"As you can see this proposal will create a fair commerce treaty between the Naboo system and the Trade Federation," I said to Lot Dod's hologram. "We can put all of that bad blood behind us and can make peace."
"But what you are proposing is madness. We could only trade with planets that stayed with the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars. That could cut our income in half!"
"You willing dealt with Sith Lords during the entire Clone Wars. You must face the consequences," I said matter of factly.
"So did your husband, and he got off scot-free with the senate!"
I clenched my fist under my desk and took a deep breath. "Anakin fought for the Republic during the Clone Wars, and then got seduced by the Dark Side of the force because of false promises. You did what you did for money and power. A just Senate has found you guilty and has ordered you to make restitution. I am suggesting that part of that restitution is that your trade exchanges be managed and be under loyalist control until you have been proven worthy and that is what I am suggesting to the Senate. Good bye!" I shut off the link before he could respond.
I slumped back into my chair and rubbed my temples. How did a trade agreement between the Naboo and the Trade Federation, turn into a discussion about the morality of Darth Vader? My hands slid down to my stomach, and I began to caress my belly. Was this something my children would have to deal with? Anakin and I already discussed having them being tested at the temple as Jedi since Luke had already been a strong knight for one so young and Leia had so much potential. Would they face this everywhere they go as the children of a Sith Lord?
My comlink beeped. "Amidala," I said, picking it up.
"Where are you?" asked Ahsoka.
"Fighting with Sepratist over money. Where are you?"
"I am at your house, with your mom and your sisters, getting ready to show the cutest baby shower and no mom to be found!"
I looked at the chronometer and it said that 15:50. I was going to be late to my own shower!
"I am so sorry Ahsoka. I got caught up at work. I will be there in twenty minutes, okay?"
"Speed!"
"Okay," I said, and hung up. I grabbed my jacket off the back of the chair and rushed out of the room.
I pulled into Anakin and my apartment at 16:11, and I rushed inside. In the sitting areas was everybody talking and mingling together.
C3-Q9 was walking around with a drink tray in his hand and he saw me first. Slowly, he came up to me by the door, and he put the tray down.
"Oh, mistress Padme, we are so glad you are here. Let me take your jacket."
"Thank you, C3," I said sliding off my jacket. He hung it up in the coat closet.
"And sign the guest book," he said, gesturing to a small table where a little blue diary that had "Padme's Baby Shower" across the top in cursive.
"Okay," I said, and I signed it. I looked at the table it was on. It was a simple round table with a purple tablecloth on it. There was a bunch of presents stacked on it, but what I loved was a framed picture of my latest ultrasound that I took last week.
"Everyone," he said in his loudest voice. "The guest of honor is here!"
The girls cheered and clapped. I saw Ahsoka, my mom, and Sola make their way across the room to me.
"Finally," said Ahsoka getting to me first. "I didn't know what to do, so we went ahead and started eating."
"That's fine," I said laughing. "Sorry the Trade Federation was getting away with murder and-"
"You were the only brave soul who could stop them?" asked Sola. "You know when you work during your baby shower, it's a cry for help sis." She gave me a hug.
"It's not a cry for help. I forgot to set a timer."
"Thank god for Anakin," said my mom giving me a hug, "or you would not be working 24/7 and woulnd't be having grandkids."
"You know," I said, "if I am going to be subject to this kind of mockery or abuse the whole time, I am going back to the office." I turned to leave.
"No! We will be good," said Sola grabbing my hand. "Come on, lets have some fun," she said and lead me to the couch. "Ahsoka's worked hard."
Ahsoka had worked hard, and the place looked great. We had purple and green balloons everywhere, which were going to be the colors of Ashla and Jinn's rooms. There was a sign above the door, walking into the living room that said "TWICE BLESSED". On the left side when facing out toward the skylight there was a stack of gorgeous wrapped presents, and on the right wall there was a buffet of food. Both folded out tables are covered with a lime green tablecloth, and have purple plate and cutlery. Hanging down from the ceilings were different solar system mobiles.
"All right," said Ahsoka, "let's eat. Mommy first."
I grabbed a plate and looked at all of the incredible food that they gathered. There was no way I could possibly get all of this, but I would eat a little bit. I had to have some fruit, and vegetable tray looked good. I grabbed a tongeful of Shili salad and two mini sandwiches.
"Where is the cake from?" I asked.
"That is Sic six layer cake I got it from Dex's Diner," said my mom.
I sliced a tiny piece, and went to sit on the couch. The food was good. The cake was delicious, and I decided that I was definitely going to have to take Anakin there for a slice.
"So Padme," said Depa coming to sit down beside me, "How are you? I feel like I am always talking to Anakin."
"Yeah. Well. I am trying to do my part and make sure that we keep the Sith out of the Senate and the I end up always working." I confessed. "Balance is not my strong suit. I have to have people around me so I do not get tunnel vision."
"Don't be too hard on yourself. You sound very self aware to me. Do you think you can handle the Senate and motherhood?"
"Well I have two months and then I have six weeks maternity leave to figure out a plan," I said laughing.
"Hey," said Breha, "between your mom, Shmi, Ahsoka, and me, you will never run out of babysitters."
Suddenly, Ahsoka stood up. "Okay, I know everyone is still eating, but shall we do presents?"
Everyone gathered around as I did the presents. I got some essentials like diapers, clothing, blankets, infant bathtub, strolers, speeder seats, nursing pillow, and baby monitors. I also got some interesting gifts like two mobiles for the cribs from Motee, a gift card to one of my favorite restaurants from Sola and my favorite gift a baby journal that talks about how the babies grow and develops from my mom. Sola wrote down everything that I got so that I could write thank you cards, and Ahsoka took pictures throughout the entire event.
When I got done with the whole thing, there were tears in my eyes.
"Honey," said my mom, "what's wrong?"
"All her presents are gone," teased Sola.
"Anakin," I choked out. "Palpatine."
"Oh Padme," said Depa. "Anakin will not fall. You must have faith."
Shmi grabbed my hand. "I'm am scared too, she said. "But I know my son. He loves you more than anything. He will not leave you."
I smiled. "I am sorry. Thank you for all of the presents."
"Let's play a game!" decided Ahsoka.