A/N: First, thank you very much for the kind reviews! I've read all of them and greatly appreciate any and all feedback. Second, I know this chapter is early, but I couldn't wait to release it. That being said, I hope you enjoy it.
Three Years Later
The sounds of Stormtroopers marching outside could be heard clearly through Padmé's office window. They were relentless in marching at all hours, day and night. Millions of them swarmed the capital of the recently formed Empire. How had this all come to pass? They had won the war against the Confederacy of Independent Systems, they crushed them in fact, just to be transformed into something monstrous. The Jedi were on the run, with many of them having been slaughtered and their Temple burned after being accused of attempting to murder then Chancellor Palpatine, who had declared himself as the Emperor. Democracy had died, and Padmé was enraged at the situation. She had spent the last six years as a senator and had done more work to ensure freedom throughout the galaxy, becoming a major player within the Senate, even though her planet held very little sway in the grand galactic scheme.
The Emperor had decided not to disband the Senate, but she was unsure as to what her role as a senator would now be, other than to simply administer the day to day bureaucracy that was required to run the galaxy. Still, there had to be something more that she could do on an individual level to ensure that good people were able to fight for their rights and freedoms that they deserved, even if that meant violence against the same military that had defended them for the last three years. Padmé had no lust for blood, no desire for violence, but she did have a desire to do what her morals taught her was right. No, she couldn't sit back idly and watch all the good that she had done fall apart.
Of course, that would be immeasurably difficult. The Emperor had unveiled his new right hand, a being only known as Darth Vader. While he was credited by many to have been the one that assumed the control of the military at the very end of the war against the CIS, turning the tide and utterly decimating them, he was also the one who led the near extermination of the Jedi. He was a black ghost that wondered the halls of the Senate, never speaking, merely allowing his presence to cause fear amongst those who dared to come across him. What kind of monster was this being? Was he human, or some humanoid? She could never tell as he wore black robes over his black leather tunic, appearing as morbid as the rumors were of him executing people with a mere movement of his hand. The people that were loyal to the Emperor saw him as a savior, but the people that did not, like Padmé, saw him as a menace. A threat. A vile monster. She hated him with every fiber of her being.
Maybe she would be one of those people that he executed once she figured out whatever the hell she would do to counter the Emperor's rule. She had no desire to die, but if she did, she would gladly give her life in the name of freedom and the peoples' rights to govern themselves.
There was a lump in her stomach, a pit of dread that her friend and confidant, Obi-Wan, may have been killed in the Jedi purges. Padmé hadn't heard from him since the Empire was christened by the Emperor and he had told her that he was to aid in the fight against the now Imperial forces. He had promised to contact her a few days after they'd last spoke, but she had heard nothing. Not even a message. If she lost him, her rage would be doubled as she had known him since she was a Queen at the tender age of fourteen. It was unfair.
To add insult to injury, the self proclaimed Emperor had just announced to the senators that a gala would be held at the Imperial Palace to commemorate the Empire and the victory over the Jedi, and that anyone who refused to attend it would be unfavorably viewed by him, which probably meant that he would have his understudy kill them. Even still last thing that she wanted to do was put on one of her finest dresses and attend a party with the evilest man in the galaxy, especially not if Darth Vader was to be in attendance.
The sounds of marching continued and it was at the point that it was nearly driving the young Senator mad. "Can't they stop kriffing marching for an hour so I can think!", she exclaimed in frustration.
"Milady?", Dormé asked as she looked up from her desk twenty paces away.
Great, she didn't want her handmaiden to think she was losing her damned mind. "Nothing, Dormé, I'm just getting a little tired of the incessant marching outside is all", Padmé replied. "I didn't mean to disturb you."
"Oh, not to worry, Milady", Dormé said as she stood and walked towards Padmé's desk. "It's like they're run on sublight engines, they just never stop. Can I get you something? Some tea perhaps?"
What a sweet woman. Dormé had become Padmé's best friend over the years, especially since they rarely were afforded the opportunity to go home given that the damned war meant their valuable time was occupied doing their jobs. Now with the creation of the Empire and the petty functions such as the gala, Padmé doubted that wouldn't change in the near future. What else in the Sith's hell would happen next?
"No, Dormé, but thank you. As you know, I'm just bothered by all the recent events. I wish things were different, but it isn't like that will change any time soon", Padmé said as she leaned back in her chair. "That damn gala is supposed to take place tomorrow night, isn't it?" Force, she hoped she had her days confused, it would be better if it was much further out, but the chances of that being the case were slim.
"I'm afraid so, Milady. I've been looking through your wardrobe and have a couple of options that you might like to wear. Will you be going unaccompanied?", Dormé inquired.
"Of course, I will. It isn't like I have very many prospects", Padmé mumbled. Of course, she did have prospects, they all simply seemed to bore the hell out of her. They were either too polite or too pretentious, no one that provided her excitement. It wasn't as though as she hadn't tried dating, the men that she had dated found to be the least bit interesting were largely uninterested in her when she didn't spread her legs after the first handful of dates. The only one that had waited patiently for her, decided shortly afterwards that it would be better if they were friends.
"Now, Milady", Dormé began, "You'll meet some fine gentleman, you just have to open your heart up. I know that's always been difficult for you, but some fine man will whisk you off your feet sooner or later. You'll just need to give him the chance. You're a lovely woman, and a woman at that. You don't deserve someone who'll just take your heart and leave you the next morning. You need someone that will be around for the long haul."
Dammit. She had to bring him up. He was the reason why she would want to wait a long while before she allowed a man to bed her. There was no way in hell that she would let herself fall for a man within the span of less than a dozen hours again, just to be left alone, crying. It took her ages just to forget about how warm and tingly he made her feel, to not dream about him every night. The man had hinted to her that he would see her in the future, but the future came and went. The liar. There was the possibility that he was dead, and if so, then at least he wouldn't break her heart again.
