It had reminded her of Naboo, straight from her mother's kitchen. Sometimes a little reminder would be enough.
When she heard a knock, she shyly ducked. "Anakin? Oh... uh, right, yes, you can come in." She was going to add,don't lookbut she knew he would justify a right to look because they were married. When he entered, she sunk further and lifted a flexible leg and turned the water off with her toes. It was probably more sexually inviting than she had intended. And great. Now she had a perfect view of his musclar back. "Seems... you're just as busy as I am today," she attempted to make light conversation, washing her body with a cloth slowly and keeping as hidden as she could under the bubbles. If he drew closer behind him, he would see her cheeks were sprinkled a light pink.
"And please tell me the Chancellor doesn't know about our children," she tested him, her voice raising in urgency. "Who knows, Anakin? They want to know tonight at this Gala and I... are we even allowed to do this now? I'm worried."
human
"A public reception?" Anakin mumbled aloud, running his golden hand through his shaggy blond hair. "For what?"
"Why, to celebrate your role in ending the uprising," C-3P0 answered. "And your heroism in saving tbe Supreme Chancillor from assassins."
"Oh." To be honest, he wasn't looking forward to it. He was a warrior, after all. A general. Not a politician. And now he'd have to waste an evening mingling with bloated bureaucratic parasites. "Uhm... tell the Chancellor that I'll be there... uhm.. as soon as possible."
"Of course, Lord Vader. I shall see to it at ince."
Lotd Vader. Darth Vader.The name didn't sit well, not lying in the bed he and Padme shared. Darth Vader was a creature of the battlefield. Just.. couldn't he simp,y beAnakinat home?
No. Probably not, save to Padme. To the rest of the galaxy niw, he was Darth Vader.
Swearing a little, he tossed the covers aside and padded naked across the floor. Pausing to knock gently, he waited until he was invited to enter. And he was glad he had. Because he was treated to the sight of Padme Amidala Skywalker, glistening in the water and wearing inky bubbles, and that sight burned his burgeoning ill temper away.
"Seems... you're just as busy as I am today," she said.
Much more interested in the way her hands moved iver her skin, it took him a moment to realize she'd spoken. "Ah... yeah. There's a lot to do, it seems. Who would have thought that winning would be so much work?"
He sat on the edge of the tub, then considered slipping in with her - their shared dream had beenpleasant, after all. But that might be still too much, too soon. So instead, he settled fir gently massagibg her neck nd shoulders, and tried to ignore the throbbing ache of his erection.
And then she asked if Darth Sideous knew of the twins.
"I... don't know," he said. "I mean, he was tbere on Mustafar and he's not blind, so he knows you're pregnant. And he knows we're married. And I'm pretty sure he can put two and two together..." A shrug. "I haven't told him, though."
He mulled over her final questions. "As for us? The fate of the Order is... uncertain, after they tried to seize power. But..."
Shifting around, he caught her hands in his and looked her in the eyes. "I'm tired of hiding, Padme. Let's do what we should have done. Declare ourselves, and let the galaxy envy us our happiness." He raised her damp fingers to his lips and kissed them. "You are my wife, Padme. And I should glory in that blessed reality."
gpt
When Anakin approached her side, she stopped washing herself and sat up a bit. Padme did not realize how easily the bubbles slipped away to reveal her form. He was watching her, seemingly annoyed that they had to attend something so public and so political. Personally, she thrived on it. It would allow her a way to convey things more easily. Surely there were many people worried about her as well, she owed it to those she called friends to at least be honest in her pregnancy's state. She huffed lightly at his comment about 'winning' being much work. He hadn't won anything... not yet at least. Padme refused to say that out loud.
Leaning over, he placed his firm hands on her shoulders and began to gently massage. She had flinched at first still unsure of his contact before he began to kneed out the kinks that she had carried under her skin. Closing her eyes, she hummed softly before opening one eye and becoming annoyed when she learned that the Chancellor had a great deal of knowing their secrets. "Wonderful," she mumbled sarcastically.
Finally, Anakin seemed unsure of their position now that the Jedi Order was... barely in power, if any at all. They were scattered across the galaxy, left to regroup on their own accord. When he captured her hands, she popped open her eyes and turned to look at him. Anakin no longer wished to hide anymore. Ah, he had said this often in the past. During the Clone Wars, he seemed so angry that all they did was keep it a secret. Normally, she was able to cool him down, but when he kissed her fingers like that, so delicate in his ways, his words that followed, she sighed. "I just don't know, Ani."
Asking to be left alone as politely as she could, she finished the bath herself and slipped out, drying her body and placing extra care against her belly, humming a familiar lullaby to the children. When she dressed, it was in her usual darks, a gentle dark green with a hood. Her curls were down, tumbling along behind her shoulders. Anakin had always liked it down. Wetting her lips, she found Anakin ready to head out as well.
"Anakin?" She whispered and touched his shoulder. "I refuse to call you Darth Vader," she promised and when he aimed for a kiss, she turned her face just a little bit. He could take the opportunity to turn her chin and show her who was boss or not. Either way, Padme was left standing near the doorway, her cheeks pink. Finally, she made her way out, headed to her own office. It was being gaurded by Rex. She could feel his grin under the helmet.
"Goodmorning Senator!" He said cheerfully and she offered him a small smile, entering her passsword to unlock the door. "Good morning. Rex, I have much work to do. Please only allow in those who have my appointments for the day. Not even General Skywalker. If he didn't make an appointment... he's not allowed in," it sounded strict, but there was a hint of a smile and Rex nodded when the door closed behind her.
human
Padme's hesitation was understandable, really. And not just because of the way he'd attacked her. She'd been raised with the reality of the Jedi, and then had followed her heart into a forbidden relationship with him. And now, he was asking to take that relationship out into the public eye. It couldn't be easy for her to contemplate. And so, when she asked to be left alone, he nodded and rose. There was another refresher in the apartment, after all.
He was mostly dry and dressing himself, when he heard the bathroom door open. The black fabric of his uniform clung lightly to his damp skin, and his hair hung limp around his sides. Despite wanting to turn and take her in his arms, he kept his back to her as he cinched up his belt - the better to grant her the privacy she needed.
"Anakin?" she whispered, touching his shoulder. He turned at that, and his breath caught at the sight of her. She wore a simple green gown, and a green cloak with a hood, and her dark hair tumbled in waves across her shoulders and back. "I refuse to call you Darth Vader."
He chuckled at that. "I'll never ask you to, Padme.Darth Vaderis a mask. A name to rally troops around, and to terrify the enemies of the Republic." He leaned in to kiss her, and found his lips brushing her cheek. "For you - to you - I will always be Anakin."
He smiled at her as she slipped from the room, then sighed and straightened his back. It was as if a mask covered his features, hiding him as the weight of being Darth Vader once more settled over him. Distantly, he caught the faint whisper of voices. One the voice of Obi-Wan, and the other unknown but hauntingly familiar...
"There is still good in him.
"He's more machine now than man; twisted and evil."
Flexing his metallic fist, Darth Vader eyed the prosthetic limb for a moment. Than, with a scowl, he thrust it into the black gauntlet that hid the golden hand.
"Not even the General, hmm?" Rex said, voice speculative under the distortion of the helmet. "As you wish, ma'am." A pause. "Maybe I'll get to throw him off the Embassy Spire yet."
He walked beside Padme in as much silence as an armored Trooper could manage. "Nothing personal, you understand. I've just always been curious if I could manage it. And besides, how many times do you get to do that to your commander?"
Rex paused outside her office door, nodding slightly at the two troopers who joined him. "We can head off your appointments if you want, as well. It's been a rough few days. If you want the day off, just let us know and we'll tell the Supreme Chancellor himself to piss off."
Another beat.
"Torespectfullypiss off, that is."
gpt
Padme blinked a few times when Rex made a joke. A small smile dotted along her lips and she began to move inside of her work office. Padme was surprised when Rex and two Troopers followed. Stopping, she looked at him when Rex said it was nothing personal when he wished to throw Anakin across the Embassy Spire. "Nothing personal taken. I'm sure General Skywalker would be quite amazed himself," she attempted to distance herself from him in any sort of relationship that would break further beyond the boarders of 'friends,' but she was beginning to wonder if Rex was in on the marriage. But now, Rex was attempting to make her stay easier. It was as if hehadknown about the whole ordeal. She turned and gently lowered her hood.
"Please commander Rex. I cannot put my own needs first. If I cancel, I'll continue a bad habit already further. But I appreciate your concern," She mused a bit to herself before shaking her head and offering him a smile. "Thank you." And gently, she closed the doors behind her. Falling into her comfortable chair, she began to rummage through the paperwork had that accumulated itself upon her desk. She went to work immediately. Padme was very good about letting go and moving forward, at least when it came to petty work such as this. She'd say, "come in," softly and rise whenever Rex announced her appointment clients were here.
By the end of the evening, she was out of the doors and taking her time on the elevator as she watched the bustling night life of Coruscant began. "Not here," she whispered and gently placed a hand to her belly. They deserved to be born in a place not filled with deceit and the rush of things. Entering her apartment, she called out to Anakin, only to find him preparing for the gala event tonight as well. She assumed that he would wear robes...? Or armor of some kind? She wasn't sure exactly what his position stood on now. Wetting her lips, she politely accepted a kiss to the cheek from him and looked down and away, making her way to the dresser.
"CP0, my golden dress, please," she commented softly and the droid immediately knew where he needed to go. He found his way (surprisingly) through the massive space that was known as Padme's closet. She began to change innocently at Anakin's side, awkwardly trying to bring up conversation. "I accomplished much today. I was even able to sign a delegation for peace on a few planets. Not everyone is happy with your Emperor," she said, distaste in her mouth. "I am lucky how much influence I hold," she slipped into the dress that CP0 had draped in his arm and she thanked him lightly and attempted to zip herself, but couldn't reach the zipper. "Ah, Ani? Could you help me a moment?" She asked politely, the smooth curve of her back tempting him to places he'd already tried to go. She added a matching golden headpiece to complete the looked and placed her hands on her belly, wincing a little. They were moving quickly tonight. Out of excitement or fear, she did not know.
"Are we ready to go?"
human
"You seem troubled, my young apprentice," Darth Sidious observed. "Speak."
Vader looked up from the hololithic table, eying his Master carefully. "I... am concerned about some of these plans."
Sidious drew closer, examining the displays. "Which ones? The establishment of a Republic Security Bureau, to fill the void left by the destruction of the Jedi? The expansion of the military? The..."
