NOTE TO READERS: Depending on the success of this story, there are plans for it become the first installment of a two or three part story.

THREECaught Unawares

He supported the side of his face on his fingertips and set his eyes on her as if he were calculating an equation. "The delegation was wise to send you, Senator." He sighed. "Very well, I'll meet with them and see what we can make of this."

Padme smile pleasantly and said, "Thank you, Chancellor. I hope that…"

The hiss of office door cut Padme's concluding sentence. A tall man bustled into the reception alcove of the office carrying a large rectangular flat package. "Chancellor, I have your portrait ready! I think…" Vibrant green eyes widened in embarrassment as he stopped mid sentence and mid stride. "Oh! Forgive me. I didn't mean to…," he stammered and pointed a thumb over his shoulder at the door. "Your assistant was away from his desk. I can come back…"

Palpatine smiled pleasantly as he recognized the young man standing in the alcove. "No need to explain. Please, come in." He stood and descended the steps towards the approaching young man.

There was a complete shift in the energy in the room—from guarded to engaging.

Padme didn't bother turning to see the intruder standing a couple meters behind her. She rolled her eyes and shook her head, irritated by a lack of discretion.

The young man continued. "I can't stay long. I just wanted to drop this off." He slightly raised his arm, indicating the package tucked under his arm. He glanced passed Palpatine toward the back of Padme's head.

"Superb! The portrait is completed!" Palpatine opened his arms, then clasped his hands together.

"I hope you approve of it." His eyes still wandered in Padme's direction as he handed over the painting. "I know you have been waiting quite some time for it, sir."

Palpatine smiled encouragingly. "A masterpiece cannot be rushed, Palo. I understand that more than anything."

The name caused Padme to straighten in her seat and slowly turn around. Upon seeing, her eyes narrowed in disbelief. "Palo?"

She stood and walked down the steps. "Palo? Is that really you?"

His perfectly shaped lips parted as if to speak. He cast a cautious glance toward Palpatine and smiled. "Padme?" He slowly rolled his eyes over her from head to toe and chuckled. "Wow. It's-It's good to see you again." He lifted his eyebrows emphasizing his approval. "Really."

She chuckled sheepishly, casting a hesitant eye toward the chancellor. "How long has it been?"

"Seems like ages." He looked at her thirstily as he walked closer to her.

She replied nervously through her teeth, "It does." Padme swallowed uncomfortably and clasped her hands before her. Her brown eyes moved carefully down from his tall slender frame.

Palo shared Anakin's height and girth. Though he lacked the extent of Anakin's definition, it appeared that he kept himself in shape. His vibrant green eyes were alluring as if there was a light behind them and nearly matched the color of a blade of grass. His jet-black hair looked like silk and seemed hastily arranged as if he quickly ran his hand through it before walking in. A few unruly strands fell over his forehead.

Palpatine raised his brows. "I take it the two of you know each other?"

"Yes. The senator and I dated for a short time years ago." Palo explained.

Palpatine couldn't help the smug expression on his face as he observed their awkward exchange. They continued staring at each other as if everything else faded to black and they were the only two people in the galaxy.

He cleared his throat startling them out their trance and said, "As you may well know, Senator, the portrait of every chancellor we've had in the past hangs in the halls of the Senate building."

Padme inhaled, "Oh! Y-yes. I have noticed your portrait was missing. I wondered if you had plans to install one."

"I've never been able to get around to commissioning one, but I thought it best not to put things off." Palpatine ascended the steps, taking the portrait to his desk and began to unwrap it. "At the risk of sounding a bit biased, I believed an artist from Naboo would set the bar high."

Though he was speaking to Palpatine, Palo's eyes remained set on Padme. "If you don't mind me saying, this is the best yet." It seemed he was referring to something other than his artwork.

With the painting fully uncovered, Palpatine's lips parted slowly. He spoke as if mesmerized by the sight, "I agree. It is astounding." He looked up at Palo. "Absolutely magnificent."

Smiling once again, Palpatine nodded his head in approval, "You have done well, my boy. An exquisite piece if I must say so."

Palo stepped around Padme and looked at Palpatine. He gratefully said, "There were so many renowned artists you could have chosen instead. I offer my deepest gratitude for this opportunity, Chancellor."

"The pleasure is mine indeed." Palpatine picked up the portrait and said, "If you'll excuse me for one moment while I secure this in the anteroom."


Palo watched Palpatine exit through the doorway on the right side of the office. He immediately turned his attention toward Padme and moved within arm's length of her. Again, he dropped his gaze to her feet, and slowly navigated up her body. An appreciative smirk crept across his face and a naughty gleam twinkled in his eyes.

With a deep husky voice, he said, "You are more beautiful than the last time I saw you."

