Nox stood within the rehabilitation building with his arms crossed , A small frown marring his face as he looked forward , The building he was in was built solely for the inhabitants that struggled to walk Infront of him.
Droids hovered to and from the room they were in , Coming to the occupants Nox was watching , Injecting fluids directly into the back brace of the miralukan before him .
She hunched slightly as she stood bare , Not caring in the slightest that she was entirely nude , Running up and down the base of her spine , Connected directly to each vertebrae and nervous structure , Was a segmented spinal covering of metallic colouring , Blue lights Shon on each segment as she moved . The droid behind her injected a veil of clear liquid between the plates in her back .
Without anything else to do , The droid withdrew its syringe and left the room .
Letha stumbled half a step forward , The regrown hair drooping beside her head , Uncombed and uneven . Sweat tracked down her forehead and ran down her chin .
" Come on now letha , That's enough for now " Nox grabbed Letha through the force , Making her levitate , She glanced at him through ragged breaths with closed eye lids as he used his other hand to pull a repulsor chair towards the two of them .
He manourvered her through the air and gently deposited the miralukan onto the soft fabric of the chair .
Using the force once more to pull a white coloured blanket from a rack in the corner of the room .
Gently , As a parent would , placed the blanket around Letha , Tucking it over her shoulders and tucking under her legs .
A sign rose from her as she looked saddened by her situation .
Muscle atrophy , degradation of muscle structure due to lack of physical exertion .
He was routinely using myostim to regrow and reinforce the muscle structure she had lost during her suspension in bacta .
Lana then entered the room , Letha perking , Her regrowing sense in the force allowing her to atleast sense the approaching blonde .
" Ah here you are , Doing well I hope " Lana neared , The bulge in her stomach very much noticeable , Wearing a brace to ensure both her safety and the almost ready to be born child the two would soon have .
Letha held out her hand to Lana , Opening and closing her hand , Beckoning for her to hold her hand .
The blonde obliged and snaked her beautifully manicured fingers into letha's own .
Letha perked slightly , The kind and loving smile coming to her face lit up the room as she looked directly towards Lana's stomach . Her unblinking eyes staring towards the child within .
" He's strong , I can feel him reaching out towards you both " Letha whispered , Sure enough , The life within instinctively knew of its parents signatures , Always remaining calm as long as they were nearby , Whenever they were apart , He would grow restless and start to squirm , Causing a great deal of pain to Lana , Which in turn would cause Nox to come running .
And the little one most likely instinctively knew to do this to keep them together too , As whenever Nox would be within a certain radius , All pain Lana received would calm , The baby stilling and basking in their combined presence .
" I know " Nox smiled proudly as Letha used her other hand to take one of his free ones .
" I'm happy for you two ... " Letha trailed off slightly , wishful thinking over taking her current thought process .
Maybe in another life , She could have had someone , Maybe even Nox himself . But for now , She was simply happy to back in the love offered to her by Lana and Nox . Despite there being no sexual attraction between them , It was more familial in nature , And she cherished it . She knew that she and any other Jedi had to be careful with their emotions . But she didn't see her connection with Nox and Lana as a negative , If anything it gave them all someone to rely on in such trying times .
They were all a big family . Nox the high ruling emperor of that galaxy ... saving everyone , Raising the standard of living for all . Lana ... his wife , The woman who would stick by his side through the apocalypse itself . And their soon to come child , The upcoming prince of Zakuul , The entire empires populous we're excited , Celebrations were being planned , The guards were going mental in assigning a personal militia to protect their prince in his early years .
And then there was her , The Adopted aunt , Someone with no family , Broken in the eyes of many but brought into the waiting arms of those willing to help her .She was shown and given the love of real family , Unconditional love by Nox and Lana . Even her apprentice Nadia grell was given the opportunity, The girl had cautiously accepted , And was currently off world training with the knights of Zakuul to expand her understanding.
" Give it a month , I'll say you'll be back to running around worrying about everyone again " Nox quipped as the trio made their way from the rehabilitation centre towards the landing platform where their ship awaited them .
" Someone has to ... eh " Letha playfully quipped in turn , Nox Rolling his eyes in response .
" Bleeding heart " Nox chuckled , Causing Letha to stick her tongue out at him and cross her arms before making a huffing noise and jutting her chin in the air away from him.
What followed was a round of laughter echoing around them as they passed a unit of knights designated to escort them .
Stepping onto the shuttle , Nox assisted Lana onto the shuttle gently , Then helping Letha onto the shuttle .
" Where to your majesty " The pilot asked over comms .
" To the spire , We have things to go over " Nox replied , The pilot confirming in the affirmative , The knights hopping into two more shuttles to serve as the escort .
Immediately after the trio of ship took off the the fleet warships spire in the distance .
THE PRESENT 22 BBY
Staring out to the void of space from his throne like valkorion did thousands of years ago .
Nox's abyssal eyes stared unblinking ,He stood frozen , Like a monolith of white and black.
For the first time in days , His brow twitched and his mouth opened , Vaylin perked up from the throne as he was snapped towards him.
" Scorpio .. " A voice consisting of thousands , Layered apon each other , Combating against each other spoke as it grated out of his vocal chords .
" My lord " Scorpio's voice sounded from the throne at his side .
" Engage cloaking measures on all fleet vessels . I want eyes on everything everywhere . Recall the first fleet back to Zakuul , I plan to make personal use of it myself . And I want all hyperlane points monitored and secured , Interdiction fields will be engaged and any vessel that so much as has a percent of a chance of entering our systems will be captured and eliminated . The only traffic I want from Zakuul from now on is to be our battle cruisers , Nothing comes to us without my express permission " Nox's original voice sounded from his mouth as the thousands of others mounting from his voice box settled .
Seconds later , A swirling wormhole appeared Infront of the eternal throne spire , A giant construct thousands of metres in diameter to form a hypergate ring large enough for any vessel on the fleet to travel through tens of not hundreds at a time .
What came through , It's engines roaring with enough intensity to rattle all glass within a thousand metres . Slowly but surely the Subjugation soared through the hypergate .
Fifteen times longer than the Eternal fleet warships that flew by its side as an escort fleet. The absolute behemoth of a vessel with enough power to single handedly battle a legion of harrower class dreadnaughts with ease , If not destroy them all in a single blast of its Quasar cannon . The ship served its purpose of being the greatest vessel in the eternal fleet , Giving the fleet a new height of splendor as it came through the hypergate , The tiny warships coming through with the ship . A warhorn echoed from the capital ship , Signifying it's arrival .
Soon the rest of the First Legion that accompanied the massive ship , Each one capable of activating and making use of a hypergate themselves .
Coming to a stop Infront of the throne , The behemoth flagship of the eternal fleet dwarfed the building to the point it was miniscule next to it .
One by one , More fleet vessels appeared in the system , Fleet's dropped out of hyperspace at the emperor's call .
Three thousand years worth of constructed war vessels blanketed the stars , Glistening against the backdrop behind them .
Of course , With the shipyard of Iokath being one of if not the largest in the galaxy , It's ability to churn out ships was unrivalled by anything other than the star forge when Iokath manufacturing was pushed to full power.
