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Chapter Six: Dulce bellum Inexpertis

- war is sweet to the inexperienced

THE EXECUTOR

She had felt fear twice before. The first time Padmé Amidala of Naboo had felt real fear had been during the Invasion of Naboo. Not for herself but for her friends and her people foremost. The entire planet's fate was on her shoulders, a fourteen year old Queen who had to unite the Naboo and the native Gungans to save their home.

The Republic's incompetence had shown itself in Chancellor Finis Valorum's incompetence. Looking back, she sees more and more of Palpatine's hand in Valorum's failure. And with that, her own hand as well.

The second time Padmé Amidala had felt real fear was in the final days of her beloved Republic, when her life flashed before her eyes and her life's work went down the drain.

This? Darth Vader holding his red blade against her neck, so close that she was certain she would suffocate?

This was not fear. She was in pain, yes. Horrible pain, at that. The heat of the lightsaber almost burned the skin of her neck and made it hard to breathe, afraid that if she let her neck rise even the slightest she'd actually end up burning it.

But it was not fear. Because Padmé didn't fear death. And looking into death's piercing, golden eyes only intrigued her. She was captivated, the intense amount of hatred in them almost causing her physical pain, as well.

It was something she couldn't explain. It was a gut feeling, something inside of her just translating the emotion in those eyes for what it is.

Hatred, anger, anguish. All of it, an endless pit. She couldn't look away, the red hue of the weapon tinting his eyes a beautiful, warm ochre.

With her back still pressed against the cold door and the lack of oxygen going to her head, she breathed out her first words barely above a whisper. "You won't kill me."

Padmé wasn't quite sure if she was so convinced of that herself, Vader would do whatever he desired. However, the sane part in her mind reminded her that if he wanted to kill her, he would've already done so.

Right now, he would most likely torture every drop of information on the Rebel Alliance out of her mind until he had what he wanted.

Suddenly she remembered the cold metal that had been pressed up against her thigh for the past two days.

Vader watched her wide, brown eyes with interest. She was either foolishly brave or incredibly good at hiding her fear. She held his gaze even when he saw her flinch under the weapon's deadly heat next to her neck.

"Incredibly bold of you to assume I'm not about to slice your head off, Senator..." Vader spoke dryly, his voice low as he contemplated throwing away all of his plan and just ending her here and now.

Not even two days and Vader had been thinking of ways to dispose of her more times than he could possibly count. "Given how I'm only a hair away from doing so." he continued, after a short pause.

But no response came from her. They both knew why. While he was speaking, she took advantage of the moment of distraction and now they both stood with a weapon pointed to each other.

The tip of her small but effective blaster was pressed up against his abdomen, the corners of her lips flickering up just slightly.

"Impressive," Vader spoke, without looking down at it. "Most impressive. I wonder where you got that from."

Once again, no verbal response. But Padmé went even further, letting his lack of action embolden her as she moved her leg and hooked it under his knee, pulling him enough so that she could switch their positions.

In a flash, Vader's back hit the door where Padmé had just stood and she gripped the nubian blaster with both hands tightly, now pointed higher, towards his chest. "It's Dormé's." she breathed heavily, the air rushing into her lungs as the lightsaber deactivated.

"You know. The one you most likely had killed." she bit out. She couldn't see anything now that the lightsaber was deactivated, save for his silhouette thanks to the faint light source behind her. She was far too occupied to care where it came from, though.

He returned her gaze, unfazed. After a moment of simply staring at her, he spoke and Padmé could've killed him with her bare hands. "...Who?"

"You're kriffing insufferable!" she practically yelled, her jaw hurting from clenching it. "I'm leaving and you're-"

The loud sound of metal screeching made her stop. She felt it then, too. Her beautiful blaster was getting squeezed in her grip, before her very eyes as she dropped it in shock. "You were saying?" came his mocking tone.

She quickly glanced at the silver weapon and then at him, seeing that he had already pushed himself off the blast door, taking a step towards her. Damn him and his blasted Force powers.

