A/N- Thank you for the reviews. I wanted to bring back a bit of the Ani/Pad fluff a bit as it is about to get a bit darker in these later chapters. I decided to update as I had a bit of time to do so. If you read Heroic Delusions, I will be continuing to work on the next chapter of that within the next week or so.

-GP

Chapter 27- Battle Station

Summary: Alternate World: The Empire Prevails and the Jedi have all been in hiding for thirty years. Emperor Palpatine searches for a way to live long past his dying body through cloning technology and his attempts at descendants. One of his "experiments' escapes and comes to live a slave's life on Naboo. He will meet and forever his destiny changed by the fateful meeting with none other than one young Naberrie girl…

Location: Padme's Residence, Coruscant

Month 5 Day 10 Year 28 BBY

Padme' silently drops her bag with her data pad, bottle of water and kicks off her slippers. She sighs with complete exhaustion. She plops herself down against the gray sofa and closes her eyes. She had come home after a 13-hour shift at the Senate Rotunda. Rush had been in a heated debate with the Civil Rights Committee.

They had been arguing about fair citizen rights within the Empire. Emperor Palpatine had enacted laws against certain planets from having rulership over their planets; one such had been Mandlore. Mandlore had rebelled against the Empire early on and had lost their rights as citizens under Imperial rule- any citizen was deemed a traitor- including children who were born on Mandalore. The destruction of Mandalore had been bombed not long after that- killing millions of citizens after they had surrendered. More Imperial planets had given up their rights of rulership after their destruction and had silenced their voices since. Senators only had begun in recent years to question planets left with monarchs, such as Alderann, and Naboo alike.

Bail Organa had supported their own rule instead of the dictatorship of the Governors installed across the galaxy. He had argued that planets such as Alderann and Naboo voted in their rulers only for short periods of time, and had not rebelled against the Empire once. They have been loyal rulers and subjects.

Rush supports the other view- allow the monarchy to die. Establish the last few governors needed under the Empire's ruler to secure a future since the Rebellion is gaining popularity with the waning health of the Emperor. Rush claimed it would help establish after the Emperor died , the transference of power to his heir whom many assumed is Count Dooku.

Padme' had felt mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted. To hear such extremist roles between two people who she adored made her feel tied to her own thoughts. She had never found anything wrong with the monarchy system that Naboo's government had put into place thousands of years ago- based on the Old Republic- but the new generations felt that old traditions should die. She had kept quiet throughout the meeting, taking notes and recording the committee meeting as she was requested to do. She had been in charge of writing up the report for the meeting and any follow-ups they should make note of in the future. The committee would meet in 2 days and Padme' had to have the final report done and turned in no later than tomorrow at lunch. She had brought her datapad home to work on after dinner- dinner she had made a few days prior. She had canceled plans with Anakin for a date tonight after the meeting which was supposed to take 4 hours max had turned into five plus a lunch break in between- resulting in the time being closer to five thirty than the three-thirty she was supposed to leave for the office. Now- it is closer to seven-thirty as she had gone back to her desk and worked on other reports and messages Rush had requested of her to finish before the end of the shift.

She can't help but have her thoughts dwell on the debate. Which would she have chosen? The Imperial regime? Or her beloved home's government? She has studied many aspects of both types of government. She has studied the history of the Republic and the weakness that it had compared to the Empire. Padme' would never admit it to anyone other than perhaps Anakin, but she saw many weaknesses within how the Empire governs as well. If she were to voice her opinions then she could be fined or in prisoned just for voicing her thoughts. On Naboo, this was not the way things are. On Naboo, you can voice your opinions of those in power, question their authority and not vote them in once their terms are served. You still have the limits of not speaking ill of the Empire as it is the Emperor's homeworld, yet there is a sense of freedom that Padme' is finding while listening to these committees within the Senate that many core worlds have lost. Perhaps the Emperor found himself allowing Naboo to continue to govern itself because of its sentimental value. But if the committee votes on passing this law, will Naboo be one of the last systems to lose their rights to vote? Padme' desires that it isn't so. She's finding herself disagreeing with Rush's opinions and siding in her mind with Bail. Bail is one of those Senator's that focuses on his people- and those of the galaxy. Not that Rush didn't, but he is a loyalist when it comes to the Empire.

