A/N: Not to worry, I'm still working on finishing my other two stories, but a plot bunny came to me and I had to write and publish it. Please enjoy and let me know what you think.

Slipping a disc of classified information into the palm of a passing senator, Padmé Amidala felt confident that no one noticed the slight of hand. This had been her life for the last two and a half years, ever since Palpatine declared the Republic a failure and brought on the rise of the Galactic Empire. The Rebellion had quickly followed the announcement, with its numbers growing more and more each day, encouraging the young woman to continue her work with vigor, not afraid to take a risk here or there as long as it was in the name of freedom.

Coolly walking down the labyrinth of corridors back to her office, she cheerfully smiled at her handmaiden. "Dormé, I know I've been a bad influence as a workaholic, but did you at least take a moment to eat some lunch?", she asked. Of course, her loyal bodyguard didn't know anything about her clandestine activities, it would be much too dangerous to involve her in the schemes. The woman was too loyal that she would undoubtedly make a sacrifice that Padmé couldn't bear to watch if that meant saving her life. No, she needed to do this alone.

"I actually did, Milady", Dormé said as she flashed a smile at Padmé. "I hope you had a chance to eat something as well."

"You know me, darling, it isn't in my nature to go without a salad for lunch lately", Padmé said. It was a lie, she hadn't had anything, she had been too focused on her drop to have the stomach to eat anything. This was her new life, but it was still much to get used to, too much at times. Hell, it had impacted everything greatly, from her romantic life, if one could have ever called it that, to the times she was able to get away to Naboo, which weren't many. Damn, she missed home dearly. Her parents were constantly calling and asking when she would have a week to fly home, just a week. A week was too much the way things were operating these days with the Rebellion. Already, an entire hodgepodge fleet had been assembled, making the group of Rebels a force to be reckoned with.

The Jedi were thankfully helping, even though their numbers had dwindled dramatically since the rise of the Empire. But help was help, even if their numbers were few and far between. The Emperor had revealed himself to be a powerful Sith Lord, making the Jedi a vital component in the ability to eventually overthrow him. There were rumors that he had an apprentice, a being only known as Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith. No one had ever seen the man, and many were beginning to wonder if he was merely a figment of the imagination. A story that the Imperials had spun to strike fear into the heart of the Rebellion, and she supposed it worked. While Palpatine was an older man, Vader was rumored to be in his twenties, making him a far deadlier opponent should he ever meet the Rebellion or the Jedi on the battlefield.

Battlefields. As altruistic as fighting in a conflict seemed to the young Senator, she knew she wasn't a natural born fighter. Was she a terrific shot with a blaster? Yes, but that didn't mean she knew how to fight like a damned infantryman. No, her skills were best suited in the halls of the Senate, gathering top secret information and passing it off to her contacts. A spy of sorts, but far less dramatic. There were no stealthy missions aside from palming a disc or slipping a document here and there, which was grossly unlike the holofilms she had seen when she was younger of falling in love with the enemy, just to stab them in the back in the name of righteousness. Hell, she couldn't remember the last time she had a lover. Twenty six maybe? Now she was almost twenty eight, but she supposed that there would be time for that nonsense when the opportune moment presented itself. Not before.

Sitting down at her desk, she pulled up her terminal and skimmed messages. Deleting those of little importance, such as other senators begging for her fidelity in signing their pet projects off for a vote, projects that held little importance for the galaxy and its people, more for their own glory or profit. The messages she did read were from her fellow senators, Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and yes, even Rush Clovis, although she only dealt with him on a strictly professional basis now despite his best efforts to woo her off her feet. It wasn't that he was a bad looking fellow, he was attractive, he just wasn't her type, not that she knew what her type really was.

Clicking on the Senator from Scipio's message, she rolled her eyes when she saw that he was cordially inviting her to accompany him to a gala in a week. No thanks. She ignored the message for the time being, clicking on the messages from Mothma and Organa. They never sent any correspondence regarding their treasonous activities via the Senate mainframe as that would be as dumb as hopping into bed with an Imperial, but there were ruses that they used in order to deal with one another in person such as different subcommittees that they were involved in. Apparently, there was to be a meeting tomorrow on the education committee which was dedicated to providing education resources to less fortunate worlds throughout the mid rim and outer rim. A noble cause, especially given that she had been afforded some of the best education on Naboo, which by chance was located in the outer rim.

Regardless, it would be a good opportunity for them to meet and deliberate their next move in targeting the Empire's strategic resources. Maybe even coming up with more ideas on recruiting defectors from the Imperial ranks which seemed to grow at an astounding rate by the week. Not everyone in the Empire was sold on the idea of a despot ruling the galaxy, but they had to be careful. The Imperial Security Bureau or ISB, had the knack for picking up on soldiers and sailors that were beginning to be less than enthusiastic about their duties in the Empire, arresting those who weren't able to make a rendezvous with Rebel operatives quickly enough. Their torture and eventual deaths were published by the various news agencies, labeling them as traitors to the Empire as a deterrent for those who might seek kinship with the Rebellion instead of remaining loyal to their brothers and sisters in arms. Dreadful.

