Thank you all so much for the wonderful outpouring of well wishes as to my upcoming nuptials. I really appreciate it! Thank you also for your patience as posting has slowed down.
Mlhkvh5: I am glad that you like that. Still, there are a few surprises in store. Thanks so much for reading!
Admiral Lily: Thank you so much for all your wonderful and insightful reviews of all three stories. I am so glad you took the time to read them and liked them all. As for your observation of the thought switching in mid-sentence, I do like to intermingle not only the general plot and conversations, but also the thoughts of the central characters, which I agree can get a little confusing at times; however, I will keep this in mind for future chapter so it's a bit clearer. Thanks again and hope you enjoy!
DigitalDreamn: Yes, life is filled with its little ironies ;). Thanks for reading!
Megggggggggg: Thank you so much for reading. I'm glad you are enjoying. Update is here!
Seth: Thank so much for your comments and your well wishes. I really appreciate it!
Ghostreaper181: Well, it is certainly a most welcome fall to the dark side ;). As for Dooku and Dahlia, that interaction actually came to a surprise to me. Sometimes these characters take a life of their own. Hopefully Obi-Wan will accept what they continue to learn about Dooku. Still, anything is possible. Thanks so much for reading!
HelenT: Sounds like you can most certainly relate to technological snafus. They certainly aren't fun. As for the upcoming Kamino scene, it is one that I hope will seem fresh to everybody. Thanks so much for reading, as well as your well wishes!
ILDV: Thanks!
Flaming Man of Iron: Thank you so much. More is here!
The Summer Breeze: Happy belated b-day. Hope it was a good one! As for the evil cliffe, I can't help myself ;). Thanks for reading!
Yurface9311: I will definitely do my best to keep up with posting. Thanks so much for reading and your well wishes. I do appreciate it!
Hewhoreaps: Eventually, Anakin will have time to retell it. As for your observations about Dahlia, she is definitely in an inenviable position. Still, don't completely rule her out. Thanks also for the con crit!
JediAngel001: Lots of possibilities. Time will most certainly tell what happens. Thanks so much for reading!
MoAngel: 29 days and counting. Given all the craziness of late, I can support A&Ps decision to getting married on their own since family tends to make things more 'interesting' than they have to be. Still, I am looking forward to having friends and family all in one place. Never fear though, more A & P moments coming. Thanks so much for reading!
General-Joseph-Dickson: The Federation is about to get a nice surprise. Thanks so much!
Mathematica: Thank you so much. Thankfully, everything is coming together although I probably won't be getting a decent night of sleep for another 30 days with all the things that still need to be done. Nice pickup about Dahlia. You win the gold stars for this update. I definitely believe there are many reasons why someone falls to the dark side. This is definitely Dahlia's issue. As for Obi-Wan, Im glad you like the intertwining with canon. By far, the next several chapters have been and will be the most challenging as I want to avoid rehashing AotC by presenting things from a slightly different angle. Glad I've been successful, so far. I do think Obi-Wan was affected by Dooku's turn, which was why we saw him lose to the Sith twice. I think he couldn't believe Qui-Gon's teacher fell. The impending war will be the Clone Wars with a twist ;). Thanks so much for reading, as well as your well wishes. Hope you enjoy this update!
LordRevanGrandMasteroftheJedi: The Sith definitely make things interesting, to be sure. Lots of questions to be answered soon. Thanks so much for reading!
UberJedi: Thank you so very much. I really appreciate the well wishes!
AngelQueen: I'm sure there will be parties celebrating their nuptials on multiple worlds ;). Glad you liked the Obi-Wan scene. I think we are starting to get a clearer picture of the state of the Jedi Order and it doesnt look good. Still, anything can happen. As for the Sith, always expect the unexpected with them. Thank you so much for reading!
Anticipation.
It coursed through Anakin's body while he paced listlessly about the room. After the Royal Court adjourned, Padmé joined him in the Palace's private communications bay so he could make contact with his mother. Anakin could feel her mourning for him through the Force, and he wanted to end it at once. Unfortunately, an ion storm somewhere between Naboo and Tatooine was making the linkup difficult and despite his vast repertoire of mechanical adjustments, he couldn't speed up the process, frustrating him further.
"It will be alright, Anakin," Padmé said soothingly.
He paused in mid-step. "I cannot begin to think what my…absence…has done to her….or to you." Anakin guilt once again threatened to overwhelm him. "Can you ever forgive me?"
