One Path Chapter 40--Descent
Title:Descent
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: "It's too late..."
Rating: PG
Length: Around 2100 words
Category: Angst
Pairings/Characters: Obidala
A/N: One Path Chapter 40. Set during an alternate RotS.
Descent
Padme's eyes drifted out toward the balcony where her son was playing with Artoo Detoo and See Threepio. In the distance, she could make out the spires of the Jedi temple, and her chest tightened. Obi Wan had not returned that morning, and shortly after the small cadre of Senators left her apartment, they were delivered another blow. The Sector Governace Decree allowed Palpatine the right to appoint governors over every planet in the Republic. His current executive powers--voted upon and approved by the Galactic Senate--afforded him the authority to do so without the Senate's consent.
The group had gathered in her apartment again to await the results of the vote on the amendment giving him authority over the Jedi Council, but conversation had now turned to the morning's decree. It seemed that the two pieces of legislature were linked. This decree, combined with the amendment upon which they had just voted would place Palpatine in absolute control of the galaxy. The Jedi would have no legal authority with which to stop him. They should have seen this coming. How had they not seen? Where was Obi Wan?
"The next step will be to dismantle the senate altogether," she said hollowly. She hardly dared to believe that the voice she heard was her own, that the words were hers. She had known Palpatine for years. He had been her most trusted advisor. How could she have been so wrong about him?
"Why should he bother?" Mon Mothma pointed out. "As a practical matter--as of this morning--the Senate no longer exists."
Padme brought her gaze back to the gathering in her living room. She looked from one colleague to another, gauging their reactions. Giddean Danu nodded in agreement. Terr Taneel kept her eyes down, focused on adjusting her robes. Fang Zar ran a hand over his unruly topknot.
Bail leaned forward, commanding attention with that simple movement. Folding his hands in front of him, he said, "Palpatine no longer has to worry about controlling the Senate. By placing his own lackeys as governors over every planet in the Republic, he controls our systems directly. He's become a dictator. We made him a dictator."
"But what can we do about it?" Terr Taneel asked, still worrying over her robes, but Padme could see the frown of concern etched on her features.
"That's what we asked you here to discuss," Mon Mothma replied. "What we're going to do about it."
Fang Zar shifted uncomfortably. "I'm not sure I like where this is going."
"None of us likes where anything is going," Bail said, half rising from his seat. "That's exactly the point. We can't let a thousand years of democracy disappear without a fight!"
"A fight?" Padme repeated, eyes widening at her friend's tone. "I can't believe what I'm hearing! Bail, you sound like a Separatist!"
"I--" Bail sank back on the couch and glanced significantly toward Mon Mothma. "I apologize. That was not my intent. What I mean to say is, of all the Senators in the galaxy, you four have been the most consistent--and influential--voices of reason and restraint, doing all you could to preserve our poor, tattered Constitution. No one here wants to hurt the Republic. With your help, we hope to save it."
"It has become increasingly clear," Mon Mothma added, "that Palpatine has become an enemy of democracy. He must be stopped."
"The Senate gave him these powers," Padme reminded her firmly. "The Senate can rein him in."
"I fear you underestimate just how deeply the Senate's corruption has taken hold. Who will vote against Palpatine now?" Giddean Danu asked.
"I will," Padme said flatly. "And I'll find others, too."
"You do that," Bail said. "Make as much noise as you can--keep Palpatine watching what you're doing in the Senate. That should provide some cover while Mon Mothma and I begin building our organization--"
"Stop," Padme cut him off, rising from her seat. There was still the Sith Lord to consider. Obi Wan and the Jedi believed that he was somewhere within Palpatine's inner circle. If she were to make herself a public enemy of Palpatine, she would become the enemy of the Sith as well. Most of those in the room were not aware of the Jedi Order's ongoing investigation into the identity of the Sith Lord, but Padme knew that her husband had talked with Bail about it to some extent. She walked toward the balcony, smiling sadly at Ani. Her hand moved to cover her abdomen. "It's better to leave some things unsaid. Right now, it's better I don't know anything about…anything."
"Very well. Other matters can be left for other times. Until then, this meeting must remain absolutely secret. Even hinting at an effective opposition to Palpatine can be as we've all seen, very dangerous. We must agree never to speak of these matters except among the people who are now in this room. We must bring no one into this secret without the agreement of each and every one of us," Bail said.
