Chapter Text
Disclaimer: Not mine
Chapter 19
Obi-Wan hid a smirk as he watched Anakin speaking with the Alderaanian Senator, his apprentice may not have noticed but to everyone else it was obvious the two were attracted to each other.
“It seems Senate Security officers and Senators make a good match.”
“Chancellor.” Obi-Wan bowed to his new boss.
“Commander Kenobi. We all owe you a great debt for revealing Palpatine’s treachery.”
“Anakin was always suspicious of him, if only we had payed attention to that. I just wish Order 66 could have been overridden sooner.”
“Indeed, the treatment of the clones is going well. We must help them deal with what happened and move on. I hear Naboo is taking a large portion of them to do just that.”
“As are several planets, we all owe them for the protection they gave us in the war.” Obi-Wan admitted. “Has there been any news on Dooku?”
“Nothing, he seems to have vanished. All intelligent agents are on the lookout for him. many of the Separatist leaders are back peddling now they know how they were used. Even if the Count wishes to continue the war he will only have what troops are already with him.”
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Anakin blinked as he entered the main training room they used, it was pitch black and then a single lightsaber lit, one he instantly recognised as his Master’s and he had already sensed his presence. “Master.”
“Kneel My Apprentice.” He intoned and Anakin knelt before him, was this it?
“Anakin Skywalker, you have been my Apprentice since you were a child. You have learnt everything I have taught you and it is time to end your training. As of today you are no longer my Apprentice.” The lightsaber gently tapped the air over each of Anakin’s shoulders even he kept his head bowed. “Now rise Darth Vis, Lord of the Sith.”
Anakin stood as the lights came on to see Padme and the twins also present, Padme smiling happily at him. He then looked to his Master to see a fond smile on his face. “I won’t disappoint you Master.”
“I know you won’t Anakin.” Obi-Wan pulled him into a brief hug.
Padme then pulled the young man into a hug and kissed his cheek. “I’m so proud of you Ani.” The twins babbled happily from where Threepio and Artoo were watching over them, able to feel their parents’ happiness.
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“You sent for me Chancellor?” Obi-Wan stepped into the office and bit back a sigh as he saw Master Yoda. He bowed to them both. “Master Yoda, I hope you are fully recovered?”
“Do you?”
“Yes.” Obi-Wan stared straight at him and lowered his shields enough for the o0ld Master to feel that he genuinely wanted him to be alright.
“Well I am. Qui-Gon healing well is not.”
Obi-Wan closed his eyes, he did not love the man as he might have if different choices had been made years ago but he had become closer to being a friend during the war. “I see.”
“We have been discussing the Order’s future and its role in the Republic.” Bail admitted, motioning Obi-Wan to a seat. “Master Yoda made some startling accusations of you.”
“He told you I am a Sith.”
“Yes.” Bail was surprised by Obi-Wan simply stating it like that. “Are you?”
“If you use Palpatine as an example then no, nor am I a Jedi.”
“Then call yourself what do you?”
“My Master said we are Sith but I do not believe he was completely right as there is one thing that sets us apart from the Sith and the Jedi?”
“And what is that Commander?”
“Love, Chancellor. The purest emotion there is. I love my wife and my children. I love Anakin as a son and brother.”
Bail was taken aback by that frank answer, the emotions clear to see in Kenobi’s eyes. It had always been something that made a lot of people wary to give their children to the Jedi, the strict Code that allowed no family. But maybe it was time for things to change. “I believe I can get the votes to allow the Temple to remain here and active but there will have to be changes Master Yoda. The Republic can no longer lean so heavily on your Order, we trusted too much in your sight and you failed to tell us how blinded you were. It is time the Jedi stepped back from politics.”
“Agree I do.” Yoda admitted. “Even if remain the same we did, the numbers we no longer have. Many years it will take to strengthen the Order.”
“The Code needs to be updated and the age limit on Padawans revised. How many children were sent away who would have made excellent Jedi?”
“Of two I know well.” He answered. “Your children, trained will be?”
“In control, when they are old enough to choose then they will decide what training to take.”
“Allow within the Temple you would?”
“If the Code changes for the better then yes. I do not want to be your enemy Master Yoda, I never have.”
“See we shall. Go now I will. Come, speak again with Qui-Gon soon you should.”
“I will. I’ll even bring the twins.” Yoda left and Obi-Wan turned to Bail. “Do I need to look for a new job?”
