Ann Jinn – Thanks for the kind words and support. You're definitely right about Palpatine! And I'm sorry to say that he's just gotten started! Sheesh!

Jedi Master Arie Skywalker – Ha! I have a feeling you aren't the only one who wants to beat Palpy into a pulp! We'll let the line form behind you!

Avschick33 – At this point, Anakin trusts Obi-wan and Padmé completely. However, Palpatine will find plenty of other ways to mess with his head, I'm sure!

frodogenic – Cool name! And welcome to the story – I'm thrilled that you're enjoying it so far – and that I'm able to present you with another chapter. I hope you enjoy!

meandmysharpie – Okay, I don't know what a lowbret piercing is but I'm hurting just thinking about it! I hope you're feeling better! And if you like Palpatine manipulating people then I think you're REALLY going to like this story! The dude is relentless!

Hellish Red Devil – I love that you are speculating! We'll find out what Obi-wan has in mind but it won't be revealed for another couple chapters. But I have a feeling you are probably on the right track – just need to determine the details I bet. I hope I can continue to keep you on your toes. Even though we all know how it's going to end, I'd like to be able to keep you wondering till the bitter end. Thanks for sticking with the story – and for always being so supportive. It means the world to me.

Seldom Darlin – Yeah, Palpatine is at the root of all evil in this universe, isn't he? Just think of how much better our heroes' lives would be if it weren't for him. Well, I'm just glad you're staying with the story even though you hate him so much. Guess that means I'm doing my job! Yay! Thanks a bunch for dropping in!

ALL – See you in a week with more! Thanks for reading! I'm so glad you're here.

ONBOARD TRANSPORT SHIP - ONE DAY LATER

Padmé watched the buttons on the console blink in rapid succession before returning to their normal steady glow. She sighed in resignation, knowing her message had been successfully transmitted. The first step down an uncertain path had been taken.

So be it.

She stood and cradled her belly, attempting to lessen some of the burdensome weight. For whatever reason, it felt as though the baby had grown more the past week than it had the previous month. She couldn't help but wonder if her delivery date was going to be earlier than the medics predicted.

"If it isn't, I just might explode," she muttered.

She made her way out of the communications area and came within an inch of running headfirst into Obi-wan. He bowed deeply and gallantly offered his arm along with a sympathetic smile. She wasn't sure how he knew of her discomfort - whether it was due to his connection to the Force or simply through his observant nature. Regardless, she was grateful for the support as they began to make their way to a nearby lounge.

"Is it done?" he finally asked.

"Yes," she replied. "Dormé has been ordered to rest until we send her further instructions."

"I am sorry she was injured, Padmé. I know Masters Fisto and Windu are already hard at work to uncover the perpetrator."

"She wasn't just injured, she was poisoned. If the Temple hadn't happened to keep a variety of antidotes on hand..." She covered her mouth with her fist, trying to stifle a bitter chuckle that mingled with a sob. "It's actually pretty clever when you think about it. There are Jedi around her day and night - how else could you reach someone so well protected?"

"Padmé-"

She waved him off, too angry to be placated. "Don't you see? She almost died because I ran away and let the threat fall onto her. These people are relentless. I should have known they would find a way to get to her."

"Dormé has already said she doesn't want you to blame yourself," Obi-wan argued. "She considers it an honor to carry out her duty."

"How does that make it any better? To know that I live in a world where my friends are forced into the crossfire merely because they look like me!" She shook her head, curls spilling over her shoulders. "You're right, Obi-wan. The only way this is going to end is in my death."

The Jedi Master remained silent for a moment, processing her declaration. "If you're certain, I will procure the necessary supplies. That means deviating from our course and visiting a rather unsavory planet. You must agree to stay onboard, no arguments allowed."

"Very well." She looked at him and he was struck by the determination in her gaze. "Did you hear from Master Yoda?"

"Yes. Dormé will stay at the Temple even after she recovers. She will be safe there."

Padmé sagged at the news, visibly relieved. "Well then, what do you need me to do?"

"You should prepare several missives to alert the appropriate people," he instructed. He poured himself a glass of water from a nearby pitcher, no doubt placed there by Threepio. "We do not want them to be caught unaware when the news breaks."

"I will send one to my parents, to Anakin, to Bail and Dormé." She ticked the names off on her fingertips.

"That should suffice. Remember - record them, but do not transmit just yet," he warned. "We will wait until the time is right."

"And when will that be?"

He took a deep breath, his gaze focusing on the stars that streaked past the tiny window. "I'm afraid I do not know."

JEDI TEMPLE, HEALER'S WARD - NEXT MORNING

Anakin hovered outside the doorway, his hand still poised over the door controls. He couldn't help but remember the last time he had been in this situation - when Padmé had lain in the bed within. Had it really been just a few short weeks ago? It felt like years had passed since then.

Force, I miss her.

Taking a deep breath, he finally entered the suite... and blanched when he saw the slender figure on the bed.

Padmé was gazing at him with eyes that begged him to understand... and for a moment he did.

...but then she pressed his hand to her swollen belly, reminding him of the joyful future they were supposed to share.

He hid his clenched fist beneath the skirts of her gown and silenced her whispers with a kiss.

