Chapter II
"Anakin?" Padmé whispered nervously. It was dark, and she shivered from the cold. She struggled in attempt to loosen her bonds, but they were steel binders, practically making it impossible for an attempted escape.
She breathed heavily, trying to gain courage. Padmé did not fear death, or at least, she thought not.
----------- A few days earlier ----------------------
Shandalia Ortis, a recently promoted bounty hunter to Darth Sidious. A feminine beauty most consider her, trained with basic knowledge of the force. It did credit for people with similar standards as she. Her long, blonde curls dangled seductively across her shoulders, and her appealing icy eyes, attracting potential victims.
Shandalia flexed her fingers as she stretched tight fitting, leather gloves over them.
Her time had come, to complete her first, real mission. Although she was told it was a long term task, she was assured little problem and a large sum to cover any small troubles she may encounter. As long as her client is satisfied, she will be rewarded, that is Shandalia's way of things.
"Be swift, be silent, and do not disturb the Jedi. He is dangerous, but I will need him for future purposes. If she is not in your custody once your return, don't expect a prosperous life." were his exact words.
"Failure is not an option for me, you can count on it." She convinced.
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"You wanted to see me, sir?" Anakin asked politely.
To think after all he had been through, the mess he is in, the Chancellor would shun him off, and would want nothing to do with him. Yet, for some odd reason, he is still by his side, willing to help.
"Come in, Anakin, my friend." He greeted warmly, with open arms. He offers Anakin a seat, but he refuses, as he was too nervous and distressed with his current situations.
"I understand how you must be feeling, Anakin," he begins.
'Highly unlikely...' Anakin thinks to himself, but smiles at the Chancellor's sympathy.
"The Jedi dismissed you from the Order, and then take away the one thing you love in this universe, it's shocking."
Anakin shifted uncomfortably, did he just say what he thought he said?
"Are you suggesting the Jedi are responsible for her abduction?" Anakin said.
Palpatine laughed off the tension.
"Maybe I was a bit too quick to judge, but I can't deny the fact that my heart has some warning, Anakin. Search your feelings; tell me not that you can't feel it also."
Deep down, Anakin thought he felt that too. Even though the Jedi were of good recognition, there is something dark and far more disturbing surrounding their ways. Perhaps his expulsion was for other reasons; perhaps he had come across something he was not supposed to.
"The Jedi, in my opinion, have feared what you have become Anakin. You are more powerful than any one I've ever met in my life! I don't blame them for being apprehensive about your talents."
All this flattery and exaggeration of his abilities, was making Anakin feel uneasy. It didn't seem right, the Chancellor calling for Anakin, just to discuss the ways of the Jedi?
"The war will be over soon, and once Grievous is discovered, I shall call for a vote to withdraw the treaty between the Jedi and the Republic,"
"What?" Anakin was stunned in utter disbelief.
"Sir, don't you think you're being a bit irrational here? You break off the treaty with the Jedi and we will have another war on our hands. The Senate will never agree to this!"
Palpatine raised his hand to calm him.
"The Senate won't be a problem." He assured.
"But the Jedi, won't you be concerned about their reactions?" Anakin was starting to feel concerned himself. Was he out of his mind?
"I know this is a huge shock to you, and a big statement to make, Anakin, but think what they have done to you. This isn't the first time they have shaken my trust, believe me. There have been many times, and still are times, when their actions were… questionable." The Chancellor responded.
Anakin sat down in horror, yet, it made sense. It almost felt like, the right thing to do.
"I, uh, I really don't know what to say." Anakin barely mumbled.
"You've been too easy on them. They took away your whole life, why are you not frustrated?"
'Maybe he's right. I can't believe I actually let them use me… and let myself get over this? No, I may have been expelled, but I broke the Jedi law, it is my fault.'
Anakin felt like there was a huge battle raging in his mind, he was terrified. He didn't know who was right.
"If you do not trust my judgement, then I will personally see to it that Padmé returns safely in your hands."
"How did you…"
Anakin paused for a moment.
"Why thank you, sir. I don't know how I can repay such kindness."
Palpatine grinned.
"Do not be ashamed of your actions; and do not trust anyone, especially the Jedi. I'm afraid I must go, my duty calls. I will see you again soon, my good friend."
Anakin got up to leave, eager to search for Padmé. Even though he had Palpatine's expertise on his side, he felt like he could get further with his own. He wanted her back more than anything.
"Oh and Anakin, if you have nothing to do in your spare time, I will have some errands for you to run. I'd like to appoint you as my new personal assistant."
"I'm honoured, thank you, Chancellor!" Anakin was thrilled.
Maybe what Palpatine was saying had truth in it; he was so good to Anakin, unlike the Order. Should it not have been the other way around?
Anakin couldn't help but think, Palpatine knew some things he didn't.
A/N: The chapter took longer to write than expected.. hope you enjoyed it. Please review on what you liked or didn't like about it, so I can improve it. Idea's are also welcome :)
