Perilous Times

The Galactic Senate was buzzing with tension as more and more systems declared their intentions to break away from the Republic, the looming threat of the Separatists casting a shadow over Coruscant. Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo, accompanied by her trusted allies, arrived on the bustling city-planet to participate in the crucial vote concerning the formation of a Republic army.

After a tense landing, Anakin stepped out of one of the escort ships he had been piloting, scanning the surrounding landing platform for any signs of danger. He turned back to his master, Darth Vetris, who descended the ramp alongside Senator Amidala, his expression calm but watchful.

"I guess we were wrong, Master. There wasn't a threat after all," Anakin said, relaxing slightly as he glanced at the cityscape around them.

But before Vetris could reply, a sudden, sharp warning shot through the Force, jolting Anakin's senses. His eyes widened in alarm just as a fiery explosion tore through the air, engulfing the ship they had arrived in. The shockwave sent debris flying, and the sound of the blast echoed through the surrounding area. Anakin stood frozen, his heart pounding as the heat from the explosion washed over him.

Padmé, who had been piloting the other escort ship, quickly rushed over, her expression stricken with fear as she scanned the debris for survivors. "Sabe!" she cried, searching desperately for any sign of life among the wreckage.

Anakin snapped out of his daze, his composure slipping as he raced forward to help. "Master, are you okay?!" he shouted, his voice filled with panic as he began lifting debris with the Force, casting aside chunks of twisted metal in his frantic search.

"Sabe!" Padmé's voice cut through the chaos as she spotted her handmaiden several feet away from the burning wreckage, her uniform scorched and her face smeared with soot. Blood trickled from a cut on her forehead, but miraculously, she was alive. It shouldn't have been possible for her to survive such a blast—unless someone had intervened.

Padmé knelt beside Sabe, relief flooding her features as she checked her condition. "Sabe, you're going to be okay," she whispered, squeezing her hand.

Anakin, meanwhile, felt a flicker of hope as he lifted another piece of debris and found his master beneath it. Vetris was unconscious, his armor singed and dented from the explosion, but he had been spared the worst of the blast. The impact had left him bruised and battered, but Anakin could sense his faint but steady heartbeat through the Force. He realized then that Vetris must have used the Force to shield Sabe and push her clear of the explosion's worst effects, sacrificing his own safety to protect her.

"Senator, we need to get to cover—we're vulnerable out in the open," Anakin said urgently, his voice regaining some of its calm even as he glanced nervously around the exposed platform.

Padmé looked up, her expression tight with concern, but she nodded. "Okay, let's move. We'll find shelter nearby."

Anakin took a deep breath, then reached out with the Force, carefully lifting his master's unconscious form and Sabe's injured body. Vetris floated beside him, supported by the Force's invisible grip, as they moved quickly toward the nearest shelter. Padmé stayed close, her blaster drawn as she scanned the area for any sign of further danger.

The sounds of distant sirens filled the air as emergency crews rushed toward the scene of the explosion, and Anakin's mind raced with questions. Who had attacked them, and why? Was this part of a larger plot, or a warning to stay away from the coming vote? He tightened his grip on the Force, his determination hardening as they moved toward safety. Whatever the answer, he knew one thing for certain: the dangers they faced on Coruscant had only just begun.

Anakin stood in the doorway of Padmé's flat, his expression tense but controlled as he returned from the master bedroom. He had insisted they come here after the explosion, reasoning that the apartment offered both security and privacy while they assessed the situation. The city outside was quiet for now, but Anakin's senses remained sharp, alert for any further threats.

Padmé, still visibly shaken from the attack, paced near the window, her arms crossed tightly. She glanced over as Anakin entered the room. "How is he doing?" she asked softly, her concern for Darth Vetris clear given the relationship between them all.

Anakin let out a slow breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "Resting," he said. "I decided it would be safer to switch rooms, just in case. He's stable, but he needs time to recover."

Padmé nodded, her brow furrowing. "And Sabe'? I've been worried about her."

"Same," Anakin replied, his voice softening. "She's resting too. Her injuries weren't as bad as they could've been, thanks to Vetris. He must have used the Force to push her clear of the worst of the blast."