Her eyes widened. No. "That-" she paused, inhaling sharply. "That was the last thing I had left of Dormé you monster!" she cried, her temples pounding.

She was far more stressed now, having lost both the upper hand and the only thing she had to defend herself with. And on top of that, she had pissed him off. Mightily.

"I couldn't care less." Vader almost would've laughed out loud if he wasn't growing impatient. "Now, where were we?" he began, his air of haughtiness. "You never told me why you decided to walk into… my chambers, Senator. Despite my very clear warning."

So that's what he was talking about earlier this day. "I wasn't aware yours were here as well. Piett told me to return, I merely did that." she spoke, stepping aside as she felt him walk past her. She exhaled once he was out of reach, and turned to face him.

"Piett never contacted you," he said without further explanation, his long strides carrying him out of the dark hallway. "Now shut up and follow me."

For the second time today, Padmé was walking behind him, struggling to keep up even with her regal strides.

The sudden rush of adrenaline left her body slowly, the reality of what she had just done kicking in. She held a blaster against Darth kriffing Vader and here she is, breathing, unharmed, walking as if nothing had happened. His statement only confused her more but she couldn't think straight at the moment.

Her head was hurting and she started to tire again, remembering the time with Liyani and how tired she felt afterwards. Thankfully, the awfully long hallway took a turn and she was greeted with… a hangar?

"Right." she murmured, holding the side of her head as they came to a stop in front of a shining, dark starship. Just a guess, but she was starting to think Vader preferred black over any other color. But that's merely a guess.

It was much smaller than the Lambda class shuttle she remembered travelling to the Executor with but looked more luxurious. "You're re-abducting me after seeing I made friends to torture me to death elsewhere and-"

He turned around, cutting her off as a gloved finger pointed to the open ramp wordlessly as if he was sending a child to its room for misbehaving. He knew if he dared respond, he would lose his temper and accidentally end up killing her. While the thought didn't entirely displease him, he knew it would displease his Master. Force, she talked so much.

"What about my stuff?" she asked, the situation feeling like a deja vu. When he didn't respond or move she took the hint. With furrowed brows she slowly walked inside, knowing it was pointless to get him to talk. The inside was cool but polished and clean. It was an elegant design, something she noticed Vader's speeder had as well. How much money did this creature have, anyway?

"Much more than you have brain cells, I'm sure." he drawled, making his way to the pilot's seat.

She ignored him, not surprised about him hearing her thoughts anymore. Seriously, had it really been two days since he turned her life upside down or an entire month? It felt a lot like the latter.

Padmé watched the ramp close and walked to the front as well, sitting in the Co-Pilot seat next to him and strapped herself in. She sighed, knowing she wouldn't be able to nap if he thought keeping her secret little trip with a kriffing Sith Lord was funny. "Where are we going then, Milord."

He remained quiet and got the ship to start as they took off. "You sent me that message, didn't you?" Padmé realized, turning her head to look at him.

"Aren't you smart." he replied sarcastically as the ship left the hangar.

So leaving the Executor had been his plan all along? They sat in silence, the planet under the Executor slowly coming into view.

It was a red, ringed planet and many moons. The red could hint at a desert, perhaps?

Padmé went through the planets that came in her mind. Desert reminded her of the Outer Rim Territories, far from the Core with an aura of abandonment.

"Geonosis." Padmé suddenly said, watching his concealing hood from the side. "We're in the Arkanis Sector."

Vader's head turned to look at her for a moment before focusing on the ship again. "And what do you wish to achieve with that information?" he asked.

She was quiet for a while, knowing it was a way to admit her hand in the Alliance. Although it was fairly obvious that he already knew. "I merely wish to know where I was being held."

"Senator," he began, a falsely chiding undertone in his rather monotonous voice that reminded her so much of the Emperor. "You know this is only for your safety."

He was making fun of her. Padmé scoffed, glancing out of the large transparisteel window. "Let's drop the charade, shall we Lord Vader?"