Padme' moans when her comm. link arouses her out of her thoughts. She begs the force that it isn't Rush. He has at times called her after work to make sure she has finished her reports. There have even been a few times where he has offered to help her. Not that she cannot do them herself, but he's offered takeout and stayed with her. Padme' worries that perhaps he is growing too attached to her in a romantic sense. There have been a few incidents where she's found him staring at her during a meeting. Or has taken her out to lunch without Corde'. Corde' has been very quiet and discouraged through these invitations and Padme' has assured her that it is nothing in the sort of romance. She's even had Corde' over for dinner with Anakin just to prove to her that she's not interested in Rush at all. However, Padme' isn't sure of Senator Clovis' plans. He hasn't asked for Corde' to secretly come into his office after hours or during his lunch hours in weeks. Padme' is concerned that he has grown attached to her.

Her comm. link buzzes again and Padme' uses the force to bring it in her bag. It floats through the air and into her awaiting hand. She presses the dial and tries to keep her composure.

" Hello?"

Sniffling is on the other line. Padme' blinks and listens. The sobbing is hard and she calls out, softening her tone, " Hello?"

" Pad-me?" The quiet voice of Corde' comes over the comm. link.

" Corde', what's wrong?"

Padme' waits for her response, concerned etched on her features. Silence and sobs choke into Corde's voice.

" Can- Can I come over? I n-eed a friend." She whispers into the comm. link.

Padme' sighs- knowing her work will have to be put on the back burner. Corde' has gradually become her friend and her well-being should come first.

" Of course, do we need liquor?" Padme asks, going to head to her kitchenette to find the whisky she kept when Anakin stayed over.

Corde' sniffles and murmurs, " No- I'll be over soon and explain."

Padme' replies, " Ok- see you in a few minutes.

Time: 20:00

Padme' leans against the back of her couch with a glass of whisky in her hand. She whirls it in her glass and eyes Corde'. Corde's mascara is ruined and her foundation has rubbed off as well. She can see the dark circles under Corde's eyes and the weariness as well. She dabs her nose as she's been crying non-stop since she arrived at Padme's residence.

" It's over- hiccup- he said he's tired of my nagging of going public." She sobs.

Padme' squeezes her hand and says gently, " I don't know what to say Corde'- I know how heartbreaking a breakup can be."

Corde' blows her nose loudly. She chokes out, " I don't- know what I'm go-ing to do. I jus-t found out about- the ba-by."

Padme' chokes on her whisky and coughs. " Baby?"

Corde' nods and more tears stream down her face. Her shoulders quake under the pressure she's been feeling for weeks. She wails, " If I return to Naboo my parents will throw me out! I'll have nowhere to go. With my internship ending this month I have no income- and no politician will hire me with this scandal."

Padme' sips her whisky again in thought. She did know of someone who would hire her to keep her scandal at bay. Bail wouldn't turn her away and then she could have an income for her and her child.

" Why don't you try and speak to Rush again? Perhaps if he knows about the baby being his- he'll reconsider your relationship." Padme' suggests, knowing he'd probably reconsider. He'd have to- having a child he wants nothing to do with would cause a scandal he cannot afford- and he'd have to resign from his office if he didn't consider helping her, even quietly.

Corde' shakes her head. " He's spoken to me about never wanting children. I- I was careful- but then the symptoms started. I thought I was just exhausted from the stress and long hours. But then I started throwing up anything I ate. That is why you don't see me eat much at all during our lunch hour- I cannot stomach any food smells- it makes me nauseated."

Padme' bites her lip and murmurs, " How far along are you?"

Corde' counts on her fingers and answers, " 9 weeks. I confirmed it with a Medical droid two weeks ago."

Padme' suggests, " If you don't want to tell him, that is your choice. How about I arrange a meeting with Bail Organa? He's my cousin-in-law and I know he won't hesitate to hire you if you wish to keep this hidden from Rush."