Padme blushed. "Thank you, Palo." She took a step back and smiled uncomfortably. She glanced nervously in the direction where the chancellor exited. Palo was clearly making her attempt at maintaining her senatorial reserve difficult, and he was enjoying it. Padme looked away from him, searching the room desperately for something to draw her interest. Amongst the adornments, there was nothing she could find to appease her search. She sighed in frustration and asked, "How-how long have you been in Coruscant?"

Palo lifted his eyebrows and raised his squared chin. He was impressed by her ability to remain in character considering what transpired between them only a few hours earlier nearly made her late for the office. He remembered she honed this gift in her training for public service years ago. He admired her skill. He answered, "Almost six months."

"Really? This is the first time I have seen you." Padme furled her brow. She seemed sincerely curious.

"Coruscant is a big place." He was growing tired of the elaborate pretense, but for her sake, he continued anyway. Palo folded his arms. "I am aware that Senator Amidala is a very busy woman."

Padme smiled. "Both are true, but I am capable of making time for old acquaintances. I think my schedule will allow me a few minutes to catch up."

Laughing to himself, he turned and took several steps away from her. He shook his head. "No. I think we'll need much more than just a few minutes." He turned to face her again and lowered his chin. "You know that already." Hoping to break through her façade, a devilish grin slowly tugged on the corners of his mouth, revealing his dimples.

Padme's eyes widened. "What?"

Frustrated by his stymied attempts, Palo rolled his eyes and sighed. "My love, I know this is supposed to be kept quiet, but we are alone now." He was wry. "Don't you think you are over doing it?"

The bridge of her nose wrinkled and a vertical line appeared between her furled brows. "What are you…"

A deafening explosion violently shook the building, causing Padme and Palo to stumble into each other. It felt like the entire planet was violently trembling. The floor rumbled and the sound of shattered glass and falling debris drowned out any other sound.

Padme looked up at Palo and shouted, "What was that?"


The outer halls of the chancellor's suite quickly filled with dust and debris. A ramp extended from a docked shuttle beside the Executive building into the corridor. Amid horrified screams and shouts from fleeing personnel, several battle droids clattered down the ramp through the blasted hole. With their weapons at the ready, they shot at anything that moved in their sight.

Six super battle droids entered the corridor followed by Count Dooku and followed the battle droids toward the outer office of the Chancellor's suite.

The droids gained access into the administration area where Dar Wac greeted and often intercepted any visitors wishing to see the chancellor. At that moment, Dar was not visible, but the chill moving down his reptilian spine loudly announced to his presence to the passing Count. Dooku didn't bother to look in his direction since he was not the intended target. The mission would only be a success if they moved quickly.

He continued to follow his droids toward the entrance to Chancellor Palpatine's office. The doors were coded and sealed securely, but a nod from Count Dooku prompted the droids to plant small charges at the base and sides of the door.

Seconds later another ground shattering blast erupted, echoing throughout the building and blowing the entire doorway into twisted metal and rubble. Padme's screams instantly placed a smile on Count Dooku's face.

Three of super battle droids entered the room with weapons draw and ready to fire, while the other three remained in the outer office with several other battle droids. Count Dooku casually entered the reception area, flanked by the droids, and looked up and down the red walls of the suite.

His eyes searched around the room and stopped on his right in the entrance leading to the anteroom and the private office. He smiled predatorily. "Hiding will do you no good, chancellor. I can sense your presence." He looked to his left and sensed two people crouched behind the pedestal of a life-size statue. "I can also sense that you are not alone."

There was no response.

He walked towards the center of room. "If you wish your guests no harm, you will reveal yourself."

There was a few seconds of silence before rustling of fabric was heard. Chancellor Palpatine slowly emerged from the anteroom. "There is no need to harm anyone. I am here."

"I am glad you are able to see things my way, Chancellor." Count Dooku said charmingly, "Now if you please…" He elegantly gestured toward the door with the wave a hand.

As Palpatine had taken several steps forward, Count Dooku had dropped his hand and turned suddenly toward the reception alcove.

Through the gapping hole, he could see two Jedi knights moving in with weapons drawn and slicing through the droids blocking the entrance.

Moments later, Obi-Wan and Anakin cautiously stepped through the mutilated entrance.

Count Dooku was the embodiment of elegance and charismatic charm. However, his admirable traits were tainted with traces of deceit and treachery. He was like a lethal sword sheathed in class and savor fairer.

He smiled and said pleasantly. "We meet again, Master Kenobi."

The super battle droids instantly aimed their weapons at the Jedi and waited for the command to fire. "I shall enjoy this encounter."

