Author's Note: The early stages of the Rebel Alliance are formed in this chapter with Padme as a secret ally/spy. Readers of the novel will recognize it.

Chapters 18-23 have been edited.

Chapter 59 responses:

G-Anakin 13: Thanx! I hope you like this one as well.

Twisted Words (): Look for Padme's reaction to the Jedi's discovery in this chapter. I love the name Anica! Did you think of it yourself? Since I like it so much, I've decided to use it for that of one of my future characters. Thanx for the suggestion!

Sica Meni: Yeah I know Obi's not exactly old (thirty-eight), but compared to Telly and Ani's ages (sixteen and twenty-two) he is slightly. The whole master thing was a joke, right? I didn't quite get it.

Booksaboutnothing: It'll be awesome, I assure you.

The Lure of the Dark Side: Chronicle 1-The Turning of an Era

Episode V: Revenge of the Sith

Chapter 15: Treason within the Senate

"Senator Amidala. Hello." Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila greeted at the threshold of Amidala Mansion.

The Senator of the mansion of the same name nodded. "Senators. Hello."

In the doorway stood not just Mon, but four other Senators as well: Bail Organa of Alderaan, Giddean Daru of Kuat, Fang Zar of Sern Prime and Terr Taneel of the Senox Sector.

When 3PO had answered the door and told her whom was there, she'd been mildly surprised, but went to greet her guests all the same.

Leading them into the living room, she gestured towards one of the couches upon arrival. "Please, sit." Once they'd done so, she seated herself across from them and spoke. "So, what can I do for you?"

"We would've talked to you after the meeting," Giddean Daru said, "but, we didn't get a chance since the Chancellor asked to speak with you first."

Amidala nodded, waiting for them to continue. Exchanging a glance among themselves, Alderaan's Representative spoke up.

"Padme, if I might ask..." He hesitated and Amidala continued to remain expressionless. He started over. "Might I ask what the Chancellor wanted to speak with you about earlier?"

Amidala blinked. "Oh that. He was simply telling me that my good friend Anakin Skywalker, maybe you've heard of him, was about to be made a Representative for him on the Jedi Council to, unstress the tension so to speak. And keep an eye on what the Jedi are up to. Being made a Jedi Master should excite Anakin, as I was saying to the Chancellor. He's always going on about how the Jedi are holding him back, but surely you didn't come all the way over here to talk about that, now did you?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No of course not," Bail said a little too quickly. Amidala simply nodded as her guests exchanged another glance.

"I take it you saw this morning's Sector Goverence Degree than?" Mon asked. "About Palpatine having control over the Jedi?"

"Of course I did, all Senators did," Amidala said nonchalantly. They exchanged glances again before Bail asked, "And? What do you think about it?"

Act the part Padme, she lectured herself.

"And I am no happier about this than the rest of you. But I've known Palpatine for years; he was, and is my most trusted advisor. However I'm not prepared to believe his intent is to dismantle the Senate."

"Why should he bother?" Mon countered. "As a practical matter-as of this morning-the Senate no longer exists."

Amidala looked from one grim face to the other. Giddean nodded his agreement; Terr Taneel kept her eyes down, pretending to be adjusting her robes. Fang Zar ran a hand over his unruly gray-streaked topknot. Bail leaned forward. His eyes were as hard as chips of stone. "Palpatine no longer has to worry about controlling the Senate. By placing his own lackeys as Governors over every planet in the Republic, he controls our systems directly. He's become a dictator. We made him a dictator."

"I think what you mean is you," she pointed to each of them, "made him a dictator. If I might remind you, I didn't vote for this this morning. You all did, but I didn't. I am a very outspoken person. When I don't agree with something, I say so, unlike some people."

All five Senators looked even more uncomfortable at this. Terr, still gazing down at her robe, cleared her throat and spoke. "But what can we do about it?" she asked with a worried frown.

"That's what we asked you here to discuss," Mon told her calmly. "What we're going to do about it."

