It's so wild that this is over 130 pages on google docs now, and it has 51k words! Thats long enough to be novel. Anyways i just thought that was neat. I'm glad to be updating this fic again, because its genuinely so fun to write these and watch the reaction videos.

Enjoy!

Chapter 15: Senate Spy

Grace was sitting on her couch reading an important Senate newsletter when she heard her door open. She smiled, knowing there were very few people permitted to enter without announcing themselves, and the smile grew larger when her suspicions were confirmed. Anakin walked into her apartment, one hand behind his back as he descended the steps into her sitting area. He revealed the hand and package in it, the Senator putting down her datapad.

"What is that?" she asked, smirking and raising an eyebrow.

"That," he responded with a flourish, "is dinner."

"Dinner?"

"Indeed. I picked it up on the way back from the mission; a diner owner was very grateful for what the Jedi do. I decided to bring home some takeout."

She looked stunned for a moment, and he was worried he'd said something wrong. "What is it?"

"It's just- you called this place home." She was incredibly touched.

"You know, they do say home is where the heart is. And my heart is forever with you." He handed her the box, grinning at the blush spreading across her cheeks from his sappy remark.

Grace took the box from him, placing it next to her datapad. "You know, I'm a very good cook."

"Really?" He sounded incredulous.

She pretended to be offended. "Are you really so surprised? I can cook plenty of things! I know this really good five-blossom bread recipe…"

The Jedi laughed. "Alright, alright, I believe you. But-" she raised her eyebrow at him- "I'm still a better cook than you."

She reached up, grabbing the front of his tunic and pulling him into her lap, laughing. "You are not!" She got out through giggles. (he was).

He decided to stop her absolute lies in the best way he knew how- kissing. He cupped her chin with his flesh hand, his fingers firm yet gentle on her jaw as his mouth covered hers. She stopped laughing and returned the kiss, one hand tangling in his hair while the other rested on his chest. He straddles her, knees on the cushions beside her hips as they grew closer.

Suddenly a beeping came from Anakin's wrist comm, and he gently extracted himself from Grace's arms to answer it.

"Skywalker here."

"Anakin, where are you?" It was Obi-Wan. "We're ten minutes from sending a squad out to find you. The Council wishes to speak to you, now."

He sighed. "Sorry Master, I got held up. I'm on my way."

The Senator waited for him to deactivate his comm before crossing her arms at him. "Do you really have to go? You just got here." She knew she was being a little bit petty, but the truth was- she was tired of having to put duties first. It would feel so good to just be able to have one night without looking over their shoulders for fear of being discovered- one night where he could just turn off his commlink and they could watch a movie or something. She just wanted normalcy.

The Jedi sighed, raking his hand through his hair. Normally she would've loved seeing him a little disheveled, but she was too pissed right now to fully appreciate it. He tried to reason with her. "I'm sorry, but I've been ducking their calls all night. If I don't show up they will come looking, and if they find me here our cover is blown. Duty comes first, especially in war."

She bristled a bit, sitting up straighter. "Don't think I know nothing about duty. All I ever do is my duty, and I just wanted one night to be different." She looked away, cursing the tears that were starting to brim in her eyes.

All of her husband's annoyance instantly faded when he saw how upset she was getting. He crouched in front of her, gently grabbing her chin and tilting her face so that he could look into her eyes. A stray tear slipped out, and he used his flesh hand to tenderly wipe it away.

"Hey, hey, I'm sorry," he murmured. "I didn't mean to imply that you don't get it, I know you do. I just- you know I can't stay here right now."

She sniffed, trying to regain her dignity. "I know. I just- I wish things were different."

He smiled at her softly; the grin he reserved only for her. He caressed her cheek one last time before getting up and leaving, the apartment feeling empty in his wake.

"So," said Anakin, trying to make sense of his assignment, "you want me to ask Senator McNally to spy on a close acquaintance of hers?"

Master Windu rubbed his eyes, clearly holding in an exasperated sigh. "Yes, Skywalker. We believe Senator Clovis is working with the Separatists, and he and Senator McNally were very… close in the past. We believe you stand the best chance of convincing her to work with us for this."

The Knight couldn't help but ask something, "How close were Senators Clovis and McNally?"

Yoda raised an eyebrow. "Matter, why would this? Matters of the Senator's heart and personal life, these are."

He fought to keep his blush down. "It doesn't matter. Master. I was merely curious. Although," he added, pushing down on the jealousy that was rising in him, "I'm not sure if the Senator will agree. She isn't deceitful at heart."