Corde' squeezes Padme's hand and exclaims, " Really? You would do that for me? Oh thank you!"

Padme' smiles at her and sips her drink. She eyes the plate of food she had made for her and Corde and her stomach rolls. The nausea sets in as it had yesterday morning. She groans and pushes the food away. Corde' notices this and asks, " Padme', are you feeling alright?"

Padme' sighs and attempts a smile. " I'm fine- it's just the committee meeting that went on for so long, I didn't get to eat lunch- and now I can't stomach food. I also think I'm a bit nervous because of Rush's meeting tomorrow with Count Dooku and Director Krennic."

Corde's expression darkens at the mention of Krennic. She has also sat in some of those meetings prior to Padme. Padme' questions, " Is there anything I should do or know about these two men before the meeting?"

Corde' nods suggesting, " Director Krennic does not tolerate women who wear scandalous clothes. He chastised me in front of Rush and everyone else in the meeting."

Padme scrunches up her nose and comments, " Corde, in his defense you do dress a bit scandalous."

Corde' laughs quietly and states, " Yes, that is true- but Padme' just be careful."

Padme' frowns and takes a sip of her whisky. Her blood runs cold, sensing the change in Corde's aura.

" Why do I get the feeling that this meeting is not for the good of the galaxy?" Padme' inquires, knowing she cannot ask exactly what the subjects of each of the meeting's prior topics have been about. She and Corde had both signed non-disclosure agreements when hired on as interns.

Corde' shakes her head and murmurs, " Just be prepared. I wish I could tell you- let's just say you are going to see a different side of Rush, one even I have a hard time tolerating."

Padme' nods and shivers go down her spine. She takes Corde's hand and promises, " I will try. Now I will call on my cousin Dorme' and her husband tomorrow to see when we can all have lunch or dinner together to discuss your plight."

Corde' nods solemnly and comments, " Yes, that is very much appreciated."

Location: Senator Rush Clovis' Office, Coruscant

Month 5 Day 11 Year 28 BBY

Padme' feels the nerves and tiredness seeping into her bones. She hadn't slept much the night prior with the reports having to be completed and the worry of today's meeting. She is on her third cup of cafe' this morning and perched at the end of Rush's desk, waiting for Count Dooku and Director Krennic to arrive.

Rush smooths out his formal reddish-brown suit. His hands are clammy and Padme' hands him a handkerchief. He nods gratefully and eyes his office. It is pristine, Corde and Padme' had worked long and hard to make it spiffy and emulate his charm and the Banking Clan's services.

His office is a deep red in color and the desk is a brown smooth wood, one Padme' recognized from Naboo. Naboo has some of the finest wood in the mid-rim worlds. His tall high-backed chairs are a deep orange brown. Padme' had personally cleaned off his desk as he had had piles of datapads from all the reports he had asked from her; he's not the most organized Senator.

The dinging of the office sounds and Padme' can see the nerves shooting off of his force signature. She's a bit perplexed as to why this meeting is any different than any other meeting with officials from the Empire. She understands that Director Krennic is a man of stature and influence. He oversees the research labs on Coruscant and weaponry within the Imperial Navy. He is the first to arrive for their meeting. His hair is graying and smoothed back with a sticky gel. His white crisp uniform defines his stature as a researcher. Most Imperial uniforms are gray- like Obi-wan and Anakin's.

" Director Krennic, it is a pleasure to work with you." Rush greets with that infinite charm of his.

Krennic nods his head and eyes Rush's office. " You have fine tastes, Clovis."

His eyes flicker to Padme' and he smiles at her. " And you must be Ms. Naberrie, the new aid."

Padme' bows in respect toward the Director. His eyes flicker down her outfit which is the more formal style most aides wear. Nothing is tight fitting and as Krennic's eyes flicker over her in approval. She shoots waves of relief through the force. She had studied Krennic's personal profile and he deemed anything a woman wore showing any cleavage or skin outlandish. Padme' has kept her formal purple dress with a cloak over it. It is simple and in style.