"I understand what you mean, Dormé, but did you have to bring him up? I'd like for you never to allude to him again", Padmé said with a deep sigh. Force, she felt like crying all over again at the very hint of him.
Dormé bent her head down in regret. "I'm sorry, Milady. It slipped my mind that you'd already asked me that before. I won't do it again", she said remorsefully.
"Now, now, it's alright. Please don't be hard on yourself, my friend", Padmé said as she stood. She walked to Dormé and put her arms around her. "You've been too good to me, Dormé. I don't think harshly of you at all."
"Thank you, Milady", Dormé said as she returned the embrace.
They stepped back from one another and Padmé sat down at her desk, looking at all the messages she had to return. The Stormtroopers continued to drill outside, stomping their heavy boots loud enough to make her want to scream. A message popped up on her screen. Interesting, it was from Bail Organa. The Senator from Alderaan had been silent as of late, no doubt busy trying to quell his people who were likely as content with the new regime as he, but that still shouldn't have meant he wouldn't be able to check in with her every now and then. He was senior to her by several years and had provided some mentorship when she first was elected to be senator.
Padmé clicked open the message and there were only a few lines that asked her to meet him in his office when she had a chance. Odd, he could've just called her over the comms, or even come himself. A sneaking suspicion crossed her mind, and she checked the encryption level. By the gods, it was encrypted so well that it would be very improbable that someone could have intercepted it, but why? Something didn't add up, but if Bail decided to send her a message so encrypted, he would have a very damn good reason to. Hell, this galaxy was getting stranger by the moment.
Paranoid thoughts suddenly bombarded her, so she deleted the message and ran a program that she and her fellow diplomates used to erase the most sensitive messages. She would need to go to his office now so he wouldn't send another message and thus alert whomever may be monitoring the Senate communications networks.
"I'm going to see Bail, Dormé. If anyone calls for me tell them that I'll be back as quickly as possible", Padmé said over her shoulder as she quickly walked out of her office. She needed to make haste, but not arise undue attention.
She scanned the halls nervously and held her breath as she passed a small contingent of Stormtroopers. Seriously, the Emperor didn't need to have Stormtroopers patrol the Senate for intimidation, everyone was already intimidated. This was a telling sign of what the traitorous man would soon do to the galaxy. He would use the military to bend star systems into submission and ruthlessly obliterate anyone who dared to not comply with his autocratic rule. Shit, why did any of this have to happen? She very much doubted that it had been the Jedi who had been the aggressors, it was all likely a ruse to take control of the galaxy, but nothing could be done about that now. They had to move forward, not sit and long for the days that had passed.
Padmé muttered a greeting to several senators as she tried to keep her head down. She momentarily panicked that Bail's office might be under surveillance, and if so, she was walking right into her own arrest. But still, she had to see what was so important. If this was about what she thought, the risk would have to be taken. She wasn't averse to risk, nor was she a coward. If something needed to be done, then by all means, she would see it through to the bitter end.
Finally, she made it to Bail's office and took a moment to catch her breath before she entered. If she was correct, this would be the last time she would be able to claim innocence of any insurrection attempts made within the Empire, and that's something that she most certainly could live with.
After she keyed the controls, she boldly strolled into the office to find Bail alone. He rose to greet her.
"Padmé", he said as he quickly walked to her for a quick embrace. "I'm glad you could come. I apologize for summoning you in such a fashion, but the way things are going, subterfuge will be our greatest asset."
Ah, she had been correct in her assumption as to why this meeting had been called. Splendid. "Bail, I think I have an idea of what you mean. Let's get to it then", Padmé said as she sat in front of her desk. "Before we begin, have you checked your office to make certain it's clean?" She wasn't a fool; she knew the potential risks that his office had been bugged. Hell, she checked hers daily.
Bail nodded. "I checked it before I messaged you, just to be certain. No one can be above the assumption that they're being watched, not anymore.", he said as he took his seat. "I suppose you're wanting details?"
"Yes, as explicit as you're able to. I hadn't heard from you in so long, I had been under the assumption that you were merely trying to aid your people in their time of need", she replied. It made sense that he had been up to something nefarious, and it was wonderful.
Bail chuckled warmly at that. "I'm afraid the task of soothing the people of Alderaan falls to Breha. Mine is here at the Senate, but to be honest I'd rather the roles be reversed. This place has turned into a damned mortuary with all those soldiers patrolling the hallways", he said. "But I suppose we should get to business, if that's alright?"
"Please", Padmé replied, eager to learn the details of whatever scheme Bail had conjured.
He leaned forward on his desk. "What I'm about to tell you could get you into an awful amount of trouble if the wrong people were to find out. In fact, it would probably get you killed. Now is the time to opt out, and I wouldn't think poorly of you if you did."
What? The nerve of him. She most certainly wouldn't opt out of anything. "Bail, you've known me for six years. Have I ever been one to abandon my principles so easily? Certainly, I haven't given you that misrepresentation, but if I have, know that I am behind what the Republic stood for even if it means giving my life", Padmé replied with conviction. To hell with the consequences, let her head roll if need be.
Bail smiled. "That's the Padmé I know. You're a true woman of character. That being said, there is a small movement that has banned together so aptly named as the Rebellion. They're slowly acquiring assets such as ships and troops, but it grows every day. The plan for the Rebellion is to begin hit and fade operations against the Empire's forces as soon as possible in various different portions of the galaxy at the same time, that way the Empire doesn't know where to deploy its forces. We'll never be able to defeat the Empire outright, but we can defeat it by attrition. Once the people begin to see the work we'll be doing, they'll flock to us and our ranks will swell", he said. "Are you following me thus far?"
Interesting strategy. She would've thought that they would begin operations immediately, but she supposed it would take some time before they would be effective enough to engage military targets. "I am, Bail, but where do we specifically fall in? I'm not opposed to picking up a blaster if needed, but I'm assuming that there is something else you have in mind?"
