Author's Note: I am so, so sorry I haven't updated in so long. A string of events occured that stopped me from using my computer: First a new motherboard had to be installed in my desktop when it becane obvious my old one was on its way out, then a hijacker hacked into my computer causing Windows not to load (curse Microsoft) because my main driver files went missing. But all of that's over now and things are back to normal. Once again, I am so sorry and keep up the reviews.
Chapter 75 responses:
Arsenal: I've been to the Westgates hotel before but I forgot to change what I had in the story to Holiday Lakes instead of Westgates (it was my inspiration). It has since been changed. No, we don't own a suite there. During our Orlando, FL vacation 4 years ago we went to the hotel because they were giving away free tickets to something only if you agreed to a tour of their hotel. As for Antellica, she was given the ability two days before and in the nature she used it was to help someone, not hurt. The dark side was used to influence the midi-chlorians inside her yes, but she was allowed access to the other side. Obviously that in itself should tell someone they're not being evil but Antellica can be...unaware at times. Her betrayal will be revealed in the next episode and yes she does get in alot of trouble over it in the form of being marked for death.
Booksaboutnothing: That's your choice. If you don't want to read anymore, then don't.
G-Anakin 13: Thank you!
The Lure of the Dark Side: Chronicle 1-The Turning of an Era
Episode V: Revenge of the Sith
Chapter 31: The Crowning of an Empress
The fiasco at the Senate Building ended with Baynetta, Vader and the twins returning to the Amidala Mansion to ready themselves for the day long festival celebrating the Empress' crowning and the New Order of the Empire. Palpatine's daughter was quite pleased about it to say the least. And since it was revealed in the previous day's congress session that she was also the daughter of the late Princess Maratina Naberrie of Naboo, that made her the rightful Queen to the planet's throne, abolishing the electoral rule all together.
To explain their lateness in returning to the capital, she and Vader had chosen to remain on Mustafar a bit longer then was necessary to simply be away from Coruscant, if even for a brief time.
The galaxy's new second-in-command enlisted Antellica and Arica to help her prepare with hair, makeup and dressing in her bedroom while Anakin watched from the door. Though she knew Arica would rather walk over hot coals then help her former mistress with anything, Baynetta was pleasured by the fact of the girl being under her jurisdiction once more since the war was over and there was no longer any need for her to be out of the Senator's company.
An uncomfortable silence passed through the time of preparation with the only interruptions being Anakin's failed attempts to start conversation between the four of them. Only three, including himself, wanted to talk. Arica was not one of them. She stayed deathly silent the entire time, rudely ignoring every question that was sent her way.
Finally, when only Baynetta's hair remained un-styled and she told her handmaidens she could do that herself, Arica choose to take that as her exit from the room, but the Dark Lady would have none of that.
"Anakin. Antellica. Leave." Her tone was light, yet commanding as she looked them in the eye through her mirror. "Miss Grievous and I have some things to discuss."
The ex-Confederacy assassin cocked her head to the side at that pronouncement, but decided to humor Baynetta and so stayed behind as her sister and Anakin left the room.
Once they were gone, Baynetta rose from her mirrored dresser and turned to face Arica. The girl was glaring at her. Not at all surprising. "Now that we are alone-"
"I have nothing to say to you Padme." Her tone was as bitter as her expression and her venomous glare did not falter.
Baynetta merely allowed a shrug. "Be that as it may. But if that's the case, you can just as surely leave my house."
Her only response was a sarcastic smile. "Gladly."
Arica turned her back to the woman she once considered a mentor and stalked out the room, down the stairs and out of the house, ignoring Anakin and Antellica's calls after her.
Baynetta finished getting ready in silence and appraised herself upon concluding several minutes later: Wearing a decorative white and flowered dress with matching white heels, her long flowing hair was curled in luxurious waves that pooled around her shoulders with flowers streamed in through it and a flowered headband of real lilacs at the crown of her head. She was ready.
Her entrance downstairs was greeted warmly – she wasn't surprised to see Arica gone – and soon after the threesome left in a shuttle that would take them to the Imperial Senate Building. The Emperor met them upon arrival and from there the four Sith boarded their own individual miniturized shuttle cars, the vehicle of choice for entrance into the festival.
Monument Plaza was one of the largest plazas on Coruscant. It circled the submit of Umate, the highest peak of the Manarai Mountains. Thousands of tourists came to the plaza each day to touch the giant lump of rock in the center; it was said that Monument Plaza was the only place on Coruscant where people could touch bare rock.
