You know, it took me a minute to realize that the Clovis arc was gonna start on Chapter 13. Huh, that's a happy coincidence, eh?

Anyway, welcome back to A New Order! I'm your host, TheMediator052! This chapter is gonna start in the middle of Season 6, Episode 5 "An Old Friend." That'll be obvious enough, but I figured I'd let y'all know. Now, I'll get to the reviews, and then we can continue on with the story.

RyandSquad: Haha, I'm glad you enjoyed all the discussion and banter. As I said at the end of last chapter, I think Ahsoka and Barriss's relationship is so intriguing and has a lot of potential.

Clearwing Yuta: So not all of the Jedi know, but the whole Council does. The Council, Ahsoka, Ventress, Nelrul Norem, Padmé, Satine, Rex, Fives, Jesse, Kix, and Tup know about it. Along with Taun We, Dr. Nala Se, and other Kaminoan scientists.

Guest: Thanks! I appreciate it! Hopefully, it can happen soon ;) They deserve some peace and quiet for a little while. Unfortunately, it may be a bit of time until they can have that.

GamingGuy84: Thanks for the support!

ProfitableSunrise12: We'll have to see!

55: I don't think that would have to determine whether Ahsoka was aromantic or not. A person can have two parents who love each other very much and still be aromantic. But I do agree that I don't think she would be. She definitely did have romantic feelings for Lux once upon a time.

Jeda31: I'm glad you liked it! When Anakin's emotions are in order, I think he's a very wise and dedicated Jedi. Those two weren't nearly as discreet as they should have been haha. The 2000 is the goal! I figured this was a good way to start setting it up. We can only hope that Obi-Wan will FINALLY talk to Satine.

Gendie01: That's a fair opinion to have. However, it is "fan-fiction." While the Force may have different principles, I believe that healthy, positive emotions can make one stronger rather than weaker. Therefore I intend to have the Jedi explore this idea as well. If that isn't your cup of tea, then I will be sorry to see you go, but I disagree that the Force is only Dark or Light. Nothing in real life is so cut and dry, so I will not be writing my story that way. I appreciate you reading my story, and I hope you find one that is more to your liking.

Again, thank you all so much for the support, whether that's through follows, favorites, and reviews. Knowing you guys like this story is part of what keeps me writing it. But again, don't worry, I have a lot of things planned for this story, and no amount of time between chapters is gonna end that.

At last, here's the next chapter!

The door to Padmé's cell opened, and she opened her eyes, blinded by the sudden light. A shadowy figure was standing in the door, but she couldn't make out who.

Then she heard a very familiar laugh. "Well, well, well. What exactly is going on here?" Anakin asked amusedly.

Padmé sat up quickly. "Ani!" she sighed. "I'm so glad to see you."

"Ah, I guess I'm not only useful for fighting wars after all."

"How long have I been in here?"

"A few days," Anakin sighed, sitting down beside her.

"They say Teckla is dead. Is it true?"

"Yes. She was found shot at the bomb site."

"By who?"

"They don't know. The Muuns say she sabotaged the power grid. What exactly is going on here?"

"You have to get me out of here. Clovis has-"

"Clovis?" Anakin interrupted. His face screwed up in anger, and he rose to his feet. "What exactly does Clovis have to do with this?"

Padmé didn't seem surprised by his anger. As if she knew this would make him upset. "I can't explain it here."

"How could you ever put your trust in a man like Clovis after what he did?"

"It's for the Republic, Anakin. Something is very wrong with the banks."

Anakin felt jealousy bubbling up in his chest "Why is it that…" He sighed, unclenching his fist. The jealousy was still there, but he redirected it. He knew that wasn't his real concern. "I'm sorry. I just… I don't understand how you could trust him. I'm just worried about you."

Padmé raised her eyebrows. "You… you're not mad at me?"

Anakin shook his head. "Not really. I am mad, but not at you. I'm mad at Clovis for getting involved again. I don't want to see you get hurt again." He held his hand out to her. "Come on, we can talk outside."

The Banking Clan leaders escorted them out, and Padmé didn't speak until she was sure their eyes were off of them. "I'm sorry, Ani. I can't leave without the files Clovis and I took from the vault."