Anakin quickly scanned the room. He sensed two other presences and masked his surprise when he detected one of them was Padme. He could sense that she was afraid, hiding on the other side of the office behind the statue pedestal. Her proximity to danger brought a twinge of anxiety.

Sensing a battle would ensue, Palpatine stepped away from what was to be an interesting confrontation. He slowly moved back until his back was against the wall. He watched while master, knight and Sith slowly circled each other, with weapons ignited and poised to engage at any moment.

"You're plan will not succeed, Dooku." Obi-Wan said sternly.

Anakin glared at the Count. "And you won't get away either.

A smirked tugged on the corner of his perfectly trimmed goatee. "Young Anakin Skywalker." Count Dooku chuckled to himself. "I am certainly glad to hear that your handicap as not diminished your skill. Let's see how well you have adapted." He removed his weapon from his belt and turned it on.

Anakin's mouth slightly twitched at the remark. The loss of his right forearm was a constant reminder of his impetuousness five years ago. The smug on the Count's face only stoked the anger Anakin was repressing. He replied coldly. "My powers have doubled since our last meeting, Count." Twirling his lightsaber, he continued. "You will discover that in a moment."

They stopped circling and the energy in the seemed to heighten.

"Careful." Dooku warned mockingly. "A vice like pride can lead to your downfall." "I thought you'd have learned that by now." Dooku lunged at them and the battle began.

The two knights engaged the Sith lord, vigorously exchanging sweeps and strikes. The room flickered with the light from each clash of the lightsabers. Obi wan and Anakin moved in unison, often switching sides, alternating the alacrity of their work, which forced Dooku to take several steps back.

Pieces of furniture were cleaved. Singe marks quickly appeared on the walls and the floor where contact was made with tips of the lightsabers. Dooku kicked Obi wan sending him to the ground. The smaller battle droids took aim and started firing on him. Obi wan blocked and deflected the blasts back to the droids, destroying them. Anakin continued to work on Dooku. Dooku swung his blade from side to side blocking Anakin's attempts at neutralizing him.

Obi wan rejoined the duel and together he and Anakin continued their collective assault. In a smooth continuous movement, Dooku blocked Obi Wan's strike and force pushed Anakin across the room. He slammed into the bronze statue, dropped his weapon and slumped to the ground.

Before his eyes could focus, he heard Padme call his name. Anakin questioned whether he had strayed into a dream. He was slightly disoriented and struggling to dissipate the dizziness. He blinked his eyes hard several times and groaned. He raised his head and looked in the direction of Padme's voice. As his sight gained more resolution, his eyes narrowed at seeing Padme wrapped in the arms of another man. Instantly the visions he suffered with for weeks had manifested.

He widened his eyes, suddenly finding himself in a struggle against the rage that was beginning to grow. He remembered each kiss and each embrace they shared in the visions and the pain of it all began to penetrate his barriers. His nostrils flared and his lips formed a tight thin straight line. He stood, glaring at the young man and flexing his jaw muscles. Anakin could see Padme's pleading eyes and he could see her mouth was moving but for some reason, he could not hear her. It was as if his inner struggle intercepted her audio. His chest slowly heaved up and down while he took deep breaths to bring his focus back to the duel. Anakin called his lightsaber to his hand and rolled his eyes toward Dooku, whose back was facing him.

Dooku extended his hand used the force to lift Obi wan into the air and toss him into the wall on the right-side of the room. The super battle droids turned on him and began to fire. Obi wan was being driven back to through the doorway leading to the anteroom. More droids entered the room and added to the assault.

Anakin walked over and lunged at Dooku. The Count quickly spun around and blocked the attack. Red and blue repeatedly clashed and swirled left

and right. As Anakin fought, he began to pick up his momentum, forcing Dooku up the steps toward desk and the panoramic view of Coruscant.

With the increased speed and intensified combat, Dooku was beginning to find difficulty keeping up with his younger opponent.

Anakin twirled his lightsaber around his back and blocked another down stroke of Dooku's blade. Their blades crisscrossed and in that moment, their eyes locked.

Dooku could see in his eyes a growing thirst for more power, a festering hate, and an everlasting fear that reminded so much of himself many years ago when he left the order. He realized that this young knight would have made an excellent Sith apprentice. He considered that together the two of them could have overthrown his master.

"You are conflicted." Dooku said under his growing fatigue. "You have—much anger, Skywalker. I—sense your hate and your fear—yet you make no use them."

Anakin pushed hard against Dooku's weapon, causing him to take a few steps back. Anakin raised his blade over his head and brought it down.

In the corner of his eye, Dooku could see Palpatine watching the duel with great interest as if watching a sport.

Dooku dodged, narrowly missed the side of Anakin's blade. Using the force, he began hurling friezes, paintings and sculptures from the walls toward Anakin.