The surrounding mall was beautiful. Designed in the epic style of the Hasennan period, it resembled a stadium with the peak of Umate standing in the center. Huge statues and colorful banners decorated the grounds, while restaurants (such as the Black Sun co-owned Manarai) and shops were built into the plaza walls. Admission was free and the plaza was open at all hours.
Crowds that surely numbered in the thousands had gathered in the immense public square for the festival, either seated or standing around the podium that had been set up for the ceremony. Clone troopers could be seen montoring the security line between civilians and the Imperials, making sure everything stayed in order and holocams floated about the arena, capturing the excitement for the live HoloNet showing.
The Royal shuttle cars arived one after the other into the plaza, the Emperor first, Baynetta next and finally Anakin and Antellica. The crowd cheered and the Sith responded with waves to the assembled audience. Each vehicle touched down on the stairwell base of the circular white podium and the occupants exited, still waving to the applauding crowd.
At the crown of the ten stair podium was a pulpit and gathering of about a twenty chairs for the Empress, Emperor, his numerous assistants, - of which were already there - Anakin and Antellica. Reaching the top, the four were greeted by the rest and while Baynetta, her husband and handmaiden sat down in the front row behind the pulpit, the Emperor remained standing before it, settling down the crowd to begin his speech.
"Citizens of the civilized Galaxy, yesterday was a day of transition. For a thousand years, the New Republic stood as a crowning achievement of civilized beings. But there were those who would set us against one another, and we took up arms to defend our way of life against the Separatists. In doing so, we never suspected that the greatest threat came from within.
The Jedi, and some within our own Senate, had conspired to create the shadow of Separatism using one of our own as the enemy's leader. They had hoped to grind our Republic into ruin. But the hatred in their hearts could not be hidden forever. At last, there came a day when our enemies showed their true natures.
The Jedi hoped to unleash their destructive power by assassinating the head of government and usurping control of the clone army. But the aims of would-be tyrants were valiantly by those without elitist, dangerous powers. Our loyal clone troopers contained the insurrection within the Jedi Temple and quelled uprisings on a thousand worlds.
By bringing the entire Galaxy under one law, one language, and the enlightened guidance of one individual, the corruption that plagued the Republic in its later years will never take root. Regional governors will eliminate the bureaucracy that allowed the Separatists movement to grow unchecked. A strong and growing military will ensure the rule of law.
Under the Empire's New Order, our most cherished beliefs will be safeguarded. We will defend our ideals by force of arms. We will give no ground to our enemies and will stand together against attacks from within or without. Let the enemies of the Empire take heed: those who challenge Imperial resolve will be crushed.
We have taken on a task that will be difficult, but the people of the Empire are ready for the challenge. Because of our efforts, the galaxy has traded war for peace and anarchy for stability. Billions of beings now look forward to a secure future. The Empire will grow as more planets feel the call, from the Rim to the wilds of unknown space.
Imperial citizens must do their part. Join our grand star fleet. Become the eyes of the Empire by reporting suspected insurrectionists. Travel to the corners of the galaxy to spread the principles of the New Order to barbarians. Build monuments and technical wonders that will speak of our glory for generations to come.
The clone troopers, now prouding wearing the name of Imperial stormtroopers, have tackled the dangerous work of fighting out enemies on the front lines. Many have died in their devotion to the Empire. Imperial citizens would do well to remember their example.
The New Order of peace has triumphed over the shadowy secrecy of shameful magicans. The direction of our course is clear. I will lead the Empire to glories beyond imagining..."
The rest was mostly a repeat of yesterday's speech with a few new things: More detail on the Emperor's relationship with the Naboo Royal Naberrie family and most particularly the late Princess Maratina and their daughter, Padme Amidala. His plans for the Jedi Temple to be torn down and replaced by his Imperial Palace was also discussed among other things.
But Baynetta wasn't really paying attention her father's ravings. She was much more interested in studying the faces of the crowd. The majority was drinking in the Emperor's words with pleasure. However, there was a small amount here and there that looked a bit skeptical. The same could be said about the Imperial Senate's Representatives, seated in their own section to the left of the podium. Some seemed happy with the New Order while others - Bail Organa and Mon Mothma were perfect examples - didn't. She kept her staring gaze on the duo until finally she caught their eyes. Mon's narrowed at her stare, but Bail kept his neutral, simply nodding in her direction and turning his attention back to the Emperor. Mon soon did the same. But with Baynetta's continued stare, the Sith Lady decided that a chat would have to be done with the two of them later.
When the Emperor's speech, at long last, ended, applause rang through the crowd and Baynetta was gestured forward to be crowned. From that day forward, Padme Zandeleigh Naberrie Palpatine Amidala-Skywalker was Empress and 2nd-in-Command of the Galactic Empire and the true Queen Monarch of Naboo, demolishing the monarch electoral law of the planet.
