A/N: I thought I could write without the accent on Padmé's name because I'm lazy. I couldn't, it got too annoying to look at. I'll fix that in the other chapters as well.

This chapter's song is Masquerade Waltz by Aram Khachaturian. Listen here: watch?v=YCoLUMURunQ


Chapter 3: Heights

"Let me not die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter."

Homer, The Iliad


Padmé was absentmindedly fiddling with the sleeve of her dress as she entered her pod. It was a nervous habit that she had developed when she was younger, perhaps to cope with the pressures of being Queen, and it was one that she had never been able to drop. It was absolutely childish, and the senator hated things that drew attention to the fact that she was still so young in comparison to her colleagues. Everything Padme did was to draw attention away from the fact that she was only 24. She wore her hair up. She bought clothes that looked more mature. She tried to deepen her voice as she spoke.

But did it make a difference? She knew that many saw her as silly and idealistic, and that they would continue to think that way regardless of her age. But still, it was something.

Padmé was sure that the senate chamber was an incredible room upon first sight, but she had occupied it hundreds of times, and struggled to remember her own first time seeing it. It wasn't long ago, but it felt like an eternity. The place had become something unremarkable in her mind. In the late days of the Republic, this room held a great deal of power. Looking back on them, Padmé knew that it had flowed from Palpatine for years, even if it was only blatantly obvious now.

"We are gathered here today in this emergency session to vote regarding the issue of whether or not the Empire should authorize military action to put down the rebellion on Shu-torun," Palpatine said, his voice echoing slightly, reverberating through the room.

"The floor is open to anyone who feels moved to speak," Palpatine said.

"I would like to speak," Padmé said.

"You have five minutes."

"Fellow senators, I beg you to consider the moral and financial ramifications of aggravating the conflict on Shu-torun. Why should we turn to violence, when diplomatic alternatives exist? The lucrative ore-mining industry would undoubtedly suffer, and have a meaningful impact on the galactic economy. Not to mention the humanitarian issue of using military force. The vast majority of Shu-torun's population is civilian, and they had nothing to do with the conspiracy. To kill innocents is not only immoral, but doing so would make a martyr out of the planet, possibly igniting the revolutionary spirit even further. Military action is a temporary solution, diplomacy is a permanent one." Padmé said.

Her speech was received just as she anticipated it would be: with thunderous booing and the occasional accusations of treason on her part. Padmé ignored them, her face remaining blank and unaffected by their words.

"I agree with Senator Amidala," Bail said, "Violence does not address the root of the problem."

Padmé smiled. It was a relief to have someone on her side, and after he voiced his support, the booing lessened considerably. But that wasn't what was important. What was important was that she was no longer standing alone.

"And who do you propose be sent to perform these duties?" Palpatine asked. From his tone, Padmé gathered that he was willing to entertain the idea, though she could not for the life of her understand why. Was he being serious, or was he just toying with her? Or was this all a part of his plan?

"If it should please you, your Majesty, I volunteer my services. I am well versed and experienced in these matters. The Shu-torun are a people governed by tradition and strict protocol, which I learned much about during my time as Queen," Padmé said.

"Senator Amidala has made an excellent point. There is no reason to waste men and bullets over a conflict that can be solved just as well, if not better, without them. Though if you are wrong, and your negotiations do not go well, military action would be necessary," Palpatine said, "Which is why, in addition to your request, I move that Lord Vader be sent as well, just in case negotiations do not go well. I shall not run the risk of any harm coming to you."

"I understand, your Majesty, I am most grateful for your concern," she said calmly, though her insides burned with rage. She felt foolish for thinking that this victory would come with no strings attached. They rarely did, but this was so much more than the small sacrifices she was willing to make. To send the Imperial Navy's poster boy on a peaceful, diplomatic mission? It could hinder the mission, not to mention the fact that it was an outright insult to everything Padmé was trying to do, everything she stood for.

"Then Senator Amidala's plan has my blessing. If no one else should like to speak, then we shall begin the vote at once."

No one raised their voice in opposition, and the vote went quickly. It was unanimously in support of Padmé's diplomatic mission, with the Emperor's seal of approval, of course. There was nothing democratic about the Imperial Senate, it was more of a formality than anything else to hold a vote over anything, especially a military matter. Anyone with half a brain knew that Palpatine's word was the only law here. If a particular bill had his support, everyone else's was sure to follow.


The throne room was a familiar, yet unpleasant place for Vader. It was longer than it was wide. It was poorly lit. It was needlessly ornate. When his master called him here, it was to address some grievance he had against his apprentice, and with that came punishment. His harsh treatment of the senator had something to do with this, no doubt.

