#A simple reassurance by a doctor that Padme was going to be fine was not going to solve the problem you reductive idiot

[kyliafanfiction]

Padme didn’t just “lose the Will to Live” because Anakin fell.

She was witness to three years of horrible war, while she constantly and desperately tried to hold a government she loved and had dedicated her life to defending together, in the face of creeping autocracy and systems breakdown. She endured the stress of maintaining a secret relationship, hiding it from friends and family and all the people in her life.

She then not only saw the man she loved turn to fascism, but murder hundreds, thousands of people, including people she knew, and watched the Senate fucking applaud the death of liberty and the rise of the Empire - organized by a man who, whatever their political disagreements, had once been a treasured mentor and even probably a friend once.

She watched her life’s work burn, and then - and THEN her husband, the man she loved, not only turned on her, but tried to fucking choke her to death and nearly succeeded. THEN after all that, she gave birth in what appears to have been a particularly difficult birth (I can’t imagine nearly dying helped), and the compound psychological and physical stresses killed her.

It’s really not fucking hard. 

But no. It’s just ‘George Lucas is baffled by the Uterus’. Because it’s so much easier to say that than to engage your brain for five seconds.

[zelenacat]

When We Were Young- Chapter 15- An Obitine Story

The ruling council had taken up the entire afternoon with its meeting, so Satine couldn’t call Obi-Wan until just before dinner, when Padme excused her.

“Ben?”

The Jedi picked up immediately.

“Satine, I have news.” he said urgently.

Obi-Wan would never cut her off unless it was really important.

“What is it?”

“I’m going to be sent to the outer rim tomorrow afternoon,” Obi-Wan sighed in a tired tone, “back to fighting the Separatists.”

“Can you come visit before then?” Satine asked, suddenly worried that she might never see him again.

“I won’t die, Satine,” Obi-Wan promised, “but I would love to come and see you, is tonight good?”

“I have dinner with Padme,” Satine blushed, “and Anakin and Ahsoka are here.”

“Hm,” Obi-Wan was clearly weighing something, “I think I could be cautious enough.”

“Then I‘ll see you.” Satine smiled.

The Duchess heard Obi-Wan smile, “You certainly will.”

When she came back blushing, Padme raised an eyebrow.

“He has a mission,” Satine explained, “but he’s coming to see me first.”

“Oh well,” the Senator shrugged, “guess I’ll just have to make sure Anakin is busy so he can’t tease you both.”

“Thank you, Padme,” the Duchess smiled, “I am much obliged.”

Padme winked. The meal was served.

“Tell me, Padme,” Satine began, “how do you feel about the Republic’s war with the Separatists.”

“It’s so complicated,” Padme confessed, “As you know in the Senate the Chancellor says it’s going very well, but, my sources say otherwise.”

“And how does that make you feel?”

“There are times I wish I could follow Mandalore’s lead,” stated the Senator, “neutrality, and not just in the war.”

“But the politics as well,” Satine nodded, “the contamination of greed reaches far within the Republic, corporations, trade guilds, too many senators serving their own interests.”

Padme’s head snapped up, “There are those of us who work to overcome the corruption, and believe it to be possible.”

“Enough of this dreary talk,” Satine waved, “we’re friendlier than this. A new hospital has opened, tomorrow you and I shall visit, and see true good at work. It will do us good.”

Padme and Satine clinked glasses.

“Your Grace,” Khaami appeared at the door, “The guards asked about a visitor from Coruscant, I’m here to tell you he’ll be landing in a few minutes.”

Satine sipped her wine calmly, “How do you know it’s a he?”

Khaami raised her eyebrow, “No one was expecting him until he said your name, and I remember that voice, Satine, I’m not that old.”

“Of course not, Khaami,” the Duchess set her wine down, “how many minutes exactly do I have?”

“Seven.”

Satine sprang from her chair, Padme snorted.

“I’m afraid we have to cut this dinner short,” the Duchess smiled, “would you mind attending to your business?” 

“Only if you attend yours.”

Satine laughed, “You’re an angel, Padme.”

