The Power to Save Her

Chapter 24

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.

Important Note: I will not follow comics/legends characters or concepts closely, if at all. My knowledge is strictly on the that of the movies and a more mainstream knowledge of Star Wars. Though I may reference events and things outside of the movies, I do not claim to know the material on a deeper level.

Padmé sat in contemplative silence as the ship drifted passed an asteroid field, thankfully way above it, avoiding its dangerous course. She and Anakin were in one of the crew quarters, silently thinking about what had just happened and the ramifications of it. She had seen with her own eyes the Emperor openly attacking them, and she had to wonder if this was his way of telling them that the game was up. She discarded that idea however, for what could it benefit the Emperor? Knowing what she did about Palpatine told her that he was a cunning strategist, and what he did back there was his way of pushing them to decide. The question was what did he want them to do?

Her first instinct would be to speak to the instigator in question, but discarded the idea, knowing it would yield no answers. It was far too direct, and Palpatine only wished to play games. She glanced over to Anakin who was staring off into the middle distance, a feeling of sickness washing over her. What the Emperor had done to this man, someone seemingly too idealistic, someone who cared too much about his friends and family, made her fear his machinations all the more. Anakin, seeming to sense her distress, glanced over, a worried expression on his face. She waved him off however, going back to what they were to do.

"Padmé?", he asked, despite her attempts to brush him off.

"Yes?", she returned, looking back over to Anakin, who's eyes were cast down onto the floor.

"To answer your question, the Emperor is angling to kill me.", he said bluntly, and she realized at once that she'd been projecting her thoughts. "He knows that if I get the help of Luke, he won't stand a chance against us."

"He couldn't have possibly believed that destroying your shuttle would do it.", she argued, knowing that two TIE fighters was minimal compared to vast fleets she'd seen in the past.

"No, but it is his way of ensuring our fear.", he replied easily, as if the attempt on his life meant nothing.

"Yet, you're calm about this?", she asked, not understanding this side of him, though she herself exhibited the same calm when there were attempts on her life. Anakin was hiding his fear.

"It is the way of the Sith.", he said simply, almost distantly. "I've known for years that he'd do anything to maintain his power, including ending me. Luke on his own, will not be a threat to him."

"What did that accomplish other than to scare us?", she asked, not believing that it was all.

"He might be goading us.", he responded, and she grew wary. "Just last night, Piett told me that the Emperor will be calling me to Coruscant soon. When he does, I will have to obey or openly defy him."

"He plans to rush you into confronting him.", she realized, feeling cold. She ran a hand through her dark hair. "Before you've had the chance to properly train Luke."

"Yes.", was all he said, and Padmé shook her head, feeling defeated.

"What are we going to do?", she asked, and sat next to him. He gently put an arm around her shoulders, drawing her close, and she felt slightly better.

"Whatever we can to have the best advantage over him.", was his response, though she knew he was holding back his troubled thoughts.

"He knows that by pushing your open rebellion that he can set the Imperial Fleet against you.", Padmé replied with a shake of her head. She glanced over to him with some resignation. "You must remain neutral until the proper moment."

"The question is for how long the ruse can last?", he responded rhetorically. She sighed, troubled by the implications, her mind trying to plan.

"You must have a backup.", she decided, and her husband turned to look down at her.

"Backup?", he asked, and she could hear the curiosity in his voice.

"The Rebel Alliance.", she clarified, and felt him stiffen, his arm still around her. She grew weary, seeing the grimace on his face. "What's wrong? You've already agreed to share information with them."

"Yes, but I will not join their ranks."

"And I'm not asking you to.", she retorted, drawing away from him. Though she expected this reaction, she grew annoyed. "You are merely an ally for a common goal. To see the Emperor fall."

"Then why do you seem angry with me?", he asked carefully, clearly hearing the stilted way in which she spoke.

She sighed, knowing that she shouldn't get worked up over this.

