When the Jedi exited hyperspace near Nemodia, Ahsoka expertly piloted the shuttle towards the planet. Obi-Wan, a hint of concern in his voice, inquired, "Ahsoka, do you have a plan once we land?"
"I have authorization codes for landing here, but past that no I don't," Ahsoka admitted.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a robotic voice emanating from the comms system. "Unidentified shuttle, please transmit your authorization code."
Without hesitation, Ahsoka responded, "Transmitting authorization code now," as she swiftly pressed the necessary button.
A tense silence enveloped the cockpit as they awaited a response. Finally, the robotic voice announced, "Code approved. Please proceed to landing zone five in Koto-Si." Relief washed over them as they initiated their descent towards the designated landing area within the sprawling city.
Landing amidst the bustling spaceport, the Jedi donned the hoods of their cloaks before disembarking. Master Koth, instructed, "We should divide our efforts and search for any clues for the rescue attempt."
With a shared sense of purpose, they dispersed in three different directions. Obi-Wan, drawn to a large building in the distance, navigated through the throngs of people until he reached its entrance. It was a library, a repository of knowledge that might hold the answers they desperately sought. Inside, Obi-Wan secured access to a holonet terminal and initiated a search for any information regarding Senator Amidala. The results, however, were disheartening, filled with articles critical of the Senator and highlighting her supposed negative impact on Nemodia. Then, his eyes caught a recent press statement issued by Nute Gunray himself. The headline blared: Execution for Senator Amidala Tomorrow. With a sense of urgency, Obi-Wan delved into the article, his heart sinking as he absorbed the details. Viceroy Gunray, consumed by vengeance, had called upon the citizens of Nemodia to submit suggestions for the most agonizing methods of execution. The execution itself would be broadcasted live, a spectacle of cruelty intended to humiliate the Senator further. Obi-Wan's mind raced, clinging to a sliver of hope. If the execution were to be held in a public setting, it would provide an opportunity for a rescue attempt. With renewed determination, he resolved to uncover details of the event, in hope that he could stop the execution.
Padmé awoke to the gentle tickle of hair against her cheek. It was Anakin, his face still nestled against her chest, his arms wrapped securely around her. He appeared so serene, a stark contrast to the tormented figure from his nightmare. A tender kiss upon his head was her instinctive response, a silent reassurance of her presence. Yet, the harsh reality of their situation came crashing back as her gaze shifted to Bail's cot across the cell. His eyes remained closed, hopefully still lost in slumber. "Ani, wake up," she whispered gently into his ear, her voice a soft caress against the stillness of the cell.
As Anakin's eyes fluttered open, a warm smile blossomed upon his lips. He lifted his chin, his lips brushing against her neck in a trail of affectionate kisses. Padmé, however, gently tried to extricate herself from his embrace, his arms still holding her close. "Ani," she murmured, "as much as I cherish these kisses, we're not alone." With a sigh, Anakin released her, allowing her to rise from the cot. They both settled on the edge, their bodies close yet maintaining a semblance of distance.
Anakin broke the silence first, "Do you trust Senator Organa?" Anakin inquired in a hushed tone, his voice barely above a whisper, ensuring their conversation remained private.
A flicker of hope ignited in Anakin's eyes. "Even with our secret?" he pressed, his voice filled with a longing that mirrored her own. "He doesn't need to know everything, just enough so that I don't have to keep my distance from you."
"Of course," Padmé affirmed without hesitation. "He's one of my closest allies, a trusted confidant, and a former mentor."
A flicker of hope ignited in Anakin's eyes. "Even with our secret?" he pressed, his voice filled with a longing that mirrored her own. "He doesn't need to know everything, just enough so that I don't have to keep my distance from you."
"Even with our secret?" Anakin asked hope filling his eyes, "He doesn't have to know everything, just enough that I don't have to keep my distance from you."
A fresh wave of heartache washed over Padmé as she dashed the hope that had briefly illuminated his face. "No, Ani," she whispered, her voice laced with tenderness and resolve. "This burden isn't his to carry." The urge to confide in Bail was a physical ache. Telling Bail would mean that she wouldn't have to stand in the way of her urge to be with Anakin any longer.
