This time, only Bail awaits me in the meeting room. It's too dangerous to gather all of us conspirators too often. He greets me with a warm smile, but I don't go in for a hug, praying Hanné's work on my wardrobe conceals my bump. He offers a selection of beverages and I opt for a non-alcoholic one.

"Welcome, friend. Please make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you, Bail."

"I have invited you here because I trust you, and because Mon and I are contemplating our next move. You know of what I speak?"

I nod. "Salvaging something of this democracy. How can I help?"

"We're drafting a bill to amend the Chancellor's emergency powers, so that decrees cannot be made law according to his whims, but must first be reviewed and approved by a Senatorial committee."

"Vital work, but risky."

"Yes," he sighs. "I was wondering if you could offer some feedback on the draft bill, as well as help to mobilise our allies in support of it."

"Of course I will. I have a cordial connection with a few Senators who would rather not get tangled in anything Alderaanian, and I'd be very willing to meet with them about the bill."

He smiles. "Thank you, Padmé."

A pause.

"That isn't all, is it, Bail?"

"You read me too well. I was hoping that, if we manage to pass this bill, you would consider nominating for the Senatorial committee. You've been an outspoken advocate for a peaceful solution to this war, and yet the Chancellor seems to respect and value your voice. Perhaps because of your Nubian connection and his having watched you grow into your career. Of all of us committed to, as you say, salvaging this democracy, I think you stand the best chance of being elected to such a committee."

I breathe for a moment. Torn between duty to what this Republic once was and could be again, and the growing need to leave all of this behind.

"Thank you for thinking of me for such a role. I am willing to support you in your work to get this bill passed, but I will have to think more about nominating myself. I do admit, it's unlikely I will put myself forward."

He raises his eyebrows in surprise. "I never took you to be someone who would run from a fight."

I meet his eyes. "Sometimes running is fighting."

"I hope that you at least take the time to consider it, but I understand there are risks involved. Let us hope we do get the opportunity to elect such a committee."

Abruptly, I find myself wondering aloud, "Bail, what would you do if the war ended? How do you imagine your life would be?"

He pauses for a moment. "I would love to have children. My wife and I have often spoken about adopting a baby girl. But that feels too hopeful a step to take in the midst of this war. Why do you ask?"

I feel a soft kick inside my belly. "Sometimes we need to remember what it is we're fighting for."