"We should still try," pointed out Ki-Adi mundi.

A little bit of anger worked its way into his voice as Anakin tried to convince them this was a bad idea. "I don't think she should do it," he argued. "It's too dangerous. She's a politician, not a fighter. What if something goes wrong?"

"So little faith in your friend, you have?"

"Well no, but-"

"So it's settled then," said Windu. "Anakin will speak to the Senator to convince her to take this mission."

The Knight sighed. "Yes, Master."

The next day, Anakin waited until the Senate meeting had ended before falling into step beside his wife as she exited her pod.

"General Skywalker," she greeted, smirking.

"Senator McNally." He smiled back, but it was a bit strained with the thought of his next words clear in his mind. "The Council has asked me to convince you to spy on someone- Senator Clovis."

Hearing his name, she stiffened almost imperceptibly. He, however, was able to notice but incorrectly guess why. "I know you must be disappointed I'm only here to talk about official business, but I couldn't refuse."

She decided to go along with that being the reason she was upset, but it really wasn't. She had certainly been friends with Clovis before, but she had completely cut off communication when he'd kissed her without her consent, and she hadn't talked to him since.

"I haven't spoken to him in a very long time," Grace admitted, voice cold as she remembered why.

"So you aren't going to do it?" he asked, suspiciously hopeful. "I told them you wouldn't agree."

She raised an eyebrow. "What, do you think I can't?"

"No, not at all!" She glared and he sighed. "I just think it's too dangerous."

The Senator bristled. "I can handle myself!"

Anakin was scrambling to take his words back. "I never said you couldn't-"

"You know what? I think I will take this mission. I'll contact Clovis again."

The Jedi cursed his big mouth. He'd pushed her to take a risk she really shouldn't, and a small, jealous part of him hated that she would be spending time with (what he incorrectly assumed to be) an old lover of hers. He truly did trust her, but he certainly didn't trust this Clovis guy. At least he would be on the mission with her to make sure everything went as planned and she stayed safe, and possibly to watch and see if Clovis tried any funny business. This would be an interesting mission.

Grace sat in the tiny booth in the corner of the bar, waiting for Clovis to arrive. She'd shown up early to their meeting to scope out the bar; it wasn't fairly popular but it attracted enough of a crowd that they would go unnoticed. It was the type of place one could blend in, so she needn't worry about being recognized. Music blared around her, and she fidgeted a little under the table as she waited. Her outfit was pretty inconspicuous; the goth themes paired well with her dark lipstick and signature winged eyeliner to make her look like the average Coruscant civilian.

She was facing the entrance to the bar, and thus immediately noticed when Clovis entered. He was terrible at blending in, looking very uncomfortable to be in the presence of so many gyrating bodies and flashing lights. He was entirely out of his depth, and she had to actually stand up and wave at him for him to notice her.

"Gee, Clovis, could you look any more awkward?" She snapped, causing him to wince. She tried to reign in her temper, reminding herself that this was a diplomatic mission, but he was just so aggravating.

"Sorry," he muttered, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm not used to these types of situations- I'm not used to this… crowd."

Grace held back the snarky remark she so desperately wanted to let loose, putting on a smile. "I'm glad you agreed to meet with me. I wanted to… make amends for how I so harshly cut you off before."

Clovis smiled back, genuine instead of her faked one. "I'm glad you reached out to me. You know that politics have never come naturally to me"- that was an understatement- "and you've helped me with that in the past. I was hoping you could help me again, be my ally?"

The Senator had to admire how innocent he was. This man was not driven by personal gain- at least, not politically. He was insufferable, but he was also naive and vulnerable. Spying on him would be easy. To bear it, she considered it reparations- a way to get back at him for kissing her without her consent.

"That sounds like a plan, Clovis."

He lit up at the sound of her using his name so casually and she fought not to roll her eyes. He leaned across the table, very clearly about to tell her something confidential. "I'm going to Cato Neimoidia to negotiate a bank deal soon, and it would be beneficial to have you there, as a reminder not to overstep. I'd be honored if you could join me."

Was he serious? Grace could not believe he thought it would be a good idea to bring her- the Senator of Naboo- to a business conference with someone from the Trade Federation. Her history with the Neimoidians was not a secret, and Nute Gunray had even tried to have her assassinated! She could not pass up this golden opportunity.

She made a show of pretending to consider it before agreeing. "I'd love to, on one condition. I get to bring my own pilot."

