Count Dooku sat in a small command center on the base. Skywalker had fared well with Dooku's torture over the past week. Now, he was awaiting further orders from his master.

As if on cue, the transmitter in the room began to beep.

"Sir," a battle droid started, "We have a transmission coming in from Coruscant."

"Good. Let it through." Dooku replied.

The image of a hooded figure appeared in holographic form before him. Dooku got to his knees and bowed.

"Master, what is our next move?" Dooku asked the figure.

"The Republic is thriving and the Senate is actually agreeing on various subjects." Darth Sidious began. "Prepare General Skywalker. I shall be coming to get him to join our cause. The Jedi will fall and Skywalker will be ours."

"Yes, my Master." Dooku replied as the transmission was cut off.

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Padme walked through the halls of the Senate building, on her way to the Chancellor's office. Besides Anakin still being in Dooku's custody, Padme had had a pretty easy week. The Senate was actually showing signs of being a Democracy again. She smiled. Now all she needed was him.

She entered the large office of Chancellor Palpatine to find he had just ended a transmission, with whom she had not seen.

"Ah, Padme! Good to see you!" Palpatine said, smiling at the young senator.

"And you, Chancellor!" Padme smiled back.

"And to what do I owe the pleasure?" Palpatine asked.

"I wished to inform you that I am leaving on a quick retreat. I have a family matter on Naboo," Padme stated. She figured it was a decent lie, hopefully believable.

"I see. Then I'm pleased to inform you that the Senate is taking a short recess anyway," Palpatine replied, "I too have matters to attend to elsewhere, and require a quick retreat. You know the Senate can't seem to function when I'm away," He added, chuckling. Padme laughed along, knowing it to be true. She figured the Senate would just have to live with it.

"I hope your trip goes well, Chancellor," Padme said, moving towards the door.

"Yes, I do hope so." Palpatine smiled.

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"Are you sure this is a good idea, milady?" Teckla asked as Padme finished gathering her things and placing them on the ship. "It wouldn't be wise to go about this alone."

"Oh she won't be alone…" said Obi-Wan Kenobi said, walking in from the TurboLift. Padme sighed.

"Master Kenobi. If you are here to stop me-" Padme started. Obi-Wan just held up his hands and laughed.

"You think I'm here to stop you? Senator you are severely mistaken. I've learned to not get between you and these types of things. I'm here to join you." Obi-Wan explained. It was Padme's turn to laugh now.

"I see. I suppose I'll allow it. It'll probably give my security crew some ease."

"I'm coming too!" Ahsoka exclaimed, jumping out of her starfighter. "After all, you wouldn't even know where to go if it weren't for me!"

"I suppose." Obi-Wan replied. "Just be careful. If I don't bring you back in one piece, your master will end me."

"So that settles it," Padme started, "We're off to Mustafar."

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Anakin sat on a small bench in a small medical bay. After about a week of torture by Sith Lightning, ElectroStaffs, ElectroWhips, and other various beatings, he was being patched up. Something was not right about this.. It wasn't like Dooku to run things like a five-star hotel. He was even fed and given water!

"Good morning, Skywalker. I'm hoping you are feeling well today," Dooku said, sarcastically. Anakin just glared at him.

"You're lucky I'm in a good mood today. I have a surprise for you for when you return to your cell."

At that, some droids moved to return Anakin to his cell. He sensed something was out of place. Dooku smirked as he hit the button to open the blast doors.

"You see, the Republican isn't doing as well as you probably thought it was!" Dooku jeered as the door opened to reveal that another person had taken up residence Anakin's cell. Dooku laughed as he saw a look of shock don Anakin's face.

"Chancellor!?" Anakin gasped.