"Though you acknowledge the greater evils of the Empire, and I commend you for it, I get the feeling that you don't wish to see the entire structure of it reformed."

There was some silence where he contemplated her words.

"You yourself said the people in the Empire are not all evil.", he responded stiffly, though not harshly. "It will throw the galaxy in disarray should we declare every Imperial a traitor if we win."

She opened her mouth to object, before realizing that he was right.

"But the Rebel Alliance stands for a just cause, surely you can agree with that?", she asked instead, hoping he could be reasoned with.

Finally, he sighed, a slight smile over his face.

"Their overarching goals, yes, but they alone cannot calm the galaxy by simply usurping the Emperor.", he stated. "There are thousands of star systems that are loyal to the Empire. Do you think all will align with the ideals of the Rebellion?"

"No.", she replied solemnly. "But for democracy, the Empire must fall."

"Democracy will be reinstated, but I've learned at last that things aren't always black and white.", he continued, his voice even. "The Empire must fall, yes, but it must do so in a controlled way."

"What do you suggest then?", she asked, genuinely curious as to his answer.

"Leaders of the Empire and the Rebellion must both hold systems under their power.", he replied honestly. She winced at the idea, knowing that this would not be received well by the Rebel Alliance.

"And what of the slaves and labor camps that the Empire has scattered across the galaxy?", she demanded, her idealistic side flaring.

"The camps will be liberated, and the slaves set free.", he assured, clearly noting her indignation. "I won't tolerate them. Though I was once callous about their continued existence, I cannot deny that they are morally reprehensible."

"Your idea has some merit, though if it is to be so, a new republic must be reinstated and those leaders kept in place.", she insisted, mind reeling from Anakin's decidedly sound argument. "Leaders must be voted in by the will of the people."

"Which will include Imperials.", he replied realistically.

"What of the Imperials that have committed war crimes?", she asked, trying to predict the outcomes of such actions.

"They will be tried before being allowed to lead.", he stated, crossing his arms. "Which leads me back to my opinion. The Rebel Alliance is too idealistic. They cannot eradicate a system that's been in place for this many years and expect no further war. If they want it, it will happen, but I have no wish for it."

There was some silence as she mulled over his words, and then she felt a spark of pride rise up within her. Anakin, she could tell, had clearly given this some thought. Because of this she gave his determined expression a lingering gaze, a soft smile coming over her.

"What?", he asked, noting her changed demeanor.

"Nothing… it's just, you've grown wiser.", she replied, a lighter feeling rising within her.

"You're not teasing me, are you?", he asked, a slight frown coming over his face. She chuckled, shaking her head, though he looked even more incredulous by her declaration.

"No.", she said a last, bringing a hand up to his face. "You've just grown in your views of the galaxy. When I met you, you were idealistic, like me, though I fear the years of war have dampened that idealism."

"Or we've just become more realistic.", he answered.

"But we agree on the important thing?", she asked, though knew the answer. "We will do our best to correct injustices, free those wrongfully imprisoned or enslaved, and prevent another war at all costs."

"Of course.", he answered with a slight nod. Then he hesitated before speaking again. "And… if you believe that working more extensively with the Rebellion is the way to do it, I will consider it."

"And I will consider promoting your idea of post-war Imperial leaders.", she agreed, thinking it only fair. He smiled slightly at her willingness to compromise, and she felt yet another spark of faith. Then she thought to their present situation and frowned. "What will we do now?"

Anakin sighed but rose from his seat, motioning her to follow. They stepped out into the corridor, hearing people talking down the hall. His expression grew pensive.

"Now we must return to the fleet or go with them.", he replied lowly.

"We must go with them.", she stated almost immediately. At her words he looked troubled. "I spoke with Mon Mothma, but she is unaware as to Vader's identity."

"She will know who I am.", Anakin answered with a shake of his head. "Nothing can be gained if I am taken captive upon arrival."