Amidala rose an eyebrow while Fang shifted uncomfortably. "I'm not sure I like where this is going."

"None of us likes where any of this is going," Bail said half-rising. "That's exactly the point. We can't let a thousand years of democracy disappear without a fight!"

The Senator of the house looked slightly amused and surprised. "A fight Senator? I don't believe what I'm hearing. Why, you sound like a Separatist Bail."

"I-" Bail sank back into his seat. "I apologize. That was not my intent. I asked all of you to come with me here because of all the Senators in the galaxy, you four have been the most consistent-and influential-voices of reason and restraint, doing all you could to preserve our poor, tattered constitution. We don't want to hurt the Republic. With your help we hope to save it."

Amidala did her best to hold back a snort at this pronouncement.

"It has become increasingly clear," Mon said, "that Palpatine has become an enemy of democracy. He must be stopped."

"Stopped!" Amidala repeated. "The Senate gave him these powers. Or should I say, Binks gave him these powers. The Senate can rein him in."

Giddean sat forward. "I fear you underestimate just how deeply the Senate's corruption has taken hold. Who will vote against Palpatine now?"

"I will," she defiantly stated. "Because you see I, unlike some people," she shot a glare over at Terr, "have a backbone and could careless what others say about me. And I will gladly find others who are the same way."

"You do that," Bail said. "Make as much noise as you can. Keep Palpatine watching what you're doing in the Senate. That should provide some cover while Mon and I begin building our organization-"

"Stop," Terr rose. "I think it's better to leave some things unsaid. Right now it's better we all don't know anything about…anything."

Bail looked confused for a moment, but then nodded as if understanding. Amidala had grown quite suspicious. What organization?

"Very well," Bail said. "Other matters can be left for other times. Until than this meeting must remain absolutely secret. Even hinting at an effective opposition to Palpatine can be, as we've all seen, very dangerous. We must agree never to speak of these matters except among the people who are now in this room. We must bring no one into this secret without the agreement of each and every one of us."

"That includes even those closest to you," Mon added. "Even your families-to share anything of this will expose them to the same danger we all face. No one can be told. No one."

BANG!

Right at that moment the front door banged open and Antellica came running in. "Padme! Padme! There's something I have to tell-you." She stopped at the sight of the five Senators sitting in the living room with a quizzical look. Amidala, ignoring them, got up and smiled at her former handmaiden. "Antellica darling, I was wondering if I would see you today. How are things at the temple?"

"Fine," Antellica said, still looking at the Senators. "What's going on here?"

"Just a simple chat between Senators," Amidala assured. "Nothing more."

Antellica rose an eyebrow in suspicion. "I wonder," she started, but hesitated, still looking at the Senators.

"Yes?" Amidala asked.

Antellica looked at the Senators another moment before continuing. "I wonder if I could speak with you about something that has just come to my attention. It is quite crucial and very important. Alone. Now."

"Of course, of course Antellica. We were just finishing up here anyway. Oh and yes," Amidala turned back to Mon, "I do agree with what you just said. It'll be safer that way. Well, this meeting is adjourned."

The Senators rose and after nodding to each of them, Antellica went off to the side of the room, waiting for them to leave.

"I think we should have another meeting," Bail said to Amidala. "Tomorrow right here. If that's all right?"

She nodded. "Sure."

"I just don't think it'd be safe to have it anywhere within Five Hundred Republica," he explained. "The Chancellor lives there after all, and he may have spies within the building, checking to see what different Senators are up to."

"Of course, of course," she said with a wave of her hand. "How does 1400 sound?"

"Sounds lovely," Mon said. She and the others had made their way over as Amidala and Bail had been conversing. "Thank you Padme," she added.

"Quite welcome," Amidala replied and they all filed out.

After closing the door behind them, Baynetta turned to find herself face to face with Antellica. She jumped. "Honestly Antellica, are you trying to give someone a heart attack?"

"Padme, this is really important," Antellica said desperately. "Sidious could be in danger."