"You're correct. While I'm certain you'd be a hell of a fighter, we are needed here at the Senate. We have to provide intelligence to the Rebellion where we can, by gleaming information from whatever projects that the Emperor orders, the ones we're privy to at least. The more targets that are in a weakened state that we can identify, the better the Rebellion will be able to strike. This is a serious undertaking, but that won't be the most dangerous part", Bail said as he stared into Padmé's eyes.
"Well, what's the most dangerous part going to be?", Padmé asked.
"The answer is twofold. The first will be that we are to be a communications hub between different parts of the Rebellion. No two senators will have the same direct contact with the same cell, and some, such as yourself, won't have contact with cells at all. You'll be tasked to run information between senators in order to aid in the organization of movements across the systems. You'll also be tasked with pressing for stipulations that certain planets in the outer rim be supplied with various food sources so our soldiers will be able to eat. Does that make sense?", he inquired.
So, she was to be a glorified communications officer. Terrific, not the role she envisioned herself having in this Rebellion, but she would do her part as requested. "It makes sense Bail, I'll be certain as to do my best", she said, unable to keep some of the dismay out of her voice.
"You've been given a limited role for a very important reason, Padmé. You're going to have a much more dangerous task, one that could place you in far greater harm than the other members of the Rebellion. We can't give you complex assignments regarding the cells as we can't allow them to be compromised should the worse possible outcome occur", Bail said.
"Wait, what?", Padmé asked. "Just what task am I being given then? What could possibly be more dangerous than running a cell?" Seriously, what was this man's game? The conversation was beginning to make her nervous from its cryptic nature.
Bail leaned back in his chair and paused before continuing. "Padmé, we need you to gain information from top military officials in whatever way possible. You'll be given discretion as to how you do it, but we'll be counting on you to produce results. This decision wasn't made lightly, but you're young and you're charismatic. You'd be far less suspected of being a mole than some of the more seasoned senators."
What the hell? "Are you saying I'm supposed to fuck information out of the admirals and generals of the Empire?", she asked seething from anger. "I'm supposed to be some glorified whore, willing to be passed around for a few bits of information?" She would rather grab a blaster and head to the frontlines.
Bail grimaced as if he had suspected this reaction. "No one is telling you to bed anyone, Padmé. But other options that you could take will take longer, and we need information as quickly as possible. It will be your operation, so you run it the way you see fit."
"What in all the hells does that mean, Bail? That's essentially telling me that if I choose other avenues of obtaining information that I'll be harming the war effort. I'm not some slut that can be pressed into service by spreading my legs, there are probably scores of women that would line up to do that job, but I'm not one of them", Padmé spat. "I'll get you information, but I'll do it my way and that will be the only way. If you want someone to fuck an officer, go find someone else."
She felt tears well up in her eyes and shot to her feet before he could manage a response. "I assume that will be all for today, Bail. I'm needed in my office, contact me when I'm needed to relay information or organize supplies to be delivered. Otherwise, I'll get you information when I'm able", she said as she whirled around and stomped out of his office.
Really, she was chosen because she was young and charismatic. It was for those reasons that they thought she would be stupid enough to sleep around high command just to hear some old fools mumble in their sleep about classified information. What an absolute joke, a cruel joke. For Sith's sake, she wouldn't even allow men that she was interested to bed her before she felt that they'd stay around long enough, but even that didn't work. Everyone left her at the end of the day, and now because she was still unmarried, she was to be the Rebellion's harlot? Shit no, a harlot she would not be.
Padmé had to duck into an alcove to wipe her eyes. She felt lightheaded as if she was to pass out. Oh, what the hell did that man tell her to do after they were nearly killed? That's right, he said to breathe deeply. Gods dammit, don't think of him, you'll just make yourself cry harder. But she couldn't help it, if he hadn't run off before dawn maybe something could've happened between the them and she wouldn't have been asked to do what Bail asked of her just now. She pounded her fist against the wall in outrage.
No, she would not allow herself to go down that line of thinking. She would do her job her way, and that was it. Brining up the past would just make her a soured woman, and that's the last thing she wanted to be. She was compassionate and full of hope that things would one day be better, and that's how she needed to remain.
After a few minutes, Padmé felt calm enough to leave the alcove and head back to her office. She rounded the corner and began her walk at a leisurely pace as if she was just coming back from lunch to avoid any suspicion. Several additional small contingents of Stormtroopers passed her, with one Sergeant even giving her a proper greeting. How nice, the man knew his manners, but still served under a tyrannical government. Lovely.
Her eyes fell to the floor as she pondered on what her next move should be. Obviously, she couldn't just approach an officer, she would have to establish a platonic relationship which meant Bail was right, it would take time. She supposed that she could use the gala tomorrow evening to strike up some harmless conversations with some of the officers that would undoubtedly be present, which would give her various candidates to select and slowly groom.
Suddenly, she felt a pair of eyes on her and looked up with a gasp. Down the hall from her, was none other than Lord Vader. She saw the Sith Lord slowly come to a stop as she approached, and she felt terrified that her mere presence had offended the being. He was on the other side of the hallway, but she felt herself brush against her side of the wall the closer she got. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see his hood move, clearly indicating that he was staring directly at her.
Oh, gods, not like this, she pleaded. How humiliating it would be for her to be killed just for daring to share the hallway with this sick thing, whatever he was. Her knees began to tremble badly, and she stopped when she got a few feet from him, unable to continue forward. It was so deathly quiet that she could hear her own breath echo down the hallway.
Padmé swallowed and turned her head to look up at the ghoul that was before her. He looked ominous in his disturbing wardrobe. His gloved hands hanging down loosely by his sides, and his shoulders erect. Force, he was tall, easily topping her out by a foot. Then there was the hood. It covered most of his face. She could barely make out the angular shape of a chin, but the rest of his face was completely blacked out.
