Disclaimer: I don't own anything. George's sandbox.
AN: Here's chapter 24! Thanks for all the great reviews!
Never Gone
Chapter 24: Conspiracy Theory
A few days had passed and Anakin and Padme remained in the Lake Country for the most part. In the mornings, Padme would deal with any Senate business over the holocom with acting Senator Tarkin. While she was busy with that, Anakin would be training or in Theed investigating. This was one such morning and Padme was on the holocom with a concerned Governor Bibble.
"Governor, I ask that you not take Anakin's interrogation personal. He is only trying to find the culprit and was in no way implicating you," Padme said, trying to ease the Governor's temper.
"I know that he was not accusing me, but he is disrupting the daily business of the staff around here. He has disrupted security and the handmaidens are very distracted by him," Governor Bibble replied. Padme had to suppress a giggle and an eye roll. She had no doubt as to why the handmaidens were distracted by him.
"Governor, I realize that Captain Panaka does not see the necessity of Anakin's investigation and he believes that the culprit is not inside the palace. But Anakin does and he is my husband. If he believes so strongly in this, then I do to, for I hold no one's opinion and trust higher than his. I'm positive that he will soon draw a conclusion to this investigation and I am confident that he will find the culprit. Someone wants my husband and I dead and we are determined to find out who," Padme replied.
"Forgive me Senator, I was being insensitive. I was only expressing concerns that a few of the staff around here have had. You know that you and your husband have mine and the Queen's full support," Governor Bibble apologized.
"Thank you Governor," Padme said, as the transmission cut out. She scribbled a few things down and quickly retrieved another datapad, before accepting Senator Tarkin's call.
"Good morning milady," Tarkin greeted.
"Good morning Senator," Padme greeted in return.
"I wish I had better news, but I'm sure you've read the reports by now," Tarkin replied.
"I have. What can you tell me about this General Grevious?" Padme asked.
"Not much I'm afraid. Peace talks were going well on Cato Neimodia a few days ago, when suddenly this odd-looking droid like man came in and began killing the negotiators. It was terribly tragic," Tarkin said sadly.
"Is it true that he fought with a light saber?" Padme asked.
"Yes, more than one actually. It is obvious that he has received training, possibly from Count Dooku himself," Tarkin replied.
"Milady, the war has escalated. The Senate is calling for more emergency powers for the Chancellor so he can strive even harder to end this war. The motion will see the floor today and it is expected to pass," Tarkin told her.
"More emergency powers is not what's best for this Republic. You must oppose this Senator," Padme replied.
"I will do my best milady," Tarkin said, as Anakin came into the room, having returned from Theed.
"Ah, Anakin, I was hoping to see you. The Chancellor and I want to both thank you for taking such good care of our lovely Senator. You are the talk of the holonet my boy. Have you turned up anything in your investigation?" Tarkin said.
"I certainly wouldn't tell you if I had," Anakin thought to himself.
"Nothing solid yet Senator, but I'm confident I will get to the bottom of this," Anakin replied vaguely.
"Me too my boy. Now, if you'll both excuse me, I must end this little visit. The Senate will be called into session soon," Tarkin replied.
"Thank you for your call Senator," Padme replied politely.
"You're very welcome milady, take care," Tarkin replied, as his transmission blinked off. Padme sighed heavily and slumped in her chair.
"You okay angel?" he asked, placing his hand on her shoulder. She smiled and stood up to hug him.
"I'm fine. And if I remember correctly, you and I have a date which involves swimming to the island for a day on the beach," Padme replied, as she kissed him softly.
"Yeah, we should go get changed," Anakin replied.
"So, any leads that you didn't want to share with Tarkin?" Padme asked, as they changed into their bathing suits.
"Well, no real leads. Whoever it is, covered their tracks well. I interrogated more of the security and a couple of the Queen's handmaidens kept following me around, though I'm not sure why. I do have a gut feeling though," Anakin replied. Padme smiled at his confusion.
"Sweetie, the handmaidens were following you around, because they have a crush on you," Padme replied sweetly.
"Oh," Anakin replied, still looking confused.
"So what is this gut feeling you have? I know you, and usually your gut feelings are right," Padme replied. Anakin smiled. She was his one true champion...well she and his mom maybe.
"Well, even if I am right, I still can't prove it yet," Anakin replied.
"Who do you suspect?" she asked.
"Captain Panaka," he replied.
"Wow," Padme said, letting the implications sink in.
"I know it's hard to believe, but he's hiding something," Anakin replied.
"It is a little hard to believe, but if you think he's responsible, then I believe you," Padme replied.
"Obi-Wan agrees. He doesn't trust Panaka either. He says that ten years ago, he doesn't remember the captain having such good mind shields. But now, you can't sense anything from him," Anakin replied.
"Are you saying Captain Panaka is Force sensitive?" Padme asked.
