Chapter Six

A/N: We're about to start interweaving with some Clone Wars episodes!

"Those protestors are getting worse every day," growled Councilman Gan. "We're going to have an uprising if we're not careful."

"Ever since those damned Jedi crashed here, the people have become mad," added Cathal, his eyes cutting toward Vespera. "Or perhaps our queen is."

Vespera lifted her chin. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," spat Cathal. "You let those Jedi remain here too long."

"That was over a month ago," Vespera dismissed, "and our people were already trying to make their voices heard before the Jedi crashed here. I fail to see how doing our duty to help the Republic makes me mad."

"Silence," snapped Callan as Cathal opened his mouth to retort, "I want to know our next step. People are rising up in support of the Separatists, while others want more voting rights. How do we keep this contained?"

"We give the people what they want," said Jiang.

"We can't do that," sneered Gan, "the people are idiots. They don't know—"

"They're not idiots, we have one of the best education systems—"

"If we give the people what they want, then we'll soon be one of them."

"Gentlemen," Vespera called. They ignored her. With a huff, Vespera pressed her knuckles into the table and stood. Her council continued to bicker, so she simply glared at them until they noticed her. "Need I remind you that we have a treaty with the Republic? To even entertain what a small group of radical Separatists wants is a breach of said treaty. However, we can grant the people more voting rights—"

"Just so that they can vote to break this treaty?" demanded Cathal.

"The people don't know what's best for them," said Torin.

"We can't even agree on what the best move is," said Soren, slapping a hand on the table. "Count Dooku offered us a great deal—"

"That we mustn't even consider," snapped Vespera.

Deion sighed. "Your majesty, I agree with you, but the people are rising—"

"Because the Republic has breached our treaty!" cried Cathal.

"Advisor Cathal, need I remind you that they were here requesting permission, and it was your son who breached the treaty?" Vespera said coldly.

If he could foam at the mouth, Cathal probably would.

"Might I suggest," said Callan, seated at the head of the table to Vespera's right, "that we appease the people in some small manner? They do not know of Valerius's crime. All they know is that a Republic ship appeared and was shot down by someone on Azyrion. To the people, the Republic does appear to be the enemy."

Vespera pursed her lips and sank into her chair. She clenched her fists under the table. As much as she hated to admit it, Callan was right. The people had no idea what happened a month ago. To them, it seemed that the Republic breached the treaty, and Azyrion shot them down for it. To the innocent civilians of Azyrion, the Republic cared very little about Azyrion's boundaries, and the Separatists seemed like diplomatic negotiators. Truth be told, Vespera knew very little about the Separatists and their goals—since Azyrion had treaties with the Republic, there seemed to be no need to heed the Separatists any attention—and if she knew very little, she doubted the civilians of Azyrion knew much more.

"I suggest we do as the queen advises," said Jiang, smirking. "We educate the people more on this matter."

"Educate them how, exactly?" Vespera demanded.

"Oh, you needn't worry your pretty little head about it. I'll pick out educators to make sure the people understand our stance on the Republic," said Jiang.

Vespera narrowed her eyes. "I have a right to know. I may be a woman, but let's not forget who in this room has Stellavis blood running through their veins."

"And it was a Stellavis who created this council to help guide you," Callan dismissed. "Jiang shall handle the education matter from here. This meeting is adjourned."

Vespera felt winded as the council stood from the table and left the room. Callan stood and fiddled with his wedding band.

"Why do you insist on resisting our every decision? We know what's best for Azyrion and this system."

Vespera clenched her jaw. Tears blurred her vision, but she blinked them back. "And you think I don't?"

"Vespera, your own father believed you couldn't handle this on your own. It's time for you to face the facts. Azyrion isn't a monarchy; it's an oligarchy, because your father believed you couldn't rule. This is why we need to have a child."

Vespera smoothed over a sneer as she lifted her chin at her husband. "Don't act like your desire for an heir is solely to help me reclaim my power as queen."

"I won't ever pretend that, my dear," said Callan, his own lip curling. "But the only way for us to not have to be controlled by this council is if you produce an heir."