"How late do you believe that you'll be staying tonight, Milady?", Dormé asked. "Hopefully not as late as the last week."

Padmé groaned. She had been developing the bad habit of leaving the Senate at a dreadful hour each night, causing her a lack of sleep and a poor diet. She had to apply extra layers of makeup to wipe away the dark circles under her eyes from her self induced exhaustion, adding yet another complexity to her morning regime which prevented her from working. "I'll try and not stay too late tonight, Dormé, I promise", she replied. "There's just always so much work to do, it's never ending."

"Yes, but there will always be too much work to do. It isn't like you're working yourself younger, you're working yourself older, love", Dormé chided.

Damn her, for being so accurate. "I'm dreadfully aware of that, Dormé", Padmé said with a longing sigh. "I suppose I ought to take better care of myself or I'll die a woman without a husband, which is exactly what my mother keeps telling me every time we talk. It isn't like men are the sole secret to happiness."

"No, but they do bring some happiness, assuming that they're the right man", Dormé said. "I wouldn't worry too much about it. The right man will come about when it's the right time. Just don't pass up the opportunity when he does present himself."

That made Padmé groan again. "How do you know when it's the right time?", she pleaded. "I seem to never know, even if the man is eligible, not that I've gotten any better at knowing when a man is flirting with me that is."

"There isn't a science to it, love. It's just something that you'll know will happen when it happens", Dormé replied. "There won't be a thing to it, you'll just know when he comes stumbling into your life with a dashing smile and is a true gentleman."

"Well, I suppose I'll find out", Padmé grumbled. Perhaps, but perhaps not. Her last relationship ended poorly because she apparently never knew how to read the man, merely going by a whim which apparently irked him to no end. Maybe there wouldn't be a dashing charmer in her future, perhaps she needed to figure out something else that would do instead, like lowering her standards that she had been indoctrinated in since she was a little girl by her sweet mother.

Both women returned to their work and Padmé began shuffling through report after report on different pads, trying to analyze as much information in a short amount of time as possible, but quickly realizing that it would again be a late night. How wonderful.

Darth Vader stalked through a hidden entrance into the bowels of the Senate towards his master's chambers. It was unusual for him to be summoned from his flagship as he thought his best efforts were to be out in the fleet, hunting down the illusive Rebel fleet. There had been reports that they were in the outer rim near the planet of Dantooine, but before they had been able to jump to the system, Sidious had commanded that he return to Coruscant immediately to be briefed on a new assignment. What the fuck was more important than finding the Rebel fleet and smashing it to atoms? That was his skillset, well, that and killing Jedi. But orders were orders and he had learned from an early age to behoove his master's commands lest he be educated on his failures.

Shoving open the double doors to Sidious' chambers, Vader strode up to his master and knelt before him in servitude. "What is thy bidding my master?", he asked, knowing the routine that was to follow.

"Rise Lord Vader", Sidious commanded.

Vader rose to his feet and waited for his master to prattle on about what this new assignment would entail. Not very encouraging from what he could tell, but it may be worth it as the old fool occasionally had bouts of clarity where he made sound strategic decisions.

"There are whispers of treason amongst the Senate, Lord Vader. Senators that have forsaken their vows to the Empire, which I cannot allow", Sidious said ominously.

"That's not surprising given how the Rebel fleet has been able to stay two steps ahead of us for a considerable time now", Vader said. "Do you have anyone of suspect?"

Sidious frowned and Vader knew that he shouldn't have asked the question.

"If I knew who they were, you wouldn't be here, my young apprentice", Sidious sneered. "That's why I have recalled you. Your purpose is to now rat them out using whatever methods that you find appropriate. I would prefer that you don't go terrorizing the senators overtly, but more methodically. Use your best judgment but deliver me results and deliver them soon or I'll have to educate you on the price of your failures."

Vader resisted the urge to growl. This meant that there would be limits to the methods that he would normally employ, such as brutally torturing information out of subjects until confessions were made. He would actually have to play the role of a fucking spy, which was a task that he hadn't been required to do ever since he was a damned teenager.

"I'll do my best, master. I'm sure that there will be some targets that I'll be able to identify soon so I'll be able to resume my activities in hunting down the Rebel fleet", he said as he fought to keep his hands from clenching. He had been so close to the Rebels, but now they were slipping through his grasp.

"Oh, and another thing, Lord Vader. For this assignment, you're to use a name you haven't been known as since you were a mere boy", Sidious said with a cackle.

