"I can't wait for Senator Amidala—I mean, Padme, to get here," said Ahsoka looking happily at Anakin. Anakin had insisted she be with him the next time he called Padme, and Padme had clearly been delighted that Anakin had let her in on the news of their marriage. "Now, you have to call me 'Padme,'" Padme had said smiling warmly at Ahsoka. "We've always been family, but now it feels a little more real. No more 'Senator Amidala' when we're in private, okay Ahsoka?"

Anakin put the comm away, still grinning from their call with Padme. "Me too, " he said beaming at Ahsoka. "I think I'll still be knocked out from the arm surgery when she gets here, but maybe I'll be awake by the time she gets through her meetings with the Duchess."

Ahsoka nodded thoughtfully, her leg bouncing. She secretly couldn't wait to see Anakin and Padme together, see if she could spot any signs she had missed. "Well, if you're going to be in surgery anyway, maybe me and Master Obi-Wan can go meet her at the platform when she lands, with the Duchess."

"It's a good thought," said Obi-Wan slowly from the window. "But as much as I'd like to see Senator Amidala, perhaps it's best that I stay around for Anakin's surgery. Just as a precaution, if he needs me."

Anakin rolled his eyes. "Obi-Wan's just afraid of his girlfriend. He doesn't want to run into Satine."

Ahsoka whirled toward Obi-Wan with wide eyes, jaw half-open, as if she'd just heard that Obi-Wan was sprouting a new eyeball. "Obi-Wan is married too?!"

"No! No, of course not!" said Obi-Wan flustered as he whipped back from the window, glaring at Anakin who was howling with laughter from the bed. "We—we're just very old friends, is all. We went on some missions together when we were young. I was still just a padawan myself. Anakin," he said frowning, "Just enjoys his exaggerations." He stomped over to the bed, where Anakin was wincing slightly. "Serves you right," Obi-Wan grumbled as he pushed Anakin back down on the blankets and rearranged the pillows. "Your ribs are still healing, you know."

Ahsoka glanced suspiciously at Anakin as he tried to wave Obi-Wan off. "Hmm. Okay." She smiled sweetly at Obi-Wan. "Well, I guess we can go together then. If Anakin doesn't need you?"

"I don't think I do," said Anakin looking at the ceiling, lips barely suppressing a smile. "Say hello to Padme for me please, Obi-Wan. And the Duchess."

"With pleasure," said Obi-Wan darkly.

A small knock on the door interrupted their conversation. A tall man with dark hair stepped into the room, eyes locked onto a datapad. "Hello," he said without looking up. "My name is Dr. Araguv Bala. I'll be performing the surgery on Master Skywalker this afternoon. I just wanted to come check on the patient. How are you feeling, Master Skywalker?"

"Fine," said Anakin shrugging. "Ready to get an arm back."

"I thought Dr. Brobuu was going to be performing the surgery," said Obi-Wan turning to Dr. Bala.

Dr. Bala shook his head. "I'm afraid Dr. Brobuu is feeling quite ill today. However, I assure you that Knight Skywalker will be in perfectly capable hands. Of course, if you'd prefer to wait for Dr. Brobuu, I'm sure we could reschedule the surgery in a few days—"

"No, no," said Anakin hastily, waving his hand. "I'm ready to do it today."

"Though we send our best wishes to Dr. Brobuu for a quick recovery, of course," said Obi-Wan examining the doctor.

Dr. Bala nodded and made a few notes on his datapad. "Of course. Very well then. I will see you in about half an hour for prep, Master Skywalker. Master Kenobi, Padawan Tano," he said nodding to Obi-Wan and Ahsoka before turning out of the room.

"Well," said Ahsoka cheerfully. "Looks like it's time to get going." She leaned over Anakin to give him a careful hug. "We'll see you in a few hours, Master."

"Indeed," said Obi-Wan squeezing his shoulder. "I will pass along your greetings to Senator Amidala."

"And to Duchess Satine."

"Of course."

This was going to be a good trip.

