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« You already have, Luke. You were right about me. Tell your sister...you were right.” Anakin managed to say, then closed his eyes and let himself fall into the darkness. A gentler death than anything he could have ever imagined.
A gentler death than he deserved after all the atrocities he committed.
He didn’t really know what to expect in death. A great nothingness maybe? The jedi said that you returned to the Force. Anakin was intimately familiar with the Force, his own parents, and how swirling, powerful and vibrant it could be.
Though it had been muted and in pain for the last twenty years.
So, he didn’t know what to expect.
And what he got was this: he opened his eyes, and he was in the council chamber, all alone. Outside the Coruscant sky was dark, night coming.
Anakin blinked. He looked down at himself: dressed in his dark jedi robe, his lightsaber, the last one he held as a jedi on his belt. Only one hand made of steel. The rest of him flesh and bones. Healthy. He could breathe without any help.
The dark side of the Force only an echo faded in the distance as if Anakin hadn’t drink it all, as if he never used it as instinctively as he had.
He rose, shaking. He let his sense expend and he felt it. Felt her. Padmé.
Alive somewhere.
Palpatine, also alive, and four Jedi, somehow also alive, on his way to him.
Anakin suddenly knew when he was: the night he turned on the Jedi. The night he fell.
The night he agreed to commit atrocities, certain that it could save Padmé.
Except he had been wrong.
Padmé had still died.
His children had been scattered, and he never saw them grow. They never got to know their mom and how wonderful a being she was, how strong, fierce and dedicated she was.
And yes, Luke forgave him and saved him, but Leia? Leia only had hatred for him. And she was right. He looked with disinterest as Tarkin blow up Alderaan, the planet that had welcomed her.
His breath caught up in his throat. He had been given a second chance it seemed. Or maybe it was his damnation, and he had to relive that night forever?
But he didn’t feel a compulsion to do what he did last time, and to go to the chancellor.
Master Windu defeated Lord Sidious. He lost because of Anakin.
Without Anakin’s interference he would kill Sidious and save the Galaxy.
Besides Anakin didn’t want to go to the Chancellor, to his former master. He wanted to see Padmé.
He left the council chamber and ran to his speeder, making his way to Padmé’s appartement, still knowing the way by heart, unable to forget anything about her.
R2 was with him, beeping excitedly and he almost stopped to hug the droid but settled for a pat on the top of the droid.
R2 had taken care of his children better than Anakin had been able.
But in this life if it was allowed, he wouldn’t become Darth Vader, he would stay Anakin, and he would see his children grow.
When he arrived, Padmé was in her blue gown and beautiful, oh, so beautiful.
“Ani!” she called, worry lacing her voice and she came forward. Anakin jumped out and ran to her, hugging her tight.
“Anakin, what is going on? I can’t help but feel frightened.”
“Padmé,” he said her name, hardly believing that she was here, alive and fine. He took a step back looking at her, none of the disgust of their last moments together. None of the fear as he choked her, rage and pain and confusion taking over him and causing him the greatest grief of his life.
“Padmé, the chancellor is a Sith. The Jedi have gone to stop him.”
Padmé gasped. “Anakin! What are you going to do?”
It was ironic. In another life he told her a lie about the Jedi and she asked him the same question. And here he told her the truth but still she worried.
“I will let Master Windu handle the problem with the Chancellor. I am not… strong enough to face him.” And to be fair, Anakin could admit to himself that he was scared to see the Chancellor.
In the last twenty years the chancellor had been the last tether to his humanity he had. And this tether had been rotten and putrid and just led him deeper and deeper into darkness.
The fact that he had managed to come back for Luke was simply a miracle. Only his son, Padmé’s son through and through could accomplish that.
“I worried about you,” he continued “I just… I wanted to be with you.” Maybe he sounded childish, he thought, but he could. He was allowed because it was Padmé. He was allowed to be vulnerable around Padmé. Even if it was almost a foreign feeling now.
Padmé nodded and burrowed closer against him, craning her neck to be able to look at him still. “Oh Anakin, do not worry about me! I will be fine.”
“I know.” He said and she looked as surprised as he felt. But he knew she would be fine. He wouldn’t hurt her this time, she wouldn’t travel to Mustafar and…
Mustafar! The separatists were there! He could go and…Except a shudder ran through him and he remembered Obi-wan and fire and pain, pain so much pain.
“Anakin?”