The Senator winked at the Duchess before Satine ran off. It was quite an excellent feat of hers really, in five minutes she was dressed in a simple nightdress with a robe on, her hair down, and waiting on the landing pad. Normally she would never be so forward, or seen undignified by her staff, but this was Obi-Wan. Satine loved Obi-Wan.

“Your Grace,” Parna appeared at her side, “Korkie and Tristan are safely back at their schools, and Mara is with my brother.”

“Good,” Satine smiled as a ship came into view, “you will follow us to my door and quell any questions.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” Parna nodded, “I shall contact Khaami to do the same.”

Obi-Wan was wearing his cloak when he disembarked, but Satine could see his eyes, and when they saw her, they softened. Satine walked forward.

“It’s been too long.” she said, taking his hand.

Obi-Wan kissed it, “A whole month, Your Grace.”

Khaami met them in the hallway with a tray of tea and cookies.

“Just in case,” she curtsied, “for Your Grace and her guest.”

“Thank you, Khaami,” Satine took the tray, “you know what to do.”

Satine set the tray down on her toilette, Obi-Wan had removed his cloak. He was wearing a simple tunic and trousers.

“So,” Satine sighed, approaching him, “the Outer Rim?”

“Yes,” Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around Satine, “it’s quite far.”

The Duchess grinned, “That’s why they call it the Outer Rim, Obi.”

Obi-Wan chuckled, “That must be it.”

Slightly nervous and not wanting to be too forward, Satine took Obi-Wan’s hand and sat down on the bed. Soon, the Jedi sat next to her.

“How long will you be gone?” Satine asked.

“Many months,” Obi-Wan frowned, “we don’t know. I’m hoping less than five.”

“Less than five?” gasped Satine.

“I know it’s long,” the Jedi wrapped an arm around Satine’s shoulders, “but I’ll think of you.”

“Lie down with me,” Satine begged, blushing slightly, “I’ve had a full day.”

Obi-Wan obliged her.

“Anakin, Padme, Ahsoka, Quinlan, and his padawan,” Obi-Wan grinned, “what a day.”

“Have you met Quinlan’s Padawan?” Satine asked, unable to stop herself.

“Once,” Obi-Wan responded, “she’s quite cunning.”

“Cunning?”

“Yes,” the Jedi continued, “she spies on the Separatists for us regularly.”

“I didn’t get that impression from her,” Satine’s brow furrowed, “I did happen to notice her candor, however.”

“Yes, she learned that from her master.”

Satine, from where her head rested against Obi-Wan’s shoulder, turned slightly so she could see his face.

“I’m really glad we’re close again.”

A small smile curved Obi-Wan’s lips, “So am I.”

“I love you,” Satine swallowed, “don’t leave me again.”

“I won’t.” Obi-Wan promised.

At that moment, the Duchess almost told her Jedi about their children, but she was too nervous, so she kissed him instead.

“Satine.”

They cuddled for a while, the Duchess angry at wars and her Jedi trying to reassure her. 

“At least I have you tonight.” Satine concluded.

“That you do.” Obi-Wan agreed.

“Hold me again, Ben,” Satine asked, “please.”

Obi-Wan opened his arms, “Come here.”

She took in his scent for a long time, it even clung to her sheets the next morning, long after he was gone. Parna and Khaami were especially kind when she told them where he was going.

“He’s going to be fine,” Khaami assured, “he’s been in worse situations.”

“Still, I can’t help but worry.” Satine frowned.

“That’s natural, Your Grace,” Parna assured, pulling out Satine’s favorite salmon ensemble, “but I also know you have faith in him.”

“I do.” Satine agreed.

The Duchess met Padme for breakfast in the long hall, and both were silent for far too long.

“Anakin had to go back,” the Senator whispered quietly, “but Ahsoka is with us.”

Satine nodded, “Obi-Wan went to the Outer-Rim.”

“I’m sorry.”

“This war,” Satine shook her head, “it takes a toll on us all.”