"This... ball," Vader interrupted. "I do not see the need for such a thing."
"Ah, Lord Vader," Sidious laughed. "It is times like this that reveal how much of your education has been neglected. The ball isessential."
"Why?" Vader challenged.
"We have shattered the Jedi, scattering the survivors to the winds. We have announced their treachery, and your own role in defending the Republic." The Supreme Chancellor's eyes met those of his apprentice. "They must be reassured that, in the wake of this, they are safe." A pause. "They need a hero, Lord Vader."
"Me."
"Yes, you. The one good Jedi," and here Sidious' voice dripped sarcasm. "The man who, when forced to choose between loyalty to the Order and loyalty to the Republic, chosethe Republic. The man who found the Seperatist leaders and ended the war single-handedly." The Sith Lord smiled. "You are going to be feted and lauded and honored, Lord Vader. The people willloveyou. And it will tie them to us all the more."
The conversation still occupied his thoughts when he returned to the Embassy. At least, it occupied his thoughts until Commander Rex blocked his path. "Orders, General," he'd said, and Vader could practically see the smile under the helmet. "I need to check with the ambassador, first.'
"You're enjoying this, Rex," Vader said.
"Hells yes I am, General," Rex laughed. "How often do I get to fuck with my CO, on his own orders?"
Vader crossed his arms across his chest and waited, staring impassively at Rex. The Clonetrooper's voice went silent for a minute. "Right. You're cleared. Guess I don't get to toss you off the spire."
"You're obsessing, Rex."
"Too right I am. Opportunities like this don't come along everyday."
Shaking his head, Darth Vader strode down the hall and into the living chambers of the Ambassador's apartment.Theirapartment, really. Padme stood with her back to the door, the golden cloth of a long gown clinging to her form, and the back open to reveal the full length of her body from the curve of her rear to the graceful column of her neck."Ah, Ani?"she called, struggling to reach the zipper."Could you help me a moment?"
He stepped forward, fingers tracing slowly up the length of her back as he caressed her spine. "What sort of help do you want?" he whispered, slipping some of the fabric from her shoulders in a half-playful manner as he kissed the nape of her neck.
"Are we ready to go?"she asked.
Anakin nipped gently at the base of her neck, and his living hand slipped beneath her dress as it drifted low. "Depends," he murmured, gently squeezing the firm flesh of her rear. "Where do you want to go..?"
gpt
She waited as he came around from behind and gently touched at the back of her dress. Padme had fallen right into his trap. "Anakin," she called out in slight annoyance. All she wanted was for him to zip the damn dress up and even he could not resist her smooth and supple skin. "Thezipper," she reminded him a light but threatening tone. Slightly cool lips came to her neck where he kissed and she inhaled sharply in response. Why must he always do that? He knew that was a weak spot and took advantage of it. When she felt a warm hand slid beneath her dress, the shoulders had already brushed lower than usual, she shivered. "I... I don't want to go anywhere," she admitted but snapped and turned around, catching the zipper on his own robes, snagging them awkwardly. Again, another romantic attempt broken.
"Anakin!" She groaned in annoyance and once he remedied the situation, she dabbed a little perfume onto her wrists and began to walk out of the apartment, asking that C3P0 take care of the place as R2 beeped happily. The lights dimmed as they exited, the small circular water fountain no longer running. She walked behind Anakin, unsure of how it would look should she be at his side. If he wondered, she merely shook her head. Rex, along with a regiment of Troopers followed them to the main Hall where the gala was being held.
It looked absolutely stunning. Not a decoration was out of place. Senator Amidala's table, along with her fellow people from Naboo, and nearby Alderaan, were quick to join her. She moved away from Anakin to great Bail Organa and his wife who had shown. "It is good to see you well," he kissed both her cheeks and she forced a great smile and a sigh of relief. "It is... good to be here. Clearly, I am needed. How... are our plans?" She whispered softly and Bail gave her a quick look, glancing at the new second in command of the new Empire.
"They will continue. There has been few sightings of Jedi. I shall report to you tomorrow morning." Padme could only smile and bowed her head politely. When she looked to the Emperor in his chair at the tip top of the stairs, he had been watching her very intently and only offered her a sliver of a smile. She moved past Bail who worringly looked at Darth Vader. It seemed Bail was one of few - at least now - who knew of their relationship. Padme only trusted a select few and it was clear he was one of them.
"Chancellor, no, should I say, Emperor," she came up to him. They were watching her, waiting for her to kneel, but she did not. She stood her ground quite firmly and did not move. "I am honored to serve and shall continue to do so. To keep the peace. It is my duty. I have many deligations for you to sign tomorrow." It was not a request, it was an order.
Had this been anyone else, action would have been taken. The former Chancellor gripped the sides of his eleborant chair and chuckled. "Of course. I always have time for my favorite Senator of Naboo. How is your family?" He was mocking her, challenging her, and still, she did not give in.
"Wonderful. Naboo shall always be a place of peace and restoration. I look forward to extending this to every planet until yourwatchfulEmpire eye."
Now, she was pushing buttons, so he would return the favor.
"And your pregnancy, Senator? When shall we look forward to welcoming new life in the Force?"
Padme froze, her determination suddenly crumbling and her lips parted, but no words came out.
human
Anakin Skywalker would have felt uncomfortable as he walked into the glittering room filled with the great and powerful of the Republic. Even though a Jedi was supposed to be above considerations of class and status, he'd never fully absorbed that lesson. Too aware that he'd been born a slave, too aware that he had inky been trained in defiance of the Council, he reacted poirly in such environments. Curt, belligerent, aloof, cold, all of these words had been used to describe him. All because Anakin Skywalker struggled against his iwn distaaste and sense of inadequacy.
But Darth Vader had none of those weaknesses. Darth Vader recignized them all for what they were: sycoohants and toadies and profiteers. Men and women who had built financial empires on the backs of the kind of women and men he had been born to be. Creatures who clutched whips and titles and spoke ofdemocracy.
"Don't like this, General," Rex muttered. The Clonetrooper had been required, by virtue of his rank, to eschew his armor for the black dress uniform of the Republic. It was clear from the hard expression on his face that he hated the way people were staring at his scarred features. "Too open. Too many ambush points."
"The only threat we will face here, Commander," Vader answered, "will be the risk of drowning in a sea of tedium."
Padme, who had steadfastly refused to walk at his side, moved forward to speak ti the Chancellor. Vader followed in her wake, ignoring the hangers-on who sought his attention. As he drew near, he heard Sidious asking after the health of the twins.
"They will be born soon enough, Chancellor," he said, moving to stand at her side. "In a few more weeks, I will accompany her to Naboo - she has exoressed a desire for peace and solitude." He paused. "With only her famiky in attendance."
A murmur of conversation erupted, at the sight of the Hero of the Republic standing next to the pregnant Senator. Palpetine leaned forward. "And the father's wishes?"
A collective intake if breath was heard at those words. Darth Vader merely met Darth Sideous' gaze. "I believe," he said, "that the father has consented to honor her wishes."
gpt
When she felt Anakin's presence, he had been standing in black armor at her side. Personally, the darker colors had always suited him, but it worried her on how quickly he had changed from being so teasing and intimdate to rigid. He even seemed, dare she say it, more comfortable. Comfortable in a way that politics, while they still may have bothered the once Jedi, seemed to have put up with it better. He spoke for her, explaining that she wished to have the babies on Naboo. Peacefully and seemingly allowed. Pausing to look at him, she then moved to glance down. They were beginning draw more attention, especially now that the Hero of the Republic had joined them. When Palpatine made mention of what the 'father' of her children wished, she looked at Anakin wearily.
"I--"
Again, Anakin took charge and crytpically put that the father has consented to said request. When Padme turned to look, heads immediately turned and murmured conversation began once more around them. Following back to Anakin, he offered her a sympathetic look and in small shock, she gave a quick, small nod to the head toward Palpatine who merely returned it and then resumed his polite but strong position outlooking his new... Empire.
When the Senator was greeted by others, she politely extended her hand and was offered congratulations on her pregnancy and best wishes for her health. Padme was quick to disreguard any further notion about her pregnancy or the father and merely went straight to business. In fact, things were going quite well after Palpatine made a speech to which Padme did not raise her glass, merely sitting at Bail's side. Anakin, to her left. As he spoke, she felt the instinct to reach out and followed through. Beneath the table, she found his mechnical hand now gloved and placed her own hand in it. It was her small thanks to him. The first she had given him in a long time.
A few people had started to dance in the center of the floor as the orchestra played, gentle streams of colors iluminating the large hall and giving it a soft glow. Padme sat at her table, secretly envying those couples who could show their love and passion for one another. A sad smile grazed her lips when one of the senator's from another capital offered to dance with her. She knew she couldn't refuse. "I'd be honored," she had managed to say and took his hand in her own as he led out the beautiful young Senator in her golden gown to the center of the dance floor for a dance.
human
There was little to recommend the ball, other than to say that it passed. For Darth Vader, Hero of the Republic, the high water mark was not the endless round of speeches praising his accomplishments. Not the medal he received for his service. Not even his own speech, in which he praised Commander Rex and the Troopers of the 501st. No, the high water mark was during Palpatine's speech, when Padme's small, warm hand had fitted into his mechanical one and remained there.
It was Anakin who smiled, at that moment. A warm smile, filled with love and the things he wished he had the words to say.
And then it was time to dance. Before he could ask, another Senator approached Padme and invited her to join him. Vader glared at him, murder in his lambent yellow eyes as the Senator escoirted the Senator from Naboo - his wife and the queen of his heart - to the dance floor. As the music played, he rose.
"Want me to have a little chat with him? Me and the boys?"
Vader glanced at Rex, hardly surprised that the Trooper was there. "For what reason?"
Rex rolled his eyes. "None of us are blind, not in the 501st. And we've known the both of you... well, our whole lives." He looked at the two senators. "Say the word, General."
"No. I will attend to this matter. Personally."
Rex shrugged, then downed a glass of wine as the manhestill called General Skywalker strode onto the dance floor. "Bloody hell," he whispered. "Kinda glad I'll die in a decade. Not enough time to get stuck in like that."
The music whirled and ascended as Senator Klymint led Senator Amidala through the intricacies of the dance. "I must congratulate you," he said. "If your child is even half as lovely and as talented as you, then I believe Naboo will be the seat of the Republic within a generation." They spun in a circle, weaving amongst the other couples in an increasingly-elaborate series of motions. "And is it presumptuous of me to ask if you have chosen a consort?"
