Chapter 11 – Crescendo
Drip…
Drip…
Drip…
Padmé glanced to her left. This pipe had been leaking on and off for the past few hours. It drove her crazy, as did everything else about her situation.
She was seated on a dirty floor in a concrete bunker several miles beneath the Senate building. Supposedly this was the most secure place in Coruscant, which explained why half a dozen senators along with their staffs were interred down here while the battle raged overhead.
Drip…
Drip…
Drip…
Padmé dug her fingernails into her knees which were pulled into her chest. About a hundred people were crammed in this small space, and while they acted calm enough, Padmé could sense the fear radiating from each and every one of them. They whispered amongst themselves – mundane conversation, baseless speculation about the state of the battle, empty words of encouragement. The droning of voices, the soft thrum of electricity from the lights fixtures, and of course the incessant drip of water from the pipe created a muted cacophony which set Padmé's teeth on edge.
Sola was seated next to her on the left and Sabé as always was by her side on the right. Their company was appreciated, but it did little to attenuate her anxiety. Indeed, it was Sola's presence that reminded her of someone who wasn't here: their mother. As a part of Padmé's staff, Jobal had been offered a spot in the bunker, but she had refused, citing her intention to stay with her husband on the planet's surface.
Yet the real reason Padmé was so nervous had little to do with her mother's peril. She knew Jobal would most likely be fine. What she didn't know was whether Anakin would be. More specifically, she didn't know how his encounter with Dooku would unfold. With nothing else to occupy her mind, Padmé replayed the conversation she'd had with her confused husband a week prior.
"I don't understand. You're telling me Dooku isn't my enemy? Padmé, what –"
"Anakin, you have to listen to me. Dooku cannot die. If he does, something horrible will happen."
"Padmé! You're not making any sense!"
That was because she was coward. She hadn't been able to tell him the truth. And so she had spoken in the vaguest possible terms which Anakin couldn't hope to understand.
"Just promise me you won't kill him. Please, Anakin. Promise me."
"I… I have to go."
"Anakin!"
Had she failed? She was so afraid of losing him that she may have unwittingly sealed his fate. How could she have been so weak?
The truth was uniquely terrifying to Padmé. Perhaps it was no surprise she had been unable to disclose it. After all, she had been trying to hide it her whole life. She thought of Ahsoka, off on Mandalore fighting a battle for Anakin's sake. She was willing to do anything for her former master, and yet Padmé cowered in her own shadow, unable to tell her husband what he needed to know in order to be safe. Ahsoka's love for Anakin was genuine and selfless. Padmé's was corrupted and contorted, warped by years of deception.
"Padmé."
A gentle touch roused her to her senses. It was Sola. Her sister placed a hand on her knee.
"You're going to hurt yourself."
Padmé retracted her fingernails and sure enough felt a dull pain prickling in her flesh. She stretched out her legs and rested her hands over her stomach.
"It's going to be okay," Sola assured her.
Padmé suppressed her derisive impulse. Sola had no idea what she was talking about.
The crackle of a comm had Padmé looking toward the bunker entrance. A clone trooper commander held a finger to his ear as he received a transmission.
"Yes, sir. Understood, sir."
The commander scanned the room before meeting her gaze. She blinked twice, surprised by the look the clone was giving her.
"The battle is over," he announced, eyes still trained on her. The room let out a collective sigh of relief, and there was a rush of jubilation in which Padmé did not partake.
"Were the Separatists defeated?" someone asked.
Only then did the clone commander look away. "It is safe to return to the surface," was all he said. "You all may follow CT-9234 and CT-7401."
Everyone got to their feet. Padmé's legs felt a bit wobbly and she instinctively grabbed Sola's forearm to stabilize herself.
"I told you," her sister said. "Everything's fine."
Padmé didn't respond because just then the clone commander and the three remaining troopers approached her with blaster carbines in hand.
"Senator Amidala, you are not permitted to leave the bunker," the commander said.