Vader entered the room, strode down the carpeted path, and knelt before the Emperor. The simple act of kneeling before anyone made his blood boil. He should be the one sitting on that throne.

"What is thy bidding, Master?" he said, lowering his head.

"Tell me of your progress. What have you learned about Senator Amidala and her whereabouts?"

"There is no doubt in my mind that she is actively involved in the rebellion, and that she is one of their most important leaders."

"Anyone in this building could have told me that," Palpatine said, pausing, "I will ask again. What have you learned about Senator Amidala and her whereabouts?"

"I have no conclusive evidence with which to incriminate her, Master," Vader said.

The old man was getting angry, that much he could see. Over the years, Vader had learned the patterns of his master's mannerisms and the content of his temperament, the method of his madness, if you will. He was a patient man who had, very ironically, only come to expect swift results from his apprentice.

"Have you not see into her mind?" the Emperor said.

"Her mind is far too strong, Master. If I were to force my way in, it could... incapacitate her mentally. I shall do so if it is your will, but your instructions were to-"

"I know perfectly well what my instructions were, and they still stand. Do no permanent harm to the senator. She is far too important. We will use her to eliminate the Alliance, but only when the time is right."

"Yes, Master."

"Continue to monitor her closely. Perhaps close physical proximity would aid in the infiltration of her mind?"

"I doubt that I will be able to. Her mind is as strong as that of a force user, Master. It puzzles me."

"Do not worry, my apprentice, her time will come. The senator is not like most politicians, she is far worse. Study her. Learn her ways, but do not fall for her trickery. This is how you will win."

"Yes, Master."

"You watched the emergency session as I asked, correct?"

"Yes, Master."

"I sense something is bothering you. You may speak freely," Palpatine said.

"Yes, I do not understand. Why did you grant the Senator her request? Would it not be easier and quicker to send only me, so that I may exterminate the rebels instead?" Vader said.

"If she is indeed conspiring with the rebels of Shu-torun, then we have been given the opportunity to apprehend not only them, but the Senator as well. This is why I am sending you to go with her."

"Shall I kill her then, Master?"

"Your impatience is your weakness, Lord Vader. When I want her killed, you will know. Now go, prepare for your departure."

Vader rose from the ground and turned to leave.


Padmé left the senate chamber with enthusiasm coloring her face and powering her steps. She had accomplished what she had set out to do, what she thought was impossible. She was expected to seem excited, even though she knew that this mission was nothing but a farce. Something about her victory felt off, even before Palpatine had declared that Vader was to accompany her. It was never hers to begin with. The Emperor surely had some ulterior motive behind sending her to Shu-torun, and she knew it from the moment he said that monster would go there as well.

Her mind raced with the possibilities. Would Vader kill her before they reached Shu-torun and lead the military campaign she assumed that he intended on leading from the beginning? Or would he wait until they reached the planet and kill her quietly, blaming the rebels, and thus justifying the Empire's involvement in a potential civil war? The second option seemed far more likely, as it sounded like one of Palpatine's schemes. The enthusiasm that had possessed her originally was now gone.

"Padmé!"

Padmé turned to see Bail and Mon, who had caught up and now walked beside her.

"Yes? What is it?" she said.

"This mission is not a good idea. This whole enterprise reeks of the Emperor's treachery," Mon said.

"I agree. He must see it as an easy way to dispose of you," Bail said.

"That may be so, but if I do nothing, then Vader will slaughter every man, woman, and child on Shu-torun. I cannot allow that to happen."

"He could be planning to do that anyway, after he kills you," Bail said.

"I don't care. I have to try, and neither of you can stop me. Have a little faith. I certainly can't best him in a fight, but I may be able to outsmart him."

"Do you understand what is at stake here? If you are captured, not only have we lost an important leader and friend in you, but Lord Vader is well known for his interrogation techniques. To even risk it would be-" Mon began.

"I would never tell him anything. I would sooner die," Padmé snapped.

"You have no idea what you're up against. It doesn't matter. We cannot afford to lose you now," Mon said.

"She is right. This is suicide," Bail said.

"Enough! Darth Vader may be a Sith Lord, but he is still a man, and I have never met a man that I haven't been able to bend to my will," Padmé said, "The way I see it, he is no different."

With that said, Padmé picked up her pace and left her friends behind without another word. The anger that she felt after immediately leaving the senate chamber was now doubled by Mon and Bail's lack of faith in her abilities. It was like they didn't even care about their allies on Shu-torun anymore. They were content to watch them die by Vader's hand if it meant that she would live to see another day. It seemed absurd to her. Did they not fight for freedom? Did they not pledge to put the good of the galaxy over the survival of any individual?