A shadow fell across the pair.
Anakin Skywalker - or was it Darth Vader? - stood beside them, moving in time to the music to keep them both close. Blue eyes that flickered with yelliw flame consudered Senator Klymint. "May I cut in?"
gpt
Allowing Senator Klymint to lead her to the dance floor, she graciously bowed, custom in the practices of song and dance. This was one thing that the Galactic Empire had not changed within it's new order. She was at least grateful for this, but much work needed to be done. Klymint was on the Senate Military Oversight Committee, explaining how excellent their plans had been going, how the Stormtroopers were turning out to be a fine bunch.How dull.Padme could not help but think in the back of her mind. Then, the subject turned back to her. Blinking innocently when he applauded her beauty and how he hoped that her baby would be half as lovely and talented as she. Since she knew, or at least Anakin had sensed she was carrying twins, she wondered if one of her children would take up a seat of diplomacy? Or would one of them train in the arts of becoming a Jedi..?
Ah, speaking of Jedi. Well, once a jedi. She had noticed him first, but Klymint had kept on praising her name and even leaned in to ask if she had chosen a consort. He had come in a little too close for comfort until Anakin spoke up. His presence suddenly frightened her as well. He asked to cut in, Padme able to see the glitter of yellow burning, but being held back by his baby blue eyes. Senator Klymint hesitated, not wanting to let go of Padme's hands before respectfully moving aside and giving Padme's secret husband a nod of his head. "Ah, and Lord Vader. Excellent timing. A pleasure speaking with you, milady."
"And with you, Senator Klymint."
With that, Klymint took another awkward moment to no doubt piss Anakin off, and left the two. Gently, he took up his position in front of her and they began to dance. "You frightened him," she whispered softly to Anakin, but her husband didn't seem to mind, if anything was still scouting the room. "But thank you... for dancing with me," she continued in hushed sounds, a small redness coming along her cheeks and a smile creeping along her lips. For the first time in Anakin's transformation to the dark side, she had wanted to kiss him. Right here. Right now. In front of everyone.Let them watch,Padme had told herself as she leaned in, but was stopped when a sudden cry was heard and a Senator representative from the Kanz sector went down near Sly Moore who itched to grab her red lightsaber at her side, drawing near when the sound of guns could be heard firing. Her look went to her Sith Master for instruction.
Padme was quick to see it and felt her figure being held by her husband. Ducking at the sound of more shots being fired, she could feel Anakin's hands dig onto her shoulders. Looking up at him, small worry in her eyes, she shook her head.
"Go. I'm alright! I know how to protect myself," running past him, she hurried to the conclave that Bail and uncle "Ono" Onaconda Farr had formed, joining him and taking up a blaster as she attempted to hit the enemy that had invited themselves unexpected. Separatists?! Or was it another form of rebellion? Had it begun so soon? A shot had nearly missed her as Bail attempted to put himself in front of her. "Protect Senator Amidala!" He could be heard saying to the stormtroopers who had formed a barrier around them. Padme was doing pretty well with her aim until she felt a hot sting against her arm, crying out and grasping it. It had grazed her, barely missing her belly and instead she had turned it had gotten the back of her arm and shoulder. Wincing, she shook her head, holding it to prevent further bleeding. "I'm fine," she assured them through gritted teeth. The twins inside of her panged loudly against their mother's womb causing her to inhale sharply and drop her blaster as she reached for a column to hold to.
human
"I didn't frighten him," Vader...Anakinsaid, a small smile twitching the corner of his mouth. "I just looked at him. He frightenedhimself. And how could I refuse to dance with the lovely Ambassador from Naboo?"
Padme nestled into his arms, and they resumed the dance. It wasn't something he was particularly good at - Jedi simply didn't learn to dance - but he soon found he could fake competence by focusing on the beat and taking subtle cues from his wife. They drifted around the floor, uncaring of the eyes on them and the whispers about them. In the Force he was aware of the subtle trend of her thoughts, and he held her closer as she pressed against him. Her face lifted to his, and the world contracted to the beautiful...
Blaster fire.
All thoughts of romance fled at the sound. Darth Vader's head whipped around, scanning for the source. More shots, and he hesitated. Padme was in danger. The twins were in danger. He needed to see to her, first.
"Go,"she snapped, pushing him gently away and running towards a far corner."I'm alright! I know how to protect myself."
"All right," he reluctantly agreed, heart in his mouth. "Rex! Do you have a fix on...?"
He heard a single sharp cry, and felt the surge of pain in the Force. Padme! Padme had been hit! He reached out towards her, felt her thoughts, perceived that she was not badly injured. But shewasinjured. Whoever the dead man with the blaster was, he hadharmedhis wife. Fear and hatred and rage crystallized in his gut, becoming something hard and deadly. Turning calmly on his heel, he strode towards the source of the blaster fire.
"Skywalker!" someone shouted. Human of some stripe. "Death to Skywalker! Freedom for the galaxy!"
The man raised his pistol and fired rapidly. Vader lifted his hand, seemingly catching the bolts in his palm as he marched forward. His measured pace did not quicken as he gestured and the blaster ripped from the assassin's hand to clatter along the floor. Desperate now, the assassin tore open his shirt to reveal a vest packed with explosives. "We will be free of Republican tyranny,Vader!"
Vader stretched out his hand, and the man jerked a few inches into the air. The detonator hung limply from his belt as his fingers tore at some invisible bonds that constricted his throat. "You have disrupted this evening," he said, voice icy and calm. "And you have injured Senator Amidala."
"You... your... yourwhore... Vader!" the man gasped out. And then he blinked in surprise as his feet touched the ground once more.
"And now you insult her," Vader said in that icy calm voice. "You should kneel, and beg her forgiveness."
The man spat. "No."
"You will kneel," Vader commanded, emphasizing his words with the Force.
The assassin gritted his teeth. "My... will's... stronger than... that..." He gasped. "Your... Force tricks... won't..."
A gesture, and the man's left knee bent backwards. The assassin screamed as he collapsed to the floor. Vader strode forwards, looking down at him. "I find your poor mannersdisturbing," he declared, gesturing again. The assassin made a gagging sound as he clutched at his throat once more. "You should offer the Senator your most sincere apologies."
gpt
Gripping the column, she looked down to the bleeding wound and gripped her shoulder harder. Bail had noticed and gently pushed her back further out of harms way. "It's a scratch," she noted with a weak grin and as she moved to bend and pick up her blaster, she noticed in the chaos that Anakin had found a target almost immediately. The target that had targeted her. "Ani," she whispered and attempted to push past the crowds and still cover herself, but was too frightened to make it out further. As a pregnant woman, but also as a representative, she would be an easy hit for her movements and her pretty face gave her away. "Stop!" She cried out when she saw that her husband had used the same choking Force that he had once used on her. When the man got out that she had been Vader'swhoreshe paused in her mid movements and watched lifelessly. Is that what they called her now.
Anger boiled up inside of her belly and another pang against her was given. Wincing, she held her belly beneath the golden fabric and watched as Vader made --no, forced the man to kneel before her. At first, Padme allowed it. They had disrupted the evening, he had insulted her, but it had gone to far. "Stop," she commented and moved forward to reach out and extend her hand. Even through the fires of battle and the verge of a threat ever on the lose, her hand was an offering of peace. The man would finally breathe again, barely, and took her hand, pulling her down with him suddenly, causing her to lose her balance. A blaster pointed to the side of her head, she flinched, one eye closed and attempted to turn her head.Stay calm.Padme was no dummy and she attempted to reach for the small knife she had kept beneath her dress, slowly drawing it up while the rebel was distracted.
"Try that again Vader, and I'll blast her brains--argh!"
Her eye caught Anakin's as she reached behind her and jammed the knife into his side to distract him. It had worked and just when he was about to recover and make do on his words, a blast was heard. But this was a different blast. One Anakin was all too familiar with.
The cool swish of a lightsaber which knocked and cauterized his head clean off. Padme nearly fell forward if it hadn't been for Anakin's quickness. "I'm fine, I'm alright," she promised and offered him a small smile before ducking her head at the sound of another round. Most of the representatives and the political orders were able to escape while those who were experienced in fighting would stay. Padme had been escorted out of the hall and taken to her room by Senator Klymint, naturally, who asked if there was anything further he could do. He even knelt down like a little prince charming, asking her.
"I'm quite alright. If anything, I'd like to be left in privacy," she assured him and that was enough to get him to leave. Rubbing her forehead, C-3P0 came over with a medical swab while R2 rolled in with a kit carefully balancing on her head. "Look at my two medical droids," she teased and 3P0 made a point to correct her, as usual, and tell her what he was before she smiled. "I'm only teasing." The ointment stung, but it was bearable. It hadn't hurt like there back scar from the battle on Genosis, but it had worried her to how close it had nearly missed her belly. Once her arm was wrapped, she had changed into a violet purple night dress with little flowers in her hair. She always dressed to impress, even before bed. Going to the balcony, she wondered if Anakin was alright. He was certainly taking his time. Touching her belly, the children moved again, as if to understand her fears. "He's fine," she commented and rubbed her bandaged arm.
human
Padme asked for mercy for the would-be assassin. And Vader, feeling he had made his point, granted. Which is why he was even more angry when the assassin grabbed her and pressed a gun to her temple. "Try that again, Vader, and I'll blast her brains ouAAARGH!"
His words cut off in a sudden cry of pain as Padme lurched away. The assassin went for her, and Vader moved. In an eyeblink he was supporting her with one arm, and holding the thrumming hilt of his lightsaber in the other. The assassin had nothing to say, as his head lay in the ground. "Are you all right, Senator?" Vader asked.
"I'm fine," she assured him. "I'm all right."
It was in his mind to kiss her, then, and damn the onlookers. She was his wife, after all. Let them gape! But then he heard more blaster fire. "Go, my lady,", he said, looking deep into her eyes. "You have more than one life to protect. Be safe."
He hesitated, started to lean in and kiss her anyway. Then, as more shooting erupted, he turned on his heel and strode off through the confusion.
"I... I didn't... didn't know!" he gasped, clutching at the golden alloy fingers clamoed around his throat.
He was Manrion Garrick, master of the Golden Spire - the formal hall the ball had been held in. Elements of the 501st had dragged him in, near the end if the fighting, reporting that he had been trying to flee with tens of thousands if credits in precious stones.