So currently in the system , Despite nearly blocking the sight of anything other than warship , Hundreds , Thousands of battle cruisers . This was only a fraction of the fleet's might , The rest were being diverted to Iokath space or amassing at hyperlane points to outright block all incoming traffic to Iokath .
" What is it love " Vaylin rose from her comfortable seat , Allowing Nox to turn away from the window and place himself atop his towering throne .
" The time for chaos is apon the galaxy ... I'd rather not take the chances of them prematurely discovering us . Thus our space is on lockdown until the pieces are settled and the board is set , The same will go for the ascendancy . Now ... We must leave for coruscant ... these events are too important for me to simply observe from half a galaxy away " Nox typed away onto the inbuilt pad on the throne , Linking the first fleet and the subjugation directly to his neural implants . He felt the link between himself and the X-70 activate as he powered the ship and began preflight procedures .
" I'll get my stuff " Vaylin proceeded March from the throne room , Past the scores of Honour guards .
He sat back for a few moments , Staring into the mid distance for a for moments before leaning forward once more to open a Holo channel .
" Father ... " The voice of Kanya sounded as the woman hastily answered the call , Hair done in an ornate braid around her head thanks to the stylists that did her hair .
" I have a mission for you of utmost importance"
1 WEEK LATER - CORUSCANT
Three naboo starfighters flew towards coruscant , The ship they were escorting a glistening silver .
Their engines roared as the cones of the thrusters propelled them through space towards the galactic capital .
The person they were to escort was the senator Padme Amidala , Coming to vote on the vital piece of legislation that would enable an army to be erected by the galactic republic to assist the small numbers of Jedi across the galaxy in their effort to maintain peace .
Peace was hard to maintain in the last years for these valiant heros , As thousands of systems declared their intentions on leaving the republic to join the C.I.S . It was a harrowing ordeal , As the republic fracturing .
So she was coming herself , Her voice as of late , Was one of reason , Someone who told nothing but truths , Of kindness ,Of hope . She placed her faith in others , And in turn they did the same.
A third fighter trailed behind the naboo shuttle , The ships rotating in orientation to be level with the part of coruscant they wished to land .
" Senator ... we are approaching coruscant " One of the many individuals on the ship reported to a woman wearing fine white clothing , Her hair done up high beside her head in elegant fashions only naboo could achieve .
" Very good " The young lady replied as she began to make her way throughout the ship to the boarding ramp .
The ship streaked lower through the skies of an early morning coruscant , Clouds hanging low as the wings of the ship carved their way through the harmless white fluff.
The escort fighters slowed down to maintain pace with the ship as it began to slow , Nearing the designated landing pad .
The four thrusters of the ship howled , A systematic hum growing in intensity as the ship's landing gear began to dispatch .
The first ships to land were the fighters , Landing on pads connected to the larger central landing platform .
They landed without issue as the main vessel rotated in the air , It's landing gear gently stroking the steel below before coming to a comfortable rest .
The cockpits of the three fighters opened in unison , One male and two female climbing from their ships , Down the yellow hull of their fighters and onto ladders connected to their ships , gently landing on the ground without issue .
A blue and white astromech droid lowered from its hold in one of the fighters , It happy bleeps amusing the female pilot it accompanied .
She sauntered her way over to the male pilot who had just stepped down from the ladder to his own ship , The man reaching up and pulling his helmet from his face with a joyous smile on his face .
" We made it " He animatedly said , Looking towards the much smaller woman at his side as she arrived , His eye piece staring at her " I guess I was wrong , There was no danger at all "
As if to mock him , As the senator walked down the ramp to the glistening silver ship , An explosion ripped through the vessel , Frying everyone on board as they went up in screams of pain and agony .
The senator herself flee forward and impacted the ground as fire licked at her fine clothing , Her charred flesh on her back sizzling .
The three fighter pilots were thrown of their feet , One careening off of the side of the hovering platform , Only just managing to lock her hand on the ledge of the platfrom before she would have fallen to certain death .
The right wing of the silver cruiser dropped from the ship, Impacting the ground as flames ate away at its plating , The other wing was tossed away from the hull of the ship it was connected to and dropped into the clouds below , Disappearing into the abyss .
Sitting up , The smallest female of the pilots clambered to her feet , Seeing the destruction before her , Running towards the body of the senator in white.
She gripped the sides of her helmet , All but tearing it off and tossing it away as she dropped to her knees next to the woman in white.
Kneeling down , The rounded supple but gorgeous features of Padme Amidala looked down at the woman in white , Tears streaming down her cheeks as she rolled the woman onto her side .
" Cordé" Padme stuttered out , Holding the woman close as her eyes opened slightly to stare at the senator she was impersonating .
" Milady ... I'm so sorry " Cordé muttered out , Her eyelashes singed from her face as blood leaked down her nose and mouth " I've failed you senator"
" No , You haven't " Padme cried back as the woman slumped , Finally dying in the arms of the woman she swore to protect.
At the edge of the platform , The third pilot propelled herself back onto the edge with little issue , Her own helmet long since gone as she glared around with eyes of yellow fury .
She spared no glanced towards the deceased as she B-lined her way to Padme , Grabbing the shocked woman by the shoulders and hauling her to her feet .
" TYPHO ... GO ALERT SECURITY ... " Kanya all but ordered , The brown skinned male Sprinting towards this fighter to do just that .
" Requesting immediate pickup , Priority asset in danger " Kanya whispered into the pad on her left hand .
" Incoming " A male voice responded as she pushed a frozen Padme towards the far edge of the platform .
" I shouldn't have come " Tears leaked unabated down Padme's cheeks as she stared forward into the mid distance .
" No ... she did her job , Now it's time to do ours " Kanya replied , Grabbing Padme by the shoulders as a security shuttle roared through the early morning fog .
The shuttle hastily settled down onto the landing pad across from the burning cruiser , The naboo guard leaping from the open bay doors and rushing to surround and escort Padme away from danger.
Kanya watched Padme be ushered into the shuttle , Being spirited away into the grey veil of mist .
The remaining security and Typho began to shift through the wreckage in an effort to find anything that may have survived the explosion.
Kanya watched them work , Locks of hair flying around her head as four other ship and emergency crews arrived .
But Kanya ignored all of these , Turning away from the burning scrap , Her eyes scanning over the skyscrapers around her in search of the answers she was seeking .
She continued to squint , Eyes flashing as twin molten fires that glowed through her clipped eyelids .
Raising her left hand to her mouth , The wrist mounted computer system flared to life as the screen projected a Holo display of the figure that answered her call .
" Father "
KALDANI SPIRES
" Stay with her until tomorrow when she will return to active duty in the senate , Then you will return here to me , And I will give you your new orders " Nox spoke towards the Holo of Kanya , The woman holding her robes closer together to resist the cold that whipped her hair around her head in the Holo .
" It will be done father " The woman's Holo began to flicker and vanish , The blue light shining from the Holo evaporating from the room , Bathing the room in orange light courtesy of the orange crystal hanging from the ceiling.
Nox leant back into his rotating chair , Fingers playing at the tip of his chin as he thought over how to proceed through upcoming events .
