Padmé knew it was going to be increasingly difficult for her and Anakin to maintain appearances in the Senate. Anakin was starting to resent himself as Vader more and more and was still having to serve his evil master. She knew they had to be careful. The Emperor was more paranoid than ever, and they needed to buy their time if their mission was to be successful and they were to restore peace to the galaxy. This sense of hope did not stop her from worrying about her husband, as well as missing the twins deeply. Trying to distract herself, Padmé entered the fresher and got ready for the day.
Padmé's driver was smart enough to not ask about her journey off-world as they travelled to the Senate. They sat in silence as Padmé looked out the window at the bustling streets around. When Padmé's speeder landed in the Senate hangar bay, she was not at all surprised to see her husband waiting for her. Maintaining the façade the pair nodded at one another in acknowledgement as Padmé thanked her driver and they turned to walk towards her office.
When they arrived at Padmé's office, she was greeted by the commander at her door. "Good morning My Lady", he said nodding at her respectfully.
"Good morning Commander. I hope you are well", she stated, hoping he would not enquire about her presence over the last few days.
"I am well thank you My Lady", the commander replied, opening the door for Padmé.
Anakin followed her inside and stated, "I have a meeting with the Emperor now, and I have other duties to attend to today, but I shall return for you later Senator".
"Thank you. Good day Lord Vader", Padmé replied, trying to convey her feelings to her husband, wishing him luck for his meeting with his master.
Anakin said nothing more before turning and leaving her office. He knew his master would want an update from him this morning, having not seen him for several days. When Vader had arrived at the Senate, he was informed by the Emperor's aid that he would be in the Senate this morning for a meeting. Deciding it was best to get it out of the way he headed towards his master's private senate chambers. When he arrived, he was flagged in by the red guards, and he walked down the few stairs towards his where his master sat.
"Hello, my friend. I trust your last few days have been productive", the Emperor stated, remaining seated at his desk as his servant bowed in front of him.
"Yes, master. I have had the chance to acquire some information from the weak mind of Senator Soruna. I am unsure what the information refers to exactly but the planet of Dantooine appears to be a place of significant interest in her mind", Vader stated.
"Dantooine. That is very interesting. Perhaps there are some rebels located on the planet. Do you think she could be a leading member of the Rebellion?", the Emperor asked curiously.
Anakin knew he had to be careful in his answer to the question. He needed to convince the Emperor that he had been successful in acquiring information from the Senator, but he did not want serious suspicions to fall on Padmé that could compromise her safety. Anakin then replied, "I have reason to believe she is merely a dog's body for the alliance master. She may have contact with influential people we have been monitoring, but they do not trust her with significant articles of information".
"It is possible that your inferences are incorrect my servant. I want you to go to Dantooine and see what reason the Senator may have for possessing such information in her mind", the Emperor replied.
"Yes, Master", Anakin stated.
"These are trying times Vader. We must crush the Alliance and not let them succeed. I believe this Senator from Naboo may be one to watch out for. She may be a trouble-maker like her predecessor", Sidious commented spitefully.
Anakin did all he could to contain his anger at the mention of Padmé. He knew Sidious was doing it to test him, and it was essential he passed the test.
"Yes, Master. I shall depart for Dantooine tonight and investigate rebel activity on the planet", Vader replied.
"I expect a full report upon your return, Vader. Be sure your journey there is not wasted. Your attention is still required on the construction of the Death Star, and the Senator still requires protection whilst she is still of some value", the Emperor ordered.
"Of course, my Master", Anakin said, bowing before turning to depart the grand office.
Anakin knew that Padmé would not be happy about his departure to Dantooine, and truthfully, he did not want to leave her here either. But he knew he had to go. He would inform the Commander of his mission and the need for tighter security around Senator Soruna. Truthfully he knew his mission was a waste of time, as the Alliance had abandoned their base on the planet, but if he could convince his master he had infiltrated a minor base there, it would prove his mission was valuable and hopefully buy him some more time. As a plan began to formulate in his mind, he walked swiftly towards Padmé's office. When he arrived at her office, he knew his wife was not there and assumed she had been summoned to a meeting. The Commander on the door immediately straightened up at the sight of his commander approaching.