"You provided the terrorists with cover identities in your staff," Vader stated, voice implacable. "Allowed them into positions where they coukd kill several Senators and threaten the Supreme Chancellor."And my WIFE!His burning eyes held Manrion's focus. "You are a seperatist sympathizer, and a traitor."
"NO!" Manrion gasped. "I didn't... I thought it was just... just a... a protest! I didn't... didn't know! I'm sorry, I..."
His words ended with a sickly wet crunch as Vader's hand flexed. "Apology accepted." Contemptuously, he tossed the corpse aside. "Tear the Golden Spire apart, Rex. Find everything he did, everyone he spoke with. And bring them to me."
Vader forced himself to walk as he entered the bedroom, but that resolve broke as he saw Padme on the balcony. He rushed to her, pulling her into his arms and holding her tight. "You're all right!" he said, running his hands over her back as if reassuring himself of her reality. "I mean... Rex would have said... if anything had... happened." He stepped back, looking her over, then pulled her close. "I was so worried!"
gpt
When she heard boots hit the expensive marble, she stiffened for a moment and turned when he broke out into a run across the large expanse of the luxurious suite. "Ani," she called and for the first time in what felt like forever, he held her tight. She didn't stop him, but she stood there slightly limp as he ran his hands down the smoothing curve of her back as if to reassure himself that she was really alright. Her arm pinched a little, just freshly being bandaged, but he couldn't calm down. He looked her over, pride rising at the swell of her belly before he pulled her close again. "I-I know! But I told you I could handle it," very gently she drew herself arms width apart and looked to him. "Thank you... for saving my life." He paused at her, in his boyish way, and in a way that Padme could not help but smiling, though her eyes casted downwards. "Again."
Her forehead rested against his own for a moment before sighing. "Oh, Anakin. What are we doing. What are we suppose to do. This is... just so messy," she commented, still conflicted by Anakin's betrayal to which she had believed so fully in before. It was democracy or her love, and currently, the latter was getting the better of her. "I mustn't," she whispered and drew away from him, though giving his cheek a small touch of her cool little hands. "I need sleep. I need clear thoughts for tomorrow, I have such a busy day," the stress in her voice rose but she placed a hand over her belly and blinked. "They're anxious," she whispered and looked to Anakin. He either didn't know what to do or how to say it.
"Are you... really ready to be a father? The Emperor knowing and the people will easily put two and two together at some point. We... should come clean. Eventually. It may make things easier." It seemed Senator Amidala - or perhaps now, Senator Skywalker, was starting to understand a little of where he had been coming from. Perhaps the fates were changing in his benefit. Or, lady luck was on his side for the moment. "We'll talk tomorrow. Perhaps we can do lunch in the bustling metro of Coruscant. It's been a while since I've been out there." One more glance before taking his hand and allowing his real hand to touch her belly. "Just wait a second," she whispered before a few thumps could be heard against his palm. "That's Luke," she said, closing her eyes. Then one loud one and Padme chuckled. "And that's Leia. I think they're going to be a lot more like you than me."
Shaking her head, she turned and rubbed her shoulders, giving him a glimpse of her bandaged arm. "Best go to bed now," she indicated, though not really stating that he couldn't join her, but she still seemed timid about the notion of sleeping next to a man that... killed his near brother. Killed children. And the fear consumed her once more. Her little ones stopped responding to Anakin's presence and all went silent once more. "Goodnight, Anakin." And with this, she exited to the bedroom hallway and found herself resting in bed within minutes. Instead of hugging him, she was clutching a large pillow, burying her face and willing herself to sleep without bursting into tears. She had always been so strong, but her heart was broken, knowing that they could not change what had happened and the future just seemed so unknown to her now.
human
"Is anyone ever ready to be a father, Padme?" Anakin smiled sadly. "I don't even know what a father is like, after all. And... I failed Ashoka." Her expulsion from the Order had hit him hard. In some ways it was where the path to becomung Darth Vader had led. She'd needed him, and he had failed her. "But... I'll love them. And I'll do my best for them. And I will never be afraid or ashamed to name them my children, or you my wife."
He started to say more but she changed the subject, inviting him to return for lunch It was unfair of him, especially after what he'd done, but the statement felt like a blow. His back stiffened and he started to leave, and then she caught his hands snd rested them on the swell of her abdomen. He could feel the two lives in there, feel them in the Force and in the movements under her skin as they shifted around. Anakin's grin was happy as she identified each in turn. "If they're lucky," he said, gently stroking her stomach, "they'll take much more after you. You've got the loojs and brains in the family, after all."
And then it was time to part. He started to protest, only to remember that he'd promised her safety. Even from himself, if she wanted it. And so he nodded, and kissed her fingers gently. "Good night, Padme," he said, backing away. "I love you."
Yhen, turning on his heel, he strode away.
"Speak, Lord Vader."
Vader looked up at Palpatine. "The Seperatist cell has been dealt with," he said. "The survivors are being interrogated as we speak."
"Good. Good," answered Darth Sidious. "And the Senator? And your children?"
"The are well," came the reply. "Padme sustained an arm wound, but it was shallow."
Sidious nodded. "Tbey are strong in the Force."
"I have sensed that, yes," Vader answered carefully.
"They should be trained, Lord Vader. Because both will be great. I have forseen it."
gpt
When Padme woke the next day, she was alone. Touching the bedsheets, she gently ran her hands along the cool blue fabric before sitting up on her side. R2 beeped her good morning and she ran her hands along the little roundness of his head. "Good morning," she whispered and in came C-3P0 with a cool glass of water, handing it to her slowly and wishing her well. "Good morning, ma'am. I have written out all of your planned schedules for this morning and laid out your dress for your appointments as well in the next room."
"Thank you, 3P0. Where is Anakin?" She asked softly and the droid looked at her head with his head turned as if he had been confused by the whole arrangement himself. "On the couch, milady." Padme sighed in frustration to this news, and finished the glass of water and hurried into the the main living quarters where the fountain head bubbled gently and Anakin had been resting. The cool breeze gently blew at the dark blonde hair and she sat next to him very carefully. "Ani," she whispered and placed a hand over his forehead. He was warm and began to toss and turn a bit. "Ani, it's me," she said a bit louder. Was he having a nightmare? Touching his hand in her own, she bent down to place her warm lips against his forehead to wake him. It seemed to do the trick and she asked if he was alright.
"Perhaps you should take the day to rest. Oh, you should have gone to bed. I could have slept here. You know I'm tougher than I look," she commented in annoyance that someone had to take damage and it had been Anakin. Even after all the horrible things he had done, there was still some good in him - this she knew. But it was a matter of bringing it out further. He needed saving, not her. And she would find a way to his redemption.Shewould save him. "I'm going to get dressed for my appointments, alright? I may have to leave the planet on a diplomatic mission, trying to keep the peace out there, so I don't want you to worry. I'll be with Bail Organa."
3P0 entered the room with a decent sized plate of breakfast for Anakin and Padme if she wanted any. "Here you are, Master," he called and Padme brushed back his hair lightly before rising and lifting a few grapes in her hands and moving to go change. She slipped into a dark gown with a purple trip and hood, smoothing the rich fabrics. Touching her belly gently, she wondered how many more maternity dresses she'd have to get. Weren't the little ones ready to come into the world? Perhaps they were scared. She would be too, coming into the world at this time, but Padme promised to protect them and Anakin had vowed that as well. It was just hard to believe anyone or anything anymore.
Taking a deep breath, she returned to the room and grabbed a slice of bread and butter and stretched her arms up high a little, smiling to him. Bending down, she grabbed her satchel of paperwork, grateful that it wasn't too heavy a burden for her. Not physically. "Alright, I'm off. Do you need anything before I go? And lunch at the noon hour? Where would you like to go?"
human
He'd returned late last night, and elected to sleep on the couch rather than in their bed. Padme had, after all, made it clear that she wanted to be left alone. So he'd turned off the air conditioning and curled up under a quilt, absently wishing that Coruscant wasn't so cold. His last thought before drifting into unconsciousness was how much warmer he'd be, if she was next to him...
The door opened before him. Huddled in the room beyond was a group of children, shoto lightsabers in hand. Their terrified eyes filled with relief at the sight of him. "Master Skywalker," one said, stepping a little from the group, "there are too many of them. What are we going to do?"
Another voice - a young Miraluka, his sightless eyes bound - gasped in horror. "He... he's killed Master Shaak Ti!"
His impassive eyes swept the room, and he ignited his lightsaber. "Come with me," he said.
"Murderer!" one of the children shouted, and then another, and then another. Shotos ignited, casting strobing blues and greens across the walls. Grimly, Anakin advanced...
"Ani?"
He felt warm lips on his forehead. "Ani, it's me,"
He started awake, the memories of that slaughter dancing before his eyes. It took him a moment to realize where he was, and then he clung to Padme for her warmth and comfort. "Perhaps you should take the day to rest," she said, chiding. "Oh, you should have gone to bed. I could have slept here. You know I'm tougher than I look."
"Uh-uh." He shook his head at that. "No. There's barely enough room on this couch forone, let alonethree. As long as... as we're sleeping apart, you get the bed." He tried to get a look at her arm. "Besides, you were injured. And tough or not, I... I worry." With a sigh, he looked away. "And... where are you going?"
She slipped from his arms. "I'm going to get dressed for my appointments, alright?"
"Can I help?" he asked, a suggestive tone in his voice. "I mean... I'm no good as a ladies maid. But I think I've got the whole 'getting you undressed' part down..."
"I may have to leave the planet on a diplomatic mission, trying to keep the peace out there, so I don't want you to worry. I'll be with Bail Organa."
He nodded, wordlessly, then turned his attention to the breakfast tray C-3P0 had carried in. Eggs and smoked fish and dark klaff went down without being tasted, as he turned her words over and over again. He had everything he wanted, didn't he? Then why did it seem everything was falling apart?
Padme returned, dreased in an elegant green gown. She stole a slice of buttered bread from his plate, bit into it, and then stretched and postured just a little for him. "Alright, I'm off. Do you need anything before I go?"
"You," he answered with a smile. "Always."
"And lunch at the noon hour? Where would you like to go?"
He thought for a moment. "The Indigo Tower? it's not as...exclusiveas the Skysitter, but it has a magnificent view. And I've heard the food is good, too." Rising, he kissed her gently. "And... when you do go offworld? Take Rex, and a squad of the 501st. Please?" A moment's hesitation. "I know you're tougher than you look. But... I worry."
gpt
"You."
