When the Sun Sets

Chapter 18 - Escape

Author's Note: Two chapters left! ;) And an epilogue, of course. Then, we'll be on to the sixth and final book in the series. :D

~ Amina Gila

Padme Amidala

I didn't think the galaxy could fall apart any further, but apparently, I was wrong. The Republic is now an Empire; everyone was cheering about it. None of this makes sense, and – everything I've ever worked for is gone overnight. Right when we were finally starting to fight for the Chancellor to return his power. I thought it was about to get better.

In truth, I really don't know what to think of how Anakin and Aniya are staying loyal to the Chancellor. Or – or what Obi-Wan was saying. I don't want to believe it. I can't. They wouldn't –

Jaufre looks as mind-blown as me, as we sit side-by-side on the couch, right after Obi-Wan leaves. All I can remember on repeat is how Jaufre had said last night that something seemed wrong about the twins. I noticed it too. But that they would do this, join the Sith, that's – it doesn't seem possible. I know what that means to them.

Neither of us speak. I don't know what to say. We can go to Mustafar and talk to them, or we can wait until they get back, or –

"Senator!" Captain Typho appears in the doorway, looking almost breathless.

Jaufre is on his feet instantly. "What is it?"

"Clones were just seen entering the main entrance of the building," he replies, "One of our officers was right nearby, and they say they saw a Jedi entering and leaving the building, and they're here to arrest all Jedi conspirators among the Senators."

No. They saw – did they see Obi-Wan? Or was it Alema and Ahsoka? I know no Jedi would have come to Bail's apartment and that means they're after me.

Jaufre spins to face me. "We need to get you out of here now."

Normally, I would say we should stay to defend it normally through legal means, because running will only be worse, but there's no such thing as law anymore. It's not a chance I'll take, especially not with the baby. (I can't believe the Republic has come to this. Why is all this happening? How? Why is no one doing anything?)

"Then we have to go immediately," I reply, heart hammering.

Jaufre nods, spinning and giving out orders, and everyone flies into motion. Captain Typho, Jaufre, Dorme, Corde, and I race for the speeder, scrambling in with the few things we can carry, and Captain Typho fires up the engine. Clone ships are already circling around, a distance away from the building as we take off. The speeder is somewhat closed in, but I know they're going to realize who's it is quickly enough – too quickly.

I can't even believe this is happening, that I'm running from the Republic – Empire – now. Only yesterday, everything was hardly normal, but it was... at least somewhat recognizable.

The clones notice us almost instantly, yelling an order from their ship for us to stand down immediately.

Jaufre pulls out his blaster, eyes narrowing angrily. I'd be more upset too, if I wasn't feeling so... destroyed. It's becoming worse and worse recently, and for a moment, I remember what Anakin said about his vision, but I banish it just as quickly. (I know I'm not well, though.)

"Stand down, this is your last warning," the clone troopers calls.

We only increase speed, zooming in between the buildings. I don't like this. I don't want to get other people hurt, but we can't just surrender. Especially not for the baby... I can't let him – or her – be put in danger like this.