"What? Why?"
"I have direct orders from High Command."
Padmé shared a nervous look with Sabé. "Is the senator under arrest?" her handmaiden asked.
"No, ma'am."
"Then you have no right to keep her here," Sabé said haughtily.
The clone set his jaw. "Under the War Powers Act, Article 2 dash 11, the Grand Army of the Republic is granted the authority to hold persons of interest for up to seventy-two standard hours without specified cause."
"Persons of interest?" Sola echoed. "What does that mean?"
"It means as it sounds, ma'am."
People were sparing them curious looks as they filed out of the bunker. Padmé kept her cool for the sake of appearances, but internally she was panicking. She knew of the proviso the commander was referring. That article was intended for enemies of the state and suspected traitors, not 'persons of interest' as the clone had stated.
"Sola; Sabé, you two go ahead," she suggested in an undertone. The room had since been vacated and now it was just the three of them left with the clones.
"But my lady –"
"I mean it. Go."
Padmé had a bad feeling about this. She didn't want them to be here for whatever was about to happen.
"We're not leaving until we get answers," Sola said.
"But Sola –"
The sound of footsteps had Padmé snap to the door. A long shadow diffused through the bunker and in walked the leader of the Jedi Order himself, Mace Windu.
"General Windu, sir," the clone commander greeted with a salute.
"At ease, Commander."
Padmé's heart was thumping loudly in her chest. She had seen Windu before, but never without her master being present. He had always been there to protect her, but not anymore.
"What is this about, Master Jedi?" Sabé asked.
"This matter does not concern you," Windu answered coolly. "You and your fellow handmaiden may leave."
"No," Sola said.
"We're staying," Sabé added.
Windu frowned. "If you insist."
"We do," Sola barked.
Windu's frown deepened. "In which case, I must ask that you hand over whatever weapons you have on your person."
"We are unarmed," Sabé insisted.
"I very much doubt that."
Sabé looked to her for instruction. "Do it, Sabé," she said.
"Yes, my lady."
She reached to her boot and produced a blaster from a hidden holster. She then rolled up her sleeve and revealed a vibroblade. Setting these weapons down on the ground, she kicked them over to the clones.
"Is that all?" Windu asked, eyebrow arched.
Sabé undid a cargo pocket and pulled out two smoke grenades and a second, smaller blaster.
"Those are military grade," one of the clones commented. "How did you get your hands on those?"
"Is there some military decree which gives you the right to ask stupid questions?" Sabé snapped.
The clone began to defend himself, but Windu cut him off. "What about you?" he asked, pointing to Sola. "Any weapons?"
"Sola is my physician," Padmé said. "She is unarmed."
Windu nodded. "Alright then. If you would." He stepped aside and gestured for them to take the lead. She gulped nervously and walked toward the door.
Δ Δ Δ
Padmé felt especially small in the massive hallway. After having arrived at the surface, Windu led them to one of the entrance points to the Senate. It was an older part of the building. Glossy marble columns extended to the ceiling on either side of the red-carpeted hall. The vaulted ceiling above was gilded with a fine gold leaf, but it was so far away Padmé could scarcely make out the hue. It seemed like such a waste.
"What are we waiting for, Master Jedi?" Sabé asked.
Windu sighed. The handmaiden had refused to relent even after being told several times that the reason for Padmé's custody was confidential.
"The Chancellor will not stand for this," Sabé said. "When he learns how you treated the senator –"
"The Chancellor knows of the situation."
That caught Padmé's attention. "He does?"
Windu turned to her with cold eyes. He didn't answer and Padmé's dread augmented further still.
"They're here, sir."
Windu looked away to see a sizable delegation approaching from the opposite end of the hallway. "With me," the Jedi said to her. "Your handmaidens will remain here."
Sabé bristled at this instruction, but Padmé gave her a nod of approval. When Windu marched ahead, Padmé followed with a considerably slower gait. She slowed further still when she saw who was leading the delegation: It was Palpatine. His expression was somber, hands clasped in front of him as he walked. Padmé reached out to him through the Force.