She smiled shyly and nibbled at her toast for a moment, shaking her head. When he mentioned the Indigo Tower, and the seemingly good reviews, she nodded. "It's a date," she whispered before he stood up and took her face in his hands, kissing her suddenly, but very graciously. When he drew back, he asked when she would depart today and begged her that she take Rex and the squad of the 501st. It was his, wasn't it? He seemed worried that he'd upset her, but she raised her hand and quickly promised him that she would not argue. "Fine. But if I take Rex, who will keep you in line?" She raised her eyebrows in question and leaned up, allowing him to kiss her one more time. She could feel the cool metal press into her back. Again, they kissed, Padme gently attempting to break free.
"Ani, pelase, I'm going to be late. I fly in an hour," she begged him and finally drew away. "And let's talk about undressing...later." Again, her eyebrows raised but she moved past him with a second glance over her shoulder and exited the apartment. Rex was quick to meet her, no doubt being called by Anakin, and the squad followed behind her as she made her way first to her office first to get a few pieces of paperwork and a couple signatures out of the way. She was given a fruit basket with a bottle of wine at the door. Confused, she checked the note, wondering if perhaps Anakin had sent it, but it had been from Chancellor Palpatine who signed,From the Empire, thanking you for your hard work and to congratulate you on your pregnancy.
Rex dipped his head in. "Mrs. Vader?"
Padme gave him a side look. "What did I say about calling me that?"
"Sorry ma'am, rolls off the tongue quite nicely. What shall I do with this."
"Send it to my room." She wasn't particularly looking forward to trying it, but Anakin's body was better built against immunities than her own, especially with her pregnancy, she wouldn't be trying to eat anything that made her feel unsafe. Finally, when her day was done, she met Bail Organa at his ship and he turned in surprise at the squad. "Ah, it seems I'll be in need of further protection after the little... disarray at the gala. Anakin-- Vader... suggested it." Bail looked at her knowingly and merely escorted her in his arm up the ramp. They were orbited for Yavin, passing it's 4th moon and landing on the jungle, ripe planet. They were asking for negotiations with a small rebel base that was starting to form.
"Senator Amidala," she was greeted and for the first time, she thought a moment to correct him, but now Anakin no longer took up the name Skywalker. But her children would. It would keep them safe. Touching her belly beneath the fabric, she knew Rex was no doubt sending report after to report to Anakin on their progress. Amidala was taken care of and debated and negotiated for nearly hours as they protested and Padme found her own self struggling to represent the new Galactic Empire, but promised what she could. In the end, the negotiations were successful, but still needed to be worked on further.
"Back to Coruscant. Rex? The Indigo Tower please."
"A hot date tonight, Mrs. Vader?"
"Oh, Rex..." Padme shook her head, embarrassed and buried her face in her hand as Bail awkwardly looked away.
human
Rex chuckled a little as he set the coordinates. Outside, the stars stretched and streaked and finally gave way to the swirling unlight of hyperspace. Bail shifted uncomfortably for a moment. "Commander? May I ask you a question?"
"Of course, Senator," Rex answered.
"Is it true? What the news reports that An... that Darth Vader did?"
"At the Jedi Temple, you mean?" Rex's voice was neutral and flat.
"Yes."
Rex rotated his chair. "You were there, Senator. I was the one that saved you from that lone Jedi, remember?"
"I didn't see anything that happened inside."
"Good on you," Rex replied. "Me? I saw too damn much. Let me tell you what happened."
Settling back, Rex removed his helmet. "Operation Knightfall, we called it. The Jedi had betrayed the Republic in a series of attempted coups acriss the galaxy. The 501st, under the general's leadership, received the honor of pacifying the temple itself. Peacefully if possible, but through any means necessary." He ran vauntleted fingers through hus close-cropped hair. "There were more than a thousand Jedi in that building."
"Eight hundred of them were children," Bail snapped.
"Bullshit," Rex snapped back. "Eight hundred of them were short, half-trained Jedi. They weren't kids any more than I was ever a kid." He snorted. "The one I put down in front of you? We'd ordered him to surrender. We wanted him alive. On his own, he killed 37 of my men." Armor clacked as he crossed his arms. "He was twelve. He'd been trained as a warrior since he could walk. And he killed 37 of my men."
Rex let that hang in the air.
"Yeah, the general killed most of them. The shirt half-trained ones and the fulky-trained ones. Because he's agood man, the general is."
Bail snorted contempt. "Hiw do you figure that?"
"Because he savedus. Eight hundred short, half-trained Jedi would have devoured the 501st and spat our bones out. And if by some miracle we survived - and even with his efforts, only forty percent of us did - popular opinion would have painted us as 'monsters' and 'baby killers'. But he took that on himself, did what had to be done to spareusthat name."
"He..."
"Shut. Up." Rex's voice was dangerous now. "You have norightto judge him. While politicians like you were ordering us up in the millions and treating us like meat droids, he and General Kenobi treated us limepeople. He bled for us. He learned our names. And he hilled eight hundred short half-trained Jedi to save our lives." His gauntleted fist hammered against his breastplate. "I would die for him, if he asked me to."
With a convulsive movement, he jamned his helmet back on and turned back to the controls.
gpt
Padme was silent throughout Rex and Bail's strange and then suddenly angered banter about Anakin's deeds. She lowered her head when the topic was brought up. Strange. As a diplomat, she strived to see things from all different angles. Here, Rex had one of them. She began to wonder about this, but could not bring herself to fully forgiven Anakin. Still, she could not let go. Closing her eyes, she placed a hand to her belly. "Please. Enough. We are descending soon," she interjected which seemed to get the two to stop. As they landed at the boarding hub on Coruscant, Rex escorted Padme back to her room where she found Anakin waiting for her. Rex either figured he'd want to escort her personally or it was a command given. Ether way, Padme did not seem to mind.
She raised the black hood around her face and smoothed back her hair. "I'm ready to go," she said softly allowed Anakin to escort her out to his speeder when he was ready. "Please don't drive so fast, well... maybe a little on the turns," she said, a little sparkle in her beautiful, honey brown eyes. Shyly, she looked away when he started the engine up. They arrived at the Indigo Tower, clearly as stated, a tower of a building whose faint lights gave off a violet glow. She took Anakin's hand in her own as he helped her down. The had a reservation under the name, 'Skywalker,' to which Padme ducked a little further beneath her hood. They had paid well and their privacy would at least be respected.
They ascended to the top floor of the tower where Padme watched in awe as they were seated at a private table, away from the crowds. A gentle instrumental musical track was being played overhead and for the first time in a while, she was at ease. Taking a seat, she lowered her head a little and placed a hand to her belly. "It is nice here," she commented and took up a menu, a look of confusion on her face. "There's so many choices... did you have a busy schedule today, too?" The waiter came around, laying down a few extra napkin's, ready to take any further drink orders. Padme ordered a ginger milk tea.
human
"I suspect I'll have a busy schedule for the foreseeable future." Anakin chuckled. "Which, given my training, is a distressingly long time." He eyed the menu, noting the presence ofsixdifferent kinds of water, and pursed his lips in thought. "Ah... the yellow Orso '47, I think." A moment's hesitation. "And a glass of the Crystalring mineral water." The waiter nodded, and discretely vanished.
"But," Anakin continued, "specifically today? Yes. It fell to me to supervise the cleanup in the aftermath of... Knightfall." The last word came out a whisper, and his eyes - mostly blue - were haunted.
"You have responsibilities, Lord Vader," Darth Sidious snapped.
"And one of them, my Master, is ensuring that the Temple is secured." Darth Vader looked up at the senior Sith Lord. "I will ensure it is carried out. Successfully."
"Uhm... cataloging artifacts and records. Securing the Temple..."
The bodies were still there, where he'd left them. Some still had small lightsabers clutched in small fists. It would have been nice to be able to say they looked like they were sleeping, but that would have been a terrible lie. The signs of chaos and violence were everywhere. In the walls. In the destroyed furniture.
Carved into the bodies of children.
Darth Vader stood in the center of the room, staring. Occasionally he flexed first his artificial hand, and then his living one. On those instants, he would then glance down at the limb in question. And then he would look at them once more.
"What do you want us to do with them, General?" asked one of the Troopers. JJMK-22, who had chosen the name 'Johnny Mike'.
Vader drew a deep breath, and let it out slowly. "Catalog them. Find out who their next of kin were, and have them returned if possible. The rest are to receive a proper burial."
Johnny nodded his armored head. "Yes, sir."
Vader turned his back, face impassive as the Trooper gave the orders.
He looked away and drew a long, shuddering breath. "I... I hope your... trip went... better. I'd rather hear talk of peace, right now, than of more war."
gpt
Just the mention caught her off guard a bit. Looking down at her salad creation of greens and a few fruits, she began to pick at it slowly. Padme did not know what to say to this news. It disturbed her and the look on Anakin's face only furthered the said disturbance. He didn't seem to want to dwell on it, so she politely agreed to move on. "Yes. The negotiations went well. Your friendly Emperor should allow me to do this more often. They aren't all too happy with the way things are changing. Slowly, but surely. It is too difficult to change to a dictatorship," she said with slight distance. "Or at least attempt to build one's throne even higher. But I shall continue to be an advocate for the people."
Their drinks came and after they ordered, Padme a little weary on ordering anything too expensive, but Anakin insisted. Soon, their conversations became a little more lighthearted. "I can't wait to see their faces," she mused softly, glowing in motherhood as she placed a small hand to her belly. "Can you really feel them through the Force?" She asked, slightly amused and amazed by the wonders of the world around her. So much they simply could not comprehend. "I wonder if someday I shall feel it, too," she mused and munched on her food quite happily. "This is delicious. It's not hard to eat for three, you know. I'm always so hungry," she insisted.