The vacated position of the planet's Senator - Padme resigned the moment she was crowned Empress - went to a twenty-three year old recent political and military graduate whom the Emperor handpicked as Naboo's Regional Governor when the Sector Governance Decree was passed a few short days previous. In addition to her governoral duties, Charlotte Jovovich would also be Naboo's Senator. Baynetta met Jovovich at the inauguration after party, held in the Amidala Mansion's ballroom, and they hit it off immediately, not something she usually did with people. Charlotte was an ambitious young woman with hopes of making a name for herself in galaxy someday. She was also the only female Regional Governor and it was clear why an exception had been made for her. Her cool demoner and straight to the point aspect on things impressed the Empress greatly.
Several hours into the party, on her way to get some punch, the newly crowned Empress felt someone's hand clutch her arm. Turning, she saw it was…"Senator Organa. And and I see Mon's with you as well."
The three were outside of the room's main crowds, near the left entrance and buffet table. However, instead of staying to see what the Senators wanted, Baynetta rudely continued her stride towards the beverage counter. They followed, and as the Imperial ruler was pouring more juice in her wine glass, Mon looked around with some nervousness before speaking. "Padme-"
The Empress interrupted with a laugh. "I think the names you're looking for are Empress Naberrie Palpatine-Skywalker."
She'd chosen to drop her political surname - Amidala was of the past - and go by both her parents' and husband's surnames, the last of which being done to simply keep Anakin silent. As soon as they divorced however, 'Skywalker' would be dropped and 'Amidala' probably readopted.
"Yes, Empress then." Bail's tone was a bit exasperated. "Could we have a word with you?"
"I thought that was what we were doing now," she took a sip of her drink, "having words."
"Padme, I don't-"
Baynetta's eyes flashed yellowish black and Mon stopped in mid-sentence, taking a step back along with Bail.
"As I said," her voice was now cold, "you will address me as Empress."
Bail and Mon continued to look at her for a moment or two while she merely looked amusedly back, sipping more of her juice and her eyes returning to their natural brown.
"Empress you-you betrayed us!" Bail hissed at her in a low voice.
"Betrayed you!" She laughed. "It was you and your 'Delegation of Two Thousand' Senators that did the betraying. In fact, I should have you and your little Senator friends arrested however," She rose a finger to silence Bail who was on the verge of speaking, "I will let you off the hook for old times sakes. With the fair warning that if you are to continue this little Rebellion of yours, I will not be so merciful next time."
And without another word, the Empress stalked off leaving the two Senators to ponder her words of warning.
As Baynetta strode away from the Senators and beverage counter, she came across Naboo's Junior Representative, Jar Jar "Freak" Binks, who currently had his back to her, conversing with Charlotte about Naboo and the Gungans.
Since he was preoccupied with running his mouth, he didn't notice when she slipped a large envelope into one of his robe pockets. What the envelope contained would be the end of the Gungan race. It was an invite for Jar Jar to a festival, taking place in the gungan village colony the next day.
The festival, which Baynetta concocted as an excuse to get Jar Jar back on Naboo so he'd be there when her plan was played out, was to celebrate the end of the war. It was to be held promptly at 2200 the next day.
Baynetta smirked as she got farther away from the freak, seeing Charlotte leave to talk to someone else and Jar Jar going through his robes muttering, "What is thisa envelopee?"
"Did you give him the envelope than?" Anakin asked, coming up behind his wife.
Padme turned and gave her husband a rare genuine smile. "Yes, I did actually. Just now."
In silence, they watched as Jar Jar was now opening it. After reading it a few moments, he suddenly started jumping up and down, yelling, "Mesa goin' home!"
"Representative Binks!" Baynetta barked as she approached the freak with the entourage of Anakin and Charlotte, who'd drifted over to them. "I will ask you to refrain from such nonsense while you are in my elegant mansion."
The Gungan seemed to blush, if that was possible. "Oh, sorry."
The Empress gave him a look of utter revolsion before stalking off again.
The next morning, Baynetta, Anakin and Antellica were up bright and early for their journey to Naboo aboard Queen Beautiful. Before leaving however, they stopped by Five Hundred Republica to pick up Charlotte, who was coming with them. They also met the Emperor at the Imperial Senate Building, but he would be arriving on Naboo via his own personal shuttle. It just so happened that Arica was also there. Turns out that yesterday, after she left the Amidala Mansion and during the festival, she'd overseed the reconstruction of the Grand Convocation Chamber by the 501st Legion. It hadn't been damaged too much during Sidious and Yoda's duel, but it was enough to put the chamber out of service for some time. The construction continued that day with Arica assuming she would continue overseeing it, but the Emperor thought otherwise. He insisted that she come with them to Naboo not just for Padme's coronation, but the Gungan festival later that day. That part had interested her, so she choose to come, if only halfheartedly, with the Empress' crew because Antellica also insisted. Otherwise she would've went with the Emperor.
