Chapter 24: Family Matters & Shattered Relationships

A.N I do want to get into the events of AOTC shortly so in this chapter you will see a hint of it starting.

Ahsoka cautiously and stealthily moved through the Senate, amidst the Senators, guards and aides as she followed the mysterious figure. She noticed their attire. They appeared to be dressed like one of Padme's security guards yet the force was telling her something was amidst. She slipped into a side corridor as she saw them enter the chamber right as Padme was finishing up in the Senate.

"Senator Amidala, I am here to escort you back to your apartment" the guard spoke as Padme was surprised. She wasn't quite finished for the day so she was confused.

"There is no need for that right now. I am not returning to my apartment at this moment" she insists brushing past them as Ahsoka listens cautiously as the guard tries once more to get her to leave.

"Senator, you have been working since your return from Corellia. You need to rest" he insists as Padme shakes her head moving out into the hallway.

"I am well rested thank you and besides, when I am finished here, I won't be returning to my apartment" she reveals right at the moment an alarm rang out through the chamber. It was the emergency alarm. Aides and Senators began to scatter as Padme looked around for her handmaidens just as Ahsoka sensed a disturbance.

"Senator, come with me!" the guard cries grabbing her arm as Ahsoka, determined to not lose them, hurries after them careful not to lose them through the crowds. Seizing her chance, Ahsoka, lightsaber in hand, races forward and pushes Padme and the guard to aside. Her lightsaber at the guard's neck as Padme's eyes widen

"Ahsoka!" she cried "What are you doing?" she asks as Ahsoka shakes her head

"Sorry Senator, but this guard isn't no ordinary guard" she informs her pulling back their hood to reveal Palo's smirked face

"Palo!" Padme gasped as Palo sneered straight at Ahsoka

"Jedi brat!" he scoffs as Ahsoka smirks

"You thought you could get away with this didn't you?" she asks. Palo struggled in her grasp. Ahsoka may have been younger but she was strong in the force and didn't lessen her grip as they moved through the crowds of Senators who were all trying to make their way for the exits. "Senator, where is your speeder?" she asks her as Padme took charge

"This way" she replies as she led Ahsoka and Palo through the crowds. Ahsoka knew that Palo was here then Padme's father wasn't far either.

Whilst at the same time, Anakin and Obi Wan deep within the lower city, slowly proceeded through the dark, stank alleyways. They had followed a low life down one of them to discover he was nothing more than a death stick dealer but he had seen Siri and Serra based on the descriptions they gave him. Now they were moving through more dark alleyways hoping they would find their friends.

"These gangs really do like to conduct their work away from the night life" Anakin observes as Obi Wan nods as he leads them through the alleyway.

"It's because they are conducting illegal activities and can conduct their business away from the city's security and the Jedi" he explains as he comes to a sudden halt. Anakin looks over his brother's shoulder to see a group of men standing around an entrance. They could sense their friends were nearby. "Siri and Serra are inside that building and we'll need to get inside" he points out. Obi Wan notices two lone guards and beckoned for Anakin to follow.

After a few minutes they knocked out the guards and were now wearing their outfits in the hope of blending into the scene. "Follow me" he says emerging from the shadows. They nodded to the small group outside the building before making their way inside hoping to save their friends.

Palo struggled under Ahsoka's grip on his arm as they continued to make their way through the now vacant Senate chamber towards the hanger bay. She had called Qui Gon for help a few moments ago. The hanger bay was in sight when Ahsoka sensed another disturbance knocking Padme to the ground right as a blaster bolt came flying past her. Ahsoka looked over to see a figure in armour and a helmet holding two guns aimed in their direction.