After dinner, Anakin sped them back to the apartment where Padme became still suddenly as they entered the front sliding door. "Ah," she paused for a moment and offered him a smile. "It's nothing," she said lightly before stumbling and catching herself against the corner of the couch. "A little light headed. Probably from flying, maybe," she concluded, trying to find the reason for her sudden drained face and the lack of coherency that she prided herself on. And then suddenly, she nearly collapsed to the ground. If Anakin had not been there, she could have easily hit the glass table and hurt herself. Catching his arm, she could feel tears in her eyes. "My water broke," she whispered, praying that Anakin knew what that meant. If he didn't she inhaled a sharp breath. "Ani.. the babies. Their coming," she swallowed hard and started to feel pain. This wasn't right! It was as if an unknown force was doubling her pain, taking a further toll on her. This pain wasn't even coming from her belly anymore. It was like a blazing fire coursing through her. "Ani, please! I need to be taken to the m-medical wing," she begged, attempting to stand. "S-Something's not right," she cried out again in pain.
human
Thankfully, Padme decided to change the subject."Yes. The negotiations went well. Your friendly Emperor should allow me to do this more often. They aren't all too happy with the way things are changing. Slowly, but surely. It is too difficult to change to a dictatorship."
"Dictatorship?" Anakin countered. "Emperor? I think you're being a little... harsh. The Supreme Chancellor merely wields the emergency powers granted him by the Senate - granted by popular vote, if you recall. And they will be surrendered once the state of emergency is ended."
"Or at least attempt to build one's throne even higher. But I shall continue to be an advocate for the people."
"No, no, absolutely. Please do." He leaned back in his chair. "The sooner the remaining Seperatist factions can be brought to heel, the better. And if it can be done peacefully, so much the better."
The waiter returned with their drinks, and they ordered - Padme flinching a little at the cost. They continued to talk, steering away from politics and eventually finding their way to the subject of their expanding family."I can't wait to see their faces," she mused softly. "Can you really feel them through the Force?"
"I can," Anakin answered, smiling. "They're... it's hard to describe. Their mindsfeellike human minds - the same sort of deep complexity. But... their thoughts are strange. Unformed. Completely in the moment, and aware of nothing but each other and their mother." His gaze grew wistful. "They're comforting. Like a warm blanket, on a cold night."
"I wonder if someday I shall feel it, too."" she mused.
"You could, yes," he answered, unexpectedly. "Anyone can learn to sense and even control the Force, Padme. Some people are better at it, but it connects and fills everything and everyone." He hesitated. "I could teach you, if you want."
The dinner concluded, and Anakin flew the two of them back to the Embassy. Not by a direct route, but following a winding path past the more scenic parts of the Coruscant skyline. As he piloted, he talked of inconsequentials. The dim glimmer of stars in a night sky nearly drowned out by the lights of the ecumenopolis, and how different it was from the broad, black nights of his own homeworld. The coming twins, and what they might be like, and how they were surely going to be beautiful because they had a beautiful mother. But finally, the flight came to an end as he touched the speeder down. Troopers of the 501st snapped salutes as he dismounted and opened the door for his wife, then fell in to escort them to the door of the apartment.
And then, suddenly, Padme stumbled and caught his arm."A little light headed,"she insisted, although even without the Force he'd have known she was wrong. She was too pale."Probably from flying, maybe."
"Maybe," he agreed, concerned. "But... why don't you..."
She collapsed, and he caught her before she could hit the ground."My water broke," she whispered.
For a second that was a meaningless statement to his ears. And then he connected it to the sudden turmoil from the twins, and her own suffering. "They're..?"
"Ani.. the babies. Their coming,"she gasped, doubling over."Ani, please! I need to be taken to the m-medical wing," she begged, attempting to stand. "S-Something's not right," she cried out again in pain.
It was his recurring nightmare, coming true. After everything else, she was still dying! Dying and there wasnothinghe could...
Stop. The inner voice was deep and cold and imperious. He clung to it, drawing strength from it. She wouldnotdie. He would notpermitit.
"Rex," Darth Vader snapped into a comlink as he helped Padme to a couch. "Medivac, now. Lady Amidala is in labor, and it is progressing poorly."
"Shit!" Rex's voice snapped back over the unit. There was a pause in which Vader reached out and touched Padme's mind, blocking the pain. It wasn't a cure, far from it. But it would stop the suffering until they got her to the med wing. "Laartie inbound, ETA 5 General."
"Understood," Vader answered. He clutched his wife's hand. "Breathe, Padme. Slowly. In, and out. In, and out." He kept his own terror hidden away as he spoke. "We'll have you there soon."
The Troopers hit the door, barely waiting for it to open to push inside. JXKB-11 ("Jason") and ALVI-33 ("Alvin") - two of the best field medics the 501st had to offer. Alvin went to work assembling the stretcher as Jason pulled crossed the room and knelt by Padme to test her vitals. Within moments the two medics had her on the repulsorlift stretcher. "Laartie's landing now, General," Jason announced. "It's risky, but we need to move her to have any hope, and we need to move her now."
"Then do so," Vader ordered, and then all three of them were racing towards the landing pad and thegunship.
gpt
Padme remembered what one of the doctors had said to her earlier. To breathe. To focus on the breath; in and out and to clear her head. It was much harder to do than usual, and she was beginning to fear that something else, an unknown force was at work in order to make this more difficult. Who? Why? She winced as he helped her to the couch and began to shout into his comlink. His wife cried out once more time, a last time as suddenly a calming wave of something, a little blue light entered her thoughts and she slumped a little against the couch. For now, this gentle easing light was able to give her some comfort. She looked to Anakin and knew instantly that he had done something to try and help. She reached for his hand and he grasped it. It went to his face when he told her to breathe slowly.
It wasn't difficult to hear him, and she merely nodded, offering him a weak smile. "I'm... a little scared," she admitted and even laughed, placing her hand to her belly. "Why are they so angry," she wondered, her voice sounding so small and sad. To her shock, Troopers entered the room, not giving her a moment to recover as she tried to stand by herself, finding her body switching into polite mode. The senator was told she was not needed to stand and one of the Troopers took her vitals. To her surprise and initial hope, everything looked alright. How could this be? Jason looked puzzled as she had and then they mobved to grab a repulsorlift stretcher to which she was given some assistance to the Troopers. "I'm sorry," she mumbled in a weak voice and no one there would blame her.
They were taken to the landing pad, Padme placing a hand to her brow in discomfort as it began to return throughout her entire body. They were rushed to the medic wing as Anakin had ordered, people getting out of the way, others watching in curiosity. When Padme was sent into the room, Anakin was not allowed in. Whether he put up a fight or remained calm and away from everyone, Padme did not know. She wished she could see him once more, feeling his face in her hand. It would have been enough. Poor Padme could now feel the pain rising once more. "It hurts!" She cried and the medical droids began to buzz around her, positioning her upright and cutting out her gown and slipping her body into a white gown instead while she slipped in and out of consciousness.
Anakin was eventually permitted to watch, but behind the glass if he so choosed. Placing her on the birthing table, she thrashed out in pain, tears streaming down her pretty pink cheeks, her breathing rapid and overwhelming. The soft beeping of her heart beat on the monitor was no doubt a focus of many minds. And after an hour of her pain and her beautiful voice crying out for help, in anguish, the first cry of a baby was heard. It was a healthy baby boy. "Once more, once more," the medical droids called to her and she looked at them, slightly frightened and unsure, but the pain struck her. Her babies had wanted out, hadn't they? They were ready, whether she was or not. And finally, moments later, a little girl had followed, being carefully wrapped into the white sheets.
Padme was given a brief moment to see either one of them, and tried to smile, but even that had become hard to do. "Luke," she whispered, touching his little beet red face. "Oh, Luke," she said, a soft motherly tone in her voice. And then, her baby girl. "Leia," her voice cooed affectionately. Twins. Just as Anakin had... had said... And slowly, her mind was succumbing to darkness. "I... I need to see him," she begged, her hands falling to her sides as her eyes suddenly closed, the beeping sound of the heart monitor not as consistance. "We are losing her," the droids claimed in their monotone voices, though somehow still surprised.
Across the way at the Emperor's little palace on Coruscant, he had been focusing outside the window, watching across the way where the medical bay resided. He was concentrating very hard. He had done everything in his power to attempt to kill one of the children; just a soft experience. He laughed when he heard both of the cries. They had lived. Was it the children's strong will, or their mothers? And suddenly, as he continued to attempt to drain Padme's life, he felt a block. A strong force that was opposing it. And immediately, he knew. The once Chancellor drew back his hood in frustration, though he did it slowly. His own apprentice had felt the disturbance in her life force and attempted to restore it to her through himself. This hadn't gone as he planned and once the Emperor's attempts were detected by Anakin - or someone - he backed off. Frustrated, he slammed his fist against his desk, causing a large dent.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
The heart monitor returned to normal, and the progression of Padme's natural breath returned, though her eyes stayed close. She had merely passed out at this point. She had survived. Was it Anakin? Or the children? Or perhaps a small fire in her own soul? Whatever the case, she was moved to a more comfortable room, the children placed in two little pods as their crying ceased. Luke was curiously looking around while Leia began to shout in delight of some sorts.
human
She was alive. The twins were alive.
The thought ran through Darth Vader's mind like a litany. A mantra, alliwing him to focus on his rage as it fanned and blossomed. His master, Darth Sidiius, had tried to kill her. Tried to kill all three of them. And he had possessed jusr eniugh strength to blunt the attack. Padme had suffered, because hus strength and skill were not enough to directly counter the power of the Dark Lord. But she lived.
They lived.
His instinct was to strike now. Order a direct assault on the offices of the Supreme Chancellor by the 501st,and crucify Sidious before the Senate. But he held back. Darth Vader knew he was no match for his master. Not yet. And so he woukd play the dutiful apprentice. Absorb his master's lessons. And theen, when the time was right, he would strike.
Gently, he scooped up his two children. They were wrinkked and blotchy, eyes half-closed and hair thin and whispy, and they were beautiful. "Hello, Luke," he whispered. "Hello, Leia." He paused, feeling their unformed thoughts through the Force. "You an overthrow the Chancellor. He has forseen this."
Leia's mouth worked a little, and his smile grew wider. "One day, the two of you will join me. We will avenge your mother, and you will rule the galaxy at my side."
Padme stirred in her sleep, and her eyes opened slowly. "Hello, love," he said, scooting close. "Would you like to hold them?"
gpt
She was awakened by the sound of soft cries. Her children. She began to stir slightly, her eyes opening very slowly as she turned up to see Anakin. Handsome, smiling, and at peace. She enjoyed this look of his and began to inhale carefully. No pain. It was as if it had slipped from her body entirely. Instead, she was able to feel human again, for the most part. There was a little pain down below, but that was natural enough. It meant she was able to create and give life. Turning her head, she sat up a little and nodded her head. "Yes. I would," she whispered softly and reached out. First Luke to which she looked down and began to laugh softly. "Look at his eyes," she called to him, looking up at Anakin then back to little Luke. Then, she took Leia in her hands. The eyes were still light as any babe's would, but slowly, she could see speckles of honey brown. But the both of them were starting to look like Anakin.