"Lord Vader, Sir", the commander stated.
"Commander, I am going on a mission off-world on a mission, so I am leaving you in charge of the Senator's security. I do not need to remind you of the importance of this mission, as she is of high value to the Emperor", he added for good measure. In truth, Anakin did not think that Padmé was under threat here as Senator Soruna, but he knew that it was important for Padmé to be well protected here, especially when he wasn't here to oversee her protection himself.
"Yes, Sir of course. I will personally ensure her safety", the Commander responded.
"Good", Vader replied. Not saying anymore before departing for a meeting with the governors.
Having spent all day in meetings, all Padmé wanted to do was go home and relax with her husband and call her children. She had not seen Anakin since this morning, and despite them being estranger for 8 years until recently, Padmé had become accustomed to spending more time with her husband. She looked at her wrist chrono, hoping he would appear soon to escort her to the hangar bay.
Having spent all day in meetings, all Anakin wanted to do was go home and be with his wife and contact Luke and Leia. He had hoped so see Padmé earlier, because despite being apart for the last 8 years, they had become very used to one another's presence, and he missed her greatly. His frustration was magnified knowing he would need to inform his wife he was leaving Coruscant for a few days. He did not think she would be terribly surprised following their conversation, but nevertheless he dreaded leaving her here alone. He sighed deeply through his mask as he walked towards Padmé's office. The door was open, and he walked in, standing tall in the doorway as Padmé sat at her desk reading.
"Is now a convenient time for you to leave Senator?", he asked formally.
Padmé looked up to see her husband and replied, "Yes, I have finished for today". She rose from her seat and collected her bag and cloak ready to depart.
As usual, Padmé followed behind Vader as he escorted her to the hangar bay. Her pilot met her with a smile, as Padmé turned to her husband and said, "Thank you, Lord Vader". He nodded in response but remained to watch her speeder exit the bay.
Anakin knew his wife would be upset about him leaving. She was already missing the twins, and undoubtedly, she would not be enthusiastic about spending several days alone. But one of the things he loved about his wife the most was how selfless she was. As a politician, she understood duty and the need to put others first. He needed to go on this mission to keep up appearances. Soon he would be strong enough to face the Emperor, but until then he needed to buy his time.
Padmé arrived back at the establishments and immediately made her way to her bed chambers to freshen up. Her disguise was becoming increasingly tedious for her to maintain. As she walked into the fresher, she untied her hair from its elaborate updo and splashed her face with water as she washed off the extensive make-up. She then carefully removed the bright green contacts and placed them into a small packet for tomorrow.
"It is amazing what a difference coloured lenses and some makeup can do to a person", Anakin stated as he leaned on the door of the fresher.
Padmé turned to see her husband and commented, "Yes indeed. I know it is necessary, but I am becoming increasingly frustrated with having to maintain this façade. It is not very me", she added.
Anakin smiled at his wife and replied, "Well that is because most people are not born with such beauty Padmé. They require make-up and lenses. Angels are rare creatures".
Padmé looked at her husband in the reflection of the mirror and he could see she had raised an eyebrow at his comment. She then walked over to see him and turned away from him and asked, "Could you unzip me please?".
"Of course, My Lady", Anakin replied, as he slowly undid the zip on his wife's dress that went down to the bottom of his wife's back. He then planted a kiss on her soft skin gently before she turned to face him.
"Thank you", she stated. Without a word she then removed her dress and stepped into the shower. Anakin and Padmé had always shared such powerful chemistry and they didn't need words to communicate their feelings. Anakin couldn't help but smile at his wife's action and decided he wouldn't ruin the moment just yet. He too removed his clothing and followed behind her.
Padmé had just started to wash her hair when she felt her husband's strong arms wrap around her waist. He kissed the back of her neck as the water cascaded down on them both. Knowing he was going to ruin the beautiful moment Anakin said, "I must leave for Dantooine tonight".
