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Author	Topic: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
master_lenai Registered: Aug '09	Date Posted: 8/26 11:57am Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU - - Date Edited: 8/26 11:59am (1 edits total) Edited By: master_lenai
	i just found this story today, and, wow, is it good!!! i love the relationship between obi-wan and anakin, so cute! are you still updating it, or.. or did you abandon it? please continue. it's much too good to abandon. -----signature----- "Do, or do not. There is no try." ~Yoda
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GeneralKenobi7 Registered: Jan '09	Date Posted: 10/25 2:14am Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	Valairy_Scot: The story is actually finished, but I wanted to post it here only after a beta looked over it. Unfortunately my beta for this has been busy and scarcely on the boards for over half a year now... master_lenai: Thanks so much for oyur encouraging comment And about abandoning the story, read what I answered Valairy. -----signature----- Ewan Mace:"Sometimes a Jedi's most important duty is to stand and wait. I presume you've mentioned that to Anakin on occasion?" Obi-Wan: "Not more than twice a day." Proud Padawan to EG Kenobi
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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 10/25 12:32pm Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	If your beta wouldn't mind, due to the circumstances I'd be happy to substitute beta - but ONLY if you're willing. -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. 2007-2008 the quality years
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Gkilkenny Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 10/26 1:02am Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	How did I miss this wonderful story. Well I'm not going to miss anymore. I like the way it's turning out with Anakin and Obi-Wan not keeping secrets from one another. If Anakin is going to arrest Palpy and they stick together the job will get done, but I hope that Obi-Wan doesn't get damaged too much in the battle and it seems I have a soft spot for Anakin if he stays on the light side. Great story. -----signature----- Proud Padawan to p_stotts Peace over anger - honour over hate - Strength over fear. Links to Stories in my Bio. Obi-Wan forever.
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GeneralKenobi7 Registered: Jan '09	Date Posted: 10/26 7:23am Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	Valairy_Scot posted: If your beta wouldn't mind, due to the circumstances I'd be happy to substitute beta - but ONLY if you're willing. That would be great, thanks! I will ask my beta, but I doubt he will disagree since he really doesn't have the time at the moment. I will PM you when I got the answer -----signature----- Ewan Mace:"Sometimes a Jedi's most important duty is to stand and wait. I presume you've mentioned that to Anakin on occasion?" Obi-Wan: "Not more than twice a day." Proud Padawan to EG Kenobi
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Ocelotl_Nesto Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 10/26 10:15am Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	Looking forward to an update... this cliffhanger has got me wondering.
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GeneralKenobi7 Registered: Jan '09	Date Posted: 11/1 1:56am Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU - - Date Edited: 11/2 7:03am (1 edits total) Edited By: GeneralKenobi7
	Gkilkenny: Thanks so much! I'm so glad you like the story You're lucky, at last I got around to updating this NOTE: Valairy Scot has kindly agreed to beta this from now on , so there's finally a new update. If you think the writing is better now, that's only beacuse of her reat suggestions! Chapter 10: The Last Fight The Chancellor’s office, Senate Building: “Chancellor, you’re under arrest.” Mace Windu’s words were calm and unhurried as though he were not barely controlling the disgust and anger he felt for the being who had tried and in fact was still trying to destroy the Republic, as he stormed into the office at the head of the three other Jedi. “Why would that be, Master Windu?” Palpatine asked, fairly radiating innocence, leaning back into his seat. He looked only mildly interested. “You’re a Sith Lord,” Mace growled. His fingers strayed to his lightsaber. A Sith would have tricks up his sleeve; he meant to be prepared. “We’re here to hand you over to the Senate.” “I am the Senate,” Palpatine snarled as he stood, dropping his pretenses. The Force swirled around him agitatedly, and now the Jedi Masters could feel his anger and hate rolling of the Chancellor in waves. “If you resist we’ll be forced to harm you.” Mace found that he wasn’t as appalled by the idea as he should be, but he had