The Will of the Force

Chapter 7: The Return

Padme returned to the waystation, having been summoned by Qui-Gon. Two years had passed since Anakin was healed on Kamino, and it was getting harder for him to aid the rebellion without drawing Palpatine's suspicions. Last month, for example, he tipped off Breha about an Imperial sweep of a sector where numerous rebel bases were located, and the Emperor picked up on the incoming signal. Thankfully Anakin had been able to convince his master to investigate Moff Tarkin, an officer who was known for his dubious loyalties. Padme, Breha, and Anakin had held a meeting that night on a carefully secured channel and agreed that it was almost time for him to formally defect and lead the rebellion. Accordingly, much of the past four weeks had been spent making preparations. Familiarising Luke and Leia (who were now three) with the interior of the nondescript shuttle that would be used to leave, persuading Piett to come with them (Anakin was convinced he'd be a valuable asset to the rebellion), and setting up other double agents who could pass information from inside the empire once Anakin was no longer able to.

She had also been continuing her training with Qui-Gon and recently he pronounced that, had the Jedi Order still been functional, she would have been qualified for the rank of Knight. It was this that left her feeling somewhat confused as to the purpose behind her summons here today. After her training was complete, she assumed that she wouldn't see him until she was returned to life, a prospect that was still at least two years away. She was roused from her musings by the appearance of the Jedi master.

'Apologies for my tardiness, Padme.' He said as the bench appeared and they sat down, as was their custom. 'I had a few details to confirm with the Whills before I came here.'

'Details?'

'Yes, it seems I was mistaken about the amount of time required to bring someone back from the dead,' he began solemnly before a smile crossed his face. 'it takes less than I anticipated. You may go back to the living world momentarily if you wish.'

Padme felt a thrill surge through her. She had become used to her existence as a force ghost, but it wasn't the same as being fully alive. "That would be great, thank you Qui-Gon.'

'Before you go, I need to make one final adjustment.' He waved his hands and the white garments she had been wearing since Polis Mass were replaced by traditional Jedi robes – complete with a lightsaber hanging from the belt. Somehow this attire felt more like home than her senatorial outfits had ever done. A mirror materialized and she spend some time viewing herself. Her hair fell in cascades down her shoulders. The white shirt and pants were covered by a plain brown robe that reached the floor, accompanied by brown boots and a dark brown belt. She hesitatingly removed the lightsaber from where it hung. In her practice duels, she'd used training sabers as actual lightsabers were difficult to manifest. Looking a Qui-Gon, who nodded confirmation, she ignited the blade. It was a brilliant azure, much like Anakin's blade, and it felt weightless in her hands. She experimentally performed some of the moves she'd learned, thrusting, parrying, and blocking an invisible opponent to get a sense of how the weapon performed. The older Jedi watched on in approval, knowing that he was witnessing the future of the Jedi. Satisfied, she disengaged the blade and returned the lightsaber to its place on her belt.

'I'm ready,' she said. As Qui-Gon handed her another lightsaber. With a start, she realized it was Anakin's. The one he used when he was a Jedi.

Seeing her surprise Qui-Gon explained. 'Give this to Anakin once you get back. It would not do for General Skywalker to be wielding a weapon of the Sith while leading the rebellion.' She nodded. And he said in farewell 'May the force be with you Padme.'

She felt the nexus fade around her as she was finally returned completely to the world of the living.

---

She was in the entrance hall of Anakin's quarters on the Extractor. Feeling her cheek, she confirmed that she was fully corporeal and looking down saw that she was still wearing the Jedi robes. She decided that she'd best move further inside before any of the crew saw her and walked to the dining room, where she leaned against the doorframe and observed Anakin attempting to get Luke and Leia to eat their peas.

'C'mon Leia,' he said, a hint of desperation to his tone 'Just one bite for Daddy?'

The three-year-old appeared to contemplate this offer before she replied politely 'No thank you.'

Luke was far less polite. "NO!' he yelled, a tantrum building on his face until he looked past Anakin and exclaimed in delight 'Mummy!'

Anakin turned, expecting to see his wife's ghostly form, and froze when he saw her leaning against the doorframe, fully tangible. He was out of his chair in an instant racing to her and swinging her up in his arms, as he so often had when they were reunited during the Clone Wars.

'Hello Ani,' she said, laughing and leaning into his embrace.

'MUMMY! The twins yelled in unison, cutting off Anakin's reply. She scooped Luke up from his highchair, relishing the feeling of being able to hold him properly, and planted kisses all over his face.

'Look how big you've gotten!' Anakin picked Leia up out of her chair, moving to embrace Padme once more, Luke and Leia included in the hug this time. The Skywalkers enjoyed the moment of familial bliss until it was cruelly interrupted by the ring of Anakin holocomm. Padme reluctantly released him so he could check the caller.

'Palpatine,' he said briefly, a look of disgust crossing his face before it was replaced with one of glee. 'I think tonight's as good a night as any to defect, wouldn't you say?'

'Absolutely.'

---

That night, Piett met them at the shuttle bay, having decided to defect once he realized that Anakin intended to. Padme reflected that she'd been right about his loyalty laying with Anakin before the Emperor, and thanked the force. She watched in amusement as Piett surveyed his commanding officer with surprise, less to do with the absence of his helmet and more to do with the fact that he was wearing Jedi robes, she guessed.

'Everything ready Piett?' Anakin asked.

'Yes-' he paused, not sure how to address the former Sith now that they were no longer a part of the Empire.

Taking a deep break Anakin supplied 'General Skywalker.'

'Yes, General Skywalker. The coordinates are inputted into the nav computer and I have ensured that the security cameras on both the interior and exterior of the ship are malfunctioning. There will be no record of our flight.'

'Excellent,' Padme said and gestured for him to lead the way into the shuttle. She followed carefully so as to not wake the twins who were sleeping in her arms, Anakin bringing up the rear with a powered-down C3PO and R2D2, who would be reactivated once they were in hyperspace and there was no chance the empire could track their power signals.

---

Seven hours later, they landed at the rebel base on Yavin 4 and were greeted by Breha, and, to Padme's surprise, Yoda. At the sight of the former Grandmaster, shame and regret flowed from Anakin's force presence and he downcast his eyes.

Breha stepped forward to ease the awkward silence that had fallen. 'I'm so glad that you were able to get away unhindered.'

'Yes, we were prepared for a confrontation but luckily Piett-' Padme indicated the man, who looked nervous at being surrounded by rebel personnel, 'was able to mask our escape.'

Breha regarded the Lieutenant warmly 'We owe you our thanks. It would have been a great blow to the rebellion if either of the General Skywalkers had been detained or killed.' Piett stiffly nodded his appreciation, clearly still on edge.

Breha led the way into the base giving a tour and pointing out the most important areas until Yoda spoke. 'Much to discuss we have, Skywalkers.' He motioned for Padme and Anakin to follow him into an empty room, and leaving the twins under C3PO and R2's care, she prepared for a long conversation.

Author's Note: I apologise if the time transitions are a bit abrupt, this is my first time writing a multi-chapter work. We're getting near the end now probably three more chapters to go!