That afternoon, Dahn and Bail Organa held another of their lunches. They catered for themselves and their chiefs of staff, meeting in Dahn's office this time. Dahn never knew how much of these meetings would comprise of politics-straight political discussion, chastisement over advocacy or lack thereof for a cause Bail wanted him to address-and how much would be a friendly meeting.

Bail Organa stood from behind his desk out of respectful habit as his chief of staff led Dahn Pryscott inside. The younger man shifted in the doorway and nodded to a chair in front of Bail's desk.

"May I sit," Dahn asked.

Bail nodded gesturing to a chair. "Is everything all right with Maia?"

Dahn let the door close behind him and claimed the seat, nodding. "Her father just left my office."

Bail softened, leaning against his desk. As far as he knew, the meeting had been unscheduled. "Did he yell?"

Dahn shook his head. "He was downright friendly. He gave me a bottle of wine." Dahn raised both brows. Of course, he wouldn't drink the wine until Maia delivered their baby. "Governor Tarkin transitioned to the prenup after a little while, but there was no dismissiveness."

"What else did he ask for?" Bail shifted, taking his desk chair. "I don't recall your family swallowing any more firms, but could he want something?"

Dahn shrugged again, pursing his lips. "I don't think so. He didn't even bring up the baby's trust fund."

"Strange." Bail tapped his desk, thinking. "Unlike him to play games as such."

"Is it wrong that I'm still suspicious, even though his behavior's been changing since the start of the engagement?"

Bail leaned forward, shaking his head. "It's not. He's a bitter man. He's lost much to his service. Even his son. But he remains loyal only to himself and to the Empire."

Dahn shifted on the chair. "He loves Maia," he pointed out.

Bail nodded, narrowing his eyes. "She's his child. He's not someone I would choose as a parent, but he does love her." Bail stood, walking to his book shelf as he spoke.

Dahn watched him search the shelves. "He's loyal to her, and to his family. She thinks he's coming to accept me."

Organa frowned, turning back to the younger man. "What do you think?"

Dahn shrugged. "I hope she's right. I don't want to be walking on eggshells for the rest of our lives."

Bail resumed his search and finally found the book he wanted. The Official Record of the Ruusan Deliberations. "You'd appreciate this I'm sure." He mused, holding the bound text out to the young man.

Dahn's brow knit as he looked down to the text. "I've read it," he said, but accepted the copy.

"Not the pre-Imperial version, unless you had access before university. This edition was published twenty-five years ago." He nodded down at the text as Dahn leafed through the first few pages. "The modern update has some significant changes."

Dahn hesitated, but set it on his lap. "Do I need to hide it?"

Bail Organa shook his head. "I wouldn't say so. Be careful not to be seen reading it in public, but it will be looked over on your bookshelf. It's not banned. And you are from Corellia."

Dahn furrowed his brow, uncertain if the comment were a joke. Bail's own face was almost devoid of emotion. He certainly wasn't laughing. Dahn nodded, confused by the sudden shift. "So you think he's being disingenuous?"

Bail crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair and shaking his head. "No. I'm afraid he considers you almost one of them now. Which comes with risks of its own. The Tarkin's have a certain set of expectations for those who join their ranks. It's a dangerous place for an outsider. And they are close to the Emperor, which comes with its own risks and benefits."

Dahn narrowed his eyes in confusion. "But if he's accepting me as his son-in-law, I won't be an outsider. And I would rather be involved in the family's life than constantly reminded that he doesn't think I deserve her."

"Of course, Dahn, I wasn't implying you shouldn't be glad that he isn't dismissing you. But he will want to use you and your family."

"That's not comforting," Dahn said. "Besides, he's been doing that less and less since we got engaged."

The engagement had made it more real, and the pregnancy had made it realer still. Dahn thought that Bail was right. That new reality explained the governor's affability.

Neither of them spoke for a minute, and Organa sighed. "I worry about you," he admitted. "I don't want to see you fall into the Tarkin collection of political vassals." Bail had yet to tear his eyes from the younger man. "Have you ever known Tarkin to act without motive? Even if only to make his daughter happy, this isn't for no reason. And Dahn, he's condescended to you for years. Does a bottle of wine erase that?"