“Sorry, I just…. I feel… unwell.”
“Then let’s sit, come on.” They sat next to each other, Anakin clutching at Padmé, burying his face in her hair.
The force felt tense all around. Like an elastic pulled to his limit, ready to snap. He could feel the anticipation in the air. He waited, holding the love of his life, his wife, close to him.
He wondered briefly why the Force -because who else- sent him back to that night and not before his mother’s death.
He still had the Tusken massacre on his hands. And the war still caused too many deaths. Too many troopers have been lost. All nonsensical massacre for the Chancellor to get more power.
So many jedi lost already.
Anakin himself had too much blood on his hand no matter what, time travel couldn’t erase the way he felt all those lives flicker out from the Force, but if he had come back sooner, he could have tried to save more life. Or to spare some at least.
And then he felt it. The release of tension in the Force was so profound it pulled a gasp out of him.
It felt a bit like the force was shaking itself, testing the new boundaries and then it sang, full of life, vibrant with its intensity.
“Anakin, I…” Padme said, like she could feel it, overwhelmed. And of course she could.
She carried two of the most powerful force-sensitive children in her. Anakin laughed, knowing his laugh sound crazed up but unable to stop.
“He’s dead! The chancellor! The Sith! He is dead! He won’t hurt us! He can’t anymore.” Padmé let a burst of laughing escape her, sounding surprised and lost still but Anakin brought their forehead together holding her hands.
“We’re safe.”
Only three jedi would lose their life today: Master Agen Kolar, Master Saesee Tiin, and Master Kit Fisto.
Yes, their loss would be hard but… such a low price to pay to avoid the massacre.
And while the clones still sported their chip, order 66 would never be ordered.
Obi-wan must have already dealt with Grievous and would come back to a full temple. The Jedi would be able to keep on.
The future from where Anakin stood looked infinite and full of possibilities.
So, what now for Anakin?
He supposed he would need to amend for the pain he caused. They needed to deal with the separatists. But most importantly he wanted to see his children grow.
“Padmé?”
“Yes?” she opened her eyes, looking up at him.
“Padmé, I don’t know If I can keep being a jedi. Or at least like I was before. I want to be there for our children. I want them to know me as their dad. I have much to atone for and I want to tell everything to Obi-wan and the council… I’m scared but… I don’t want to keep lying to them.”
Padmé bursted into tears: “Oh Ani!” she kissed him rather enthusiastically. “I was so hoping you will see it! Obi-wan will never hate you! He couldn’t! Of course! Tell him please! Tell them! And whatever their decision I will be by your side! We will be by your side!” she promised their hands entwined on top of her bellies where two babies were slightly moving.
“I will,” he promised “I will.”
**
He stayed a bit more with Padmé before leaving and making his way back to the Temple. This time he was not leading an army of clone troopers that had been brainwashed by the chips in their head -and that was something that they would need to deal with- but he entered on his own. It was the dead of the night but there was faint agitation everywhere and a soft buzzing of activity that was reflecting in the Force. But it was not -for once- a worrying one.
He made his way to the council chamber, aware that Master Windu told him to wait here -if he remembered correctly- and that he hadn’t done so. But in this lifetime, he didn’t regret it at all. Getting to hold Padmé once more, feeling the Force so strong everywhere, feeling like he was making the right choice. The confusion and worry that used to plague him in that period was finally gone.
Padmé wouldn’t die. He knew it. He could almost taste that truth in the Force itself.
There was only three jedi master in the council chamber when Anakin arrived. Two more were in holographic display. Master Shaak Ti and Master Luminara Unduli both turned their heads to look at him as he entered. Master Windu was standing up. Master Staas Allie and Master Depa Billaba were in their holo but not the other members of the council still alive.
Missions were still happening and they were probably indisposed.
A twinge of worry about Obi-wan wormed his way to Anakin’s heart but he pushed it away: Obi-wan survived order 66 last time, and survived years alone in exile. He would survive in this new reality; Anakin couldn’t imagine him dying now. Before Anakin could make his amend and admitted the truth to his master. The only Master that really mattered.
He bowed to the council:
“Knight Skywalker,” Master Windu begun “I thought I told you to wait for me here.”
“I’m sorry master, I was worried about a friend of mine and… I was worried about the future. The Force seemed to be tittering on an edge. I went in search of comfort and reassurance. I was too weak to trust in myself at that moment. Or to trust in you and the other masters to take care of the danger the Sith represent.”