"You're afraid of me, aren't you", Vader spoke, jolting her back against the wall with his baritone voice.
She gasped as she placed both hands against the wall, absolutely petrified of what would happen next. How should she respond? Should she even speak? Hell, she could barely even think.
"I'm waiting for an answer", Vader said, and she could see his hands flexing as if he was preparing to lash out at her.
"I-I'm afraid, Milord", she whispered. Of course, she was afraid of him! Not even the damned Webweaver spiders on Kashyyyk made her this afraid.
Vader cupped his hand against the side of his hood. "What was that? I couldn't hear you."
What a maniacal man to be tormenting her. This couldn't be happening; he was just going to toy with her until the very end. Why not just kill her and be done with it?
She swallowed again and forced herself to take a breath. "I'm afraid of you, Milord", she said louder, but still quitter than a normal speaking voice.
He took a step towards her and she squeaked, her body completely frozen in place. "You are right to be fearful of me", he said in an even voice. "Do you want to know something?"
"K-Know what, Milord?", Padmé asked as she felt herself become lightheaded again. This was all because she had to race to Bail's office. Had she waited just a little bit longer, this wouldn't be happening.
Vader took another step closer to her and she shrunk down several inches as he loomed over her, enough to see that under the shadows of the hood were two eyes that looked as though they were on fire.
"I could kill you with a mere thought", Vader replied. "All it would take would be for an instant and you'd no longer be alive. Does that terrify you?"
"It does", she whispered. Kriff, why doesn't he just get it over with it then? If it was as simple as that, she should be truly dead. Fucked.
"Who are you?", Vader asked.
A small voice in the back of her head told her that he already knew who she was, but that was impossible. "Senator Padmé A-Amidala, Milord", she said in a louder voice, unable to keep the pride from her name.
The Dark Lord crossed his arms. "And where were you coming from, Senator?", he asked harshly causing her to sink another inch. She hated this. Hated feeling this terrified, this fearful. She was stronger than this, immeasurably stronger than this.
She felt herself straighten up to her normal height, but her knees were still quivering. "I was coming from Senator Bail Organa's office, Milord", she said. "He's a friend of mine, I was just visiting him."
"A friend you say?", Vader questioned. "How good of a friend is he?"
Shit, did he suspect something? No, there wouldn't be a reason to, Bail wouldn't be alive if Vader knew his true intentions towards the Empire. But what the hell was this about?
"He's a true friend, Milord", she replied, her voice still shaken, but not as much as before. She was still petrified with fear but had a glimmer of hope she would get out of this alive simply because she wasn't dead already.
Vader cocked his head to the side as if she said something completely stupid. "Be careful in saying that, Senator. True friends can lead to true disappointment", he said slowly as if trying to imply some hidden meaning. What the kriff was that about?
"What do you mean, Milord?", Padmé asked before she could stop herself.
"Do you dare to question my advice, Senator?", Vader asked menacingly as he uncrossed his arms, letting them fall to his sides. His right hand twitching as if he was ready to snatch his lightsaber from his belt and run her through.
"No, Milord. Of course not. I thank you for your advice", she said, hoping to placate the beast before her.
Vader didn't respond, he merely gestured down the hall, indicating for her to leave. She slowly turned from the wall, wincing as her shoulder brushed against his robes and began to walk away, breathing heavily as if she had just finished sprinting.
With each step she took, the more assured she felt that she was to escape the chance encounter with her life. Her pace increased and she felt her fear begin to subside, until she was about to round a corner and had the foolish notion to look back.
There he was, still in the same place that she had left him. Vader had been staring at her retreating form the entire time, and he still stood silently as her mouth dropped as she felt a knew wave of fear wash over her. She had to have done something to affront him in a way that he would waste his valuable time to speak with her which was unheard of, now he was wasting his valuable time watching her with what was likely murderous intent.
There was no doubt in her mind that he would spring forward and extinguish her life right there. Padmé closed her eyes and waited for her fate to be sealed once and for all, but after what seemed like an eternity, death never came. Biting down harshly on the inside of her mouth, she forced her eyes back open, and he was gone, as if he vanished into thin air.
In a flash she bolted down the hallway, running as fast as she could on her heels, ripping the hem of her dress when it caught on her foot, sending her flying to the floor. She pushed herself up and held her dress off the floor and continued to run, terrified to look behind her again, mortified that he'd appear in front of her without warning.
She passed a contingent of Stormtroopers, with one trooper calling out to ask if she was alright, but he didn't pursue her. Two senators stopped to stare at her as she continued to rip down the hallway, but she didn't notice enough to be embarrassed. She was breathing so heavily that she was about knew she was hyperventilating, but she didn't care. She had to get back to her office, there would at least be Dormé there to comfort her if she was about to die.
Finally, rounding another corner, she bolted into her office and quickly spun around to seal the door shut, locking it.
"Milady!", she heard Dromé shout as she felt herself fall to her knees.
Padmé felt her friend's hands on her shoulders. "Milady, what's wrong?", Dormé said, but her voice sounded distant as if it were underwater. The frightened Senator knew that her blood was pulsing in her ears from shock, there was no other explanation.
She felt her lightheadedness overcome her and she fell to the floor, unconscious.
…
Padmé woke with a gasp and frantically bolted upright to look around her. She was in her office, but what had happened and why was she on the floor? It took her a moment to remember that she had passed out from terror after fleeing from Vader. Vader, oh shit. She bolted to her feet and staggard against the wall, dizzied from her sudden motion.
"Milady be careful!", Dormé exclaimed as she rushed to her side. "I was just about to call the Senate infirmary to have them send a doctor, let me get you seated in your chair and then I'll call them right afterwards."
