What Could Have Been

Part Three

Well, I hope you're enjoying this story so far! Here's an update for y'all!

Anakin dove out of the way, narrowly avoiding a grenade explosion. The heat seared against the back of his neck. Quickly, he deflected one of the blaster bolts that came his way, wincing as one of the clones fell because of it. He shook off the feeling, refusing to dwell on it.

"Obi-Wan, can you hurry it up?" Anakin muttered into the comm link on his wrist. Static crackled for a moment before his old master answered.

"Be patient, Anakin. The charges are almost set, then we can go." The younger man sighed. Patience wasn't his strong suit. "I know, Anakin. But if we take this place down, we will cripple the Empire. We'll put an end to the Clone industry." The Rebel leaders had ordered an attack on Kamino in hopes that, in taking away the Imperial army, the Rebellion could limit their resources. Rain poured as Anakin waited on the platform, fighting off the clones that stood guard.

"Let's go to Kamino, Anakin. It'll be an easy mission, Anakin." With each phrase the frustrated Jedi swung his lightsaber, taking out a clone. "No one knows we'll be there, Anakin. Oh wait, never mind, Anakin, you'll have to be a distraction." One clone after another fell as he fought.

"You know I can hear you, right?" Obi-Wan's words came through the comm.

"Whoops." He replied unapologetically. The older Jedi's sigh could be heard. Anakin smirked, swinging his saber once more to deflect a shot. He whirled around, to face the one who shot at him. In one swift motion, Anakin swiped the blade through the clone's neck, effectively cutting off his head. The body shuddered for a second before collapsing to the ground. Time seemed to slow as the helmet rolled of the head of the clone, giving Anakin a clear view of his face.

"Rex?" Anakin whispered. He tried to say more, but instead choked on his words. The Jedi stared in horror for a moment, ignoring the clones that began to line up behind him, weapons raised. He tried to tear his eyes away from the expressionless face, but found himself unable to look away. Anakin's gaze managed to catch something tattooed onto the clone's head. He let out a shaky sign as he realized that he hadn't killed Rex, but instead a different clone. Anakin's instincts kicked in when realization dawned on him, the presence of the clones behind him now apparent.

"Fire!" The commanding clone's voice echoed in his head as he held up his saber. As fingers tightened on triggers, doubt crept in. Anakin wasn't sure he could stop them all. Suddenly, half the battalion went flying into the other half, as if they were pushed by an unseen hand.

"Charges are set! Let's go!" Obi-Wan called over the roar of he rain. Anakin nodded, deactivating his lightsaber. The two ran to the ship, boarding quickly. As they took off, the sound of an explosion could be heard from inside the facility. That explosion began a chain reaction, causing the whole building to implode. Anakin watched as the platform collapsed into the turbulent waters of the planet's ocean.

"I'm glad that's over." He muttered, collapsing into the co-pilots seat. Obi-Wan began to set the coordinates for the base of the Rebellion's operations. "Why can't we go home yet?" The older Jedi turned to him.

"We need to report back first. I'm sure the twins are dong just fine with Ahsoka." Anakin sighed at his old master's words.

"That's not why I want to go home." That was exactly why he wanted to go home. It wasn't that he didn't trust his old Padawan to take care of his kids, it was just that he was nervous. Nervous that somehow the new Sith would find them. Nervous that Palpatine would figure out that Padme wasn't actually on his side. Nervous that-
Anakin's train of thought was broken off by Obi-Wan clearing his throat.

"They'll all be fine." He reassured Anakin. "Padme can handle herself. And the twins have Ahsoka to protect them. You and I both know they are the most stubborn headed women in the galaxy." Anakin chuckled for a moment, before his expression became more serious,

"I hope they're having a better day than we are."

➿➿➿➿➿

Padme walked softly down the halls towards Palaptine. Her heals clicked quietly with each step. Doubt and fear creeped into her mind as she neared the Sith Lords office. She shoved them aside, coming to a stop outside the door. Taking in a deep breath, Padme knocked on the door.

"Come in." Palpatine's voice rasped. The door slid open, and the woman entered. She swallowed a gasp at the Sith's disfigured face came into her view. "Padme?" The Emperor asked. She nodded, forcing a smile on her face. "It is so good to see you, my dear." Palpatine walked towards her, arms outstretched as if he wished to hug her. When he noticed Padme's flinch, he sighed, putting his arms down. "I suppose my new appearance is a bit horrifying."

"I still can't believe the Jedi did this." Padme said after a moment of silence. The mention of the Jedi seemed to awaken a fire in the Emperor's eyes.

"It's quite unfortunate, yes. Especially considering your close ties with Skywalker." The woman forced a calm expression to remain.

"He and I were close once, yes, but after I heard what the Jedi did, we never spoke again." Palpatine nodded, apparently buying her lie.

"It truly pains me to even think about the betrayal and the effects it had on the Empire." Padme focused her attention on anywhere but the Sith's face. "So why are you here my dear?"

"I want to help the Empire in any way that I can." She paused, gauging his reaction. "Perhaps even rejoining the Senate?" Palpatine began to pace thoughtfully while she chewed her lip.

"I think that is a wonderful idea. It would be so nice to have someone I could trust on the Senate at all times." Padme let out a small sigh in relief.

"I can't express how glad I am that I can serve the Empire." Padme said with a smile.

➿➿➿➿➿

"Get back here!" Ahsoka yelled. Leia giggled, running down the halls of their home. Ahsoka chased after the girl with a smile on her face. Luke watched the two run around from his spot on the couch. Using the Force, the Togrutan lifted both the twins holding them in mid air. They both laughed while they floated. Suddenly, Ahsoka felt herself rising off the floor. She glanced at the twins, who both had their arms outstretched in concentration. She shook her head in amazement at the their talent. "I suppose this means it's time to train." Leia squealed in excitement, causing both her and Luke to break their concentration. Ahsoka collapsed to the floor with a grunt. Gently, she set down Luke and Leia. "Today's lesson: lightsaber form."

"We're going to learn how to fight?" Luke asked with awe in his voice.

"Not quite. We'll just go over basic form with my lightsaber." Ahsoka ignited her weapon, the white blade gleaming even in the bright room. "First form." She held her lightsaber high, bracing her posture. Luke nodded while Leia watched motionless. Ahsoka continued going through the basic five forms. "Your turn." She said, deactivating her weapon.

"Really?" Luke reached out for Ahsoka's saber. She handed it to him, urging him to go on. The young boy pressed the button, igniting it.

"WHOA!" Ahsoka yelled. She dove at Leia, knocking her out of the way of the blade. The two laid on the floor for a moment, with Luke staring at them. "Maybe we should start with the lightsaber deactivated first." The twins giggled, and Luke nodded in embarrassment. "First form!" Luke moved to position as Ahsoka gave him pointers. The Togrutan smiled as he quickly picked up on the lessons.

So, that last section was just a little bit of fluff for ya. I thought it was kinda cute. The story is finally beginning to move along at least. I know in the canon universe that Palpatine knew that Padme and Anakin were married, but since this is AU, I can do whatever the frick I want. So he doesn't know in this universe. I hope y'all like this story!