There was a moment, a pause. The member of the council seemed surprised.
Anakin supposed that he never recognized weakness in himself before that. And he was weak. Weaker than he was at Darth Vader. But what does power mean when he had lost Padmé because of it?
What was the point really? He had tried to find pride and purpose in the Empire and in serving the emperor, because he had nothing else to hold onto. But now he still had Padmé, Obi-wan, his troopers -though he had neglected Rex and he needed to make sure the 501st was doing okay- and soon he would have his children as well.
He was a man with many people in his life. More to lose, sure, but the biggest danger to them all was gone.
“Very well. You were right indeed Anakin. The Chancellor was a Sith. He killed master Agen Master Kit and Master Tiin. We will have to arrange funerals for them.
“I’ve dealt with the Sith myself. He was too dangerous to be taken to trial. Had too much influence. I was forced to kill him. “Master Windu paused, looking ahead far off in the distance. “I will have to reflect on this when we’ll have time.”
“Mace, you shouldn’t punish yourself for it! It was a difficult choice, but it was right. We can feel it in the force.” Master Billaba said, and the others nodded.
“There is something else…” Anakin interrupted, and they all turned to look at him again. “Before I told you about the Chancellor’s true nature, he told me about the leaders of the separatists. “
“What about them?”
“I know where they are.” Anakin explained and he saw how Master Shaak Ti Straighten in her seat. “They are on Mustafar. It’s a volcanic planet. We should send a group of jedi to arrest them.”
“Would you like to lead it?” Master Windu asked and of course, they expected Anakin to ask for it, right? Anakin always wanted to put himself first but Mustafar… Mustafar was too full of pain and horror for him to set foot over there again.
“I would rather not if it’s alright with the Council.”
He could even feel their surprise in the force and tried not to wince. Darth Vader also used to lead but mostly because he was the only Jedi left. Or well. Some were still alive and serving the Emperor. But no one was as strong as Vader.
But he didn’t want to lead attack for now. He wanted to wait for Obi-wan.
“Very well Skywalker. Master Ti? “
“I will be delighted,” the Togruta smiled with too many teeth and Anakin was reminded of Ashoka. He looked away. He’d almost forgotten her. Snips. She would have survived order 66. But then what would she have done in that new world? And now where was she? Did she feel the shift in the Force? Would she come back to them?
There were more discussions concerning the arrangement of the funerals, the mission to Mustafar and getting the information to the other jedi. Discussion about the senate and how to keep peace until a new Chancellor was chosen.
Anakin listened distractedly. There was so much more to do. But he had no proof for the chips in the clones, though a quick scan should be enough but how could he explain how he got that information? Or convince one of the clones to agree to the scan?
“Any news of Master Kenobi return?” he asked because the urge to see and talk to Obi-wan was burning.
“The battle is still going strong. He has defeated grievous, but the droids haven’t surrender yet.”
“I see.”
Then the holo flickered off, Master Ti left to hunt, and Master Luminara followed looking pensive. Master Windu turned to Anakin.
“Are you all right?”
Anakin wanted to laugh. “Shouldn’t it be my question to you Master? You killed a man. It can’t have been easy.”
“He was a Sith, hellbent on destroying the republic. It helped. I can’t figure what’s going on with you. You were teeming with confusion last we spoke. Now you feel… Overwhelmed.”
“I am. The future is daunting.”
“It wasn’t before?”
“… Differently I suppose. The Force seemed better now, but there is still much to be done. I have… a lot of thinking to do.”
Master Windu acknowledged this with a tilt of his head.
“I see.” He came closer to Anakin. “I can’t tell you to take time; as you know we have much to do. But I’ll always be free if you want to talk.”
“Thank you master.”
**
He returned to his chamber, sent a quick message to Rex to make sure his men were doing ok, let his presence in the force expend to sense Padmé, she was sleeping for now, finally at ease.
She must have sensed the way that night was a night of crossroads, of important decisions taken.
When he entered his chamber, he stopped in the entryway. He barely recognized or remembered the place. There were junk and half-abandoned projects lying across his desk, posters of pod-races on the wall. Trace of an innocence and childhood that he barely could reconcile with himself.
It was like a window to his past. He hated it. He hated what he could remember of himself. The self-assured lost young man who thought he could save the people he loved most and only cause further destruction.