Vespera looked at her hands, holding back tears. I have an heir. "And what kind of education will this council be promoting? No doubt in favor of the Separatists. You invited Count Dooku here, and now our council is divided, and we are on the brink of falling into a war."

"I did not invite Dooku here," snapped Callan. "Cathal did."

"It seems treachery is a blood-related thing."

Callan snorted. "Cathal is stirring the people. He's got allies helping promote Separatist propaganda."

"Then why don't we stop him?" Vespera said, standing.

"Because I'm waiting to see how many traitors are here in our very court. The best way we can get rid of our council is by conceiving an heir."

Vespera pursed her lips for a moment. "Unless you don't truly want to get rid of this council. You're hiding something, Callan. I know it."

Callan inched closer; his lip curled like a wild animal's. "Careful, Vespera. You wouldn't want to accuse the king and head of your council of treachery. It might cost you your life."

He swept out of the room, and Vespera let out a stuttering breath. She took a moment to collect herself, and then stepped away from the table.

A sharp, burning pain jolted through her body. Vespera cried out and dropped to her knees, and her hands shook as she steadied herself. It felt as if she'd been electrocuted. But just as quickly as it seared through her, it vanished.

Sneaking away to Coruscant did not prove difficult. While Callan and the council worked to "educate" Azyrion's people, Vespera slipped into her cruiser and jumped to hyperspace with a message for her husband that she intended to meet with Duchess Satine Kryze on behalf of Azyrion's treaty with Mandalore. Instead, she ventured to Coruscant and trekked to Senator Amidala's office as soon as she landed.

"Queen Vespera," greeted Senator Amidala, smiling a little nervously. "It's good to see you. I have to say that when I got your transmission that you wanted to meet in person, I was a little shocked."

"I didn't feel comfortable talking about this matter over a transmission that could be traced or tapped into," admitted Vespera, stopping before the crescent-shaped desk. The cityscape in the background knotted Vespera's stomach. She had not laid eyes on this view in ten years. In the evening, the skyline glowed in brilliant pinks while the city lights cast blues and violets into the atmosphere. Now, a light blue painted the sky while pearlescent clouds dotted it. A stream of cruisers striped the background behind Senator Amidala's ornately decorated head.

"What did you want to discuss?" Amidala moved aside datapads to clear her desk—or at least tidy it—and sat down, gesturing for Vespera to follow suit.

Vespera drew in a shaky breath as she sat across from Amidala. "Azyrion received a visit from Count Dooku recently."

Amidala's eyebrows curved upward and her mouth fell open. "Dooku? What was he doing there? Is Azyrion—"

"No, not yet," Vespera said quickly. "But I suspect that there are those on my council who wish Azyrion would join the Separatists, and are conspiring to accomplish this goal."

Amidala drew back. "If what you say is true, then the Republic will have to intervene. I thought you didn't want that?"

"I don't."

"Then why come to me?"

"I know about how the Trade Federation tried to start a war on Naboo, and how you helped stop it." Vespera leaned forward. "Please, Senator Amidala. A Republic invasion of Azyrion is not something I want to happen to my people. There aren't many I can trust on Azyrion, and there are even fewer I trust in the Senate. For some reason, I feel inclined to trust you. I want to exhaust every option before allowing a Republic invasion."

The corner of Amidala's mouth downturned. "What's your plan?"

Vespera sighed. "I'm not sure I can trust you with every detail, but I have a plan and people I trust to help me weaken the council's authority. While I am not new to politics, I feel I am bit more naïve. I'd like your help."

Amidala folded her hands on the desk. "I don't know how much I can help you without knowing more, your highness."

Vespera bit her lip. "Does Obi-Wan trust you?"

Amidala blinked. "I can't speak for Obi-Wan, but I think so. We're friends."

Vespera trembled. Reaching out in the Force, Vespera encountered a bright warmth from Padme. This is a friend. Leaning forward, Vespera said, "What I am about to tell you must stay between us. My life depends on it."

Amidala's eyes widened, but indicated for Vespera to continue with the slightest incline of her head.