They both put on a brave face for the hospital, but Satine knew Padme was struggling internally as she was. Gently, she reached over and threaded her fingers through the Senator’s. Then they landed, and Satine saw something she wasn’t expecting.

“Warden,” she gasped, “What’s going on here?”

“I have no idea, Madam,” the warden answered, “the doctor is handling the outbreak inside.”

Satine turned to Padme, and steeling her resolve, entered the hospital. Seeing all those sick children broke the Duchess’ heart, she had her own children, and she felt empathy for their parents and sympathy for the hurting children.

“What is happening here?” Satine asked the doctor.

“Duchess, I’m sorry no one has come to speak to you,” the doctor replied, “but these children have been poisoned.”

Satine had one question, “How?”

“I don’t know, and it’s not just here I’m afraid,” the doctor’s tone was sorrowful, “we’re getting reports from across the planet.”

The Duchess placed a hand on the forehead of a sick child.

“Have you identified a cause?” Padme asked.

“Well, the children here all came from the same school,” the doctor explained, “we’re testing their lunch. If we find something perhaps we can create an antidote. But it will take some time.”

“Which they may not have.” concluded the Duchess.

Back at the palace, the Prime Minister conference with Padme and Satine.

“What if it’s not poison,” Almec suggested, “it must be Death Watch!”

Satine soured at the mention of that organization. “I’m not so sure,” the Duchess said cautiously, “in the past, the Death Watch attacks have only been directed at myself and the administration, not the children.”

“They are terrorists,” Almec countered, “perhaps the Senator’s visit has inspired them.”

“Terrorists,” Satine yelled, “our mind should be on the sick children dying in the streets, what are you going to do to save them?”

Almec stood, “i must speak to the ruling council about this matter.”

Satine shook her head, “I refuse to believe Death Watch has anything to do with this.”

“I agree,” Padme seconded, offering comfort, “his concern for the children-”

“Was practically none,” Satine agreed, “all he thinks about is politics.”

“Well, we can’t just sit here and do nothing.” Padme frowned hotly.

The Duchess grinned, “My thoughts exactly.”

It took five minutes to get everything they needed and round up the guards.

“Thank you all for coming,” Satine straightened on her throne, “I suppose you’re wondering why I asked you here. As my personal guards you are the only ones I can trust to investigate this matter, we have little time. That is why I have asked for your help. Padme.”

The Senator stepped forward, “Each of you will be getting a special comm link and data pad, with means of direct communication and locations you should investigate.”

“This must be a closed loop affair.” Satine added.

“Hundreds of children have been poisoned.” Padme continued.

“They are our children,” the Duchess announced, visibly upset, “and they need our help. This is a Mandalorian matter and we must find out who dares poison our children.”

After thanking her guards, Satine watched them leave.

“So,” Padme piped up, “where do we start?” “The schools.” Satine answered.

Fortunately, the Superintendent of schools was happy to show the Duchess and Senator Amidala around.

“Thank you for allowing us to inspect the schools, Superintendent.” Satine nodded.

“My pleasure, Duchess.”

A doctor happened to be in attendance, and after he bowed, he stated that the food here was cleared of any suspicion. Padme asked about what they ate yesterday.

“The menu of food is pretty regular here,” the doctor explained, “We would’ve caught something with our tests.”

“What about their drinks, doctor,” Satine asked, eyeing some green bottles.

The doctor’s brow furrowed.

“Excuse me, child,” he said, picking up a bottle, “we must borrow your drink.”

“How could this have happened?” Satine frowned, seeing the lab results with her own eyes.

Padme put a hand on Satine’s shoulder, “It’s not your fault.”

“I appreciate that, but for an outbreak of this size to occur,” Satine gestured, “I’m afraid it’s a sign of a much, much deeper seed of corruption than I had imagined.”

“Duchess,” the doctor called, “we’ve found something!”

As he explained about the tea’s concentration of a certain chemical, and how it could cause illness, Satine’s brow furrowed.

“We should be able to find out where the tea came from using import law.” Padme suggested.

“Well then,” the Duchess crossed her arms, “let us go to the docks.”