Bail sighed. “No. you’ve done an excellent job over the years Obi-Wan, despite Palpatine’s sabotage. Swear that you will continue to work for the good of the Republic and we will leave it there.”
“I swear; I serve democracy Chancellor.”
“Very well.”
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Qui-Gon opened his eyes and smiled at the sight of a small child on the bed beside him. “Did you get lost from Crèche?” He asked tiredly but then he really looked a t boy and took in his features…he looked over to see Obi-Wan smiling in amusement, a girl in his arms.
“That is Luke and this is Leia. I thought you might like to meet them.” He moved closer and set Leia on the bed as well.
“They’re beautiful.” He lifted a shaky hand to gently brush Luke’s chubby cheek and the boy grabbed on to gum on it, making Qui-Gon smile.
“I think they get that from Padme. Oh, Anakin has a crush. The new Senator for Alderaan, Moira Antilles. She’s young but has a good head on her shoulders.”
“Does she like him?”
“Looks like it, watching them together is sweet.” Obi-Wan pulled a chair over with the Force and then placed a hand on his arm and Qui-Gon felt the Force brush over him gently. It will tell him nothing more than Qui-Gon already knew, there would be no miracle healing for him this time.
“Why did you….do it?”
“Do what?” He leant closer.
“Naboo.”
“I am a servant of the Force Qui-Gon, when it summoned me there I obeyed. I didn’t know why I was being sent until I saw you fall to the Sith. I killed him and then kept you alive because I knew it was why I was there. Would I have done it without the Force screaming at me…. I don’t know, other than killing that monster. Back then…I didn’t hate you, I didn’t really feel anything towards you.” He admitted softly. “Now I wish there was something I could do for you.” Qui-Gon pulled his hand free of Luke to place on Obi-Wan’s arm and Obi-Wan shifted to grip his hand. “Are you in pain?”
“The Healers…help.” He coughed and Obi-Wan supported him. The damage to his lungs and several other organs was too much for bacta to heal but not enough to kill him quickly. “Will they be Sith?”
“They will choose their own path when they’re old enough. Has Master Yoda told you about the deal with the Senate?”
“No.”
“The Jedi need to update the Code to keep support and the Temple here. And there will be more separation between the Senate and the Order.”
“Dooku?” He asked painfully, it hurt to see how far his Master had Fallen.
“No sign.” Luke began fidgeting and Obi-Wan picked him up, soothing the child.
“I’m…sorry.”
Obi-Wan took his hand in his free one and squeezed gently. “I forgive you.” He said it because he knew that was what the man needed to hear, he didn’t think the man needed forgiveness for passing him over, not when it had led to so much good in his life. He watched as Qui-Gon’s eyes closed and then his hand went slack in his. An alarm went off and the only Jedi Healer left came over to check and then gently cover the body as Obi-Wan removed the twins. He was glad he had been able to ease his passing and was actually sad the quiet man was gone.
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Anakin smiled as he watched Moira play with Leia. She was great with the twins and they loved it when she came to the apartment to visit. And he really enjoyed spending time with her, she was smart, funny and beautiful with long dark hair, wide green eyes and she had the cutest freckles across her nose. “Moira?”
“Yes Ani?” She pulled Leia into her lap and turned to him, the toddler giggling happily.
“Will you…. would you be willing to…”
“Yes Ani, I will marry you.” She grinned at the way he stumbled over the words and Anakin blushed slightly.
“Really?”
“Really.” She leant over and kissed him and Anakin wrapped his arm around her even as she put Leia down to deepen the kiss.
“I love you.” He whispered and she smiled.
“I know.”
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Obi-wan stood by Anakin’s sighed, unable to feel any prouder of the boy as they stood on the Palace grounds of Alderaan with Breha and Bail in front of them. The music began and Bail Antilles escorted Moira down the aisle. “Breath Anakin.” He whispered and Anakin sucked in a breath.
She was a vision! Dressed in flowing white silk and lace she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He held his hand out to her and she took it, moving to stand opposite him as the ceremony began. Anakin didn’t hear a word, all his sensed focused on his bride. Obi-Wan nudged him out of his daze to exchange vows and then he swept her into his arms to kiss his new wife.
“I love you Anakin.” She whispered and he grinned.
“I know.” He repeated her own words back to her and they laughed before turning to face the crowd of friends, family and Senate members.”