"Master, that's against my very nature", Vader protested. This was the last thing he wanted to have happen, he detested being known as the weakling Anakin Skywalker. He had snuffed out the boy's life many years ago after it had been tortured from him mercilessly by Sidious and he didn't wish to return to it, not now, not ever.

"Do you dare question my wisdom?", Sidious seethed.

Vader swallowed. The last time he had done so, it had been an incredibly painful lesson. "No, master. I will obey as commanded."

"Good. You'll start today. Feel free to walk around without that damned hood on your face", Sidious commanded. It was odd. Vader was so used to concealing his face for many years. Now he was to walk around unencumbered, showing his face like he was some gods damned mortal being instead of a powerful Sith Lord. Fuck this to hell.

"Very well, master", Vader said begrudgingly. "Again, I will do as commanded." He lowered his hood and stood silently, waiting for further instructions.

"I think that this assignment will do you well, Lord Vader. It will give you a chance to engage in social skills that you may be unaccustomed to. Once I'm ready to unveil you as my apprentice, I will need you to perform certain duties as my personal dignitary and enforcer, not just the commander of the military. Do you understand what I mean?", Sidious asked.

A fucking dignitary? Vader resisted the urge to scowl. "I understand what you mean, master. Again, I will do as I am commanded to."

"Very well, Lord Vader. Be off with you, and be certain to conceal that damned lightsaber of yours", Sidious said.

Vader quickly detached his lightsaber from his belt and slid it into his tunic. He wouldn't be without his weapon, there was no chance in hell of that, regardless of what the kriffing madman that Sidious was.

He turned and left his master's chambers, wondering what the hell he was supposed to do next. He marched to his office and sat down at his terminal, searching the secured data banks for any senators that may have had any unusual activities. There were none. Shit, this was going to be more of a difficult assignment than he thought. He had no leads, no place to start. There would have to be relationship building with politicians which made him want to gag.

Vader completely understood the need for politicians, he merely loathed them for their self important attitudes, always looking to enrich themselves instead of assisting the Empire in the greater good of galactic stability. Be that as it may, he had a job to do, and when he was tasked with an assignment, he did it well even if he detested it.

Casually walking down the corridor, Padmé slipped into Mon Mothma's office. The Senator was looking down at her desk, obviously as busy with her work as she was. But there had to be some open lines of communication, that was part of their duties as operatives for the Rebellion.

"Mon, may I trouble you for a few moments?", Padmé asked politely.

Mothma looked up sharply and then a warm smile appeared across her face. "Padmé, of course you can. Please, pull up a chair so we can have a little chat."

Padmé complied and sat in front of Mothma's desk, making sure to keep herself poised and dainty, a habit she had acquired as a queen. "I merely wanted to check in before our meeting tomorrow on the education subcommittee", she said politely.

A sly smirk appeared on Mothma's face. "I'm sure it will be a good meeting, there's much information that has been gathered. Information that I believe you'll find enlightening and will be able to share with your contacts on the various systems we're trying to build relationships with", she said coyly. "But I imagine you would like a taste of information. I've jotted down some notes on a pad that I'm sure that you'd like to review before the meeting."

Mothma handed the pad to Padmé who quickly scrolled through the folders and saw one that was encrypted. Entering in the code she had committed to memory, her eyes widened. There was information on fleet movements for the Empire. Information that the Rebellion would desperately need for targeting strikes on lightly guarded convoys of destroyers and frigates. What a good kriffing catch.

"Senator, this information will make for good reading tonight before the meeting tomorrow. Be sure to give Bail my best if you manage to see him before the meeting tomorrow. I'm sure the three of us will be able to have a good chat about the activities of the education bills that we are to propose", Padmé said smoothly.

"That would be a lovely idea", Mothma said. "Now, let's shift topics for a moment. When are you ever going to find a man? The upcoming gala is going to be grand, and I wouldn't want you to be unaccompanied yet again. A beauty such as yourself deserves a strapping young man to accompany you for a night of romance and entertainment."

Padmé fought down the urge to snap off an annoyed remark as the woman was just being genuine. "I've yet to find a potential suitor. I received a message from Senator Clovis asking if he could be my accompaniment to the gala, but there's no chance in hell that I'd be caught up with him at such a place."

Mothma rolled her eye. "The man just doesn't know when to give up. Sure, he's charming and attractive, but there's something about him that unnerves myself even, so I don't blame you for declining his invitation, even if the two of you had a tryst a few years ago."

"Exactly, a tryst is just a tryst, not a commitment to damned fidelity. I don't know, Mon. I would love to find a man to sweep me on my feet but you know that I'm inept in relationships. They confound me and I'm simply awkward in them. You would think that my political training would help, but it most certainly does not", Padmé said ruefully.