Dahn exhaled, looking down to his lap. "No. No, I know. And I'm going to pay attention to it, I'm just." He cut himself off, gesticulating with a hand as he looked for the words. "I want to believe his intentions are good."

"I just want you to be careful." Bail smiled. "Let's talk business, this has me reminiscing for my own youth."

"Sure." Dahn breathed in, exhaled, and composed himself, looking back up. "So. Our disagreement in the Subcommittee on Safety?"

"I think talking about it may be wise. We should be in accord." Bail nodded. "But I was right." He smirked. "I know that Pryscott Industries' new drive monitors can give 99.995% accurate ratings up to twenty days before a drive failure, but the fact is that the standard of 99.8% within fifteen days is well within accepted tolerances. Perhaps a tax break for those who use the higher grade drives would be in order?"

"Depending on the amount." Dahn nodded, sitting forward. "Ultimately, people pay more for those ships because of the higher safety rating, not for a tax break."

"And so rewarding them is an added bonus. Rather than, sorry, over-regulating the industry."

"I would be concerned over your rhetoric on that point." Dahn cocked his head to the side. "If you're calling it over-regulation while the rest of us are talking about increasing safety." He trailed off by the end.

"Increasing safety only matters when the scale is massive. The projections for actual injury prevention from these systems is in the dozens per year across millions of sentient beings travelling every day. All at nearly double the drive monitoring core cost."

"That's not why we produce them," Dahn turned his head up.

"Of course, but people don't want to pay double for a functioning part that they already own. The proposed bill would require a retrofit of millions of shuttles and ships. The Imperial Navy alone would take years to refit."

"So does the bill to increase fuel efficiency standards, and engineers are critical of the alleged safety benefits there," Dahn pointed out. "They agree that 99.995% accurate ratings are better than 99.98%. Even if it's just one life."

"It works out well rhetorically, no doubt. But Pryscott, Sienar, and Page are the only families making them to that standard. The politics of it makes it a hard sell."

"Raith Sienar and I have contacts that the Pages don't have," Dahn said.

"Do you really think-" Bail began to laugh. "I. I didn't realize. I was about to say that with Tarkin's influence Sienar would get it for certain. But now there are competing interests. An unplanned side effect of your engagement."

"The grandchild more than the engagement, I would think," Dahn commented. "But you're probably right. A collaboration is most likely to benefit me, at this point."

"You should broach it before it leaves committee. Knowing for certain may be to your benefit. So long as you are careful to not imply that it was planned when you were engaged and when you got pregnant "

Dahn scoffed, raising a brow. "Planned five months ago? Yeah."

"I'm just saying. Be careful."

Dahn nodded. "Of course. I'm just commenting, to you, that we're not really talking about the Pages anymore."

"That's true. But Mannis Page is a tough fellow. He'll subcontract if he can't contract. Try to get him on your side for this. I know about that fight with Kuras. You want Page to keep supporting you if you can."

Dahn thought for a moment. "Will poaching him turn Tarkin against me by proxy with Sienar?"

Bail shook his head. "I doubt it. Blood."

"I'm not blood, my baby is," Dahn pointed out.

"And they stand to inherit if anything happens. Your siblings aren't interested in shipping, if I recall."

"Unless something changed in the last day."

"Then it would be in your line."

Dahn nodded. "Assuming our child wants it."

"No matter what, they will get the assets. Even if they don't want to do anything with the company itself but maintain 51% of the stock."

Dahn knew he was right. He didn't know if it would make Wilhuff Tarkin drop his best friend, but the Admiralty Board would probably have them working together more. Getting half of the contracts that Sienar had would bring millions of more jobs to the Corellian Sector.

Bail watched him, leaning forward in his chair. "Seize it with both hands. Opportunities like this only come once every decade or two."

It wasn't as though his father wasn't able to secure business deals on his own, especially with the Tarkins approaching Dahniel directly, as they had for the Motti deal. "I don't want to go over the party's head," Dahn said. "We discussed it in committee because I thought it was important to discuss, not so that I could run to Maia and pull strings."