As both Queen Beautiful and the Emperor's shuttledeparted Coruscant, they were escorted by four of the newly Sienar Fleet System designed T.I.E. - Twin Ion Engine - starfighters of the Imperial Navy.
Single-seated, short-ranged vessels that lacked a hyperdrive, and as such required deployment from launch bases and capital ships, the T.I.E. starfighter, or simply T.I.E., featured two fire-linked laser cannons chin-mounted on the ball-shaped cockpit. They were typically employed en masse to make up for their shortcomings. Speedy and maneuverable, these fighters are nonetheless fragile. Though hard to hit, even a glancing blow could destroy a T.I.E. These starfighters, along with many other new fleet ships - Super Star Destroyers, Space transports, Capital ships, Frigates, etc. - recently arrived at Coruscant the night before from numerous Sienar Fleet Systems and Kuat Drive Yards across the Galaxy. Most of the fleet ships used during the Clone Wars were now considered obsolete as newer, more advanced ships came pouring in from these starship manufacturers.
Once the TIEs disembarked their escort, Queen Beautiful and the Emperor's shuttle made the jump to hyperspace with a squadron of the Navy following. Inside Queen Beautiful, Baynetta made small talk with Charlotte and Antellica in the cockpit, while Anakin left the room looking for Arica.
Rather then ride in the front with everyone else, Arica chose stay hidden away in one of the ships back rooms. This was quite all right with Baynetta, who probably would've suggested something of the sort if Arica hadn't sooner. Antellica had voiced wanting to sit in the back with her sister but Baynetta told her to stay in the front and leave Arica be. Not wanting to upset her mistress, Antellica stayed in the cockpit as asked, but Anakin left.
So many things ran through his mind as he hunted the ship for Arica, his one time enemy, as well as one time friend. Within the time they'd re-met two days ago neither had said a word to the other since her arrival in the Emperor's office. He didn't know what to say, and suspected Arica felt the same. But he wanted to change that. He wanted to get back that special little friendship they'd once shared. So as such, he was searching the ship for her.
Meanwhile in one of the ship's back rooms, Arica was about to start another one of the authored books Sidious was allowing her to borrow, entitled The Pathway of the Sith: From Apprentice to Master,when she felt the approach of someone coming towards the room. Dropping the book on the bed she was sitting on, she went to hide in the side closet, all the while cloaking her presence. She'd read about how to do that the previous day in-between overseeing the Senate Arena reconstruction. It was one of the first things she'd studied in the Sith Holocrons she and Antellica were also borrowing. The first thing she'd studied was the stable ability of being a Sith: Force lightning. That had always been her favorite feature of the Sith. It was very tiring to learn and it always left her feeling drained, but Arica assured herself that she'd get better at it as time progressed.
Safely hidden in the closet, Arica heard the room's door open and close behind the person who'd entered. She wasn't able to figure out who it was because she hadn't read about identifying Force signatures yet. All was quiet around her; no noises were made inside the room though she knew the person was still out there. Just as Arica was pondering over whom it could be, the closet door suddenly flew open to reveal the smirking figure of Anakin Skywalker standing before her. Arica simply gave him an expressionless look, though secretly she was relieved and glad it hadn't been Baynetta or Antellica. She won't have minded Charlotte though. The Moff Governor seemed to be a nice person, even if she thought Baynetta was something of a role model for young women these days.
Anakin merely leaned against the door with a raised eyebrow at the sight of her sitting, smashed with clothes all about her and offered his hand to help her up. Ignoring it, she got up on her own and gave him a curt nod. Going back to the bed, she picked up her book and started to read. Anakin closed the closet door and sat down next to her. Looking over her shoulder and into the book he asked, "Is that one of Sidious' training books?"
Arica simply nodded, eyes still glued inside the book.
The next few minutes were spent in awkward silence, in which time Arica felt Anakin's intent gaze on her. Than all of a sudden, she felt him stroking her dyed black hair with his flesh hand fingertips. This startled her.
"Arica, Arica. My adorable little chicka. What am I going to do with you?"
Arica looked up from the book and glanced over at Anakin in confusion. He continued to stroke her hair and smiled. She looked at him a few seconds longer before going back to the book.