Padme carefully folded her hands in front of her, preparing the politician's face she always wore when disembarking on diplomatic missions. Though it was more out of habit for this trip. Satine was a dear friend, and Padme couldn't wait to see her. She worried about the other woman, carrying the weight of such a troubled planet on her shoulders, with often so few allies at her disposal. Satine had apologized profusely for the short notice on the trip when she had called Padme, but Padme was genuinely pleased that the other woman had reached out to her. She was thrilled to help.

And if she happened to run into a few other guests while she was here? All the better. While Padme had faith in Obi-Wan's ability to fuss over her husband, she did prefer to do the fussing herself when the rare opportunity was presented.

Besides, she had to admit that she was quite curious about whatever had transpired between Obi-Wan and Anakin during their misadventure. Anakin had seemed so lost, so unhappy when they'd left but to embrace Obi-Wan again to the point of opening up to him about Tatooine? Their marriage? This was something she had to weasel out of Anakin.

Padme was pulled from her thoughts as the ramp of her ship descended. As she strode down the ramp, handmaidens at her side, she saw Satine standing proud and elegant as ever amongst her attendants. She couldn't hide the small smile that danced on her lips as she spotted Obi-Wan striding out of the palace some yards behind Satine's party, Ahsoka walking energetically by his side.

Pretending not to see the Jedi for the moment, Padme walked before Satine, who dipped her head slightly as Padme approached. "Senator Amidala," she said calmly. "How good to see you."

"Duchess," said Padme politely nodding back. "I believe the pleasure is mine." She paused for only a second before her face broke out in a grin and she reached out to embrace her friend. "Satine," she said laughing as the Satine returned the smile, "It's been far too long."

"Indeed, it has," said Satine warmly, bending slightly to hug Padme. "I cannot tell you how glad I am to see you."

"I'm happy to help," said Padme breaking the hug. "And it looks like you have some other guests with you today as well," she said turning to Obi-Wan and Ahsoka.

"Senator Amidala," said Obi-Wan bowing.

"Senator Amidala!" said Ahsoka as she bowed quickly before tackling Padme with her own hug, which Padme happily returned. "It's good to see you again."

"I've missed you too, Ahsoka," laughed Padme. "We'll have to catch up at some point, okay?"

Obi-Wan coughed discretely behind Ahsoka, causing the padawan to immediately turn to Satine. "Oh! Duchess!" she said bowing deeply. "It's good to see you too. I haven't had a chance to say thank you for everything you've done for my Master."

"No thanks required, young one," said Satine placing a hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. "I hear very good things about you from my nephew, Padawan Tano. I'm honored to host you." She reached out to Padme, grasping her hand. "It's such a relief, after all, to have two wise women amongst such fools," she whispered loudly enough for Obi-Wan to hear. Ahsoka giggled, and Padme glanced bemused between Obi-Wan, who was looking quite determinedly at the sky, and Satine. Something else to ask Anakin about then.

"Well," said Satine gesturing to the palace, "Will you join me then, Padme?"

"Of course," said Padme waving to Ahsoka and Obi-Wan. "We'll talk later. Perhaps I could come visit Master Skywalker as well?"

"Certainly," said Obi-Wan glancing warily between her and Satine. "You know where to find us."

Padme nodded and set off with Satine, the two exchanging idle news on the Senate and Republic. They arrived at Satine's study, Satine's attendants pouring tea and arranging a plate before leaving the two women to their discussion.

"So," said Padme, taking a sip of tea from her cup, "How are you Satine? I know you weren't able to tell me much on the comm, but it sounds like you're tackling a lot."

Satine sighed, stirring her tea absentmindedly. "Truthfully, Padme, I feel at a loss. I know I still have good servants in my government, but I've had so many disappoint me, betray me. Even those I feel I should trust, I'm not sure I can." She scoffed. "I trust you far more than many of my advisers and we're not even from the same planet."

Padme hummed in agreement. "I know the feeling. This war—it's made us question everything, even our friends." She shook her head. "And it sounds like you'll need them. Any leads on the food shortage?"

Satine frowned. "Not quite. I've checked the shipment records, and it seems like our imports are arriving to Mandalore, but the food suppliers say they haven't received anything in weeks. Our local suppliers insist that they are still sending food out the markets, but the markets haven't received anything." She let out a frustrated huff. "It's like it's all just… disappearing."