When he didn't respond, she continued. "We both know the real reason I'm being kept here."

Vader thought he had but he was beginning to doubt. "Is that so, Senator?" he said smoothly. "You admit you're a traitor, then."

She kept a neutral face even though she didn't expect him to be so straightforward about it. "I never said that." she replied almost automatically, then noticing the contradiction.

"Are we not... dropping the charade?"

Another pause.

"Why did you tell me about this Imperial Weapon, then?" she ignored him and chose another tactic instead, a brow raising as she looked at his silhouette in the reflection in front of them. "Or do you want the Galaxy to know?"

The Galaxy or a certain group of people?, Vader mused, his eyes finding hers in the reflection now. He despised her, wondering why his Master did not let him simply rip her mind apart to get to the information he desired. She was more than just a pawn in his plans, he sensed.

"Bold of you to assume you'll be seeing your traitorous friends anytime soon." Vader replied. "I doubt they'd want to see you anyway, though."

Padmé frowned. "What are you talking about?"

He looked at her as if she was stupid and it were the most obvious thing in the Galaxy. "You look like a traitor to the Rebellion, Senator. It's quite ironic."

She paled, realizing news must've gotten out long ago. But if the Empire knew about Padmé's role in the Alliance, why is she still alive?

So much was happening, something bigger than Padmé could begin to understand at that moment. This was more than just the Empire and the Rebellion.

There were many layers, many people involved with different goals and Padmé felt something bad coming. Turning to look at Vader who had already returned his attention to the front, she knew he felt it, too. Of course he did, he knew things before they happened.

Just like Dormé's death.

Who was that? Vader hadn't told her, claiming she would "cry even more".

She suddenly felt cold, her thoughts suddenly putting the pieces together, not wanting to believe it. It couldn't be, could it? Every sign pointed to the same thing.

Padmé never thought she'd live to see a day where she felt safer with the Empire than her friends.

When they had entered hyperspace, Padmé got out of her seat and found a small room with a bed and didn't think twice about falling asleep.

Vader stayed where he was, making Padmé wonder if he even sleeps at all. She wouldn't be surprised if he didn't.

They had spent the rest of their trip in silence except for Threepio walking to them every now and then to ask them if they needed anything until Vader turned him off. Padmé had been annoyed but didn't say anything, far too tired to argue.

Vader had obviously noticed she had been somewhat intoxicated, behavior he found absolutely irresponsible but was relieved she could think straight enough to at least have a proper conversation. And the fact that she was quiet now only made it better.

After hours of travelling, Padmé got out of bed and freshened up, feeling much better already. She didn't spot any spare clothes so she had no choice but keep wearing the black, imperial outfit.

Silently, she retook her seat next to Vader who looked like he hadn't moved an inch since she left, making her frown in confusion but decided not to ask. She couldn't care less about what he did as long as he left her alone.

When they left hyperspace, a desert moon came into view. She couldn't recognize it. From the coordinates in front of them, she could tell they were in the Mid Rim, making her think of home, Naboo. A sudden sadness overcame her, realizing she'd most likely never see her planet's beauty, her family and friends again without putting them in danger.

Never hug her parents, go out with Darred and Sola, visit Palo's art gallery or hold her little lifelines, Pooja and Ryoo.

But this wasn't Naboo, and she couldn't afford thinking about them right now, not with that monster sitting next to her.

Vader had no difficulties landing his ship outside of what looked like a city. When they exited the ship, Vader turned Threepio back on, the droid's sour mood amusing Padmé.

"Put this on, you don't want people to recognize you." Vader said, walking down the ramp with a heavy cloak in his grip.

Padmé took one, eyeing him questioningly. "Where are we then?" she asked, hoping for an answer at least now that they had arrived. She noticed he had changed his already, the old, black cloak replaced by a heavier, brown one. He reminded her of Obi-Wan so much in that moment, it almost hurt.