Shyly, she began to look around, wondering if anyone could sense them like this. For a moment, there was only silence, and Padme could finally feel at ease. With her children in her hands, she began to weep. But these were not sad tears, they were happy ones. She couldn't believe that she was here, with Anakin and their children. After a gentler moment, a medical droid reappeared and administered some pain medication to Padme through her arm. Though her eyes never left Anakin's as he politely sat in the chair nearest to her. He wasn't engaging with her in a loving husband way, but she could tell through his eyes that he was; he couldn't have been more proud, more happy. Had he... been right in the end? Had he saved her? Had all of his wrong doings be for this one perfect moment? Padme felt her heart sink. As a Queen of the people and a representative of them following, she could not so easily justify an action of one perfect moment for the cost and lives of others.
Looking away from him, she looked down to her clasped hands and took a few breathes and waited for the droid to leave. "I'm in a little pain, but I wish to resume my duties tomorrow. I will be with the children in the morning and evening and we shall have one of my hand maidens watch them. Motherhood is, unfortunately, only one of my many duties." It seemed to stress her, but even after birthing two children, Padme's mind was set on doing her duty.
human
Padme took the twins, here face lighting up as she held them. "Look at his eyes," she called to him.
"I did," he answered, a foolish grin on his face. "They're beautiful. He must get them from you."
Without warning, she began to weep. Vader hesitated, uncertain what to do. Was something wrong? And then Anakin looked at her face, at the inexpressible joy on her features, and he leaned forward and took his wife - his family - in his arms. Emotions surged in him, and he felt moisture trickling down his own cheeks. "They're perfect," he whispered. "And they're ours.Ourperfect babies."
He'd nearly lost them all. Lost them to his own lack of control. Lost them to Darth Sidious and his assassination attempt. Pain twisted in his chest, pain and grief at the thought that he might never have been able to do this. Never been able to hold his wife, never been able to see his children. A wild fury coursed through him then, fury that quickly transformed into a steely, cold rage. Sidious would pay for this. He would pay.
"Are you well?" he sniffed, trying not to sob. "I mean... no, it's a stupid question."
Looking away from him, she looked down to her clasped hands and took a few breathes and waited for the droid to leave. "I'm in a little pain, but I wish to resume my duties tomorrow. I will be with the children in the morning and evening and we shall have one of my hand maidens watch them. Motherhood is, unfortunately, only one of my many duties."
"What?" Anakin gaped at her. "No! You can't!" He bit off the next words that tried to come out of his mouth, and drew a deep breath. "Padme...you've just had our children. You're entitled, ifanyoneis entitled, to a little time off." He scooted his chair closer. "I've already arranged for us to return to Naboo for a time - Coruscant and the Supreme Chancellor can do without me for a month, and the HoloNet exists if they can't." He kissed her forehead. "Let Dorm or Sab carry the load for a while - they've done it before." He grinned. "And the HoloNet exists if they can't."
His gaze turned, becoming a mixture of serious and hopeful. "Come on. Just a month, with your two most trusted Handmaidens carrying on while you're away. Just the four of us. And your family. Because I'm certain we won't keep the proud grandparents away."
gpt
Padme was not surprised when her husband seemed on edge when she announced that she planned to go straight back to work. He was perhaps, a little offended in some way, and she raised a delicate eyebrow to him suddenly trying to find the words to try and convince her. "I don't do time off well," she admitted softly and when he admitted that he'd already made plans for them to go to Naboo, caused her lips to part in surprise. When his head came toward her to kiss just above her brow, she closed her eyes for a moment. Dorm and Sab were always ready and able to step up to the plate. In fact, she could easily convey information back and forth; she'd done it plenty of times before. She knew they would be well taken care of. It would be easy to disguise them; just like old times.
"I don't know," she mused, but Anakin's boyish promise caused her to be transported to a time of innocence. Their picinic in the lush meadows of Naboo sounded promising. Plus, it had certainly been a while since she traveled there and home had felt so distant. Being stuck on Coruscant was the last thing she wanted. It just worried her with Anakin's new... reputation. "A month, I can't agree to. But I will see how long I last. But I am allowed to bring my paperwork and communicate with my handmaidens as I need. I shall arrange for them to meet me this evening," always business with Padme and when Anakin leaned toward her, she gently tilted her head and allowed him to kiss her as if it were their first exchange.
As Padme recovered in solitude, their ship was already being prepared for take off for the evening. Anakin no doubt thought it would be best if they left Coruscant by sun down and did it without alerting others. Padme dressed in a simple dark purple gown with a black robe over and a hood which she rose over the two buns holding her hair in place, reached out to take the two little white bundles in her hands. She gently passed Leia to Anakin. The children had been fed and bathed and were quietly, peacefully, resting. "Please take care. And contact me should anything happen. If you need me... only you will know where I am. I put my life and trust in you, as I've always done," she said softly, the regal authority always ringing true. Both of her handmaidens, Dorm taking the night to dress as Padme and twist her hair in Padme's fashion, bowed their heads.
Turning, she held Luke close as they ascended into the smaller cruiser and Padme touched Anakin's arm. "No politics?" She asked, hoping for a promise. If Anakin could truly agree with her here, she would place her trust back in him. Hopefully, this wouldn't lead to dismay and chaos. It was risky to move, but she had to take a chance. Still, a shroud of darkness could be felt behind her and Padme, though she was with her husband, somehow did not feel as safe a she would have liked. C3P0 and R2 were along for the ride, C3P0 handing her a cup of water as Padme sat down in the back, holding the children. "Thank you 3P0." Very gently, she placed each of her children into the tiny white medical pods as they floated ever so carefully and rocked on their own. Padme lowered her hood, knowing the children were being watched by the droids, and moved to join Anakin for their ascension into space.
human
"No politics," Anakin agreed, bringing the engines of the cruiser on line. "I promise."
Preparations had gone swiftly, because he'd made the arrangements ahead of time. He'd told Darth Sidious that he was following up on a lead as to the whereabouts of Master Yoda, and that he'd be taking the 501st and departing immediately in theVictory. And that was true, from a certain point of view. Hehadordered the 501st to board the Star Destroyer and follow up on just such a lead - one of the Hutt Cartels had provided information that he'd been sighted near Tatooine, of all places. The only troopers remaining were the squad that had been chosen to be Padme's honor guard.
Rex had protested, mostly because he wasn't taking the honor guard to Naboo with him. But Anakin hadn't yielded to the Commander. It was vital to the deception that they remain. And besides, he could certainly protect Padme if anything happened. So, grumbling and bitching, Rex accepted the decision.
The engines purred and hummed as Anakin cut in the antigravs and the silver needle of the ship launched into the sky. Within minutes it had passed beyond the atmosphere and was arrowing through the space around Coruscant. "We're going to Naboo to relax," he said, picking the conversation back up. "No politics. Nothing but us, and our family." A pause, and then he grinned. "Well, unless Dorm or Sab or Rex call. Because I'm confident they won't bother us unless it's an actual emergency." Hands flickered over the controls as he altered course slightly. "Which reminds me..."
Stars moved before them, and soon the figure of a distant ship could be seen. At first, there was nothing about it to give a sense of size or scale. But, as they grew closer, it was clearly the triangular shape of a Victory-class Star Destroyer. Anakin touched the comm. "Saber calling fist. Saber calling fist. Over."
"Saber, this is fist," Rex's voice responded. "Go ahead."
"Green?"
"Green. Enjoy your hunt, saber."
"Roger that, fist. Out."
He gave Padme an apologetic look. "Sorry. I just had to make sure everything's clear. Rex'll be minding the store for the next month. Even if Palpatine's looking for me." Reaching out, he paused as he gripped the hyperspace lever. Then he took Padme's hand, and put it on his own. "Together?" he asked.
Then, with her hand resting on his as he pulled the lever back, the stars lengthened into streaks as they lept into hyperspace.
gpt
Ducking her head as she joined him to sit, she watched as Anakin smoothly flew them beyond their world above and into the stars, Coruscant looking much less intimidating from this view. She glanced down slightly when her husband reminded her once again that Naboo was there for them to relax. "It feels like forever since I've been home," she admitted softly after he further the promise of no politics, only their little world and their little family. She couldn't believe this was happening, nor could she believe the Emperor would allow this so easily. He was a cunning man and she would have to remember this; he was pulling Anakin's strings and she had to be mindful of this. What if he turned again on her too? It had happened so easily then and it could so easily happen now. Swallowing hard, she was broken from her thoughts when Anakin spoke to the comm on his wrist.
Free from any restrains behind them, Anakin apologized that he had to make sure everything would be going smoothly back on Coruscant. She shook her head; she didn't mind. Rex was a closer ally than Palpatine had ever been. As he reached for the lever to dash them into hyperspace, he leaned over and took her hand to place on top of his. He asked if they could together, she gave a small nod and moved her hand forward as they warped quickly into hyperspace. She could not help but feel they were still being watched, even so far away as they had been.
As they arrived on Naboo, the beautiful golden and green once fuzzy now coming into the light. The palace looked as majestic as it always had. Anakin had called in to prepare for their landing just outside of the palace. It seemed they wanted Padme to make an apperance to which she initially declined but then approved of. She knew Anakin may be upset about it, but this was her home and her people meant just as much as her own two children. "Please? I promise, it'll only be a few days and we're being housed in the palace. After, we'll head to the lake house. The one we stayed at so long ago," she seemed to reminiscence and felt Anakin's hands to her face. Leaning up, she kissed him very gently. She always seemed to know what he wanted and how badly he craved it. Perhaps she was gaining strength in the Force after all.
They were escorted to the Queen's throne room to which she politely bowed and prayed Anakin would do the same. "It is so good to see you," the Queen of Naboo said warmly, rising and to reach down and shake Padme's hand personally. Padme would forever be loved on her home planet.
"It is always an honor to be here. I know there is much you wished to discuss but I am here... on pleasure, not business."
"Of course, Senator. Congratulations on the birth of your children. Word has spread." She eyed Anakin perhaps a little cautiously. It seemed Naboo, even this far out, had heard of Anakin's... strength, for a lack of better words. "We welcome you always, but we are cautious of the new Galactic Empire. We fear that democracy will not reign as it should. We request an audience with you, perhaps later this evening on how we can make everything, in the favor of our people work," she suggested softly to which Padme bowed politely and thanked the Queen, asking to retire for the evening.