"But would you trust him?" Anakin persisted, his voice laced with a desperation that tugged at her resolve.
"Do you trust Obi-Wan?" she countered, her question echoing the internal conflict she herself faced.
Anakin's expression hardened. "That's different. He's on the Council, and I would force him to choose between the Council and me," he declared, his voice laced with a quiet defiance. Secretly Anakin feared Obi-Wan would value his duty to the Council over their friendship.
Secretly, Padmé agreed with him. She, too, harbored doubts about Obi-Wan's reaction. The memory of his order to end their relationship before her departure to Naboo resurfaced, a bitter reminder of the Jedi Order's rigid stance on attachments. Yet, she had never revealed that conversation to Anakin, not wanting to burden their friendship. "And Ahsoka?" Padmé inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"I wouldn't want to set a bad example for her," Anakin explained, his voice softening as he spoke of his Padawan.
"Really?" Padmé remarked with a touch of sarcasm. "You've bent the rules with her on numerous occasions."
"I only teach her to bend rules, not break them," Anakin clarified. "And certainly the Jedi Code's rules."
"See," Padmé said gently, "you have your reasons for not confiding in your friends, and I have mine." A heavy silence settled between them, the weight of their secret pressing down upon their hearts.
Ahsoka, accompanied by the ever-reliable Artoo, decided to infiltrate the Nemodian network and pinpoint the location of Anakin and the Senators. Her journey led her through the labyrinthine streets of the city until she stumbled upon a Separatist base, a formidable gray edifice guarded by three imposing droids at its entrance. With a keen eye, Ahsoka surveyed the perimeter, spotting an open ventilation shaft near the entrance. Seizing the opportunity, she stealthily approached the vent, slipping inside with Artoo trailing close behind. Navigating the dimly lit confines of the ventilation system, Ahsoka eventually reached a room occupied by a lone battle droid. Emerging from the vent with practiced agility, she swiftly disabled the droid with a precise lightsaber strike to its back. Concealing the deactivated droid to avoid raising suspicion, she turned to Artoo and instructed, "Artoo, see if you can access the terminal and locate Anakin and Padmé."
Artoo beeped in affirmation and rolled towards the terminal, his mechanical appendages interfacing with the console. As Artoo diligently searched for relevant information, Ahsoka took precautionary measures, jamming the entrance to prevent any unwanted intrusions. Suddenly, Artoo's beeps grew excited, drawing Ahsoka's attention.
"What did you find?" she inquired, her voice filled with anticipation.
Artoo's display screen revealed a holographic image of a grand palace, identified as Nute Gunray's personal residence. Zooming in on a specific cell within the palace, Artoo confirmed the presence of Anakin and the Senators. However, their discovery was quickly overshadowed by a more urgent revelation. Artoo displayed an execution order for Senator Amidala, scheduled for the following day.
"Oh no," Ahsoka gasped, the gravity of the situation settling upon her. "We need to inform the others about this execution order immediately."
Before she could act on her intentions, a deafening blast rocked the door, signaling the arrival of droids. Battle droids stormed into the room, their weapons trained on Ahsoka. "You are under arrest," their leader declared.
Igniting her lightsaber, Ahsoka prepared to defend herself as blaster fire erupted from the droids. Witnessing the Jedi's weapon, one of the droids transmitted a message, "Sir, requesting immediate reinforcements. We have encountered a Jedi within the communications room." Ahsoka, her lightsaber a blur of emerald light, deflected the incoming bolts with astonishing precision. Artoo, ever loyal, remained by her side as they retreated towards the ventilation shaft. With each swing of her lightsaber, she efficiently dispatched the droids, their metallic bodies falling lifeless to the floor. Reaching the vent, Ahsoka and Artoo swiftly climbed inside, escaping the enemy base and carrying with them the knowledge of Padmé's imminent execution.