"She will not arrest you.", she assured, though had to wonder at what the other Rebel leader's opinions. "She believes me and is aware that Vader has shifted loyalties."

"Then all the other Rebels will not allow me on base.", he replied instantly, ever pessimistic. "No matter how believable my motives are, I have too much of their blood on my hands."

"We have to find a way. I've known for some time that we would need to cross paths with the Rebel Alliance.", she responded as they stood before the doors of the communal area. "They need your aid, just as much as you need theirs. They must be convinced to trust that you won't betray them."

"If I can't even convince my own daughter, then what hope is there?", he asked, and she could see that this stung at him slightly. She placed a hand on his arm, trying to comfort him.

"She trusts you enough to believe that you'll keep your word.", she amended though she didn't voice that Leia was still unwilling to open up completely.

"That is correct.", came a voice from down the hall, and they turned to see Leia standing there with her arms crossed. "But I don't know if it's a good idea for you to come."

Anakin gave her a look, as if to say I-told-you-so, but Padmé ignored it.

"It is of great importance that we work together.", Padmé argued, trying to emphasize the point.

"I understand this, but he's right.", Leia stated evenly. "The hurt runs too deep. No matter what, they will know he's a Skywalker."

"Then he will not show his face.", she answered, though hating the idea of hiding him. "His story is that he was a bounty hunter who decided to help us."

"Why should a bounty hunter have Rebellion sympathies?", he asked raising an eyebrow.

"Because I saved his life and he owes me a debt.", she answered easily, and Leia looked contemplative.

"You appear to have given this thought already.", he responded dryly and she half-smiled, nodding slightly.

"This could work, but I don't know if I trust you with the location of the Alliance fleet.", Leia stated carefully. "First you must honor your promise to destroy the Empire, but I cannot compromise the location. It is not my secret to share."

"Then don't tell me.", he answered easily, though the former senator could tell he was less than thrilled with this solution. "I will not reveal what I do not know."

"The Emperor will not sense your Force signature?", Leia asked, arching an eyebrow.

"It doesn't work quite like that.", he replied with a slightly amused expression. "If I am nearby, he can sense me, but unless I tell him directly, he will be unaware of my location."

"I believe you.", Leia responded without another argument, much to Padmé's surprise. "But should you take advantage of this situation in any way, I will have no choice but to reveal you to the Rebels."

"Understood.", he answered right away, seemingly formal about the whole thing.

There was some silence where Leia hesitated before turning to Padmé.

"And there's another thing.", her daughter began, a sense of reluctance overcoming her. "Though Mon Mothma believes you are who you say you are, others in High Command do not."

"Why?", Anakin questioned immediately, some indignation coming over his face.

"Because she's someone who's been dead for over twenty years.", Leia pointed out with some bluntness. "Someone like that, seen to be working that closely with Vader, is something command cannot overlook."

"Do they believe she's some sort of spy?", Anakin asked, narrowing his eyes.

"That's exactly what they think.", Leia stated, no happier with the idea than they were. Then her daughter turned to her. "They're even going as far as to state that your grave is still defiled, as the citizens of Naboo initially believed, and that this is all a twisted scheme by the Empire."

"How can I convince them if they believe I am an imposter?", Padmé asked, at a loss. It made sense that Mon Mothma might believe her, as she personally knew her, but the others had a more objective opinion, as it seemed.

"They're going to subject you to a test, both mentally and physically.", Leia stated with some distaste in her expression. Padmé knew this troubled her for Leia had been interrogated in the past.

"I will do whatever it takes for them to believe me.", Padmé agreed, her voice firm. She knew the stakes of the war.

"Very well.", Leia replied, and began walking past them towards the cockpit. "I will tell Han, but you both must stay away from the cockpit until we arrive. These are orders from High Command."

"We will.", Anakin answered with a nod before turning away to do just that. Padmé remained behind, not wishing to isolate herself in a separate room anymore.