The chime of the doorway signals for their final guest; Count Dooku. Padme' turns his gaze onto Dooku's Inquisitor uniform- it is similar to Anakin's but instead of a light gray color it is black. He wears the rank of an Admiral but does not wear the hat as Admiral Jinn has worn. His hair is completely white and his features are colder- much like what his personal profile had shown. Padme' had been impressed with his career record and his connection to Anakin's father Qui-gon.

Padme's thoughts drift to Anakin's father. She had met him several weeks ago at a dinner that Anakin had brought him to. He had been a charming older man, and kind- for someone who has a history of being a violent Inquisitor, he seemed so calm and kind. However, Padme' knew from Anakin that Qui-gon hadn't been with the Inquisitors for 21 years. Padme' had made the connection that perhaps it had been Anakin's mother who had changed Qui-gon. Padme' hadn't quite gotten the whole story out of her boyfriend or his father as to how Anakin ended up a slave on Tatooine. Neither of them had been willing to speak on the subject matter. Padme' has her speculations, but chooses to remain silent, if Anakin wishes to share with her the story, then he will when he's ready.

Padme' thoughts are cut off by Count Dooku making his presence known to her and Rush. " Senator Clovis, I appreciate this meeting. Let's begin."

Director Krennic, and Count Dooku each take a seat across from Rush's brown desk. They each seat themselves as they would for their station and rank. Rush sits as well and gestures for Padme' to ask if they'd like refreshments. She does and neither takes her on her offer. She passes out the datapads that Rush had given to her that morning.

The odd part of his commands had been for her not to read them over, usually she reads every one of the reports over prior to make sure if he's leading a committee meeting that every translation is correct and nothing offensive is within the structure of the documents. Padme' had tried not to dwell on the matter as it had been suspicious in nature, but she never felt as if Rush had ever tried to deceive her or anyone else in that matter. If anything, he is the complete opposite within the Senate, one of the main reasons Bail had suggested for her to work with him.

Moreover, this meeting made him nervous. She knows it probably has to do with financing weaponry for the Imperial Stormtroopers or Imperial Star Destroyers. Rush is after all the representative for the Banking Clan and one of the main financiers of the Imperials and others alike. Perhaps it is top clearance and anything said within these rooms will apply to the nondisclosure agreements that she signed in her contract.

Padme' takes her seat to record anything of note that Rush orders for her to note. Director Krennic notices this nod in encouragement. " Miss Naberrie, please make notes, Senator Clovis will need them for the Banking Clan Council as evidence."

Padme' nods and awaits for the session to begin. Director Krennic pulls up a holo off his datapad and Padme' blinks as the blue light filters the room. It shows a holographic image of what appears to be a half-built moon. Is it a moon? How in force's name can the Empire be constructing a moon?

" As you can see, the Battle Station's completion is coming along. Our timeline, unfortunately, has been delayed slightly due to a construction issue as prices of materials of durasteel have tripled in the outer rims due to the riots within the mines over pay. So we are asking the Banking Clan to extend our loan for another 3 trillion credits as between the dual steel prices and the weaponizing prototypes needed to be completed by the end of summer. This is the timeline that the Emperor has demanded of us."

Padme's blood runs cold, it's as if within the force the room has gone down by several degrees. A battle station of the size of a moon is being built- why? Padme' tries to keep her fear down through the force- as she doesn't need Count Dooku sensing her terror.

Rush daps his forehead with his handkerchief. He counters, " The Council has demanded reasoning behind your need for more money and reason for building this monstrosity. I will need noted documentation for the Emperor's reasons. They were all right at the beginning of this venture- but 3 trillion credits is a huge loan."

Padme' notes all of this evidence and concerns within her datapad. She waits for someone else to discuss his counter or explain as to why they are building this monstrosity.

Dooku dismisses, " The Council is lucky the Emperor allows them to continue their pathetic rule. The reasoning for these funds is simple- if we halt production of the Battle Station, the longer the Rebellion has to discover our plans and destroy our product prior to its first use. You will make these demands using the threat directly from the Emperor himself. If Director Krennic does not get the funds by the end of next week, I will have no choice but to send a team of Inquisitors to Scipio to dismiss the Council of their power."