"Jedha." he replied without hesitation, clearly not having heard her thoughts or else she'd most likely be dead right now. He worked his hands under the hood of his cloak, drawing Padmé's attention. The next moment, he pulled his hands back out, now holding a black, respirator mask.

Padmé's brows rose, a hundred thoughts running through her mind. "You… don't need it?" she asked, watching him place the detached part of his mask in the large pocket inside of his cloak. She put her own cloak on, not realizing how cold their surroundings had been until the cloth provided her warmth.

"I guess we're about to find out." he spoke, his voice making Padmé's head snap towards him unintentionally. It was deep and rich, different from the monotonous and robotic voice of his mask. It sounded warmer and unknown to Vader, Padmé just found another reason to make him talk more.

"If you keep turning at that speed," Vader began, his hooded head turning towards her. "you'll snap your own neck before I have the chance to. Not that I'm complaining."

Was that humor?

Padmé would have been offended but realized his tone didn't hold any real malice. Instead, surprising Vader and herself, she grinned at him.

They left Threepio with the ship and climbed off the cliff, hearing the noise of the city from afar.

She still had no idea what they were doing here but kept silent, figuring Vader would tell her himself if he truly wanted her to know.

"Stay close." was all he said when they entered the crowded paths of Jedha, seeing all sorts of species in simple but overly modest clothing.

"Is this some sort of spiritual place?" Padmé asked in a low voice, her hood close to his. They blended into the crowd almost perfectly, the warm colors of their cloaks reflecting their surroundings.

Why did Jedha sound so familiar?

"Jedha is… a pilgrim moon," he said. "Most come here for guidance."

"Did we come for guidance?" she asked cynically.

"Obviously not." he looked at her annoyed. Was she simply stupid or why did she feel the need to ask stupid questions?

She didn't look satisfied with the answer, most likely wanting him to elaborate but he couldn't be bothered.

They continued their walk for a few minutes. Padmé felt as if she was being observed, followed even, but brushed the feeling off, reminding herself she was in Lord Vader's presence. Ironically, that meant she had nothing to fear right now.

Oh, if her past self could see her right now.

There were people selling mystical items who yelled around to draw attention to their products, people lost in meditation or prayer, some relaxed and some stressed.

Suddenly, a pair of hands grabbed her shoulders from behind, a distressed female voice filling her ears. "Daughter of Ashla! The Light!"

Padmé gasped, shaken as Vader quickly tore her out of the older woman's grip who clearly looked disorientated. "The Light! It is coming!"

"Keep walking." he murmured under his breath, his annoyance very obvious to Padmé as she looked at him.

"W-What was that?" she whispered, feeling uneasy now.

He simply shook his head. It seemed he had no answer either. Or perhaps he didn't want to tell her. This place was beyond her understanding.

As they continued to walk, she also saw a Stormtrooper every now and then, standing post and tending to duties even if Padmé didn't quite understand their presence on this moon.

"They're here for a future project of the Empire." Vader answered her unspoken question next to her, his hooded head turned away from her.

"The massive weapon, you mean?"

Vader looked at her, almost surprised. She was very smart even if she made foolish decisions at times. She was very perceptive and it did not go unnoticed. Perhaps she was too good at her job for her own good, unknowingly and constantly getting herself in dangerous situations.

"Precisely." he replied, seeing no point in denying it. What would she do with half of the information? The Galaxy would hear about the DS battlestation soon enough anyway, if she somehow manages to escape she'll be too late to inform her friends. Besides, the Galaxy would not know it to be threatening.

"What is so special about this place anyway, then? What does it offer to the weapon?" she asked him, surprised at the amount of conversation she was having. This was gold! She would have more information than anyone in the Rebellion.

She frowned, remembering the attack on her place, Dormé's murder. A murder that had originally been intended for her. Was she really going to tell the Rebellion anything now? Was she safe on either side anymore?

"That's what we're here for."