After Anakin disappeared back into the crew quarters, Padmé turned to her daughter, who looked just as regretful as she herself felt. Leia turned away, with a deep sigh, though Padmé could see the apologetic expression her daughter sent her. After Leia disappeared into the cockpit, Padmé walked into the communal area. There was nothing that needed to be said, but Padmé knew there wasn't much to be done about the chasm between father and daughter, or the current situation they were in.

In the area both Artoo and Threepio were conversing, while Luke was meditating in the far corner. It seemed that her sister and nieces were still resting in their quarters, so it was just she and her son, with the droids. Not wanting to disturb Luke, she sat at the table and listened to Threepio talk to Artoo.

The protocol droid turned to her after Artoo spoke something to him and turned back to the astromech.

"I do think I would remember serving her Artoo.", Threepio argued, and the other droid whistled and beeped back a response. The protocol droid turned back to her. "Did I serve you?"

"Yes, you did Threepio.", Padmé answered with a sad smile. Though she had other things on her mind, it gave her some solace to see him. "And you were a great droid."

"Why- thank you miss.", Threepio responded, clearly not used to positive things being said about him. "Why can't I remember?"

"Your memory was wiped.", Padmé reminded, placing a hand under her chin while her elbow rested on the table. "Anakin has been trying to think of ways to restore it, so I have hopes that your memories be returned to you."

"Well whatever it is I'm missing will definitely clear up this mess.", the protocol droid responded, almost in a lamenting way.

"Don't fret Threepio.", Padmé responded, finding some comfort in the familiar droid. "It won't be long."

"I do hope so.", Threepio responded before turning to look down at Artoo. "Otherwise he won't let me live it down."

She simply smiled and looked away from the droids who were squabbling further, only to notice Luke had come out of meditation. Though she had only days to meet her son and daughter, she felt like she knew them well already. Luke had clearly inherited much of his father's features, though in temperament, she didn't know where he got it from. He was a calm soul. Optimistic to the last, while exhibiting a Jedi-like calm in most of his dealings with his father. To say that she was proud of him would be an understatement.

Luke, seeming to sense her thoughts, turned his gaze to her. Padmé watched as he rose to his feet and walked over to her, a slight smile on his face. Padmé returned the smile with one of her own. When he sat down in front of her, she couldn't help but think of the impending confrontation that was to take place.

"You're troubled.", Luke stated, and she nodded, seeing no reason to deny it.

"I worry for the state of the galaxy… and our family.", she confessed, and Luke showed a knowing look.

"As do I.", he admitted, a wistful expression passing over him. "But father has come so far and is willing to do so much to take down the Emperor."

"He has", she acknowledged, before continuing "and I know I shouldn't be too hard on him but…"

"But you know what he's capable of.", Luke finished for her. "He's not the same man you knew all those years ago."

"Yes.", she replied with some relief, wondering at how Luke was able to put it so simply. "He and Leia aren't speaking to each other. What they have in way of conversation is strictly based on the cause."

"Give them time.", Luke stated, though a frown overcame his features. "Leia is stubborn. It took her a long time just to admit her feelings for Han."

Then a smile overcame her face.

"I'd suspected something.", was all she said, some fondness coming in her voice. Her mind went to the smuggler, who definitely wore his heart on his sleeve. Leia was reserved about her feelings, so she didn't know if her daughter returned the sentiment.

There was a moment of quiet, where they observed the droids continuing to bicker.

"I know we haven't spent much time with each other, but I feel like I know you.", Luke broke the silence, a strange look coming over his face. "Though I have no memories of you."

"You were only a newborn. Both you and Leia.", Padmé returned, placing her hand on his.

"I know, but Leia seems to recall you.", Luke responded, with a contemplative expression. Padmé wondered at this before Luke continued, "It only tells me that she's more powerful in the Force than she presumes."

"Will she not train with you?", Padmé asked, mind returning to her daughter.