"There is nothing to forgive." Padmé stood up, wrapping her arms around him. "You were willing to die for me." When she looked up at him, he saw her love for him filling her eyes. "I could never hope to repay you for such a thing."
"I love you," he stated as a matter of fact. "I'd do it again without hesitation."
"Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that."
"That would be nice," he joked. Looking back over at the holoviewer, he felt his smile descend. "I'm sorry that this is taking so long. I know you have much to do before the council meeting."
To his surprise, Padmé's mirth did not disappear. "Family is more important. Besides," she said after taking a deep breath, "the decision has already been made."
"The Trade Federation will never leave on their own volition," Anakin reaffirmed.
"Precisely," Padmé answered, folding her arms together. "That's why I am confident that this is the only choice." The holoviewer suddenly began flickering, drawing both of their attention towards it. Padmé turned away from him and looked at the com station's readout. "I think it's coming through."
"Excellent," Anakin said, about to move next to her.
"Actually," she held out her hand to stop him. "Let me talk to her first. It might be too great of a shock to see you appear right away."
He folded his arms and took a step back from the viewer. "Good point."
Standing out of the holoviewer's optics, Anakin watched and waited. A series of flashes and beeps preceded the appearance of a weary looking Owen Lars. He stirred after roughly rubbing his eyes. "Your Majesty?"
"Hello, Owen," she greeted him softly.
"Although I'm pleased to see you, it is a bit early for a courtesy call," he said exhausted.
"I'm sorry for waking you, but I must speak with Madam Lars immediately."
"Why?"
Anakin released a frustrated deep breath. While he liked Owen, there were times when he was the most obtuse bantha in the universe. He had no time for exchanging pleasantries. Anakin decided to rush into the holoviewer's optics, making his presence known. "Owen, I need to speak to my mother now!"
"Anakin?" Owen said, his eyes appearing to bulge from his face.
"Very subtle," Padmé sarcastically whispered.
"Thank you," Anakin whispered back. Turning his attention back to Owen, he added. "Yes, it's me and yes I'm alive. And no, I am not a ghost."
"How?" Owen muttered.
"Owen, I would be more than happy to explain it to you later. Right now I must speak with Mom."
"Hold on," he finally replied.
"And Owen," Anakin called out to stop him. "Please stay around. I don't want her to pass out from shock or anything."
Owen shook his head in disbelief before leaving from sight. Meanwhile, Padmé turned to Anakin with an incredulous look on her face. He knew what she was going to say, but he decided to feign ignorance by shrugging.
"What?" he said innocently.
He didn't receive the tongue lashing that he had been expecting. Instead, Anakin caught notice of Padmé turning towards the holoviewer. He turned about to see the image of his mother, being guided in front of their viewer's optics by Owen. She looked tired and it wasn't due to being awoken at such an early hour. Anakin could see the damage the grief over his loss had done to her spirit.
It was his fault.
No longer able to stymie the flood of tears that had been threatening to fall, streams fell down his cheeks. "Mother…. It's me."
"Ani?"
"Yes, Mom."
"Oh, my boy." She cried, attempting to reach out to hold him. "It's a miracle!"
"Yes…and no."
Peering curiously as him, she admitted. "I don't understand…"
"I didn't really die, Mom." Anakin swallowed before continuing. "I was…sent…into the past." Amazingly, his mother began to chuckle, causing him to momentary look over at Padmé in confusion. "What's so funny?"
"With you, I should have expected something amazing had happened." Her delight abruptly shifted as Shmi furiously wiped at her tears. Her legs looked wobbly. Fortunately, Owen had remained close by to help steady her. "I thought I lost you forever."
"I'm…I'm so sorry, Mom." Anakin apologized, his chin quivering.
"You're back," Shmi countered. "And that is what matters."
"I…" Anakin started before gently drawing Padmé closer to him. "Actually, we have happy news."
"Oh?" Shmi said curiously.
"Padmé and I are getting married this evening."
"That's wonderful," she said joyfully.
"Congratulations," Owen interjected with a sour look on his face.
"Why the rush?" Shmi asked as their elation died down.