always had felt too much anger, though he’d managed to tame it with the control expected of a Jedi master Three blue and one purple lightsaber blades snap-hissed into life even as did a fifth. Blood-red, the blade of a Sith. With a guttural scream, Palpatine lunged, impaling first Master Koth and then beheading Master Tiin before either could make a move. Instinctively Mace drew back as his colleague’s head landed with a disgustingly soft plop and nearly recoiled when the Force was swamped with dark glee, Sidious aura in the Force darkening and reveling in the killing as if he’d waited all his life for this chance to follow his evil ways, letting others do the dirty work in his stead. But not for nothing were Mace Windu and Anakin Skywalker known as two of the best fighters of the entire Jedi Order and although their comrades had been killed quickly, they were not so easily killed. Anakin attacked Palpatine on the right with his favorite Form V of lightsaber combat, Djem So, though he, too, was battling against the anger at Palpatine, the man he’d trusted, but whom he had been betrayed by. Mace however was the only Jedi who used Form VII, Vaapad, for he had invented it himself and it led the user dangerously close to the Dark Side, but was nevertheless the most lethal style ever. With Mace attacking from the left and Anakin from the right, Palpatine was quite boxed in and mostly on the defensive. But still the fight went on and on for Palpatine never gave them an opening. After some time, though he could draw much strength from the Dark Side, Palpatine seemed to realize he would ultimately lose. When Mace managed to graze his arm with a backhand slash, he backed off. “Anakin!” he cried, “If you kill me, the last hope to save your wife will die with me!” Anakin froze, a battle starting to rage in his mind immediately. The time before he’d tried to push away any thoughts of Padme and concentrate on the task at hand, but at Palpatine’s words all his fears came rushing back, battling against his resolve to act like a Jedi and not let Obi-Wan down. Mace was taken by surprise by Anakin’s sudden retreat of the fight and was on the defensive before he could recover. Suddenly Palpatine force-pushed Mace, whose head collided with the wall, and he blacked out. ****************************************************************************************** Obi-Wan raced through the night as fast as possible, praying that he wouldn’t be too late. Hunched over the wheel, whipping in and out of the traffic lanes he spared a thought for Anakin who would have gloried in such a flight, cheering his master on rather than grumbling about old and over-cautious drivers. He arrived at the Senate in record-time, jumped off the speeder and rushed through the extravagant hallways, dodging bustling Senators and their aides right and left on his way to the Chancellor’s office. His ribs stung painfully, but he pushed the pain away as he burst through the door to the office. What he saw made him stop abruptly. Two dead, two alive. Mace was lying unconscious beneath the wall next to the broad window which offered a stunning view of the Senatorial district as the sun glazed on polished windows and towers. Palpatine was advancing on him. Anakin stood paralyzed two meters apart from them, loosely clutching his lightsaber in a limp hand. Seeing all this in less than a heartbeat, Obi-Wan drew his lightsaber and jumped, his blue blade blocking red death only inches over Mace’s head. Palpatine was taken unawares and Obi-Wan managed to drive him back for a short time, but his prior wounds had so weakened him that Palpatine soon had the upper hand. “Anakin!” Obi-Wan cried out, desperation hoarsening his voice, wondering why the heck Anakin was standing motionless in the middle of the room. He could only guess that it had something to do with his fear for Padme, maybe even him, though he doubted that…he dismissed such speculation since the fight demanded all his attention. He could just hope Anakin would do something soon. Hearing Obi-Wan’s desperate cry, Anakin snapped out of his paralysis and whipped his head around just in time to see Palpatine strike Obi-Wan deeply in his left side. Obi-Wan choked back a cry as he dropped to the floor, still somehow managing to block a blow to his head. Horror registered on Anakin’s face as he saw his friend crumble, but events had taken the decision from his hands. He jumped forward and engaged Palpatine again, leading him away from Obi-Wan. Although Anakin was stronger than Palpatine, he was distracted by his inner turmoil, giving Palpatine chances to counter-attack often. They both were so focused on their duel that they paid no attention to Obi-Wan and Mace, who came around slowly. Just as Palpatine threatened to overwhelm Anakin’s defenses, Obi-Wan threw his lightsaber, hitting Palpatine in the leg, breaking