"Oh my good dear, you will get the hang of it once you meet the right man. Sure, it might be a little awkward at first, but you must know that is part of every new romance. I would just keep your eyes open if I were you. You'd never know if a dashing young man will com into your life", Mothma said.

"One could only hope", Padmé said as she stood. "It's been a lovely chat as usual, Mon. I will let you get back to it as I have a lot of work to do as well. It looks like it'll be another long night for me."

"Hopefully not too long, my dear", Mothma said as she returned her attention back to her own work. Padmé walked out of the office and sauntered back to her own, carrying the pad with vital information as casually as possible as if it were just another piece of information that all senators walked around with. If the ISB or some other Imperial intelligence operative caught her with this information, she would be executed. But alas, this was just part of the game she played.

Vader huffed as he formulated his strategy of introducing himself to other senators. He figured that he needed to appear as harmless as possible, but still having a role with the Empire that potential Rebel operatives would find intriguing enough to try and pump information from him.

An idea popped into his head. What if he were to introduce himself as a mere military consultant? That would be interesting enough for Rebel operatives to want to strike up a conversation with him. If he was a civilian working with the Empire on various projects, he wouldn't be as intimidating and it would make them more enthusiastic to strike up a friendship of sorts, hoping to pump him for information. That of course would allow him to feed them false information and if it turned out that they acted on it, they would surely be identified as traitors to the Empire and he could snare them easily.

A sly smirk appeared across his face. While he would prefer to remain the gods damned Commander of all Imperial Forces, this assignment could potentially be amusing to say the least. Especially if he was able to interrogate some of these traitorous senators. That would be exciting to say the least, he hadn't been able to have a good interrogation for some time and he desired for the opportunity to engage in one even if that meant being as gods damned brutal as he could be.

Maybe the old fool that he called master had provided him with an assignment that he would actually enjoy, which would be a first. Smirking again, he began to create an elaborate profile as a contractor within the Imperial mainframe, establishing an elaborate backstory and credentials, that way if a senator decided to vet him prior to pumping him for information, they would see his record and feel more confident that he was the real deal.

This project would take hours, well into the evening, but he didn't care. Once he latched onto an assignment, he attacked it with vigor, uncaring for the necessity to rest. What a good kriffing project this would be.

"Should we leave to go home now, Milady?", Dormé asked. Dormé was such a loyal handmaiden, she could have returned to Naboo several years ago when the Republic was smashed, but she said hell no, she was sticking by the side of her charge for better or worse. That made her such an endearing friend, one that Padmé knew would never be replaceable.

"You can leave, Dormé. I've kept you here long enough, I just have several additional reports to write and then file", Padmé said.

Dormé gave her that look, the look that said she was kidding herself. "You know that those reports can be a little late, Milady. Other senators are late with heir reports from time to time. Come on, come home with me. It's late and I know that you were up early this morning doing more work", she said in her best motherly tone. Motherly. Ha. The woman was only two years older than her, it was not like she was twice her age.

"It's the principle of the matter as it usually is, my friend", Padmé said with a smile. "Go on, off with you before I run you out. Get some rest for us both, I'll be home in a little while."

The handmaiden cocked her head at Padmé as if she wanted to say something more, but chose not to. Perhaps she was resisting the urge to give her lady a dressing down, perhaps not. Either way, there was something that she wanted to say that she did not say, but Padmé figured that she would find out about it sooner or later. If Dormé did not bring something up right away, she would soon enough, she always did.

Dormé merely shook her head and stood. "Alright, Milady. But if you're not home within the next three hours I'm coming back and dragging you back home", she said. "I mean it, not a minute over three hours from now."

"Alright, Dormé. I promise, nothing over three hours from now", Padmé promised.

After her handmaiden left, Padmé pulled out the pad that Mothma had slipped to her and went back to the encrypted folder. She had to study every bit of it to devise strategies to slip various operatives information so they could begin to coordinate with the Rebel fleet in order to begin their strikes. Nothing was more important. She toiled away tirelessly, taking out pieces of paper and jotting down notes in a coded script that the Rebellion had created. To the untrained eye, it would appear as nonsensical notes that would be dismissed easily by Imperial intelligence as mere mindless notes from an overtired senator.

Smirking at her work, Padmé was so close to being able to devise her strategy, she would just need to determine the right operatives to give the information to, but that wouldn't be too much of a bother. After doing this for two and a half years, this was becoming second hand nature as far as slipping information to her contacts within the Senate.

After hours of work, Vader was pleased with the profile he had created for Anakin Skywalker, the military consultant. This was one of the greatest ideas that he had. He decided to put a little truth into the biography, stating he was born on Tatooine, but had won a scholarship to become an officer in the Republic, serving as a junior ensign during several of the skirmishes during the war with the Confederacy of Independent Systems. He had even given himself several accommodations to include accolades for sustaining wounds in combat. That would give some credibility to the various scars on his face and body.

