Avschick33 – Aw, I'm sorry the last chapter confused you. As you will see in just a few short paragraphs, Anakin's message WAS read… just not by him. Someone named "Sidious" got to it first. Boo! Thanks for reading!
The Elvish Jedi – Wow! What a nice review! Thank you very much! I'm sorry to keep you waiting for this update – real life is just so crazy my free time isn't too plentiful. But I'll try not to let it go too long, I promise!
Jedi Master Arie Skywalker – Yes, wouldn't it be great if Palpatine would just shrivel up, never to be heard from again? That would solve all the problems! If only my muse wasn't so evil. Sigh. Thanks for reading!
Eriks leadinglady – I'm sorry to hear that your dance class is apparently chock full of brats. You have such an unlimited well of patience – I am so impressed with how you handled them. You should be proud of yourself! I do hope it improves though. Thanks a bunch for the wonderfully kind comments on the story. I hope you continue to enjoy it!
Danica – Hi there! Welcome to the story – thank you for leaving such a nice review! I'm trying to update as quickly as possible, I promise!
The Last Guardian – The next chapter is coming up next. I hope you like it – things are really starting to heat up. Stay tuned!
Hellish Red Devil – I hope everything is going okay with your family. My thoughts are with you! We'll be glad to have you back when your schedule allows!
ALL – I'm sorry to be late with this update. Unfortunately, my schedule has just gotten out of hand. I appreciate your patience though. Hope this chapter makes up for the wait – it's a pretty lengthy one if that helps! Thanks for reading!
The shadow listened, relishing the fact that the feminine voice was floating through the Coruscanti air for the last time.
"I'll contact you again soon, Ani. Obi-wan has assured me that our comms will function properly on Mustafar so our regular communication schedule will resume as before. Remember, I lo-"
He snorted in derision, unable to stomach the sentiment. He had already heard it once.
That was more than enough.
Message deleted.
He raised his hands, allowing the Force to surge around him as it answered his call. He twisted the wave of power, manipulating it until his inquiry was answered.
Yes, his prey was approaching. After so many years of plotting and planning… the time was nearly at hand.
And he was ready.
NABOO, NABERRIE RESIDENCE
Dormé secured the last of the padding around her midsection, using the task as a momentary distraction. She had never been more apprehensive in her entire life - or more determined to execute a flawless performance
And that meant leaving nothing to chance.
According to royal creed, the Naberrie family was to be granted complete solitude, a brief taste of peace before the whirlwind of funeral activities commenced. Yet there was always the chance an overly sympathetic neighbor could break tradition. And if that happened… if word got out that a decoy was roaming around – and out of the traditional mourning garb no less - all hope would be lost.
The thought was still fresh in her mind when there was an unexpected knock on the bedchamber door, sending her heart rate to levels never before known. Tiptoeing silently, she pressed her ear to the wooden surface… listening… waiting…
Praying.
"May I come in?" a muffled voice asked.
Jobal, she realized. Thank the Force.
She hurriedly disengaged the latch, allowing the older woman admittance to the room. Jobal's skirts had barely cleared the threshold when she shut the door behind her, settling the lock back into place. Exhaling a sigh of relief, Dormé turned - only to find Padmé's mother staring at her intently as the color drained from her face.
A long silence descended.
Finally, Dormé could take it no longer. "Jobal, are you all right?"
"You're her mirror image, you know."
The handmaiden fidgeted uncomfortably, feeling the weight of the duty that rested squarely on her shoulders.
"I'm sorry; I didn't intend to make you uneasy." Jobal rubbed her arm soothingly. "This whole situation... it's just… I mean…"
"I understand."
She watched as Jobal plucked a make-up brush from the vanity table, moving towards her purposefully. Seconds later, the soft bristles were dancing across her face and she closed her eyes as another layer of the pale powder was deftly applied.
"I've always felt that Padmé's decision to enter public service was noble," Jobal murmured, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "But as her mother, it was also the most terrifying choice I've ever had to support."
Dormé could only nod sympathetically.
"I want you to know how much I appreciate all you've done," Jobal continued, carefully inspecting the blue gown her daughter had sent. When they had initially received it, she had never dreamed the circumstances planned for its use. "Ruwee and I... well, we've found such comfort in knowing our Padmé is surrounded by people who care so much for her. It's the only way we were able to let her go… to let her live the life she was meant for."
"Milady is a special woman. Protecting her has been a great privilege."
Jobal pulled the young woman into an impulsive embrace. When they stepped apart, both had to dab at their eyes discreetly.
"Well, I suppose that's enough of that," the older woman sniffled. "We can't have you ruining your make-up now, can we?"
Dormé chuckled ruefully and shook her head.
"I actually came up here to tell you that the carriage has arrived. The funeral rites will start at the Palace within the hour. Once you have dressed, it will be time to go."
The handmaiden eyed the beautiful blue material and swallowed painfully. "And the casket?"
Jobal looked away. "It has been delivered as well."
ABOARD TRANSPORT SHIP
Obi-wan grimaced at the sound of Padmé's scream, noting the way she managed to stretch his name into approximately ten syllables. Increasing his pace, he almost spilled the glass of ice chips he carried when his shoulder bumped the door frame.
"I'm here!" he called.
"What took you so long?" she spat.
"I had Artoo check the Holo-net," he admitted. "They are in the midst of covering your 'funeral' and I wanted to make sure there weren't any rumors we needed to worry about... But rest assured, everything is going to plan-"
He trailed off as her eyes squeezed shut against what seemed to be an immense amount of pain.