He didn't cast a glance towards the door to his office even as it hissed open , Vaylin waltzing through and placing herself down onto one of the long couches within , A Huff leaving the woman as she had just returned from organising the on world knights of Zakuul .
" Something on your mind " Vaylin ran her hand over her face , One of her Sulphuric eyes peering at Nox from under her hand as she leant her head back onto the arm of the couch .
" No hurtle to big ... but I believe Kanya's presence around Amidala will be detrimental to some of my plans if she is nearby in the coming weeks ... No ... I need her attention ... elsewhere "
Stepping off of the lergo agitator built from the beyond old blueprints of the vehicle stored within the databanks of the company Minas-lergo .
Pulling out a pair of macro-binaculars , Kanya raised the binoculars to her eyes , Staring down at the landing pad that the assassination attempt was enacted.
Emergency crews were currently cleaning up the wreckage , Craft hauling the remaining shell and wings of the vessel away .
Across coruscant and the galaxy , News on the death of Padme were being spread across the Holonet , Afterall they had no idea she had Afterall survived . And Kanya had no desire to correct them until the culprit was apprehended.
' The perfect vantage point ' Lowering the macro binoculars back down to her side , Kanya turned away from the platform far away , Looking around the ledge she was on with a critical eye ' Yes , Full view of the pad , Enough space to setup equipment ... almost zero surveillance ... perfect '
Moving her right hand to her left wrist , The display of the gauntlet mounted computer system lit up , Her fingers danced across its flat surface , A long resonating from the gauntlet as she achieved what she wanted .
As she waited for what she ordered from Kaldani spires , She closed her eyes , Face scrunching up , Twitching slightly as she attempted to centre herself in the force .
With a following deep breath , Drawing in as her lungs filled , Followed by a frustrated breath out . She repeated the process a few more times before opening her eyes .
She turned her head slightly as her eyes were once more twin eclipses of orange yellow and red fighting against each other for dominance in her iris .
Slowly but surely , Her eyes began to pick up a glittering and flowing mist of brown colour , Shimmering in and out of existence around her , Concentrated at the edge of the ledge and a small area leading off of the edge and down into the shifting fog below .
A droning buzz filled her ears as she watched the trail of her suspected opponent , Eyes scanning as she traced it until it went around a building and out of sight .
Turning to look to her side , A probe droid buzzed around , Awaiting it's orders as it's many eyes and sensors scanned around the area .
" I want to know everything that happened here " Kanya demanded of the probe , It's beeps and droning whistles Signifying it's acceptance , Immediately beginning to lower itself to the ground , Calling for several other units to come and assist in its analysis of the environment.
Stepping away from the droid as it went to work , Kanya hoisted herself atop of the lector agitator , Leaning back and tilting to the side as she maneuvered the speeder over the edge of the platform .
Slowly , Kanya guided the speeder to descend down the side of the building following along the trail she was following , Taking care to keep her focus as she used the force to track the aura trail left by her target , A sly grin made it's way to her face as she urged the speeder to move faster , Disappearing into the fog as she went on the hunt .
THE NEXT DAY - THE SENATE CHAMBERS
Hurriedly walking through the senate hallways , Captain Typho accompanied Padme alongside her hand-maidens and nabooian guards.
" She hasn't returned yet milady " Typho whispered in hushed tones , Padme biting her lip in response as her eyes flashed momentarily in worry .
" I wouldn't worry , She's capable , I have no doubt she'll return shortly " Typho , Seeing the woman who he guarded in almost visible distress .
Taking a calming breath , The entourage stopped Infront of the door to their designated repulsor pod , The senate chambers just through the ornate door Infront of them .
" We'll make do " Padme sighed , Holding her head high before stepping towards the door , Causing the door to lift and grant them access to the pod to which they all huddled inside of without gaining the attention of any of the other senators present .
" Her death is a great , And tragic loss for us all " Palpatine looked crushed , Eyebrows low on his pale face , Eyes glistening as tears threatened to spill whilst he stood at the centre of the room , His speech entrancing everyone within the room save for Padme herself " We will mourn her loss , A great champion of the free people's , A woman who would give her life to peace . She will be mourned , Missed and cried over . As a colleague , A listening ear , And as a friend "
With Palpatine finishing his words , Senator orn free taa came forward with his repulsor pod , His aids standing by his side as he opened his fat lips , His four lekku sitting snug against his shoulders and back .
" With these events , I think it be in everyone's best interests if we are too... "
Suddenly Padme's pod lurched forward , The woman standing high and mighty as the others in the pod stumbled slightly under the sudden acceleration.
" The attempt of my life , A clear attempt to silence my words of protest " Padme's opening words silenced the senators , Shock and surprise running through the impossibly tall buildings chamber as camera drones rapidly approached and circled the senator .
" This assassination attempt ... " Padme's face contorted as righteous rage ran through her veins momentarily " Cost the lives of my aid , Several if my security guards , In a ruthless and senseless attempt on my life . There is little to no doubt that I was the target , But more importantly, The security measure before you was the target . This security measure , Of which I have been in vocal and clear opposition of since it's initial drafting , But I will not die , I will not be silenced . And if my life is endangered for speaking against its creation then senators , You must realise that something is affront here "
With the camera's off of his face , Sheev's face contorted in utter and complete rage for a single second , missed by all around him .Masterfully , He calmed himself down as his eyes settled on the surviving woman .
" With this wonderful news , Senator , Of your survival , I agree and urge to defer the vote unto a later date " Palpatine smiled kindly before a third senator voiced his opinion , Pointing his finger accusingly at Palpatine.
" Palpatine has never been behind the military creation act , And was ready and happy to stall when the elder of the opposition turned up dead " Senator candabrine bu hissed " Would he have done so if it was the Pro-military senator who was killed , And when she shows up Alive , He postpones the vote anyway . I for one , Seriously doubt whether he wished for the vote to be put forward today at all "
" Regardless of whether your accusations hold credence or not senator , Far too much has occured today for everyone to accurately and safely put forward their vote . No , We will vote in another session of congress . Senate is adjourned" Mass ameda stood up , Dismissing the entirety of the congregation as he all but shrugged off candabrines accusations.
Padme appeared to not be finished however as she forcibly gained the attention of those present once more " Wake up , senators , You must wake up . If you offer the seperatists violence , Then only violence can be shown in response . Many will lose their lives , And all will lose their freedoms . I pray that you will not let fear push you into disaster and ruin. Vote down this security measure which is nothing less than a declaration of war . Does anyone want that , I don't think that is what anybody really wants , So I hope , That when it comes time to vote , That you all , That we all , Make the right decision "
Hanging her head , Padme urged the repulsor pod to return to its original place , Leaving the senate chambers with her entourage in toe .
Stepping back into the senate hallways , Padme stopped and stared at the blue armoured figure awaiting her and her group .
" Chancellor Palpatine wishes to meet you within his chambers milady " The senate guard announced , Holding his weapon flat against his arm as he informed the senator .
" I will be there in a moment " Padme bid the guard her words , Typho watching the guard turn point and walk away back to his duties .
" I don't know how much longer I can prevent the vote from going through my friends " Palpatine sat behind his desk , Looking solemnly at the Jedi council sitting across from him .