Baynetta snorted. "Ha! From whom?"

"Padme, you must listen to me."

"All right, all right. I'm listening."

Antellica informed her mistress of the entire conversation she had with Anakin and Obi-Wan and the Council Meeting before that. When she finished, all Baynetta did was nod her head.

"What do you think of all this?" Antellica asked. "Do you think he should be told of the Jedi's suspicions?"

"I'm sure he'd get a real kick out of it if you did," she answered. "Sidious is quite capable of taking care of himself Antellica. There's nothing to worry about."

At her continued look of worry, she added, "Think about it Antellica. Ironically. Even if the Jedi did find out sooner then they're supposed to, what could they do about it? This has been in the making longer then most of the have even been alive. There are simply too many elements that have been set into place for them to have any hope at succeeding. I assure you, there is absolutely nothing to worry about."

Antellica nodded in understanding and smirked. "I guess I didn't think about it that way. Oh well. All that running for nothing. But ah, what was going on when I arrived here? I hardly can believe it was a 'simple chat between Senators.'"

Baynetta proceeded to tell her about it as they made their way for the kitchen. Upon finishing, Antellica was shocked. "But you can't go against Palpatine! What would he say about this? He would be outraged!"

"Antellica, it is my job to act as the loving, caring, democracy craving Senator that everyone believes me to be. But not to worry, only a few short weeks, maybe sooner if all goes well, and all of Sidious' plans will come to pass. The seduction of Anakin has already begun and-wait a second."

She abruptly stopped and raised her hand to silence Antellica, who was about to ask what was wrong. Baynetta had no problem telling her, however she'd just felt someone enter her home. It could only be one person who would be arrogant and foolish enough to dare break into her home at this hour.

"Stay here," she instructed Antellica.

She nodded and Baynetta opened one of the drawers that held silverware. Taking out an extremely long and sharp butcher knife that could pass for a sword, she cloaked her presence and exited the kitchen.

Anakin was wondering idly around in the hallway across from her, totally oblivious of her presence. Having the advantage here, she proceeded to do something she'd been dying to do for a while now. Sneaking up behind him, she kicked him to the floor, flipped him over, uncloaked her presence, and put the knife to his throat.

"Padme, it's just me!" Anakin said exasperatedly, looking up at her. Baynetta simply nodded before getting up and putting the knife down. As Anakin got up smirking, she spoke. "That was for breaking and entering into my house without knocking."

Anakin put his head down in shame. "Besides, what are you doing here anyway?" she continued. "You shouldn't be here Anakin, it's still daylight out."

"I'm sorry. But I couldn't wait Padme. I had to see you now." He took her into his arms. "Tonight is forever from now-how am I supposed to live that long without you?"

"Absolutely disgusting!"

Both Anakin and Baynetta turned to see Antellica looking at them in utter revulsion.

"Antellica," Anakin greeted, but she paid no attention to him. "Well Padme, I'll be off. See you later."

"Okay Antellica, have fun."

Antellica nodded and than left.

"Where is she going?" Anakin asked.

"What do I look like, Antellica's keeper?" she asked. "She's sixteen years old, she's quite capable of going places by herself without telling me where she'd going."

"So you don't know?" he asked.

She merely shrugged. "I never said that."

"Than where's she going?"

"Why does it matter? Why should it concern you?"

"Just wondering, that's all."

Baynetta shook her head irritably as she made her way over to the living room sofa. Anakin, of course, followed and sat down next to her.

"So, how are you feeling?" he asked.

"Not that bad I suppose," she replied. "It's just that he keeps kicking."

"He?" Anakin asked mildly as he placed his flesh hand on the soft fullness of her belly. "I thought you'd ordered your medical droid not to spoil the surprise."

"Oh I didn't get this from the Emdee. It's my…"

Her smile went softly sly.

"…motherly intuition."

Suddenly there was another kick and Anakin laughed. "Motherly intuition huh? With a kick that hard definitely a girl."