Master? What's happening?
No response.
"Chancellor."
Windu came to a stop and bowed. Palpatine did the same. Padmé looked behind him and recognized a few faces. The Vice Chair of the Senate, Mas Amedda; a few distinguished senators, Organa amongst them; several Jedi Masters as well. Scanning the crowd, Padmé noticed a formation of clones leading the rear. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Anakin standing abreast with the formation. She tried to catch his eye, but Anakin wasn't look her way. He was staring at something to his right. Padmé followed his gaze and gasped.
It was Dooku. The man was surrounded by clones and standing directly to his left was Obi-Wan Kenobi. Feeling her eyes on him, Dooku turned and Padmé saw that his face was twisted with pain. What had happened to him? Was he hurt?
"Well done, Master Jedi. You have her."
Padmé looked away from Dooku to see her master looking at her. There was an undisguised look of contempt on his face. But it was almost too strong. There was something artificial about it.
"I do, Your Excellency," Windu responded.
"We will go to my office."
"With all due respect, this is something that should be dealt with at the Jedi Temple."
Palpatine shook his head. "I must be present."
Padmé was in a full panic now. What was happening? What did he have to be present for? Everyone seemed to be staring at her, but only one set of eyes captured her attention. It was Anakin, his gaze finally diverted from Dooku. She didn't know how to read his expression. He seemed to be in a state of shock, but writ large across his face was a look of suspicion and perhaps even betrayal.
"What's going on?" she asked shrilly.
Palpatine and Windu both turned to her. Neither said a word. Padmé's throat was tight. She felt as if she wasn't able to breath.
"Senators, thank you for your support," Palpatine addressed the crowd behind him. "If you would be so kind as to leave us, the Jedi and I have some business to which we must attend."
Mas Amedda bowed. "Yes, Your Excellency."
The senators dispersed and ambled away. They were all watching her closely, but Padmé didn't care about them. She looked back and forth between her master and her husband, terrified by their mixed expressions of disgust and distrust.
Master! Master, please!
Palpatine ignored her. "Shall we?" he said to Windu.
"After you, Your Excellency."
Palpatine passed Windu and led the way down the hallway. He didn't spare her so much as a glance.
"Come with me, Senator."
She dazedly followed after Windu back into the Senate. Sabé and Sola rejoined her sides, the latter resolute and the former anxious.
"Padmé, what's happening?" her sister asked in a whisper.
She could only shake her head in response.
Δ Δ Δ
Padmé was standing in front of the Chancellor's desk. She had been here countless times before, but never had she felt so vulnerable and so afraid. This place was supposed to be her refuge. Instead, it felt as if she were on trial.
The turbolift could only fit so many people, so they had taken separate trips. Palpatine and Windu accompanied Padmé, Sola, and Sabé in the first ride to the top floor of the Senate. Now they waited for the rest to accompany them. Last to arrive was Anakin and Obi-Wan who were ushering Dooku into the office. When she turned around to see them, Padmé realized why the count was in so much pain: His hands had been cut off at the wrists, a thick layering of gauze applied to the stumps. Had Anakin done that to him?
"Masters Kenobi and Skywalker; I thank you again for saving me," Palpatine said from the desk.
"It was our duty, Your Excellency," Obi-Wan said.
"Very true," Palpatine said. His expression hardened. "Bring him to me."
The Jedi Masters parted as Anakin and Obi-Wan led Dooku forward. Padmé swallowed hard when they walked up the steps and Anakin came to a stop right next to her. She looked up at him but Anakin kept his gaze steadfastly on the Chancellor. They were so close to each other for the first time in months, and yet she'd never felt so far away from him.
"Count Dooku," Palpatine began, eyes flashing at his apprentice. "Your forces have been defeated and your cowardly attempt to capture me has been foiled."
Dooku said nothing to this, his chin raised in defiance.