Amusement trickling over him as they remained ignorant of the Sith and Darkside memorabilia littered around his office " More and more systems join the seperatists as we speak "
" If these systems do break away " Mace Windu began before being cut off by Palpatine.
" I will not let this republic which has stood for a thousand years be split in two " Palpatine replied in a clipped tone " The negotiations , will not fail "
" If they do , You must realise there aren't enough Jedi to protect the republic " Windu leant forward , His elbows to his knees as his robes hung loosely around his frame " We're keepers of the peace , Not soldiers "
" Master Yoda " Palpatine turned his attention exclusively to his completely unaware arch nemesis " Do you really think it will come to war "
" Hnnn the dark side clouds everything ... impossible to see , The future is " Yoda shook his head as he made an attempt to connect with the force , His ears dipping at the murky veil of darkness that stood between him and what he wished to achieve.
Anything they may have said was cut short as the Holo of a rodian appeared on Palpatine's desk .
" The loyalist commitee has arrived your grace "
" Good " Palpatine smiled .
" Senator Padme is with them "
" Send them in " Palpatine rose from his Swivelling and rising as the doors to his office opened .
" We will discuss this matter later " Palpatine spoke to the Jedi , Master Yoda rising from his chair and making his way to the approaching senators whilst Windu rubbed his chin in thought.
" Senator Amidala , Your tragedy on the landing platform ... terrible " Yoda topped , Propping his hands atop his cane , A smile making its way to his face " Seeing you alive , Brings warm feelings to my heart "
" Do you have any idea who was behind this attack " Padme asked , Worry in her brown orbs , Windu rising from his chair to meet the woman .
" Our intelligence reports point to disgruntled spice miners on the moon's of naboo " Mace relayed what they knew to the senator , A frown coming to the woman's face .
" I think that count Dooku was behind this " Padme replied , The master of the order shaking his head with a small smile at the woman's naivety .
" He is a political idealist , Not a murderous " Ki adi mundi replied , Trying to sooth the obviously worried senator .
" You know milady , Dooku was once a Jedi , He couldn't assassinate anyone , It's not in his nature " Mace added , Padme looking unconvinced entirely in the argument the masters made .
" But for certain senator ... in grave danger , You are " Yoda intervened , Pointing a finger at the woman .
Palpatine , Who had since been staring out of his window towards the city scape of coruscant turned to the group " Master Jedi , If I may . May I suggest that the senator be placed under the protection of your graces "
Bail organa came forward with an uneven and distrusting stare " You really think that is a wise decision under these stressful times "
Padme looked aghast , The suggestion annoying her in no small part .
" Chancellor if I may I do not believe the situation "
" The situation is that serious . Oh but I do senator . I realise all to well that additional security might be disruptive for you . But perhaps it would be easier if it was someone you were familiar with . An old friend ... like master Kenobi " Palpatine smiled kindly , Urgency easily seen by all present in her eyes as his eyebrows twisted upwards .
" That's possible , He's just returned from a border dispute on antion " Windu agreed , Seeing the positives of Palpatine's suggestion.
Coming froward , Nearer Padme , Palpatine looked meek " Do it for me milady , The thought of losing you ... is unbearable "
Reluctantly , Padme seemed to finally come around and nod her head .
" I will have Obi-Wan report to you immediately "
" Thank you master Windu " Palpatine walked around to his chair , Gently sitting back down as the Jedi made their way from the room .
THE SPIRES
" Father " Kanya knelt behind the man that raised her , Nox stood on the balcony once more , Staring out towards the senate and senate apartments , Face passive and unmoving as his black eyes gazed into the mid distance " You wished to see me "
" Yes ... Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi have been tasked with guarding senator Amidala " His voice once more layered , Twisted in a thousand tones as it raked against Kanya's ears " However I have another task for you . Two chiss have left csilla and are currently within republic and separatist space . I want you to hunt them , Learn everything about them , Find out if they have inadvertently alerted either sides to our existence ... and act accordingly " Nox turned to Kanya , Eyes peering downwards as he kept his head at the same position .
" It will be done father " Kanya kept her head low , The lone braid of hair that normally ran down her back now looped on the floor as she wore her black robes " I will not disappoint you "
" I know " Nox turned back to staring out at the horizon , Taking this as her dismissal , Kanya rose and turned to leave " And Kanya "
Turning back to her father , A small smile came to his face as he turned back to her , Reaching out to his desk as a small pyramid flew from its surface and into his grasp .
" You have done exceedingly well thus far , I am proud of you , I hope you know that. Here ... for your efforts " The glowing red pyramid in his hand levitated and hovered towards Kanya.
The woman sniffed slightly as her lips quivered , Tears brimming on the sides of her eyes . She reached out with her palm facing upwards , The holocron landing in her palm , Her fingers lacing around it and clutching it's smooth surface .
" Thank you " Kanya finished , No more words being said between the two as the apprentice left to do her master and fathers bidding .
Soon enough Kanya had left the apartment towards her personal hanger apon her lector agitator .
Splayed out on the couch she was on previously, Vaylin dropped what remained of the purple jogan fruit she had consumed onto a small Petrie dish to be cleaned later .
" Are we playing our hand to force them together " Vaylin asked , Wiping her hand on the fabric of the couch she sat on .
" There's no real need to influence them any further . My influences on both Anakin and Padme have already done what is needed . Anakin's need for love and attention will almost outright remove his inhibition even with Obi-Wan present and Padme's desire to find a man that fits her parameters are perfect " Nox replied , Turning from the balcony in satisfaction , Making his way back to his chair with a small sly smirk .
" And if it doesn't go as planned , I mean ... I know you're fully aware of her feelings towards you ... hidden as best as she can or not " Vaylin asked , Sitting up from her chair with a stretch and yawn.
" Then I will do what I must to ensure things go as planned . But ... you are right. I am indeed aware of her feelings and desires , Infact I have capitalised apon them in the past to further my plans , And will do so again if need be " He replied , Calling apon Jogan from the bowl that they sat in .
Rising from the couch , Vaylin puckered her lips , Making her way across the room and around the desk . She grabbed Nox's chair , Turning him to face her before planting herself down onto his lap , Wrapping her arms around his neck .
The small smirk remained on Nox's face as the woman who held his affections forced his head between her bosom .
" If she thinks she can lay a finger on my property I'm going to deglove the bitch " Vaylin's words caused a bark of laughter to rise from the man as he himself wrapped his arms around the woman and drew her closer , The woman sucking in a breath as she was pressed hard against his body .
" Is someone a little worried I'm about to catch feelings for one of my resources " His right hand snaked up her stomach line , Tracing over her stomach and between her breasts , A flick of his finger unlatching the clip around her neck as her clothing immediately loosened afterwards .
" I uhh ... maybe just alittle " Vaylin purred as the shoulders of her robes slid from their place , Exposing her chest to Nox .
A half mocking smirk came to Nox's face as he stared up the the nervous woman " Well , Why don't i prove to you how little you have to worry "
PADME'S APARTMENT
Staring out at the smog of the city , Padme argued with captain Typho , Wearing a purple robe with light blue highlights , The woman's hair was done up behind her head like a tower .