This Anakin retired from the services at the fall of the Republic, but was quickly picked up as a consultant on various military activities within the Empire, leveraging his experience and giving him credibility as a former officer that was familiar with combat.

Now that his work was done, he decided to take a little stroll throughout the senate. It would be empty by now, and he needed to familiarize himself with where the various offices of the senators were so he could appear at the right place at the right time to be able to introduce himself as needed. What a good kriffing day this had been. He even dared to think that this assignment would be more exciting than he had previously anticipated. Part of being a Sith Lord was to learn the art of manipulation, giving him a good advantage of how to deceive these pathetic politicians and bend them to his will. He was an evil bastard after all.

Standing up to stretch his muscles, he realized that he neglected to do any physical training over the last couple of days. That would have to be remedied as he needed to stay in peak physical condition. His establishments here on Coruscant had various gyms, sparring rooms, and even a kriffing pool on the rooftop to exercise in. He hadn't been back there in some time, which would be odd given that he had designed to the place himself. But once he got used to living life on the massive flagship named the Executor, he considered that home more than anything. Damn, was he starting to get homesick for his ship? Maybe he was.

Deactivating his terminal, he left his office to begin his long stroll. It should be a good way to limber his system up for some intense workouts in the morning before he returned to the Senate. He refused to allow himself to grow soft on this assignment, especially if he desired some feminine company. He wasn't a celibate man, he just didn't have very many opportunities on a war ship. But now that he was back on Coruscant, he figured that he might as well remedy that.

Exiting and securing his office, he climbed the stairs out of the secured military complex within the Senate and ascended his way to the common areas for his stroll to begin committing every location to memory. It wouldn't do well if he appeared as a bumbling fool, stumbling across the Senate looking lost as a damned pup.

Padmé's eyes began to grow bleary, and she felt tension growing in her back and neck. Kriffing hell, she needed a good soak in a bathtub after such a long day of work, but she still had so much work to do. Maybe she could scroll through a pad while she was taking a bath in her oversized tub in her lavish apartment at Five Hundred Republica. That sounded grand.

Groaning, she began to collect the various pads that she would study until late at night. She looked at the chrono and swore. It was two hours after Dormé left. She didn't want her loyal handmaiden to have to fly back to the damned Senate to make certain that she left, so she sped up packing up her office. She opened a hidden compartment underneath her desk and slipped her paper notes into them along with several other items that could cause her to be executed if found, again reminding her of the dangerous game she was playing.

Quickly picking up her pads, she went to exit the door to her office when she ran into a mountain of muscle. Her brain reminded her that physics would dictate what would happen before it actually happened. She went flying to the floor, her pads scattered everywhere. How dreadfully embarrassing.

"Are you alright?", a stern but concerned voice came from behind her. Hell, she was about to get a lecture to watch where the hell she was going.

"I'm fine", she replied. "Let me just collect my pads and I'll…" She didn't have time to finish her sentence. A strong hand picked her up from her armpit and lifted her to her feet. Then, she turned and got a good look of the mountain of muscle and felt absolutely more embarrassed than she already was.

She went to look at said mountain of muscle and sucked in a deep breath. Oh, gods she could not have made more of an ass of herself. Standing before her was a younger man that was an absolute lady killer. Tall, maybe a foot taller than her, with long locks of dark blonde hair, a chiseled jaw line and the most peculiar eyes. She had never seen a human with golden colored eyes before, but this one did.

"I'm so sorry", she stammered. "I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Let me gather my pads and get out of your way."

"No, no, you took a fall. Allow me", the man said as he bent down and snatched the pads from the floor, rising back to his full height and handing them to her with a dashing smile.

Good looking and a gentleman. She felt even smaller in her shoes, smaller than before. But hell, that was the natural consequence of not looking where the hell she was going.

"Thank you", she said shyly.

"Of course", the man said, his piercing yellow eyes not leaving hers for a moment. It was like he was not in a hurry to leave anywhere yet, so she ventured that maybe he wanted to talk some more. Perhaps he was attracted to her? No, she had not had a successful relationship in years, there would be no reason for this man to talk to her.

"What's your name?", he asked.

Oh, so perhaps that he did want to talk to her. That was unexpected, but not off putting in the slightest.

"I'm Senator Padmé Amidala", she said, then nearly winced at using her title. The man wasn't a senator, he might feel off put by talking to someone of a higher station than him.

"Well, it's good to meet you, Senator Amidala", Vader replied with a smile that nearly made her weak in her knees. "I'm Anakin Skywalker."