"That includes even those closest to you," Mon Mothma added. "Even your families--to share anything of this will expose them to the same danger we all face. No one can be told. No one."
"I have no secrets from Obi Wan," Padme said without hesitation.
There was a moment of tense silence. Padme kept her eyes on the temple spires. He was still there--somewhere. What were they doing? Inexplicably, she thought again of the dream she had had the night before, and Beru Whitesun's words whispered in her mind. Tatooine breeds love as much as hardship.
"You'll have to keep this one," Mon Mothma's tone was firm. "We have no way to be certain where his loyalties lie now."
Padme spun. "I know where his loyalties are!"
Mothma shook her head. "I'm sorry, Padme. Your husband has never stopped being a Jedi. Not really. And Palpatine is now in control of the Jedi Order."
"He is also in control of the Senate. By that argument, all of our loyalties should be suspect because we have never stopped being Senators," Padme pointed out.
"The Senate serves the Republic. The Jedi Order claims to serve the Force. They keep their own counsel. Who is to say which side they will be on?" Mothma persisted.
"Obi Wan's loyalty is to his wife and--son," Padme quickly altered the end of her statement.
"Mon," Bail reached out, covering Mothma's hand with his own. "I will vouch for Obi Wan. We've been friends for a long time. I have never doubted his commitment to the ideals of the Republic."
***
Obi Wan waited at the temple with Master Windu until the results of the vote were announced. He agreed to lead the investigation into Grievous' whereabouts, and then they focused their attention on a contingency in the event that Palpatine did in fact attempt to dissolve the Jedi Order before the Separatist general could be dealt with. He was on his way home when he heard a group of Padawans discussing the arrival of Palpatine's shuttle. Pausing to listen, he discovered that, although they weren't sure how long it had been waiting on the rooftop landing deck, it had come for Anakin. He immediately turned and made his way up to the roof, where the afternoon sun was beginning to sink lower.
Anakin arrived a few minutes later, and he stopped short at the sight of his former Master. They stepped awkwardly up to one another and ducked their heads, both unsure of where to begin. The previous night's argument still hung between them, and now Obi Wan had another secret that he must keep from his friend and partner. It was Anakin who spoke first.
"Obi Wan. I didn't know you were here," he began.
"I was speaking with Yoda again," explained Obi Wan.
Anakin's face paled and he looked stricken. "About what? Is--something wrong?"
"No, no," he waved his hand dismissively. "Everything's fine. Listen, Anakin, I'm sorry for last night. I know you were just trying to help."
Anakin closed his eyes. He took a breath and seemed on the verge of saying something, then abruptly turned to look at the waiting shuttle. "What's going on here? If the Chancellor wanted me, why didn't he go through the Council?"
"I don't know. Perhaps he has some reason to believe that the Council might have resisted sending you. Perhaps he did not wish to reveal his reason for this summons. Relations between the Council and the Chancellor are… stressed. The shuttle simply arrived, and when questioned, the pilot told them that his instructions were to bring you to Palpatine. That's when I came out here. There's--something we need to talk about, Anakin. Privately. If the Council were to find out about this conversation... well, let's say, I'd rather they didn't."
"What conversation? I still don't know what's going on," Anakin said, his confusion beginning to move toward alarm.
Obi Wan could tell that something else was bothering him and put a calming hand on the Knight's shoulder. "None of us does. Not really. Anakin. Whatever our differences, you know I am your friend."
"Of course you are--"
"No," Obi Wan quickly cut him off. "No of courses, Anakin. Nothing is certain anymore. I want you to know that am your friend, and as your friend, I am asking you: be wary of Palpatine."
"What do you mean?"
"I know you are his friend. I am concerned that he may not be yours. Be careful of him, Anakin. And be careful of your own feelings," Obi Wan pleaded.
"Careful? Don't you mean, mindful?" Anakin asked. It was a small distinction--a Jedi's distinction. It was one that Obi Wan had taught this young man, years ago.
"No," he said quietly. "I don't. The Force grows ever darker around us, and we are all affected by it, even as we affect it. This is a dangerous time to be a Jedi. Please, Anakin--please be careful."
"You worry too much," Anakin assured him, but his laugh was nervous, and it didn't reach his eyes.
"I have to--" began Obi Wan.
"Because I don't worry at all, right?" Anakin finished the thought..
"How did you know I was going to say that?" Obi Wan asked, a hint of a smile touching his lips.