"Alright," he said begrudgingly. "Where do we look?"

"The discs may be outside the city at Clovis's," she hesitated, "private residence."

Anakin felt the jealousy again, but he swallowed it. "Alright. For you." He redirected, leading her to a speeder. He lifted his comm to his face. "Artoo."

Artoo beeped in response from his place at the shuttle.

"Have the ship ready in case we need you."

Artoo beeped with concern but affirmed that he'd be ready.

Anakin and Padmé stepped onto the speeder and made their way towards Clovis's house.

Padmé led the way towards the door. When the doors opened, Anakin had to laugh. "Cozy place."

The room had been ransacked. Padmé sighed frustratedly. "Someone was looking for the files. They must know Clovis has them."

"Maybe they found what they were looking for and that's why he's missing." We can only hope, he thought cynically.

"Blast! Those files are extremely important. They'll expose a corruption that goes to the very core of the Banking Clan." She looked over the edge into the lounge and saw Clovis emerge from a hidden room. "Clovis!"

"Padmé! I knew you'd come." He tried to put his hands on her shoulders, but she pushed him away.

Anakin's jealousy subsided at the gesture, but he was still furious that they were dealing with this scum.

Clovis noticed his presence, and his eyes widened. "You again?"

Anakin smirked. "Yes, me again," he replied and gave a noncommittal shrug, masking his fury for the time. "Alright, lover boy, where's the disc?"

Clovis sneered at him. "I'm not about to hand the information to some pilot."

"Well, that's good. I'm a Jedi Knight, one who can save your life if you hand over the files." Anakin cocked his head. "So what's it gonna be? You gonna give us the disk?"

"What, so you can leave me stranded like last time?"

"Well, that depends on how well-behaved you are," Anakin said with a smirk.

"Can you both stop bickering so we can get out of here?"

Anakin shrugged, following alongside Padmé, while Clovis glared at him and fell behind. Then Anakin's eyes widened when he looked into the reflection of the glass. Something was moving on the mountain behind them. Or rather, someone, and that someone had a blaster.

"Get down!" Anakin cried, gently pushing Padmé to cover while taking out his lightsaber. He deflected the blasts while Clovis dove to the ground. Anakin rushed to Padmé's side, and Clovis fell in beside him.

"Thanks," Clovis voiced begrudgingly.

Anakin wanted to snap at him, but he instead nodded silently. Now's not the time. He looked around and looked over his shoulder at Padmé. "Follow me." He didn't turn to Clovis, but he knew the coward would fall in. He opened the door behind them and told them to "Run for it!" He fell into step and deflected the sniper blasts from hitting the Senator (and Clovis). He began to hear barking, and he started deflecting the bolts towards an incoming attack dog.

As the speeder ascended, Anakin focused in and used the Force to propel himself into the air and land on the back of it. Unfortunately, another sniper bolt came at them, this time hitting its mark on the engine of the speeder. It suddenly dropped, crashing and bouncing in the snow before sledding its way down the mountain. Anakin looked up and watched the assassin take off his hat and use it to slide after them. Additionally, the attack dog was making its way down.

Anakin activated his comm. "Artoo, bring the ship around and pick us up."

Anakin watched as the assassin shot the large icicles above them, attempting to crush them. Anakin used the Force to redirect them, and the sled got through safely, going over another large jump. The assassin continued to pursue them while jumping deftly among the fallen icicles. Then the speeder fell into a sort of canyon, and Anakin had to deflect blaster fire again.

"Anakin!" Padmé shouted. The Jedi turned to see a fork in the path, and so he stuck his lightsaber into the ice and snow in an attempt to blind the assassin. It seemed to work for a moment.

However, when Padmé asked, "Did we lose him?" Anakin looked forward to see the assassin now in front of them and firing once again.

A blast hit Padmé in the shoulder, and Anakin watched her go down.

Clovis tried to reach for her, but she shrugged him off. "I'm alright."

Knowing she could take care of herself, Anakin stepped to the front of the speeder. In-between deflecting, he focused, pushing as much Force as he could muster to steer the assassin off-course. It worked, as the assassin flew up and over the edge of the ravine wall, crashing to the ground.