So, he had a name, but no title. Yet here he was in the Senate late at night dressed in some type of uniform that oddly reminded her of what Jedi would wear, except all black. A robe, tunic, and boots. Hell, the gloves on his hands were even black. What a peculiar combination, an oddity, but it made him look dashing in a rough sense at least.

"Well, what do you do at the Senate, Mister Skywalker?", Padmé asked.

"Please, call me Anakin", he said. "As far as what I do here, most people would consider it to being a consultant. Of what topic, I'm really not privileged to say, but it is interesting, Senator."

That was interesting. She had not used a consultant in any capacity in her time at the Senate. There was something a little odd about it, but maybe it was her nerves from embarrassment.

"That does sound interesting, Anakin. Please, call me Padmé", she said.

"Oh, I'm not certain I should be calling a senator by their first name", Vader said in a teasing voice. "They might not let me back through security if I did that."

Padmé chuckled at Anakin's tease. Alright, he had a sense of humor about him. The proverbial boxes were continuing to be checked. But how much of a gentleman was he?

"I do apologize about running into you, I was just on my way to my speeder", Padmé said as she intentionally twirled a lock of hair through her fingertips. Come on, take the bait.

"Well, we don't want you to have any more run ins with strangers now do we. How about I escort you, Milady?", Vader said with a slight bow of his head and another smile.

The next box was checked.

"That would be lovely, but I wouldn't want to put you out", Padmé said with her hand over her heart. Where on earth was this flirtatious behavior coming from? She was normally inept when it came to flirting with men.

"It wouldn't put me out in the slightest, Padmé, in fact it would be my pleasure", Vader replied, his genuine smile remaining on his face.

Okay, this one was a kriffing keeper. That's if she could keep him, which she most certainly wanted to. Damn, if she could just play it off nonchalantly for a few minutes, she might be able to get his comms frequency.

"Well", Padmé said cheerfully. "Why don't we make our way then?"

"Of course", Vader said as he offered her his arm.

Padmé forced down the giddiness she was feeling and reached her hand around his bicep. Her eyes nearly bugled at how solid it was. Whatever this Anakin did to maintain his physical fitness, it most certainly was working.

They strolled down the halls at a leisurely pace and Padmé hoped that it was Anakin's intention to continue a conversation while they did so.

"So, you're a consultant, but you can't say which topic. What if I guessed?", Padmé asked playfully.

"I'd be very surprised", Vader replied as he smiled down at her.

"Let me think a moment", Padmé said slowly. "You're a military consultant." Obviously, that had to be the correct answer. He was too damned built for anything else and she did not figure that he would be the type to give consultations on logistics of running the Empire. Not that she was not opposed to being involved with someone in the military, she was not opposed to being involved with anyone at this point. Besides, a military consultant would be an excellent way for her to learn more about the Empire's military, the operative part of her brain reminded her.

"Of sorts", Vader replied politely. "I can't really say what I do for the military, other than it can be a little challenging."

"I imagine you travel a lot", Padmé said, trying to keep the conversation going.

"A fair amount, but I've been recently told that I'll be spending a lot more time here on Coruscant", Vader said. She could detect a note of sourness to the reply and thought it would be better to change the topic a little bit. Obviously, the man did not want to be strapped to a desk, but they all had to make sacrifices she supposed.

"Well, that could just lead to other opportunities that you might enjoy", Padmé said trying not to appear too eager. If he would be on Coruscant, there would be more opportunities to run into him, possibly even… no, she shouldn't get too far ahead of herself.

"It just might", he said as he looked down at her with a sly smile that made her heartbeat just a little quicker. "What about you, do you have very many opportunities down here?"

Was he asking if she was single? She couldn't help but grin. "Not at the moment, but it looks like there's an opportunity that may have just opened up."

"Maybe for me as well", Vader said. She could feel him slightly flex his bicep which made her knees weak. Seriously, the man knew what he was doing, and it was taking every ounce of her political training to maintain her bearing.

"That's certainly a good thing to hear, Anakin", Padmé said as she shot a look up at him. She noticed how he was carrying himself, like he was a soldier marching across a parade ground, but still fluid at the same time. What an odd combination.

"Why're you working so late? It doesn't seem like the healthiest of things to do", Vader inquired.

Perceptive as hell.

"There's just so many administrative tasks to keep track of Anakin. I can't imagine doing it all in a regular workday. In fact, I'll unfortunately do more once I get home", Padmé said, trying not to sound like a complainer.

"You don't want to do that", Vader said. "You want to take a nice hot bath and enjoy the evening."

"That does sound tempting", Padmé said. What a coincidence that the man had thought of what she had been thinking of not more than a few minutes ago.

It did not take them much longer to reach the speeder pad, which was a disappointment. She wished that her office had been located further from the damned thing as it would have given her more time to speak to this work of art.