Vespera gripped the desk. "Dissolving the monarchy—well, oligarchy—is the best way to weaken my council. I need to educate my people on democracies, and I need to know the best way to dissolve the monarchy that will dismantle my council, too."

Senator Amidala parted her lips. "If you dissolve the monarchy then you won't be in power anymore."

"I know."

Amidala seemed to soften. "Do you have any contracts with your council, or your husband?"

Before Vespera could reply, someone burst into the room. The person looked sort of like Twi'lek, though with a more billed face and flatter lekku. Or ears.

"Senator Padme! There is muy muy bad things a-happenin' on Naboo!" The creature flailed its arms. Vespera narrowed her eyes. A Nubian local… This creature was a Gungan.

Amidala looked to Vespera, before returning her gaze to the Gungan. "Jar Jar, what's going on?"

"Theysa been trying to call yousa!"

"What?" Amidala looked at her comlink, which blinked rapidly. She answered the call. "Captain Typho, what is it?"

The blue holographic image of a man in Nubian gear flickered in the palm of Amidala's hand. "We've spotted Separatist droids in the grasslands. It looks like a scout team."

Amidala's face drained of color. "Are you sure?"

"We're positive. The queen requests that you send Jedi to investigate."

Amidala frowned. "The Jedi have their own problems. I'm going to come and investigate myself. If it's something we can handle on our own, let's try that before we exhaust any Jedi."

"Senator—"

But Amidala ended the call, looked at the Gungan—Jar Jar—and sighed before turning to Vespera. "Queen Vespera, I'm sorry, but this is urgent."

Vespera stood, despite her heart crumpling in her chest. Getting Amidala's help would prove the best way possible of taking down her council, but it seemed Naboo needed their senator more. "Of course."

Senator Amidala paused. "I'm sorry we weren't able to talk for longer."

"As am I," Vespera smoothed out her skirt, and then froze. "Senator Amidala?"

Amidala lifted her eyebrows. "Yes?"

"Do you think I could join you? I know this is Naboo's business, but I'm afraid that Azyrion is—I am—quite sheltered when it comes to issues happening outside of Azyrion. I want to see what the Separatists are capable of firsthand."

Amidala's brow creased. "We don't know what the situation on Naboo entails, exactly…"

"I understand," Vespera replied, her cheeks warming, "I'm sorry if I intruded."

"No, I actually think it's a good idea. If you could have evidence of the Separatists' tyranny, it could convince your council to not make a deal with them." Amidala brightened. "Very well, Queen Vespera. You may come with me and Jar Jar."

The Gungan regarded Vespera brightly. "Yousa will see the clankas muy bad."

Vespera dipped her head to Jar Jar, while Amidala ushered them out of the office and into a hangar, where they boarded a Nubian ship. While in hyperspace, Vespera sensed Amidala's anxiety.

"Are you alright?"

Amidala rubbed her forehead. "I'm not sure. You said you know about how the Trade Federation tried to start a war on Naboo?"

"Admittedly, that's all I know about it."

"Well, they invaded. I was queen back then—and I was terrified that I would lose Naboo. This… I just hope this isn't another invasion."

Vespera picked at her fingernails. "Do the Separatists do this often? Occupy peaceful worlds?"

"And worse," said Amidala darkly. "Your planet can't secede and join them. I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to force you."

Vespera's chest tightened. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

When they arrived at the Nubian palace in Theed, Senator Amidala nearly jumped from her seat at the captain's chair. The loading ramp barely touched the ground before Amidala sprinted down it.

"We came as soon as we could, my lady!" Amidala said, followed closely by Jar Jar. The droid, C-3PO, waited for Vespera to follow the Gungan. She clasped her hands in front of her, feeling out of place at once. Queen Neeyutnee and Captain Typho eyed Vespera before returning their attention to Amidala when she asked, "Have you found anymore droids?"

"Only the three," said Queen Neeyutnee. "But you can be sure they aren't tourists. I need you to convince the Senate or the Jedi Council or whoever's in charge of this terrible war that we are threatened."

The queen wore ceremonial makeup native to Naboo, but her youth still shined through the white and red paint. She seemed tiny next to Captain Typho, who squared his shoulders beside her.