The Banking Clan representative seemed ecstatic that she was agreeing at all. "Of course!" he accepted exuberantly. Force, he was gullible.

"Great," she said, smiling and getting up, "I'll be in contact to arrange the details."

He watched as she walked confidently through the crowd and out the bar door.

Anakin crossed his arms, the muscles standing out in his pilot disguise. He may or may not have been puffing out his chest and standing up straighter to intimidate Clovis, and he hoped it was working as the slimy Senator approached the shuttle. He saw how Grace was making a point to keep her personal space, a point that Clovis seemed to be missing as he shifted closer to her again. The Jedi in disguise stepped aside to allow them entrance to the ship, his wife first.

She took a seat in one of the designated spots, and he pulled down the safety bar. They were required in ships of this size, as the takeoff and entrance into hyperspace were rather bumpy. Anakin eyed Clovis before lifting the safety bar of the one next to Grace entirely too hard, hiding his smirk when he heard a satisfying crunch.

"Whoops," he said, grinning at his passengers, "it looks like this one's broken."

Grace gave him a small glare, one that screamed don't-you-dare-jeopardize-this, and he shrugged as Clovis was forced to take the seat two down from her. The General walked into the cockpit where Artoo was already waiting, booting up the shuttle. He smiled to himself as he was surrounded by the hum of machinery, taking comfort in the familiarity of flying. It was calming to take the yoke and feel the ship respond to his commands, lifting off and gliding smoothly through the air. Soon he broke through the atmosphere, the transition to space accompanied by a familiar shudder, and with a quick signal Artoo was plugging in the hyperspace coordinates and the stars stretched into nothing.

Anakin took a moment to sit back and appreciate the comfort of hyperspace, the vortex of colours swirling around him familiar and welcome. His mood soured, however, when he heard Clovis trying to sweet-talk Grace. He scowled and crossed his arms, grinding his teeth as he heard his wife responding cordially. He didn't exactly expect her to give a biting remark every time he tried to talk to her, but the Jedi at least wished she wouldn't be so… nice! He kicked himself mentally, knowing he wasn't being fair to her. She was on a diplomatic mission, it was in her favour to be kind to him, no matter how much it ground her husband's gears.

The blue and silver astromech gave a series of whistles in beeps, to which Anakin snorted. "You said it, Artoo."

There was not much for him to do during the trip, seeing as he had to stay in the cockpit to keep his cover. All he had to occupy his time was meditation and listening to the disgustingly civil conversation between his wife and her ex. Though he knew the former option would be the best to choose, for his own sanity, he found himself paying rapt attention as they caught up on everything they had missed over the years. He felt an unfamiliar tang in him, bringing his face into a scowl. He soon realized the feeling was jealousy, jealousy of Clovis. If Obi-Wan or Yoda or any other equally wise Master was here, he knew they would tell him that jealousy was the path to the dark side, that it would change and corrupt him. He knew that if he talked to Grace about it she would admonish him; tell him off for thinking she would be unfaithful.

If he was being honest, he realized that Clovis wasn't worth fighting her over. He knew she loved him above everyone else, and he only had eyes for her. It still didn't stop the possessiveness he felt over his wife when the other Senator would lean in a little too close to say something, or when he would joke with a slightly too high level of familiarity. The Jedi clenched his fist for the whole ride, trying desperately to remember why they were here.

Staying quiet took a lot of willpower.

Grace walked arm-in-arm with Clovis, pushing aside all her discomfort and putting on a fake smile. She needed to keep up appearances, but it became even harder to stay civil when she saw the detestful face of Lott Dodd, the corrupt Senator for the Trade Federation. It was a wonder she didn't abandon propriety right there and charge the Neimodian, memories of the Blockade fresh in her mind. It was a shame that Queen Amidala hadn't been able to do more for justice in the wake of that atrocity, but the lengths the young girl had gone to were not lost on the Senator.

She patted herself on the back for managing to fake sincerity as she shook hands with him, trying to seem as unthreatening as possible. The more reserved she seemed the easier it would be to spy; a trick she had learned from her very talented handmaidens. They had gone through the same training as the famed handmaidens of Queen Amidala herself, and were very adept at espionage and several other covert skills. Skills they had helped pass along to her.

Lott Dodd gave his guest a quick once-over, deeming her unthreatening enough to completely ignore after they had exchanged greetings. She stood back as he and Clovis briefly talked, waiting for the Neimoidian to again address her. Letting him set the boundaries would give him a sense of power; one she could use against him. Finally he finished discussing some sort of meeting with Clovis and turned to her.