Padmé pulled her hair to the side and turned to face her husband. "So, I'm guessing that means you told the Emperor. Was he pleased?", she asked.
"He is never pleased. But he asked me to go and investigate the rebels there", Anakin replied, gently pushing a wet strand of hair off his wife's face.
"How long will you be gone?", Padmé asked sadly.
"I am unsure. I must be gone long enough to make him believe I am dealing with the rebellion. But as you told me the base has been abandoned there will not be much for me to do there", he replied, not wanting to be away from his wife for too long.
"That makes sense. We must do all we can to maintain his belief that you are still his right-hand man", Padmé commented.
"I know. But that does not make it any easier to leave you my love", Anakin replied. "Over the last few weeks, you have come back into my life and changed me irrevocably. I do not know what I did without you for 8 years Padmé. And now we have been reunited and I have spent time with you and our children, I cannot stand the thought of being apart from you", he told her, leaning in to kiss her softly on the lips.
Padmé returned the kiss and when it ended, she said, "I know I feel the same way Anakin. But you have come so far already, and you are becoming the man I always knew you were. And if this is the sacrifice, we have to make right now to spend the rest of our lives together then we must remain strong".
Anakin smiled at his wife and stated, "You are incredible do you know that? You are strong, brave, intelligent, selfless and the love and support you have shown me these last few weeks is far beyond what I deserve. I love you so much".
"I love you too", Padmé replied. "Will you stay in contact while you are gone?", she asked.
"I will do the best that I can. I am unsure what I will find on Dantooine and what communication networks will be available. But I have made arrangements with the Commander for your protection at the Senate while I am not here, and you are entirely safe in my establishments here I assure you", Anakin told his wife.
Padmé paused for a moment and then said, "Would it not be prudent of me to return to the apartment that the Emperor granted me at 500 Republica. I am concerned that because I have not been there it will raise some suspicions".
"I wouldn't worry about that my love. The Emperor does not care enough to have surveillance placed on your apartment. He would see it as a waste of valuable resources. And even if you were not there you could simply be staying in the accommodation you had previously arranged prior to the incident", Anakin replied.
"I suppose so", Padmé agreed.
Anakin took Padmé's face in his hands and said, "I just want to do all I can while I am not here to ensure your safety Padmé. I cannot let anything happen to you".
"I know Anakin. And you must promise me you will do the same. You must be careful on Dantooine. As far as I am aware the rebel base has been abandoned there. But the rebels would not hesitate to try and terminate Darth Vader, and word about your intentions has not yet been communicated through the rebellion", Padmé commented.
"I know. But that is for the best. We do not want it being spread that Vader is working with the rebellion. We are in trying times where we cannot be absolutely sure who to trust, so we must keep it quiet for now", Anakin told his wife.
"You're right. But still, please Anakin, be careful", Padmé pleaded.
Anakin ran a hand through his wet hair and replied, "I will Angel, I promise you. Now I must leave. I will contact you when I can". He then kissed her softly and stepped out of the shower.
"Be safe and come back soon Anakin", she told her husband as he left her alone in the shower.
A while later, Anakin sat in the cockpit of his private shuttle with co-ordinates set for Dantooine. As much as he hated leaving Padmé behind, he knew it was necessary in order to appease the Emperor and convince him of his continued intentions to serve him. He was uncertain what awaited him on the planet. Padmé had informed him that the rebel base there was abandoned, but that did not mean that there was no one there. As Vader he would be a huge target. However, he knew he could not risk going down to the planet unmasked as Anakin. With a travel time of nearly 19 hours, Anakin wanted to complete his mission on the planet swiftly, so he could return home. He double-checked the co-ordinates set, before deciding to try and get some sleep. He stifled a yawn as he walked towards the shuttles bedroom.