"The defeat of Separatist forces means the war is coming to a close," Palpatine resumed after a brief pause. "Your continued cooperation would be of considerable benefit to us moving forward."
"Continued?" Padmé blurted out. "What do you mean continued?"
All eyes turned to her. A long silence was finally broken by Palpatine. "Count, why don't you tell us all what you told Master Skywalker and myself aboard the Invisible Hand?"
Dooku bowed his head. "I am but a figurehead. The true leader of the Confederacy and Master of the Sith is not me, but Padmé Amidala."
She was stunned. Red hot rage broiled within her, but a tempering voice rang loudly in her mind.
Say nothing.
Padmé turned to Palpatine. He gave her a warning look.
"I –"
Stay silent.
Padmé clamped her mouth shut.
"Can anyone corroborate this accusation?" Windu asked.
A tense moment passed. It seemed as if no one was going to speak, but then…
"I can."
Padmé gasped. "Anakin!"
"The senator contacted me a week ago," Anakin said, avoiding her incredulous gaze and instead speaking directly to Palpatine. "She told me that she suspected a major battle was about to unfold over Coruscant."
"Why did you not report this to the Jedi Council?" Windu asked.
"She asked me to refrain from doing so in the spirit of confidentiality. In retrospect, it was foolish of me to do so."
"Very much so," Obi-Wan agreed darkly.
"The senator told me of the count's plans to kidnap the Chancellor. She then said I would be in grave danger if I killed Dooku when attempting to rescue Chancellor Palpatine. She wouldn't explain to me why."
"No –"
Silence.
"I can come to no other conclusion than this: Senator Amidala… is a Sith Lord."
"No!"
Padmé.
She looked to Palpatine with tear-stricken eyes.
Do exactly as I say.
She couldn't breathe. She felt exactly as she did in the lake on Naboo.
When Dooku speaks next…
She was flailing. She had no control over the spiraling chaos around her. And this time her sister couldn't save her. The only one who could was Palpatine.
I want you to kill him.
Padmé's heart felt as if it had stopped.
"What?" she said aloud.
"Senator, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
She was staring at Palpatine. His expression was firm.
This is the only way.
"Senator Amidala?"
I will protect you. I always have.
"Masters, if I may."
It was Dooku. He gave Palpatine a strong look before turning to Windu and the rest of the Jedi.
"There is something else I must disclose."
Padmé. You must.
She couldn't. She couldn't!
Kill him!
"Amidala may be my master, but she answers to another."
Kill him now!
The Jedi traded puzzled looks. "Another, you say?" Ki-Adi Mundi echoed.
"But the Rule of Two –"
"Is defunct," Dooku said, cutting off Plo Koon.
Do it!
"The real Lord of the Sith is –"
Padmé shrieked. "No!" Grabbing his throat with the Force, she squeezed as hard as she could. Dooku's eyes bulged out of his sockets and there was a horrific crunching sound. Padmé felt herself get tackled to the ground as Anakin threw himself at her. The world erupted in chaos, her ears ringing when several voices screamed out her name.
"Padmé!"
"Let go of her!"
"No!"
Anakin had her pinned to the ground. In her peripheral vision, she saw the Jedi restraining Sabé and Sola who had attempted to rush to her assistance.
"The count…?"
"He's dead."
"What was he saying?"
Padmé was sobbing uncontrollably, tears flowing down her cheeks and snot coating her upper lip. Looking up, she saw Anakin staring back at her. He hardly seemed to recognize her.
"Anakin," she gasped.
He growled back at her. "Stay down."
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
His steely expression faltered. "Padmé, I –"
He looked away when Windu called his name. "Skywalker, do you have her restrained?"
"Yes, Master."
"Good. We'll bring her to the Temple."
Padmé's eyes darted to Palpatine.
Master!
He subtly shook his head.
Do not resist. I will save you.
How could she believe him?
I will not let you down.
She had no choice. Her fate was in his hands.