" I have to disagree senator , This course of action " Typho stepped half a step forward , Worry on his face .
"This plan will work , I will not cower and wait for these assassin's , I have faith in your abilities and the jedis abilities to protect me ... I'll be safe " Padme argued as she turned her head slightly , Watching the half wit jar jar walk around the corner towards the elevator door .
Hearing the slow of the elevator , Padme glanced to her guard captain " I suppose we should see the opinions of our Jedi protectors no "
Following closely behind the approaching jar jar , The auburn haired Obi-Wan Kenobi approached with a robe and tan undergarments .
On the other side of jar jar was a teen wearing a black robe , A confident smirk on his face as his Padawan braid hung down to the right side of his neck .
" Lookie lookie whose Isa found " Jar jar waved , Motioning towards Anakin and Obi-Wan .
Obi-Wan came forward from around jar jar's side , Bowing slightly as he smiled kindly " It's a pleasure to see you again milady , And in good health at that "
Looking over the man who greeted her , Padme's lips coiled at their sides as she resisted a smile , Instead she lowered her head tor return the greeting .
" It has been far too long master Kenobi , I'm glad our paths have crossed again ... But I'm sorry , I'm must warn you I think your presence here is entirely unneeded and unnecessary "
" I'm sure the Jedi council have their reasons " Obi-Wan replied , Not wanting to argue rather simply soothing the woman.
Padme turned her attention from Obi-wan and faced the teen who made no moves in stopping his open ogling .
" Annie ... goodness ... you sure have grown " She almost immediately recognised the teen , Mouth opening slightly as she smiled wider , And in turn the boy stood forward , Smirk on his face.
Anakin simply stared at the woman trying to formulate a sentence , And in trying to come off as smooth he opened his mouth .
" So have you ... grown more beautiful I mean ... and much shorter... for a senator I mean " His eye twitched slightly , Screaming at himself internally at the blunder and fool he no doubt made of himself .
Pointedly ignoring the disapproving look Obi-Wan sent him from his side .
Taking it all in a stride , Padme laughed and shook her head " Annie , You'll always be that little boy I met on Tatooine "
Looking down , Anakin attempted to snuff his embarassment. Obi-Wan and Typho looking amused at his failed attempt at wooing the senator .
Sparing his apprentice , Obi-wan came forward to take charge of the situation " Our presence will be invisible ... I promise you milady "
" Nonetheless I am grateful for you being here . The situation is more dangerous than the senator is willing to admit , Having you here is a great help " Typho replied , Settling the atmosphere of the room as the conversation took a turn for the serious.
" I don't need more security , I want answers , I need to know who is trying to kill me and why , Instead of doing that the Jedi are here , Instead of doing anything definitive " Padme hissed slightly , Annoyed at the prospect of needing such potent protection .
Obi-Wan frowned slightly , Seeing her point but he and his apprentice were here for her protection " We're here to protect you senator , Not start an investigation "
Anakin on the other hand appeared to have a different view " We will find who is trying to kill you Padme , I promise you that we will do so a the best of our ability "
He knew almost immediately he had overstepped his bounds , Given the dirty look from Obi-wan, Anakin bit his lip as he focussed solely on Padme.
" We are not to exceed our mandate , My young Padawan " Obi-wan urged in an attempt to get Anakin on his line of thinking.
" I mean in the interest of protecting her , Master " Anakin replied , turning to his master with a raised eyebrow in an effort to cover his blunder .
" We are not going through this again Anakin , You will follow my lead " Obi-wan cut off Anakins argument . However it seemed Anakin wasn't down however.
" Why "
Obi-Wan came up short , Turning back to his apprentice with an almost shocked look .
" What "
" Why else you do think we're here , Assigned to protect her of not find her killer . Protection is a job for her security , Not Jedi " Anakin rebuked as Obi-Wan had to physically with hold a sigh.
" We will do as the council has instructed , You will earn your place and follow young one " Obi-wan turned back to Padme as it looked as if the woman was about to input her two cents.
" Perhaps with your presence , The identity of the killer will be revealed . Now if you'll excuse me , I must retire "
Padme rose and left the room alongside dorme , Leaving those present to themselves as she made her way to her bedroom .
Everyone gives AMIDALA a slight bow as she and DORME leave the room.
" I must return to my station , I must express once more , I'm glad to have you here , I have an officer on every floor , If anything happens or you need anything , Please consult one " Typho made his exit through the elevator they had used to arrive .
Frustrated , Anakin listened to jar jar in the creatures speaking at them of his happiness that they were there .
JAR JAR
" Jar jar ... She didn't even recognise me . There hasn't been a day gone by that I haven't thought of her , And she's completely forgotten about me " Anakin looked towards Padme's bedroom , A forlorn look on his face .
" Anakin you're focusing on the negatives again . Be mindful of your thoughts . She was glad to see us . Now let's go over security , I don't want to miss anything " Obi-wan distracted his apprentice from simply staring at the bedroom .
" Yes master "
THE JEDI TEMPLE
Yoda and mace walked side by side through a long hallway , Passing by large bronze windowsills that oversaw the city scape of coruscant.
" Why couldn't we see this attack on the senator " Mace asked , Seeking Yoda's input into the troubling situation they found themselves in.
" The disturbance in the force , Masking the future it is " Yoda replied , His came tapping against the ground whenever he brought himself forward.
" I believe the prophecy is coming true , The Darkside is growing ever stronger " The black human male looked down at the tiny green figure at his side .
" Only those walking the path of the Darkside can sense the possibilities of the future . For us to see as of late , Walk this dark must we would have to , No " Yoda replied , ears peeling slightly as his eyes tracked to meet mace's own .
" It's been ten years since we have heard of anything related to the sith , Do you believe they could be behind this " Mace asked , Voicing his own suspicion.
" A certainty that is , Out there , They are " Yoda confirmed .
" Do you think Skywalker will be able to bring balance to the force " Mace inquired , Wanting to know the grandmasters thoughts .
" Only if he chooses to follow his destiny "
THAT NIGHT
Tossing and turning in her sleep , Padme lay on her bed , Silk sheets slinging to her form as she dug her head into her pillow .
Artoo stood in the corner of the dimly lit room . The light peeling through the blinds of the room , Illuminating it for the droid to observe for any dangers .
Outside of her room , Stood in the hallway was Anakin himself , Standing in a trance like state as he meditated .
His brow twitched as his hand moved to his lightsaber , Cautious of potential danger as her heard the door to the apartment slide open . A small smile returned to his face after a moment as he felt the familiar aura of her master near , Returning his Saber to his belt within moments.
" Typho has more than enough men downstairs , I think it's safe to say they won't be trying that way . What about up here , Any activity " Obi-wan asked , Looking to his apprentice with an inquisitive look .
" Silent as the grave . But I don't like just waiting around here for something to happen " Anakin replied , Casting another look to the room with squinted eyes.
Obi-Wan nodded in agreement , It didn't sit well with him either , He reached into his robes to pull out a small palm sized scanner , one screen displaying artoo whilst the other didnt show anything at all .
" What's going on with the camera " Obi-wan asked , Turning to Anakin whom looked sheepish.