"I will have an attendant show you to your rooms while my associate and I talk business. I will send someone to retrieve you when it is time for dinner."

She nodded at him, giving her least threatening smile, before allowing a droid to lead her away. Her luggage was already being taken care of, and she allowed herself to marvel a bit at the grandiose of the building she was in. It was ornate and large, with lush carpets on the floor and expensive art on the walls. Cato Neimoidida was a beautiful place, she had to admit. Although, it was likely only so splendid because of money acquired through fearmongering, slavery, and illegal practices. But, she reminded herself, now was not the time to bring up the many crimes she already knew they had committed. Now was the time to bring up ones Clovis almost definitely was this very moment.

She reached her room, briefly taking in the luxuries she was sure were here to distract her, before walking over to her luggage. She checked it for bugs with a scanner she'd snuck in, pleased to find none. That did mean there could be surveillance devices in other parts of her room, however, and she would need to be careful of what she did. For now all that she knew was safe to do was send the coded signal to Anakin that she had arranged beforehand, confirming that she was in without issue. The next time she transmitted to him with that device it would be confirmation she had found the evidence she needed and he should extract it.

Grace knew she couldn't just sit around and do nothing as Clovis potentially incriminated himself; she needed to put her espionage skills to work. Putting on her best bored look, she left her room and wandered down the halls. She'd made a mental note of the direction Clovis and Lott Dodd had gone in, and with a brief glance down the hallway she was off to do her job. She put on a vaguely interested facade, knowing she was definitely being watched, and pretended to merely be admiring the artwork. It was slow going, but she managed to wander all the way down the hallway she was searching for. From there she followed the sound of voices, finally arriving outside the room they were emanating from.

As the Senator approached she heard hushed taking, a tone that indicated they were trying to hide something, and a bit of what sounded Geonotian… there was definitely something fishy happening here. She made a show of being surprised when Clovis rushed out of the room, the door closing behind him. She'd been able to see some sort of hologram shutting off as if they did not want her to get a look, and her suspicion increased tenfold. All of her thoughts, however, were hidden under her demure smile and feigned surprise.

"What are you doing here?" Clovis hissed, leading her away from the conference room in a blatant attempt to get her out of earshot. "You were supposed to stay in your room."

"Well, I'm not a prisoner," she sassed, inwardly wincing at the slight break in her cover. She tried to sound more calm. "I was merely bored and wished to look at the art. This place is beautiful!"

He seemed to calm down. "You Naboo," he mused, putting his hand on the small of her back and leading her back the way she came. "I know you love your art."

Grace considered it a great act of self-control that she didn't punch him in the face right there for touching her so intimately without consent. As a Senator she liked to maintain personal boundaries, both emotional and physical. He seemed determined to bypass all of them.

She laughed, the response completely faked. "I can't resist things of beauty. My mind gets so set on examining them, and you know how it is when I want something."

The Banking Clan Senator chuckled. He had seemingly forgotten about how close she'd been to the door, how odd it was that she chose that hallway… he was painfully gullible. He continued the conversation, "Dinner will be served in two hours, so I suggest you get ready. An attendant will escort you to meet me and we can join the dinner party together."

She smiled. "That sounds wonderful."

Once Grace was left alone in her room she undressed and got in the refresher, where she knew she wouldn't be watched. There she took the time to truly think about what she'd seen, turning the evidence over in her head. If a Geonotian was here that pretty much confirmed treachery- they were known to be siding with the Separatists… she had the scars to prove it. The Trade Federation had a reputation of unreliability with the Republic, so it would not be a surprise to hear they were participating in treason. The Banking Clan was a company and therefore more likely to be corrupt, as they were only motivated by money. There was something at work but she needed to figure out what.

The Senator finished her shower and began getting ready for dinner. Her job was not done.

End of chapter!
Notes:

-Ik Anakin is super protective in this arc and u like that but like its a super toxic trait so im trying to balance it with, like, him being semi-logical

-Clovis is a fucking idiot

-Lott Dodd and all of the trade federation are assholes. I dont like them very much

-Anakin… youre making too many assumptions

-In Queen's Shadow Clovis does kiss Padme without her consent, so I'm basing a lot off of that. He does it in the rise of clovis arc too but thats four seasons away

-Anyways come back next time for another chapter :)