The speeder began to approach an enormous cliff, and Anakin activated his comm. "Artoo, hone in on my signal." No response came as the speeder closed in on the cliff. "Artoo?!"

Then he spotted something past the edge. He used the Force to propel his wife and Clovis towards the front of the ship, taking the time to muster another Force-jump.

He laughed when he looked into the cockpit. "Hey, nice catch!"

Anakin took the time to help Padmé get into the shuttle, being careful of her wounded arm. Clovis tried to take her off of his hands, but Anakin just glared at him and continued to help her.

Finally, they were all in the ship, and Artoo steered it up and into orbit.

Anakin and Padmé had made a silent agreement not to let Clovis be alone with either of them. If one needed to leave, Artoo would move beside the one who was left.

They finally had a moment when Clovis made his way to the refresher (in a not-so-subtle way to avoid the tension in the cockpit). Anakin turned to his wife with a small, forced smile. "How's your shoulder? Bacta holding up okay?"

Padmé's smile was more real. "It feels much better, thank you, sweetheart."

"So… we sure we trust him enough to bring him back to Coruscant?"

"I most certainly do not," she said with a hollow laugh. "But he did help me get this information. Unfortunately, I don't know who to bring it to. Maybe present it to the Senate, but that won't be enough to convict them of corruption. We need more."

"You'll figure it out," Anakin said with an encouraging smile. "You always do."

Padmé's smile brightened before falling completely. "Do you… do you doubt me?"

Anakin frowned. "I just said that-"

"No, no, not about that. About… about Clovis. You know I love you, and only you, right?"

Anakin reached over and grabbed her hand gently. "Of course, I do. And I love you, more than anything. I trust you. It's Clovis I don't trust. I know you can take care of yourself, but don't hesitate if you need my help."

"I won't. Thank you, Ani."

Anakin raised her hand and kissed it. "Of course, angel." With one last encouraging smile, he turned back to the console. "We'll be approaching Coruscant soon. Clovis had better get back soon. Being in the refresher while exiting hyperspace isn't fun."

"Oh, what a shame that would be," Padmé joked.

Far too soon, Clovis returned. Soon after that, the ship exited hyperspace and began to descend towards the surface of Coruscant. Eventually, the shuttle landed, and they descended the ramp. They were shocked to see a little green being approaching, flanked by four senate commandos.

"Master Yoda," Padmé greeted.

"We weren't expecting such a formal welcome, Master," Anakin said kindly.

"A personal request of the Chancellor's, my escorting you was, Senator." He gave a knowing look to Padmé and Anakin, as they shared a confused and worried frown. "Adventures have you had on Scipio, hm?"

"Have you met Rush Clovis?" Padmé asked.

"Met, we have, yes." The Master's eyes narrowed. "Intrigued we are, by your return to Coruscant. Much distrust is focused upon you."

"I understand, but I hope to right the wrongs I have done."

Convincing liar, Anakin thought cynically.

"Delay, we must not," Yoda said, and the commandos turned and led them away.

They eventually made their way to the Chancellor's office (with Anakin staying between Clovis and Padmé the whole way). Inside were Masters Windu, Plo, Tiin, Unduli, and Mundi, as well as Senator Organa. Anakin and Padmé stood aside as Clovis made the case of the Banking Clan clear to the Jedi and the Chancellor.

Organa, who had begun to pace around the room, returned to the center. "Excuse me if I find it hard to trust you, Clovis. You used to sit on this very Senate, even as you funneled credits into the droid foundries of Count Dooku."

"I understand all of your trepidation, but there is corruption in the banks."

"And once we find this corruption?"

"I believe the ones responsible should be ousted from control before the entire banking infrastructure collapses. I want the Banking Clan to be what it once was: a fair system of trade and commerce. I came here to root out the criminals and reveal the truth behind what is happening."

Anakin was about to scoff when Plo Koon spoke up. "Perhaps you ought to start with a mirror, Representative Clovis."

While Windu gave the Kel Dor a disapproving scowl, Anakin could have sworn he heard Master Unduli snicker before schooling her face again.

"Now, now," began Chancellor Palpatine. "We are grateful for you bringing us this information, but what exactly can you prove?"