Bail awoke with a sense of unease, his mind preoccupied with the perplexing dynamic he had observed between Padmé and Anakin. Her behavior towards the young Jedi was a confusing blend of closeness and distance, sending mixed signals that left him unsure of their true relationship. One time she let him relax his head on her lap, but the next second she pushed him away when she realized his closeness. He couldn't determine if she was even aware of her conflicting actions. "Padmé, may I speak with you privately?" Bail requested, hoping to gain some clarity.
Padmé looked up, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes, and nodded in agreement. As she rose and approached him, Bail noticed a brief, intimate smile she exchanged with Anakin. "What did you want to talk to me about?" she inquired, settling beside him.
Bail cautiously broached the subject, "It's about you and Anakin."
Padmé's demeanor instantly shifted, a defensive edge creeping into her voice. "What about it?" she responded curtly. Bail realized he needed to tread carefully about this, as she was clearly sensitive about the topic. "And before you even ask, we are not together," she added, her voice softening into a wistful tone, "And never could be, anyway."
Bail's suspicions deepened. Perhaps his wife, Breha, was right about their unspoken attraction. Anakin's feelings were undeniable, but Padmé had never shown any reciprocation until recently. Her last words seemed to hint at a longing for a relationship that was forbidden. "You should make that clear to him," Bail advised, concerned about the potential for misunderstandings and heartbreak.
"He knows already," Padmé replied flatly.
"As a guy, I'm not convinced," Bail countered. "He's overly affectionate towards you, and I've seen you forced to rebuff his advances when he crosses the line."
"It's fine, don't worry about it," Padmé dismissed his concerns dismissively.
"Are you sure?" Bail persisted. "This morning, his behavior was rather inappropriate, considering you claim to be just friends." Refrencing their state when they woke had woken up.
"He had a nightmare," Padmé explained, annoyance creeping into her tone.
"You care for him, don't you?" Bail asked directly, sensing a deeper connection between them.
Padmé's gaze momentarily shifted back to Anakin before she answered, "Yes, as a friend."
"I know you, and you aren't the type of person who allows just any friend such intimate contact," Bail observed, his skepticism evident.
"That hug was one between friends," Padmé asserted, her voice firm.
Bail silently disagreed, thinking, Right, because burying his head between your breasts is something you do with all your friends. "Really?" he questioned, then ammending her statement, "You mean close friends, very close friends."
Padmé's eyes darted back to Anakin again before she challenged, "What are you implying?"
"I'm simply suggesting that you be cautious about leading Anakin to believe there's more to your relationship than there actually is," Bail explained, concerned about the potential consequences of her ambiguous interactions.
"As I've already stated, he is fully aware of the nature of our relationship," Padmé reiterated, her voice rising in frustration. "Now, please stop interrogating me!"
Anakin, alerted by Padmé's sharp tone, rose from his cot and approached them, his face etched with concern. "What's wrong, Padmé?" he inquired, his voice laced with worry.
Padmé exchanged a look with Anakin, a silent communication that conveyed the essence of the situation. Through their Force bond, she explained, He believes you were harassing me because I was sending mixed signals.
I'm not, am I? Anakin questioned, his voice filled with a touch of insecurity.
Padmé was touched, It was so cute how Anakin worried about upsetting her. No, you're not, Padmé reassured him, then elaborated, He witnessed you cuddling with me this morning and suggested it was inappropriate behavior from you.
He doesn't know that you're my wife, and that only your husband should be that close, Anakin began to explain, attempting to calm her anxieties. He's merely concerned for you.
No, he's interrogating me. He even questioned if we were more than friends, Padmé corrected him, her frustration evident.
If he already suspects a deeper connection, why not confide in him? Anakin proposed, hoping to alleviate the tension and secrecy surrounding their relationship, and secretly he hoped for a kiss.
Because right now he's simply harboring a suspicion, but once we tell, he'll be keeping a secret, Padmé explained.
Please, Padmé, Anakin pleaded, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and desperation.
Padmé relented, her love for Anakin outweighing her reservations. I'll ask him, she conceded. If he wants to keep our secret, he can.