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“Mummy!” Leia called and Padme swept the five-year-old up in her arms, spinning her around and making her laugh. It was amazing how much her daughter looked like her already, and then braids in her hair were so cute.
“How is my little Princess? And where is your brother?”
“With Daddy.” She pointed out to the balcony and Padme walked out to find Luke and Obi-Wan sitting with their knees touching in meditation.
If Leia took after her Luke was a blend of them both with blue eyes and dark hair, a slight reddish tint to it but he had the beginnings of her slender build and cheek bones. He also took after his Father in temperament, always quiet and calm, watching things rather than participating and he was already learning to meditate. If she had to guess she’d say Luke would devote himself to either the Sith or Jedi path while Leia might follow him or follow Padme’s own footsteps. She smiled as Luke opened his eyes and then scrambled up and ran over to hug her. She hugged him tight and then smiled at her husband as he surfaced from his own meditation, getting up and moving to kiss her gently.
“Welcome home.” He looked at the kids and grinned. “Okay you two, bath time.” They grumbled a little but followed Threepio. “How’s the Senate?”
“The same as usual. Bail has nominated me as his Vice-Chancellor.”
“A blind man could have seen that coming, his term is up in three years and you are the natural successor.”
“I know. Especially with Moira having to step down. Anakin still insisting it will be a girl?”
“Of course and Moira insists it’s a boy from the way it kicks.” They shared a laugh even as they walked to their bedroom and he helped her out of her Senate gown.
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Anakin held the tiny bundle in awe. He was a Father! He had a son! He had never imagined this but he was so happy. He looked at Moira where she was sleeping off the labour. Even exhausted and her hair sweat matted she was utterly beautiful to him. The door opened and Obi-Wan walked in, smiling at the sight of the happy family.
“Who was right?” he asked as he sent a wave of healing energy to the exhausted woman even as he glanced at the bundle his Apprentice was holding.
“Meet Ben Skywalker.” Anakin answered, offering his son to his Master who gently took the baby. There was a dusting of blonde hair already and his eyes were a blue/green colour.
“He’s incredible. Congratulations Anakin.”
“At least I’ve had practice with the twins, one can’t be as hard as two.” He admitted and Obi-Wan laughed.
“Maybe.”
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“Dad, are you busy?” Luke peeked into his Dad’s study. The Chancellor’s apartment was a lot bigger than a Senator’s one, the only home he had known for years. But this apartment had been home for the last three years and he was used to it now. Though sometimes he’d sneak into Leia’s room or she’d sneak into his, still used to sharing a room.
“What is it Luke?” He put his work aside and Luke approached, rolling his eyes slightly when he was pulled into a hug before returning it.
“I want to…. will you get mad if….”
“If you attend the Temple?” Obi-Wan offered and Luke winced.
“Oh Luke.” He ruffled messy brown/red hair and Luke ducked away. “You have to follow your own path Luke; I don’t expect you to follow mine.” Luke nodded sheepishly. “I will speak to Master Yoda if that is what you really want.”
“It is. It’s not like it was, I can come home and stuff.”
“I know. What about Leia?”
“She’s still not sure. I think she wants to follow Mum, maybe.”
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Obi-Wan entered the Jedi Temple and was greeted by a young Padawan who quickly told him Yoda was in the Council room alone. He stepped into the lift and allowed it to carry him up the tower. He gently knocked on the massive doors.
“Enter.”
Obi-Wan walked inside to see Yoda seated in the middle chair. “Master Yoda.” He bowed slightly.
“Master Kenobi, need something do you?” Yoda gave him the curtesy of the title as he was a Master, even if he was a Sith Master and not a Jedi. They had rarely seen each other over the last eleven years, especially since Qui-Gon had passed. “Sit you will.” He waved a hand at the empty chairs and Obi-Wan moved to sit.
“Luke came to me recently; he has made his choice for training.”
“Oh?”
“He wished to train here at the Temple.”
Yoda stared at him, surprised. He had always believed the children would follow in their Father’s footsteps, even with the changes that had been implemented. “A Jedi he wishes to be?”
“And a pilot.” He shook his head, unable to see the joy in that.
“Bring him here you will, evaluate him the Masters will.”