Clovis set down the disk and activated it. "These files show that huge funds have been diverted out of the banks and into what I believe are private accounts."

"And the veracity of this information?"

Padmé spoke up. "I was the one who downloaded the files from the Muuns' secure mainframe. I believe that what Clovis is saying is correct."

"Then, Senator Amidala," said Palpatine, "I would like you to spearhead this investigation. Work closely with Rush Clovis, and find and expose these secret accounts." Anakin began to scowl from behind Padmé, a scowl that Yoda clearly saw. "Once we know exactly what we are dealing with, then we can decide how best to handle this…" Palpatine stood from his desk. "... situation."

"A request, Chancellor," Yoda spoke up, "if I may?"

"Yes, Master Yoda?"

"For Master Skywalker to join this investigation, I would like."

Palpatine frowned. "Oh, but Master Yoda, that would likely incriminate both Master Skywalker and Senator Amidala if they are caught. There is less risk with just Padmé and Rush."

"Less risk, yes, but with more risk comes a higher chance of reward, hm?"

"I agree," said Windu. "A Jedi Master to, at the very least, protect her and Representative Clovis."

Senator Organa nodded. "If this situation is as sensitive as we think it is, then it would help to have an extra man. Additionally, he can keep an eye on Clovis."

Anakin looked towards Yoda and nodded. "If that is what you wish, Master Yoda." He then glanced at Clovis. "I agree with Senator Organa. A serpent can shed its skin, but it is still a serpent. No offense meant, of course, Mr. Clovis." Clovis's eyes narrowed, but Anakin ignored the look. "Chancellor?"

Anakin could barely see the snarl that Palpatine swallowed before his same charming grin found its place. "If that is what the Jedi Council wishes, then it shall be so."

Palpatine led them all out of his office and his lounge, and Clovis met with Anakin and Padmé. "Padmé, shall we begin?"

"We shall," Padmé said.

As Anakin made to go with them, Clovis held a hand up. "I was thinking Padmé and I could get a start, while you take care of some Jedi business."

Anakin frowned and crossed his arms. "I was made a part of this investigation, and have been assigned as her bodyguard. Wherever she is to go, I go as well."

"Well, I was hoping to have some time to catch up with an old friend." He directed the next part at Padmé. "There is an opera show this evening, one of the finest of their shows, if rumors are true."

Anakin raised an eyebrow at him. "You don't think it's imperative that we get started?"

"We've just returned to business after quite an ordeal. Some time to relax and refresh our minds will do us good. Unlike you mystic soldiers, we politicians need time to recuperate."

Padmé frowned. "I would appreciate it if you didn't speak on my behalf, Clovis."

"Of course, Padmé, my apologies. Does a break truly sound so bad to you?"

Padmé didn't want to admit it, but it truly did. Though certainly not with Clovis. "The Jedi and the Chancellor tasked us ― including Master Skywalker ― with finding the root of this corruption. Purpose must come before feelings."

Clovis sighed, but a smirk came to his face. "Now you sound like a Jedi, too. Very well, let's be on our way."

Inside Padmé's apartment, Anakin was cooking and setting up dinner, Padmé had just finished catching Captain Typho up, and Clovis was working on finding the holes in the Banking Clan's work.

Padmé gave Anakin a pat on the shoulder before approaching Clovis. "How's it going?"

Clovis pointed to his screen. "If you look here, the Separatists haven't been repaying any interest on their loans. But still, the Banking Clan is promising to lend credits to the Republic. Credits they simply don't have."

"But where have all the savings gone?"

"Each of the files that you downloaded show hundreds and hundreds of small withdrawals, small enough to remain undetected individually, but as a sum total," he shifted the screen over to show a large red zero, "a devastating theft."

"Whoever is behind this is no fool. We need to find out who's benefiting. We're still lacking a critical piece of information."

Anakin entered, using the Force to carry dinner in and to the table.

Clovis closed the device and approached the sitting area. "Whatever we find must remain between only you and me… and Master Skywalker. This would be highly dangerous information should it get into the wrong hands."

"Of course. Master Skywalker?"

"I won't report to the Council until we're ready to expose the information. Master Yoda and Master Windu will want to be at that Senate meeting."