"I'm sure the others will be very grateful to see that as you become even more intertwined with the Tarkin family." Bail smiled. "I maintain that increasing drive standards is unnecessary. But between you and I, I'll end up voting for it anyway." He nodded, glancing at his watch. "I have an appointment that started a minute ago. We should continue this shortly. Tell me how dinner goes?"

Dahn stood. "I will. Sorry for keeping you."

Bail pointed to the record. "Read it. We'll discuss it at my party at the end of the week."

"I'll read it." Dahn wondered but didn't ask if Bail had made Maia read it when she had lived with him. He held the book up, and clasped a hand over his heart and left for his own office.

Xizor surveyed the scene with a smile. He had prepared for this meeting. Now, he need only wait for his guest. When she arrived, he admired her poise and youth, which certainly wasn't hurt by the firm pressure of her breasts against her dress. Her belly swelled, but he thought she still looked delectable. "Prime Minister," the Crime Lord bowed. "And Lieutenant Fict. Thank you for agreeing to see me."

Tarkin bowed in return. "It's the Empire's pleasure to entertain you, Prince Xizor."

Xizor laughed, releasing calming pheromones into the air. Neither Maia nor her guard seemed to notice. "It is my pleasure to entertain his representative. Thank you for allowing me to host you in one of my newest establishments."

Fict's eye began to twitch. "This place has been owned by the Malordal family for-"

"The last three hundred and sixty-two years, yes. And by me for the last four hours." Xizor smiled. "They retired well, let me say."

Maia chuckled, nodding. Kriffed up that he had bought the restaurant her guards had specifically chosen because he did not own it, but she didn't want him to see her uncomfortable. "Good, then. Do you have a favorite table?"

"Not yet. I'd ask you to choose." He gestured. "Consider the choice yours." He bowed, managing to look her over again as his eyes raked downwards. Beautiful. He straightened back out and led her inside.

Maia looked around. Considering the average check of 20,000 credits, Maia was hardly shocked to see mostly businesspeople and holoactors wining and dining at their own tables. She knew some through her father, but most she had grown acquainted with since her relationship with Dahn had grown more serious five years prior. As per the standards her security team had drilled into her years ago and felt the need to repeat every time she ever went to a restaurant, Maia chose a table near the front and away from a wall. She allowed Fict to take the seat facing the door, and then sat down herself.

Xizor smiled politely as he took a seat perpendicular to the door. "How are you feeling?" He looked over to Maia. "I've heard that there are some new sonogram holograms, and I'm sure that she looks healthy as ever."

Maia didn't flinch, though she didn't appreciate the question. She tried not to think about how he could know the sex of the baby. She, Dahn, and their parents had only learned themselves the day before. Fict's growing tension showed his own acknowledgement of the fact. "The doctor says that everything is developing well."

"How wonderful. So many things can happen to your young, I never understood how you came to be so common in the galaxy." Xizor shook his head. "Humans, that is."

"Plunder and taxation," Maia remarked.

"What's the difference, when the Empire does it?" Xizor asked, smiling more coldly now. "My intelligence network is second to none, so remind me of what I gain from doing business with you directly? As if I don't already have some of your people on payroll."

Maia's smile grew in turn, and she laughed, folding her hands and leaning forward. "Intelligence that's legitimate-completely sound. Without the need for rose-colored glasses."

He smiled, chuckling to himself. "When the intelligence isn't accurate, the color is closer to burgundy than rose." He smiled. "But your point remains. What can I do to be a true patriot for the Empire?"

Maia cocked her head to the side. "We collaborate. The Empire does not interfere in your activities if you do not attack our interests, and we share information."

"Only the last part is of interest to me." Xizor shrugged. "If the first part is a requisite, I suppose I can arrange."

"The first part is for your benefit," Maia pointed out. A server brought over a bottle of champagne, and Maia smiled, shaking her head. "Water, please."

"And for me, as well," Xizor nodded. "But with a citrine slice." He waved a hand above his head, signaling the band to start playing Maia's favorite songs. "So, how can we make this a reality?"

