Hellish Red Devil – Awww, what a lovely review – I was definitely grinning at my monitor like an idiot when I got through it! Thanks for always being so incredibly encouraging. It really means so much. I agonize over every single chapter and to hear such nice things (you think the characters are acting like themselves – yay!) makes the struggle more than worth it! A million hugs to you!

meandmysharpie – Hee! Well, instead of saying 'confused,' say that you're just 'still in the process of unraveling the plot.' Hopefully this chapter will undo anything that may still be a bit foggy for you. Thanks for sticking with me!

Ann Jinn – Well, I can't imagine any better compliment than hearing that you think this is a story that's hard to put down! It's one I've been mulling over for years and it took me awhile to get up the courage to post it. Hearing such nice things – well, it makes me extra glad I took a chance!

Jedi Master Arie Skywalker – Yes, sneaky Padmé indeed. Unfortunately, she is SO incredibly clever that it might backfire on her. Oh dear! On a non-story related note, long live Mt. Dew and Dr. Pepper! Gosh, now I'm thirsty!

Avschick33 – Let's just say that I'm glad you enjoy angsty romances. Stupid Palpatine! Grrr! But on the brighter side, I'm glad you're enjoying the plot as it starts to thicken. I've been trying to get the pacing right so that hit a very happy chord with me! Thanks!

Eriks leadinglady – Hope your first day at work went okay – that sounds like a really, really fun job - much better than my summer jobs in high school and college anyway. (grumbles a bit). And you'll have to keep me up to speed on the guy you met on myspace – that is really cool! I hope it works out wonderfully for you! As for the story – I can't tell you how glad I am that you're enjoying it! I really want to entertain you guys (and keep you guessing) so your feedback means the world to me!

ALL – I will be on vacation for the next week so my next update may be a bit delayed. But I promise to return as soon as I can with more! Thanks for reading!

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ABOARD NEWLY PURCHASED SKIFF, LATE EVENING

It took Padmé three tries to stand - a combination of her unwieldy physique and the awkward angle of the lumpy, broken-down chair. She truly loved being pregnant; nothing rivaled the sensation of her baby's healthy kick. But she couldn't deny that she was starting to look forward to returning to her slim figure. Being so ungainly had proved more difficult than she imagined.

And at that particular moment, it also gave her another reason to feel sorry for herself.

Threepio had just delivered the news that their communications were once again up and running. Within hours, an anonymous tip would go out that would turn the Republic upside down: Senator Padmé Amidala was dead, killed instantly when her transport exploded. The recording Artoo had generated would confirm the announcement; evidence enough for even the most hardened conspirators...

...as well as a countless number of her friends and colleagues.

Tears had just begun to trickle down her cheeks when Obi-wan entered the cramped lounge. Mortified, she swiped the back of her hand across her face and turned away.

"Padmé, the communications are back if you'd like to send a brief message to Anakin. Remember, you mustn't tip him off just yet-" Though she had tried to be discreet, the sound of her sniffling couldn't be missed and stopped him in his tracks. "What is it?"

"Nothing," she replied immediately. "I'm fine."

Shooting her a doubtful look, he strolled around the room, casually adjusting seat cushions, checking the temperature of a long-abandoned mug of tea. She sighed in frustration - he clearly wasn't going anywhere; at least, not until she revealed what was bothering her.

"You're taking your oversight of my well being far too seriously," she growled. Her flare of temper was only met with one of his maddening half-smiles and she threw up her hands. "If everything was normal... if I was just a typical Naboo citizen, I would be attending a party tomorrow."

"A party?" he repeated dubiously. "One that is hosted by the Queen?"

"No, nothing like that. This would be much more important... to me, anyway," she murmured, feeling the last remnants of her anger disappear. "It's tradition for the soon-to-be grandparents to hold a celebration one standard month before the baby's due date. In my case, that date falls tomorrow."

He nodded encouragingly. "Go on."

"My parents would prepare a gigantic meal and all our friends and neighbors would join us. They would bring gifts - small items but very personal in meaning. The stories behind their selection are always heartwarming and deeply appreciated by the new parents."

"That sounds lovely. Your disappointment is understandable."

"I suppose." Suddenly, she pressed a hand to her head, startled that she had allowed her composure to slip away so completely. "Oh, I'm sorry, Obi-wan. Please forgive my outburst; this isn't like me."

"It's been a trying time," he assured her. "I'd say you are entitled to at least one meltdown. Maybe two."

She laughed bitterly and shrugged. "Tomorrow my friends will be receiving news of my death - the same day they were supposed to celebrate alongside me. I can't help but feel it is a horrendous betrayal of their trust."

He shook his head emphatically. "No, Padmé. You are protecting your family and that is something every being in the Galaxy can understand. When this is all over, you can still have that party."

At the sight of her reluctant smile, he perched on the arm of a nearby chair and consulted an ancient but still-functioning chrono. "It's after midnight and we have a big day tomorrow."

"I didn't realize it was so late," she groaned. "Now that you mention it, I am really tired. I wonder if Threepio is finished with my room yet? He said there was a lot of work to be done."

He winced, wishing he had been able to procure a nicer ship. "That's actually why I came to find you. Your quarters are ready - you will find them through the third entryway on your right." She started to rise but was halted by the gentle hand he placed on her arm. "Before you go, I have something for you. Two something's actually, but we'll save the other one for tomorrow."

He produced a worn leather rucksack, pulling it into his lap as his fingers loosened the laces. Carefully, he tilted it on its side, watching as the contents spilled onto the rusty table.