Padmé nodded. Then she looked at Clovis. Now would be a good time for some friendly banter. But only friendly. "Master Skywalker, would you be able to patrol around the building? Clovis and I have some catching up to do for a few minutes."

Anakin frowned internally, desperately wanting to decline. But he had to trust his wife. "Very well, My Lady. I will be back momentarily."

Padmé waited until he left before bringing up their past. When he tried to get handsy, she pulled away and began gathering food. Then Clovis brought up his even-further-past, detailing the death of his parents and the generosity of the Muun family he was raised in.

"They sound like good people," Padmé said honestly.

"They are. Most Muuns are." He stood and moved towards the window. "And they want this corruption ended more than I do. You should know my contacts within the Muun government run deep. I have many allies, should I need to call on them."

Padmé approached behind him. "I didn't appreciate how personal this was for you."

Clovis turned to smile at her. "Now, maybe you will trust me."

"I'm here, aren't I?"

Clovis clutched her hands tightly. "I want to thank you for everything you've done for me." He sighed. "I don't think I would have had the strength alone."

Knowing what he was trying to do, Padmé said, "Clovis, don't." She turned away from him.

"It's that Jedi isn't it?"

Padmé's eyes widened. "General Skywalker? We're friends, nothing more." She turned back towards him in an effort to punctuate her claim.

"Friends don't talk to each other the way the two of you do."

"You're confused."

"Isn't it forbidden for a Jedi to have romantic ties? He would be banished from the Order, would he not?"

"There is nothing romantic between him and me."

As Padmé tried to turn away, Clovis grabbed her shoulders. "Then there is absolutely nothing to stop us from doing this."

Padmé tried to pull away, but he had her in a vice-like grip as he leaned in. "Clovis! Clovis, no!"

Then, the door slid open, and Anakin gaped at the scene he saw. As his anger began to boil up, he cleared his throat.

Clovis stopped in his tracks and stared up at Anakin in annoyance.

"Senator Amidala. You'll be pleased to know there were no aggressive or shifty individuals around the building. A medidroid that seemed to be wandering, but nothing more."

"Thank you, Master Skywalker." She looked at him with a relieved smile.

Clovis proceeded to clear his throat as well. "If you don't mind, Skywalker, we were in the middle of something."

Anakin scowled. "What I saw and heard was you trying to kiss the Senator when she was clearly and vehemently denying your advances. In most societies, that's known as assault." Anakin's hand hovered towards the saber on his belt. "Now I suggest you get away from her."

Clovis glared at him but released Padmé.

Padmé then moved away and back to the couches. "Come, we can resume dinner and continue searching."

Clovis shook his head. "I need some air. I will be back soon."

Anakin frowned. "More air than a patio can provide?"

Clovis didn't respond, simply resorting to shoulder-checking Anakin on the way out.

Anakin waited for the door to close before rushing to Padmé's side. "You okay?"

Padmé held herself and nodded shakily. "Yes. I knew he was devoted to changing my mind, but… I didn't expect that. I was hoping to learn more, which I sort of succeeded at."

"Well, I'm glad you're okay. When I saw him about to kiss you…"

Padmé cupped his cheek. "Thank you for keeping your anger in check. I saw you holding back, and I really appreciate it. If it happens again, you can go off on him."

Anakin chuckled. "I appreciate the permission."

Padmé patted the seat beside her. "I… I wanted to talk to you about us, actually."

Anakin frowned but did join her. "I don't know if I like where this is going."

Padmé chuckled. "It's not like that. I honestly just wanted to say thank you. I know how hard it is to see him with me, and I feel awful having to work closely with him, but it needs to be done."

"Don't worry, Padmé. I get it. Part of me doesn't want to get it, but I do. If the roles were switched, like when I was on Zygerria, I'd expect you to feel the same way. It would be quite the double-standard for me to get upset with you over this. It's business."

Padmé gave him an adoring smile. "I know. I still feel bad expecting you to blow up at me over it. You aren't the person you used to be, you wouldn't do something like that."

Anakin grimaced. "I'm sorry that I was ever the type of person who would make you afraid of my anger. I… Seeing how Obi-Wan managed his anger on Mandalore and finally being able to make the Council see things my way… It's helped more than I ever thought it could." He paused to sigh and rub his hands together nervously. "I've been… I've been thinking of the Tuskens on Tatooine. I never, ever want to let myself be that angry again. I killed, I killed children, for Force's sake! What kind of person does that?"