As they approached her speeder, she kept willing with her mind that he would just ask for her comms frequency, but she was not sure if he would.

"Is that your speeder right there?", he asked, pointing to a luxurious black speeder.

"It is actually", Padmé replied.

"Corellian, good choice", Vader said.

Once they arrived at her speeder, Vader spoke. "It would be good to keep in touch, don't you agree?", he asked. "Seeing that I'll be here for a while at least, and you're one of the few people that I actually know here."

Padmé flashed him a white toothed smile. "I think that would be a marvelous idea", she said. "Let me see your comms, I'll enter my frequency."

Vader pulled out his device and with one hand she expertly entered her frequency, handing it back to him in record time. "Call me sometime", she said as she flashed him another smile.

"I think I just might", he replied. "Drive safely."

"Thank you", she said as she forced herself to tear her eyes away from the work of art. When she looked back for a brief moment, his form was already retreating back into the building. How odd of hours did he keep? Interesting, but not uncommon for someone that works with the military.

Padmé engaged her speeder and flew back to Five Hundred Republica, eager to indulge in a bath. Would she tell Dormé about this? No, maybe it would be best to wait until this developed even further. She didn't want to appear foolish by babbling about a man if it didn't work out.

Vader was pleased with himself. He didn't detect any subterfuge from this Padmé and she was quite beautiful. Maybe he had gotten lucky in finding potential companionship while he was on this assignment. His flirting had obviously worked, and she seemed quite captivated with him.

He smirked at the thought of how easily he had gotten her comms frequency, but a small voice in his head told him that this woman would be more than a diversion while he was here. No, she would be something more which confounded Vader. He had never been one to develop actual attachments to women he interacted with, but there was something about her that told him to give her more than his usual treatment.

The darkness in him told him that was a foolish idea, but he couldn't get the notion out of his head. Shaking it off, he descended down to the depths of the Senate where his own speeder was parked outside of the military complex within the Senate. He got into it and floored the engine, shooting himself off to his establishments.

Once he arrived at his establishments, he stood just looking at it for a moment. How odd it was to be back after two years. Maybe this would be a good change of pace, maybe not. But one thing was for certain, he would see where this random meeting with this senator form Naboo would go.

Entering through the massive double doors, he was immediately greeted.

"Master Vader! How good of it is to see you again. I wish you would have called over the comms, I would have had a proper meal prepared for you", Threepio said.

"Hello, Threepio. Sorry, this was just a sudden recall, but it looks like I'll be around for a while. I'm not hungry anyway, just a little tired. Are my bedchambers still stocked with bourbon?", Vader asked. The droid was always attentive, he had built him many years ago and it was oddly comforting to be back in his presence.

"Yes, Master Vader. I believe it is a twenty year old Corellian bourbon, just as you prefer", Threepio said.

"Alright, I'm going to turn in for the night. Thank you, Threepio", Vader said. He was strangely polite to the droid, but maybe that was because he really was the only true friend he had. Part of being a gods damned Sith Lord was to maintain distance from relationships, but Threepio was an exception and maybe this Padmé would be one as well.

Instead of using the lift, he decided to jog up the five flights of stairs to his bedchambers, taking every opportunity to work on his endurance as possible.

He quickly stripped out of his clothing, placing his lightsaber and comms on his nightstand and went into the fresher for a quick shower. Turning on the water as hot as possible, he scrubbed himself clean and took a moment to stretch. Damn, he really did need to work on his physical conditioning. Virtually no muscles aside from his neck felt strained.

Shutting off the water, he toweled off and dressed in a thin pair of sleep pants, and poured himself a stiff drink, taking the decanter with him to his nightstand. He flipped back the sheets and quilt and settled in.

Making a snap decision, he decided that he would call this Padmé Amidala. Boldness usually worked out for him well, and he sensed that this woman would be quite surprised and pleased to hear from him so soon. Damn he was good.

Padmé was relaxing in her bath, feeling the jets sooth her muscles. The fresher was thick with steam and she was enjoying the peace and quiet. How strange to have run into an absolutely stunning gentleman this evening. She never stumbled into men like that, especially men that seemed to return her overtures, not that she was usually good with them. Just thinking about him made her blush, but she had to calm herself down. She had given him her comms frequency, but until he called her, she wasn't going to get her hopes up.

Smiling, she shook off the thought. It was better not to think of him right now. She just needed to relax and get ready for another long and arduous day at the Senate.

Suddenly, her comms chirped. Odd, who would be calling her at such an hour?

"This is Amidala", she answered.

"So, you did give me your correct comms frequency", a familiar voice responded.

Oh gods, was this Anakin?

"Anakin?", she asked, feeling flushed all over.

"The only one", Vader replied.