Anakin shot a nervous look at Padmé who thankfully answered for him. "After everything we've been through, I didn't want to wait any longer. He is the love of my life and I very nearly lost him forever. I don't want to leave this life asking what if." She threw an apologetic look over at Shmi. "I'm sorry that we are not having a grand celebration…"
"Nonsense," Anakin's mother interrupted, waving her hand. "You both are happy and I always knew that you belonged together. We will just have to celebrate the next time you come to visit."
"That would be wonderful," Anakin smiled.
"And Padmé."
"Yes, Ma'am?"
"Welcome to the family."
A warm smile instantly burst over her features. "Thank you, Madam Lars. That means so much to me."
"Please call me Shmi…or Mom," she happily retorted with a wide grin. "I look forward to seeing you both soon."
"We love you, Mom." Anakin bade her farewell.
"And I, you." She paused as her smile grew larger. "Both of you."
Shmi's image disappeared, leaving Anakin and Padmé alone His mind continued to race as he went over their conversation in his mind. Already he could feel his mother's ease through the Force.
"That went well," Padmé finally observed, breaking the silence.
He nodded once. "I will deal with this Trade Federation problem quickly so that we can get to visiting Mom soon."
"I know you will," she said although he knew that this matter would not be so simple to resolve.
He was elated. The weight of guilt he carried in his heart had been lifted and now the realization that their wedding was in a matter of hours made him want to jump for joy. Still, he knew that they would not be allowed to enjoy the bliss for long. Besides, there was another important matter that he needed to attend to in the meantime.
"Now, time to call my family to share the happy news." Padmé reminded him gently, interrupting his thoughts.
At least for the moment, he could pretend that the world's problems would wait on them.
It was blatant.
Even the least attuned to the Force could have felt the shift. Grand Master Yoda sat in silence with his eyes closed as he waded through the endless currents of the Force. For weeks, he had sensed the gradual surge of something great . It hovered near the horizon of his perception, waiting stubbornly to appear. Then, every shred of subtly disappeared when a change as great as a supernova reverberated throughout existence. Yoda knew what it represented even though he wasn't sure what it meant to the galaxy.
Or to the Jedi.
The swoosh of the door leading into the meditation room roused him from his contemplations. Mace Windu, moving even more quickly than normal, rushed inside and took his normal cushioned seat across from him. The Korun Master released a deep huff as he tried to meditate.
Yoda knew what troubled him.
"The disturbance in the Force, sensed it you have."
"It was difficult to miss."
Yoda briefly chuckled. "Yes, yes. When our attention it seeks, subtle the Force is not."
Silence followed his observation. Yoda noted Windu continued to struggle over the situation. "Do you believe that Skywalker was…resurrected?"
"The nature of his return, unclear it is." Yoda considered. "But returned he has."
"Is it time then, Master?"
Yoda closed his eyes, releasing his consciousness into the Force. The darkness was growing with each passing day. Soon, the Dark Lord of the Sith would act. Yoda feared that the Jedi's complacency would cost them and the galaxy dearly.
"Time it is, my friend. Inform the Council of our shared vision of the Force, me must." Mace nodded once, yet he did not seem at peace with the news. "More to say have you?"
"I am concerned how they will react," Windu admitted. "Especially the newer members."
"The will of the Force, we were following." Yoda countered. "Understand that, they will."
"I am not even sure how I feel about it and I was there." Mace turned towards him. His unease over the situation was strewn across his features. "Skywalker was not raised a Jedi and perhaps he should never be one of us."
Yoda bobbed his head in agreement. "To be raised as a Jedi, the Force wished for him, it did not. Wanted him, unlike us, it did" He paused before throwing a knowing look at his fellow Council member. "Decline, our Order, is in."
Windu thundered to his feet to pace about the small meditation room. "I don't believe that," he uttered unconvincingly.
He sighed and sadly shook his head. "Know this, you do."
"Be that as it may, Master" Mace began, unable to hide his irritation. "I feel that many will not be receptive to the idea of having Skywalker amongst us. It could lead to division within the Order. With the rising power of the dark side, we can ill afford a lack of unity."
"The Chosen One, Skywalker is..."
"But will the other Jedi accept that?" Windu pondered aloud. " Also, are we to tell them about Obi-Wan? And what of the Naboo Queen?"
Yoda shook his head. "Time it is not for that. Know most of the Council does of Kenobi's training of Skywalker. Inform those who don't, we will. The rest…in time, address those issues, we will."
Windu cocked his head to one side. "And Amidala?"
"Not to interfere with her and Skywalker, the Force instructed." Yoda recalled. "No other guidance, did it provide."