Their silent exchange concluded, and Padmé addressed Bail directly, her voice regaining its composure. "Do you truly want to know what's going on?" she asked, her gaze shifting to Anakin before adding, "You won't be able to tell anyone."
Bail pondered their request. What could be so significant that it required such secrecy? A clandestine affair was hardly illegal, even for a Jedi. Perhaps Padmé simply desired privacy. He nodded his assent, signaling his willingness to listen.
Padmé took a deep breath, her hand finding Anakin's and holding it tightly for support. "Anakin and I are together," she revealed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"And why does that need to be such a big secret?" Bail inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"The Jedi cannot know," Padmé responded, her voice laced with a hint of fear.
"Why? As long as there's no emotional attachment…" Bail began, then paused as a memory surfaced. He recalled a previous conversation with Padmé, where she had explained her lack of relationships. "I don't want just a physical relationship, and that's what all my options want," she had confided in him. Bail finished his thought, his voice filled with realization, "Wait, there is an emotional attachment."
He saw both Padmé and Anakin nod in confirmation. Anakin spoke up, his voice filled with a depth of emotion that surprised Bail. "As strong of an attachment as possible." He smiled at Padmé, his eyes filled with love and adoration, as he uttered the words Bail never expected to hear from a Jedi, "A marriage."
Bail's face contorted in shock. Not even his wife, Breha, would have anticipated this revelation. "Are you certain this relationship will last?" he questioned, still trying to process the information.
"Yes," Padmé responded with unwavering conviction and love. "I love Anakin, and he loves me more than I would have thought possible. The past six months have proven that to me."
"Then congratulations," Bail congratulated. "Who else knows?"
"Uhm... the holy man, and our droids," Padmé admitted sheepishly.
"Why tell me?" Bail inquired, curious about their decision to confide in him, but noone else.
"You're trustworthy, and Anakin was growing impatient," Padmé explained, her gaze meeting Anakin's with a loving smile.
Anakin wrapped his arms around Padmé, his voice a low murmur against her ear. "I'm not impatient. It's just unfair that I have to restrain myself from kissing my beautiful Angel."
"Now 'Angel' makes sense," Bail remarked, averting his gaze as the two shared a tender kiss. He already regretted knowing their secret. If they struggled to keep their hands to themselves while hiding their relationship, it seemed an impossible feat now that they weren't.
Koth had been diligently scouring the city streets, hoping to uncover any trace of the missing Senators, but his efforts had proven fruitless. He hoped that Obi-Wan or Ahsoka had been more fortunate in their search. Just as his optimism began to dwindle, his comlink buzzed to life. He answered, his voice tinged with anticipation, "Hello there."
"Master Koth and Ahsoka, I have made some progress," Obi-Wan's voice crackled through the comlink.
"Me too," Ahsoka chimed in.
"That's excellent news, because I haven't found anything," Koth admitted, a hint of frustration in his tone.
"I've located the cell where they are being held," Ahsoka explained, her voice laced with urgency. "However, there's a major problem. Gunray intends to execute them tomorrow."
"What did you discover, Obi-Wan?" Koth inquired, his concern growing.
"I can only confirm some of Ahsoka's information, I came across a news article detailing Senator Amidala's impending execution," Obi-Wan replied grimly.
"We must act swiftly and extract them immediately," Ahsoka exclaimed, her voice filled with determination.
"In which building are they imprisoned?" Master Koth inquired, eager to formulate a rescue plan.
"Nute Gunray's palace," Ahsoka responded.
"We'll rendezvous there," Obi-Wan instructed, his voice carrying the weight of command.
"I'll procure disguises along the way," Koth added, recognizing the need for a covert operation.
As Koth made his way towards the palace, he stopped at a clothing store, carefully selecting six sets of servant's robes to aid in their infiltration. The weight of the mission pressed heavily upon him, but he remained resolute in his determination to rescue Anakin, Padmé, and Bail from the clutches of the Separatists.