Padmé exited the fresher with a towel wrapped around her head and her body. She retrieved a nightgown from one of the draws and put it on. She then took the towel off her head and sat down at her vanity table to brush her hair. She sighed deeply as she brushed her hair softly, already missing her husband. She found it overwhelming how quickly her and Anakin had become so attached to one another again. Since they had been reunited, neither had been able to function properly away from the other, despite spending more than 8 years apart, believing the other was dead. Deciding that her thoughts were not going to change the fact that Anakin had left, Padmé put on her japor snippet and ring that Anakin had given her and decided she would try and call the twins for some comfort. She reached over for the commlink that Anakin had given her and dialled the frequency for Obi-Wan and the twins and was delighted when Obi-Wan answered.
"Hello Obi-Wan", Padmé said.
"Padmé, it is good to hear from you. I trust your return to the Senate went smoothly", Obi-Wan replied.
"It did indeed. No one even noticed I was gone. Anakin met with the Emperor today and has been sent on a mission to Dantooine", she stated.
"Dantooine. On what premise?", the Jedi Master asked.
"Vader was assigned to my protection several weeks ago, but it was actually a cover by the Emperor to get Vader to acquire information from my mind about the Alliance. As Anakin is still having to maintain his cover it was necessary for him to convince the Emperor that he was completing this task. I told him that there used to be a rebel base on Dantooine. We hoped that this would appease Palpatine for now by convincing him Vader is doing his job, but also not incriminate Senator Soruna as a member of the Alliance", Padmé tried her best to explain.
"I see", Obi-Wan replied. "Indeed, I remember there being a base on Dantooine. It is in the outer rim so wouldn't attract too much attention from Palpatine.", he added.
"I just hope that the base is truly abandoned there. Because Anakin would be gravely outnumbered and as Vader, he would undoubtedly be a target as soon as he landed. I just worry about something happening to him Obi-Wan", Padmé confided.
"Don't worry Padmé. Anakin is the strongest and most powerful Jedi and warrior that I have ever known. And the base there most certainly isn't active. He shouldn't encounter any issues", Obi-Wan replied, trying to reassure his friend.
Padmé sniffed, trying to mask the concern in her voice and asked, "Could I say goodnight to the twins please?"
"Of course, let me go and get them", Obi-Wan replied, briefly leaving the comm to get the twins. Padmé could here the faint sound of Obi-Wan calling Luke and Leia to come to him. Seconds later she heard the muffled sound of their excited voices as they raced to the comm.
"Hi Mummy", the twins said in unison.
"Hello babies. How was your trip back to Naboo? Are you being good for Obi-Wan and TC?", she asked.
"It was good. Geeta made us a nice big breakfast, so we just had dinner when we got back and then went to bed. We have done some work with TC today and we are doing some training with Obi-Wan tomorrow", Luke reported.
"That sounds like a lot of fun. Me and daddy miss you both so much already and we will see you soon I promise", she added.
"Where is daddy?", Leia asked, noticing that her father was not speaking.
"He has had to go on a mission. But he will be back soon and I know how much he will want to speak to you and ask you all about school and your training with Obi-Wan", she told her children, trying to hide the upset in her voice.
"You miss him don't you mummy?", Leia asked. "I can feel it", she added.
Padmé couldn't help but smile at her daughter's statement. They were both so strong with the force, like their father, and they had always been very perceptive of her emotions.
"Yes, I do Leia. But it won't be like this forever. When the bad man has gone and there is peace, we can all live as a family together and we will never have to be apart again", Padmé replied.
"Yay", the twins replied. Padmé smiled at their response, knowing that they were too young to truly understand what was going on, but needed them to know this wasn't going to last forever and they would be able to spend the rest of their lives together.
"Now you two. Off to bed and get some sleep. Please be good for Uncle Obi-Wan and me and daddy will see you very soon", Padmé told her children.
"Okay, mummy. Love you", Leia responded.
"I love you too. I love you both so much and I know daddy would send you both a big hug and kiss", Padmé added.
"Night mum", Luke said after.
"Goodnight my babies", Padmé said as she heard them exit the room to get ready for bed.
"Thank you Obi-Wan. I needed that. It is hard with Anakin being away", Padmé told him.