his concentration and defense. A dull thud resounded in the room as the Sith Lord fell, Anakin’s shining blue blade driven through his heart. For a moment Anakin just stood there, not believing that he’d really killed the Sith Lord, who had once been one of his best friends and advisors, and fulfilled the Prophecy of the Chosen One, but a low groan reminded him that Obi-Wan was injured. He hurried over to where his friend lay, clutching his side with both hands and looking alarmingly pale as another moan was torn from his throat, and knelt down beside him, swallowing painfully on seeing the deep gash. Anxiety flowed off him in waves as he laid a trembling hand over Obi-Wan’s, checking the extent of the injury with the Force. It wasn’t immediately life-threatening, but it wasn’t harmless either, considering that Obi-Wan hadn’t even been fully recovered before charging into their fight. “Obi-Wan?” he asked worriedly. With the adrenaline finally subsiding, he felt the physical exertion setting in and the sight of his grievously injured friend didn’t exactly help matters. “I’m alright, Anakin. Don’t worry. It just hurts a bit,” Obi-Wan assured him, his voice uncharacteristically weak and, Anakin noticed, his breathing ragged. “A bit?” Anakin asked dubiously. “Well, maybe a bit more than a bit,” Obi-Wan admitted, but, seeing Anakin’s alarmed look, added quickly, his lips curving into his trademark half-smile, “Nothing to worry about though.” He hesitated a moment, his reluctance to breach the topic obvious, before asking, “Is Palpatine dead?” “Yes he is.” “Oh Anakin, you really did it! I’m so proud of you,” Obi-Wan told him, tears in his eyes, though it was impossible to tell if they came from relief or pain. Nevertheless it was the biggest compliment he’d ever gotten from Obi-Wan and that made him, maybe unreasonably so, considering that Jedi weren’t supposed to crave such things, feel all warm and fuzzy inside, affection welling up inside him. “Thanks Obi-Wan,” he said warmly, squeezing his friend’s hand, mindful not to bump the wound. That moment Mace finally managed after a few failed attempts to get to his feet and stagger over to them, noticing Palpatine’s lifeless body on the way. He looked a bit dizzy, but otherwise okay. “We have to bring him back to the Jedi Temple,” Mace said, his eyes reflecting an uncommon worry after having examined Obi-Wan’s wound. “Would you do that? I have to explain everything to the Senate before a mass-panic breaks out.” “Of course, Master Windu. I’ll bring him back to the MedCenter,” Anakin replied, ignoring Obi-Wan’s muttered ‘As if I hadn’t spent enough time there already’ and scooped him gently up in his arms. He turned to leave, but stopped when he heard Master Windu call after him, “Anakin?” “Yes, Master?” “I just wanted to tell you that I’m proud of you, too. You’ve proved today that you are a worthy Jedi Knight,” Mace Windu told him. The man was embarrassed for the words were awkward: compliments from Mace Windu were as rare as rain on Tatooine. Anakin blushed with pride because of the unexpected praise, he knew that Mace had always been a bit wary of him. “Thank you, Master,” Anakin said and set off to the LAAT-Gunship with Obi-Wan hanging limply in his arms, passed out from pain and stress, but alive. Alive. Mace’s compliment paled next to that. -----signature----- Ewan Mace:"Sometimes a Jedi's most important duty is to stand and wait. I presume you've mentioned that to Anakin on occasion?" Obi-Wan: "Not more than twice a day." Proud Padawan to EG Kenobi
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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 11/1 11:12am Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	You saved Obi! I could you for that! Well done, well done. Mace has accepted Anakin - will those two now get along? I can see them becoming friends, in time, Obi-Wan getting all jealous...well, maybe not. But it's fun to speculate on the future. -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. 2007-2008 the quality years
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FitJedi Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 11/1 5:26pm Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	Glad to see that Anakin made the right decision with finishing off the Emperor- now it will be interesting to see what happens once they find out about Anakin and Padme.
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Gkilkenny Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 11/2 10:38pm Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	Thats wonderful that Anakin came to his senses and drove his sabre through Sid's heart. I wonder what will happen now. Especially to Padme. great post. -----signature----- Proud Padawan to p_stotts Peace over anger - honour over hate - Strength over fear. Links to Stories in my Bio. Obi-Wan forever.
