Author's Note: Just wanted to make sure everyone knew this is an AU.

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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"Well, I'm ready," Padmé announced, entering the living room, one suitcase in each hand. Her elegant robe wasn't the most comfortable, but she hoped that once she reached Coruscant the temparature would be just right for it. Captain Typho ran towards her, grabbing the bags out of her hands. "It's okay, I can carry them," she insisted; but he just shook his head, loading them into the speeder that would take them to the spaceport.

"Aw, Padmé, are you sure you have to go? It's so dangerous," Jobal embraced her daughter in a bade of farwell. Padmé nodded, tears forming in her eyes. She knew how dangerous it was, but she still had to finish what she started.

"Milady, sorry to interrupt, but the transport will be leaving soon," Typho reminded her as she hugged the rest of her family.

"Call me if you need to talk," Sola whispered in her ear, now crying too. There was a chance Padmé wouldn't be able to make it back until after the due date for her new nieces or nephews or niece and nephew. "I'll be here for you."

"I must go now," Padmé said, wiping the tears off her cheeks as she followed Typho out of the house and into the speeder. As she waved goodbye, she had a weird feeling that it would be awhile before she would make it back home.

As they boarded the shuttle, she looked around the Naboo landscape. She loved Naboo. She never liked to leave. Maybe I'll settle down here someday.

- - - -

Dormé and Padmé sat at a small round table on the transport, playing a game of holochess. Though distracted, the Senator had already won three games so far. "I'm not very good at this," Dormé said softly, always respectful. Padmé smiled faintly, having trouble keeping her mind on the situation at hand.

Captain Typho came into the room, signaling the arrival on Coruscant. "We have arrived, Milady."

"We have?," she asked, feeling that the ride had been going slowly. The handmaiden misunderstood her question.

"Time flies when you're having fun!"

Padmé tried her best to smile and agree with that, but she had not had fun. That, of course, had nothing to do with sweet Dormé, she was great to be around. But inside, Padmé was miserable; in agony - something she was determined to hide. Sola knew a little bit, but she was going to leave it at that.

"The Senate meeting isn't for a few hours yet. Are you hungry, Milady?"

"No, I wish to go back to my apartment."

- - - -

Lonely, even with Dormé there, Padmé desperately missed her family. Sitting alone in her bedroom made her realize how much she hated her apartment - it was so cold and lifeless, nothing like her bedroom back on Naboo in her parents' home.

Falling back on the bed, which was the most comfortable piece of furniture she owned, she felt like going to sleep right then. If it wasn't for the upcoming Senate meeting, she would have.

"Milady, have you picked out a dress for the meeting yet?"

Dormé came into the bedroom heading straight for the closet. She looked around at the various dresses and robes that hung so delicately. "No, I haven't yet. Can you pick me out one?," Padmé asked. Even though she knew the handmaiden would love such a responsibilty - Dormé loving fashion and clothing - she felt bad. She felt like she was ordering her around. Still, she felt too weak to get up yet, she just wanted to lay there.

"How about this one?," Dormé asked, holding up a royal blue and gold dress, perfect for a Senate activity. "I think it's perfect."

"I'll wear that."

Picking up her comlink from off the nightstand next to her bed, Padmé called Sola, needing to talk to anyone in her family, just so she didn't feel so alone. The feeling was weird, because she wasn't really alone. But either way, she felt that was what she needed to do.

"Padmé?"

The voice on the other end was not Sola, no, but that of her mother's. "Mom, why do you have Sola's comlink?"

The sounds of sniffing and crying could be heard from the other end, worrying Padmé. "Honey, Sola went into labor. It's too early!"

- - - -

"I hate to leave, but," Padmé tried to explain, rushed, since she had to take the transport of commoners, the same sort of transport she and Anakin took on their way to Naboo. She was almost afraid to take such a transport, afraid it would bring back too many memories. But it was a quick ride, and she needed to get back to Naboo quick.

"Don't explain. You don't need to. Just go! Here, here's your suitcase."

Dormé was so comforting and helpful at such a time. Giving her a big hug, Padmé smile. "Thank you, Dormé. I really appreciate it."

"Go! You don't want to miss the shuttle!," she said, rushing the Senator out the door. "I hope everything is okay."

"Me too," Padmé said, turning around and smiling as the turbolift doors closed.

- - - -

"What are your orders?"

The Imperial officer asked, standing tall and respectful as he waited for the order from Emperor Palpatine himself. His head held high, he was determined to successfully carry out whatever the grand Emperor commanded.

"Do not let anyone off of the planet."

Though surprised by the order, he did not hesitate to carry it out fully.

"It will be done."