Padmé, seeking solace in Anakin's presence, rested her head on his shoulder as the sound of Gunray's approaching footsteps echoed through the cell. She abruptly sat upright as he appeared before them, his presence casting a dark shadow over their confinement. "What brings you here again?" Padmé questioned, her voice laced with a mixture of defiance and apprehension.
"Well, well," Gunray sneered, a cruel smile twisting his lips. "I've decided to expedite my schedule. Tomorrow shall be your execution day." A chilling laugh escaped his lips as he added, "You should be elated."
Padmé's brow furrowed in confusion and disgust. "Why would I find joy in my own demise?" she retorted, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides.
"Because it signifies that today marks the final opportunity for me to enjoy your torment," Gunray explained, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure.
Padmé's gaze met Anakin's, a silent warning conveyed through their Force bond. If you attempt the same feat as last time, you'll be sleeping on the floor tonight, she cautioned, her concern for his well-being overriding her own.
Without a word, Gunray's commando droid seized Padmé, dragging her from the cell to endure another agonizing session of torture. The heavy cell door slammed shut behind her, leaving Anakin and Bail to grapple with the agonizing uncertainty of her fate and the chilling knowledge that her execution loomed on the horizon.
The three Jedi, disguised in their newly acquired servant's robes, arrived at the imposing palace gates. With a shared sense of purpose, they slipped through the designated servant's entrance, their presence going unnoticed by the droid guards stationed there. Once inside the palace walls, they sought refuge in an empty room, securing the door behind them.
"Artoo, can you guide us to the cell where they are being held?" Ahsoka inquired, relying on the resourceful droid's navigational abilities.
Artoo responded with a series of affirmative beeps.
"Do we have a way of unlocking the cell door?" Eeth Koth questioned, considering the potential obstacles they might encounter.
"We could always resort to using our lightsabers," Ahsoka suggested, her hand instinctively reaching for the familiar hilt of her weapon.
"Or, we could opt for the more sensible approach and have Artoo handle the unlocking," Obi-Wan interjected, favoring a less conspicuous method.
"That works too," Ahsoka conceded, acknowledging the wisdom in Obi-Wan's suggestion.
Following Artoo's lead, they descended into the depths of the palace, navigating the labyrinthine corridors. As they ventured deeper, they encountered a heavily guarded area teeming with commando droids. They halted their progress, recognizing the danger posed by such a formidable force. "We should attempt to circumvent them," Koth advised. "Engaging in a direct confrontation with that many droids would be unwise."
Suddenly, the piercing scream of a woman echoed through the hallway, momentarily diverting their attention. "What about rescuing her?" Ahsoka inquired, her compassion stirred by the sound of distress.
"She is not part of our current mission, and the level of protection surrounding her makes a rescue difficulty," Koth explained, his voice laced with a hint of regret. Turning to Artoo, he inquired, "Have you identified an alternate route?"
Artoo beeped affirmatively and promptly rolled in a different direction, leading them away from the heavily guarded area. It wasn't long before they reached a cell containing Anakin and Senator Organa.
"Where is Senator Amidala?" Obi-Wan inquired, his concern evident.
"Gunray has taken her. She should return shortly," Bail explained, his voice laced with worry. Artoo, ever efficient, had already positioned himself at the cell door and swiftly bypassed the locking mechanism, swinging it open.
"I refuse to leave without her," Anakin declared resolutely as Bail exited the cell.
"We didn't expect you to," Obi-Wan reassured him. "However, you'll need a lightsaber to facilitate your escape once she returns." With a flick of his wrist, Obi-Wan tossed Anakin a lightsaber, along with two sets of servant's robes and a comlink. "Keep us informed once she returns. We'll escort Bail to safety first."