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master_lenai Registered: Aug '09	Date Posted: 11/6 12:53pm Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	OH MY GOSH! THERE'S AN UPDATE! HOOOOOORAY! Ahem. Well, now that's out of my system. I shall strive to compose myself. Anakin did the right thing, Palpatine's dead, and the world is good!! Well, except for Obi-Wan. Poor guy. First Grievous, now Sidious. He just can't seem to get a break, can he? This is for him, that is, for when he recovers. Don't want to hurt him. Here's one for you too! I'm really interested to see where this story is going. Great job! -----signature----- "Do, or do not. There is no try." ~Yoda
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GeneralKenobi7 Registered: Jan '09	Date Posted: 11/23 8:49am Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	Valairy_Scot: You could and you can. Here's one for you Mace and Anakin?? Now that's a thought...but I'm afraid this story won't go that long anymore... FitJedi: You'll see in time Thanks for commenting! Gkilkenny: Well he couldn't just let Obi-Wan die, could he? At least I couldn't Padme...well read this post master_lenai: Thanks for your enthusiastic comment, I sure appreciate it! Here's a hug for you too Obi will get a break...eventually VERY big thanks to Valairy Scot for looking this over and making great suggestions how to improve my work! Chapter 11: Birth Obi-Wan was lying – again - in his bed in the MedCenter, this time with a thick bandage around his midsection the next day and was frustrated - again. He’d asked the Healer just this morning if he could be released for he was feeling relatively well and was fed up with lying uselessly in a bed all day, but the Healer had vehemently refused. What followed was half an hour long argument. He grumbled about too strict ‘stick by the rules’ Healers, while the Healer complained about stubborn and rebellious Council members. He lost. The dispute had left them both fuming, so Obi-Wan’s mood wasn’t the best when Anakin came to visit. “Good morning Obi-Wan,” Anakin greeted him brightly, flopping down on the chair beside the bed. “What’s so good about it?” Obi-Wan shot back. “Oh, the wise and patient Jedi Master is not in the best of moods,” Anakin teased. Instead of giving a smart retort as he usually would have done, Obi-Wan just snapped, “You’re not the one who was condemned to stay at least three more days here.” Anakin had to hide a smile. Nobody liked to stay at the Healer’s for long, but Obi-Wan had such an extreme dislike against it that he quarreled with the Healers every time he got there, which translated to pretty often, even if the Healers were right about keeping him there. “I have some good news,” he tried to cheer his friend up. “The Senate believed Master Windu and has just voted for Bail Organa to be the new Supreme Chancellor.” “So Mace got the situation under control?” Obi-Wan asked. Anakin rolled his eyes. “You know Mace. Is there any situation he can’t control?” They talked for some time until they were interrupted by Anakin’s beeping comlink. “Skywalker here,” Anakin said after he’d fished it out of his pocket and activated it. “It’s Dorme, Anakin,” a female voice answered, sounding rather panicked. “Padme is in labour.” Anakin paled, but quickly assured her that he was on his way. Then he turned to Obi-Wan. “I have to go.” “Right,” Obi-Wan agreed. “But I’m coming with you.” “What? Obi-Wan, you are still not well,” Anakin protested. “I’m coming,” Obi-Wan insisted in his ‘it’s useless to argue for I’ll still do what I intend to’ voice, but when Anakin still opened his mouth to do just that, he snapped, “ Anakin, I’m not going to miss the birth of my former apprentice’s and my best friend’s child. Besides you need somebody who looks after you.” “And,” he added with his cerulean eyes blazing dangerously, “if anyone mentions again that I need rest, I’m going to do something very un Jedi-like.” Anakin decided that he didn’t want to risk his health by arguing further for he was in fact quite glad that Obi-Wan wanted to come. “Alright, then come,” he gave in, “But hurry before any Healer comes.” Obi-Wan rolled out of bed…Obeying the command in his former master’s eyes, Anakin took one arm and helped Obi-Wan to his feet. They hurried off to the Temple Hangar. Anakin chose a fast two-passenger speeder to fly for he wanted to arrive as soon as possible at Padme’s. “Anakin, I’m driving,” Obi-Wan said firmly. “I’m not willing to risk my life by flying with you when you’re afraid to arrive too late.” “Okay, okay, I get your point,” Anakin relented. “There is no way I’m – what!” Obi-Wan cast a suspicious glance at Anakin, taken off guard by Anakin’s easy capitulation. With a roar of the engine they took off and Anakin was astonished to see that Obi-Wan drove quite fast and sort of, well you could only describe it as reckless. “What happened to your resolve to always drive in a way that annoys me?” Anakin