Amidala bowed her head. "They'll need more proof. Finding a couple of battle droids will not be enough."

Captain Typho's comlink beeped. He held his wrist up closer to his chin.

"Captain Typho! The battle droid is ready for analysis."

Typho lifted his head, meeting Amidala's gaze with his good eye. He lowered his wrist and looked at Vespera, who tensed under the captain's and queen's stares.

"Apologies, madam, but we weren't expecting… guests," said Queen Neeyutnee.

"Before we go any further, we need to know who you are," said Typho coolly.

"I am Queen Vespera of Azyrion," said Vespera, lifting her chin.

"She's a friend," said Amidala, lifting her hands. "We should hurry."

"Agreed," said Queen Neeyutnee.

Vespera followed Amidala, Typho, the queen, and Jar Jar through the corridors until they arrived in what looked like a medbay.

As the doors slid open, Amidala queried, "Have you been able to retrieve any information?"

"Unfortunately, the Naboo security who discovered them prefer to shoot first and retrieve data later." Queen Neeyutnee circled a table, upon which rested a rusty-looking droid. Vespera held her breath—she'd never seen a Separatist droid before. Jar Jar joined Neeyutnee, while Vespera stuck with Amidala on the other side of the table.

Amidala sighed. "If they were found in the grasslands, where'd they pick up all this mud?"

The Separatist droid's feet were indeed caked with dried mud. Jar Jar lifted his billed face into the air and sniffed, turning away from the droid, heading instead to another table with the body of another droid on it. Vespera's brow pinched, but Typho's voice brought her attention back to the current droid.

"Add that to our very long list of questions."

"Oh, yum-yummy!" said Jar Jar, dancing off. Even Queen Neeyutnee turned her attention toward the Gungan for a moment, an apprehension writ on her brow. The medical droid whirred a saw and cut into the Separatist droid's visor-shaped head. Sparks flew, but Vespera and Amidala inched closer.

"I'm getting a bad feeling about this," said C-3PO softly. "With you permission, Senator Padme, I would like to shut down before I get sensory overload."

"Permission denied."

"Denied?"

"Threepio, you may be able to get some information out of him." Amidala gestured to the droid, who sat up quite suddenly. Vespera drew back from the table, her eyes wide.

"Cannot see. Where am I?" The droid's metallic voice came out in a staccato rhythm as it jerked its head from side to side.

"You are in very good hands on board a Separatist ship. Count Dooku himself intends to reward you for your bravery," Threepio said as Amidala whispered something to him.

"Bravery?" The Separatist's surprised tone knotted Vespera's stomach. How in the universe would this work?

"For your assignment on Naboo. Do try to activate what's left of your memory. We all want to hear your tale of medical heroics."

The droid's speech warbled for a moment. Vespera bit her lip. Perhaps the droid was too damaged—

"Virus."

Queen Neeyutnee and Typho raised their brows. Amidala nodded in encouragement to Threepio.

"Yes, the virus. You do remember. Please continue."

In the distance, Jar Jar cried out, but no one heeded him any mind. Vespera sensed that this was often the case with the Gungan.

"A small amount leaked out. Must contain. Naboo cannot know. Lab must remain secret."

"A secret lab on Naboo? Where? You must—" Amidala covered Threepio's mouth.

"It is a secret. This is no Separatist ship." The droid's head continued jerking around.

Typho drew a blaster and pointed it at the droid. "Unless you want to become a box of spare parts, you'll tell us where that lab is!"

A bang sounded, and the shelves in front of the table slammed against one another, crashing toward the droid.

"Look out!" Amidala cried, grabbing Neeyutnee and diving to the floor. Vespera scrambled back with Typho as the shelves crashed upon the Separatist droid and crushed it.

Typho crouched beside the remains of the droid. Electrical wires sizzled in the exposed parts of its head. "We'll never get any information out of it now."

Everyone turned their gazes to Jar Jar, who tugged an astromech head off his own. "Meesa sorry. It was only an accident."

A bright blue bug fell out of the empty astromech head. Amidala crouched beside it and cleared her throat. "Is this what you're after?"