"No, actually he's not. But those that aren't Force sensitive can learn basics like how to guard your mind against someone who is Force sensitive. I taught you how and Obi-Wan taught Lea so that you would be able to guard your thoughts," Anakin replied.
"You're saying that you think someone has taught him how to do this?" Padme asked.
"It's possible," Anakin replied.
"And if it wasn't a Jedi, then it would have had to be a Sith," Padme concluded. Anakin nodded.
"What are you going to do now?" she asked.
"I'm not sure yet. I have no way to prove my suspicions and no way to prove he did anything," Anakin replied. Padme hugged him.
"I'm sure you'll figure this out. If he's really the one, I know you will. I've known him a long time and it's a good bet that he'll underestimate you, because you're younger and more inexperienced than him. I think that's where he'll make his mistake," Padme replied. Anakin smiled down at her.
"Well, thank you for the vote of confidence. I hope you're right," Anakin replied, as was now noticing her attire. It was a bright blue two piece bathing suit, leaving practically nothing to his imagination.
"You know...we could forget the beach...and stay here," Anakin said, as he began kissing her neck.
"Oh no you don't. They'll be plenty of time for that later," Padme told him with a wink.
"Promise?" he asked.
"Oh, I promise," she replied, as they left for the beach.
Later, while Anakin and Padme were out, Obi-Wan received a call from Chancellor Palpatine. Puzzled, Obi-Wan took it immediately wondering what it could possibly be.
"Good afternoon Chancellor," Obi-Wan greeted.
"Good afternoon Master Kenobi," Palpatine replied.
"To what do I owe this pleasure Chancellor?" Obi-Wan asked politely.
"I just wanted to offer my regrets on your expulsion from the Jedi Order. I believe they have made a terrible error in judgement," Palpatine said.
"Thank you Chancellor, that is kind of you to say," Obi-Wan replied.
"Well, I know you are someone who doesn't like to beat around the bush, so I will get right to why I am calling. I can't in good conscience see someone with your skills and talents not serving our grand Republic. After all, you've taken young Anakin under your wing and he has benefitted greatly from your teachings," Palpatine said.
"Are you offering me a job, Chancellor?" Obi-Wan asked. Palpatine chuckled.
"You always have been perceptive. Yes, I am Obi-Wan," Palpatine replied.
"What do the duties entail?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Well, it is a well compensated position in the Judicial department. You duties will be whatever I need handled by someone with the ability to sense corruption and deceit. Your first task would be overseeing the jury selection for Nute Gunray and his accomplices' trial. As you know, his first trial was a joke. The jury members were obviously on the Trade Federation payroll and I think it is imperative that this not happen again. He deserves to be in prison for a very long time," Palpatine said. Obi-Wan was almost taken aback. Was Palpatine actually trying to do something noble?
"I am honored that you would consider me for such a high ranking position Chancellor. Is it possible that I could give you my answer in the morning?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Of course, take the evening to discuss it with your family by all means. I'll look forward to hearing from you in the morning. Good evening," the Chancellor replied, as his transmission winked out. Obi-Wan sat back in the chair, now deep in his thoughts...
After a lazy swim over to the island, Anakin and Padme rested on the beach. Since they had come back to Naboo, Padme had begun teaching Anakin how to swim. Like most things, he picked it up quickly and was now able to keep up with her. They were alone on the beach, as she had seen to it that there were no visitors to Varykino today.
"Ani, will you put some sun oil on my back?" Padme asked, as laid on her stomach on her towel. Anakin smiled and squirted some into his palm. He rubbed his hands together and began massaging it into her lower back, slowly working higher. He worked up her back, sensually massaging her, giving her soft chills down her spine. He smirked, as she moaned a little and he slowly untied her top. He pushed the fabric out of the way, so he could massage the tension out of her back.
"Your back is a mess of knots angel," he told her.
"Blame the Senate," she mumbled.
"Oh I do. I'm almost positive I can help you relax," he replied, with a smirk. She giggled.
"Me too," she replied, as she leaned over and kissed his lips. It was late in the afternoon and the sun had dipped lower in the sky. The surf of the tide began to lap at their feet, as Anakin kissed her passionately. He rolled her onto her back and his lips descended upon the nape of her neck. Entwined together, they made love in the surf...
As they bathed in the afterglow, they kissed softly and sensually, as the tide continued to splash around them. Later, they got dressed and swam back home.
Anakin and Padme showered and dressed once they got home, before joining Lea and Obi-Wan for dinner.
At dinner, Obi-Wan explained his earlier conversation with the Chancellor to Anakin and Padme. He and Lea had already discussed it this afternoon and Obi-Wan was leaning strongly toward accepting it.
"I think it is a great opportunity Obi-Wan. Having your hand in the Judicial system would surely put those in prison who justly deserve it. There have been far too many criminals that have slipped through the cracks," Padme said, as she took another bite of her shurra desert.