"Senator!" Ahsoka heard as she turned to see the Senator's security team running towards them. Ahsoka looks over at Captain Typho

"Get her to safety!" she instructs before she looks at another two. "You two, take this one the security cells" she informs them igniting her lightsaber. "I'm going after the new figure" she smirks as Padme shook her head

"Ahsoka, no, don't!" she cried however it was too late. She had already taken off just as one of the Senate's guards was moving towards them. Padme's eyes widen as she saw they had with them her father handcuffed

"Senator, we found this man standing outside your speeder and on closer inspection of your speeder, found your driver in the trunk" he reveals as Padme shakes her head.

"Thank you. It would appear that Jedi padawan Ahsoka Tano sensed a danger and stopped my father and ex boyfriend before they could implement their plan" she replies glaring at both of them right at the moment Qui Gon came running towards her with Jedi Master Shaak Ti

"Padme!" he calls out seeing her turn towards him "Where's Ahsoka?" he asks as Padme points towards the hanger

"She chased after another figure who tried to shoot at me. She didn't want to let them-" she then watches as Qui Gon and Shaak Ti race off in the direction Ahsoka had taken as Padme turned to the security guard

"Escort these two men to a holding cell and inform the local security" she instructs as Ruwee scoffs

"You disappoint me Padme. This life you have created will come crashing down and you'll be back on Naboo where you belong" he calls back as Padme remains strong. Her father's words did hurt her but she was not going to give him the satisfaction of letting him know that. Her new family was Anakin and his family and she had her sister and her nieces here with her. She wasn't going to let him get to her. She was going to continue helping Bail with defeating the Military Creation Act.

Anakin and Obi Wan continued to stealthily move through the compound. They could sense their friends through the force but the building seem to be a maze of hallways. They had already dispersed of four other guards without creating a fight.

However, unfortunately for Siri and Serra had been brought before the gang leader who was not pleased that he had Jedi within his crime organisation this whole time. He wore rich formal robes, had dark brown mid length hair and green eyes. His name was Dash Tharen. He was a smuggler who rose to the ranks of crime lord through running slaving trade and drug ring.

Dash's fingers drummed on the edge of his throne like seat as he glared at his two captives. "When I allowed you to join my organisation, I thought they can fight and they were beautiful" he begins to speak as he rose to his feet and moved towards them "And now I'm disappointed to find out I've had two Jedi in my organisation the whole time!" he screams as Serra and Siri were startled but remained unafraid. Serra looked over at him

"It was your organisation's activities that came to the Jedi's attention" she scoffs as he moves over towards her, swiftly touching her cheek

"Such a pretty face" he replies before he strongly grabs hold of her face "It would be a shame to ruin it" he sneers holding out his dagger. He moves it slowly towards her face only to have it pushed out of his hand completely by Siri

"Touch her and you'll find yourself dealing with me" she warns however he only laughed smirking over at her.

"Feisty" he grins "It's too bad you both won't be around much longer" he reveals right at the moment the lights blacked out and the cries of the two guards standing by the entrance. Then two blue lights shone in the darkness.

"I'm sorry but we'll be relieving you of our friends here" came the voice as Siri and Serra recognised the voice of Obi Wan. Dash looked around angrily

"Jedi scum!" he cried "Show yourself!" he calls out. The lights came back on revealing Obi Wan standing meters before him lightsaber in hand right before he felt himself pushed back into the wall and Anakin landing in front of him quickly cuffing his wrists

"Weren't expecting that were you?" he asks kicking him in the gut "Slavery scum" he scoffs. Obi Wan looked over at his brother. He could feel the anger coming from his brother. Slavers and slavery was still a sensitive subject for Anakin after he, their mother and grandmother were nearly sold into slavery when he was three.