The objects merely bounced off the force bubble Anakin generated around himself. Dooku tossed a chair and Anakin waved his hand sending it into another direction.

Dooku squared his shoulders. Dispatching this one will not be as easy as I thought. His eye wandered again towards Palpatine. The smile on his face not only conveyed a silent malice and ruthlessness, but also made it was obvious that he was pleased with Anakin. However, Dooku had the feeling that there was a deeper interest in Anakin's performance.

Looking back to Anakin, Dooku realized what was expected to happen in this duel. He realized he overplayed his hand. Apparently, he misjudged the amount of time he had.

Dooku became unsettled and decided to end this a quickly as possible. He summoned as much power as he could and extended a hand. Blue-white beams of lightening issued from his fingertips, but were absorbed into Anakin's lightsaber. Anakin extended his hand and force pushed the Sith against the wall.

With an ice-cold glare, Anakin walked slowly toward him and waited for him to stand. Dooku slowly stood up sensing a shift in the force.

Despite his attempts to fight it, Anakin couldn't help his anger from getting the better of him. Like wisps of smoke, the aura that rose from Anakin's body grew slightly darker. He was beginning to use his anger and tapping into the darkside. He felt his power spike and it was as if he was charged with twice the energy.

Anakin increased his speed and was now moving so fast that he could barely keep up. As their blades clashed, he punched Dooku forcing him back a few more steps toward the transparisteel window. He moved in and began another assault on his weakening opponent. In a movement barely visible to the naked eye, Anakin relieved Dooku of his entire arm. Without hesitation, Anakin spun on his heels and swung his blade, separating Dooku's head from his neck.


Moments later, the piercing sound of several lightsabers igniting filled the silence after Dooku's death. Droid parts began to fly from the direction of the reception alcove as three Jedi masters entered the room swinging and twirling their weapons.

The sound of lightsabers being extinguished prompted Palo to step out from behind the pedestal and look around the room for any sign of danger. He turned and offered a hand to help Padme to her feet. He couldn't believe that only moments ago, he was thanking the chancellor for a chance of a lifetime and now, he was standing in the midst of debris and droid parts. He looked at Padme anxiously and asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yes. I-I think so." Padme looked up at Palo. "I'm fine." Padme's gaze shifted across the room toward Anakin, who was still standing beside Dooku's decapitated body. He was just standing there if he was frozen in time. She could see his shoulders rising and falling as his breathing slowly to regular pace.

Anakin didn't bother turning around to her face. He didn't want to see her with him. It only proved that his theory about his visions had a greater chance of being false. On the many occasions that he imagined his return to Padme, he never expected she would be in another man's arms. He didn't know the reason why they were here together. It bothered him that he could get so upset about something that was still unclear, but reasoning did nothing to quell his temper. The love he had in his heart for Padme was stronger than anything and it motivated him to do and feel things he never expected.

Instead, Anakin looked down into Dooku's eyes, which were eerily enough, gazing blankly up at him. He could see the reflection of himself in the lifeless eyes. The eyes only mirrored the image of a knight who, for however brief a time, touched the darkside. He let out a great sigh. Disappointed in himself, Anakin lifted his eyes to the Coruscant Skyline.

He didn't know what weighed heavier on him, the guilt of using his anger in a duel or the pain of seeing her standing beside HIM. As much as he didn't want to, he needed to see her and he dared to look over his shoulder.

Palo tenderly moved a lock of brown hair from Padme's blushing face and ran a gentle hand along the length of her arm. This man showed profound care for her as he muttered what seemed to be comforting words to her. Padme only nodded as her eyes darted back and forth between him and Anakin.

There was no sign of her being uncomfortable with his close proximity to her. She seemed so preoccupied with this MAN, that she seemed not care how Anakin was looking at her. The sight made his stomach flip. Anakin turned back to the scenic Coruscant.

Anakin bit his bottom lip trying to ignore the urge to make his demeanor known. A constant voice in his head hissed.

She's betrayed me! She's making a fool of me!

Anakin opened his hand and rubbed his temples between his finger and thumb. He shut his eyes tight against the voice that seemed to be getting louder and louder.

Obi wan emerged through the doorway of the anteroom. He looked around the room, finally resting his eyes on Dooku's body. He sighed dejectedly and slowly raised his eyes to Anakin. It appeared that the results of the battle didn't matter to him as much as what had transpired only moments ago.

Unable to conceal his growing anger, Anakin muttered something in Huttese and turned around. He clipped his weapon to his belt and clenched his teeth as he descended the steps from the platform. He couldn't help glaring at Palo as he quickly left the office.

TBC...

NEXT:

Four - Latent Danger

Anakin and Padme exchange words. A servant of the dark lord surfaces. Padme's purpose is revealed.