Obi-Wan nodded. There was still very few Masters and so each was taking on several Padawans to ensure the Jedi Order would grow again. Every Master would be present to see Luke’s skills and then one would choose him to join the group they were in charge of. “Thank you Master Yoda.”
“His sister, chosen yet?”
“No, she’s torn between three possible paths but I think she will choose soon.”
“Welcome she would be.”
“I’ll make sure she knows. Thank you for your time.” He stood, bowed, and left.
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“He wants to go to the Temple.” Anakin groaned as he flopped onto the couch.
“And? Need I remind you my own children are training there?”
“No…but not one of our children wants to follow us?” he grumbled.
“It’s not a lack of love, they just have to do what feels right.”
“I know.” Anakin straightened up a bit. “Then again, I’m pretty sure Moira’s pregnant again.”
“There goes Padme’s choice for Vice-Chancellor.”
“Sorry.” Anakin shrugged.
“How is the family on Tatooine?” Obi-Wan asked as he joined Anakin on the couch with two cups of tea.
“Good, Owen and Beru are expecting again. Cleigg…. well it’s not looking so good there. I’m heading out next week to see them.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Mum’s depressed but I think all the grandkids are keeping her happy. They still won’t move off that Force forsaken rock though.”
“It’s their choice Ani.”
“I know.”
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“We’ve found him.” Padme held out the datapad and Obi-Wan accepted it, scanning the information, eyes widening in shock. After all these years they had solid intel on Dooku.
“We’ll leave immediately.”
“Be careful.”
“Always.” He smiled and then bowed. “Chancellor.” Half an hour later two fighters took off and entered hyperspace.
“I can’t believe he hid out here.” Anakin grimaced as they landed in the swamp.
“Considering he’s hidden successfully this long I’d say it was a good choice.” He joined his old Apprentice on the spongy ground and they made their way through the swamps of Dagobah, senses alert for anything. The Force was almost impossible to read here, too strong on the planet and showing both Light and Dark sides. But eventually they came across a small compound guarded by rusty droids. Two lightsabers came to life and they attacked, easily making their way inside. It was almost too easy and then they found something that utterly shocked them, the rotting corpse of a prematurely aged Count Dooku. Anakin wrinkled his nose in disgust but went to work taking samples to confirm identity while Obi-Wan went to work on the computer system.
In the end the information was out of date and the body was confirmed as Dooku, finally ending the threat of a new war.
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Obi-Wan smiled and then joined his wife in bed, curling around her. Padme woke and smiled sleepily at him. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. False alarm and Anakin panicked. Moira’s fine though, she may kill him though.” He answered and she laughed softly.
“Poor Ani. I hope Moira feels better soon.”
“Me too, I don’t think Anakin will agree to any more children after this pregnancy.”
Padme nodded, the twins were still their only children while there were three Skywalker’s now. It wasn’t like they hadn’t tried but to no result. The trying was still as fun as ever though and with that thought she rolled her husband onto his back and smiled coyly. “I should welcome you home properly husband.” She grinned and shifted on top of him, earning a groan from him.
“I love you Padme.”
“I love you Obi-Wan.” She kissed him and they lost themselves in the kiss. It was early morning by the time they fell asleep, still entangled.
Her alarm woke Padme and she groaned, reaching with a hand for her husband only to find the bed empty. “Obi-Wan?” she sat up and looked around, seeing his lightsaber still on the dresser, his clothes untouched. “Obi-Wan!” she called, alarmed but there was nothing. She threw on a robe and searched the apartment for anything before freezing at the sight of a glowing blue Qui-Gon Jinn. “How…”
“I am sorry Padme, but the Force has need of him to save another galaxy.” He whispered and she sank to her knees.
“Will he…” she couldn’t finish the question and Qui-Gon shook his head, he was now tied to that universe. Padme sobbed in grief and then ran for the fresher to throw up.
In the Jedi Temple two teenagers took off running for a speeder, feeling their mother’s pain and unable to feel their Father even as on Alderaan a Senator watched her husband rush to his ship to return to Coruscant early, knowing he was needed. Ben Skywalker ran from his class, on the heels of his ‘cousins’, terrified something had gone very wrong even as the Force emitted sadness yet also joy to him. In the Council Room, Master Yoda bowed his head, feeling the sudden loss within the Force where Obi-Wan had once been and yet it was not death.
And on a ship racing away from Naboo a Jedi Padawan, meditating with his Master suddenly collapsed.
THE END