Padmé smiled brightly. He actually had called. He didn't wait for that stupid three day rule either, he called her immediately. Maybe there actually was something here.

"Well, it's certainly nice to hear from you so soon", Padmé said, her cheeks still blushed red.

"I figured when there's an opportunity, it's best to seize it before it disappears", Vader said with a laugh.

"I believe that as well", Padmé said coyly. "In fact, I was just wondering when you would call."

"Really? So, I guess I did make a good first impression", Vader said. Padmé could detect a hint of smugness in his voice that was entirely attractive.

Padmé smiled and bit her lip. "I think you made an amazing first impression. You're quite the gentleman. A strong gentleman."

She heard Vader chuckle good naturedly. "It just comes naturally to me."

"Being a gentleman or being strong?", Padmé breathed.

"Both"

The suddenness of his reply indicated so much fucking confidence it made Padmé feel weak all over. A man with confidence was entirely attractive.

"So, what are you up to this evening, Anakin? Hopefully relaxing after being at the Senate so late, assuming you're no longer there", Padmé inquired.

"I'm actually back at my establishments, enjoying a drink and having a conversation with a gorgeous woman at the moment."

Padmé's mouth dropped at the boldness of the man. She had rarely ever been called gorgeous, so for him to say it to her so charmingly was an incredible turn on.

"Well, I suppose that's a good thing", she replied nervously.

"What about you, Padmé? I'm guessing you're enjoying a steaming hot bath at the moment."

Okay, this conversation was amazing. "I actually am, how perceptive of you", she said softly.

Again, there was a good natured chuckle.

"I'm just lucky at guessing, Padmé. I'm glad you're taking the time to relax; I hope I'm not disturbing you."

Padmé felt so out of her element. Here was this amazingly attractive and kind man being such a damned flirt with her. What was she getting herself into?

"Well, I imagine that you're astute reasoning comes from your work as a consultant", Padmé hazarded.

Again, with the damned chuckle. "I wouldn't say that, although it certainly doesn't hurt. I guess I'm just a natural born mind reader."

"Really? A mind reader? Well, tell me, Anakin. If you're such a good mind reader, what am I thinking of right now?", Padmé asked, feeling a little too bold.

"You're thinking about me. You're intrigued by me, which is a good thing, because I'm intrigued about you."

Padmé nearly dropped the comms in the water as she was so surprised at the man's behavior. He was spot on about what she was thinking, too damned spot on.

"I think you're right about that", she said in a shaky voice.

"Now, now, Padmé, don't get bashful with me. I don't bite much."

"I'm not getting bashful", she replied meekly.

"Oh, yes you are. You're thinking you're getting yourself in over your head, but I can tell you that you mot certainly are not."

"Really? How can you be so sure?", Padmé asked.

"Because I'm going to guide you through it all the way." Okay, that was incredibly attractive and sensual.

"You're so bold", Padmé whispered.

"Bold is good. You like bold men."

It was true, she did like bold men. She just had horrid luck at finding one.

"Maybe I do", she replied. "Maybe I need some boldness in my life." Her heartrate was increasing by the second at the brashness of this man.

"I can give you that and more. I have a question for you, would you like to hear it?"

"Yes", she whispered.

"I heard there's a gala coming up within the week. How about I come as your escort?"

"Oh, and how do you know I already don't have one?", she inquired.

"Just my intuition."

"Well, your intuition is correct. In fact, I would be very gracious if you were to escort me", Padmé said, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. This was like a damned fairy tale, she had met a prince charming that was going to sweep her off her feet.

"I am happy to oblige, Padmé." Damn, his voice sounded so sensual. Like a man that knew how to talk to a girl the right way.

"Then it's a date", Padmé said with a giggle.

"Sounds good. I should probably go now, but maybe I'll run into you at the Senate, maybe not as harshly as our first run in."

"I would like that very much. Maybe…" She stopped herself, she was too nervous.

"Maybe what, Padmé?"

She breathed in for a moment trying to calm herself.

"Maybe we could get together some evening before the gala?", she asked as her voice quivered.

"Now, Padmé, don't be so nervous when asking me out for dinner. I would love to take you out."

Padmé smiled and felt butterflies in her stomach.

"That sounds wonderful", she replied. "Well, I should probably go too. I hope you have a restful evening."

"You too, Padmé."

The connection was cut and Padmé set the comms on the side of her tub before she sunk further into the hot water. She was overwhelmed. This charming man was going to go on a date with her and take her to the gala.

Then a thought popped into her head. He most certainly would be a good fit for her to gather intelligence from. She felt guilty for thinking such a thing, but she still had a job to do. She still had to serve the Rebellion, even before any romantic encounter.

But she didn't want to betray a man that was working to earn her trust either.

Fucking hell.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the beginning to this new story. If you did, please consider dropping a review and following!