Author's Note: A huge thanks to Zan189, Hellish Red Devil, Eriks LeadingLady, Hopeless4Life and Meandmysharpie! (Insert big round of applause here). If I have any anonymous readers out there, please feel free to drop in as well!
Okay, here we go! Our favorite heroes have finally reached their dreaded destination – Plauu!
PLAUU - SEVERAL MILES FROM DIVIDED SYSTEMS HEADQUARTERS
Padme watched Anakin navigate the maze of dense trees. They were in such thick cover that the branches could be heard scraping roughly against the sides of the ship. She breathed a sigh of relief as she felt the gentle thump that came with a successful landing.
Releasing her safety harness, she moved towards the rear of the ship and lowered the ramp. Obi-wan and Mace jumped onto the metal surface and were in the ship before the structure had even touched the ground. They squeezed her shoulder in a wordless greeting as they passed. It was startling to see them once again clad in their Jedi attire. She had actually gotten used to their casual wardrobe.
Shaking her head at the thought, she returned to the dim cockpit and saw Anakin clipping his light saber into place. She perched on the cushioned top of a utility bench and watched the Jedi Masters consulting a holographic map of the target building. Apparently satisfied, they switched it off and the image retreated into the thin metal disk, which Obi-wan quickly stuffed into the inner pocket of his cloak.
"Skywalker, it appears that the entrance with the fewest guards is on the Southwest corner. We will split up and meet there in 30 minutes," Mace instructed. Turning his keen eyes towards Padme, he continued, "Senator, it is imperative that you stay with the ships, safe and out of sight. If there is any sign of a struggle, or if we are not back by 0200 hours, leave us." He studied her carefully and she screened her thoughts discreetly, merely nodding her head instead. Finally, he continued, "Milady, may the Force be with you."
Swallowing thickly, she returned the sentiment as the Jedi Master exited the ship. Obi-wan stepped forward and clasped her hands gently, concerned by the iciness of her grip.
"Padme, I promise I shall keep a close eye on Anakin," he said solemnly. Behind him, Anakin snorted his disdain for the statement.
Obi-wan's voice warmed as he insisted, "Of course, that means you will owe me a fresh bottle of wine when this mission is over." At her skeptical look, he laughed and said, "Okay, I promise not to drink it anywhere in the vicinity of you or Master Windu. Be safe, my friend."
"You too, Obi-wan," she said.
Bowing before her gallantly, he swept down the ramp, his cloak swirling around his body in a deep brown blaze.
Smiling through her tears, Padme turned to Anakin and watched his approach. She sank into his arms and held onto him tight, afraid she might never get another chance. He placed a gentle hand under her chin and tilted her head back, bringing his lips to hers in a loving kiss. The gesture communicated everything that was churning inside their hearts but couldn't quite express.
Reluctantly, Anakin pulled away and she felt the loss deeply. Bringing her arms to her sides, she watched him give her a reassuring smile.
"I'll be back soon - long before 0200 hours," he promised. "Do you have your com-link?"
"Right here," she said, holding it up.
"Good. Keep it close - we will send you a signal if necessary." She paled at what his statement implied and her jaw tightened. Noticing her expression, he hastened to add, "Remember your promise about the ships."
"I remember," she said quietly.
"I love you," he choked, his blue eyes sparkling with sincerity.
"I love you too," she said.
But he was already gone.
SHIP OF DAKE AND TARV - 40 MINUTES LATER
She exited the cockpit, satisfied that the ship was prepared for an immediate departure. Moving quickly, she headed down the short corridor to the storage area. Pausing in front of two doors, she opened the one on the right and gasped at the sight that greeted her. The stoic, formal Jedi Masters apparently had been neglecting their housekeeping skills. The small closet was stuffed with articles of clothing, heaps of discarded clues, marked up datapads and planetary guidebook disks.
Oh, what would the great Master Yoda say?
Instantly, the diminutive Jedi Master's voice popped into her head.
Clean up, you must! Live in disorganization, a Jedi cannot!
Laughing quietly at her thoughts, she forced the door closed. Turning to the left, the door slid open and she let out a whoop of victory as she spotted what she was looking for. Reaching in, she pressed a button on the droid inside.
"Good evening, Mistress Padme," Threepio said formally. "I must say, it is very good to see you again. I am getting rather tired of staying in this stuffy closet. Master Dake and Tarv refuse to allow me to help them in any way. They say I am far too excitable. I do believe this racing competition has been far too divisive for my taste."
"I know what you mean," she responded dryly. "Threepio, I need your help."
"Of course," the golden droid acknowledged, easing his thin frame out of the cramped closet.
She handed him a small remote and began to issue the instructions. Threepio studied her intensely, committing the directions to memory.
Moments later, she settled the droid into the pilot's chair and headed for the middle of the ship. Not wanting the extra task of lowering and raising the ramp, she opted to exit through the emergency hatch. Sinking to her knees, she pried open the metal insert and dropped through the exposed opening, landing with a dull thud on the grassy surface below. Reaching up, she pulled it closed once again, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the sudden darkness.
As her sight returned to normal, she went through a quick perusal of the dark perimeter. Still quiet. Moving smoothly, she returned to the Liri and Kaide, pulling herself up through the floor once again. She checked her com-link and it seemed to be working properly. Perhaps everything was going to be okay. Artoo beeped at her softly, a question evident in his tone.
"I don't know, Artoo," Padme replied. "All we can do is hope."
OUTSIDE DIVIDED SYSTEMS' HEADQUARTERS - SAME TIME
Anakin leaned against the tree, hidden entirely by the leafy plants that separated him from the dark fortress. He sensed Obi-wan and Mace approaching and turned to meet them, their frowns visible even through the murky night.
"What?" Anakin whispered innocently. Reluctantly, he admitted, "Okay, so I tweaked my jet pack a little."
"This equipment was made specifically for this mission," Obi-wan hissed, easing the device from his shoulders. "What if you had damaged the muted sound buffer? The entire Divided Systems army could have heard you coming."
"I'm truly sorry, Master. I just wanted to make sure I made it to the rendezvous point on time so I increased its speed capabilities."
Obi-wan sent him a frustrated glare while Mace continued to frown. For a long moment, the only sound was the rustling of thick leaves as the wind stirred the stagnant night air and Anakin shifted from foot to foot, clearly uncomfortable. Finally, their attention was drawn away as they studied the heavy gate.
"Skywalker, where are the guards? Since you've been here so long, surely you've noticed a pattern?" Mace asked, his tone still indicating his disapproval.
"Shift change," Anakin replied quickly. "The next group of sentry droids will be out here in approximately 90 seconds."
"Let's go," Mace said flatly. Silently, they headed for the gate, careful to avoid the roaming spotlights. Taking up positions on each side of the entryway, there was only one thing they could do.
Wait.
00000
The shadow cackled as he sensed his prey waiting just outside the reinforced doors.
The time had finally arrived! How tragic for the Jedi; how wonderful for him.
Soon he would have everything he desired.
Including her.