"I know it must be hard Padmé, being away from the twins and now being away from Anakin too. But you are the strongest woman I have ever had the privilege of knowing and you just have to believe this won't be like this for much longer", he replied, trying to comfort her.
"Thank you Obi-Wan. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for your friendship and all you have done for me, Luke, Leia and Anakin", she told her friend with a smile.
"It is my pleasure Padmé", he replied. "May the force be with you", he added.
"May the force be with you too Master Jedi", Padmé responded, before ending the communication and putting it down on the table. Deciding she should try and get some sleep, Padmé stood up and walked over the large bed and tucked herself under the soft silk covers. She had become accustomed to sharing a bed with Anakin and missed having him next to her to keep her warm. She wrapped her arms around his pillow, taking in his scent, and closed her eyes.
The next morning Padmé awoke to her alarm and repeated her usual routine before heading to the Senate. Since returning from Naboo she had a considerable amount of paperwork to get through, as well as several requests for meetings from various dignitaries. Truthfully, she had forgotten how demanding her job was as Senator, and she had served during a time when Senator's possessed a considerable amount of power. As she sat in the speeder on her way to the Senate, she reflected on how much had changed over the last 8 years. As she arrived at the Senate hangar, she couldn't help but be disappointed that it wasn't her husband meeting her there, as he had done so many times before. She instead smiled at the trooper who was waiting there to greet her.
"Good morning My Lady", the trooper said, bowing softly to her as she walked towards him.
"Good morning Commander. I trust you are well", she replied.
"I am thank you, My Lady. How are you?", he asked politely as the pair walked towards her office.
"I am well", she replied, "I have lots of paperwork to attend do so it is likely I will be in my office all-day today", she added, knowing the trooper would appreciate knowing her schedule in advance.
"Okay, My Lady. It is no trouble. Simply tell me if you need to leave", he told her. When they got to her door, the trooper opened it for her and then waited for her to sit down at her desk before she smiled at him in thanks and he closed the door behind her, taking his post.
Padmé sat down at her desk and exhaled deeply. She wondered whether Anakin had arrived on Dantooine yet and whether he had encountered any problems. She knew she was driving herself mad with worry because at least it meant she was thinking about him. It was dangerous for him to go there as Vader, and Padmé only hoped that he would find the base completely abandoned, so he could return to her soon. Realising her thoughts were getting her nowhere, she removed her large coat and started on the large stack of paperwork that had piled up on her desk.
Anakin sat down in the pilot's chair and exhaled deeply. He wondered what Padmé was doing in the Senate today and if she was heading his advice to be careful who she trusted. He knew that he was not helping himself worry about her, but he could not stop thinking about her, she was in his very soul. He was unsure what he would encounter on Dantooine, and it was dangerous showing his face their as Vader, a sworn enemy of the Alliance. He hoped he would find the base abandoned, so he could return to Padmé soon. He ran a hand through his hair, realising his thoughts were getting him nowhere, and then stood up to go and put on his mask and suit, for he would soon be arriving on Dantooine.
A little while later, Anakin emerged from the small cabin as Vader and returned to the cockpit to direct the ship to a landing platform near the final coordinates. His shuttle landed smoothly, and he stood up, attaching his lightsaber to his belt, and opened the ramp to walk down to the planet. When he exited the ship, he was surprised by what he saw. The coordinates that Padmé had given him had taken him to a large area of Badlands on the planet. From what he could see that was a vast enclosure likely for storing starfighters and their weapons systems, as well as a lot of bunkers that could house hundreds of troopers. Anakin couldn't help but be impressed by the level of organisation and sophistication of the abandoned base. If this is what an abandoned base looks like, I wonder what their current bases look like. They are stronger than the Emperor realises, Anakin thought to himself as he turned his head to look around, walking closer towards the large enclosure. As he got closer to the large building, his senses heightened, trying to seek out potential life forms around him. The base certainly looked abandoned, but Anakin could not tell if any rebels remained. He couldn't imagine why any would stay. Surely any rebels would want to be at the new bases plotting against the Empire and fighting the cause, not stuck in an abandoned base risking discovery.