Anakin didn't answer. His gaze drifted toward the waiting shuttle and then beyond it. Obi Wan rubbed his eyes wearily with his fingers, not needing to guess where his friend's mind was. In the distance, they could see the tower of 500 Republica, and Anakin's eyes settled there.
"I worry plenty," he said in a strained tone.
"Anakin--"
"No," the Knight interrupted again, suddenly shaking his head. "Obi Wan, there's something I need to tell you, too. I--didn't want to--because I thought you might believe that I was trying to come between you and Padme, and I'm not."
"What is it, Anakin?" Obi Wan frowned.
"I've--been having nightmares. Not just dreams. These are--like the ones I used to have about my mother," said Anakin.
"Padme?" Obi Wan asked, fighting to keep his expression neutral.
Anakin stared at the ground in front of them. "She dies."
Obi Wan closed his eyes.
"She dies in childbirth," Anakin said urgently. "You're the ones who have to be careful. You have to make sure. That's why I was concerned last night. You have to make sure, Obi Wan!"
"It's--too late," he replied in a hoarse whisper, for once letting the grief break through, letting his carefully maintained façade fall away. He didn't open his eyes, but he knew when Anakin's head had snapped up again. He could feel the palpable wave of anger surge outward from his friend.
"What do you mean, too late!" Anakin cried.
"Padme is five months pregnant," Obi Wan forced the word up out of his chest and past his lips.
Anakin's hands grasped his shoulders, clamping down fiercely, forcing his eyes open. The face he found staring back at him was wild, desperate, consumed with fear and torment. "What are you going to do?"
"I'm not going to do anything, Anakin," Obi Wan said dully.
"You have to!" Anakin bellowed. "You're her husband!"
"Yes," Obi Wan let his voice crack between them as he reached to place his own hands on Anakin's shoulders and force him back. "I am."
Anakin stared at him in disbelief and took a step back toward the shuttle. "I don't believe this. I won't believe it! You can't mean what you're saying!"
"I mean it, Anakin. This pregnancy is the will of the Force. There is nothing I can do," Obi Wan pushed past him, heading toward the turbolift as tears began to stream down his face.
"Then I was wrong about you! You must really not be a Jedi anymore if you won't do anything to save your own wife!" Anakin shouted after him.
Obi Wan didn't reply.
Author: Lionchilde
Summary: "It's too late..."
Rating: PG
Length: Around 2100 words
Category: Angst
Pairings/Characters: Obidala
A/N: One Path Chapter 40. Set during an alternate RotS.
Descent
Padme's eyes drifted out toward the balcony where her son was playing with Artoo Detoo and See Threepio. In the distance, she could make out the spires of the Jedi temple, and her chest tightened. Obi Wan had not returned that morning, and shortly after the small cadre of Senators left her apartment, they were delivered another blow. The Sector Governace Decree allowed Palpatine the right to appoint governors over every planet in the Republic. His current executive powers--voted upon and approved by the Galactic Senate--afforded him the authority to do so without the Senate's consent.
The group had gathered in her apartment again to await the results of the vote on the amendment giving him authority over the Jedi Council, but conversation had now turned to the morning's decree. It seemed that the two pieces of legislature were linked. This decree, combined with the amendment upon which they had just voted would place Palpatine in absolute control of the galaxy. The Jedi would have no legal authority with which to stop him. They should have seen this coming. How had they not seen? Where was Obi Wan?
"The next step will be to dismantle the senate altogether," she said hollowly. She hardly dared to believe that the voice she heard was her own, that the words were hers. She had known Palpatine for years. He had been her most trusted advisor. How could she have been so wrong about him?
"Why should he bother?" Mon Mothma pointed out. "As a practical matter--as of this morning--the Senate no longer exists."
Padme brought her gaze back to the gathering in her living room. She looked from one colleague to another, gauging their reactions. Giddean Danu nodded in agreement. Terr Taneel kept her eyes down, focused on adjusting her robes. Fang Zar ran a hand over his unruly topknot.
Bail leaned forward, commanding attention with that simple movement. Folding his hands in front of him, he said, "Palpatine no longer has to worry about controlling the Senate. By placing his own lackeys as governors over every planet in the Republic, he controls our systems directly. He's become a dictator. We made him a dictator."
"But what can we do about it?" Terr Taneel asked, still worrying over her robes, but Padme could see the frown of concern etched on her features.
"That's what we asked you here to discuss," Mon Mothma replied. "What we're going to do about it."