They had arrived at a beautiful temple, brown like the rest of the CIty but magnificent and grand in size. It had an ancient air to it, something mysterious. It drew Padmé to it even more, it felt right. Almost like home?

The thought should have felt wrong, Naboo was her home, but this strange place made her soul feel closer to peace than it had been in ages. "It's beautiful here." she said, her head tilted up towards the sky before looking at him as a thought crossed her mind.

"If this place is sacred... shouldn't I be waiting outside?" she asked, arriving at the top after ascending the stairs that led to the temple. Behind Vader, she saw a man sitting on one of the temple's broken rocks.

"You should." he agreed, pleased she spared him from having to tell her himself.

He turned to the man behind him who had been looking at them for a while now. The man stood with the help of his staff, his stern gaze turning softer, almost relieved at Vader's presence. What?

"We have been waiting for you." the man spoke. Padmé noticed his gaze wasn't entirely fixed on Vader, neither on Padmé, he looked as though in a daze. "Please, enter. The Temple has been calling out to you, Chosen One."

Chosen One? The Guardian felt Vader glance back at Padmé. "She's safe." he told Vader.

"Don't let her try anything." was all Vader said before he turned on his heels, stalking off into the Temple, his cloak billowing behind him as Padmé watched his retreating form.

"I have waited long."

Startled, Padmé turned to the man next to her. "Sorry?"

"Long have I waited." he murmured, sitting back on the rock. "My name is Chirrut. I am a Guardian of the Whills."

"My pleasure, Chirrut. I am Padmé." she spoke, brows furrowed in confusion. The man was odd, truly. She pulled back the hood of her cloak, supposing it was no use since he was blind anyway.

"I know," he nodded. "It was foretold you'd come as well."

"Through the Force?" Padmé asked, immediately wanting to smack herself afterwards.

He barked out a laugh, catching Padmé off guard. "For someone radiating off so much Light, you sure don't know many things about the Force and this place."

"Well," her defensiveness poked through despite her efforts to hide it. "I don't exactly have a meaningful connection to the Force. It hasn't played a significant role in my life, either."

"That's what you believe!" he exclaimed, raising his index finger as if he was her teacher. "You have much to learn but do not underestimate yourself. Not yet." he added, his voice softer.

She simply nodded, too confused by his behavior to ask what he meant. But somehow, it felt reassuring.

"What kind of temple is this, then?" she asked, changing the topic.

"The temple of the Kyber," he began, his eyes moving to the grand entrance of the building.

"I take it you've heard of Kyber Crystals?" When she nodded, he continued. "They are crystals of nature, of the Force. Essential to the Jedi and Sith alike."

He pointed to a beautiful, big statue, the blue color reminding Padmé of Naboo's lakes at dawn. She gasped, how had she not noticed them before?

"These were carved out of pure kyber."

Padmé stared at it in awe. "Did… the Jedi sculpt these?" she asked, her gut instinct speaking for her.

Chirrut raised a brow as he watched her for a moment, then nodded. "Indeed, many, many years ago. As a Guardian, I protect them, along with the temple, and its visitors."

"Even Vader?" she asked, doubt in her voice. Why would Vader come here? Did he bring her to merely collect crystals? He could've left her on the Executor with the others.

He nodded. "I doubt the Chosen One needs my protection but yes, him as well."

"Why do you call him that? He's a Sith." she frowned.

"Because he is, . It is foretold, he will save us all." Chirrut said, his eyes

Right, what the blazes.

She laughed, her eyes wide in disbelief as she stared at him. "You're mad, aren't you?"

"You know, I'd say I see just as much madness in you," he chuckled, laughing as if it was truly funny while Padmé kept staring. "but I can't see. I'm blind."

"I suppose you're right." A smile lingered on her features. "How do you know so much about Vader then? He seemed to trust you."

"The Force told us. Deep down, every force user knows about him," he said, appearing to have gotten lost in thought. "but they do not know him."