"No, Dormé", Padmé protested. "Don't call them. I'll be alright, I just need to catch my breath." Catch her breath and calm her wits more like it. She was still fearful that the Sith would break into her office and kill her, but the more she thought about it the more foolish she felt. If Vader wanted her dead immediately, he would have easily outrun her, or even killed her before she had turned back around to see him standing there. No, if she was to die it would be much later on.
"Fine, I won't call them, but you must tell me what happened. I won't stand here while you look like you've seen someone rise from the bloody dead", Dormé demanded. It wasn't an unreasonable demand, if Dormé had burst into the office in such a frightened state, she would be demanding the same of her as well.
How could she explain this? She needed to leave out the discussion with Bail, at least for now. It wasn't that she didn't trust Dormé, she trusted her with her life, it was that she didn't want to divulge anything to her in order to protect her.
"I was coming back from Bail's office when I ran into Darth Vader", she managed to say. "He spoke to me and it was terrifying."
Dormé's eyes bulged from their sockets. "Lord Vader spoke to you, Milady?" She was clearly in shock at the revelation. "What did he say?"
"He asked if I was afraid of him and I told him that I was. He told me that he could kill me with a mere thought and questioned why I was coming from Bail's office. Then it became strange. He asked me if Bail was a friend and I said he was a true friend. Then the lunatic told me that true friends could lead to true disappointments", Padmé said, speaking so fast that even she had a difficult time keeping track of what she was saying. "Why the hell would he say that about true friends being true disappointments?"
"Padmé…", Dormé breathed. She didn't use her name when they were away from their apartment as she was a staunch believer in maintaining decorum in public. "I have no idea what to think of any of this. What do you think he meant?"
"That's what I'm trying to tell you, I don't know", Padmé said forcefully. "I don't understand why he said it. I guess what's the most troubling is the way he said it, like it should mean something to me, but I can't for the life of me figure it out." Seriously, what the hell was that? The Sith Lord had never met her, he even had to ask for her kriffing name! How did this day get to be like this? She wished that Bail had never summoned her to his office, it caused this entire drama to unfold. If the fool had just left her out of his plans entirely none of this would have happened.
Dormé looked out the window for a moment, clearly lost in thought before she looked back at her. "Maybe the thing to do would be for us to go home so we can get you into a bath, so you'll relax. You could even have a bit of wine or brandy to settle your nerves. This place can be without you for the rest of the day, there's not much of substance that's going on anyway", she said.
Padmé nodded. "You might just be right, Dormé. Let's go home, I've had enough for one day."
…
Oh, gods; there's nothing like a steaming hot bath, Padmé thought as she lowered herself into the tub. She sank down to her jawline and just enjoyed the jets as they circulated the piping hot water around her body, soothing her cramped muscles and sore arms from breaking her fall on the floor.
What a kriffing day. There hadn't been a time in her life when she had been that afraid. Although, the shadowlands of Kashyyyk would have been as if not more frightening if Anakin hadn't been there to protect her. As much as she detested him, he had protected her when he could've just let her fall to her death or abandoned her to fend off the spiders and snakes herself while he searched for a way out of that hell.
Anakin was a powerful Force user. Would he have been able to protect her from Vader if he had been there? She would like to think he could have. He was brash and strong, maybe even as tall as Vader if not taller. Yes, he would have placed himself in between her and the Sith Lord ready to defend her to the death.
But he wasn't there, hell, she didn't even know where he was. She felt regret for thinking his death would have been a good thing. As much as it broke her heart when he left her that morning, she didn't wish any ill will against him, she just didn't know how badly it would hurt. He must have known, otherwise he wouldn't have been so sad when he left her. He had been the second man that she was ever with, and as far as she was concerned the only real man she had ever been with. He should have never continued to flirt with her to get her to go to bed with him if he knew that he would never see her again.
Who was she kidding? She had been a willing participant in the matter, and she was leaving later that day as well, she could have and should have said no to the tryst. She was as much as to blame for her heartache as he was, she just couldn't bring herself to forgive him no matter how hard she tried.
There would be another that she would fall in love with, she couldn't lose hope. Her heart did belong with someone, she just needed to let herself be open to be hurt again, that was the only way it would possibly work.
But with all that being said, she had much bigger fish to fry. There was Bail's request that she participate in the Rebellion, a request that she had agreed to. Hell, she agreed to it by allowing him to tell her about the scheme when he had given her a clear out. She was committed to the cause now, for better or worse. There still wasn't a chance in hell that she would whore herself out to high ranking officers for information, that went against her ideals almost as much as the Empire did. She couldn't sacrifice one set of morals for another and would simply have to find another way to go about it.
Her time to begin her ploy would start tomorrow night at the gala. There would be a plethora of officers there, some that she would already know from when they were officers of the Republic, not the Empire. She could leverage those contacts to be able to get the information that she needed.
However, if that didn't work, she would need to simply play the role of a liaison between the senators who would have access to the various Rebel cells that were forming across the galaxy. If that would be her only part to play, she would give it the utmost dedication until she was chosen for something else if the opportunity ever presented itself.
She put all that out her mind and decided to meditate and focus on her breathing like Obi-Wan had taught her to do so many years before. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, taking in the aroma of the candles that she lit, and of the water that was jetting against her skin. She could feel her heartbeat in her chest, even the very breaths that she slowly took. Her lungs filling up and deflating every few seconds. This is where she would find her calm, not in a man or an ideal that she wanted to pursue, but herself. Only herself.
She was a survivor and that was the most important thing, nothing else. She would conquer whatever tasks were laid in front of her to the best of her ability and damn anyone that thought she did otherwise.
After she opened her eyes, she glanced at the chrono on the wall and winced. She had been meditating for about a half an hour. Her fair skin would be red as hell when she got out. She hit the drain and turned off the jets before she stepped out of the tub, quickly drying herself off and slipping a silken nightgown over her head.