Jar Jar clasped his hands. "Meesa love him. He's a very, very good tongue grabbing. Yousa finden only in one placen."

"Where?" demanded Amidala.

"In the mud under the perlote tree!"

Amidala turned toward the battle droid's remains, still partially visible under the shelves. "Like the mud on this droid. The eastern swamps! I think Jar Jar just found out the location of that lab."

Vespera folded her arms. "That was convenient."

Typho snorted beside her.

Vespera opted out of the meeting among Queen Neeyutnee, Typho, Amidala, Jar Jar, and the Jedi. As much as she wanted to see the Jedi again, part of her did not want to, and did not want to be recognized. So, she waited in Amidala's chambers in the palace.

It did not take long for Amidala to return, looking breathless. A strand of hair had come loose from her elaborate headdress. "We're going to find the lab."

Vespera stood from the sofa. "Allow me to come."

Amidala hesitated. "I don't know… This is turning out to be more dangerous than I thought. I don't want the death of a monarch on my hands."

Vespera's lips twitched. "I did used to be a Jedi. I can handle myself."

Amidala lifted a brow and smiled. "Well, then. We should get changed."

Vespera followed her into a closet.

"I'm afraid I don't have many options, but thankfully we're about the same size… Try this."

"Should we wear protective gear, too?"

"There are suits on the ship."

Amidala handed Vespera a pile of clothes. Vespera traced her fingers along the gold broach attached to the chest of the beige top. While Amidala dressed into a beige jumpsuit and maroon vest, Vespera slipped into light-colored pants, brown top, and matching arm sleeves.

"We'll be sure to come back for your dress," Amidala said as Vespera folded it neatly and placed it inside the closet.

"Thank you," Vespera replied.

Amidala dipped her head. "Let's go."

After flying for nearly an hour, Amidala landed in the eastern swamps, near a cluster of mounds. Vespera squinted past the reflection on the glass of her protective suit. With an uncomfortable lurch in her stomach, she realized the mounds were the bodies of animals along the river.

"Make sure your helmet is secure," said Amidala.

Vespera checked hers, but it was Jar Jar who seemed to struggle with the task more. With a sigh, Vespera latched Jar Jar's helmet in place securely. Then, the three of them exited the ship to investigate the bodies.

"Ah," said Jar Jar as they neared the animals. Their tongues lolled out, bluish in tint. "This is bombad. Whatsa happen to them?"

"It's the plague," said Amidala, inching closer to another one of the bodies. "We're definitely getting close."

The Force flared around them, dark and red—the indication of someone with harmful intentions—and Vespera twisted. Amidala grunted as a figure knocked her on the ground. Vespera ducked as the attacker swung a staff at her. The attacker—another Gungan—used the butt end of her staff to zap Jar Jar in the back. She tossed her staff to the side and yanked on Jar Jar's helmet.

"Whosa are you? Whysa you here?" She pulled the helmet off Jar Jar's head while Vespera picked up the staff and pointed it at the other Gungan.

"Whassa yousa thinkin'?" Jar Jar demanded, frantically covering his mouth.

"Don't move!" cried Amidala, a silver blaster pointed at the female Gungan. Vespera leveled the staff at her. Amidala's brow furrowed. "I don't want to hurt you. Jar Jar, put your helmet back on."

Jar Jar snatched his helmet from the pink Gungan and put it on, gasping. Amidala inched toward the female Gungan, blaster still raised. Vespera tilted her head as the pink Gungan raised her arms in surrender. Upon closer inspection, it seemed clear that this Gungan wasn't sinister—just a simple farmer.

"Yousa okeyday! Is not in the air! It's in the water!"

Amidala lowered her blaster and took off her helmet. "Who are you?"

"Meesa Peppi Bow," said the pink Gungan. Vespera handed over Peppi's staff and removed her own helmet.

"We think the virus that made your animals sick," Amidala said, her brow smoothing of the fierce determination that creased it moments before. "We think it came from the perlote trees."

"Yousa follow thisa river. Yousa finda yousa perlote. Meesa take you." Peppi gestured toward the river.