" She covered the camera , Apparently she didn't like me watching her " Anakin shrugged the question with his simple answer .
" What the hell is she thinking " Obi-wan began to pace , Unsure in her actions and wanting to berate both the senator and Anakin .
" It's okay , She's programmed artoo to alert everyone if there is any danger " Anakin assured his master .
" I'm not worried about an intruder . There are many more ways to kill a senator than simply breaking in " Obi-wan chastised as he crossed his arms and stared at the room .
" I get it . But we also want to catch this assassin , Don't we " Anakin asked , Half accusing in his question .
" You're using her as bait " Obi-wan came to his conclusion , Looking at his apprentice in disapproval .
" Her it was her idea , I didn't like it as much as you don't . But no harm will come to her , I can sense everything going on in that room " Anakin stated confidently , Smirking slightly as he tilted his head upwards slightly.
" It's too risky , And your senses aren't that attuned as of yet my young apprentice " Obi-wan quipped in turn , Anakin looking back with a raised eyebrow and conflicted gaze .
" And yours are " Anakin tried not to snap as Obi-Wan chuckled .
" Possibly "
A shadow passed over the blinds , A probe droid passing slowly by as it hummed whilst flying .
An arm came forward out of the droids body as it came closer to the window , The tip of one of its digits ignited as it slowly cut a hole in the glass silently .
A small hollow thump sounding as the cut piece of glass was pried from the window .
Hearing the noise , Artoo came alive , Beeping and bleeping as his dome rotated . The probe droid froze as Artoo scanned over the room , And after a few moments of not seeing anything , Artoo shut himself down once more into standby.
Seeing artoo go still , The droid continued , A small cylinder being produced from the droid and pushed it into the circular hole.
From the cylinder , Two small centipede like bugs clawed their way out , Dropping from the edge of the cylinder and slamming into the ground curled up to protect themselves from the impact.
" You look tired " Obi-wan observed as he looked over anakin's features.
" I don't really sleep well anymore " Anakin looked sad as he spoke , Pacing around Infront of Obi-Wan .
" Because " Obi-Wan wagged his eyebrows in questioning .
" My mum , She ... I've been having dreams , Something's wrong and I haven't heard anything about her since Kanya told me she got remarried ... I don't know what to think or do " Anakin stopped Infront of a golden table , Hands sliding over its surface as he sought wisdom from his master .
" Dreams pass in time Anakin , Don't put too much thought on them " Obi-Wan tried unsuccessfully to off his knowledge to his apprentice .
" Honestly I'd much rather dream of anything else . Like Padme ... Damn even simply being around her ... it's ... " Anakin didn't finish as he basked in the aura resonating from the woman in the other room despite the disapproving look he received from his master.
" Anakin , Be mindful of your thoughts. You've made a commitment to the order , A commitment I should say that is not easily broken . And don't forget , She's a politician, They're not to be trusted " Obi-Wan warned Anakin , The apprentice soon beginning to look irritated .
" She's not like the others master " Anakin rebuked , Heat coming to his face as he felt the need to defend the woman he was crushing on .
" It's been my experience that senators are only focussed on their own interests and are more than willing to dispense with democracy to get what they want " Obi-Wan replied , Carefully looking over Anakin as he tried to push his point.
" Master , Not another lecture . It's too early for talking about politics , And you're generalising . The Chancellor doesn't appear to be corrupt " Anakin kept defending .
" Palpatine's a politician , I've seen him to be very good at following the passions and prejudices of the senators " Obi-Wan replied , Looking unsure and careful of anakin's current line of thinking.
" Well I think he's a good man , My insti... " Anakin snapped his attention to the direction of the room .
" I feel it too "Obi-Wan and Anakin broke into a dead sprint , Grabbing their lightsabers as they leapt into action.
Artoo screamed in a series of whistles and high pitched squeals , Prods flying from his chassis as electricity sparked whilst the centipede like bugs hung menacingly over Padme's face , About to sting the poor woman as their tongues flicked in and out .
Bursting into the room , Anakin rounded the corner before Leaping , Lightsaber igniting in a hiss as he cleared the distance , Lightsaber flying around in two swipes that severed the bugs in two motions.
The bugs sizzled as they dropped dead , Anakin standing over Padme in her bead as the woman sat up confused and panicked.
A hum alerted Obi-wan , The man twirling to to face the window , Catching the gaze of the probe droid before Sprinting and leaping to catch it .
He broke through the window , Hands clamping onto the sides of the black robot as it rapidly flew away from the apartment in an attempt to escape.
The droid nearly drops at the added weight of Obi-Wan, Swinging from side to side before it caught itself and continued to fly away with the Jedi hanging onto its speak build for dear life , The traffic and buildings far below mere specs from their height.
Anakin watched with panicked eyes as Obi-Wan and the droid became mere specs from his view , Disappearing around a building before he shook his head and turned to Padme.
The woman's hair clung to her head , Her bedhead making her look as if she was struck by lightning as she adjusted her nightgown to make sure her loose gown didn't leave her cleavage for all to see.
" Stay here " Anakin told the woman before he sprinted back through the rooms doorway , Flying through rushing security and captain Typho as they entered .
Obi-Wan held on tight as the droid brought them closer and closer to oncoming night traffic , Constantly sending electrical shocks through itself in an effort to dislodge the Jedi .
He nearly fell as one of his hands lost their grip , Causing his loose arm to flail before his fingers found purchase on a. wire , Snagging the wire from the droid before it shut down and made them both drop through the sky like bricks .
He began to panic , Pulling the droid towards himself , The error he had made evident as the droid sparked , And with abit of luck , Pushed the wire back to where it belonged , The droid coming back to life and immediately flying once more .
They ascended and descended over their travels , Weaved between traffic as the droid continued to try to shake him. It bucked against walls , Moving into the plasma cones of some speeders attempting to burn the Jedi.
His tenacity proved greater than the droids as he hefted his legs , Wrapping them around the chassis of the droid despite being upside down , Hugging the droid close .
Looking ahead , The droid appeared to bemoving towards a beatup lime green speeder hidden in an alcove.
Seeing a crouched figure , Obi-Wan squinted as his eyes adjusted , His eyes widened as he spotted them taking aim in his direction with a long necked rifle .
" Oh ..." Obi-Wan quipped as a beam leapt from the rifle , Impacting the droid not a second later as it exploded in his grip , Letting him simply fall down towards his inevitable doom thousands of metres below .
Obi-Wan simply looked ahead as he felt the wind prick at his skin , Staring passively as he sighed.
He shook his head as a warped hum came closer and closer a high pitched whistle beginning to annoy him as a shape of yellow came up below him .
With the speeder maintaining a similar speed to him , Obi-Wan reached forward , Fumbling at the back of the unoccupied seat as he swung his legs around and placed himself into the soft padded seating of the high performance speeder .
" What took you so long " Obi-Wan asked as he pointed in the direction of the like coloured speeder currently making a hasty escape through coruscant night traffic.
" Oh you know , I couldn't find a speeder I really liked , With an open cockpit and speed capabilities ... and then there was the colour " Anakin listed off the various many reasons why he took so long as he wound through the air in the pursuit of the assassin , A small silver glint visible in both their eyes as a blaster pistol was pointed at them from the open window of the assailants speeder .