When she opened the door of the fresher, she felt the cool air from her room chill her to her bones and threw on her plush robe to provide some warmth to her lithe frame. Maybe a glass of brandy wouldn't hurt. She was relaxed but wanted to make certain that her mind was at ease enough to be ablet to fall asleep. The next day would be long and difficult, and a good night of rest would go a long way.
She padded into the kitchen and found Dormé sitting on a stool at the counter munching on some fruit while reading a book. She looked up and smiled at Padmé. "Did your bath help relax you a bit?"
Padmé smiled back at her. "Yes, it did, I feel much better now. Thank you for the suggestion", she said as she poured two glasses of brandy, one for herself and one for her handmaiden.
"It isn't a problem at all, Padmé", Dormé said as she accepted the drink. "I just know that a good bath always relaxes you, so it made sense to suggest it."
"Well, I'm glad you did", Padmé said as she sat down next to her friend. "What are you reading? Some trashy romance novel that'll make you wish you had a man?"
Dormé blushed. "If you must know, I am. It's just a silly tale about love that was once lost only to be found again. I've read it a few times, but it's a good read."
"That sounds like your type of book, you've always been a romanticist", Padmé said with a chuckle. "Maybe some of that spirit will rub off on me one of these days." Then again, maybe it wouldn't. There would have to be the right man at the right time.
"I'm glad you think so, Padmé. You'll see, love will come your way soon enough", Dormé said. "Now, I'll lay out your two options for tomorrow before we leave for work, that way we know how to fix your hair and makeup. I won't have you attend some drab gala looking like you were sitting at your desk answering messages all day. I'm your handmaiden for a reason."
That made Padmé laugh. "You're also my handmaiden because you're a damned good shot with a blaster, don't think that I've forgotten that. Do you still get to the range much? I haven't noticed lately." If Padmé was to go through with the undertaking of being a spy at the Senate, she would quite likely need Dormé's help in the days to follow.
"No, I haven't been going as much as I should", Dormé admitted. "I think that I'll probably go tomorrow night while you're at the gala. I won't have much else to do anyway."
"That's a lie, Dormé. You're always able to find some gentleman to escort you to a classy restaurant when you have a night off. Why don't you go do something fun like that? Practice can wait for another day when you aren't using up your free time", Padmé suggested. There wasn't much sense in the both of them performing tedious tasks. If anyone would have some fun the following night, then it might as well be Dormé.
"I suppose I could", Dormé huffed. "There is a nice gentleman that I've been seeing off and on. He's a doctor and quite kind to me. Maybe he has a friend he could introduce you to."
"Me, date a doctor?", Padmé asked. "Hell no, with all my luck it would be a damned gynecologist and that would be utterly dreadful." She laughed at the perverted notion.
Dormé laughed as well. "Hell, I suppose your right. It was merely a suggestion."
The pair sipped their drinks in silence until they were both ready to go to sleep.
…
Galas were always something Padmé had been fond of. They were exquisite events to socialize and maybe dance at, if she had an escort that is. Tonight she was going unescorted, meaning dancing was probably out of the question. She normally shied away from being asked to dance by others as it would lead to a date, which would lead to disappointment when she wouldn't have sex with whatever potential suitor wanted to take her home. But still, there was fine food and wine and the chance to socialize.
This gala however was in the name of the Emperor. Would he actually show up? She didn't know, but she prayed that he wouldn't. He seemed to be the type that would feel that such an event would be beneath him, yet probably took pleasure in forcing those who were subjected to his tyrant rule to attend for the hell of it.
Nevertheless, Padmé had a job to perform tonight, and she would do her best to see it through. The orator announced her arrival to the party and that she was unescorted, likely putting the men that were going stag on notice of a potential target. She wore a simple, yet elegant black dress that exposed her back and had a slit that ran down her leg and matching elbow length gloves. Her lipstick was bright ruby read and her hair was piled high atop her head. Finally, she was adorned with the finest white pearls that she owned on her neck, wrists, and ears. She looked of pure class, signaling that she was one that knew how to act prepare for these social events.
After stepping to the side so other couples and good people going stag could enter, she scanned the room, looking for friends that might be here along with potential targets to land in the palm of her lovely little hand. A waiter passed by with a glass of champagne and she snatched one, signaling that she was here to mingle, not to dance.
"Well, someone decided to show up looking like she was out of a damned holofilm."
She turned to her right. "Mon!", she exclaimed. The pair embraced lightly before finding a corner to talk in private. "How have you been, mon, it's been forever since we've had a chance to have a proper chat."
"I'm well, I've been busy helping certain friends get set up for different occasions that they may encounter over the next several years", Mon said cryptically. Ah, so she had been pressed into service for the Rebellion as well. Good to know, Mon was exactly the type of politician that could greatly aid the cause.
"I know what you mean", Padmé said in a hushed tone. "I'm her to see what friends might be willing to share some information so your friends can know where to go and when. It'll be a tedious task, but one that I intend to do my best at." It was actually somewhat fun to talk about her cloak and dagger activities.
Mon nodded grimly. "Yes, I heard from a mutual friend that you intend to go the slow and steady route. Good for you, rushing things like this is an unfortunate way to make certain people jealous of the information that you'll obtain to the point where you may be isolated from us all for a time. I'm glad that you're by your guns and stay away from those activities. I'm sure that your way is the better way.
Very good, Mon was an ally to her approach. She always had been a friend who understood her lack of promiscuity as she was similar to her in that regard. Allies would by difficult to come by in this new Rebellion, and she needed all the ones she could get. She wished terribly that Bail would've been as understanding as Mon.
"I'm glad you see it that way. Cheers", Padmé said as she clinked the rim of her glass against Mon's.
"Well, you'd better get to it. These events can be dreadfully boring but I hope you can find some friends that will keep you occupied", Mon remarked.