Padmé rubbed his shoulder. "You went from being a slave with your mother to having to leave her behind. You lost Qui-Gon just as much as Obi-Wan lost him. Then you were basically taught to repress your emotions for ten years. You were bound to reach a breaking point, and your mother's death was a hell of a catalyst for something like that."

"That doesn't make it right. I don't know if I can ever make it right."

"Well, you can't give up on trying, or you really never will."

"I won't. I just… needed to tell someone. May as well be you." He smiled softly at her. "Once this is all over, I wanna work on fixing slavery in the galaxy with you. Hopefully, without starting another war."

Padmé grimaced. She obviously didn't really want to say what she was thinking, but Anakin knew he probably needed to hear it. When he gave her a questioning look, she said, "Maybe you should tell Obi-Wan about it." Anakin's eyes widened. "I honestly think he'd be more understanding than you think. He's been your mentor and friend for so long, and he cares so much about you. Just, just think about it?"

Anakin sighed in response. The very thought of admitting to Obi-Wan what he'd done made him sick to his stomach. But… maybe? "Alright, I'll think about it." It could wait, anyway. He was currently offworld.

"Thank you, Ani." She leaned over and kissed his cheek. Then she rose from the couch. "We should get to work. If Clovis saw us like this, he'd be even more suspicious."

"'More'?"

"He suspects something between us. I think I threw him off, but we can't be too careful."

"Alright, I agree. Let's hop to it."

After a few minutes of trying and failing to follow loose threads, Clovis returned. Anakin noticed the pensive look on his face and made a mental note. "Ready to get back to work, Representative?"

Clovis shook his head. "I'm afraid something has come up. I'm going to have to leave, but perhaps we can continue this tomorrow. If I have time, I'll do some research on my own before I can rejoin the two of you."

"It would be safer for you to remain in Senator Amidala's guest room," Anakin said, cursing himself. But he needed to keep up the guise of protecting both of them.

"I'm sure that I'll be quite alright, Master Skywalker," Clovis replied, more than a little snippily.

"Very well, Representative." Something was off. But what it was, Anakin couldn't put his finger on.

"Rest well, Clovis," Padmé said.

"Goodnight, Padmé," Clovis said charmingly before grabbing his computer and leaving the apartment.

Anakin folded his arms and frowned thoughtfully. "That was… odd."

"Maybe… we did have a heavy conversation before… Anyway, it is getting late. Maybe we ought to turn in as well."

"Hm…"

Anakin was in the kitchen, brewing some caf. He hadn't slept well; Clovis's odd behavior had struck a chord in him. Something seemed to be wrong, but it could just be his jealousy and paranoia. Try as he might, he couldn't meditate on the topic either. Again, he was unsure if his emotions were affecting his meditation or if Clovis's actions were clouded. For now, he had to let the gears turn. He would stay sharp but let things play out.

Padmé rushed into the room, and Anakin frowned at her earnest look. "Clovis says he found something! He's sent it to the Muun government, and they're already working. He wants us to join him when he and the Muuns present it to the Chancellor tonight."

"What? What did he find?"

"The Muun government has seized the accounts and arrested the heads of the Banking Clan. We are indebted to Rush Clovis for his service to our people."

Clovis gave the Muun man a nod. "Well, I have done only what I thought was right."

Anakin could sense the truth to his statement, as uncomfortable as he was with the convenience.

"Considering the information," Palpatine began, "it appears that the Separatist government has agreed to allow you to be the new head of the banks."

Alarms continued to go off in Anakin's mind.

"And the Republic?"

"I can only give you my endorsement." That didn't help to settle Anakin's nerves.

Padmé said, "Now all that stands in your way is the Senate."

And so an emergency session of the Senate was called, beginning with loud chatter. Eventually Mas Amedda called for order, and everyone went silent.

Anakin watched from where Padmé and Clovis entered the Senate, waiting for them to return. Anxiety continued to fill his chest, but all he could do was wait and warn Padmé and the Council.