After the departure of the Jedi and Bail, Anakin remained alone in the cell, his heart heavy with worry and anticipation. He donned one of the servant's robes, a tangible reminder of their precarious situation. As he waited for Padmé's return, he could feel the echoes of her pain radiating through their Force bond, a constant reminder of the torment she was enduring at the hands of Gunray. The agony he had experienced during the previous torture session paled in comparison to the anguish he now felt, knowing that his Angel was in pain. Padmé didn't deserve to endure such pain. His only solace was that she had refused his offer to shield her from it, insisting that he had already suffered enough. While he understood her reasoning, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of responsibility to protect her, to alleviate her suffering in any way he could. He had vowed to help her through her worst. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. The commando droid reappeared, dragging Padmé's limp form behind it. Her clothes were torn and tattered, evidence of the harsh treatment she had endured. As the droid deposited her unceremoniously on the cell floor, Padmé collapsed, her body wracked with exhaustion and pain. He ran up to her body.
"You'll be alright," Anakin whispered into her ear as he gently lifted her into his arms. He carried her to the cot, his heart aching at the sight of her fragile form. Her eyes remained closed, but the faint beat of her heart offered him comfort. He laid her down carefully, covering her with a blanket to provide her some semblance of comfort.
Padmé's eyelids fluttered open, and she reached out, her hand finding his. "Ani, is that you?" she murmured, her voice weak and raspy.
He nodded in response, a single word escaping his lips, "Yes." Padmé pulled him close, seeking solace in his embrace. He willingly obliged, allowing her to guide him until he was nestled beside her, her head resting against his chest. In that moment, she was grateful that she had confided in Bail about their relationship. She desperately needed Anakin's warmth and comfort, the reassurance of his presence a balm to her wounded spirit.
Anakin, ever the protector, attempted to lighten the mood with a playful jest. "I suppose you don't regret declining my offer now, do you?"
"Ani, that's unfair," Padmé protested weakly, her voice muffled against his chest. "The pain isn't that bad."
"Sure, that's why you're clinging to me like a lost Tooka," Anakin retorted, unable to mask his concern despite his lighthearted tone. He could feel the depths of her pain through their bond, and it tore at his heart.
"Can I not take advantage of my husband?" Padmé inquired, lifting her gaze to meet his. His brilliant blue eyes, filled with unwavering love and devotion, washed away the pain, replacing it with a sense of profound peace and security. She was drowning in his love, and it was the only solace she needed. His love was better than any pain killer.
Anakin's eyes met hers, the depth of his love reflected in her brown depths. He marveled at how Padmé, his Angel, sought comfort in him, and he vowed to never let her down. "I will always be there for you," he promised, his voice filled with unwavering conviction.
He lifted his hand to her hair, gently stroking her soft curls. Padmé, normally meticulous about her appearance, was too exhausted to protest. Her hair was already a tangled mess, a testament to the ordeal she had endured. It wasn't long before she drifted into a peaceful slumber, enveloped in the warmth and security of Anakin's embrace.
As Bail Organa and the three Jedi stealthily exited the palace, their comlinks buzzed to life. Anakin's hushed voice transmitted through the devices, "Senator Amidala is here, and currently sleeping."
A tired female voice, barely audible, responded from the background, "Who's that?"
Anakin turned away from the comlink, his voice muffled as he explained quietly, "It's Kenobi, Ahsoka, and Bail. They escaped and are waiting for us."
The female voice, now more alert, declared, "Then we must prepare to leave immediately."
The rustling of blankets followed, indicating movement within the cell. Anakin's voice, filled with concern, urged, "You need to rest."
Obi-Wan, hoping to calm the Senator and keep her safe, interjected, "We must wait until tomorrow anyway. The servant's entrance will be closing soon." As he spoke, he glanced back to witness the heavy doors of the servant's entrance slowly shutting behind them. With a sense of urgency, they hurried back to their hangar, seeking refuge and rest aboard their ship.
Once safely inside the vessel, Ahsoka turned her attention to the news, hoping to glean any additional information regarding the impending execution. She discovered that Gunray had announced the event would take place in the morning at the city's main square, ensuring a large audience for his spectacle of cruelty. "Artoo, can you display the most likely routes they would take from the palace to the square?" she requested.