He blinked and the heart wrenching image faded. He had to reach out a hand to a nearby wall to physically steady himself.

"Knight Skywalker," a voice murmured tiredly. "Are you all right?"

"What?" He glanced up to find Dormé studying him fearfully. "Oh, yes. I'm fine," he lied. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he fixed a strained smile on his face. "Besides, I'm the one that should be asking you that question."

"I'm doing better, thank you. The Jedi healers are taking good care of me," she replied softly. She struggled to sit up but ended up only sinking further into the pillows. "Tomorrow, they plan to get me up and around."

He sank into a bedside chair and stared at her bleakly without commenting. When it became clear he wasn't going to say anything further, she decided to change the subject.

"How is Milady?" she finally ventured.

"Worrying about you, fretting over me, agonizing over the so-called crumbling state of the Senate," he replied quietly. "It's a testament to Master Obi-wan's will that she hasn't convinced him to turn the ship around and come right back here."

"She certainly has a lot on her shoulders," she offered, thinking of the secret meetings she attended in the Senator's stead.

"Her last few messages have been a bit vague." His eyes traveled to the face that was so similar to his beloved wife's, searching for any seeds of deception. "I fear she is involved in more than she's telling me."

Dormé met his gaze without flinching. While she possessed a wealth of affection for Padmé's husband, her loyalty remained only with the Senator. Until she had been given express permission to discuss the Delegation, she would not divulge a single word about it.

"If you have concerns, I suggest you take it up with Milady," she noted icily.

Her biting tone seemed to shake Anakin out of the dark mood he had suddenly fallen into and he put his head in his hands. "I'm sorry, Dormé. All I do is search for the slightest bit of suspicious activity; I can't seem to stop myself even when in the presence of a friend."

"I know you only want what is best for the Republic and for your family."

"It's difficult being so far away from her," he confided. "Obi-wan... I mean, Master Kenobi is doing his best to keep her safe but..."

"You'd feel better if you were there," she finished.

"Yes." He looked at his boots, ashamed. "I was blessed with one of the most talented Masters in the entire Order; one who was still willing to lend his help and support even though I broke the very Code he taught me. Yet all I can think about is how I am better suited for his assignment."

"You may be a Jedi, Knight Skywalker but first and foremost, you're human - and a husband and soon-to-be-father on top of that. It's only natural to feel this way. You expect too much of yourself."

"You sound just like Padmé," he grinned.

"Well, that is the idea," she retorted. It felt good to laugh, though she could feel her eyelids drooping from the extra expenditure of energy. Anakin apparently noticed her waning strength as well because he stood and prepared to leave.

"I will try to visit again soon," he promised.

"In the meantime, perhaps you can have a chat with Master Windu," she suggested hopefully. "Ever since he failed to detect that poison, he has become even more surly than usual."

He wrinkled his nose and shook his head. "Is that even possible?"

"Apparently so." Dormé chuckled softly and raised her hand in a farewell gesture. "Please tell Milady we can return to our normal communication schedule soon."

"You're following the encryption protocol?" he immediately asked. "Remember, you can only use the channel that flows directly into the transport's communication grid-"

"I know, I know," she cried. He had the good sense to look chagrined and she waved him away. "Now, go. You're going to be late; the morning Senate session starts within the hour."

A quick check of a nearby chrono had him rushing for the door, though his haste wasn't strictly due to a desire for punctuality. No, he was simply grateful to have an excuse to leave the healer's ward behind - just being there had conjured feelings he never wanted to face again.

And he vowed he never would.

ONBOARD TRANSPORT SHIP - LATE EVENING

"I don't know how you can stand the realm of politics, my love." Anakin's transparent form may have been flickering but his annoyance came through loud and clear. "Most of today's session was spent arguing about whether to implement a measure that requires all Senators to be accompanied by at least one clone soldier for safety purposes."

Padmé frowned, instantly making a mental note to check with Bail on the situation.

"The motion did finally pass which pleased the Chancellor - and me as well for the simple fact that the debate was over!" He grinned before growing serious once more. "I think I do agree with the outcome, especially after hearing his reasoning. The Chancellor claimed that the second attack made him realize that the Jedi were stretched too thin and deserved assistance from the Republic's armies. Anything that helps the Jedi focus on ending this war can only prove beneficial."

Her lips thinned. "So we've handed yet another scrap of power to the Chancellor," she murmured. "And one that affects our very security too. How wonderful."

But Anakin's next words had her lips pulling into a small smile as she realized how well her husband knew her.

"I know you won't like the new law but please don't get too angry, my love. I've already told the Chancellor you have suitable protection. He still believed it was a good idea to have an extra pair of eyes watching over you, but I just couldn't work up a good feeling about it. I finally managed to convince him that you were grandfathered."

She took a brief moment to relish the small victory. Although Anakin did have a tendency to blindly follow the Chancellor, a part of him remained wary of his supposed friend. After all, he was disregarding a new law - one he apparently agreed with - because to acquiesce would mean revealing her location.

And that was something he wouldn't risk. Not even for the Chancellor himself.

"Thank you, Ani," she whispered, enjoying the soothing sound of his voice as the balance of the messaged played on. "Hang in there. Soon everything will be set right."