"Datapads?" she mused questioningly. At his gesture, she picked one up and turned it on, her eyes growing wider as she studied the contents. "Obi-wan! By the stars above! These are your... your..."

"Battle strategies, yes," he finished. "Something your Alliance may find useful. To be perfectly honest, I hope they find their way into the nearest trash compactor. There is nothing I want more than for your child to be raised in a Galaxy that only knows peace."

"I wish the same," she whispered. "But if that is not our fate, these may help us bring about the restoration. Thank you, Obi-wan."

Giving her hand an affectionate pat, he stood and headed for his bunk. She pretended to be doing the same until she heard the soft click of his door snapping closed. Moving as quietly as possible, she returned to the stockpile, sifting through one ream of notes after another until her head began to swim. There was so much to learn, so much to digest - she didn't even know where to start.

She massaged her aching back as one thing became clear; the missive she was going to send Bail about her 'death' needed to include an invitation. The datapads were not something she could transmit; the information contained within was too valuable to risk. She needed to hand them over personally... and in order to do so without compromising her safety, Bail Organa was going to have to join them.

Problem solved, she noted. Well, almost... There was still one overwhelmingly stubborn Jedi Master to convince; and since he was the only one who knew their eventual destination, that was a pretty important part of the plan.

Problem created, she amended, wrinkling her nose.

CORUSCANT, JEDI TEMPLE - NEXT DAY

Anakin picked up his com-link and stared at the nicked surface until it blurred.

It would be so easy.

He could hail Obi-wan, ask for the transport's current location. From there, it would only be a quick dash to his starfighter, an input of coordinates and he would be on his way. No more shades of grey, no sick feeling of uncertainty, no pressure to choose a side.

He could just be a husband... a father, whose only emotion was excitement over the birth of his first child.

A flick of his thumb and his quarters filled with the familiar static that signified an open communications channel... but an inner voice made him hesitate.

Could you really face her, knowing you willingly turned your back on the Republic she has served so bravely? And what about Obi-wan, who stood up for you, leaving behind the war that cries out for his leadership... all because he wanted to protect your family? You are the Chosen One, it is your destiny to bring balance to the Force, to eliminate the Sith. If you do not, the darkness will spread... until it eventually seeks your child.

The mere thought left him cold.

He hurled the com-link across the room, watching through bloodshot eyes as it slid across the tiled floor. Burying his head in his hands, his breaths came in ragged bursts and his chest began to ache. How could he be so stupid! To contact Obi-wan through such means would endanger Padmé and their child more than a lack of mental shielding ever could! Was he really so selfish? So desperate?

"No," he growled determinedly.

He jumped up and summoned his com-link, stuffing it into the inner folds of his cloak. He could still make things right, the way he had promised. Chancellor Palpatine was expecting him within the hour; apparently, he had discovered something interesting about the clones' secondary programming and was anxious to share his findings.

Anakin only hoped it would help him deal with the dilemma of what to do next.

His speeder was nearly in sight when he spotted Mace Windu and Yoda talking quietly and moving straight for him. Blast! Though he had calmed considerably, his emotions were still all over the map, too rangy to fully stifle behind a mind shield. They were going to sense his unrest as sure as if he wore it as a blinking sign around his neck.

"Good morning, Master Yoda... Master Windu," he managed.

"Good? Hmmm... Not for you, I sense." Yoda raised a hand and stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Upset, you are. Happened, something has?"

Anakin hesitated. Surprisingly enough, he didn't feel the normal flicker of annoyance that usually followed such prodding. Master Yoda was incredibly wise, perhaps the most knowledgeable Jedi in the history of the Order. If anyone could help untangle the mystery, he could.

"I haven't been sleeping well since Padmé left," he offered tentatively. When neither Jedi objected, he decided to continue. "I knew the separation would be difficult but now that-"

"Your attachments must not become a weakness," Mace interrupted sharply. "Your only focus should be your primary assignment. Master Kenobi is in charge of protecting your wife; that must be enough for you. We cannot allow you to disobey yet another vow to the Council."

"Yes, Master." Anakin practically spat the title. "I appreciate the reminder. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am expected at my primary assignment."

He didn't wait for a dismissal, nor did he acknowledge Yoda's attempt to stop him; he simply stormed to his speeder, cursing himself for daring to hope that the Jedi could help him.

After all these years, why was he still so foolishly naïve? The Jedi could never understand! They probably hadn't experienced a sliver of emotion since the day they were plopped into the crèche. Force, he doubted Master Windu even knew what a smile was, let alone an actual burst of joy. He had probably been born with a frown on his face; maybe it had even become a permanent condition-

"Is something bothering you, son?"

The warm voice startled him and he glanced up to find the Chancellor staring at him with obvious concern. He blinked as he tried to recall how he had gotten there... but there was no real recollection of the journey, only white-hot feelings of anger and betrayal. Shifting uncomfortably, he reached into the Force and tried to find his center.

He was not very successful.

"I've just had a bit of a rough morning," he finally muttered. That part was true, at least.

"We all have those every now and again, don't we?" Palpatine chuckled.

Anakin felt the corners of his mouth twitch into a smile and he started to relax. Here, he knew he would be treated as an equal... He was trusted and valued - a nice change from the suspicion that followed him at the Temple.

"I think I can get your mind off your troubles," Palpatine continued. "Let me tell you some more about our clone soldiers. I believe you'll find yourself quite intrigued; I know I was."

Anakin leaned forward, listening intently.