Maia nodded, watching him closely. "We'll host two meetings a week to exchange information. We'll each provide each other with a list of five people who will engage. We'll present information that we believe to be relevant to each party, and be able to request, in good faith, information from the other party."

"I'll also need twenty-seven ships that are not subject to searches by the Imperial port authority at any time." Xizor smiled. "Providing such letters of passage shouldn't be so difficult."

She raised a brow. "At any time? What if you crash into a government building? What if you land at a military base without clearance?"

"Then I fully expect the orders of the Emperor to be obeyed."

She shifted in her chair. "I think it better if we include those clauses in the agreement to start. If the behavior of the ships is such that an officer of our military or intelligence service expects engagement, they maintain statutory power to search."

He sneered. "Last I checked, you select officers based on blind obedience. Xizor smiled, looking her up and down. "I am happy enough to work with you. But Imperial troops will never be my friend."

Maia nodded. "Perhaps it would be better to discuss specific conditions. Do you agree that your ships ought to be subject to search when you land on military property without clearance?"

"I agree that it should when done without permission, but clearance is given by use of the document in discussion. I can land where I please. I'm cleared for that, but I recognize the need for permission from the sites in question."

She spread her hands. "Then we are in agreement. We've agreed that you can land. The question is whether you can get away without being searched if one of your ships, accidentally or otherwise, collides with government space and damages property or personnel, and the answer is no."

Xizor nodded. "Then I think we've come to terms. When can our lawyers meet to discuss a final agreement?"

"My people will be in touch," Maia remarked.

Again, Xizor nodded. "As will mine." He glanced out the door, checking Speikre and Kroft before looking back to Maia. The guards were still in front, surveying everyone who entered and left. "How is Dahn Pryscott handling the pressures of fatherhood? I regret how nervous everyone has become around me." He sipped the glass of water, laughing internally as Fict shifted in his seat.

Maia bit back her comment on the legitimacy of the fear. "Dahn and I are very happy." She drank more of her water. "I'm surprised at how quickly we discussed all of this, I thought it would take longer."

Xizor smiled, though he hadn't shared that misjudgment. He nodded to a waiter, who set down a pair of small meat pies in front of him and Maia. "I was always fond of these. Falleen women crave their favorite dishes from childhood when they're gravid. I had hoped you would appreciate a traditional Eriaduan dish."

"I always appreciate meat pies. Thank you," Maia said, setting her napkin on her lap.

"It truly was my pleasure. I do hope you enjoy the selection of dishes. I'm sure the wait staff will be very attentive tonight." The crime lords smile was full, but strange. "I was glad to see that you and Dahn opted for the larger state affair for your marriage. The holovids will be buzzing."

"As it should be," Maia commented, cutting up a section of the pie. It was none of his business that the civil ceremony would be smaller, and first, so she didn't mention it.

Xizor began to eat his meat pie, careful to be fully delicate as he glanced up at Maia. "Will you take time off from your position for the honeymoon?"

"Probably not," Maia replied. "But no decisions have been finalized yet." The current plan was to wait until the baby was born, but she didn't exactly want Xizor to know intimate details of their vacation plans.

"Of course. Much has to be up in the air." The crime lord nodded knowingly. "Are you satisfied with the terms we reached?" He asked calmly, though he watched Maia for a reaction to the subject change. But she nodded cleanly, snapping on to the change just as he did.

"Very. Are you?"

"Satisfied as a first step yes." He smiled, taking a drink.

"Just a first step," Maia confirmed. "I fully hope this partnership will continue for a long time." Or the Empire did. Maia still held her concerns, but she wouldn't voice them.

"I'm glad to hear you're in favor of our partnership." Xizor smiled politely. "Is there anything I can do personally to help you, Prime Minister?" He glanced down at her swelling abdomen.

Maia followed his gaze with her eyes, but held her head in place. "No, I can't think of anything," she replied, folding her hands over her stomach. "Do you have something in mind?"

"I don't," he lied smoothly. "If anything comes to mind, I'd love to know of it "

Maia nodded, smiling in faux pleasantry. "Is there anything I can do to help you?"