He walked away to Obi-Wan’s chamber. It had been a long time since he came here but it was always far more welcoming to him. They used to live together while Anakin was a padawan. Obi-wan would make him tea after nightmares when he was young. As he got older Obi-wan asked him to release his doubt in the Force, but he never managed to do it. Still, this place still read as safe to him, so he let himself fall on the couch and wait.
His eyes closed by themselves and Anakin fell asleep waiting for his master.
**
The dream was vivid, red light cutting through people likes flies, screams and fear, a young woman standing defiantly in front of him. A young man with a kind heart extending his hand asking him to remember, to be good once more.
They evaporated in fumes, being taken away by the wind. He heard the echo of a laugh, and he saw Padmé in her yellow dress she wore at the Lake country, looking young, looking happy and carefree and so beautiful.
He had hurt her many times. He would need to be better than before, he thought distantly. He needed to treat her better.
He lost her once. He couldn’t lose her again.
**
Someone shook his shoulder, and he startled awake, frightened for a moment because no one was supposed to touch him, his body was too decayed to be left in the open air. But then he remembered he was not Darth Vader anymore. It was not a wild dream he conjured: he did come back. He could change things for the better.
He was Anakin once again. And in front of him:
“Obi-wan!”
He let himself do something he’d never done too much: he got up and hugged his master who immediately went still under his touch. They were not tactile with each other. But Anakin needed comfort and confirmation that Obi-wan was alive and well. And that while uncomfortable he wasn’t enraged toward Anakin. That he still considered him his brother.
“You came back master.”
“I did.” A pause. “Are you all right Anakin?”
Anakin laughed but took a step back looking at his master. His master who looked young, and yes there was grief here but not… not like before.
“I’m better now that you’re here master.”
Obi-wan nodded like it made sense. “I hear the war is nearly over. And that the Chancellor was a Sith. I know you were close to Palpatine. That must have been hard for you to hear.”
“I was the one who warned Master Windu. I believe Palpatine wanted me to join his side.”
Obi-wan put a hand on his shoulder. “But you didn’t. As I know you wouldn’t.”
This… Hurt more than Anakin anticipated. He had known when he reflected on their battle of Mustafar than Obi-wan had been hurt by his actions, obviously -the youngling flinching in fear away from him as he lighted his saber and walked up … no, stop thinking about it. Not now. And here, it didn’t happen-.
But to know that Obi-wan had believed in him and that he had broken his master’s trust by choosing Palpatine. By believing he was choosing Padmé living and only choosing her death.
“Master…Master I wish to spoke with you.”
“Of course, Anakin, you know you can talk to me.”
“Master… I have failed as a jedi.”
“Ah.” Obi-wan said and then waited. And Anakin was suddenly struggling to find the words. He hesitated for a moment. Should he tell Obi-wan about the time travel? Should he just tell him about the Tusken?
“Anakin… I’ve known for you and Padmé for years. You’re a good knight but you’re terrible at keeping secret.”
Silence as Anakin blinked.
“Oh! I mean, yes there was that but it’s not… it’s not what I wanted to talk about. Or not just about that.”
“There is something else? I mean, I know she’s pregnant and so it must be yours but-“
“Obi-wan” he cut in, “I killed people. Before the war. I let my rage control me and I … I killed Tusken. The one who had taken and tortured my mom. She died in my arm Obi-wan and I.”
Anakin cuts himself then. Not sure what else to say. Yes, they had hurt his mom and were responsible for her death. But at the end of the day did it beget the massacre he inflicted on the entire clan? No.
And he did feel terrible about it after. (And the chancellor always taunting him about this, always reminding Anakin that he knew all his dark secret. The chancellor, his only friend, the only person who wouldn’t judge…)
“I failed you Master. I failed the Jedi.” Dooku could also be lain as his feet. He shouldn’t have killed him. But he did.
“No, Anakin, no listen.” And Obi-wan forced him to look up: “You didn’t fail me. I failed you.”
“Master, no-“
“You told me about your nightmares; about the vision you had of your mom. And I told you to push them aside. I forget sometimes that you weren’t creche-raised. I should have listened to you. We should have gone together to Tatooine. We should have saved her. Together.”
“But master… I still did those things.”
“And you’ve not gone to the Dark Side yet. Yes, it was action born of anger and pain. Yes, it was harsh action, and you should be held accountable for it. But… I should have helped you better as your master.”