"And the people?" asked Padme, setting her cup down.

"Reports of discontent are spreading," said Satine looking out the window. "Many are blaming me and my decision to keep Mandalore neutral, saying it's affecting our trade partners. But the supplies are arriving to the planet. And it doesn't explain why the local shipments are disappearing." She paused for a moment. "The local ones were the first to disappear, actually."

"Sounds like it is someone within your government then." Padme bit her lip. "They stand the most to gain, don't they? If the people are starving, then they blame you. If they blame you…"

"Then my power is ripe for the taking," finished Satine wearily. "Of course. I was loathe to think it was someone near me, but it's the most likely explanation." She shook her head. "But you are right, of course. I must concentrate my efforts on my own administration."

"It's alright, Satine," said Padme taking the other woman's hand. "Whatever the outcome of this investiagion, you still have many friends."

Satine's lips quirked. "I don't think I'd say 'many,' Padme," she said squeezing her hand. "But the few I have are high in quality."

"Well, you do have excellent taste then, my lady," said Padme smiling. "Now, let's think. It's unlikely that they're destroying the food they're taking. If the goal is to damage your popularity, it would make sense for them to wait until you're unseated and then bring back the supplies. They'd be heroes."

"Hmm," mused Satine, "Then they'd have to have access to some fairly extensive storage. And they'd need enough clearance to be able to access so much information about the shipments."

"Any names come to mind?" prompted Padme.

"A few," said Satine slowly, thinking. "Although one stands out to me most. Pre Vizsla. He's one of my governors. He's always professed his loyalty to me, and I've never quite had reason to doubt him, but he comes from a family that has always fought to return to some of Mandalore's old ways. I can't imagine my pacifist stances have ever sat completely well with him." She tapped her finger against the table. "He's always been quite entrepenerial… he'd certainly have the warehouse space to hide away the supplies. And as a governor he'd have ample access to the shipping records."

"Might be a good place to start then," said Padme. "You could send a team out to one of his warehouses."

"No," said Satine rising and starting to pace thoughtfully. "No, I think I might undertake this myself. Discretely. Vizsla's a powerful man, and if he is indeed behind this, there is no telling how far his influence reaches."

"I could go with you," said Padme instantly. "Or, better yet, you can take Obi-Wan or Ahsoka. It would be good to have a Jedi's help on covert mission."

"Oh. Yes." muttered Satine, without looking at Padme.

Padme examined her friend suspiciously, recalling their interactions on the landing platform. "Unless… you have a quarrel with them? With, Obi-Wan, perhaps?"

Padme fought to keep herself from laughing at her dignified friend's very undignified snort. "I have had a quarrel with Obi-Wan since the beginning of time," said Satine rolling her eyes. "I am a pacifist and he's a Jedi, a general. An extremely stubborn one, at that."

"I think it just might be shared trait of that Order," laughed Padme. "But he's a good friend, isn't he? I'm sure he'd be more than happy to help."

"I don't doubt that he'd be willing to help," said Satine sitting down again. "It's just—it's complicated, is all."

Padme eyed her friend, debating. She did remember Anakin mentioning, with quite a bit of glee, that Obi-Wan and Satine had something of romantic past, though she had attributed her husband's gossip more to his desire to pester Obi-Wan than any real truth. But seeing Satine like this? Perhaps there was more to Anakin's fantasies than she thought. And if so, then this just might be the right time to share.

"Satine," she said slowly, "I'm no stranger to complicated. Trust me."

Satine raised an eyebrow at her friend. "I can just imagine the trail of broken hearts you've left behind, my dear."

Padme laughed. "Not quite. I have a firm grasp on only one heart now."

Satine started at Padme. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," said Padme taking a breath, "That I'm married."

"Married—"

"To a Jedi," said Padme calmly.

"To a Jedi—oh I see. It must be Knight Skywalker then," said Satine as the pieces clicked together. "You always did seem to gush about him."

"Wh-I do not gush," argued Padme, heat spreading to her face.