He continued to walk about restlessly. The Force was swirling about him like a violent cyclone. Suddenly, the Korun Master came to a halt and turned his head towards Yoda. "It's a shatterpoint," Mace observed after several moments of silence. "Skywalker…The Council…Obi-Wan...how this situation is resolved could determine the fate of the galaxy for a millennium."
"Sensed this also, I have. Impossible to know, what will happen. Faith we must have."
"Faith?" Windu quizzically parroted.
Yoda dipped his head forward affirmatively. "Follow the will of the Force, we do. Believe in its will, also we must."
"I don't much like that our fate rests upon the shoulders of a boy," Mace said while quickly rising to his feet. "Too much could go wrong."
"Strong in the Force, Skywalker is. Appearances, like size, matters not."
Mace peered at him curiously for several moments until a crack of a smile broke through his stern veneer. "Good point," he chortled. "It's possible that I haven't fully released my anxieties as I should."
"Still much to learn, you still have," Yoda quipped.
"Perhaps,." Windu chuckled as he finally calmed down to meditate.
Indeed, much did the Jedi as a whole had to learn, Yoda considered as he allowed his consciousness delve back into the currents of the Force. Hopefully they would do this quickly.
Time was running out.
Elation.
Commander Miles Ubein flashed through the ornate hallways of Theed Palace in route to the Residence wing. His superior and friend Anakin Skywalker had cryptically requested his presence at a high level meeting at the seventh evening bell. Fortuitously, he had heard the rumors of Anakin's miraculous return and had not been alarmed when he heard his childhood friend's voice on the other end of the comlink.
Miles had no idea why Anakin wanted with him .
After Anakin had left the academy to attend to his duties at the Palace, Miles had become the star student of their class. When he was of age, he joined the starfighter corps and learned combat tactics under Ric Olié's tutelage. Other than Anakin, Miles was arguably the best pilot in the entire Naboo Starfleet. Lord Skywalker had apparently thought this as well when he had enlisted his help during the wargames they successfully won several months prior. Since then, Miles had been given more responsibilities. He had led a squadron during the attack against the Mandalorian gunship and flown several escort missions throughout the recent Trade Federation blockade.
Miles was seasoned and ready to face what was surely to come. He knew that the Queen had ordered a counterattack against the Trade Federation vessels. It was a bold declaration, but he felt a necessary one, since the Neimoidians were not likely to give up. Although he didn't want to hope, Miles secretly wished that he would be tapped to give his input.
He longed to make the Neimoidians pay for what they'd done.
Reaching the door to the Queen's sitting room, Miles gave it several gentle knocks. Waiting a few moments and no response, he was about to knock again when he heard the lock click before the door swung open. In the doorway stood the alluring chief handmaiden Dormé Travalen, blocking his path inside. She was a few years older than Miles, but that didn't prevent their numerous flirtatious interactions. He had always looked for the opportunity to get to know her better. However, the chance had never presented itself. And today, Dormé did not appear to be in a playful mood.
"How can I help you, Commander?"
Miles attempted to peek inside for Anakin, but couldn't since the handmaiden kept moving over to block his view. Despite his enjoyment at looking at this beautiful woman, he was becoming annoyed. "Overlord Skywalker ordered my attendance at this meeting."
"Oh really?"
"It's alright, Dormé." He heard Anakin call out from behind her. "I asked him here."
The eldest of the handmaidens gave him a forced smile before backing away. Miles flashed his roguish grin at her prior to his friend coming into sight. He had been stunned by the news of Anakin's loss, never believing that this larger than life person could ever be stopped. It seemed that his initial reaction was correct.
"My Lord," he bowed.
Anakin chortled, shaking his head. "None of that. It is good to see you."
"And you too, my friend." Miles grinned as they briefly embraced one another. "Nice to know that you weren't blown into space dust."
He laughed, motioning for him to follow. "I'm glad you could make it."
"I wouldn't miss it."
Miles noticed General Panaka and Marshall Olié sitting next to each other with Professor Zhall seated perpendicular to them. To his left sat the Captain of Palace security, Sabé Orllize, who looked to be in a deep discussion with Chief Braxt and Tojas Zhall.. Governor Sio Bibble and Senator Joaquin Mar stood near the group and also appeared to be engaged in a serious conversation.