"Blast! Does your medication need to be replenished?" he fretted. "I saw Eight-Bee on my way back. I can get her in here-"
"No," she panted, waving him off. "This is the way it's supposed to happen."
"Surely in this day and age, that's not really the case-"
"It is the case," she growled. "While you were off gallivanting around the ship, Eight-Bee explained that my dosage of pain suppressants is being minimized to allow my contractions to intensify."
At the word 'contractions,' Obi-wan forgot his indignation over being accused of gallivanting.
"I see," he choked. "Well, that does sound rather unpleasant."
"It is."
"Well, now that I'm here perhaps there is something I can do to help," he stammered. "Normally, I would attempt to ease your pain through the Force but that blasted ysalamiri has made such an effort impossible. I've already brought your robe and now the ice chips... I must be missing something – something that will help! I am a Jedi Master, for Force's sake - not some helpless youngling fresh from the crèche-"
A snort of laughter stopped him mid-rant and he glanced over to find Padmé's shoulders shaking. "What?"
"I owe you a sincere thank you, Obi-wan," she chuckled.
"For what? I'm not doing anything!" he groaned. "Don't you see? That's the problem!"
"You're making me smile during one of the scariest times of my life," she noted softly. "And how do I repay you? By snapping and snarling like a kryat dragon. Please, you must forgive me."
He accepted the hand she extended and patted it tenderly. "It is unnecessary. Your anxiety is quite understandable."
They both looked up as Eight-Bee and Threepio trundled into the room, the latter of whom was wrangling a large piece of luggage. Obi-wan recognized it immediately as one of Padmé's. The Senator had stubbornly insisted upon hauling it from ship to ship though it didn't appear she had even bothered to open it yet.
"Hello Threepio," she called tiredly. "You brought everything?"
"Yes, I believe so," the droid replied. "With your permission, I shall leave the contents on the top of the supply cabinet."
Padmé nodded curtly, unable to speak as she was overcome by another contraction. Obi-wan took her hand once again in a show of support - a gesture he soon came to regret as she nearly crushed it in her anguish.
Yet Threepio continued to prattle on, oblivious to the drama playing out before him.
"I am also here to inform Master Kenobi that we are approaching our final planetary destination. Artoo has requested your permission to land."
Obi-wan didn't even look up. "Yes, please tell him to do so."
"Oh dear. Then I suppose it would only be proper if I apologized in advance for any turbulence we may encounter. Artoo has a penchant for rough landings and the heated atmosphere certainly will not help matters. I will go ask him how I may be of service. He is only an astromech droid after all."
As the golden droid exited, Obi-wan couldn't help but watch him go with a touch of apprehension. Their destination was renowned for being dangerously unpredictable and while droids were capable enough, there was something to be said for having a human brain at the controls.
But seconds later, he knew he was where he needed to be.
"Obi-wan?" Padmé murmured softly. "I'm glad you're here."
He squeezed her shoulder affectionately as Eight-Bee began to explain that last stages of the birthing process.
It seemed the time was nearly at hand.
CORUSCANT - OFFICE OF CHANCELLOR PALPATINE
The Chancellor's personal guards moved out of Anakin's way, granting him immediate access to the office he had come to know so well. A part of him was glad for their haste…
…because if they hadn't moved quickly enough... well, something told him they may not have escaped with their lives.
Palpatine was standing in front of the large bay of windows, his shoulders hunched in grief. Yet as lost as he seemed, he still managed to hear Anakin's hurried approach.
"Anakin?" When he turned, his face was set with paternal concern. "It is good to see you up and around, son. You gave us quite a scare when you collapsed. That blasted Padawan whisked you away so quickly I never had a chance to see if there was anything I could do to help."
Anakin's eyes lit up. "Actually, I could still use your help, sir."
"Of course. What is it?"
"Your shuttle. I need to use your shuttle."
Palpatine stroked his chin thoughtfully and returned his gaze to cityscape beyond. When several moments passed without a reply, Anakin's desperation intensified.
"Please, sir," he begged, hating the way the emotion made his voice crack. "The Jedi will not grant me access to my starfighter and I need to get off planet. Now."
"And just where is it you plan to go?"
"Naboo." Just saying the planet's name brought a fresh wave of pain.
Palpatine finally faced him once more, his hands outstretched in an unspoken plea. "Why would you torture yourself so? Please do not ruin your last memories of Senator Amidala. It's best to remember her as she was - alive and vibrant."
"No." Anakin grit his defiance between his teeth, acutely aware of the weight of the light saber at his hip. "This is something I must do. And if you are not willing to help me, I will find someone else."
Palpatine sighed deeply before slowly making his way to his desk. He put his hand to his forehead, his demeanor screaming of his deep reluctance.
But nevertheless, he activated the intercom within.
"Yes, Chancellor? How may I be of service?"
"Have my shuttle prepared at once," he instructed. "Knight Skywalker is to have full use of it."
"Of course. Shall I file a flight plan?"
"No. This trip is of a confidential nature."
"Understood. The shuttle will be ready for Knight Skywalker's departure in thirty minutes."
Hearing the click of a terminated transmission, Anakin barely remembered to bow in gratitude before striding for the doors. He was halfway there when they slammed shut, the Chancellor's voice slithering through his mind.
"Please have a seat. You heard the status - the shuttle will not be available for quite some time… and I think I have stumbled across some information you need to hear."