As Anakin continued to walk around the base lost in thought, he was suddenly torn from his ruminations when he heard someone shout, "Stop, or I will shoot".
Anakin turned to face the man, who was trying his best not to let his hands shake as they held the blaster in front of him, aiming for Vader. Wanting to diffuse the situation, he said, "I do not wish to fight".
The rebel kept his blaster aimed at Vader and replied, "I know who you are Darth Vader. You have poisoned the galaxy, working alongside the Emperor. You will not hesitate to squash the rebellion. I am just grateful that your information has mistakenly brought you here to this abandoned base", he stated bravely
Anakin remained still, trying to read the man's mind. He could see his intentions were pure, and also that he was petrified of Vader. He was not surprised by this fact, as Vader has been a dark menace in the galaxy for more than 8 years, and there were very few who feared him. But that wasn't what he wanted anymore. He knew as Vader he would have cut this man down where he stood, but he knew as Anakin Skywalker he would not, and this was his greatest challenge. Right now, Vader and Skywalker were fighting in his own mind, and he was becoming overwhelmed. He wanted to try and make this man understand and so he said, "I have rejected the Empire. I have turned from the dark side. I am only here to not raise the Emperor's suspicions. My wife, she is a member of the rebel alliance", he added, not wanting to compromise Padmé's identity, but hoping it would help.
"Do you really think I would believe that Vader. You have turned from the dark side, but still, have his red laser sword, and you claim to have a wife. Who could ever love such a monster?", the man spat.
Anakin couldn't help but be hurt by the man's words. Mostly because they forced him to think on his own self-conscious beliefs. That he didn't deserve Padmé's love, after all, he had done, yet she did anyway. He did not know what he had done to deserve someone like her in his life, and now more than ever he wished she was here with him, so he knew what to do. Knowing this was his last chance, as the trooper's blaster remained aimed at him the said, "Let me remove my mask, and prove myself. I am no longer Vader".
The rebel lowered his blaster slightly, clearly surprised by Vader's statement. There were few people in the galaxy that had seen Vader without a mask, and many believed it was not possible because he was more machine than man. Anakin could see the indecision in the man's expression but bravely took a step closer to him.
"Noooooo", shouted another trooper from behind Vader. Anakin turned around quickly to see another rebel approaching him fast from behind, clearly seeking to defend his comrade. The rebel aimed his blaster at Vader and fired several shots. Instinctively Anakin withdrew his lightsaber and deflected the shots to defend himself. Unexpectedly the rebel fell to the ground before Anakin realised that one of his deflections had ricocheted and killed him.
"You killed him. You are pure evil Darth Vader", the remaining rebel shouted to him, drawing his attention back in front of him.
Desperately Anakin tried to explain, "I did not mean to. I defended myself from his blaster shots. One hit by accident. Please", he pleaded, frustrated by what had transpired.
Without saying another word, the rebel trooper started to run at Anakin shooting several blaster shots. Anakin again deflected the shots and begged for the rebel to stop. He continued his pursuit as Anakin tried to move away from the rebel. In desperation, the trooper continued to fire at Vader, leaving him no choice but to defend himself. Anakin lifted his sabre up in front of him and when the rebel reached him and wouldn't surrender, he had no choice but to kill him in self-defence. As the two men's bodies laid on the floor, Anakin fell to his knees and asked desperately, "What have I done?".
Suddenly, anger filled him as he rose from his feet and walked around the surrounding area. He felt the anger engulf him as he wanted more rebels to approach him so he could cut them down. He was frustrated that the rebel had not trusted him, that he was not given the chance to prove himself. He was angry that the rebel had not ceased his attack on him and had left him with no choice. He felt his sith yellow eyes burn as the emotions of the dark side overwhelmed him. It had been several weeks since he had felt such dark emotions consume him. Since he had been reunited with Padmé, he had found himself being more at peace and better aligned with the light side of the force as Anakin Skywalker. But right now, he had been confronted with what he had feared, that a big part of him was still Darth Vader, and he was not strong enough to resist the urges of the dark side.