“I didn’t let you help me when I was a padawan Master.”
“I should have pushed harder.”
“… You were too young Master.”
That was, Anakin thought sometimes, the roots of all their problems in their relationship. Obi-wan held by the words of dying man took on a padawan when he wasn’t ready.
Anakin adored Obi-wan still, even after everything, and thought the world of him. But he also knew that maybe a Master with more experience would have probably been better for Anakin who had so much to learn.
“I want to tell the council Master. I hope you will stand with me when I do.
“And yes, Padmé’s children are mine. They’re twins. And they would be stronger in the force than even me.” At that he smiled, because yes, they would. Luke was a shining star in the Force. Leia had a hidden strength. Anakin believed that she was unconsciously shielding, hiding. And seeing as no one had discovered her, she was good.
“And I want you to know them Obi-wan. They’re mine but you’re my brother. You will be their uncle.”
“Oh, Anakin” and Obi-Wan caught the stray tear on Anakin’s face. “It would be my pleasure. And yes, of course, I will always stand by your side.”
In another timeline Anakin would have half-believe those words. He always thought Obi-wan found him lacking. Not here, not now. He knew Obi-wan meant it.
**
It was complicated to organize a council hearing with the agitation around. Master Ti came back with the entire separatist group of leaders captured to present to the Senate. The senate who was in uproar about the truth about the Chancellor -most of them didn’t seem too surprised, Anakin remembered how many were already aware and still… Followed him, blinded by promise of power, fame, money and anything they might desire.
Padmé being pregnant and due very soon could not participate in the debate, but Bail Organa came often to tell her all about it. Anakin had more or less moved in with Padmé in preparation for the birth, and Obi-wan was another frequent visitor.
It was a whirlwind.
When Padmé lost her water, Anakin felt like he lost half his mind in worry.
Because what if he was wrong? What if she still died after all?
He felt himself panicking and spiraling, but Padmé needed him, so he needed to be strong, but he didn’t know how. But he knew who could help and so Obi-wan arrived. Except he looked as panicked as Anakin felt.
It did help somehow to know that this event would stress anyone.
It didn’t last as long as Anakin feared, and most importantly at the end of it Padmé was alive, and Luke and Leia were both in their respective cribs and Anakin was smiling so hard his cheeks hurts.
“Look at them Padmé, they’re the most beautiful babies in the galaxy.”
Padmé laughed, “Anakin, you’re crying.”
“Tears of joy, “he kissed the top of her head, “I’m so happy right now.”
“They do look beautiful, “Obi-wan concurred and smiled wryly “and impossible to hide in the force with those signatures.”
“The council is probably aware. Good.”
“Ani, “Padmé called, sounding suddenly worried “Is the temple going to take them away?”
“No.” Anakin reassured her. “The temple only takes children from willing parents. They’ll need to be taught about the force, but I can do that. And Obi-Wan will help, I’m sure.”
“So sure of yourself Anakin,” Obi-wan sighed but didn’t actually contradict him. Yes, they were too strong in the Force to be left on their own. But if Padmé didn’t want her children to be taken away from her, they wouldn’t. Despite many folklores tales Jedi didn’t kidnap children.
But as predicted the council could tell that very strong babies had been born, and they were not stupid, nor Anakin had ever been subtle so when he was called in front of the council, he knew at least what they would want to talk to him about.
And he knew what he needed to tell them.
**
There was silence after Anakin told the council what he did. Why he did it, even if it mattered not in this case. Obi-wan was by his side, as he promised, a solid presence, a pillar for Anakin right now. If he let himself drift a bit in the Force he could feel Luke and Leia. Leia was agitated and Luke was hungry, but they were both fine and healthy, together and happy.
And Padmé was with them and would get to see them grow. To see them become adults.
That piece of news had been taken rather well by the council. But the killing of the Tusken…
“Rash decision taken you have” Yoda begun “But admit your fault you did.”
“I would also point out that without Knight Skywalker the war would still be going strong, and the Sith would still be manipulating us. “
“It doesn’t excuse his action! He let himself be controlled by his anger! He could have easily turn to the dark side.”
That comment brought a grimace to Anakin. If they knew how close, he came. Technically he still knew how to access to the Darkside, he had practiced it for twenty years. He knew it. But it was cold and painful to use the Darkside. And lonely.
He was not alone anymore, and he didn’t feel miserable anymore. He wanted to live, and he wanted to experience life again. A good life, a nice life.