The Superintendent wriggled when the dock shipments were read out.

“I, uh,” he backed up, “I’m on my way to the school-”

“Stop him!” Satine ordered.

The Duchess was furious, she’d found a guilty man. Corruption in her government was intolerable.

“Tell me what’s going on here,” she ordered, “or else my guards will not be as conversational as I am.”

“Satine-”

The Duchess waved Padme off.

“Where did you get the tea?”

As the Superintendent explained he’d cut a deal with the trade company where he could keep some money off the top, Satine almost slapped the man.

“All this because you were greedy?” Padme fumed.

Satine was really considering physically harming this man when he gave up a name. 

“He works for a shipping company, not too far from here.” stumbled the Superintendent.

Once it was clear that Death Watch was not involved, Satine punished the Superintendent by forcing him to pay a hefty fine and subjecting him to a few months in jail. His family would be notified.

The man Satine and Padme were directed to was a slimy sort of fellow, one who Parna’s brother might get along with. With his scratchy beard and dirty boots, Satine upturned her nose at the sight of him.

“Sure I bribed a school official,” he stated with swagger, “what’s the problem.”

Padme was horrified, “What you’ve done is illegal.”

The man gave a stream of excuses he seemed to believe, but Satine was not done with him yet.

“We are not most people, Mr. Stleek.” Satine growled.

“My corporate contracts protect me, Duchess,” smiled the criminal, “so I’ll play your little game. Look, I’m sorry for those children, I truly am, but I’m just a messenger.”

Satine lowered herself to the man’s level, “Where do you get the tea?”

“From Mooga, the commerce guild controls it, here,” Sleek punched some numbers into his computer, “I have nothing to hide.”

The Duchess glowered at the man until he revealed that they were bringing in a shipment of tea that very night.

“Do you want to know which dock?” he asked.

Satine smiled, now, they were getting somewhere.

“I must say,” Padme whispered under the cloak of darkness as they approached the dock, “when I came to visit I hadn’t pictured us in such an informal setting.”

“Yes, well, from what Master Kenobi tells me,” Satine shrugged, “during your tenure as Queen you became quite familiar with such excursions.”

“One can only survive the rigors of courtly formalities for so long.” Padme smiled.

“We are of the same mind.”

Padme raised an eyebrow, “Possibly a similar heart too.” 

Satine sighed, “Those Jedi.”

“Bodyguards.” Padme agreed.

They tiptoed through the maze of crates for a few minutes in silence.

“Duchess,” Gorg, one of her personal guards, whispered, “a shipment is arriving.”

Satine stared at the dark figures unloading crates.

“Smugglers.” she huffed.

“We’ll soon find out.” Padme countered.

“Shall I call in more security?” Gorg asked.

“No,” Satine decided, “let’s wait and see what transpires. Look, a customs official.”

The customs official held out his hand, the smugglers dropped some credits into it.

“How can they operate with such impunity,” Satine asked herself, “I need to find out how far up this chain of corruption goes.”

The next morning, the Captain of the Shipping Docks was summoned to the palace, and he took great offence at what he heard.

“The most dangerous weapon in the galaxy is money, Captain.” Satine straightened.

The Captain frowned, “Smuggling does not take place on my watch.” 

“And what about when you’re not watching?” Padme wondered.

“I’m always watching, Senator.”

“And were you watching,” Satine interjected “as children were dying? Who was watching then?”

“Duchess, with all due respect-”

“No, Captain,” Satine stood, “if you want my respect you will arrest these criminals and stop stalling.”

“Stalling?”

Satine got into the Captain’s face, “Why else would you not be down there, with a patrol unit, making arrests, unless you’re involved?”

The Captain went stiff, “Alright, we’ll see what’s going on.”

They took police cars, and boy did Satine felt like she was getting somewhere now. When Padme pointed out a pair of guards in front of a storage shed, the Duchess could practically feel her victory.

“Guards,” the Captain ordered, “let us into this warehouse.”

“We’re under strict orders not to let anyone in.” replied a guard.

“Do you know who this is?” the Captain asked, ludicrous.