" If you spend as much time working on your Saber skills as you do on your with , You'd rival master Yoda as a swordsman my young apprentice " Obi-Wan joked as he held onto the side of the speeder for dear life.
" I thought I already did " Anakin wondered out loud as he held onto the control stick with both hands.
" Only in your mind my very young apprentice . Oi , Careful easy " Obi-Wan held on tighter as Anakin weaved through traffic once more , Leaping across lanes and between buildings and through the scaffolding of a newly constructed building even as blaster fire continued to originate from the one firing apon them .
" Oh come on master , Atleast act like you're having fun " Anakin smirked " Oh sorry , I forgot you don't like flying "
" Oh I don't mind flying . But what you're doing qualifies as suicide " Obi-Wan instinctively ducked as they narrowly avoided another vehicle .
As they fly through more traffic , Diverting their path into a tram tunnel . Neither they nor the assassin notice the pursuit of two seperate parties .
A golden metallic figure leaping and flying through the air at breakneck speeds thanks to its jetpack , Rifle in it's grip as it's red lenses followed the two and a third .
The third it was watching was a human wearing a jetpack , Silver twin pistols clipped to his legs as he flew after the assassin.
Coming to a screaming stop , The golden coloured droid watched the two speeders leave the tram tunnel and once more enter oncoming traffic .
The traffic diverted and swerved as the lime speeder continued in a straight line headless of the vehicles it was about to impact .
" Declaration , Zam Wessell and Jango fett in sight " HK-51 alerted his master , Nox watching from his apartment through a lense connected to HK's chassis .
" Be ready to take the shot , And be ready to follow Fett " Nox ordered through the comms .
" As you wish " HK replied , His custom rifle beginning to release a hum as it began to build up charge .
HK watched all three at once as he stood atop of his skyscraper vantage point , Watching Anakin come close to and move ahead of zam Wessel , However as HK observed the teen saw the report of his way as Zam now had a more stable line of fire and rained down fire apon the yellow speeder .
Noting they were once more becoming small blips , HK dropped from his vantage , His jetpack roaring to life as he surged forward in pursuit.
As he closed the distance between himself and the winding speeders by remaining on a straight path via following a calculated path , HK watched the two speeders skin over rooftop , Narrowly passing under a landing skiff narrowly and spotting as a flag seemed to get caught in the scoop of anakin's speeder .
He , And this Nox through attached cam , Watched as they passed through a refinery , Blasterfire from zam igniting twin pylons that caused an outburst of lightning to strike Anakin and Obi-Wan .
HK once more landed atop a signal tower near the entrance to a tunnel , Watching the two speeders come closer and closer , The hum of his rifle rising exponentially as a continuous wave of reverberate energy rose from all sides of the barrel of the rifle .
Zam hastily entered the tunnel , But Anakin seemed to have other plans as he rose up and to the right , Taking another path as HK followed after zam with tracking routines , Making use of all nearby surveillance systems to keep track of the bounty hunter.
He passed by several casually flying speeders scaring the drivers as the swerved slightly before catching themselves , The well lit tunnel passing by .
Zam seemed to have relaxed in her confidence , HK watching as the speeder slowed considerably and merged with traffic to pass as another regular citizen .
OBI-WAN
HK remained low and close to passing building to remain hidden , Even as Anakin seemed to find zam as he slammed into the speeder from high up above where the yellow speeder he previously used was far up in the sky .
The boy ignited his lightsaber in an attempt to strike zam whilst the yellow speeder now being controlled by Obi-Wan had once more caught up with zam .
Blasterfire erupted from the lime speeder , Knocking the lightsaber from Anakin's hand , Sending it careening through the air before it was caught by Obi-Wan far behind.
HK landed on top of a final vantage point , This time a series of powerline interlacing between two small apartment complexes .
Raising his now vibrating rifle , HK raised the scope to his eyes as he knelt , Arcs of electricity dancing along the barrel of the weapon .
" Target locked " HK alerted Nox , Awaiting the order to take the shot as Anakin and zam continued to struggle , A small bout of fire erupting from the cockpit as the hunter accidentally shot her controls .
" Fire " Nox ordered , HK's finger Pulling the trigger not even a fraction of a second later as a small rod encased in white light burst from the barrel faster than mach 7 .
It took barely a single second for the projectile to reach its intended target , Puncturing the back of Sam's speeder and through the other side with next to nor resistance . However the desired damaged and target had been done , All but Obliterating the essential operating systems of the speeder that remained on autopilot until they were destroyed .
HK rose to full height the barrel of his blaster smoking considerably as he watched the speeder drop through the sky and towards a series of nightlife below .
" Target hit confirmed " HK alerted Nox despite the man already being away .
" Follow after them , Observe what takes place and then return to following the senator " Nox ordered .
" It will be done " HK replied as Nox cut the link and went to do his own business.
Flying at leisurely pace , HK gently landed on the platform to which the nightlife was taking place , Having long since deconstructed his custom rifle and inserted the pieces into his one chassis to hide it .
HK scanned the aliens making their rounds before ducking into an alleyway , Liquid synth skin spewing over his form as his height adjusted , Taking the form of a blue skinned twilek wearing a dull grey set of robes .
He stepped out of the alley and followed the trail of carnage , Gently pushing by bustling people's as he followed the trail .
By the time he found his targets , It appeared Anakin had seen fit to remove the woman of her hand , The two Jedi putting the hunter on the ground in an effort to interrogate her.
Tuning his hearing , HK behind to listen in .
" Do you know who it was you were trying to kill " Obi-Wan asked , Kneeling Infront of the woman .
" The Senator from Naboo " Zam replied , Sending hateful glances up at Anakin whilst nervously looking around .
" Who hired you " Obi-Wan asked , Leaning closer even as the alien glared harder at him " It was just a job "
Anakin seemed to be getting tired of her evasiveness , Twitching slightly as his grip tightened " Tell us "
" She's gonna die soon anyway , I can guarantee whoever they send next won't mess up like I did " Zam hissed as the burnt limb flared in pain.
" It looks like This wound's going to need
treatment " Obi-Wan tried to compromise with the obviously irate woman.
" Who hired you, Tell us... tell us now" Anakin finally snapped as the womans eyes snapped to him , A hateful sneer mounting on her face but nonetheless gave in.
"It was a Bounty Hunter called..."
HK picked up a new noise just before zam gasped , The woman seizing and beginning to shake , Following the trail of fire , HK spied Jango Fett crouched down with his hand extended .
Obi-Wan and Anakin too turn to see Jango Fett just as the man's rocket pack roars to life before he ascends and escapes into the night .
The woman went still in Anakins arms , Obi-Wan reaching forward and pulling something from the woman's chest .
" Toxic Dart..."
Anakin stood beside jar jar , Standing guard to the entrance to padme's bedroom whilst she and dorme packed her luggage.
Before long Padme marched from her room with dorme in toe , Staring straight forward to jar jar .
" Representative Binks , I am confident in my decision to count on you " Padme stopped Infront of the gungan wearing very baggy clothing .