She eventually reached her office, and entered to find it just as she had left it, thankfully. The thought of her space being searched just as Bail's was sent a chill down her spine. It was a violation of privacy, something that Padmé simply could not tolerate. Even if she didn't have anything to hide, it would still bother her. Hell, it would bother anyone.

She sat at her desk and resumed her work on the immigration bill. It was just as boring as she remembered it, but the regularity was a welcome change of speed after being so shaken up during the vote. Padmé was the sort of person who took comfort in routine and order, so she worked for the next few hours in silence, save for the sound of typing.

The odds of that particular bill dying either before it reached the floor, or in committee were relatively high. And even if it managed to survive that long, Padmé knew that it would be near impossible to enforce. And even though it had the Emperor's backing, he wouldn't be willing to spare the troops to prevent migrants from entering Coruscant. It was simply too large a planet.


Vader had not taken long preparing for the trip. Had it not been for the senator, he would have been able to leave directly following the vote. But his master had insisted upon honoring her proposal, so he begrudgingly accepted the fact that he would have to wait.

And wait.

And wait.

He ached to get off this planet. Even though he had only been there for a short while, the Sith was not used to staying in one place permanently, instead coming to enjoy the moving around that his work demanded. He preferred flying. It was so much freer, unlike the restrictions that came with living on Coruscant.

Don't kill the senator! Don't engage anyone on Shu-torun unless provoked! Speak only when spoken to!

His master's words echoed through Vader's mind, filling him with agitation. He didn't belong on Coruscant, that much was clear. Politics were loathsome to him, politicians even more so. This was his master's game, not his, but it wouldn't be this way forever. Soon there would be no Imperial Senate at all, and though he knew that his master was too much of a coward to eliminate it and all of its members, Vader would. In time.

Time was something that he had a lot of while he was waiting in the ship for the senator. What was her angle? Vader had done his research and read through every file that the Empire had on the woman, and he could tell that she was no fool, so surely she knew that this was all part of an elaborate setup. So why would she walk herself directly into a trap?

He knew why. Senator Amidala was not like most politicians in that she actually cared for the people she represented. That explained why she was so difficult to get rid of, as she couldn't be bribed or bought out, and by the Force had people tried. She refused to crack.

There would be no place for her kind in his new Empire. Senator Amidala's brand of resistance was too strong to be allowed to go unchecked for long. Vader knew this. The Emperor, being the foolish old man that he was, apparently, did not. He had become complacent.

First he deluded himself into thinking he could contain his apprentice, and now the senator? He truly was losing his edge.


Padmé rushed to pack her things with the help of her handmaiden, Dormé. They had done this many times together over the years, so they had it down to a science. Padmé would sort through her closet and choose the articles of clothing that she thought would be most appropriate for whatever function she had to go to, toss them over to her handmaiden, and let her arrange them in her suitcase.

"You never mentioned where you were going, my lady," Dormé said. She seemed curious, and Padmé couldn't blame her, as the other woman had become something of a confidant in the years that they had known each other. It was difficult for the senator to trust others, but Dormé had sworn an oath of loyalty to her when she assumed the throne. She reminded her of home, of the better and simpler times that seemed so far behind her.

"A diplomatic mission to Shu-torun. There was a coup led by rebels, and it is my job to resolve this conflict peacefully and restore order," Padmé said.

"I heard about that in the news. Is it true that the entire ruling family has been killed?"

Padmé paused. "No. Many have died, but not all of them. The remaining members of the line are in hiding."

"Do you require my presence? This mission is sure to be dangerous-"

"No. This is something I must do alone," Padmé said. The truth of the matter was that she didn't think it smart to reveal her handmaiden to Vader, as she may need to rely on this secret in the future. She would rather save this trick for another, more desperate time. Not to mention that the risk of her being killed was too great if she brought her along, and Padmé didn't think she could handle losing Dormé, especially not now. She meant far too much to her.

"Will you finish packing for me? I need to make a call," Padmé said before leaving the room. The other woman nodded.

She found her communicator resting on the side table of her living room, just where she had left it last night. She picked it up and dialed for Obi-wan.

"Master Kenobi? Are you there?" Padmé said, laying the communicator down onto the table and taking a seat on the couch.

"Yes, Senator. I have made preparations to evacuate the base as you asked."

"Thankfully, that will no longer be necessary. I have no reason to believe that my calls are being traced."

"This is good news. Our progress here will be able to continue as planned." Obi-wan said.

"I have other news. I have been called to act as an ambassador to Shu-torun in the wake of the coup. I will do the best I can to protect our allies there, but there have been... complications once again. Vader will be there as well."

Obi-wan stroked his beard, as he was prone to doing while he was thinking. She had known him for many years, ever since the beginning of her reign as Queen. Even throughout the Clone Wars he was a constant presence, and he had proven himself to be a good and loyal friend. Consequently, she had come to memorize his quirks and mannerisms over the years.