"No, Peppi, you stay here," Amidala placed a hand on Peppi's shoulder. "You'll be going home soon, I promise. I'll send some soldiers to pick you up and take you back to Theed."

The trees near the eastern swamps sat on tall roots, and their branches hung down in wisps. The humid air misted on Vespera's bare face, and the protective, yellow suit seemed to cling to her body more with each step.

"Keep your eyes open," said Amidala, flicking her head to the side, "Look for anything out of the ordinary."

Jar Jar slipped on a stick and landed face-first in the mud. Vespera helped him sit up. The smeared mud on the ground revealed something metal underneath.

"A hatch," Vespera and Jar Jar chorused.

Amidala brought her comlink close to her mouth. "Captain Typho, I think we're standing right on top of the lab. I need a geo-scan of coordinates SP-127." She crouched beside Vespera and Jar Jar. "No way we're gonna open this."

Something whirred behind them, and the distinct click of blaster readying to fire made the hair on the back of Vespera's neck stand on end. Battle droids surrounded them.

"Freeze! Hold it right there." The droid's voice was oddly nasally. Jar Jar's golden eyes widened and he placed a hand over his mouth.

"Remove your suits," snapped one of the droids, jamming the nose of a blaster into Vespera's back. She scowled, but Amidala nodded.

Jar Jar, Vespera, and Amidala stripped of their protective suits. Immediately, the battle droids cuffed Vespera and her companions before descending underground into the lab. The droids marched them into a round room, where a tall, bald man stood with his hands clasped behind his back. The droids shoved Vespera and her companions roughly toward the wall.

"Yousa let us go!" Jar Jar cried, struggling against his restraints.

"Who are you? Why are you holding us?" Amidala demanded.

The scientist in the middle of the room lifted a pair of goggles to his eyes, which magnified them almost comically. Instead of answering, he stepped closer, peering first at Jar Jar, then at Amidala, and then at Vespera. He got so close that the stench of chemicals burned Vespera's nostrils. "Wonderful specimens! What are life-forms like you doing in a swamp like this?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing," snapped Amidala.

"Thanks to the support of my compassionate friends in the Separatist alliance, I am creating life!" The scientist lifted his gloved hands into fists of triumph.

"Howsa yousa creatin' life?"

"I'm so pleased you inquired," said the scientist, placing a hand over his chest. "A demonstration is in order." He stalked toward the shelves, illuminated with a soft blue glow, on the sides of the room. Vespera squinted. Thousands of tiny vials lined the shelves. The scientist plucked one off a shelf and held it up. "Allow me to present the return of the infamous blue shadow virus!"

Vespera's heart stuttered in her chest. No kriffing way.

"The blue shadow virus?" Amidala drew back. "I thought that deadly disease was extinct."

"Yes, it was wiped from the galaxy generations ago, but I have given it life once again!" The scientist practically sang as he held up the vial of the smoky blue-green liquid.

Jar Jar let out a cry of disgust. "Yousa no creating life. Yousa takin' life! Yousa poisoned the Gungan water."

The scientist rocked back and forth. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah! Yes! Yeah, yeah! Unfortunately, the blue shadow virus in its natural form thrives only in water until I improved upon that weakness." The scientist brought the vial to a pedestal in the back of the room and veered off to the side. He pulled a lever, and electricity zapped the vial in a brilliant, buzzing flash. Vespera's skin hummed with the electric feel of the room.

The scientist cackled. "Your eyes do not deceive you! I have perfected an airborne strain of the blue shadow virus."

Vespera squinted. Inside the vial was no longer liquid, but blue smoke. A droid waddled in, holding a sphere. "This is the last of the bombs, doctor."

"I'm well aware this is the last. You think I'd lose count?" The scientist snatched the sphere from the droid. "The virus in its gaseous forms combined with these bombs will release the blue shadow virus back into the galaxy—" He slipped a vial inside the sphere— "more potent than ever before!"

"Are you insane? It's a deadly disease!" Amidala cried.

"No life-forms are immune to it," agreed Vespera. "That's why it was eradicated."