He turned to look Padmé dead in the eye and she felt a shiver go down her spine. "Remember my words. In times of darkness, look for him. What you are seeking, you will be looking at."

What?

Before she could ask, Chirrut's head turned to her side, most likely sensing something behind her so she turned to look as well.

Another surprise, one she wasn't so sure she welcomed as much as Chirrut. Crossing her arms defensively, she rose a brow. "Gerrera. This is where you've been hiding, then. A Pilgrim's Moon."

"You've known her all along?" Chirrut piped in, an offended frown on his face. "I've been announcing her arrival for ages!"

"This… is who you were babbling about?" Saw Gerrera asked, mimicking Padmé's stance as he crossed his arms as well, his tone the polar opposite to his words. "Padmé, it is good to see you. Jedha is the last place I'd have expected you to be."

Padmé only nodded, her mixed feelings not allowing her to speak.

Saw seemed to notice and took a few steps closer, apparently wanting to speak up again but Padmé beat him to it.

"What… happened?" she asked hesitantly, nodding towards the life suit he was wearing. It hinted at a serious injury. She had heard rumors in the Rebellion but they were never specific.

He was silent for a moment, trying to find the words but changed the topic instead, brows furrowed on his stern face. "Not to worry. Are the rumors true then? That you're with the Empire now?"

The accusation was like a punch to the gut and Padmé now realized for the first time that everyone had the impression she was helping the Empire now. Her suspicions were confirmed. The tables turned, Padmé lost the upper hand she had through her position in the Alliance, and Saw held all the cards.

"I-" she shook her head, gulping. Could she tell him? Saw Gerrera's Partisans may be just as important as the Rebellion, despite their questionable methods, but she couldn't trust anyone anymore. Not after the attack, not now that she was basically imprisoned by Vader.

"You've only gotten here but I suggest you leave now," Chirrut spoke gently, his sightless eyes lost in the air. "he is returning. I sense possible danger for you, Saw Gerrera."

"He? He's here, then? I've been proven wrong. You truly have changed, Senator Amidala." he scoffed. "Another ally lost to the Tyrant."

"Saw, please. Go." Her pained expression did not seem to reach him, even as faint footsteps echoed through the halls into the long entrance, the familiar coldness telling Padmé who was returning without turning around.

He stubbornly remained where he stood, eyes glued on Padmé. Had he lost his kriffing mind?!

Angered, Padmé hurried down the stairs, her jaw clenched. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" she yelled, pushing him. His heavy suit kept him glued to the ground but Padmé didn't care.

"I'm-" Saw began, narrowing his eyes as he swatted her hands away. "We are here to help you. This isn't you, Amidala."

"Don't get involved." she whispered harshly. "He's almost here and he will kill you. All of you! I don't need more blood on my hands."

"Too bad I've already made up my mind." Saw replied, taking in her angry features with his own harsh yet slightly saddened ones. He made a gesture with his hand and a handful of people, presumably fellow Partisans, joined Saw.

"Saw Gerrera, rethink your actions." Chirrut spoke up from behind them, standing up with his long weapon in his hands.

"Stay out of this, Monk." Saw spat and Chirrut remained unfazed, his lids closing as he took a deep breath.

Padmé's hard gaze was fixed on Gerrera's face as two men came up to her, her wrists forcefully pulled behind her back and tied together, a bag pulled over her head the next moment. A rough shove on her back pushed her forwards.

"Remember my words!" she heard Chirrut yell behind her, inhaling deeply as she felt herself get pushed into some sort of transport.

She held herself regally despite the treatment she received and felt the transport leave, before Vader could exit the Temple.

Vader felt the Senator's presence get further, even as he got nearer to the exit. The crystal in his palm burned, the heat going through the leather glove and he frowned.

Was the Senator in danger? He had left her with a Guardian, she should be fine. Where was she going then?

He picked up his pace, fast and long strides carrying him out of the Temple.

"Where is she?" he demanded, his yellow eyes burning into Chirrut.