Fang Zar shifted uncomfortably. "I'm not sure I like where this is going."
"None of us likes where anything is going," Bail said, half rising from his seat. "That's exactly the point. We can't let a thousand years of democracy disappear without a fight!"
"A fight?" Padme repeated, eyes widening at her friend's tone. "I can't believe what I'm hearing! Bail, you sound like a Separatist!"
"I--" Bail sank back on the couch and glanced significantly toward Mon Mothma. "I apologize. That was not my intent. What I mean to say is, of all the Senators in the galaxy, you four have been the most consistent--and influential--voices of reason and restraint, doing all you could to preserve our poor, tattered Constitution. No one here wants to hurt the Republic. With your help, we hope to save it."
"It has become increasingly clear," Mon Mothma added, "that Palpatine has become an enemy of democracy. He must be stopped."
"The Senate gave him these powers," Padme reminded her firmly. "The Senate can rein him in."
"I fear you underestimate just how deeply the Senate's corruption has taken hold. Who will vote against Palpatine now?" Giddean Danu asked.
"I will," Padme said flatly. "And I'll find others, too."
"You do that," Bail said. "Make as much noise as you can--keep Palpatine watching what you're doing in the Senate. That should provide some cover while Mon Mothma and I begin building our organization--"
"Stop," Padme cut him off, rising from her seat. There was still the Sith Lord to consider. Obi Wan and the Jedi believed that he was somewhere within Palpatine's inner circle. If she were to make herself a public enemy of Palpatine, she would become the enemy of the Sith as well. Most of those in the room were not aware of the Jedi Order's ongoing investigation into the identity of the Sith Lord, but Padme knew that her husband had talked with Bail about it to some extent. She walked toward the balcony, smiling sadly at Ani. Her hand moved to cover her abdomen. "It's better to leave some things unsaid. Right now, it's better I don't know anything about…anything."
"Very well. Other matters can be left for other times. Until then, this meeting must remain absolutely secret. Even hinting at an effective opposition to Palpatine can be as we've all seen, very dangerous. We must agree never to speak of these matters except among the people who are now in this room. We must bring no one into this secret without the agreement of each and every one of us," Bail said.
"That includes even those closest to you," Mon Mothma added. "Even your families--to share anything of this will expose them to the same danger we all face. No one can be told. No one."
"I have no secrets from Obi Wan," Padme said without hesitation.
There was a moment of tense silence. Padme kept her eyes on the temple spires. He was still there--somewhere. What were they doing? Inexplicably, she thought again of the dream she had had the night before, and Beru Whitesun's words whispered in her mind. Tatooine breeds love as much as hardship.
"You'll have to keep this one," Mon Mothma's tone was firm. "We have no way to be certain where his loyalties lie now."
Padme spun. "I know where his loyalties are!"
Mothma shook her head. "I'm sorry, Padme. Your husband has never stopped being a Jedi. Not really. And Palpatine is now in control of the Jedi Order."
"He is also in control of the Senate. By that argument, all of our loyalties should be suspect because we have never stopped being Senators," Padme pointed out.
"The Senate serves the Republic. The Jedi Order claims to serve the Force. They keep their own counsel. Who is to say which side they will be on?" Mothma persisted.
"Obi Wan's loyalty is to his wife and--son," Padme quickly altered the end of her statement.
"Mon," Bail reached out, covering Mothma's hand with his own. "I will vouch for Obi Wan. We've been friends for a long time. I have never doubted his commitment to the ideals of the Republic."
***
Obi Wan waited at the temple with Master Windu until the results of the vote were announced. He agreed to lead the investigation into Grievous' whereabouts, and then they focused their attention on a contingency in the event that Palpatine did in fact attempt to dissolve the Jedi Order before the Separatist general could be dealt with. He was on his way home when he heard a group of Padawans discussing the arrival of Palpatine's shuttle. Pausing to listen, he discovered that, although they weren't sure how long it had been waiting on the rooftop landing deck, it had come for Anakin. He immediately turned and made his way up to the roof, where the afternoon sun was beginning to sink lower.
Anakin arrived a few minutes later, and he stopped short at the sight of his former Master. They stepped awkwardly up to one another and ducked their heads, both unsure of where to begin. The previous night's argument still hung between them, and now Obi Wan had another secret that he must keep from his friend and partner. It was Anakin who spoke first.
"Obi Wan. I didn't know you were here," he began.
"I was speaking with Yoda again," explained Obi Wan.