gasped. “I don’t know what you think, but I don’t want to arrive too late,” Obi-Wan replied, missing an incoming speeder by inches and then diving headlong down into a shortcut, ignoring at least ten traffic rules as he did so. “Hey, could you please drive more careful? You’re driving like me!” Anakin exclaimed, having to hold on to the speeder firmly to avoid being tossed out. “You’re complaining about too reckless driving?” Obi-Wan asked unbelievingly. “I just don’t want to die the day my child is born,” Anakin retorted. Obi-Wan just shook his head in amazement and pointed out, “We’re nearly there.” A few seconds later they arrived at Padme’s apartment and hurried to the entrance. One of the handmaidens, Dorme if he recalled correctly, opened the door and ushered them inside. “I’m so glad you came in time,” she breathed, relief evident in her voice, but Anakin felt that she was a bit concerned at Obi-Wan’s presence. “How is Padme? I thought she was supposed to give birth in a week or so,” Anakin demanded worriedly. “You’re right. It’s too early. Originally we wanted to take her to a hospital, but there is no time to do that now. At the moment she’s fine though. She’s having twins,” the handmaiden replied. “Twins?” Obi-Wan and Anakin chorused, an identical look of astonishment on their faces. “Yes,” Dorme confirmed and led them into the room that had been readied for the birth. Padme was there, pacing and panting heavily. When she saw Anakin she hurtled toward him crying, “Anakin! You came!” “Of course I came darling. How are you?” “I’m fine so far, but it started only some time ago.” Only then Padme noticed Obi-Wan, standing discreetly in the doorway, not wanting to disturb the couple. “Master Kenobi! I have to apologize for my lack of manners, but may I ask why you’re here?” Padme inquired politely, trying to hide her shock for Anakin hadn’t had the time to tell her that Obi-Wan knew of their relationship. “Please, Padme, you don’t need to be so formal. I just accompanied Anakin so that he didn’t have to come alone,” Obi-Wan tried to soothe her, but when she still looked confused, Anakin explained, “Obi-Wan knows about us, Padme. He just wants to help.” At his words, Padme finally relaxed. The three conversed, though the men were distracted by the increasingly frequent contractions that had Padme gasping. Beads of sweat rolled down her face; at such time the Jedi glanced at each other, their eyes asking each other: Is this the time? “Guys, why do you look at each other?“ Padmé snapped her fingers after one contraction passed. “ Look at me. Hey – over here! I’m the one due to give birth any – oops – I think it’s time.“ “Time?“ Obi-Wan asked blankly. “Time?“ Anakin asked almost in unison. “Time for what?“ The two men glanced at each other, shrugged, then turned their attention back to Padmé. “Time for you to remember what’s going on here! The baby is coming!“ “The baby?“ Comprehension dawned. “Now?“ “No, the end of the war! Of course the baby! When – how about like any moment now?“ Padmé screeched, her fingers clutching Anakin’s so tightly he thought he might need the Force to free himself. Anakin, a dawning look of horror on his face, hurriedly helped his wife to the bed, fussing with the pillows as he sat down beside her. Then it clicked. “Now?“ Anakin jumped to his feet and paced nervously, one eye on his moaning wife. Oh, Force, what should they do? What should he do? Padmé’s moans were turning into soft screams. “Senator – Padmé – may I? I have some little skill in the healing arts.“ The first to recover his wits, Obi-Wan cautiously approached the woman. At her nod, he laid a gentle hand on her stomach to ease the cramps. He shot back suddenly; an awed and stupid grin spreading over his face. “Obi-Wan. Forget the kid is kicking and help me get him or her into this world.“ Padmé grabbed Obi-Wan’s hand and returned it to her abdomen. She sighed in relief as the Jedi’s eyes cleared and he resumed his task of easing her pain. “Right. Let me teach you an easy calming technique the younglings are taught at the Temple. “Breath calmly, in and out, and in and out,” Obi-Wan instructed. After they had practiced that for a few minutes, he asked, “Do you feel better now?” Padme nodded, visibly more relaxed. Obi-Wan smiled at her. “Good, this will soon be over,” he assured her. “I can feel that the babies want out. Can you push when I ask you to?” Padme nodded again and Obi-Wan quickly gave the waiting med-droid a few orders. Anakin was pacing restlessly, earning him an annoyed glance and soft reprimand. “You’re not exactly helping here, Anakin. Either calm down and sit quietly in some corner or wait in the living-room,” Obi-Wan advised. Although it was clearly difficult for Anakin to stop pacing, he did and sat down near the bed, holding Padme’s hand. “Okay, Padme, are you ready?” Obi-Wan asked and after receiving a shaky nod in return, he ordered, “Then push…now!” Padme obeyed and a few