"With me, yes.", Luke answered, his gaze troubled. "But not with our father. I sense that it is too soon to ask."

"You may be right, but if she's anything like Anakin, she will not be able to rest if she knows that she can do more."

"I will keep that in mind.", Luke responded glancing off to the side. "But in the meantime, we'll have to figure out how to get him on base without the others taking note of him, and for you to convince High Command."

"I've already figured some of the logistics of hiding him and am willing to undergo any of their tests.", Padmé answered, before tilting her head at the boy. "But how did you know?"

"I can sense father's concern, as well as Leia's.", was all he said, but it made sense. Then he gave a slight smile before revealing how he'd figured it out. "I also overheard your conversation."

Suddenly, the ship rattled and she glanced around worriedly. Luke however had a calm expression on his face, seemingly used to the noises of the Falcon. She took note and took a deep breath. Her thoughts returned to Anakin, waiting in the crew quarters.

Though she knew he'd been compliant with the plan to go to the Rebel Fleet, she knew he didn't like it.

Anakin settled into meditation, despite his troubled mind, knowing that doing this was the only thing that would calm him. Though it took some time to get into it, he was able to slip into it. Soon the world around him melted and it was just the energy of the Force. Though he'd been tempted many a time to drift over to meditating on the future events being projected to him in the Force. The darkness called to him, constantly trying to drag him down again.

In the years past, he let it consume him, but now it became an uphill battle each and every day. Coming back after having jumped into the depths was more difficult than saying no to it and never having jumped at all. Visions of what would happen once he confronted the Emperor filled his mind. Images of the Sith standing over the bodies of his family constantly assaulted his mind. Sidious was always triumphant, and once he had killed them, would turn to him every time, and say words that would chill him to the bone.

You never escaped. You are still mine.

Anakin broke away from that recurring vision, a fresh layer of sweat coating him. He was breathing heavily in fear. Furrowing his brows, he then placed his head in his hands, fingers curling in his growing hair. For several minutes he breathed deeply until it evened out, though instead of clarity that usually came with meditation, he felt despair.

What was he to do in the face of uncertainty?

"Trust in the Force.", came an audible voice, and Anakin glanced up sharply. Before him was the apparition of Obi-Wan, older like he'd been on his last day alive. Though surprised by his presence, Anakin shook himself, voicing his fears.

"I do, but I fear that my choices will lead me down a dark path once more."

"That is a normal feeling Anakin.", Obi-Wan answered calmly. "Just remember to not let it consume you."

"I have so much more cause to do so.", he argued shaking his head. "I've already shown what I'm capable of."

"If you fear the dark side, and you know the costs of falling into it, I do not believe you will do so again."

"But the visions—"

"Are nothing but the Emperor's doing.", interrupted his former master. "As were the visions of losing your wife. The dark side causes doubt and fear. You already know that visions of the future are things to be wary of. Focus on what you're doing now."

"I know I should.", Anakin replied, scolding himself for the lapse in judgement. His mind returned to what he'd done after falling prey to those visions.

"And neither should you focus on your past.", corrected Obi-Wan with some firmness. "The here and now Anakin."

"What must I be doing now?", Anakin asked, at a loss.

"You've learned from your mistakes, but now it is time to live.", Obi-Wan stated, his voice calming. "You have your family. Spend your time with them, plan for what is to come, but do not worry about it until the time arrives."

"How do I plan if I am not to think of the future?", Anakin asked, believing the ideas contradicted one another.

"Planning for it does not mean you are worried for it.", Obi-Wan clarified. "A fear that consumes you, that clouds your judgement, that is what you must avoid."

"I will try.", he began, before noticing the stern expression on his former master's face. Then he amended, "I will."

There was a moment of silence before his master spoke again.

"Anakin, I do not ask you to espouse the teachings of the Jedi.", Obi-Wan continued, his expression growing soft. "I merely wish to be the friend I wasn't all those years ago."