"The Force shall guide you, Chosen One." he nodded towards the City, his hands folded on top of his lap.

"Don't call me that pathetic Jedi prophecy." Vader growled, a gloved finger pointed at Chirrut threateningly. "You're lucky the Force favors you, or else you would be dead by now."

Turning, he left the Temple, pulling out his comlink. "TK-421, come in."

Exhaling sharply, he looked around the crowd, receiving curious gazes from other force sensitives who seemed to pick up on his very obvious force signature. If only they knew who the man under the cloak really was.

"Tell the Troopers stationed on Jedha to track down Senator Amidala. Now."

"Right away, Milord." TK-421 replied, hesitating at the mention of Padmé. "Is… the Senator alright?"

"None of your business, Tuc." Vader snapped, annoyed. "Do as you're told, I don't have much time."

Vader made his way to the side, closing his eyes as he reached out in the Force. The world seemed to slow around Vader, or so he felt. Sometimes he didn't know just how real the impact of his powers was.

He felt the Senator's presence near. She hadn't left by herself, that much was clear. Another person had been here.

A mixture of feelings and thoughts came flooding in, surprising Vader for a moment. Those weren't his. The crystal in his palm was glowing as much as just a moment ago. Was it reaching out to the Senator?

His jaw clenched. What was so special about this kriffing woman? Why did every being in this Galaxy seem to want her? The only thing Vader wanted was to end her, end Palpatine and the Jedi once and for all so that he could bring peace and order to the Galaxy again.

And despite every situation she has been in, she refused to die.

He focused again, now seeing a different place behind his closed eyelids. This must be where the Senator is, he thought. It was a cell with bars that gave him a look into the building. Several men were outside, playing games and getting drunk, none paying attention to the prison cells.

Senator? he tried asking, brows furrowed. This was completely pathetic. She wasn't even force sensitive.

The room disappeared from his vision suddenly, as if the small connection he had built through the Force just shattered. Did she hear him?

His comm started to blink in his hand as he looked at it, seeing the signal coming from the Senator. Quickly, he contacted Threepio.

"Threepio," Vader spoke into the device. "track the signal of the Senator's comm and send me the Coordinates."

THE CATACOMBS OF CADERA

She heard Vader in her head! Did he reach out to her? As soon as she heard his voice, it was gone. While she did want to leave this place, she didn't want Vader to come and slaughter everyone here.

Padmé had to talk to Saw. Whatever he needed to do could be dealt with without her, she wasn't worth the dozens of lives in this place.

They had taken the bag off her head so she could look at her surroundings. The cell she was in was dirty, as were the walls. It was cold, too. When she was brought here, they hadn't checked her for any devices or weapons, probably thinking she wouldn't be allowed to carry those around Vader.

A stupid mistake on their behalf but fortunate for Padmé. Her hands were still bound together behind her back but not tight enough so she could still reach into the side of her cloak to grip her comlink.

She had considered pulling it out and talking to Vader herself but given the amount of eyes watching her, it'd be a foolish thing to do. So she pressed the round button, knowing it would be enough to alert Vader.

It turned out to be a good idea, after all, as a male Tognath opened her cell, dragging her onto her feet. "Where are you taking me?" she demanded, intimidated by his appearance.

He didn't reply which annoyed Padmé, his behavior reminding her of a certain Dark Lord.

He pulled her through the people outside of her cell who were now staring at her, all sorts of emotions in their eyes. She suddenly felt naked under their gaze, wishing she could pull the cloak tighter around herself.

They passed several hallways until finally, they reached the room where she spotted Saw. He stood at a large opening in the wall, looking out to the desert. "I apologize for the inconvenient travel. These men aren't exactly fond of the... Rebellion. Had to make you look like a hostage."

"And are you?" she asked, her chin raised.

"Anything to end the Empire, Padmé." He turned his head slightly, not enough to look back at her but for her to hear him better. "But that is of no concern any longer."

He walked towards the center of the room where a large holoprojector was placed. "I believe someone has been looking for you."