minutes later the droid held the first baby. Wrapping the child in a towel, it laid the infant in Obi-Wan’s arms. “Well, hello there.” One might have thought Obi-Wan was the proud father by the delight that infused his Force signature. “It’s a boy, Padme,” Obi-Wan announced, wonder coloring his words and showed her son. She smiled at the baby, but was attacked by another wave of pain. She gritted her teeth and pushed once more until the second baby made its entrance into the world. This time he gave the baby to Anakin, who gazed at his newborn child with wonder. “This one is a girl, darling,” Anakin told his wife while Obi-Wan eased her pain with the Force. “Padme, you should sleep now,” Obi-Wan advised. Too weary to protest, even the thought of holding her babies wasn’t enough incentive for her tired body, she allowed him to gently place her in a light healing trance to restore her energy. Having taken care of the immediate things, Obi-Wan looked down at the baby in his arms, wondering what to do with the boy. A Jedi had to learn many things, but baby care was not one of the required subjects…He glanced at Anakin, but he was too entranced with his daughter to notice his plight. Apparently the baby, too, wanted more attention, since it chose exactly that moment to start wailing – loudly. Obi-Wan winced as his twin sister promptly joined in. Glancing helplessly at Anakin, who looked like he’d just awoken out of la-la land, he awkwardly tried to rock the child, but it only screamed louder. “Erm, Anakin? A bit help here would be appreciated….” But Anakin hadn’t been more successful in trying to quiet his daughter, she was wailing at the top of her lungs and Obi-Wan dimly thought that she must have gotten that from her father. “Er, well, I don’t know,” Anakin admitted, looking down at the baby in his arms. “Maybe we should hand them over to Dorme?” “Yes, yes, that’s a good idea,” Obi-Wan agreed relieved and only a minute later the twins were safely rocked in the handmaiden’s arms, cooing softly. As they exited the room, Obi-wan couldn’t help but quip, “You know, she looked exactly like you with her face all scrunched up and crying.” Anakin snorted. “You would think so, Master.” “Well, I guess you’ll have some things to learn now that you’re a father,” Obi-Wan commented. “Yes…I really don’t know if I can do this Master,” Anakin admitted, worried. “This is all so sudden.” Obi-Wan plopped down on the couch in the living-room, wincing only slightly as he pulled his side. Fortunately Anakin was too busy worrying to notice. “Anakin,” Obi-Wan said gently, laying a hand on his arm. “I’m sure you’ll be a wonderful father. You just need some time to adjust. That’s completely normal.” Anakin smiled warmly at his friend. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would do without your support, Master.” “Probably terrorize someone else,” Obi-Wan stated dryly. “And how often did I tell you to call me Obi-Wan?” “Oh, yes, sorry Obi-Wan.” “Do the two of you have any idea what to name them?” Obi-Wan asked curious, changing the topic. “Well, we thought about Luke and Leia,” Anakin answered. “Those are beautiful names. I assume they were Padme’s idea? You never had a sense for such things.” “Yes,” Anakin admitted. “But I’m not as hopeless in such matters as you think,” and before Obi-Wan could discuss this point of conversation further, for he knew he would lose, he hastily added, “We also discussed who should be the godfather. We decided that you would be the right one for it, once we had told you about our marriage.” “Me?” Obi-Wan asked, flabbergasted. “Yes, you. After all, you will be some sort of uncle for them and we both consider you a friend,” Anakin explained. By the look on his best friend’s face Anakin could tell that Obi-Wan was deeply touched and he was glad. A part of him had feared that Obi-Wan wouldn’t want to do it after they had lied to him about their relationship for years. “I would be honored to be your children’s godfather,” Obi-Wan said softly and his eyes were revealingly wet. For a few moments they just sat there in companionable silence until Obi-Wan asked, “You don’t mind if I stay here for the night here, do you? I have to admit that I’m a bit tired and I don’t want to return to the Temple.” “Of course not. Padme always has some spare beds for visitors,” Anakin assured him, guessing that Obi-Wan didn’t feel completely well, even if he didn’t want to admit it. “Thanks. I’ll go to bed then,” Obi-Wan said after Anakin had showed him where he could sleep. Anakin threw him a quick, concerned glance – he had snuck out of the MedCenter without permission after all -but if Obi-Wan noticed, he ignored it. ************************************************************ The next morning Anakin awoke and the very first thing he did was to check on Padmé. He quietly brushed a finger across her cheek, careful not to awaken her. “My angel.