Padmé let out a sigh, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thank the stars for that." She paused, her eyes drifting back to the window, where the lights of Coruscant twinkled in the distance. "I can't believe this is happening. I should've known something was wrong the moment we landed."

Anakin walked over to her, his voice firm but calm. "We couldn't have known, Angel". But right now, we need to focus on what's next. The attack wasn't random. Whoever did this knew exactly where we'd be, and that means they're still out there."

Padmé turned to face him, her expression hardening. "You're right. We can't just sit here waiting for the next strike. But we also can't act recklessly—we need a plan."

Anakin nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "First, we should check in with our contacts. We need to find out if this attack was isolated or if others have been targeted. Once Vetris and Sabe' are stable, we can decide on our next move."

Padmé sighed again, running a hand through her hair. "The vote on the Republic army is just days away. If this was meant to send a message, then the Senate needs to know what's happening."

Anakin stepped closer, his voice low and steady. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Padmé. But for now, let's keep a low profile. If they're watching us, we need to stay one step ahead."

Padmé met his gaze, the intensity of the moment hanging between them. She knew he was right. "Alright. We'll rest tonight, but tomorrow we'll start gathering information. I just hope we have enough time before the Senate vote."

Anakin gave a reassuring nod. "We will. And whatever happens, we'll face it together."

Anakin stood in the dimly lit flat, his mind racing as he waited for updates. He had contacted their allies across the galaxy, making sure this wasn't part of a larger coordinated attack. The news had come back clear: no other targets had been hit, which brought a sense of relief but also confirmed a troubling truth. It meant Padmé was the likely target, a fact that weighed heavily on his mind.

He looked over at her as she slept in the other room. Despite her strength, Anakin knew the constant threat was taking its toll. He resolved to stay up, keeping a watchful eye while she rested.

The next day in the Senate building, a different kind of tension filled the air. Chancellor Palpatine sat at his desk, his hands clasped in front of him as he addressed the Jedi Masters gathered before him.

"If planets want to leave the Republic, I don't see how we can stop them," Mace Windu said, his tone firm but thoughtful.

Palpatine's eyes narrowed, his voice sharp. "I will not see a Republic that has stood for thousands of years fractured in two."

Windu leaned forward, his expression unwavering. "Chancellor, remember: if it comes to war, we are peacekeepers, not soldiers."

Palpatine's gaze shifted, lingering for a moment before turning toward Master Yoda. "What about you, Master Yoda? Do you have any insights?"

Yoda, seated in quiet contemplation, slowly lifted his head. "Clouds the future, the dark side does. Tread carefully, we must."

The room grew silent until Qui-Gon Jinn spoke up. "What of Senator Amidala and her entourage?" he asked.

Before Palpatine could respond, the doors to the Chancellor's office slid open, and Padmé, accompanied by Anakin, walked in.

"Senator, I'm glad to see you safe. When we heard what happened, we were concerned," Qui-Gon said, relief evident in his voice.

Padmé offered a small smile. "Thank you, Master Qui-Gon, but it will take more than an assassination attempt to stop me."

Palpatine leaned forward, his voice tinged with concern. "While that is commendable, you are too valuable to lose, especially now, with the upcoming Senate vote."

"Why not allow me to give you extra protection?" Palpatine suggested, his eyes glinting with calculation. "For my own peace of mind. Perhaps someone you trust—like Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Mace Windu gave a nod of approval. "That can be arranged, Senator Amidala."

Sensing something through the Force, Yoda interjected. "Master Qui-Gon should go as well. Too long, it has been. Catch up, you can."

Padmé hesitated for a moment, glancing at Anakin before nodding. "Very well, since you all insist. I'll agree."

Palpatine smiled, his tone lightening. "Good. Then, why don't we call it a day?"

As they left the Chancellor's office, Qui-Gon turned to Padmé. "Obi-Wan and I will meet you at your flat, Senator."

Padmé nodded. "Of course, Master Qui-Gon. We'll be expecting you."

With that, the group made their way out of the Senate building, knowing that the danger was far from over. But for now, they had secured their next steps.