"You mean murdered! Take this away." The scientist handed over the bomb to the droid and turned back to Vespera and her companions. "Meanwhile, as we speak, thousands and thousands of so-called superior life-forms are spreading their disease of war throughout the galaxy. Perhaps they are the ones who should be eradicated."

Vespera scowled. "But there are those who want no part in this war!"

The scientist waved a hand dismissively. Droids grabbed Vespera by the arms and led her—along with Amidala and Jar Jar—into another room, where they were cuffed to a pillar-shaped power conductor.

"I'm sorry I got you into this," whispered Amidala.

Vespera shrugged. "It was my decision. Do you think anyone's looking for us?"

"Maybe," said Amidala, lowering her voice as a droid paced past them. "I mean, you're a queen."

"No one knows I'm here," Vespera hissed.

"People think you're still on Coruscant?"

"Er, no," said Vespera. "I told my husband and council that I was going to Mandalore."

"Oh," said Amidala. "Do you think this will be enough to convince them not to join the Separatists?"

"One can only hope," said Vespera. She rested her head against the power conductor. If someone activated it, it probably would kill her. Given the circumstances, Vespera's odds weren't that great, anyway.

"Could you use the Force?" whispered Amidala.

"Senator Amidala, with all your Jedi friends, I figured you'd have a better sense of how the Force works," Vespera teased.

"Padme," said Amidala. "You can call me Padme."

"Does this mean we're friends?"

Padme let out a small laugh. "We're trapped in a secret lab filled with blue shadow bombs. I think we're there."

"Sounds good."

Vespera had no idea how long they sat there—long enough for her arms to ache from the position—but she and Padme had long fallen silent. Vespera's stomach growled. The last time she ate was that morning. It had to be evening, but the lack of windows made it hard to tell.

The facility shook, knocking the scientist off his feet. The droids guarding the room stumbled about while alarms wailed and lights flashed. Vespera thrust out her feet as she slid, pulling on her restraints uncomfortably.

"We have a breach!" cried the scientist. "All droids to hatch number one!" He approached Vespera and her companions, carrying a helmet. "Friends of yours, I assume. They arrived quicker than I would've thought!" He placed the glass helmet upon his head. Vespera's heart jumped to her throat. Judging by the scientist's suit, he planned to release the virus soon.

In the distance, blaster fire sounded. Vespera sensed Obi-Wan's presence. However, through the glass of the sealed door, it was Anakin—along with a few clones—who charged forward. Anakin plunged his lightsaber into the door, melting the seals off. He blasted the door into pieces and stormed inside the room.

"Padme!" His eyes widened at the sight of her. Vespera lifted a brow.

"Take another step and your friends die!" The scientist stood by the lever to activate the power conductor. Vespera leaned forward, but her restraints kept her too close to it. The scientist pulled the lever, and electricity surged from the power conductor, arcing through Vespera's body. It burned and seared—it felt like it had that brief moment when she'd been alone in the council room on Azyrion—through her muscles. She screamed, and Padme and Jar Jar screamed beside her. "Drop your weapons!"

"Do as he says," said Anakin. The pain alleviated, and Vespera slumped, her body feeling like jelly. Some of her muscles continued to twitch as Anakin and the clones were surrounded by droids.

"I realize I won't be able to hold you for long, Jedi. That is why I'm going to give you a choice." The scientist placed a vial into secure container.

"Fine with me, as long as one of the options is killing you," seethed Anakin, his arms held up in surrender.

"How about capture me, or save your friends?" The scientist slinked back to the lever and yanked it down, reactivating the electrical current. It felt as if her body was on fire, but somehow sharper. She squeezed her eyes shut, screaming as the pain nearly blinded her.

And then, it stopped. Vespera slumped over, panting.

"Are you okay?" Anakin asked to Vespera's right.

"Ani, how about the next time you rescue me, you do it before you kill all the battle droids?"

"A little thank you would go a long way."

Vespera stirred, feeling as if she'd intruded on a very private scene. She sensed something between Anakin and Padme, though she chose to ignore it. She wasn't that friendly with Padme yet.

Anakin cut Padme, Vespera, and Jar Jar free. Shakily, Vespera stood.