“ He withdrew and headed for the kitchen to make breakfast, only to stop when he became aware of small waves of pain coming from his Master through the Force. When he opened the door to his bedroom, he saw that Obi-Wan was still asleep. That was odd, for he normally got up very early – a really annoying habit to a Padawan who liked to sleep late. At that moment Obi-Wan opened his eyes and sat up. “Good morning Anakin,” he said yawning. “Did you sleep well?” “Well enough,” Obi-Wan replied and got out of bed, wincing a bit as he strained his side. “Then why did I feel pain from you then?” Anakin demanded to know. “My side hurt a bit during the night,” Obi-Wan admitted and asked quickly, “Is something resembling breakfast ready?” “It’s real breakfast!” Anakin said indignantly. “If you made it I wouldn’t be so sure,” Obi-Wan said deadpan and ducked a pillow which flew at him. “Hey! Don’t ruin Padme’s furniture,” Obi-Wan cried, just as they both felt Padme awakening. They hurried to her room, Obi-Wan hanging a bit behind since he wasn’t sure if he should intrude, but Anakin waved him on impatiently, and saw Padme sitting up groggily. “Padme! How do you feel?” Anakin asked and kissed her. “I’m still tired, but otherwise okay,” she answered. “Can I see my babies now?” “Of course, Dorme is bringing them along in a minute,” Anakin informed her, practically glowing at the thought of their children. “But promise us you’ll sleep some more after that, will you? And don’t worry, it’s just normal that you’re tired after using up nearly all your energy,” Obi-Wan advised gently. “I will. But before that I wanted to thank you Obi-Wan. I never knew that you were such a good ‘nursemaid’,” Padme said. Obi-Wan blushed furiously. “Um, thank you Padme,” he answered, still embarrassed. He and Anakin withdrew quickly. Anakin and Obi-Wan continued to prepare breakfast – Obi-Wan flipping pan-cakes and Anakin trying his hand at scrambled eggs, which was about all he was able to produce without setting the kitchen on fire - and talked while working. “I’m just glad that my dream didn’t come true,” Anakin sighed. “I know, I am too,” Obi-Wan told him. After a pause during which a tantalizing smell wafted from the pancakes he said, not really wanting to bring that topic up, but knowing that it was necessary, “You know you’ll have to tell the Council eventually.” “I suppose so,” Anakin replied and sighed. “I’ll do it tomorrow.” “They’ll make you choose between the Jedi and your family,” Obi-Wan warned. “I won’t choose lightly,” Anakin promised. “That’s all I ask for…and know that regardless which path you will take, I’ll support and help you all I can,” Obi-Wan said, holding up a hand to silence Anakin before he could even begin to thank him. “I have to go back to the Temple. The Healers will be angry as it is, so I better get it over with.” He marched off to face his fate. ‘You can’t find a more giving and caring man anywhere, but still he never expects or claims something back’. Anakin was proud to have Obi-Wan as his best friend and future godfather/pseudo-uncle for his children. -----signature----- Ewan Mace:"Sometimes a Jedi's most important duty is to stand and wait. I presume you've mentioned that to Anakin on occasion?" Obi-Wan: "Not more than twice a day." Proud Padawan to EG Kenobi
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Valairy_Scot Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 11/23 9:12am Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	“What happened to your resolve to always drive in a way that annoys me?” Anakin gasped. “I don’t know what you think, but I don’t want to arrive too late,” Obi-Wan replied, missing an incoming speeder by inches and then diving headlong down into a shortcut, ignoring at least ten traffic rules as he did so. “Hey, could you please drive more careful? You’re driving like me!” Anakin exclaimed, having to hold on to the speeder firmly to avoid being tossed out. Now Obi's marching off to face the healers! I'm sure he'd rather face a Sith. Great update. Babies! -----signature----- http://boards.theforce.net/fan_fiction_resource/b10304/25405090/p3/?52 Prolific Author thread: list & links there. Muse fueled by coffee. Often AWOL despite frequent sipping. Writes on inspiration, not a schedule. 2007-2008 the quality years
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Ocelotl_Nesto Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 11/23 3:48pm Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	Nice to catch this update... It is time for Anakin to resign... Jedi vs. Family? Family is the only real course.
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FitJedi Registered: Jan '06	Date Posted: 11/23 4:21pm Subject: Showdown on the Invisble Hand - a RotS AU -
	I love it, I love the happiness radiating off both Anakin and Obi-Wan, and that the twins made it into the world safe and sound. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us in the next chapter.
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