"Thank you, Mon, it was good to see you", Padmé said as she turned and walked away. She looked around trying to see anyone that would be willing to have a simple discussion with. Ah, Admiral Dakard. He'd do nicely.
Padmé strode up to him confidently and lightly touched his shoulder. "Admiral Dakard, it's good to see you made it", she said as warmly as she could.
The Admiral turned. "Padmé, what a lovely surprise. It is good to see you, I don't believe we've had the chance to chat in quite a while", he said in a jovial voice. He always was a bit enthusiastic when he spoke to others.
"Likewise, Admiral. Where's your wife Cecilia? I thought she would be hanging off your arm all night", Padmé said as she took a sip of her champagne. That's it, go nice and slow. Don't make him suspicious that you're targeting him.
"My lovely wife went to the fresher to touch up her makeup", Dakard said smoothly. "As you know, she's always been a perfectionist. Regardless, how have you been? I'm sure the recent events have been quite a shock to your system, like everyone else." That was interesting. She didn't figure that he would be so vocal at the regime change.
"It could possibly be for the better. The Republic was always a little bit on the slow side to produce results. I'm certain that you feel the same", she replied with a beaming smile.
"Yes, I'm certain you are quite enthusiastic about it as I", he said gruffly with a wink. That was peculiar. "I've been looking for friends as equally as willing to embrace the Emperor, so I'm glad that you and I could have this discussion." Was he testing her or was he being genuine about his subtle remarks? He was certainly one to keep an eye on.
"I imagine so", Padmé said with a slight roll of her eyes. "Well, now we can be similar friends in such a regard."
"I do believe we can. Work has been quiet tiring as of late. For instance, we've been moving a lot of equipment to Tatooine to set up a garrison there. It's a dreadful planet, but with the amount of building's we've constructed, it's more comfortable for our troops. It's a shame that there'll only be a handful of ships in orbit, as that means that the troops will be there for the long haul."
Bloody hell, he just gave her a kriffing tip! Of course, she would have to feel him out a little more before she truly established a rapport with him for the additional exchanges of information, but this was a juicy tidbit of information. Tatooine was such a damned remote planet, yet close to Naboo. What in the galaxy was the Empire doing there? Trying to gain a foothold in the savage outer rim?
"I'm certain with your leadership, they'll be quite protected, Admiral", Padmé said as she raised her glass for a toast.
"I appreciate your vote of confidence, Padmé, but fortunately I won't be there", he replied as he returned the toast. "It's a shame as the Vice Admiral Haggard has been stationed there as he is truly out of his depth to be commanding such a remote garrison. I do hope that he doesn't run into any trouble as he'd likely give a lackluster response."
Well, kriff her thoroughly. The Admiral was in fact giving her vital information. It was quite unexpected that her first target would be so willing to divulge such secrets. "Yes, that's unfortunate. Though I'm sure that some friends of mine would be happy to see that the Empire is serious about their commitment to ensure some stability to the outer rim." That may have been a miscalculation. It wouldn't do well if the Admiral was just being friendly instead of trying to feed her information.
"I'm sure they would. Maybe you can give me an introduction when the time is right", Dakard suggested.
How splendid. "I'm sure that a social event could be arranged", Padmé agreed. "Well, if you don't mind, I'm going to take a step outside for a moment. These heels are akin to torture devices if you know what I mean."
"Yes of course, Padmé", he said with a bow to his head. "It was good to see you."
"Likewise, Admiral", Padmé replied with a half hearted attempt of a slight curtsey.
It wasn't a lie; her six inch heals were absolutely hurting her. It was a shame there'd be no one to rub her feet when the evening was over. She made her way to one of the many open verandas for a quick respite and ducked through the drapes and leaned against the stone railing to take some pressure from her heels.
"I suppose you find these events as dreadful as I, Senator", a deep voice boomed to her left.
Oh no, it couldn't be. She slowly turned her head and saw none other than Darth Vader standing erect with his hands clasped behind his back. Why in the fuck was her luck so dreadful? Surely, she had met her doom by daring to affront the Dark Lord a second time in the span of two days.
"M-Milord, I apologize if I'm disturbing you", she replied as her voice quivered with fear.
"If you were disturbing me, you'd be already dead, Senator", Vader said. Was that a bit of sarcasm in his voice? "You didn't respond to my statement about the event. It is rather rude to ignore a comment."
"I'm sorry, Milord. I was just shocked to have been graced by your presence. Yes, I tend to find these events to be a little dull", she replied trying to muster some confidence in her voice. Why would he tell her that she would be dead already if he truly intended to kill her? Maybe he would later, it was possible he didn't want to cause a commotion during the Emperor's celebration.
"Dull is putting it mildly, Senator. I despise politics, they're a necessary tool, yet full of horrendous people", he replied.
Now wait just a second, he threatened her life the day before and now he was insulting her profession? What an ass. "I find that politics are indeed necessary, though I'm unsure as to what my role in the new regime will be, which is quite frustrating. I just want to serve the people I represent", Padmé said honestly, trying not to lie to the Sith Lord.
"All will be revealed in due time, Senator", Vader responded cryptically.
Well, at least he didn't pitch her off the balcony for voicing her angst. "Thank you for saying that Milord", she replied.
There was an awkward silence for a few moments. She supposed that she truly was annoying him and figured a quick escape would be appropriate. "Well, I guess I'd better head back inside", she said nervously.
"Why?", Vader asked. "Aren't we having a nice little chat, or am I affronting you with my presence?", he hissed. Shit, now she did offend him.
"No, Milord. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to suggest you were, I was merely afraid that I was causing you to be annoyed for disturbing your moment of reflection", Padmé replied.
The Sith Lord emitted a sharp bark, which was probably the closest thing to a laugh that he was capable of. "Senator, if you were annoying me, I'd kill you. Stay, we'll keep one another company for the time being, given that you're here alone."
