The polished steps of the Coruscant Senate building gleamed beneath the midday suns, reflecting the sleek shadows of speeders that passed by overhead in their endless stream of traffic.
Padmé ascended them with a purpose, her purple, senatorial robes flowing behind in her wake. Her face was schooled into a determined glare. She bypassed anyone that attempted to strike up casual conversation.
At her side, Caleb moved briskly, his expression taut, eyes sweeping every corner of their surroundings. He'd never visited this place before. Only ever saw it from a distance at the Temple, its presence basking in the horizon.
Halfway up the steps stood Anakin, cloaked in his dark robes, arms crossed as he waited patiently in the shadows of the column. When he caught sight of Padmé, the line of his shoulders eased slightly. He stepped into stride beside her as if they had rehearsed it a dozen times before.
"I hear you come baring gifts?" he asked under his breath, glancing over his shoulder to his co-generals young Padawan. He shot him a nod of acknowledgment.
"I do," Padmé replied, eyes fixed ahead. "The Senate needs to see what's happening. To see how our neglect of innocent systems leads to turmoil. Once the images are presented, they can't ignore it."
Anakin's gaze flicked again toward Caleb, who offered him a silent nod. Together, the trio entered the towering corridor of the Senate building, where pillars arched like stone sentinels and glowpanels bathed the halls in light. Clusters of senators and government offices populated the area, recognizing the well-known faces of the Naboo Senator and Jedi Knight.
"Images," Anakin said, keeping his voice low, "and how exactly did you get those?"
"Dakota," she answered. "She's on New Barenth. Infiltrated the city herself. These came directly from her and Captain Rex."
Anakin's brow furrowed, but it quickly gave way to something similar to admiration.
"Of course she did. I'm jealous." he muttered, feeling slighted since he was missing out on all the action.
"She kept it quiet. Only I, and Caleb know." she explained. "I'm assuming it'd be a direct violation of the councils wishes, so obviously they weren't made privy to it."
They moved deeper into the building. The low murmur of voices up ahead hinted that the Senate was beginning to gather.
"And what if it doesn't work?" Caleb asked, his tone hushed as he quickened his pace to keep up. "What if they vote against intervention? The Separatists will tighten their grip, right? The people will be stranded. My master, she might be stuck."
Padmé hesitated, her strides slowing. The question lingered in the charged air. For once, she had no polished response.
It was Anakin who answered.
"Then we make our own move," he said simply. Padmé turned to look at him. There was no surprise in her eyes—only that same, warm understanding. Caleb studied Anakin, uncertain whether to question him or agree. "If the Senate won't vote for, and do, the right thing," Anakin began, his voice low and certain, "then someone will. That someone being me." he pointed to himself. Padmé gave a hopeless shake of her head, offering a gentle smile.
YOU ARE READING
Afterglow II | The Clone Wars
Fanfictionbook 2 although the Clone War is drawing to a close, there is still a war within the Jedi of many secrets. The Order has shaped her ethics, but that which is forbidden is her inner compass. She is a warrior, a sister, a friend, a lover. Ultimately...