And he wanted to do that with Padmé and their children and with Obi-wan occasionally. If the jedi asked him to leave he would be sad -they had been a family- but he had lived 20 years without them. He could do it again. Especially since they couldn’t forbid Obi-wan from seeing him.
And maybe he could find a way to find Ashoka. The twins deserved an aunt as well.
And the 501st could totally come visit too. Padmé was fond of clones as well. And with the war over they would need to think about what to do now. They could be bodyguards for two over-powerful force-sensitive children.
In short while he would maybe not choose to leave, if he was told to leave the jedi he wouldn’t feel… overly bad about it.
He had made a grave mistake, betrayed the Jedi and their way, multiple times. It seemed normal that actions have consequences, even if as Darth Vader he had often escaped those. (Because who would dare to tell Vader what to do or to reprimand him? He could kill officer in plain view of everyone on a ship and still be assure of his position.)
There were more arguments flying around, the council divided. Master Yoda, Master Ti and Master Plo seemed to be on his side, Master Luminara, Master Allie and Master Billaba as well as Master Windu were silent and the rest of the council firmly condemned his action.
Finally, Master Windu raised his hand to demand silence and asked:
“Why now Anakin? Why tell the truth now?”
“Because I don’t want to lie anymore. I was friends with the Chancellor. He knew about my actions. He encouraged them, told me he understood. He wanted me by his side. And I could have. I could have chosen to side with him.
But I chose the Jedi. But I can’t pretend that I didn’t fail. That I didn’t make mistakes.
I am not the Jedi I should be. But I want to try to be.”
Once upon a time Anakin thought that what he missed was more power. Strength.
But he was wrong. He lacked faith in the other around him.
He was too self-absorbed. Too sure that since he was the Chosen One every decision he took was the right one. Not understanding that he was walking to his doom.
“I won’t abandoned Padmé, I know attachment are not the Jedi way, so I understand if you wish me to leave the Jedi for this reason. My children are strong in the Force, but I know Padmé will want to raise them.
I repent for what I did to the Tusken. That was deeply wrong. And I regret it.
But I will never repent for Padmé. And I hope the council can understand that.”
Master Windu nodded, thoughtful.
“The temple is not a prison. Jedi can choose to leave us if they think there are better things out there for them, or things they want to explore that won’t align with the Jedi code. Concerning the Tusken … We will ask you to amend for it before you leave.
There are many possibilities to do that. And maybe we can find a solution that will ease your way out of the Temple if you wish to stay with your wife and your children.”
“I would… appreciate that. Thank you Master.”
He bowed to Master Windu who nodded. There were murmurs among the members of the council but most still nodded, agreeing.
“Taken a toll on everyone the war has. Many planets help need. Young Skywalker your help you could provide.”
“Amend your fault by helping those in needs today.” Master Billaba concurred, and Anakin nodded.
Yes, that he could do.
**
He almost expected to be doing his mission of bringing comfort and helping the war-torn planets on his own, but Anakin would still for the moment act as the General of the 501st.
Other Jedi would provide relief. But Anakin would be to contact the council frequently to talk about his actions, and he would be sent to the most damaged planet.
Still, he was glad that he would be able to spend time with his men even if he worried endlessly about leaving Padmé.
“I will return to Naboo. To the lake country. Prepare the house. You can always come when you have time, and we’ll call regularly.” She put a hand on his face: “We’re free to be together now Ani, nothing is stopping us. You will help, and then you will come back to us.”
Anakin closed his eyes, nodding:
“I know. I wish we didn’t have to be separated so soon. But it is the right thing to do.”
“It is.”
**
As Anakin made his way to his ship he couldn’t help but think of things left to clear up: Bail organa had been elected new Chancellor of the republic, the Separatist planets were asking for parlay, and most importantly they needed to clear the situation with the clones.
And Anakin would be among them again. Surely, he could find a reason to have one of them scanned to find the chip. Bring his concern. And then unleash Padmé on the fight for the clones’ right. That would make her happy and give her something to do.
Not that raising children wasn’t a full-time job, but Anakin knew Padmé, she loved politic deeply. It wasn’t a task for her it was something she enjoyed. It was a path she had chosen multiple times.
The Force hummed in contentment back at him.
Thank you, he whispered back to her. Thank you for this second chance. And this time your son is going to make you proud.
THE END