Dash glared at the young Jedi at the moment Obi Wan cut through the cuffs around Siri and Serra's wrists. Serra breathes

"Always good to see you both" she admits as Anakin embraces his friend

"When father told us what had happened, I knew I couldn't let you be trapped into slavery" he admits as Siri slowly looks up at Obi Wan. It was clear that there was tension between the two of them

"Wonder how you got caught out this time?" he scoffs as Siri rolls her eyes

"That's right, because when something goes wrong, and I'm involved, it's my fault as usual" she snaps back "Never mind the times where Anakin went off and got himself and his friends in danger and instead of snapping at him, you're just relieved to see him safe" she reminds him as Obi Wan rolls his eyes

"He's my brother. He's family. You are always pushing it even when we were padawans" he reminds her as Serra and Anakin watched them argue back and forth before moving over towards a cuffed Dash as Anakin pulled him to his feet

"Hope you like prison food" he taunts "Because you'll be eating it for a long time for your crimes and I dare say, an orange jumpsuit will suit you" he smirks as Dash scoffs, spitting at his feet

"I'll be out of prison and making your lives miserable quicker than you can think" he reveals as Anakin pushes him on as Serra laughs

"Not after we report our findings to the Jedi and the courts" she adds stopping before Obi Wan and Siri

"Alright, you two, how about we get this scum to a prison cell and report back to the council" Anakin suggests as Obi Wan agrees

"Good idea and perhaps Siri can reveal how her cover was blown which nearly got her and Serra killed" he adds as Siri rolls her eyes

"You act so perfect Obi Wan and yet I know you've nearly caused missions to go wrong but then again you were always a sucker for blonds" she taunts. Obi Wan's eyes glared straight at her as Anakin's eyes widen. He knew she was referring to his earlier missions with not only her, but protecting Satine and dangers with Hannah. However instead of fighting back, Obi Wan stormed out of the room leaving Anakin to follow with Dash, Serra and Siri.

One hour later, Anakin, Obi Wan, Serra and Siri had returned to the council after escorting Dash to a holding cell along with the rest of his gang. Qui Gon smiled at his sons as they approached him.

"I'm proud of you both. I trust everything went well?" he asks as Anakin sniggers

"Well, aside from the heated reunion of Siri and Obi Wan, it went well. Dash and his gang will be trialled and jailed" he insists as Qui Gon nods.

"I knew you two would be have no trouble capturing him and rescuing Siri and Serra. You two are two of our strongest and best Jedi despite what some may say, most of us all agree" he reveals as Anakin then noticed something else was on his father's mind

"Did something happen while we were down in the lower city?" he asks as Qui Gon sighs looking over at Obi Wan

"I could never keep a secret from your brother" he admits taking a deep breath before he went on. "When you sent Ahsoka to inform Padme of your mission, it wasn't quite the simple task as you expected" he begins to say as Anakin is confused so Qui Gon continued "Ahsoka sensed a disturbance and followed her instincts where she caught Palo, disguised as a security officer of Padme's to escort her back to her apartment. She stopped him and then while escorting him to a holding cell, sensed another disturbance and stopped an attempt -" he didn't even finished his sentence as Anakin took off for the hanger bay

Obi Wan shook his head looking over at his father "So where is Palo now?" he asks as Qui Gon went on "A Senate guard also found her father disguised as the driver so both of them are in a holding cell. Perhaps this time they need to be deported from Courscant permanently" he explains as Obi Wan grins "Something I know Anakin will be pushing for" he points out.

Anakin raced for the Senate chamber after being informed by her head of security she was still at her office. Senators were now back inside and moving throughout the chamber after the fake fire alarm. Anakin ignored them all and continued until he reached Padme's office just as Ahsoka was coming out of the office.

"Hey Skyguy" she grins just as Anakin stopped before her and hugged her

"I want to thank you Ahsoka" he replies "I know I sent you just for one message but if you hadn't, things would have been much worse if you weren't here" he reveals as Ahsoka smiles

"Padme's one of my friends now and I may still be a youngling and not technically a padawan but I still can protect my friends" she admits as he smiles

"I appreciate your help as does my father. Go get some rest" he says before he watches her move away before he enters the office. Padme raises her head before she gets up from her desk towards him. They share a tender passionate kiss.

