The Decision

Chapter 4: Padme

...

But he couldn't stay.

Most of the council abandoned him, minus Obi-Wan, Plo Koon, Shaak Ti, Elizabeth Mareel, and shockingly Mace Windu.

The others, including master Yoda, had betrayed him.

Turned their backs on him at the time he so desperately needed them.

Padme frowned a bit.

"It's not your fault Ani, stop blaming yourself like I know you're doing."

"I...know. Admittedly I can't find it in myself to trust the council anymore, most of them anyway. Then most of the others in the order wanted me gone."

"That's just their jealousy shining through. Besides you made good friends, you don't need them." Padme replied.

Well true.

Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, and a few members of the council trusted him, they listened, and they believed him.

Barriss and Nahdar as well, given they were instrumental in his exoneration.

As was Galerha.

Master Luminara meanwhile, though not helping him directly, was vocal when she spoke out, saying he was innocent and that they were all blind fools if they didn't see it.

Evidently most of them didn't.

"I guess you're right."

Padme then had a look of realization, as she smiled.

"I have some news that may help cheer you up."

He looked at her in curiosity.

"That is?"

He waited.

"Well Ani...I'm pregnant. I found out yesterday. Twins."

...

Wait...what?

He blinked, not expecting that.

"I...I'm going to be a father?"

She nodded excitedly.

"I...I can't believe it..."

"Are you happy Ani?"

"Happy? Padme I'm overjoyed! To think, I won't...actually...have to...hide us now..."

She picked up on his train of thought.

"We can be...us...without worrying about repercussions from the Jedi council."

Anakin nodded as he placed around.

"Well there is the Senate but, what do I care about them really? Oh, also Tarkin, but I've got him covered."

"Ani." She began.

"Too much?"

"Little bit."

"Sorry."

He shook his head.

What an oddly great turn of events...

"I can't believe it, I'll be a dad in, about seven to nine months."

He walked over, reaching out as if grasping both her hands in his. It was a hologram of her, but the gesture was appreciated.

"I love you." He said, looking into her eyes.

She smiled.

"I love you too."

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Meanwhile in the Senate building, Palpatine stilled briefly in his chair.

He'd felt the two new forces of light growing within Amidala.

...

Ah, perfect then.

He smirked as he stared across the room.

This was earlier than he'd planned out for, but, it would do.

He preferred Skywalker still being in the order, but, he'd work with this, Sidious would adapt as he always does lately.

Soon enough, the Jedi would fall, the Republic would be morphed into the Empire...

And most importantly...

Skywalker would be his.

...

But first...

"Mas Amedda, contact Admiral Tarkin, tell him to come to my office." He said.

Mas Amedda obliged his lord.

"Right away sir."

...

To get rid of Wilhuff Tarkin.

The bain of his current existence, who was only ruining his plans for the future at this point.

...

Oh well...

Quite frankly he'd outlived his purpose.