" Yousa betchen mesa bottums " Jar jar answered in his regular decorum .
" Ahh jar jar what did we speak of " Padme gave a pointed look to jar jar . As a representative to his species , It was expected of jar jar by many to speak of in a dignified manner as it often rubbed people the wrong way when he would speak as his ditsy self . So with the help of Kanya and Padme , They had been teaching him a more proper and educated manner of speaking .
" Oh yes , pardone-ay, Senator. I mean, I am honoured to accept this heavy burden. I take on this responsibility with deep humility tinged with an overwhelming pride , It is not every day that I am called upon to... " Cutting jar jar off , Padme rose to the tips of her toes and gently planted a kiss on the gungans cheek , Turning the gungan red and causing a heated almost hateful glare to come onto anakin's face , Pointed solely on the gungan.
" That'll do jar jar , You're a good friend. Now I don't wish to hold you up. I'm sure you have a great deal to do " Padme dismissed the gungan .
"Of course, M'lady " Jar Jar bowed and turned , Turning from the woman as a smile came to his face , Evidently senator Padme was in a very foul mood.
" I don't like this absurd idea of hiding " Padme hissed as she passed by Anakin to continue packing.
" Don't worry , Now that the council has declared the order of an investigation, It won't take long to find the bounty hunter " Anakin smiled , Eyes roaming level the irate senators body whilst she wasn't looking .
" I haven't working for years to stop this damnable military creation act , Only to not be here when the culmination of my actions comes to bare " Padme growled out , Frustrated to her very core .
Sagely of not arrogantly , Anakin continued to smirk as he made his way around the bed " Sometimes we have to let go of our pride and do what is requested of us "
Padme paused her movements , Her eye twitching slightly as she turned to face Anakin " Pride ... Annie ... you're young , Inexperienced and definitely don't have a very firm grip of politics , I suggest you reserve your opinions for some other time with someone who wants to listen to them "
" Sorry ... I was only trying too ... " Anakin tried to say before Padme cut him off .
" Annie no ... " Padme cut him off .
Anakin looked sad if not depressed at the nickname " Please don't call me that "
" Call you what " Padme turned back to Anakin in a huff .
" Annie ... "
" I've always called you that , It's your name isn't it " Padme rebuked , Crossing her arms under her bust .
" It's Anakin. When you say Annie , it's like I'm still a little boy... and I'm not , So please call me by my name " Anakin looked at the woman who he crushed hard on with pleading eyes.
" Anakin I'm sorry ... I get your point , Besides It's impossible to deny you've..." Padme openly looked up and down Anakin slowly " ...that you've grown up "
' Well ... it's impressive ... but from what I've seen ... he definitely has a long way to go if he's even going to come close to his fathers... physique ' Padme blushed slightly turning her head as Anakin looked away embarrassed .
" Well ... master Obi-wan manages not to see it " Anakin bitterly replied as he looked out the window .
" Well , Mentors have a way of seeing more of our faults than we would like . It's how we grow is it not " Padme replied , Grabbing another bundle of clothing before shoving them into another suitcase .
" Don't get me wrong... Obi-Wan is a great mentor. As wise as Master Yoda and as powerful as Master Windu. I am truly thankful to be his apprentice. Only... although I'm a Padawan learner, in some ways... a lot of ways... I'm ahead of him. I'm ready for the trials. I know I am ,He knows it too. He believes I'm too unpredictable... Other Jedi my age have gone through the trials and made it... I know I started my training late... but he won't let me move on " Anakin rounded , Standing next Tia. black vase with his back towards the window , Staring intently at Padme as she once more had another bundle of clothes.
" That must be frustrating" Padme bent down and gently pushed and refitted her packed clothing.
"It's worse... he's overly critical. He never listens, He just doesn't understand ,It's not
fair" Anakin snapped , Pacing across the room until he was on the same side of the bed as Padme's bag .
Padme remained with her back turned , Trying to stop the shaking in her shoulders as she held in a giggle " I'm sorry... You sounded exactly like that little boy I once knew, when he didn't get his way "
Anakin however was almost completely unamused as his eye twitched " I'm not whining "
" I didn't say it to hurt you , It's okay " Padme smiled kindly as she placed a hand on the teens shoulder , Dorme watching from the back of the room .
" I know " Anakin slumped slightly as he put his head in his hands.
"Anakin..." Anakin looked up to Padme , Both holding each other's gazes for several seconds before her lips parted "Don't try to grow up too fast"
Anakin stood back up and smiled down at her "I am grown up. You said it yourself"
"Please don't look at me like that" Padme shifted as the teen began to looked at her more intensely .
"Why not"
"Because I can see what you'rethinking" Padme took half a step back as anakin's lips curled in amusement.
" Are you force sensitive " Anakin's sked in jest as dorne watched the exchange with mild concern .
" No It makes me feel uncomfortable" Padme rebuked before shoving her way past Anakin and moving to finish her pack .
" Sorry, M'lady "
CORUSCANT CIVILIAN SPACEPORT
Stepping off of a civilian bus , Dressed in meager peasant outfits , Dorme , Obi-Wan and Typho waiting with their luggage as the two laughed together as Anakin joked to the woman .
" Milady , I bid you safe travels and stay " Typho bowed lightly as Padme returned the gesture.
" Thank you captain , Take care of dorme , the threats on you two now " Padme looked towards dorme , A small trail of tears running down the woman's face as she was dressed as Padme .
" He'll be safe with me " Her lips quivered as she spoke , Padme bringing the woman into a hug as she held her head gently .
" You'll be fine " Padme hushed before pulling back .
" It's not me I'm worried about milady , It's you . What if they realise our plot " Dorme whimpered , Padme shook her head , Gesturing towards Anakin.
" Then I have faith that my Jedi protector will prove to me how grown up he is no " Padme reassured dorme as the three shared a smile .
Nobody present noticed the observing red lenses of HK as the droid watched them from the other side of the spaceport , masquerading as a protocol droid with his chassis alteration.
Slowly he made his way forward as Padme and dorme shared one last hug , Anakin moving to pick up Padme's luggage whilst artoo began to follow after them a few paces behind.
Once more listening in , HK heard the master and apprentice bid each other farewell with the words may the force be with you .
Making their way onto the huge freighter that would be transporting them to naboo , Padme couldn't help the small frown that came to her face .
"Suddenly, I'm afraid..."
" It's okay I'm kinda scared too. This is my first assignment on my own " Anakin shared with the woman who began to look even more unsure at that titbit of information . However she shook off her Unease soon after at another one of anakin's jokes .
" There's nothing to worry about...we have Artoo with us.
" I do hope he doesn't try anything foolish " HK heard as he walked right past Obi-Wan and Typho in small calculated steps.
" I'd be more concerned about her doing something , Than him " Was the last thing HK heard of the exchange between the two as he just made it aboard the freighter before it's doors were closed , The droid mingling between the Tennant's as it made it's way to a dark part of the ship to once more change shape to be near its targets .
" My master ... we are out bound for naboo " HK reported as his chassis shifted , Another layer of synth skin covering him before he was made to look like a short tan skinned well endowed human female .
" Very good ... very good . Keep me updated "
CHAPTER COMPLETE
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