"Why yes actually." He smiled lightly. "I normally wouldn't ask but as we are beginning a new partnership, I wonder if you know anything about unaligned Force users. Those not under imperial control. Some have been. Causing trouble for me."

Maia perked up. "I can't promise anything information-wise. I study Force communities, and I focus on thousands of years ago. What's been going on? Is this about specific people?"

"We believe that anywhere from five to ten Force users have been disrupting some of our operations in organic products. They are extremely efficient and they're either using extremely high powered vibroblades or stolen a few lightsabers. I have not been out personally to inspect the damage, and some of my other lieutenants have been. Recently replaced for their incompetence in identifying the source of the problem."

He gestured his arms out in a half shrug, taking care not to overexpose his torso release more of the calming pheromones than he expected to.

Maia exhaled, thinking it through. "Well, we're definitely interested in eliminating that threat, for our own interests, and yours, now, with this partnership. Where has the property destruction taken place?"

"On Duro, and several other planets in the Corellian sector. It's wide spread. A negligible part of my profits. But my reputation requires a harsh response. Imperial assistance would send the right message."

"I understand completely," Maia remarked. "I'll discuss it with the Imperial Ruling Council. And I'll have a word with Dahn."

Xizor smiled knowingly. "Of course. The IRC." He ate more of his meat pie, finishing it.

Maia finished hers in turn, and within a minute, the wait staff brought the next plates.

"I was told that you enjoyed Bothan spiced vegetables." Xizor observed. "I do actually really appreciate the offer of potential help. Surely there's some way you can see for me to repay you."

Maia smiled, turning her head to the side. "I'll let you know when I think of something." Far better to be owed a favor.

Xizor smiled, appreciating the power play. "Then I'm sure that we will have much reason to meet in the future. So that we can determine how I can best repay you."

"All the better for our partnership," Maia remarked. "Should I expect to see you more around the Imperial Palace?"

" I believe that we have infrequent interactions going forward, with our representatives doing most of the communication. Not that it will not always be a pleasure. Unless I can expect to see you at my hotel more frequently?" he smiled a charmingly, though he knew the offer would be denied.

Maia blinked, surprised at the proposition after such a long meeting without it. "No, I don't think so," she replied, glancing to Lieutenant Fict.

Fict Frowned to the Falleen.

"I know you're less on-call for highbrow social events. You'd be more interested in going to a book discussion or a panel."

She looked back to the crime lord, smiling politely. "Observant as ever."

"On that note," Xizor smiled, leaning in. "Why are you here instead of writing a research paper about dead cultures?"

"You don't consider yourself more fun?"

He nodding, accepting the compliment. "While I may be more fun, I'm not a Sith warlord."

Maia smirked, chuckling and shaking her head. "No, you're not. Not that Sith culture is dead. Evolved, not dead."

"Evolved." Xizor sniffed. "It's just the same story it's always been. The Force is merely a tool. One of many that can be used to express power."

She nodded. She'd heard the assertion many times. She agreed, to an extent, but it seemed similar to arguing that ion bombs were just weapons like slingshots. "Do you wish you were Force Sensitive?"

The Falleen pulled away, considering the question as he often had. "Force users have often attempted to destroy me, though none so powerful, of course, as Vader or Lord. Emperor Palpatine." He smiled. "But I don't feel the lack myself, no. And the risk of being beholden to one side or the other is idiotic. A slave to my emotions or a slave to order? Neither is ideal, my dear Prime Minister."

"I agree," Maia replied. She smirked. "You know, Sith throughout time have asserted they're beholden to none but themselves. It created an interesting dynamic when they chastised the Jedi Order for obedience and structure."

"The Sith, however, are beholden to their endocrine systems in ways that most Force users are." He shrugged. "I'd prefer not to make it too biological." Xizor tilted his head. "Do you think the Sith are more powerful in their philosophy than I am in my business?"

"How would you define power," Maia asked.

"How would you?" He returned the question. "You with one of the highest offices in the Empire."