The palace did not disappoint. Padme and Anakin, plus their children were given a luxurious large room with an adjacent bedroom for their children, an open large archway so they could be near. Padme dropped her bags and smiled. "This was my old room. They didn't have to do that. It even smells like me. How strange," she commented but offered a smile as R2 rolled in. She patted his little shape and let Luke and Leia rest on the bed beside her, gently swaying Luke a little in her arms. "Please don't be upset," she offered to Anakin knowing that already she could not avoid politics. It was in her nature due to her senator term; he had to understand this. But at least they were one step away from the core of all the chaos.
human
Anakin shifted uncomfortably in the grand audience room of the Theed Palace, aware of the eyes on him. It was clear that they had heard of his actions - the entiregalaxyhad heard, after all - and that few approved. Which made sense, really. It was the Jedi - Master Qui-Gon and his apprentice - that had broken the Trade Federation blockade and liberated their world. The man who had destroyed the Jedi would find few friends on Naboo. So he waited, dark and silent, as Padme consulted with the new queen. It was the easiest way he knew to mask his feelings before a crowd. Obi-Wan had taught him that...
The thought of his friend and Master and brother made his eyes prickle. Obi-Wan's death had been unavoidable, but even now he wished it had been otherwise.
Finally, the reception was over. Cloak swirling around him, he followed Padme and their honor guard to their chambers. As she stretched out n the bed and settled the babies next to her, he prowled around the vaulted rooms and looked out over the waterfalls."This was my old room,"she observed."They didn't have to do that. It even smells like me. How strange."
"Well," he smiled walking back into the bedroom, "no wonder I think it smells perfect. What a pity they seem to want you to pick up your old duties as well."
She picked one of the swaddled bundles up - Luke, from his presence in the Force - and rocked him in her arms."Please don't be upset."
"I'm not," he said with a sigh, taking a seat next to her and scooping Leia up. "I suppose that you can take the Ambassador away from politics, but you can't take politics away from the Ambassador." He leaned forward a little, bumping his nose against the baby's. "Isn't that wight, Weia?" he cooed. "Isn't that wight? Ooo... yes it is, yes itis..." He began laughing. Leia, for her part, seemed unimpressed.
Suddenly, clutching Leia firmly to his chest, he threw himself back on the bed. "Help!" he shouted, wiggling. "She's got me! Killer baby! Killer baby!" Leia, yawning, still seemed unimpressed.
Anakin laid there for a moment, grinning and mouthing "killer baby" still. But slowly, his expression became more serious. "Actually... I don't think I can escape politics either. Is this..." He glanced around. "Can we trust these rooms?"
gpt
Anakin could make a bad situation, a bad place, better. She smiled a little and shrugged her shoulders. "I am far from perfect, Anakin," she mumbled gently and rubbed her shoulders as she opened the large windows which acted like large doors that led out to the balcony. It was beautiful; a lovely view that reminded her of when she was year at just the young age of fourteen, ruling, commanding, designating. In a strange way, she almost missed it. Perhaps she was drawn to this notion of leading no matter what she was. A queen, a senator, now a mother. What was next? Turning back to Anakin who was tryingdesperatelyto impress his infant daughter, she grinned, shook her head when he drew back onto the bed with Leia.
Finally, Padm broke into her big, beautiful full smile and began to laugh. "You're ridiculous!" She hadn't felt this at ease in a while and seeing the two of them filled her with great joy. Only in the Skywalker's life could a moment this nice last for only a short period of time. They returned to the fear of the room truly being safe or not. Frowning a moment, she went back and placed the now sleepy Luke into his crib. "Truthfully? I cannot say. I am a friend, an ally of Naboo and I always will be. But... times have changed. However; this was also the home of Palpatine, too. Surely, as much as you trust him, this place can be trusted... to a certain extent." Closing her eyes suddenly, she could hear those noises again, calling out to her. Who was that? Rubbing her forehead, she moved forward and took Leia from Anakin gently who was now growing sleepy as well. Placing her daughter in the pod next to Luke, she offered Anakin a small smile.
"What would you like to do? Shall we walk? If anything, I think the children are saferawayfrom us. If there is a threat, they would come to me first. And I am willing to take such a risk," Padm concluded, willing to defend those she cared for even at a distance. Dorm was there at the door a polite knock later, revealing the four guards outside of their room. She bowed.
"Milady, we have the personal Queen's guards here at your door as am I and three other maidens. If you wish to explore your home once more, you may. I trust your..." Dorm shyly bowed her head to Anakin, "guardian, would be more than happy to accompany you and keep you safe."
Padm gave Anakin a curious look and tilted her head. Perhaps they could go back to the meadow they so enjoyed or the balcony in which they had declared and shared their love only to the two droids that had kept said secret. The lush green world ofNabooawaited them. Padm was unaware of the Chancellor so far away who could feel their force, their childrens' strong feelings already blossoming, and finally, he was ready to invade the still neutral land of Naboo. And he would convince his young apprentice to have them join whether he liked it or not.
human
"Sometimes," Anakin remarked, "I wish I'd stayed here."
He strode the marble path alongside the river, having to remind himself again and again to simply walk. Catching himself marching again, he slowed down and caught Padme's hand again, twining his fingers with hers. "I could have... oh, I don't know. Opened a droid repair shop. Maybe started a podracing circuit." He gestured ahead, sunlight winking on his golden fingers. "The rivers would make a gdlightfully challenging course."
He was rambling, and he knew it. But he hesitated to say aloud the things he needed to tell her. Even here, there were too many ears. But as he walked, an idea struck him. And so, glancing around, he gave her a mischevious look. "Come on!"
With that he vaulted the railing and swung her over, then gripped her hand and led her in a race across the magnificent gardens. Soon he was laughing, boited feet flying as he ran. At the far end, where the garden overloojed the falls, he swept her into his arms. "I love you!" he shouted, pulling her into a kiss as the falling water thundered beside them.
"We have to talk," he said as he broke the kiss. His lios caressed her jaw and found her earlobe. "You are in terrible danger, love, and it's nit something I know how to fight." An iutside observer, unable to hear his voice over the cacaphony of the waterfall, would have taken their actions for a lover's tryst. But his voice, a hot whisper in her ear, was deadly serious. "The Suoreme Chancellor tried to murder you, Padme. When you went into labir."
Spotting anither couple strolling the distant path, he kissed her quite thoroughly. The woman civered her mouth as she saw them, then snuggled into her companion and murmured something. Both quickened their pace, and Anakin broke the kiss - albeit a trifle reluctantly. "I'm nit strong enough to kill him, Padme. And I've no evidence a court would accept." He looked into her eyes. "I need your council."
gpt
As they began their descent past the castle and into the meadows, she found it strange that Anakin would suddenly find himself marching ahead of her as if he were going to a meeting and then pause, turn around, and capture her hand within his own. She was mostly silent, smiling a little as he offered that he could have opened a droid repair shop here, had they stayed in the country as Padme had once wished it. And a pod racing circuit? "Here? On Naboo? The people wouldn't understand. Though I'm sure somehow, someway, you could make them," the words sounded a little sad, perhaps intimidated by the new way of Anakin's thinking and acting.
Suddenly, a new burst of energy and enthusiasm had them practically dancing down the railing as he gripped her hand to race her in the gardens. "A-Anakin! I'm w-wearing a d-dress!" She protested between huffs of breath. One hand holding the hem of her dress, the other gripping his mechanical gloved hand quite tightly, afraid she would take a tumble. However, he captured her in his arms, in his embrace and the two of them suddenly felt lips upon lips. He told the world he had loved her; that had never happened before. "I--" she began to return his affection but he told her they had to talk. Surprised that Anakin would be so bold as to openly engage in a little kissing like this worked her up a bit.
Blushing, she placed her hands to his chest, attempting to move away until she heard that she was in terrible danger. When wasn't she? First she was trying to settle trade disputes, next she had an assassin... nothing surprised her now. And as always, the former queen silently bowed her head as he began to speak. She ignored the couple that walked by and froze when Anakin proclaimed that it had been the Supreme Chancellor who had attempted to break her very being during labor. "What?" She whispered, trying to turn her head to reach him, but their lips met again. Closing her eyes, she paused when he drew away. He admitted that he wasn't strong enough to kill him and that he had no evidence. "Wait," she paused and drew away from him fully.
"Where does your allegiance lie? First you choose Palpatine, then next you wish to kill this man you considered a father figure, a friend. No less than Obi-Wan." She would never let him live this down. A sad look glazed her eyes as she looked down a moment. "Even if it is a path I don't agree to, why can't you simply follow one? You confuse me." She lifted the ends of her dress and moved to go past him, gathering at the little flowers around her. "How can I help, now? I won't be apart of anyone's scheming anymore."
human
"Find a path, and follow it," he said, remembering once more why this magnificent woman had been elected to rule her people and then to represent them to the Galactic Senate. "You're... you're right, Padme." A smile. "I knew you would be, but..."
Was it Anakin Skywalker looking at her now, or Darth Vader? Or... both? His eyes were blue and lacked any trace of the fire of the Sith, but there was an icy calm in his expression unlike the passion that usually moved him. "Find a path, and follow it."
He started to speak, the hesitatd and glanced down at his prosthetic. Servos whirred as he flexed the hand. "For the last two years, Padme, I've been haunted by dreams. Premonitions." He forced himsekf to look up. "Visions, in the Force. I discussed them with... with Obi-Wan." His voice shook a little at the name. "And he told me that we must accept the will of the Force."
Crimson fire flickered in his eyes for an instant. "The will of the Force? The Force is atool, Padme! And I..."
He sighed, and his eyes cleared again. "Palpatine knew certain... secrets. Healing arts, ways ti change the course of destiny. I... trusted him. And when the Jedi rebelled, turned on him and the Republic. I stood with him, against them." His voice fell to a whisper. "Against Obi-Wan."
"I failed Ashoka," he murmured. "Failed my mother. I couldn't fail you, too."
Suddenly he looked up and stepped forward. "You are my path, Padme. You, and Luke and Leia. I thought I could trust Palpatine in this, trust that he would bring peace and order to the galaxy. Make it a safe place for you. All of you. And..." He grimaced.
"And I was deceived. The Jedi had become corrupt, but he was no better."