Ellisé Bibble was also present, but she was doing everything to avoid eye contact with him or Anakin. She had not been quite herself since returning from saving the Queen on the gunship. Indeed, there was a time when he, Ellisé and Anakin were inseparable. But, something during that mission had changed her. Even at Anakin's funeral, Ellisé had refused to speak with him. At some point, Miles would have to get to the bottom of it. For the moment, he took notice of Anakin leading him away from the group.
"What exactly is going on here?"
"Security Council meeting."
"Security Council?" Miles said stunned. "Only top brass are invited."
"I know."
"Then," Miles hesitated prior to pointing at his chest. "Why am I here?"
"I need an aide-de-camp, and I told the Queen that you would be perfect for the job."
"Anakin," Miles said, exhilarated. "I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll take it," Anakin smirked. "Otherwise, I'll look like quite the village idiot."
"Of course…of course I will." Miles reached out his hand to shake Anakin's.
"Congratulations, Colonel Ubein."
"Colonel?"
"I need you with enough rank so that if you were to act in my stead, you'll have the clout to do so." Anakin moved close enough, he whispered. "It would have been General, but Panaka said you were too young for such a high grade."
Miles choked. "So it must really get his blasters all heated up to have to call you Overlord, sir."
Anakin softly cackled. "You have no idea," he said with a wink.
"Thank you, my Lord, for this opportunity."
Anakin was about to respond when the doors leading into the Queen's bedchambers opened. Amidala, flanked by the handmaidens Cordé, Eirtaé and Verse quickly entered the room. The Queen wore a nondescript purple dress with the golden crown of her office set atop her head. She smiled as she motioned for the room's occupants to sit. Miles followed Anakin to a pair of chairs to Amidala's immediate right. She gave him an appraising look before dipping her head in acknowledgment. He repeated the gesture.
"My thanks to each of you for coming on such short notice," Amidala addressed them. "I would have discussed these concerns during the Royal Court session, but our guests made that impossible." She then shifted in her seat. "I need to know our present state of readiness."
Panaka was the first to answer her request. "Our army is back to full strength. I also had a full diagnostic run on our droid support units which are fully operational, Your Majesty."
Amidala turned towards Marshall Olié. "And the starfleet?"
"Each vessel destroyed during the Mandalorian attack has been replaced, Your Majesty." Olié cryptically grinned. "Save for the loss of the Defiance, every ship is manned and ready."
The Queen nodded once then turned to Anakin. "Overlord Skywalker, please share your plan for our strategic response."
Anakin waved his hand in the air, causing the lights in room to dim. A small holoprojector at the center of the group activated, showing a representation of the Chommell sector, as well as several adjacent regions. Depicted in red were the ships of the Trade Federation maintaining a position at the outskirts of the sector's borders.
"After a hasty retreat, the Viceroy seems to be determined to reorganize his forces then resume the blockade. In the last twenty-four hours we have run numerous deep space scans, as well as sent several cloaked scout vessels to investigate the region between the Federation fleet and their territorial border." Anakin paused and looked about the room. "We've also been monitoring their long range communications, which have been surprisingly terse. There is no indication that they have requested more ships. It is my belief that Gunray feels that he can face us as is."
"What about the systems that support the Trade Federation?" Panaka countered. "They could be dispatching ships as we speak."
"Judging from our recent intelligence, as well as Senator Mar's assessment of the current political crisis in the Senate, I believe the Viceroy is acting on his own volition."
"How should we proceed?" Amidala calmly asked.
Anakin returned his focus to the projected images. "Given that the Federation ships are gathered in empty space and there are no nearby systems, I believe we could hit them from three approach vectors with our cloaked-enabled ships. Then, we would launch several waves of hit and run attacks, which should cripple them. If they continue to resist though, we would deploy our NS-1 support squadrons to bolster our attacks. This should cause them to retreat; however, we will cut off their escape route with our capital ships."
"What about the army?" General Panaka queried.
"They will stay on Naboo as backup." Anakin responded. "Since it is the Queen's wish to drive out the Neimodians, they would serve no purpose in the attack."
"If we could commandeer the Federation's starships," Panaka suggested. "It would give us more bargaining power."
Anakin looked over to Queen Amidala who responded, "That would give the impression that we are invaders and not simply defending our territory. We cannot afford to lose support from our allies or the Senate."
"You once said it yourself, Your Majesty." Panaka said defiantly. "Eliminate the Viceroy and the Trade Federation will be lost and confused."