What the shit? Had he been listening when the orator was announcing her arrival? Maybe he was spying to see who attended so he could report back to the Emperor for those who dared not to come.
"Very well, Milord", she said, trying to keep herself from dropping her champagne glass. "May I ask a question?" What? Why in the fuck did she want to ask him a question? Surely, she had lost her gods damned mind.
"You may", he grumbled.
Padmé felt a lump in her throat and cleared and covered her mouth daintily as she let lose a cough to clear it out. "Excuse me. Well, I suppose I was wondering if you detested politics so much, why would you attend this gala?"
The Sith Lord growled. "I'm here merely for the same reason as you, Senator", he said in a deadly tone that indicated that he didn't want to explain himself further.
A few more awkward moments in silence passed. He stalked up next to her and pressed a gloved finger on her bare back, slowly tracing up her spine. She shivered at his touch in fear, yet excitement. Was he trying to bloody well come onto her? The thought made her want to bolt inside, but her heels were firmly glued to the floor.
"Are you afraid, Senator?", he asked roughly.
"Y-Yes, Milord. I haven't forgotten what you said to me yesterday", she stammered. Here he was, threatening her life again. Kriff. Could he just get on with it? She desperately tried to control her breathing as it wouldn't do for her to pass out from hyperventilation as she did the day before.
"You haven't forgotten which part?", he growled.
"The part where you said that you could kill me with your mind", she breathed. He continued to trace up and down her spine with his warm glove.
"While I'm pleased that you remember that; it isn't what I'm referring to", he said icily. "What else did I tell you?"
Shit, this couldn't be happening. "You t-told me that true friends could lead to true disappointment", she managed to say. "Though I'm not certain as to what you meant, Milord. I would be humbled if you could explain it in more detail."
He withdrew her hand, just to grip her arm and turn her to him. She yelped in surprise and closed her eyes in fear.
"Open your eyes, Senator. It's unkind not to look at someone when they're speaking to you. You wouldn't want to be unkind to me, would you?", he said threateningly.
Padmé forced her eyes open. "N-No, M-Milord. I don't want to be unkind to you", she whispered.
"I thought not", he growled. "In answer to your question, there are some friends of yours that will lead you astray. These friends are not true friends. True friends never place another friend in danger. Don't you think, Senator?"
Oh gods, he did know, and she was in an incredible amount of trouble. "Milord, I apologize, but my friends don't appear to be the type that would willingly lead me into danger." She had to say it, it was a lie, but she had to say it. Of course, he was right. She was being placed into danger, but it was a purpose she believed in.
"Are you calling me a liar?", Vader asked as he tightened his grip on her arm painfully. His breathing became loud as if he was angered.
It hurt, his grip on her hurt so much that if she made it out of this alive, she would surely be bruised. "I would never call you a liar, Milord. I'm just a believer in my friends." He tightened her grip even further, causing her to whimper in pain. "Please, Milord, you're hurting me."
Vader swiftly removed his hand from her arm, and he stared at her silently. Padmé trembled, wishing that he had kept touching her back instead of hurting her. She needed to be more careful in what she said to him otherwise he would certainly fly into a blind rage.
"It wasn't my intention to harm you, Senator", he said slowly. "You angered me by insulting my warning. I'm not one to be insulted."
Padmé couldn't speak, she merely stared up into the hood of his robes, looking at his scorching eyes.
He placed his finger under her ear and slowly traced her jaw line, until he reached her chin. He moved his hand to cup her chin, squeezing enough to be almost rough, but not quite. The feeling of nervousness yet excitement emerged again.
"So, why did you insult me?", he asked. It wasn't a threat; it was merely a question.
"Because that's what I believe. I may heed your warning, but I'm a true believer in my friends." Please gods, let this be over. She couldn't take much more of this.
He slowly bent down to her, staring into her eyes. "I believe that you'll find out soon the cost of not listening to my warning. I won't kill you, not yet at least. But it would behoove you to take my advice." His breath was hot, yet not repugnant. His eyes flickered into something else briefly, too quickly for her to catch.
"What will happen to me if I do heed your warning, Milord?", she asked breathlessly.
"That remains to be seen, Senator. It might be something that would be quite pleasing to you", he mumbled as his hand traveled down and around her neck, causing her knees to quiver. What the hell was happening to her? She hated him, he revolted her, but her body was betraying her.
"Senator", he said smugly, "You seem to be enjoying this immensely. What a surprise."
What a surprise indeed. She whimpered as his hand tightened ever so slightly and his hot breath burned her face. Gods, please let this stop. She didn't know how much more of this she could take.
"No response? I'm not surprised. I can feel your hatred towards me, yet you still desire this. What an interesting combination, don't you agree?", he hummed.
Force be damned, he was right. Why was he right? This went against everything she could ever imagine. "I agree, Milord." No! Why did you agree to that? Don't give this animal what he wants, he'll use it to destroy you.
"Take my advice, Senator. Abandon your so called friends and their foolishness, or the consequences will be far less pleasing than the alternative", he warned. He bent down even further to where she could feel his breath on her lips, eyes now concealed by the angle of his hood. Oh Force, was he about to kiss her? She felt her body tingle with warmth but her mind screamed at her to run away. A slight chuckle escaped him, his deep voice intoxicating her.
With that, he released his hand from her neck and stalked off, leaving her feeling chilled without his presence. She turned and gulped the champagne and threw the glass over the side of the railing, hearing it crash on the walkway below. She was angered at herself for letting Vader have his way with her, angered that he seemed to be aware of her intentions to aid the Rebellion. She couldn't give up on her plans simply because this monster made her knees weak with desire or threatened her with dire consequences.
To hell with him and his promises. She was a proud woman, not one to be twisted into doing something against her core ideals. Whatever was to happen, she would endure it regardless of the cost.
A/N: I certainly hoped you enjoyed this chapter. If you like what you've read, consider dropping a review and following!