The Shadows Star: Book 2

12: Bait

The night air enveloped Sombra and Anakin on the balcony, the atmosphere crisp and still, their attention drawn to the sprawling cityscape of Coruscant. This tranquil moment shattered when Padme emerged from her room, her discontent echoing in the resonant stillness. "Cameras?! Are you serious, Som? There are cameras in my room, watching me work and sleep! Am I some prisoner? You assured me your plan wouldn't be disruptive!"

Sombra tensed at the senator's vehement outburst. "Technically, I promised my plan would only be as disruptive as necessary. The cameras are there for your protection, Maé," Sombra rose to meet her friend's challenging gaze. "I've always pledged to take every precaution necessary to ensure your safety. I was tasked with devising a plan, and I did. Everyone agreed this plan was the best guarantee for your safety."

Padme's frown deepened, her voice carrying an edge. "I don't need more protection; I need answers. We must lure out whoever is trying to kill me. We need to find who killed Cordé!"

Sombra's patience with her dear friend wore dangerously thin, and it snapped when Anakin interjected. "Sombra, I agree with Padme. Your plan is for basic protection but think about it. Three Jedi are assigned on top of the security force. It's overkill. We should consider her plan."

With sarcasm infusing her retort, Sombra shot back, "What brilliant plan have you devised, oh wise Senator? How in the galaxy do you plan to lure out the killer?"

Padme spoke with unwavering confidence, "Use me as bait."

Sombra's jaw dropped.

"We can cover the cameras and just have R2 in the room. That should be more than enough. If they come in, he will alert you, and we can catch the killer. Besides, you have your Jedi senses, and you always know things before they happen. Use them."

"Absolutely not! My—," she pointed at Anakin, "our direct orders are to protect you, not gamble with your life!"

"Since when do you care about orders? You spend almost every day breaking at least one part of your Jedi code! Gambling, sneaking out, boys, drinking, shall I go on? Why is this any different?" Padme countered.

"Because it's your life on the line!" Sombra exclaimed, seething with frustration. "You aren't just some rule or order I can overlook and ignore for fun. You are my friend, my sister! I refuse to let my hands bear the blood of another person I love. I will not put your life in danger on a gamble. I will do you both a favor and not report you to Obi-Wan or Typho. But I will not hear another word." With that, she stomped away to her room, her energy exhausted from the chaotic day.

Padme slammed her hands on the railing as Anakin stood awkwardly by. "I can't believe her! She breaks every rule shamelessly but can't overlook this? And now she's stressed and not herself at all. You agree with me, right?"

Anakin nodded, his expression conflicted. "Yes, I agree with you, Padme, but I don't think she will change her mind."

"That's right; she won't," Padme replied, suddenly calmer. She turned excitedly to him. "And she doesn't have to agree. You and I can work this out. You can keep watch while I cover the cameras. If anyone asks, just say I felt uncomfortable with it. We will catch whoever is responsible, and when we do, Som will feel much better, and she'll go back to her normal self. What do you say?"

Anakin looked around and carefully shielded his thoughts from Sombra. "Okay, I'm in."

"Perfect."

As Padme made her way to her room, Anakin couldn't shake his inner turmoil. He understood Som's feelings, but he sensed guilt and grief within her that he couldn't place. He wanted to know why she mentioned having blood on her hands and why she wasn't willing to help find the killer.

As he continued contemplating the possibilities, Obi-Wan walked back in, concern etched on his face. "Captain Typho has more than enough men downstairs. No assassin will try that way. Any activity up here?"

"Quiet as a tomb. I don't like just waiting here for something to happen to her."

Obi-Wan reached for a scanner on his belt and attempted to check the cameras, but the image remained unchanged. He tapped the scanner in frustration. "What's going on?"

Anakin shrugged and stuttered out, "Uh...She covered the cameras. I don't think she liked me watching her."

Obi-Wan looked worried. "What is she thinking?"

"She programmed Artoo to warn us if there's an intruder."

"It's not an intruder I'm worried about. There are many other ways to harm a Senator."

"I know, but we also want to catch this assassin. Don't we, Master?"

"You're using her as bait? Does she know? Does Sombra? I don't think she would be very happy with this."

Anakin winced at the thought of the fury Sombra could unleash if she found out. "It was Padmé's idea... Don't worry, no harm will come to her."

"Sombra doesn't know?"

"Well, kind of. It doesn't matter; I can sense everything going on in that room. Trust me."

"I trust you, Anakin. But it's too risky... besides, your senses aren't that finely tuned, young apprentice."

"And yours are?"

"Possibly."

Anakin made his way to the couch and lay down, rubbing his face in frustration.

"Anakin, you look tired. Go rest."

Anakin shook his head, his gaze distant. "I don't sleep well anymore."

Obi-Wan's concern was evident in her expression. "Because of your mother?"

Anakin hesitated for a moment and then nodded, his eyes fixed on the twinkling lights of the city outside. "I don't know why I keep dreaming about her now. I haven't seen her since I was little."

Obi-Wan stepped closer, reached out, and placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Dreams pass in time."

He turned, his expression vulnerable. "I'd much rather dream about Som. Just being around her again... it's intoxicating. I feel whole."

"Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin; they betray you. You've made a commitment to the Jedi Order... a commitment not easily broken. And don't forget Sombra has made the same commitment and has worked very hard to improve herself."

"She's not like the other Jedi, Master. She knows what love is, what it feels like. We're bonded for life; I know she must want it too..."

"It's been my observation that Sombra intends to keep your bond. But, she has shown no indication of reciprocating your... feelings. And she seems quite focused. On the other hand, you have been distracted all evening. I have told you time and time again to control your feelings, but you have refused."

"Not another lecture

, Master. Not on my feelings. You never express yourself; what would you know?"

"Anakin, just because I have control over my thoughts and feelings does not mean I do not feel. I understand how difficult it is to do what I am asking, more than you know."

The two continued their conversation, and Sombra stirred in her sleep. She woke up with a strange sense that something was amiss. She made her way out of the room, an icy feeling creeping up her neck and sending shivers down her spine. As she walked out, she felt Anakin blocking her out. Her eyes narrowed, and she growled, "Anakin! What did you do?!"