"It's hard to spot, but by your careful standards, it was gushing," said Satine, bemused. "Hmm. I can see that I was only the secondary attraction on this visit then."

"Oh hush," said Padme swatting Satine's arm as the Duchess laughed. "You know I would've come for you anyway."

"I'm sure your dear blue-eyed Jedi sweetened the deal regardless," said Satine, eyes twinkling. "But Padme. How—how do you possibly make that work? Isn't it forbidden to him? And to you—a conflict of duty?"

Padme sighed. "It's—it's not easy," she said looking down at her hands. "Not by any stretch of the imagination. But I don't believe we're throwing our lives away for the sake of love. We've talked of a future together, after the war is over and we can reevaluate our commitments to ourselves, our duties. But we love each other. There's no denying it. And I truly believe," said Padme looking at Satine, "That our love makes us stronger. Especially in these times of war and suffering, where it feels so hard to find our humanity. Anakin grounds me, treats like Padme, not just Senator Amidala. We don't agree sometimes-a lot of times, actually- but it's good that we challenge each other. I would marry him again, despite everything. I would marry him a thousand times over."

Satine nodded, absorbing what her friend had said. "And he doesn't feel he's betraying the Order?"

"Anakin's relationship with the Order is…complicated," said Padme shaking her head. "He feels that there should be a greater place for love among the Jedi, that some of their tenents are outdated. Anakin joined the Order much later than most Jedi. There's always been some conflict between him and the rest of them."

"Complicated, indeed," said Satine thoughtfully. "I won't pretend to understand the Jedi. Not completely."

"Neither would I," said Padme smiling ruefully. "I have a great deal of respect for the Jedi, and I think I always will. Though I won't hesitate to say that I'd be quite thrilled to see some changes made."

"Indeed," said Satine softly.

The two women sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. After a long moment, Padme broke the silence. "Satine," Padme said gently, "I won't pretend to know what the future has in store for Anakin and I. What this marriage will look like in time. But in this moment, I feel clearly. Anakin and I have put all of our cards on the table. We've said what we wanted, and we committed to it. Whatever happens in the future, we've at least been open with each other, about us, about how we feel. And that is not something I regret."

"I see," said Satine, reaching out to grasp Padme's hand again. "Then perhaps it's time I had a conversation with my own Jedi."

Padme smiled at her, pulling the Duchess in for a hug. "They're wonderful people, but a bit oblivious when it comes to emotions. There are some things the Jedi prepare you for, and some they don't. That's why we're here to tug them in the right directions."

"Of course," said Satine laughing. "We each run planets, how much more difficult could a Jedi be?"

"Nothing we can't handle," said Padme looking knowingly at her friend.

"Well," said Satine rising to ring a bell. "Looks like I have a mission to complete, then. Zeria," she said as her attendants walked in. "Would you fetch Master Kenobi for me? Please tell him I have a matter of state that I could use his help with."

"Of course, Duchess," Zeria bowing to Satine. She turned to a young woman that had walked in with her who was standing motionless by the wall. "Nasia," she whispered, "Why don't you go ask Senator Amidala if she'd like any more refreshments, hmm?"

"Oh!" said Nasia. "Y-Yes. Of course. Sorry, Senator Amidala."

"Sorry about that, Duchess," said Zeria shaking her head as Nasia hurried out of the room. "One of the girls fell sick today and she's a last-minute replacement. Still getting the hang of things."

"Not to worry," said Satine waving Zeria's apology aside. "I'm sure you will handle everything."

"Of course, Duchess," said Zeria bowing. "I'll go fetch Master Kenobi now."

Padme stood up, smoothing her dress. "I suppose I'll be off now too. There's someone in the medical wing I think I'd like to visit," she said smiling at Satine. "You will let me know if you need anything, right? Will you keep me updated?"

"Of course," said Satine, "I'll comm you every hour to check in. Go on, enjoy your visit."

Padme squeezed her arm again before leaving. As she walked out of the room, Satine called to her again.

"And Padme? Thank you. For everything, my friend."

Thank god padme is actually perfect. Thank you all for reading and for your lovely comments 3 3