Her eyes snapped to the figure appearing on the holo message, a gasp escaping her lips.

"Saw, I hope whenever you see this that you are safe and unharmed." Palo's image spoke. "It seems that the time to put aside our differences has come."

Padmé's brows furrowed in confusion.

"My dear friend, Padmé Amidala, whom you may remember has been taken by the Empire." Palo visibly struggled to keep a calm facade and it broke Padmé's heart. "She has played a big role in these difficult times. Bigger than most of us."

Saw's eyes remained glued to the recording but Padmé could tell he wasn't actively watching. "The Rebellion has taken a turn I will not follow. Not until Padmé is back. This is why I ask for your help. Help us return her, this Galaxy needs her."

Padmé stumbled back, the sight of his face making her heart ache. She missed him. But she had told him not to follow her, it was her only request.

She stopped listening to the recording, Palo saying something personal to Saw now, her gaze on Saw again. "You can't."

"You heard him, Padmé. The Galaxy needs you back." he walked towards her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "He's probably already on his way to find you, that's why we have no time."

Guilt made her feel sick from the inside out, knowing she was the one who called Vader here. "No- Stop. Please."

She shook her head, gripping his hand on her shoulder. "Let me go. He'll be here any second and kill you and the others." her eyes looked into his eyes with determination, trying to make him understand. "He won't hurt me. Not now, at least. The Emperor needs me."

"They will kill you after they have what they want." he shot back, his anger starting to rise.

"Someone wise once said,'' Padmé whispered, watching the look in Saw's eyes change. He knew, too. "One fighter with a sharp stick and nothing left to lose can take the day."

Saw opened his mouth to say something but Padmé cut him off, shaking her head. "No. You're right, we have no time. This is why you need to listen."

"There is a mass destruction weapon." inhaling deeply, she looked back at the door in paranoia, as if Vader would walk in any second now. "Tell Organa, Mothma and Jemabie the Empire is creating a massive battlestation, one that could terrorize the Galaxy. If we don't work fast, they could kill Billions!"

Saw looked confused and shocked all the same but nodded. "Let me go. Tell someone to drop me off outside, far from this place. There is hope for all of us. But I can't come back. You of all people need to understand."

He pushed down all his emotions and nodded again, the rational part in him agreeing with Padmé before making that similar hand gesture from earlier again. "I… will have one of my men drop you off."

"Thank you." she whispered, giving his hand a squeeze before the Tognath from earlier started to drag her away from him again. "May the Force be with you, Saw."

"And you, Padmé." he hesitated. "It was good seeing you."

With a small smile, Padmé let the Tognath - Two Tubes, as he told her - lead her out of the ancient ruins.

They used a speeder to drive out into the desert, the direction that led to the City; the direction Vader would be coming from.

"Hey, let me go on my own. It's not safe for you." she tried to tell him, not sure if he would acknowledge her again. But she had to try.

He simply shook his head, even as a small dot in the horizon got bigger and closer. They both understood Vader had found them but he showed no fear. She felt admiration bubble in her chest, this was the heart of a true Rebel.

"Save the dream." was all he said before pulling out a blaster, shooting at Vader's nearing speeder.

"NO!" she yelled, trying to stop him but she was too late.

In a flash of red, the blaster shots were easily deflected by Vader's gloved hand. Two Tubes got off the speeder and seemed to accept his fate as Vader stalked towards him with his lightsaber ignited, striking him down in a single swing of the deadly weapon.

Padmé barely heard the sound of his lightsaber deactivating over the sight of the dead body, her shocked, brown eyes rising to look into Vader's golden pools of hatred.

"Let's go." he demanded, stalking back to his speeder as Padmé followed him wordlessly, trying to quiet her thoughts and shield them from Vader.

Was this her life now?

AUTHORS NOTE: Another Update! This chapter is probably the longest I've written so far, let me know your thoughts! And as always, thank you for your reviews, they make my day!