"I don't like this. I fear for your safety, but keeping Vader distracted with this mission could prove beneficial to us." he said.

"Have you spoken with our allies on Shu-torun?"

"Yes. They have requested aid," he said.

Of course they did. Padmé couldn't blame them, as from what she had heard, the situation there had gotten very ugly very quickly. Even though the rebels had the upper hand in the conflict, there were still heavy casualties on both sides. But there was nothing she could do for them now, not after the Emperor decided that keeping the planet was a priority. Even with reinforcements, the imperial army would no doubt overwhelm and defeat them quickly. They were outmanned, plain and simple.

"We can't do that," Padmé said.

"No, we can't, but there is another solution. The crown has long been sympathetic to our cause, and the King has come to me personally to express their interest in coordinating a second attack," he said, "Which, as you can probably imagine, would be much more effective with their military at our disposal."

"This is a pleasing development. So I assume you would like me to touch base with him and make sure things run smoothly," Padmé said.

"Yes. Be my eyes and ears while we devise a strategy from the base, and if it is safe to contact you, we need your assistance to plan out the attack as well."

"I doubt that it will be, but we shall see. But what should I do about Vader? He will get in the way, no doubt."

"Don't spend any more time with him than you have to, but keep an eye on him still. I doubt he would reveal anything meaningful or important to you, but be on the lookout anyway," Obi-wan said, "Do not underestimate him, but at the same time, I am confident that you will be able to handle him."

"My thoughts exactly. He is nothing but a brute, and I am more than capable of dealing with him. I must go now, the best of luck to you, Master Kenobi."

"In my experience, there is no such thing as luck. May the force be with you, Senator."


Padmé stepped out of her speeder with Dormé, who was carrying her luggage, following closely behind. She had been able to lighten her load to two suitcases, which was nearly a new record by the senator's standards, being a person who changed clothes frequently throughout the day. It was cloudy outside, and the air was thick with the prospect of rain. Then again, it was difficult to differentiate the smoke that was a byproduct of city life from clouds.

They had reached the landing bay, where she was to board the ship that would take them to the negotiations. They ascended the ramp and onto the craft.

"That will be all for now, you may go," Padmé said with a slight smile, "Take a vacation while I am gone. Return to Naboo and see your family."

Dormé returned her smile, nodded, set the luggage down, and left for the speeder. She watched her handmaiden go, and wished she was able to come along. Padmé knew that Dormé had taken an oath, that she had accepted the chances of her life being in danger, but she couldn't bring herself to endanger her friend for her sake. Not again.

Padmé picked up her suitcases and fully entered the ship. The first thing that she noticed was that it was a military craft, designed to hold troops and weapons. That much was clear to her even though it's walls had been stripped bare of blasters and ammunition, as she was familiar with that sort of thing. Though she didn't do so much physical fighting anymore, but she remembered her involvement during the tail end of the Clone Wars well, and things often did escalate to violence.

She moved to the back of the ship and found the cabin that she assumed to be hers, and opened the door. Padmé set her things down on the bed and surveyed the room. It was small, but every square inch of it was used as efficiently as possible. There wasn't much to see, so she resolved to find the pilot and tell them that she was ready to take off. She left the room and closed the door behind her.

"You're late," Vader said. Every time she interacted with him, he seemed to come out of thin air.

"My apologies, I had work that could not be left unfinished. The emergency session caught me by surprise" Padmé said cooly. Her stare was blank.

He said nothing in response. Typical.

"Where is the pilot? We should take off immediately to make up for lost time," she said.

"I'm the pilot," he said.

Of course he was the kriffing pilot. This situation was beginning to look shadier and shadier as time went on. No one else on board meant no witnesses, and if he truly did intend on killing her… well… there wouldn't be anything Padmé could do. There wouldn't be anyone to help her. She stood alone.

"You must be very talented," Padmé said, gritting her teeth through her smile.

"Flattery will get you nowhere with me, Senator."

"Oh? And where will honesty take me? You made yourself abundantly clear last night that you do not wish to hear the truth," she said.

No response. He just sat down at the cockpit and began pressing buttons.

"There is a saying where I'm from, something I was taught when I was elected Queen. There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you," she said.

She watched him work with the controls, and she thought that she had never seen someone so deep in their element. Vader didn't respond, but Padmé concluded that it had more to do with his mind being elsewhere than it had to do with what she said. Was he even paying attention?

The ship rose from the ground and into the air, cutting through the atmosphere and into space. Padmé held onto the back of the co-pilot's chair as they picked up speed.

This was going to be a long trip, that much was certain.