"Good luck," Padmé said to Clovis, taking a seat in the disc.

"Thank you."

The disk went to float in the center of the Senate.

Mas Amedda said, "Rush Clovis will now address the Senate," leading to a small uproar from the Senators.

Calls of "Traitor!" could be heard from miscellaneous senators, such as Meena Tills of Mon Cala.

Clovis began his speech in spite of the protests: "I come to you today with irrefutable evidence that the heads of the Banking Clan have been stealing funds and have virtually bankrupted the system." More chatter ensued, more panicked and concerned than the last couple of times. "I know the Muuns to be a good and honest people, and that it is the actions of only these unscrupulous few who are responsible. I humbly ask for your nomination in taking over the banks."

"What can you do?" asked a male senator.

"I will restore order and return the banks back to secure and mutual negotiations and transactions."

"How can we trust you?" asked Mot-Not Rab, a male Tranab senator.

"I vow to be impartial and show no favor to either side in this war."

"But you have colluded with the Separatists!" cried an Aqualish senator named Gorothin Vagger.

Padmé stood and said, "It is the Separatist ties to Rush Clovis that has allowed them to accept this nomination."

The Banking Clan senator's disk flew to the center. "He also has the full support of the Muun people."

"And what of the Chancellor?" asked Lott Dod, the Trade Federation senator.

"I believe that in these dangerous times," began Palpatine, "the bank must be protected at all costs, an that a man who has no allegiance to either side, and the support of the Muun people, is our best hope."

"Then we shall put it to a vote," said Mas Amedda. Only a few minutes later and, "A resounding majority in support of the nomination."

Anakin grimaced, unknowingly matching the looks of Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, Riyo Chuchi, Lux Bonteri, and Korkie Kryze (who had joined Lux to view the proceedings while Satine was away).

Meanwhile, cheers and applause erupted, and Anakin narrowed his eyes when Rush grabbed Padmé's hands and smiled at her. He stayed to wait for them, but Padmé said he should go and inform the Council of the new developments while she and Clovis worked on his paperwork.

As Anakin walked out, he was caught be a Senate Guard. "The Chancellor has requested your presence."

Anakin frowned. "Alright." He followed the guard to where Palpatine was.

The Chancellor greeted him and asked him to walk with him for a little while. "My boy, I can tell this has been a difficult time. I've known you too long not to see something is troubling you."

Anakin decided to play it up. "Your Excellency, forgive me, but you have made a mistake by trusting Clovis." He wasn't totally lying. He truly didn't trust Clovis, and the Chancellor was making a mistake. Palpatine, though, was seemingly up to something again. As always.

"Have I?" Palpatine asked innocently. "Rest assured, my public endorsement of Clovis is not the same as my private confidence in him."

Always playing things close to the chest, eh, Sidious? "Then what exactly is going on here?"

"We will watch him closely. I don't dispute your distrust of him," he said, looking over to where Padmé and Clovis were speaking with the Muuns. "I think there is something we haven't unearthed yet, and I would very much like for it to surface."

Anakin would be lying if he didn't agree. Palpatine was good at seeing the real picture― No! He's a Sith Lord, he didn't have true vision or morals. He wanted chaos and power. That's all. "But people have been hurt… could be hurt in the process.'

"Let us make sure that doesn't happen. Shall we?"

And Palpatine was off, leaving Anakin to his thoughts. Truly, Clovis certainly couldn't be trusted. However, he seemed to have the faith of the Senate. And even Padmé now. Were he and Palpatine the only ones who could see his true colors?

No, no, the Council would see his side of things. Right? Of course they would.

Anakin turned on his heel and made his way out of the Senate building and towards the Jedi Temple. "Come in, Master Yoda. I have an update on the Banking Clan matter. Can you call a Council Meeting?"

And there's another chapter done! I hope you liked the chiller version of Anakin, but we can't be sure how long that will last ;) For those of you that are disappointed that Anakin didn't beat up Clovis this time, I promise that Clovis will get his just deserts.

In the next chapter: Invasion of Scipio! Next chapter will be a bit shorter than usual, but there isn't much use in making it longer than it needs to be.

Either way, I'll see you guys! Hopefully sooner than later, but again, no promises.

Bye bye!