"You probably don't remember that nickname do you?" he assumed.
She said nothing in response.
He continued. "You used to love it." He laughed. "I remember when I gave it to you. Do you?"
Of course. Arica remembered all too well, though she tried to push it out of her mind:
It had been right before Padme and Anakin left for Naboo several days before the start of the war. She and Antellica were in Padme's old apartment bedroom packing up their mistress' belongings while she and Anakin talked first about the assassination attempt the night before and than the Jedi. But after Anakin started making moves towards Padme's affection, she'd commanded Arica to escort the 'arrogant Jedi' out of her room. Antellica had wanted to do so as well but Padme yelled at her, saying not to speak when not spoken to. Arica remembered how gleeful she'd been about the tables being turned and Antellica being the one shouted at, not her.
Arica'd done as she'd been told and 'escorted' the 'arrogant Jedi' out of Padme's room. Outside, he'd began to joke around with her, making her laugh and giggle when suddenly he'd picked her up and twirled her through the air, proclaiming her 'chicka'.
When she asked who 'chicka' was he'd said, "You, silly girl! Who else would it be?"
Arica had thought it was really nice that her crush had given her nickname.
Shaking her head of these thoughts, she saw Anakin smiling knowingly at her, as if he'd known what had just been going through her mind. She shot a glare over at him and his smile vanished. Picking the book up once more, she hid her face within it.
Anakin stopped stroking her hair and sighed. "Arica, please. Don't be so cold to me. I never did anything to hurt you. And besides I've always liked you a bit more than I did Antellica."
Arica snorted behind the book. "I don't believe that. No one likes me more than Antellica."
"But I do," he persisted moving closer to her on the bed. "I always have."
Arica moved away from him and got up, turning her back to him. This saddened him somewhat. She'd have never done that before.
"Arica, please don't do this." He walked up behind her and took her into his arms at length. "Don't shut me out."
Arica looked up at him and he began stroking her hair again. After a moment, she finally looked up, gazing into the beautiful baby blue eyes she'd always liked about him.
"Anakin, I-"
She'd spoken the words so softly, so full of longing and Anakin knew just what she needed. He wrapped her into his arms fully, holding her to him and sighing into her hair.
Arica hugged him back, holding tightly as she soon found herself crying into his shoulder. All of her hatred, anger, and frustration at the Galaxy was now coming out in tears. Anakin gently laid kisses atop her head and led the way back to the bed. Still holding her, he sat her down beside him. Arica stopped crying, abruptly feeling foolish and weak for doing it to begin with, and wiped away her tears. Looking up into Anakin's comforting gaze once more, she did something she hadn't done for a long time. She smiled. Not a false smile or evil grin either, but a genuine true smile.
Anakin's smile widened as she moved closer to him and simply gazed, circuling her arms around his neck.
"I missed you a lot over the past three years," she whispered.
He put his forehead against hers and gazed into her eyes. "I missed you too Arica." He smirked. "And I meant what I said aboard Invisible Hand. About you being more beautiful since last I saw you."
Arica laughed, but averted her eyes to the floor. "You don't mean that."
"Of course I do."
Arica returned her gaze to Anakin and the two continued their gaze at another when unexpectedly Anakin moved his face forward towards hers, eyes closed. Arica, knowing what he was about to do, was shocked, but did not pull away. She waged a war within herself to give into this or stop Anakin from betraying Padme. Not that it would be much of a betrayal being that Padme didn't love him to begin with but he didn't know that.
Just as Anakin's lips were about to brush up against her own she sharply pulled away.
"Anakin, you're married! You shouldn't be doing this to me. Think about Padme. What would she say if she saw this?"
The mention of his wife brought Anakin back to his senses. He shook himself. What was he doing? Attempting to kiss Arica like that. He'd just gotten so lost in her beautiful blue eyes that so mirrored his own...
Giving himself one last shake, he put some space between them and sighed. "I'm sorry Arica. I don't know what came over me." He sighed again and looked over at her.
"It's all right," Arica said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "And no I won't tell Padme about this," she added.
He looked at her strangely. "How did you-"
She answered with a wink before disappearing behind her book again.
Anakin was impressed. "It seems someone's becoming quite advanced with their Force skills."
Arica smiled at his appraisal and glanced down at the book a moment in thought. "You wouldn't want to join me would you?" she asked somewhat timidly.
"Of course I would," he replied with a smile, glad that she asked. "I'm sure there must be something in there I can find knowledgeable."
And so the rest of the journey to Naboo was spent with the two studying the Sith training book, but also laughing and chatting in-between.