Authors opening note and disclaimer: I do not own, nor do I have any financial interest in the characters, places or events of the Star Wars universe or the Star Wars Expanded universe.

I've noticed a few of my reviewers have been expressing a certain "dislike" for Bulter Swan. Since I have very little information on her from my canon sources, I have to make her history up completely, which is no small task which is why it might take longer times between chapter posts (although it might get interesting).

STAR WARS: INFINITIES

AN ANGEL'S INSIGHT

CHAPTER III

The gleaming silver metallic Nubian starship which Senator Amidala used as her private yacht lifted off the platform flawlessly. Along with the now former senator, the ship carried as many of her belongings as she could fit in the cargo area, one protocol droid and one female Jedi knight. It was decided that Anakin would use his Jedi fighter as an armed escort. The reasoning was simple: for one thing, Anakin, being the best pilot, would be able to fight off any threats to the yacht and it would keep the Jedi Bulter Swan from seeing any quick glances which might expose their secret relationship.

Padmé's handmaidens, out of loyalty rather than duty, had traveled ahead to ready her villa in the lake country of Varykino for her arrival.

The yacht made the hyperspace jump cleanly, the Jedi starfighter docking with its hyperdrive ring and quickly following.

"Miss Padmé," Said C-3PO, "we have made the jump into hyperspace and will arrive at Theed spaceport at 11 hundred 38 hours local time." He paused, "that is, if we maintain present speed."

"Thank you, Threepio." Padmé replied with a smile, from the co-pilot's seat, "I trust you can handle the ship from here," she rose and turned toward the rear compartment, "I'll be having my evening meal in the galley. Would you care to join me, Master Swan?"

The female Jedi gave a polite smile, "Thank you, but I'm not that hungry."

"Then allow me the pleasure of company," Padmé replied, "no offence to you, Threepio, but I do tend to get bored on these long flights and I find conversations with droids to be," she mentally searched for the right word.

"Mechanical?" Bulter suggested.

Padmé smile widened as she said, "Yes, exactly."

"Very well," the Jedi said as she rose and followed.

The Nubian yacht was designed to be a combination of durability, speed and comfort. It had shielding which could withstand several direct hits which would give the yacht enough time to make the hyperspace jump out of danger. The interior was not much different from the ship that was discovered by the separatists and destroyed on Geonosis. The main difference was the cargo areas in the wings on either side of the ship which opened the galley area to hold more goods for longer travels between planets.

As her Jedi chaperone followed her to the galley, Padmé sent silent thanks for the reprieve, there would be no telling what Threepio would let slip in his bouts of chatter and neither she nor Anakin were ready for anyone else to discover their situation.

Bulter watched as the former senator made herself a simple sandwich and a glass of juice from one of Naboo's sweeter fruits. Again she declined the offer to join, at ease just sitting across from her and watching.

After the first bite, Padmé looked at the Jedi, "I may not be strong in the force, Master Swan, but I see the questions in your eyes." She said with a smile.

"I must confess," Bulter replied after a moments pause, "the Jedi were surprised at your decision to retire from the senate, your career was so promising."

'Straight to the point,' Padmé thought, "And you were wondering why?" She asked.

"Yes, the Jedi council are concerned, they did not foresee this."

"Neither did I, when I decided to resign my post it just seemed right to me."

"Still, you can understand our hesitance to accept this without understanding your reasoning?"

"Sometimes you have to;" Padmé replied gently, "the galaxy is confusing enough without looking for reasons behind everything. However, I do have my reasons I'm just not ready to reveal them at the present time."

"Did General Skywalker have anything to do with your decision?"

"What do you mean?"

"What is your relationship with him?"

"We're friends."

"Close friends?"

Padmé thought carefully on how to answer, probably too long.

"Your hesitance betrays you; I can sense your emotional feelings for him. You do know attachments are forbidden for a Jedi." It was a statement, not a question.

"Yes I know," Padmé replied sadly.

"You must understand, once we arrive on Naboo, it is unlikely Skywalker will be allowed to remain."

"Isn't that choice up to him?"

"He made that choice, once he pledged himself to the Jedi order."

Bulter sensed the irritation rising from the former senator, however instead of continuing, Padmé simply finished her juice and placed the glass in the washer unit before heading to the ramp leading to the lower level of the yacht.

"Master Swan, I apologize, but I'm growing too fatigued to continue this discussion, so if you'll excuse me, I'll retire to my quarters."

"Very well, my lady,"

As she disappeared from view, Bulter contemplated the senator's reactions toward the questioning regarding young Skywalker. Her suspicions were growing deeper regarding the pair. She decided to meditate on the small amount of information she had already acquired.


The figure was standing in silence in front of a bright light shrouded in a thick grey mist; it beckoned to Anakin to follow…

He turned back to see Padmé lying motionless behind him…

His scream of fear sounded alien…

Anakin woke suddenly, covered in sweat, brief disorientation caused him to rise and hit his head on the starfighter canopy. He came to his senses, as he heard the concerned mechanical warbles from R2-D2 mounted in the port wing. He could make out some of the astromech language; however he still used the translating device on the panel.

Master Anakin, are you feeling well? The box translated.

"Yes, Artoo, I'm alright." Anakin replied, as he rubbed the bump on his head, "It was just a bad dream."

You seem to be having a lot of those recently.

"I know, but this one was different."

Did this one involve Mistress Padmé as well?

"Yes, but I can only remember pieces of this one, fragments." Anakin shook his head clear, "It doesn't matter right now, how long until we reach Naboo?"

At present speed, we shall arrive in the Naboo system in 2 hours 11 minutes…. mark.

"Thank you, Artoo."

Would you care for a logic game to help occupy the time?

"No, thank you, Artoo; I need to think for a while."


Bulter Swan sensed anxiety coming from the senator; Amidala was hiding something, that was certain, but what exactly was still a mystery. She closed her eyes and submerged herself in the force. Focusing on Amidala, she touched on the senator's emotions.

Happiness, apprehension, distress and anticipation surrounded the senator Bulter slowly examined each of the images behind each of them.

Behind the anticipation were images of her family and home, which was not unexpected

The images behind her distress and apprehension were mostly Chancellor Palpatine. Bulter wasn't surprised at that either; Master Yoda had told her Amidala was suspicious of him.

The image causing Amidala's happiness, however, was the most alarming, through the force, Bulter Swan saw Amidala's mental picture of a smiling Anakin Skywalker holding an infant. Bulter quickly used the force to examine the senator's life essence and to her disappointment found more than one.

More to come...


Author's closing note: I know I'm exposing Padmé's pregnancy a little earlier than I should, however, the plotline I had planned wouldn't have worked otherwise.