"I'm relieved to see you safe Padme. When father told Obi Wan and I what happened, I rushed over here before he even had a chance to finish. I heard Palo's name and second attack" he tells her as Padme sighs

"I didn't know it was Palo at first but I did find it unusual that he wanted me to go back to my apartment straight away when I told Captain Typho, Sabe and Dorme I would be staying back till dinner. The look on his face when Ahsoka caught him something I'll never forget" she grins as he laughs, his arms still around her. Padme rests her head against his chest as he gently rubs her back

"You won't have to deal with them again Padme. I promise you they will be punished severely regardless of their friendship with the Chancellor" he promises her as Padme looks up at him giving him a small smile

"I know. Let's just hope this time will be the last time" she replies sighing "I just worry that with my sister and nieces living here with me when my father gets back to Naboo, he'll take it out on my mother and I'll never see her" she points out as Anakin had a thought

"Padme, would your mother ever leave your father? She could come here to Courscant" he suggests. He sees Padme shrug

"I don't know. She did love my father which is why she found it hard to stand up to him when he was punishing us. Perhaps, maybe" she wonders as he places a hand on her cheek.

"We will try" he promises her sharing another tender kiss. Padme grins as he smirks "Think you can give yourself an early day today?" he asks seeing her grin even more

"As much as its tempting, Bail wants to meet with me to discuss our bill for stopping the Military Creation Act. It shouldn't take too long" she assures him as Anakin sighs

"Alright, but you owe me" he smirks as she giggles

"I know how to make it up to you" she simply replies before turning back to her desk as he left the office in the direction of the holding cells.

On the outskirts of the outer rim, was the Outland Transit Station, home to many borhek pit duels. Various species and humans flocked to the station either to participate or enjoy the fights. A cloaked and hooded Lord Maul moved through the crowds towards the owner's office. The owner was Rotta and Lord Maul was coming to meet with her about the bounty hunter Jango Fett.

Once he reached the office, he knocked twice before the door opened revealing a red skinned toydaraian before him. "If you're here about a lost bet from one of the fights, I can't help you get your money back" she tells him. Her voice was raspy before she moved aside to let him enter the room

"I have no interest in your fighting pits you fool" he scoffs "I'm looking for Jango Fett. He's a bounty hunter that has worked for me before. I was told this was the last place he was seen" he tells her as Rotta chuckles

"Jango, he's been around. He's out collecting a bounty for me. I can give him a message" she replies. Lord Maul scoffs. He was hoping to discuss this new assignment with Jango in person however once Jango found out about this assignment he would be calling him with questions and confirmation he was in.

Lord Maul rose to his feet handing her a small holo projector. "Ensure Jango gets this message and have him contact me once he sees this message" he informs her and then without another word, Lord Maul exits the office. His master wanted a clone army host and he would believed Jango would be the host.

Padme and Mon Mothma sat in their chairs opposite Bail's desk as they continued to go through their notes regarding the Act. In the last week, four more Senators had left to join the Separatists and the pressure was on especially with news that there were other Senators who were thinking about coming up with a counter proposal act.

"We cannot allow this act or any other counter act to be pushed forward. We do not want a war for our planets. Naboo has suffered enough with what happened with the Trade Federation, something I do not want to see Alderaan or Chandrila go through the same battles" Padme admits. Bail nodded in agreement

"I agree. It is something my wife and I do not wish for our people and we will vote down this act" he assures her as Mon Mothma then spoke

"Unfortunately, there are rumours of threats to those who dare oppose the Military Creation Act and so we will have to fight to gather the numbers that will help us vote the act down" she cautions them as Padme shook her head

"I have been fighting for myself since I first came to Courscant as a young aide and even as a Senator, I have been the target of my family, pirates, the Trade Federation, bounty hunters and the Sith" she admits with a tremble in her voice referring to Lord Maul's presence on both Cloud City and Naboo.

Bail and Mon Mothma look over at her. Padme may still be young but she was certainly wise and she was passionate. Bail then had a thought.