Artoo responded by projecting a holographic map of the city, highlighting potential paths with illuminated lines. The Jedi studied the map intently, noticing a common element among all the possible routes: a small, isolated bridge. "We should position ourselves near that bridge, prepared to intervene if they require assistance," Obi-Wan reasoned, his strategic mind formulating a plan.
"For tonight, however, we must rest," Koth added, recognizing the importance of conserving their energy for the challenges that lay ahead.
"I'll inform the Council and Chancellor Palpatine of our progress," Ahsoka volunteered, assuming the responsibility of keeping their allies apprised of the situation.
Upon waking, Padmé found herself disoriented, her surroundings unfamiliar. All she could discern was the solid presence of a man's chest before her. Fragmented memories of enduring Gunray's torture on a cold metal table surfaced, sending a wave of panic through her. Who am I in bed with? she thought, her heart pounding in her chest. Relief washed over her as she realized it was Anakin, his familiar warmth and scent a soothing balm to her anxieties. The events of the previous day came flooding back: the excruciating torture, Anakin's tender care as he carried her to the cot, and the peaceful slumber she had found in his arms. Then, the chilling reality of her situation struck her: today was the day of her execution. "Ani," she whispered, her voice laced with concern, "do you have a plan for escaping this place?"
"You wound me, Padmé," Anakin replied, a playful grin spreading across his lips. "Of course, I do. Obi-Wan provided me with a lightsaber."
"So," Padmé joked, a hint of amusement in her voice, "your strategy involves aggressive negotiations?"
"Precisely," Anakin confirmed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I also have disguises for both of us." He retrieved the remaining servant's cloak and handed it to Padmé, urging her to conceal her distinctive attire.
As they rose from the cot, Anakin approached the cell door and ignited his lightsaber, directing the searing blade towards the locking mechanism. The door swung open with a groan as the lock melted away, granting them access to the corridor beyond. They cautiously crept through the palace, their movements silent and purposeful, until they emerged into the open air, leaving the confines of their prison behind. "That was surprisingly easy," Anakin remarked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.
"Be grateful for the lack of complications," Padmé countered, her focus on their escape.
"But that means no aggressive negotiations," Anakin lamented playfully, feigning disappointment. He activated his comlink, his voice a low murmur as he announced, "We've successfully exited the palace. Where are you located?"
Obi-Wan's voice responded through the comlink, "We're stationed in hangar bay five."
Anakin and Padmé navigated through the bustling crowds, their disguises effectively concealing their identities. Upon reaching the hangar bay, they discovered a Separatist shuttle awaiting them, with Ahsoka at the helm. "There you are!" Ahsoka exclaimed, relief evident in her voice. "Let's depart before Gunray discovers your absence."
Anakin and Padmé boarded the shuttle, and with Ahsoka's skilled piloting, they ascended into the sky, leaving the dangers of Nemodia behind. They had escaped the clutches of their captors, but the shadow of Gunray's vengeance still loomed, a constant reminder that their fight for survival was far from over.
Gunray descended towards the cell where he had imprisoned Senator Amidala, a cruel smile playing on his lips as he anticipated the culmination of his long-awaited revenge. Today would mark the end of her existence, a satisfying conclusion to years of simmering hatred. However, as he peered into the cell, his smile vanished, replaced by a look of utter disbelief. The Senator was gone, along with the Jedi and the other Senator. His gaze fell upon the mangled remains of the cell door's locking mechanism, a gaping hole seared through it by a lightsaber. Rage consumed him, his voice erupting in a furious bellow, "Find them!" he commanded the droid standing at attention beside him.
He had been so close, so tantalizingly close to extinguishing the Senator's life. Yet, once again, the Jedi had thwarted his plans. Skywalker, in particular, was a constant thorn in his side, a persistent obstacle to his ambitions. The Jedi Knight seemed to possess an uncanny ability to foil his every attempt to eliminate the Senator, leaving Gunray seething with frustration and a burning desire for vengeance.
AN: This is the final chapter for right now. I am planning to add more to this story, but it will probably be in a sequel, and right now I don't know how to continue it.