He expected a smile, but Maia's expression grew more distant. "I would argue yes, having defined my term as intellectual power."

He shook his head. "You're funny," he admitted despite being partially annoyed.

Maia blinked, looking at him more directly. "Pardon?" She smiled. "I'm sorry. You asked."

Xizor settled in his chair. "How are you enjoying the vegetables?" He searched her face for signs of her intentions.

But Maia hid nothing, and nodded. She was used to not engaging as an academic, with the amount of people who looked at her wide-eyed when she tried. "They're very good, thank you."

"I'm glad to hear that." He commented, signaling the band to play her and Dahn's song. "Returning to more personal matters, how is the fiancé?"

Maia blinked out of what little focus remained on her real work, peering over to the singer and then backs to Xizor. "Like I said before, Dahn and I are very happy. We're doing very well."

"Are you planning to expand the clan after this one?" He asked, his smile pointed.

It took Maia a moment to realize he meant more babies. "We're starting with one."

"Ah." He nodded. "As is custom for humans."

Xizor glanced at his hands. "I supposed it could be two, but it won't be a clutch of eggs."

"We just lay eggs internally," she said, adjusting like it meant nothing. "Sometimes, we can have three or four, or more in rare circumstances. But I'm just having one."

"Of course." Xizor commented. "While imperials crush out nests of eggs elsewhere." He shook his head. "You know that trade agreement five weeks ago will kill thousands of young aliens."

Maia watched him, narrowing her eyes. "Which agreement?"

He shook his head. "A thousand different agreements where any non-human concerns are completely pushed aside."

"Are you referring to something specific," Maia asked again.

"I am, but it won't change." Xizor shrugged. "It truly doesn't concern me."

She swayed. "So you're complaining."

"Correct." He sipped at his water. "Don't you have complaints?"

"Everyone has complaints about things," Maia remarked. "I suppose my parents just conditioned me not to voice them when I don't have a plan to fix the issue."

Xizor raised his glass. "Wise advice." He watched her. "How has your father dealt with the news of your child?"

"We're all very happy," Maia repeated, keeping her expression neutral. "Both sides."

"Perfect. Even though he was upset at first."

Maia paused for a half-second. He noticed. "I think surprised would be a more appropriate term. It was unexpected, but not unwelcome."

Xizor sipped his water. "As you say," He commented when he'd set the glass back down.

"Have you interacted with my parents since they've been on planet," Maia asked.

"Not directly." He smiled. "I have my ways of keeping informed on all matters, of course."

She smirked, finishing her vegetables. "As do we all. I'm sure my father would love to speak with you."

He pushed away most of his vegetables and like clockwork, the main meat course arrived. "I'm sure he has business deals in mind, but I'm not that interested in his conversation unless he has something to offer me."

"You said the same to me at the start of this, and we both know how that ended," Maia replied.

His eyes glittered. Xizor took a bite from his steak, smiling at her. "You're clever, Maia, I do appreciate that."

"The whole family," Maia commented. "I believe you've remarked on that yourself, recently."

He shrugged. "Brilliance can be a blessing and a curse." Xizor glanced to Fict who had barely touched his water. "This one needs to loosen up."

Maia peered over to the guard. He was blank. Maia assumed Xizor sensed his tension through pheromones. Fict ignored her glance, save with a curt nod.

"But that's not a problem, he's doing his job." Xizor pat Fict's shoulder, careful not to disturb his funny hat. The guard pulled away. "Prime Minister, I hope you're enjoying the visit."

"I am. I hope you can say the same," Maia replied. "I'm happy that we resolved our business so quickly."

"There was little to debate." He agreed. "Thankfully our goals were the same." Xizor smiled small, taking another bite of the steak and chewing, savoring the flavors his chefs had brought to the dish.

"You're to call your parents when we're finished here, aren't you," he asked. Maia took a bite for herself, and shrugged. "I'm to call many people when we're finished here."

He smiled small. "But your parents first after the Emperor himself."

"That's what they asked," Maia acknowledged.

"But you're a powerful woman, with many people to engage with." Xizor smiled. "So they'll hear from you within the half hour, but not immediately."