"Padme, do you think there are any Jedi who will help us. They are known as the peace keepers of the galaxy. Surely, they don't want another war" he points out as Padme thought for a moment. She could talk to Anakin and his family. They loved her like she was already part of the family and soon she will be.

Flashback

It had only been a few hours since her engagement news had been revealed and now that she was back on Courscant, Sola, Sabe and Dorme wasted no time in starting to plan their friend's wedding. Padme blushes as she sat with her friends and sister.

"It's only been a few hours since I've been engaged and you're already planning the wedding?" she asks them as Sola laughs

"When you broke up with Palo, I thought you wouldn't be getting married for years and now we have some happy news so while you are at the Senate, you leave the wedding details to us" Sola tells her as Padme then had a thought

"Sola, who's going to walk me down the aisle. Father definitely hasn't given his blessing and with all the trouble he has been giving me, I don't want him at the wedding" she reveals as Sola had a thought of her own

"I'll talk to Qui Gon or his father Jacen. Perhaps one of them will be willing to walk you down the aisle. Qui Gon told me how he looks at you like a daughter already" she tells her as Padme smiles glancing down at the ring on her finger

"I thought I'd be forced to be with Palo forever and then the night I met Anakin, something changed and I felt real love for him" she explains as Sabe gushes

"And now you're marrying your true love" she points out as Padme chuckles. She hadn't thought to call it true love but Anakin was special and loved her with all his heart and so perhaps it was true love.

End of flashback

Padme nodded. "I'll talk to Anakin tonight. I'm sure he, his brother and father will be willing to help us" she assures them just as Mon Mothma found something else interesting.

"Padme" she speaks up "When you were on Corellia, did you meet Satine Kryze of Mandalore?" she asks as Padme nodded

"Yes. She is training to be Duchess and is an old friend of Obi Wan and Anakin's, why?" she asks as Mon Mothma went on

"It appears she is close to becoming Duchess and she's insisting Mandalore will remain neutral so perhaps you could ask Obi Wan and Anakin to talk to her about changing her mind" she suggests. Padme thought for a moment. She remembered Anakin's words about Satine about how she and Obi Wan had feelings for each other before separating - it was going to be tricky but she liked Satine when she was on Corellia, so perhaps she could speak with her.

"I'll give it a try. I know she has a history with the Jinn family but I'm sure they'll agree" she promises them as Bail smiles

"Excellent so for now, we conclude our business here for tonight and start up again tomorrow" he insists before they all got up and Padme and Mon Mothma exited the office leaving Bail to tidy up his office for the evening.

Xanatos watched the ship touch down on the rocky surface of Geonosis. He didn't understand why he had to remain behind while Lord Maul went in search of Jango Fett but he had just gotten word that there had been a riot on the prison planet Oovo IV and using the riot as a cover, the Viceroy of the Trade Federation escaped as planned.

Xanatos watched as the Viceroy moved down the landing ramp. He looked relieved to just be out of that prison even if it was this rocky planet. "Who are you?" he asks him straight out as Xanatos scoffs

"Never mind who I am. Lord Maul wanted me to be here when you arrived. He is unfortunately off world at the moment but will return soon" he assures him as Nute Gunray scoffed

"Let us hope it is with news of Senator Amidala's death. It is the only reason I agree to joining the Separatists" he points out as Xanatos said nothing but rolled his eyes. He didn't care about Senator Amidala but thinking of her reminded him of his old master and his brats. He hoped that he had the chance to kill them soon or at least his old master so that his brats would know the pain of losing their father like he did.

"Lord Maul is out fulfilling his end of the deal for you" he informs him "So, if you'll follow me, I'll show you around the droid factory" he adds leaving them into the base. The Separatists were rising and soon Xanatos would ensure his old master would fall.

Next time - We move into the events of AOTC but it will be differently to accommodate the relationships of our characters now and with his last encounter with Siri, Obi Wan realises his feelings for Hannah but will it last?