“I command you,” Satine thundered, “open this door.”

The guards looked at each other, then the one who spoke lunged. The captain knocked him out in a second.

“Stop it right there!” the Captain yelled as he opened the door.

Then the blasters came out and the shooting started. Gorg and Jaym ushered Satine and Padme to the side. Satine was barely out of the line of fire when the Captain got shot.

Padme looked to Satine, “Would you mind?”

The Duchess shook her head, slightly shocked. Gorg and Jaym moved a barrier in front of the door and Padme grabbed the Captain’s gun. Satine ordered her remaining guards to assist the Senator. Slowly, the group pushed forward.

“Impressive shooting,” the Captain commented, “for a Senator.”

As the criminals were rounded up, Satine made up her mind.

“Captain, I want you to burn down this warehouse.”

“But-”

“Burn it down,” Satine threatened, “or I will consider you a part of this conspiracy, Captain.”

The Captain nodded, “You heard her, men, burn the warehouse.”

Prime Minister Almec, according to Satine, seemed astonished that the Duchess herself and the Senator had solved the problem. Padme explained about the black market smugglers, and Satine assured the Prime Minister that she had ordered antidotes for the hospitals.

Almec stood, “Oh, I’m glad this is over.”

“No,” Satine countered, “I’m afraid it’s not over, the corruption we witnessed is intolerable. Payoffs, police unwilling to comply, my government fooled! How does this happen?”

“I’m sorry, Duchess,” the Prime Minister held up his hands, “I’m setting up a committee to look into it.”

“Children nearly died because our government cannot be counted on!”

“I assure you,” the Prime Minister said calmly, “this will not go unpunished.”

“I’m counting on you, Almec.” Satine glared.

What the Prime Minister did not see, was what the Duchess went through that night. She cried so hard she made herself sick. Padme came in at about one in the morning to help, saying she couldn’t sleep.

“I’m sorry I kept you up.” Satine gasped.

“No-”

“I’ve worked so hard to rebuild this system, Padme,” Satine confessed, “and knowing that my government can be fooled is frightening.”

“I know,” Padme got down on her knees, “but you heard Almec, there’s going to be a committee.”

After a particularly nasty hurl into the fresher, Satine regained her composure.

“I’ll bring this up with my personal advisors and the ruling council,” she added, “more needs to be done than just a committee.”

“I agree.”

“Thank you, Padme,” Satine turned, “your help has been invaluable.”

Padme placed her hand on Satine’s, “I’m glad you feel that way.”

Just before she could answer, the Duchess felt something coming up her throat and returned to the fresher bowl.

“Do you think it’s something you ate?” questioned the Senator.

“No,” Satine swallowed, “I think I’m just stressed about this whole corruption thing.”

In a small voice Padme added, “I’m sorry Obi-Wan is gone.”

Satine lowered her eyes, “Me too.” 

“He’ll be back soon,” Padme tried to be hopeful, “I’m sure of it.”

“I didn’t get to tell him about the kids,” Satine confessed, “I told him I loved him and fell asleep.”

Padme smiled sadly, “But that’s important.”

Satine flushed the fresher.

“How’s Anakin,” she asked, “I know he’s fighting too.”

Padme blushed, “We wanna have a baby.”

Satine gaped.

“I know,” Padme held up her hands, “but we’ve been married for a couple years now and it’s all that I’ve ever wanted.”

“Oh, Padme-”

“I’m sorry,” the Senator shook her head, “it’s just-”

Satine embraced her friend, “It’s okay to want that, and if you ever need any help, with pregnancy or avoiding the council, I’m here.”

Padme wiped a tear from her cheek, “Thank you, Satine, it makes me feel better that you know.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Satine winked, “and besides, what’s a friend for?”

“We’re friends now?” Padme smiled.

“Yes, officially.”

“I like that.” confessed the Senator.

“So do I.”

Padme helped Satine stand.

“Now, let’s get back to bed, it’s been a long day for the both of us.”

“It certainly has.”