Her parents would probably be the third call. "Why do you ask?"

He tilted his head. "I'm trying to get a measure of you, Prime Minister. You're becoming a very important player."

She turned her head to the side. "A compliment?"

He smiled at her, releasing pheromones to spur trust and relaxation. "As intended."

Maia felt the change and watched him. She blinked, shaking her head. He saw her focus start to return. "I don't like that."

"Don't what?" He asked, only slowing the release of the pheromone. "Compliment you?"

She shook her head again, faster. "Please stop sending pheromones my way. Regardless of your intention."

Fict stood, extending a hand towards the Falleen. "That's highly inappropriate. You need to stop."

"Stop?" Xizor asked. "Are you accusing me of something?" He looked up at the guard. "What are you planning to do with that hand? Be careful you don't lose it."

"It's all right," Maia said, to Fict. "He's going to stop."

Xizor bowed his head. "I would never want to see you uncomfortable," he agreed, smiling. "See, we're all friends."

"It's all right," Maia repeated, nodding to Lieutenant Fict. "Communication."

Fict shook his head, sitting down and composing himself.

Maia looked back at Xizor, forcing her expression to empty once again. "Have any other business concerns come to mind?"

Xizor shook his head, looking her face over, reflecting on how well youth suited her.

Maia took the napkin from her lap, folding it on the table. "Good. Then. As I said, um. My people will be in touch." She stood, nodding to Fict before turning on her heel and striding out the door.

Xizor blinked, looking after her in half annoyance and half admiration.

Fict talked into his comm link as they moved out, turning to watch the building as Maia was ushered into a speeder.

Captain Speikre raised an eyebrow as Maia entered the car. "Wasn't expecting you, Prime Minister."

Maia's own mouth had opened to respond, but Fict spoke first, claiming the rear seat. "Xizor tried to use pheromones to manipulate her, and we cut it short, though she can better explain."

Maia glared at him. "We discussed business quickly enough."

"So." Speikre gestured. "What happened?"

"Power plays as normal," Maia replied, tensing. "All is well."

"Not as normal," Fict replied, shaking his head.

Maia narrowed her eyes at him. "It was gentler than normal for him."

"And I'm sure the Emperor will decide what course of action he wants to take from here," Fict pressed. "I don't know. I can only assume that's the plan."

"It is not my plan," Maia replied.

Speikre shook his head, looking back at her through the rear view mirror. "You like to do this, but we won't allow you to any more than we normally do. Two days ago, you worried about him attacking you."

"Nobody else did," Maia said.

"And you've been instructed to report to the Emperor." Speikre said. "Please, Madam Prime Minister."

"I'll call him right now," Maia replied. "And then I'll call Dahn, and then I'll call my parents."

"We'll also make our report, as usual." Fict glanced around. "That's all we're saying. We're following procedure."

Kroft nodded. "Ma'am, I need a blood sample?"

Maia blinked, looking around to Kroft. "A blood sample of mine?"

"No, Prime Minister. Of mine." She raised an eyebrow, pulling out a needle. "This won't hurt."

Maia sighed, closing her eyes to block out the view. She extended her arm over the armrest. Kroft took a sample, nodding at the results.

"Only slight residuals, but still. It's not human in origin."

Maia rubbed the spot she'd pricked, though only a dot of blood leaked. "I didn't deny that it happened."

"I just need to determine the extent of the drugging." Kroft shrugged, sending the data to the Senate Security database.

Maia messaged Dahn that she was out early and would call him soon, before dialing Sate Pestage. Maia could never tell his mood. Not over the comm, and not in real life. She hated that. She spoke to Palpatine next, who, as always, was angry after the fact that something had transpired.

One she had ended the call, she noticed Fict watching her and rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "What?"

"You downplayed the danger," Speikre said from the front seat. "Even if you didn't lie."

"Bullshit." Maia exhaled. "I couldn't have given a more unbiased explanation."

"If you say so." He nodded to her comm. "Don't you have other calls to make?"

Maia rolled her eyes, dialing her partner now. She was as prepared for the rant as ever.