She laughed lightly. "Do you want a little girl Anakin?"

"Oh yes. I'd love to have a miniature version of you running around." They both laughed again. "I can't stay long," he added. "I'm on my way to meet with the Chancellor."

"He told me about your appointment on the Council. Well done Anakin. Well done." She gave him a pat on the back.

"There's nothing to be proud of," he said with a scowl. "This just political maneuvering between the Council and the Chancellor. I got caught in the middle, that's all."

"Yes, but to be on the Council at the age of twenty-two-" she started but he interrupted her.

"They put me on the Council because they had to. Because Palpatine had told them to, once the Senate gave him control of the Jedi." His voice lowered toward a growl. "And because they think they can use me against him."

Baynetta simply nodded, but remained silent.

"Sometimes I wonder what's happening to the Jedi Order," he continued. "I don't know what it is, but whatever it is I don't like it." He shook his head. "This war is destroying everything the Republic is supposed to stand for. What are we fighting for anyway? What about all this is worth saving?"

She nodded again and disengaged from Anakin's arms, drifting away. "Have you ever considered that we may be on the wrong side?"

Anakin was confused. "What do you mean?"

"What if the democracy we thought we were searching for no longer exists. And the Republic has become the very evil we've been fighting to destroy."

He looked at his wife in disbelief. "I don't believe that. And you're sounding like a Separatist."

Baynetta was undeterred by Anakin's accusation and continued. "This war represents a failure to listen. Now you're closer to the Chancellor than anyone, please ask him to stop the fighting and let diplomacy resume."

"Don't ask me to do that," he said pointing a finger in her face and getting up from next to her on the sofa. "Make a motion in the Senate where that kind of request belongs."

He turned his back to her and continued after a moment was spent in silence. "Where would the Republic be without Palpatine?" He turned back to her. "Everyone complains about Palpatine having too much power-"

"I never said that," she protested.

"-but no one ever offers a better alternative," Anakin continued as if she hadn't even spoken, which caused her eyes to flash with anger.

"Who should be running the war?" Anakin continued to rave. "The Senate? You're in the Senate, you know the people-how many of them do you trust?"

Baynetta was now on her feet. "I do not have time to argue and chatter with stupid arrogant little boys who know nothing about anything."

Anakin blinked in shock at the insults before his face darkened with rage. "And I will not be belittled by some stupid, idiotic politician who feels the need to constantly look down on people when she doesn't get her way."

"I will not be spoken to in such a disrespectful manner," she snarled. "Now, get out of my house!"

"You can't tell me what to do bitch," he snarled back.

"I said get out now!" she roared. Anakin just defiantly stood there, glaring at her.

Screaming a profanity, she ran at him with a punch. It was blocked, but she kept coming.

Soon, a brawl brought out with both of them spitting out curses and throwing punches. Suddenly, Anakin kicked her extremely hard in the stomach and she screamed in pain.

In agony, she clutched her aching stomach and screamed out every profanity known to man.

"Padme, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to go so far. I was just so angry, please let me help you up." He reached down to touch her, but she jerked away. "Bastard! Get away from me! And get out of my house now!"

"Padme-"

"I said get out of my house now!"

"Padme please!"

"Out!" she screamed and picked up the butcher knife off the living room coffee table and threw it, aiming with the Force at his throat. He jumped out of the way just in time and yelled her name in horrified shock.

She was now on the floor withering and screaming in agony and pain.

"Padme I-I'm sorry." Tears were now falling from his eyes. "I'm so sorry."

"Just get out of my house now!" she screamed. Tears running down her own eyes as well. Getting up, she ran for her room. Anakin went racing after her, but she successfully made it to her room in time and slammed the door in his face, making sure to lock it with the Force so he couldn't get the door open. Once realizing this he began banging on the door, screaming for her to open it in a cry filled tone.

Eventually, he stopped and remained outside the door. He couldn't stay there forever though so after about twenty minutes he left.

When Baynetta emerged a half-hour later, she was happy to note that he was gone.