So, as the story develops, I try to figure out how to best get the story flowing. I made one minor adjustment to this chapter, small enough where I could have just pointed it out in the next chapter, but the perfectionist that I am, I decided to just replace the other chapter with this one. Chapter 2 will be out by the end of today.
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"I'm afraid Senator Amidala is not as predictable as we might have thought, My Lord." Dooku stated. He was now seated at his desk on his separatist starship, reporting to his Sith master, Darth Sidious.
"So the rumors are true, and General Grievous is now in the hands of the Republic? This is… unexpected," Darth Sidious replied.
"Yes, Master," Dooku started, hoping the next piece of news would put his master in a better mood, "But, might I add, General Skywalker is still in our custody."
As expected, a hint of a smile showed on Sidious's holographic form. Perhaps his plans for Skywalker would have to be moved up on his priority list, in order to make up for the capture of the droid general.
"Perhaps he will be of use to us at a later time," Sidious stated thoughtfully, "For now, move Skywalker to my private base on Mustafar, with the highest security possible. It won't be long until his Jedi friends come looking for him."
"As you wish, My Master."
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The sun was setting over Coruscant as Padme finally arrived home to her apartment. It had been a long day, delivering General Grievous to the maximum security prison, then reporting to the Jedi, then reporting to Chancellor Palpatine, then reporting to various senators. She had about had it with reporting today. Padme soon changed into her nightgown and sat on the small bench on her balcony.
She thought of Anakin, feared for what was in store for him. Torture, no food, no water, and her least favorite; death. Perhaps she could convince the Jedi to form a rescue operation. Afterall, Anakin was important, not just to her, but the Republic. What would the Republic do without its prized "Hero With No Fear". She laughed at the thought of how much Anakin loved that name, how much it meant to him. Her thoughts were interrupted suddenly.
"Milady?" Teckla Minnau, one of Padme's handmaidens walked out to the balcony.
"Yes, Teckla?"
"Permission to retire for the night? Captain Typho has the security raised for the night, and he gave the all clear."
"Very well, Teckla. Sleep well," Padme said with a halfhearted smile.
"You too, Milady."
Teckla walked back inside, and Padme was once again left with her thoughts. However, her thoughts were once again interrupted not long after. A Jedi starship soon appeared on the open veranda. Had Padme known any better, she would have thought it was Anakin, coming to meet her in secret. But she pulled herself back to reality. She made her way to the veranda where the ship had landed. She was surprised to see Ahsoka Tano, Anakin's Padawan, emerge.
"Ahsoka? What are you doing here? Is everything okay?" Padme asked, wondering if anything concerning Anakin was reported.
"Yes, Senator. I just… I… uh," she stuttered.
"I understand, Ahsoka," Padme nodded, smiling, "I'm worried about him, too. Come on in, and we can talk."
"Padme, how did you do it? Why didn't you go through with the trade?" Ahsoka asked, taking a seat on the sofa in Padme's living area.
"Well, I almost went through with it. But, we all have to make sacrifices, it's all part of war," Padme replied, remembering when Anakin taught her that.
"With General Grievous, we could end the war. That's something I've never wanted more," Padme added. Ahsoka nodded.
"But, what about Master Skywalker? What if they do something to him? How could the war be worth sacrificing someone over?" Ahsoka asked.
"Think about it, Ahsoka. Millions of people sacrifice themselves for the war daily. I agree, the war is not worth the sacrifice. But if I could do anything to lessen the sacrifices, I would. And keeping General Grievous as our prisoner seemed like the sacrifice to make to help our cause."
At that, Ahsoka was silent for a moment. She thought for a moment, knowing Padme was right.
"Padme, I feel like you said that more to reassure yourself," Ahsoka said, slyly. Padme laughed.
"I suppose you could say that," Padme laughed.
"It's okay. I understand it was a very tough decision. Maybe we'll be able to get him back." Ahsoka said. "I suppose I should get going, before the others start missing me."
"Yes. If you need to talk some more, you'll know where to find me." Padme said.
"Same for you, Senator," Ahsoka said, "And Padme, after what you just said, I think that this was the right sacrifice to make. I think Master Skywalker thinks so too."
Ahsoka jumped into her starfighter and was off to the Jedi Temple. Padme smiled to herself, toying with the thought of Anakin agreeing with her decision. Perhaps he would. She then retired to her bedchambers, silently praying that she would someday know the answer.
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