"What are you doing here, your highness?" Anakin stared at Vespera incredulously.

Vespera lifted a brow. "I don't think now's the best time."

"Right," said Anakin. He turned to the clones. "Grab your blasters. We need to find that doctor."

They sprinted down the corridor, in the direction the doctor had gone. Anakin's comlink beeped, and Obi-Wan's voice came through.

"Anakin! I'm guessing you didn't capture the doctor."

"I'm working on it!" Anakin yelled back. He slowed to a stop when they reached crossroads of corridors. "Do you have the bombs?"

"I'm working on it. Dr. Vindi has remotely activated the bombs. They're counting down!"

Anakin picked a corridor and led the group in a sprint. "That's great!"

"And on top of all that, one of them seems to be missing!"

"It's down here somewhere," said Anakin. "Ahsoka, we've got another situation. Send all the clones to search the facility. We've got a miss—"

He stopped when they reached another crossroads, running right into Ahsoka and three other clones. "Master?" Ahsoka prompted.

"We've got a missing bomb, and a trigger-happy mad doctor on the loose."

"Missing bomb?" Padme said. "I saw Dr. Vindi give a little droid a bomb."

"You guys split up. Find that droid." Anakin took off with his squad down one corridor, while Ahsoka took off down another, leaving Vespera with Padme and Jar Jar.

"Come on, let's find that droid," said Vespera. She, Padme, and Jar Jar took off down another corridor. They passed an open doorway, but Jar Jar stopped, his nose in the air. Vespera and Padme slowed to a stop.

"Oh, something smells good in here!" Jar Jar entered the room. Sitting in pots in neat rows were blue-leaved plants. A pleasant floral smell wreathed the air. A slight ticking sound grew muffled under one of the tables. Vespera remained close to the door while Padme and Jar Jar crept further into the room. Padme crouched.

"Hey, there, little guy… How about you hand that over to me?" Padme extended a hand.

Something underneath the table screeched. Padme and Jar Jar cried out, both leaping backward. The odd-looking droid from earlier waddled out from under the table, cradling the bomb. Jar Jar leaped and grabbed the droid's foot, tripping it. The bomb rolled toward Vespera, who picked it up and tossed it to Padme. Once released, the droid scampered off.

"Ahsoka, I found the last bomb."

"Stay there. I'll get the bomb squad."

Vespera's heart fluttered when the bomb squad entered. The clones worked on the bomb, but Vespera and Padme remained in the room, holding their breath as the notches of time inched nearer and nearer toward detonation…

The clone clipped a wire and the bomb's glowing red light dimmed to darkness. "Deactivated. With plenty of time to spare."

"Plenty of—oh!" Jar Jar collapsed onto the floor.

"Ahsoka, are you there?" Anakin's voice sounded through Ahsoka's comlink.

"I'm here, Master. The bomb has been deactivated. Did you find Vindi?"

"Deactivated as well. Have you seen Padme?"

"She's right next to me," said Ahsoka, grinning at Padme. "I'm okay, too. Thanks for asking."

Vespera snorted. Padme smiled slightly as she turned to face Vespera.

"So, do you think this was enough to convince your council?"

"I think so," Vespera looked around at the clones, letting out a long breath. "So, what now?"

"If you're ready to go back to Azyrion, I don't blame you," said Padme.

"You could hitch a ride with Obi-Wan and Anakin," added Ahsoka.

Vespera frowned. "What will you two be doing?"

"I suppose cleaning up here," said Padme.

"Well, then, I'd like to stay and help. I'm in no rush to go back to my husband."

Ahsoka lifted a brow. "What are you doing here, anyway?"

Vespera exchanged a glance with Padme before shrugging. "I just like getting into trouble, I guess."

"It's no wonder you two get along," said Ahsoka, rolling her eyes.

Vespera smiled and folded her arms. The Force around her glowed with a warm light blue. These were friends.

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

Please let me know what you thought! I love hearing from you guys.

Preview: Obi-Wan grows concerned as his connection to Vespera seems to intensify, and the threat of the blue shadow virus lingers…