Parna and Khaami, who slept farther down the hall from Satine than Padme did, were unaware of what transpired the night before, so the Duchess filled them in.

“How sweet,” Khaami touched her chest, “Parna, do you remember when she was just the little Queen of Naboo.”

“I do.” nodded the lady.

As Khaami went to get the Duchess’ official dress, Parna leaned down into her lady’s ear.

“Remember when I slept with the Senator’s ladies?”

“Yes.” Satine’s brow furrowed.

“What happened that night,” Parna asked, “do you think it could be-”

Parna didn’t finish the question, she straightened and began brushing Satine’s hair, but the Duchess herself went cold with fear.

“It couldn’t be,” she whispered, “it couldn’t.”

That morning, while the Duchess bid Padme goodbye at the docks, Khaami performed her most secret duty to her lady.

“You must have hope, Satine.”

That’s what Padme had said to her, and she’d promise to speak with Master Yoda about possibly sending a Jedi to help. That was a good step, wasn’t it? “Your Grace?”

Satine had just finished drying her hands.

“It’s almost done.” the Duchess called.

Now, pregnancy tests were quite advanced. They told you whether or not you were expecting, how many children you were having, and what sex the baby, or babies, were.

“May we enter, Your Grace.” Khaami asked.

“Yes.”

The fresh room door opened, Parna and Khaami stood with worried expressions.

“You look as anxious as I feel.” Satine joked.

“Satine,” Khaami swallowed, “if I may speak frankly, this will be harder than the last two times.”

“We don’t know if-”

“We do.” Parna said, eyeing the test.

Fearful, Satine turned her head. Then she began to shake. 

“Twin girls,” she gasped, “I can’t have two more!”

“It’s alright, Satine,” Parna grabbed her lady’s arm and led her to the bed before her trembling could make her faint, “I’m sure we can do this.”

“It will be exactly like before,” Khaami assured, “if your opinion is the same, Parna and I can make all the necessary arrangements.”

Satine nodded, “My opinion is the same.”

“Parna,” Khaami turned, “dispose of the evidence somewhere inconspicuous, and pick up tea on your way. We’ll talk about plans when you get back.”

Parna left, hiding the test in her sleeve.

“Are you comfortable, Satine?”

The Duchess smiled, “Yes, Khaami.”

“Shall I clear your schedule for the rest of the day?” asked the lady. “Just up until lunch.” Satine conceded.

Khaami curtsied, “Of course.”

Satine had much to mull over. She would never get rid of Obi-Wan’s baby, but she was unsure how to raise them, and most certainly how to tell him. Twins, three times in a row! How...lucky? The Duchess was unsure of many things, but most importantly, how was she going to tell her older children of this development.

When her ladies returned, Parna with tea and Khaami with good news, Satine told them she was grateful.

“Don’t worry, Your Grace,” Khaami assured, “we’ve done this before and we can do it again.”

“I’m older now, Khaami,” Satine shifted, “it may be harder for me to physically meet my demands.”

“I have faith in you, Your Grace,” Khaami smiled, “you were always as strong as you were stubborn.”

“It’s true.” Parna agreed.

Satine found herself grinning.

“I suppose then ladies,” the Duchess straightened, “we should start getting ready.”

Khaami stood, “Come, Parna, I’ll show you which of Satine’s dresses have corsets and girdles.”

Parna gaped.

“We’ll need to get them altered of course.” Khaami continued.

“It’s crude, I know,” Satine added, “but the slimming technique works.”

Parna stood, “Let’s go.”

The Duchess helped herself to some tea and biscuits, happily pondering what she would do in her morning free-time.

“Khaami,” Satine called, “where’s the key to the bombing basement?”

“It should still be under your bed,” Khaami appeared, dresses in hand, “shall I retrieve it for you?”

“Please.”

Khaami passed Satine the key.

“Do we know what’s still down there?” she asked.

“The droid is powered off,” Khaami answered, “the old mattress is likely still there, and the tapestries.”

Satine nodded, “We’ll need to work on that next.”

“And the fake birth certificates.” Parna added.