The Queen appeared to become flushed as she folded her arms against her chest. "In this case, eliminating the Viceroy would only embolden the Neimodians' hatred of our people. They could decide to launch an all out offensive, which I know we still could not withstand." She then shook her head. "Our goal is show them sufficient military might to force them to the negotiating table." Amidala's features suddenly lightened. "Besides, we need more time to complete our other plans."
"What other plans?" Panaka looked at the Queen then back at Anakin.
"Although construction is already underway to build our own capital ships, Her Majesty has reached an accord with the Mon Calamari to purchase another fifteen," Skywalker announced. There was a low murmur before he continued. "Also, Professor Zhall has come up with a profound new ship plan, which I will let him share with you now."
The Professor quickly stood and pressed several buttons on the holoviewer. The image changed to a holographic facsimile of a Defiance-class ship. "Thank you, Overlord Skywalker. Something that has been kept secret until now was that certain design records used by Valkin Ord were found in wreckage recovered on our moon Rory." He paused as another smattering of voices filled the room. "After careful examination and a few ideas I was already tossing around my head, I have drafted designs for a kelvacyte powered starship, dubbed the Archangel-class."
"We will use up our supplies of kelvacyte!" Mar protested.
"Actually, not." Zhall countered. "Valkin Ord, aside from being deranged, was an engineering genius. If he hadn't been so focused upon concentrating the power of the kelvacyte as a weapon, he would have noticed that under the right conditions, he could have prevented crystal destabilization. In essence, he wouldn't have needed our cache because it would have taken him ten thousand years to exhaust his own supply."
"Lucky for us," Anakin said wryly.
Zhall grinned then focused his attention on the holoviewer. "Taking the current Defiance blueprints, we can elongate the fuselage by several meters, as well as add several rearward defense blasters and a swivel blaster pod on top. Additionally, the hyperdrive and sublight engines could be vastly upgraded to house units nearly as powerful as those on our capital ships, but at one-eighth the size. Most importantly, it will allow these ships to use the adaptive cloak without draining the main power systems. Travel times will be significantly reduced."
"Impressive," Anakin remarked. "How long before they could be put into production?"
Zhall whipped out his datapad and furiously pressed several buttons. "I could have the first prototype flight ready in six weeks. If all goes well, we could have the first squadrons combat ready within six months thereafter."
"Will that coincide with our current production of both Sovereign- and Defiance- class ships?" Marshall Olié asked eagerly.
"That's correct," Anakin answered. "Our latest projections suggest that within a year, we will have the largest starfleet in the Republic."
Miles blinked at his report. While he knew that they had made significant gains in the past few years, Anakin's proclamation was beyond anything he had ever dreamed possible for the Naboo. Still, more time was needed to get to that point. Plus, with the rising tensions growing with the Outer Rim Separatists, war was inevitable. The only question was which faction would become the enemy?
"Lord Skywalker," the Queen called out to him. "How long before we can launch our offensive?"
"We can be ready to go in thirty-six hours, Your Majesty." Anakin advised. "Also, for this to work, secrecy is an absolute must. If the Federation learns that we're coming, it would be…disastrous."
"Very well," Amidala acknowledged. "If there are no objections, we will proceed as planned." The room appeared to be in agreement as she added, "I want hourly status reports from all divisions."
The Queen rose to her feet followed by the others in attendance. "Then may the spirits be with us and protect us. " Before the occupants dispersed, Amidala requested, "Captain Orllize, Colonel Ubein and Lord Skywalker, could you please stay behind for several moments?"
Each accepted and returned to their seats until the room was empty. Sabé groaned as she shifted several times in her seat to find a more comfortable spot. "Ani, I was afraid that Panaka was going to fight you for several hours." She grimaced. "I don't think my back could have taken to sitting much longer," she announced as she struggled to her feet.
He chuckled briefly. "I seriously doubt he agreed to my plan with you in mind, my friend." His mirth quickly dissolved. "Besides, he knows that the Queen is right. We don't have numeric superiority on either the ground or in space."
"In any case, I should probably get back to my room shortly," she winced. "Pregnancy is murder on the bladder." Sabé said. "So what's this about?"
Anakin swiveled his head about over to the Queen who was uncharacteristically smiling. She stood up to take Anakin's hand in her own. "We've decided to get married."