"Padme's right. With you overseeing jury selection, Gunray will finally go to prison where he belongs. Then he can't hurt Padme anymore," Anakin said, as he squeezed her hand.
"Well, I'm glad you both approve, because I am strongly considering accepting it. I do worry about your training though Anakin," Obi-Wan replied.
"I'll keep up on my exercises and then you can check my progress when you come to visit. Plus, Padme should be able to return to the Senate soon, which means we'll all be back on Coruscant," Anakin replied.
"I'm not sure about that Anakin. With Gunray's trial in progress, there will be danger still, especially since I highly suspect Padme will be called to testify. Even you may have to testify and until then, Naboo is probably the safest. Gunray is a hero on Cato-Neimodia and his trial will not sit well with them. There may be a lot of anger directed at Naboo," Obi-Wan said. Anakin sat deep in thought.
"We need to find that evidence. I'm almost positive that Panaka has something to do with all of this. I just don't know what exactly or even what his motive could be," Anakin replied.
"Money often overpowers loyalty," Obi-Wan reminded.
"Someone has definitely promised him money and maybe even power. But...I don't know. It just feels like there's more to it than that," Anakin replied.
"Anakin, I think you might be over thinking this a little. It is perfectly understandable that your worry for your wife is giving you the need to find something," Obi-Wan reasoned. Anakin nodded. What Obi-Wan was saying made perfect sense.
"If he's chosen money over loyalty, then it's a good bet that he is no longer loyal to Queen Jamilla either," Lea reminded.
"Lea's right. Jamilla and I have been friends for years. I know she would never betray me," Padme replied.
"It's very unsettling. Panaka has been serving in the royal guard since back during Palpatine's first term as Senator," Lea mentioned. That's when it hit Anakin and a look of complete astonishment came over his face.
"What is it?" Obi-Wan asked.
"That's it Obi-Wan. Panaka's loyalty lies with Palpatine and it probably always has," Anakin replied.
"Are you saying that you think Palpatine is behind all this?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I'm not sure if he's behind it, but he's definitely involved. Is it possible he could be involved with the Sith?" Anakin asked. Obi-Wan thought for a moment.
"It is possible. I've felt dark tremors around Palpatine before, though I never found anything distinguishable," Obi-Wan replied.
"Are you saying that you believe Palpatine could be involved with the attempts on my life?" Padme asked.
"It's very possible angel. You are a strong advocate against him and Naboo is his home planet. That likely causes him some anger and even embarrassment that the Senator of his home planet does not support him," Anakin reasoned.
"But how in the world could we ever prove something like that?" Lea asked.
"It will not be easy, but perhaps in my dealings on Coruscant and with Anakin here on Naboo, we may be able to uncover something," Obi-Wan replied.
"I think Tarkin is obviously involved as well. Placing Tarkin in the acting Senator position gives Palpatine the support he wants from Naboo," Anakin replied.
"But so far, he has made no motions other than what he has been instructed to by Padme," Obi-Wan reminded.
"Yet," Anakin replied. Suddenly, Dorme entered.
"I'm sorry to bother you milady, but I think there is something on the holonet that you need to see," Dorme said. The four of them looked warily at each other, before getting up and filing into the sitting room.
The face of Twi'lek reporter appeared on the screen.
"There were big developments in the Senate today. A motion to grant Chancellor Palpatine more emergency powers has passed. The motion was heavily opposed by the delegation of two-thousand, but there was a surprising turn of events today. Support for the motion came from Naboo, which in the past has never supported the cause of the war to any extent. Acting Senator Tarkin made a speech today, turning Naboo's support to the Chancellor and urging other systems to do so as well. It is unknown as whether or not this motion was supported by Senator Amidala, who has always opposed such actions in the past...
"Like I said, yet," Anakin replied, as he put his arm around Padme's shoulders. Padme sunk onto the sofa and Anakin sat beside her, trying to comfort her.
"I told him to do everything he could to oppose that amendment. I knew it would likely pass, but he wasn't supposed to advocate for it!" Padme yelled.
"I'm so sorry angel," he said, as she began sobbing on his shoulder.
"I'm telling you Obi-Wan. Tarkin and Palpatine had this whole thing planned. They have to be in on everything," Anakin replied.
"I believe you Anakin and we will do everything we can to prove it," Obi-Wan replied.
Later, Obi-Wan and Lea were in bed talking about their decision.
"Do you think it's a good idea to take this position?" Lea asked.
"I do. That way, I can be on Coruscant to secretly investigate the Chancellor as well. There is definitely something going on," Obi-Wan replied. Lea nodded in agreement and snuggled close to him.
"Obi-Wan, I know that I keep asking you this. But you don't regret leaving the Jedi for me, do you?" Lea asked.
"Of course not. In fact, more and more everyday, I realize it was the right decision for many reasons. But most of all, it was the right decision because I love you Lea," Obi-Wan replied.
"I love you too Obi-Wan," she replied, as he kissed her passionately.