The Penpal Paradox/Epilogue

Surrounded by security and escorted by Jedi, Senator Amidala, along with the supporters of the Loyalist Committee cast their votes. And lost by an astounding margin.

Just as she'd feared, not long afterward, war broke out. It began with a skirmish on the remote system of Geonosis during a Jedi investigation. They discovered a droid manufacturing facility there under the leadership of Count Dooku, Head of State of the Separatists' new Confederacy of Independent Systems. The droids were being built for the sole purpose of attacking key Republic systems throughout the galaxy.

In response, the Republic quickly formed their own army, promoted the Jedi Masters to generals and commenced the task of securing the vital hyperspace lanes.

Obi-Wan had asked Padme to meet him at the Galactic City Space Port. He'd been commissioned to lead the 212th Attack Battalion and wanted to see her before he left.

Dorme stood close by. Even though she and Anakin had hit it off, their romantic connection was nothing compared to what the senator and Kenobi shared. Every moment those two had been able to spare over the past several months, they had spent together. She saw Anakin only occasionally, but still wanted to wish him well.

Padme, on the other hand, was a complete mess. Dorme held her onto her arm to give her all the support she could.

"He's going to be all right. Do you really think after everything he's been through, a few droids are going to be able to take him out?"

Her words had done little to ease her friend's worry.

"War is the greatest plague which affects the entire galaxy, regardless of race or species. It destroys everything it touches," Padme stated, a quote which revealed the darkness shadowing her heart.

There was nothing else Dorme could say and only one thing which could possibly bring a smile to the young woman's face.

It was several more minutes before their scanning vision fixated on two figures emerging from the crowd. The closer he came, the more Padme seemed to relax.

"Miss Dorme," Obi-Wan greeted her with a kiss to her cheek, while Anakin chose a hug.

"Padme," he stated simply while taking her hands.

"Come on," Anakin urged, leading Dorme away by her arm. "The transport leaves in ten minutes and I'm thirsty."

Padme couldn't take her eyes off him. Could this be the last time she looked upon his face?

"I got you something," he said, withdrawing a small black box. Such an insignificant item which could make a huge impact. If it was what she hoped it was. Padme received the gift with trembling fingers and opened it. Inside was a golden filigree ring with a large oval stone. When the sunlight struck the jewel, it practically glowed and reflected several shades of lavender, lilac, and deep violet.

"Is this…?" She couldn't say the words aloud, but hoped within her heart she was correct.

"Let's call it a promise for the future. Upon my safe return, I'll replace it with the real thing." Obi-Wan took the ring and placed it on her left third finger. It was a perfect fit. "Do you like it?"

"It's gorgeous," Padme accepted and admired the item before returning her attention to what she admired the most. "I'm going to hold you to this promise," she told him, emotion beginning to choke her words while tears clouded her vision.

"I expect you to," he replied before holding her gently in his arms.

"It's time, Master," Anakin told him upon his return.

Padme wished to hold onto him forever, but knew she had to let him go. She would count the minutes until he returned.

"I love you," he whispered in her ear before placing a kiss there.

"And I love you." This was maddening! But how was it any different than his usual departures? He was always facing dangers and the possibility of death. It was something that came along with the package. Her father had warned her of that, and she had accepted the risk.

The difference was, she wouldn't know where he was going or exactly what he was doing. The Jedi Council may have had their own rules, but this was war, and their efforts had to be much more covert.

"I'll see you later," he said, before picking up his duffel bag and stepping away. She waved to Anakin before her old enemy, panic, grabbed hold.

"Obi-Wan!"

He turned with an expectant face, looked worried and then smiled knowingly. She couldn't help but smile back.

"We'll write," he told her loudly from a distance. "It got us through before. It'll get us through this as well."

Her smile widened as her panic lessened. "We'll write!"

She lovingly watched Obi-Wan until his figure had disappeared and the transport engines flared. Where there had been a sense of loss and darkness before was now a spark of inspiration burning in her heart. Padme released a sigh while taking Dorme's arm.

"Let's go home. I've got a few love letters to send."

/End