"That's wonderful!" Sabé gushed, but was unable to stand up to join them.
"Tonight," Anakin added.
"Oh," she sank back into her chair, her mischievous grin growing. "Taking cues from me and my beloved now, I see."
"We need two witnesses and hoped you both would agree to do this for us," Anakin asked.
"Of course," Miles said, rising to his feet. "I would be honored."
"Count me in too," Sabé waved from her seat. "You may just have to roll me down the aisle."
"Perfect," Amidala beamed. "We will gather in the antechamber of the Great Temple after the eleventh evening bell."
While he and Anakin had been friends for many years, Miles was in utter disbelief over his request. One thing he knew about him was that he didn't trust just anybody and it was a testament of Anakin's belief in him. Miles hoped he would never let him down.
It was cold in space.
Dahlia threw a dark synthwool cloak over her shoulders as she tried in vain to keep warm. She had been poised to leave Dooku's ship when he stopped her. He had ordered the ship away from Naboo and towards an area near the Trade Federation armada in order to prevent escalating the on-going hostilities. For over a day, Dahlia had spent the time alone and in silent contemplation over what had occurred.
Sidious and Tyranus were liars.
She was smart enough to realize they were both using her for their own selfish purposes. Oddly, after the initial sting of betrayal subsided, she found that she really didn't care. She had been used for far more perverse reasons and the Sith were not interested in such…trivialities. Dahlia though would need to learn more of the situation in order to play both sides off one another. Sidious and Tyranus had the power to give her what she wanted. In the end, she held no allegiance to either.
They were a means to an end.
Yet she knew Sidious to be the most dangerous of the pair. True, Tyranus had gravely injured her, but his powers were far more limited than those of the Master's. Indeed, if he had wished it, Dahlia was certain that Sidious could dispose of her from half a galaxy away. If she feared anything, it was to be killed without seeing his face. Somehow, this caused her great despair.
"What is your status, my loyal servant?"
Dahlia stumbled to her feet. She had been so lost in thought that she had forgotten she was trying to com Lord Sidious. He looked upon her with those eyes—those sickly yellow ones—that could burrow a hole through durasteel. Dahlia very nearly wanted to confess to everything. At least his retribution would be swift. "I am aboard Lord Tyranus' ship en route to the Trade Federation's armada." She felt her body tense in anticipation of her next admission. "I'm afraid to report that I missed the opportunity to take care of Viceroy Gunray, my Lord. However, Lord Tyranus and I are devising a plan to remedy that situation."
"It is…fortuitous that you didn't kill the Viceroy," Sidious said grimly. "The situation has changed. I want you to make way for Naboo and infiltrate their military."
"To what end, my Lord?"
Sidious crossed his arms under his black robe. "I want you to report to me everything you observe. There you will stay until called upon."
"My Lord," she looked at him incredulously. "They won't accept me. I'm an outsider."
"When you arrive on Naboo, go to Verato village. There you will find what you need," Sidious instructed.
"Of course, my Lord." Dahlia bowed.
"You may be gone for quite some time, child." Sidious advised. "If you are successful, I will give you what you want."
"I promise to serve you well, my Lord." She bowed again and remained bent until his image disappeared. Dahlia jumped up as she heard clapping from behind her.
"Very good, young one." Tyranus praised.
"I don't do anything to help you," she snapped. "I am obeying his orders."
"Your omission of certain facts has already served me," he countered. "Now, I want you to keep me informed with everything you tell the Master."
"As you wish," she replied sullenly.
Darth Tyranus gently grabbed her chin and pointed it up towards him. "Unlike Sidious, I will make good on my promises." Releasing her, he added. "There is a small interceptor in the main hangar. Take it. It's better than the one you came in."
"Thank you," she said after a moment's hesitation. Dahlia walked around him. About to leave, she paused in the doorway. Turning to look over her shoulder, she deduced. "You are about to start the war, aren't you?" Tyranus nodded once. "If I don't see you again, die well."
He uncharacteristically snorted. "I can assure you that this is not the last time we shall meet, young one."
Turning on her heel, Dahlia left him. Strangely, she felt as if an air of understanding now existed between herself and the Sith apprentice. True, she hated him with every fiber of her being; but in the end, they were both slaves to the whims of the Master. Perhaps in their treachery, she could finally find the peace she had eluded her for so many years?
TBC-Thoughts, comments, suggestions are always appreciated!
