Author's Note: Just wanted to make sure everyone knew this is an AU, I forgot to mention that before. Also, I did add just a bit on to the ending of Chapter One, thanks to MistiWhitesun for pointing that out about the ending. This is a short chapter, just to let everyone know ahead of time. I know the story is quite slow right now, I just need to build up to the main storyline.

Disclaimer: The Star Wars Universe was created and is owned by George Lucas, this is just my imagination at work, based on the universe he has created. If this story is similar to another, it's pure coincidence.

Note: Thoughts are in italics.

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The dusk came upon Coruscant, a planet known for many things, including it's lovely sunsets. The sun rays bouncing off the glassy buildings would have amazed anyone, that is, anyone with emotion. But he seemed to lack such a thing.

Three Imperial officers entered his dark and gloomy office, decorated in bland shades of gray and black. All three respectfully bowed at the sight of him, as he waited to hear what they wanted.

"Lord Vader," Officer Patakin began, being professional despite the obvious fear and nervousness in his voice. "The Rebel base you wanted us to remove. . ," he paused, swallowing the lump in his throat.

"Get to the point," the Dark Lord prompted him, a harsh tone in his deep voice, as he was aware of Patakin's fear.

"The mission was a--a," he almost whispered, his voice shaking as he knew what his fate would be. "A failure. The mission was a failure." Bowing his head in shame, Lord Vader's anger blazed against him, as the officer probably expected. Holding his black-gloved hand up, Darth Vader, using the force, choked Patakin.

"Please, My Lord, have mercy," he cried, as he began to be lifted into the air. Falling to the ground, he breathed heavilly, catching his breath.

"The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am."

- - - -

Padmé sat on her bed preparing for her return trip to Coruscant, where there were ongoing efforts to stop the Empire from destroying the Republic - though it already seemed to have fallen into shambles. Sola sat behind her, brushing her long brown hair, straightened for the style she would be putting it in. The silence overwhelmed the room, especially so, since both could talk up a Tatooine sandstorm.

"You're quiet," Sola pointed out, wanting a reason yet not coming right out and saying it. Moments passed by with nothing said, until Sola began speaking once again. "Why won't you tell me what is wrong?," she asked, honestly wanting to help. There's nothing she can do to help me.

"It's nothing."

"No." Sola exclaimed, standing up and facing her sister. "It's not nothing. You have never - ever - acted like this in your entire life. Something is wrong, Padmé. But if you don't want to tell me, that's fine. Tell me you won't tell me, and stop lying to me - to us!"

"Sola, why can't you just stay out of my personal life? Back off."

"Why? You even have to ask that? Padmé, you are my sister. I love you." Sola tried to give her a hug, but she pushed her away. Though trying her best to be strong, Padmé bursted into tears, covering her face.

"You don't understand," she kept whispering under her breath. "You just don't understand."

"Of course I don't understand, you won't tell me!"

Padmé wiped the tears from her eyes, calming herself down enough so that she could speak clearly. "Sola, you remember Anakin, right?" Sola nodded, smiling. "Why are you smiling?"

"I always knew there was something between you two, that's all," Sola grinned, always excited to see Padmé caring about something other than work, to see her caring about herself for once.

"That's exactly the point. There is nothing between us. Anymore." she managed, about to start crying once again. The thought of him was bad enough, but actually talking about him - with someone other than her nieces - was even worse.

"Oh. What happened?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Fair enough," Sola said, standing up and heading for the door. "Let me know if you need any more help," she said as she stood in the doorway.

"Thanks."