“Yes,” the Duchess frowned, “though I don’t know if I have any more untraceable money.”

The room went silent.

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” Khaami decided.

Satine spent the entire morning trying on her old pregnancy dresses. From the long and flowy to the corsetted girdles, all needed ironing and a good few alterations. As the Duchess left for her afternoon of meetings, Khaami went to check on the basement where Satine would give birth. Parna dealt with the dresses.

Satine then personally met with each member of the corruption committee, attended the standard ruling council meeting, and met with her own advisors. By the end of it all, she was exhausted.

“Waldie is glad you have an interest in your old dresses,” Parna commented, “and she’s happy to attune them to your new measurements.”

The Duchess breathed a sigh of relief.

“In other news,” Khaami frowned, “Oiyo, the droid we used, needs a new battery and might have other problems.”

Satine put her hand to her forehead.

“We have a medical bay in the palace,” Parna suggested, “perhaps they have tools and the battery we need?”

“One could hope,” Satine raised her head, “Khaami, can I put you in charge of preparing everything we’ll need for the day?”

“Yes, Your Grace,” Khaami nodded, “I can do that.”

“Thank you.”

“Shall we discuss the birth certificate issue?” Parna asked.

Satine held up her hand, “I have my personal finances, perhaps over the next few months we can withdraw slowly the amount of credits we’ll need.”

“We can certainly try.” Khaami agreed.

Satine stood, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get in contact with my children.”

The Duchess entered her personal parlor and closed the door, then, she commed Korkie and told him tto come home for the weekend.

“Will,” Korkie paused, lowering his voice, “will my siblings be there?”

“I hope so.” Satine answered.

“I’ll see you this weekend, Lady Mother.”

Her conversation with Tristan went by just as quickly and easy.

“I’ll be there, Lady Mother.”

Satine had smiled at that, her children understood the importance of family.

“Hello?”

“It’s your mother.”

“One minute.” Mara whispered.

The Duchess waited.

“I’m in a secure location.”

“Can you come to visit me this Saturday,” Satine asked, “there’s something I have to tell you all.”

“This Saturday? Sure.” Mara answered.

“And could you contact Tyra,” Satine frowned slightly, “I have no way to contact her besides through Jedi.”

“Alright,” Mara tensed, sensing the serious subject matter, “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you, Darling.”

Satine watched the sunset from her balcony that evening. She was going to go through another birth, and not just one, but two. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan was on the other side of the galaxy and had no idea what she was going through, or what she had gone through, or what she was going to go through. How many times had he saved her life? And he didn’t know her biggest secret.

“Your Grace?”

Satine didn’t turn around, “Yes, Khaami.”

“Senator Amidala is on your comm, here.”

The Duchess took her communicator.

“Satine, good news! Master Yoda is going to send Ahsoka to Mandalore!”

“Ahsoka,” Satine smiled sadly, “how wonderful.”

“Satine,” Padme asked, “are you alright?”

“Something’s happened, Padme.”

“What? Oh, no, are the children-”

“They’re fine,” the Duchess interjected, “but I’m nervous about it.”

The Senator oozed compassion through the comm, “What’s wrong?”

“I’m gonna have twins.”

Padme went silent.

“I know it’s soon, and I hope you’re not upset-”

“Oh, Satine,” Padme swallowed, “of course, I’m not upset, congratulations!”

“You are a dear friend, Padme,” Satine whispered, “it’s going to have to remain a secret, but I’m telling the children this weekend.”

“Everything will turn out fine,” Padme assured, “and the force is with you.”

Satine opened her mouth then closed it. “You know,” she began, “I’ve never thought much about the force.”

“The Jedi say it has a reason for everything,” Padme added, “even your twins.”

“Three sets of twins Padme,” Satine shook her head, “and two girls this time!”

“Take it as a blessing,” the Senator instructed, “and won’t it be wonderful when Obi-Wan gets back?”

“Yes,” Satine said shakily, “It'll be quite the surprise.”

“I wish you the best of luck Satine, now go to sleep,” Padme instructed, “you need your rest.”

“I will, Padme, thank you.”