Rush pales as Dooku threatens his family. Rush has been raised by the Banking Clan after his ship crashed killing his parents and everyone else on the ship except him. He is close to his adoptive father as Padme' has overheard their personal comm. calls.. HIs adoptive father serves on the Council.

Padme' does note the threat to the Council itself and her blood is frozen like ice. The Empire is planning on completing a project that would never be sanctioned within the Senate. It would be stalled for years for funding- even if it were used to shoot fear to the Rebellion. It isn't that Padme' condones the Rebellion's efforts, but she's for the rights of the people- not that the government should use terror to spread their rule which the Emperor does often. Padme' wishes to be part of that change and come to peaceful ways between the worlds- but this battle station may be the end of those peaceful negotiations. It may be the end of peace for her world and it angers her that Rush is part of this deceit. On the other hand, did he have any choice? He's being blackmailed- terrorized by those in power.

Count Dooku eyes her out of the corner of his eye- sensing her anger through the force. She keeps her eyes plastered onto her datapad, but he takes note of her calm plastered face. He makes a mental note to dig more into Ms. Naberrie's past, she's too calm on the outside to not have some training within the force or mental shielding to be shielding her anger- though neither of the other men in the room notices this as neither is force sensitive.

Rush nods in acceptance. " Of- of course. I will relay the message to the Council. Any other requests?"

Director Krennic smirks with fear. " Yes, we may need more funds for the creation of the weaponry prototype. Our prototype will be discussed in our next meeting after I meet with my head scientist on the project. I believe we will have results by the end of the summer."

Rush nods in silence- not like him. His silence is anything but ordinary- it displays his weakness. Padme' stays seated as Count Dooku states, " Well-if we have an agreement, I have to observe the Inquisitors' shooting range tournaments in an hour."

He pauses and eyes Ms. Naberrie turns to her. He suggests, " You are familiar with one of our Inquisitor's aren't you?"

Padme stiffens at the mention of Anakin. She keeps her body stiff and rigid. The Inquisitors aren't known for their privacy and anyone that is involved with one as family or romantically involved is known. Rush's eyes follow her as well, waiting for her to answer.

Padme keeps her voice calm and flat. " Inquisitor Anakin Skywalker, he's training under Inquisitor Maul."

Dooku nods, taken by her honesty and interest. " Yes- I've not had the pleasure of working with Skywalker yet, but Maul praises his powers. He has a fine career in the Inquisitor field ahead of him. Perhaps he'll be recruited for the mission to Scipio as needed. I've heard a few stories of his torture tactics within the confines of the prison."

Padme' swallows hard, trying to keep her features flat, but her force signature radiates with fury. She and Anakin didn't discuss his job and training. It is an area that she wishes to not know too much about- but to hear how he is powerful and terrifying is a bit much. She tries to look for his humanity- tries to be that part of his humanity to keep him from turning completely to the dark side.

Count Dooku feels her fury and a smug smirk is on his features. Clearly Ms. Naberrie does not condone her friend or romantic partner's usage of the dark side- most partners of Inquisitors either left them or were other Inquisitors. Their fling would never last- especially with the plans the Emperor has in store for Inquisitor Skywalker.

Dooku cannot help but feel intrigued by her calm expression. He is intrigued as to how someone as young as her had gone under the radar when it came to being trained in the force. It is clear now that she's had some simple training within the force- perhaps even Skywalker had been the one to train her. Under these circumstances he could order a midichlorian count on anyone he suspects- but her fury also is a concern. She could be swayed to the Rebellion if she were to be forced to attend the Imperial Academy instead of her political career. Dooku would rather see her career as a politician continue- perhaps she may be of use when she comes into power, perhaps even be useful after Skywalker completes the transference with the Emperor. Yes- she would be useful for the future.

Padme' manages to say without fury, " He is succeeding in his efforts. I agree he has a fine career ahead of him. I cannot be more proud of him."