Anakin's face paled and he looked stricken. "About what? Is--something wrong?"
"No, no," he waved his hand dismissively. "Everything's fine. Listen, Anakin, I'm sorry for last night. I know you were just trying to help."
Anakin closed his eyes. He took a breath and seemed on the verge of saying something, then abruptly turned to look at the waiting shuttle. "What's going on here? If the Chancellor wanted me, why didn't he go through the Council?"
"I don't know. Perhaps he has some reason to believe that the Council might have resisted sending you. Perhaps he did not wish to reveal his reason for this summons. Relations between the Council and the Chancellor are… stressed. The shuttle simply arrived, and when questioned, the pilot told them that his instructions were to bring you to Palpatine. That's when I came out here. There's--something we need to talk about, Anakin. Privately. If the Council were to find out about this conversation... well, let's say, I'd rather they didn't."
"What conversation? I still don't know what's going on," Anakin said, his confusion beginning to move toward alarm.
Obi Wan could tell that something else was bothering him and put a calming hand on the Knight's shoulder. "None of us does. Not really. Anakin. Whatever our differences, you know I am your friend."
"Of course you are--"
"No," Obi Wan quickly cut him off. "No of courses, Anakin. Nothing is certain anymore. I want you to know that am your friend, and as your friend, I am asking you: be wary of Palpatine."
"What do you mean?"
"I know you are his friend. I am concerned that he may not be yours. Be careful of him, Anakin. And be careful of your own feelings," Obi Wan pleaded.
"Careful? Don't you mean, mindful?" Anakin asked. It was a small distinction--a Jedi's distinction. It was one that Obi Wan had taught this young man, years ago.
"No," he said quietly. "I don't. The Force grows ever darker around us, and we are all affected by it, even as we affect it. This is a dangerous time to be a Jedi. Please, Anakin--please be careful."
"You worry too much," Anakin assured him, but his laugh was nervous, and it didn't reach his eyes.
"I have to--" began Obi Wan.
"Because I don't worry at all, right?" Anakin finished the thought..
"How did you know I was going to say that?" Obi Wan asked, a hint of a smile touching his lips.
Anakin didn't answer. His gaze drifted toward the waiting shuttle and then beyond it. Obi Wan rubbed his eyes wearily with his fingers, not needing to guess where his friend's mind was. In the distance, they could see the tower of 500 Republica, and Anakin's eyes settled there.
"I worry plenty," he said in a strained tone.
"Anakin--"
"No," the Knight interrupted again, suddenly shaking his head. "Obi Wan, there's something I need to tell you, too. I--didn't want to--because I thought you might believe that I was trying to come between you and Padme, and I'm not."
"What is it, Anakin?" Obi Wan frowned.
"I've--been having nightmares. Not just dreams. These are--like the ones I used to have about my mother," said Anakin.
"Padme?" Obi Wan asked, fighting to keep his expression neutral.
Anakin stared at the ground in front of them. "She dies."
Obi Wan closed his eyes.
"She dies in childbirth," Anakin said urgently. "You're the ones who have to be careful. You have to make sure. That's why I was concerned last night. You have to make sure, Obi Wan!"
"It's--too late," he replied in a hoarse whisper, for once letting the grief break through, letting his carefully maintained façade fall away. He didn't open his eyes, but he knew when Anakin's head had snapped up again. He could feel the palpable wave of anger surge outward from his friend.
"What do you mean, too late!" Anakin cried.
"Padme is five months pregnant," Obi Wan forced the word up out of his chest and past his lips.
Anakin's hands grasped his shoulders, clamping down fiercely, forcing his eyes open. The face he found staring back at him was wild, desperate, consumed with fear and torment. "What are you going to do?"
"I'm not going to do anything, Anakin," Obi Wan said dully.
"You have to!" Anakin bellowed. "You're her husband!"
"Yes," Obi Wan let his voice crack between them as he reached to place his own hands on Anakin's shoulders and force him back. "I am."
Anakin stared at him in disbelief and took a step back toward the shuttle. "I don't believe this. I won't believe it! You can't mean what you're saying!"
"I mean it, Anakin. This pregnancy is the will of the Force. There is nothing I can do," Obi Wan pushed past him, heading toward the turbolift as tears began to stream down his face.
"Then I was wrong about you! You must really not be a Jedi anymore if you won't do anything to save your own wife!" Anakin shouted after him.
Obi Wan didn't reply.