Anakin glanced up to the apparition of his friend, a feeling of wonderment coming over him. Obi-Wan's expression was slightly pained. It seemed that even ghosts held onto regrets.

"Obi-Wan, you were my brother. It is not your fault I decided to go down this path.", he stated, knowing this thing for certain. "Though I once blamed you and the Jedi for my fate, I was putting the blame where it didn't belong."

"Even still.", Obi-Wan continued, though there was a slight smile of relief there. "I will be here any time you need me."

"Thank you… it's more than I deserve.", Anakin replied, adverting his gaze.

Just then, the ship jolted again, and he knew that they had fallen out of hyperspace. When he glanced to where Obi-Wan was, he found that his former master had gone. He let out a sigh of regret, wishing he'd had more time to speak with him before remembering the words Obi-Wan had said to him.

The here and now.

He could feel the ship continue on smoothly before gradually slowing until it barely felt like they were moving. In the Force, Anakin could already sense the many lifeforms not familiar to him, surrounding the Falcon. Then the ship jolted one last time, finally landing in what must be the hanger. Instead of going to the doors of the ship, he obediently waited where he was until the princess summoned him. He wanted desperately to gain her trust. The door opened and Padmé walked in, her face solemn.

"We're here.", she announced, though he nodded.

"I know.", he informed, glancing beyond her, to see if the princess was nearby. "I assume we will wait here until we are instructed to move."

"We'll put together your disguise.", she suggested with some weariness, before going to fetch his cloak and mask.

As she put together the ensemble that consisted mostly of what he'd worn to Jabba's Palace, Anakin glanced down at his lightsaber. With some reluctance, he decided that it best to leave the weapon behind. He hid it in one of the smuggler's compartments. If the Rebels searched him, they could not find that kind of weapon on him, especially not one belonging to Darth Vader. Instead, he opted for a blaster he'd stolen from Jabba's Palace, and picked it up off of his cot. Though he regarded the weapon with mild disdain, he knew it was necessary to keep up appearances. He strapped a bandolier over his shoulder as well, further adding to the bounty hunter disguise. As he was pulling a cloak over his shoulders, the door to the room opened up once more. They both glanced over to see Leia walk in carefully.

"It's time.", she announced before motioning them to follow.

Anakin braced himself, pulling the mask up over his face, before following the princess down the ramp of the ship. Beside him, he could sense that Padmé was just as tense, her mind full of uncertainties. Thankfully, most of the attention seemed to be on Luke and that smuggler, so the princess was able to guide them away from the hanger. Anakin noted that she was careful to keep them from lingering anywhere too long, and though guarded in her thoughts, she displayed some worry in her countenance. The march seemed to go on forever, as various Rebels eyed his masked and armed appearance carefully. He kept his gaze straight forward, trying to keep a low profile the entire way. He could feel their curiosity.

At last they arrived before door of a room.

"High Command.", Leia informed warily before the door of the room hissed open. She walked in first, knowing that they would follow.

Both he and Padmé glanced at each other before stepping into the room.

A/N: So, we're back to focusing on Padmé and Anakin in this chapter! Though things are moving differently here, there's going to be some important planning in the next chapter, as well as, I hope, some action.

Also, as one reviewer kindly pointed out in my previous chapter, the Rebel Alliance wouldn't just trust the identity of Padmé. Before taking in her whole story, they must be sure that she is who she says she is. Shoutout to that reviewer who caught the hole in my initial logic. I thank you pointing that out :)

Special shoutout to RyanSquad, ariana (Guest), Jedi Alex Colbent, MMM73181, Jeda31, Lawrence HBain, ichigo urahara Shihoin, DaniDarth, Reconzilla117, and IntelEwok for reviewing! A big thank you to those who favorited and followed my story, as well as me as an author! If you have any thoughts on this chapter, let me know! I love hearing from each of you, as feedback helps to both encourage and even improve my writing :) Once again, thank you all for continuing to read!