Director Krennic smiles at her comment. " It is good to hear loyal companions of the Inquisitors. Dooku, I believe our business is complete here?"

Dooku's gaze turns back to Krennic and he nods. " Of course. Senator, I wait to hear from you soon."

Dooku and Krennic stand and exit the office. Rush stays seated and dabs his sweaty forehead. Padme' waits until she senses both of them exit his office completely and turns her daggers onto Rush.

" A battle station? Rush, what in blazes have you gotten yourself into?" She demands, forgetting the formality of him being her boss.

Rush sighs and presses a button under his desk. If they are to have this conversation, then she'd need to be protected. He won't have something happen to her. His green eyes lift and meet her furious brown ones. He begins, " The Emperor came to me with his project, my first term as a Senator. I was young and naive and wanted to help show my loyalty to the Empire. Director Krennic and Dooku invited me to dine with them- stating, "I would be doing such a loyalty to the Empire if I were to help the Emperor with his dream project."

He pauses and wipes his sweaty palms on his pants. Padme' leans against his desk and waits for him to continue. " At first it was a small project on the side- they said this station would be a new research facility for weaponry- to help combat the surmounting threat of the Rebellion. When my first term came to an end, - that research facility became a battle station, one that will be able to protect millions."

Padme' does the math in her head. They've been working on this Battle Station for at least 5 or 6 years and it isn't complete due to the issues they are facing. Padme' questions, " What kind of firepower will this thing have once it's built?"

Rush's green eyes are weary as he comments. " I don't know- I'm in the dark until Director Krennic asks for more funding. I'm afraid if they are threatening the Council it is dire."

Padme' has chills shivering down her back. Could this be so powerful that the Rebellion will fall to its knees? Not that she supports the Rebellion, but the idea that such a weapon is being built is terrifying. If they destroy the Rebellion, what's next? Planet systems? Padme' is starting to see why so many have turned from the powerful Emperor- why the Rebellion is a better choice for those who are weaker planets and do not want to bow under their power.

Padme' tries to convince him. " Why haven't you presented this before the Senate? They would never allow such a weapon to be built without certain sanctions-"

Rush cuts her off, snapping. "Because it would end my career! Not only that- but they've threatened Corde."

Padme' pauses her eyes widened. She comments, " Is that why you broke things off with her?"

Rush shakes his head. " They threatened to have her killed a year ago. No- I broke off our relationship because she wanted to go public. I cannot be seen dating an intern."

Padme' bites her lip, trying to keep Corde's business to herself. She had asked Padme' as a friend not to say anything- and in this case, perhaps with Rush being blackmailed, it is better off he does not know of his child- at least not until she convinces Corde' that he should know the truth.

Padme' nods, accepting his answer, and comments, " And you expect me to also stay silent so they don't threaten my career and life too. Perhaps even threaten Anakin's career."

Padme' knows Anakin will damn his career if it means it saves her skin. He loves her and wishes to keep her safe. But her moral code is struggling- struggling with this knowledge as it will hurt many- possibly her own family in the future.

Rush nods and says, " Yes- please for your sake. You are a dear friend and I don't desire to see something happen to you."

Padme' lies, " Of course Rush. You can trust me."

Rush sighs with relief believing her lie. She has to lie to him, knowing what she knows now. She'll need to keep up this act to gain insider knowledge about this weapon and when she has enough evidence she'll present it to Bail. Bail will know how to handle this information within the Senate. It will result in Rush's career-ending and perhaps even hers- but she's willing to go down with the sinking ship to save people. In her heart she knows the galaxy is more at stake and means more than anything.

Rush takes her hand and murmurs, " Thank you. I need a friend like you."

Padme' smiles- even though she'd rather run in the opposite direction and vomit up her little breakfast and cafe' of the day. She smiles because she knows the course the force is pushing her- pushing her to do what is right. It does not make her a rebel. And she will deal with the outcome when necessary, even if it means facing the end of her career. She knows if Anakin knew of her plan, he wouldn't condone it- not due to his loyalty to the Empire, but for her safety. Padme' squeezes his hand, feeling the force guiding her on her path.

To Be Continued