The Long Road Back

Chapter Thirteen: It's a Trap

~~~~~~~~~~

There was a scant amount of information regarding Kenobi's current situation. Palpatine perused what little there was. Discreet inquiries revealed that Kenobi was living with two women. Both were reported to be quite attractive. He chuckled, imagination speculating upon the tidbit.

Well, well, Master Kenobi. Not quite as uptight as Anakin thought, are you? Two women even. Anakin only got one and the stupid boy committed himself to her alone.

Two women. Kenobi went up a few notches in Palpatine's esteem. Who would ever have guessed to look at him? He had that boring air down pat. Palpatine knew how difficult one woman was to juggle and wondered, did they have a schedule worked out or something? They must to keep jealousies at bay. Equal time with Kenobi. Interesting to ponder. He must remember to ask about that.

He tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair and stared out the window at the planet below. If Kenobi had a thing going with two women, that indicated he wasn't a model Jedi, which in turn would make his conversion much easier.

Oh, he just loved it when his plans settled in to place! It gave him a heady rush far more potent than any narcotic. Palpatine envisioned glorious days ahead once more with Obi-Wan Kenobi at his side.

~~~~~~~~~~

The process of Obi-Wan going out the door on an errand took nearly as long as the errand would itself. Padmé watched them from the corner of her eye, reminded very much of how she and Anakin had once behaved.

The two would hug, a huge undertaking alone due to the size of Dormé's pregnant belly, then exchange a series of kisses. In between those kisses they would whisper low to each other. Padmé heard several pet phrases and names that raised her brows in amusement and brought a blush to her cheeks. Out of all the pet phrases, Obi-Wan's favorite appeared to be 'saucy wench', at which Dormé would giggle in a girlish fashion. He repeated it often.

It was rather nauseating really. Padmé wondered if she and Anakin had been as obvious as Obi-Wan and Dormé were. She suspected now that they had been and their relationship had been a very open secret.

Finally, Obi-Wan stepped back, one hand flipping his hair back into place with little success. Dormé had messed it up pretty well. Tufts stood up in back. He had a warm twinkle in his eyes and his face was flushed. A goofy grin turned his lips. "Well then. I'll be back in a few hours."

"Hurry home," Dormé said in a breathy whisper.

Padmé hurriedly averted her eyes, anticipating yet another round of affection. Several times she'd almost retreated to give the two privacy, but they'd thankfully calmed themselves before that had been necessary.

"Contact me if you need me. Don't hesitate."

You'd think they were newlyweds, Padmé thought, suppressing a sigh.

"I'll miss you," Dormé cooed at the doorway.

"No, I'll miss you," he replied, stepping outside.

"I'll miss you more."

"No, I'll miss you more."

After a few more minutes of that exchange, he left and Dormé promptly collapsed onto the couch beside Padmé, putting her feet up on the low table. "Tell me more about that doctor network." She fanned herself with one hand.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not? I think I can keep a secret."

Why wasn't it a good idea? Because it was something Padmé felt she should keep close for now. It wasn't the time to reveal what she'd arranged. Besides, the less Dormé knew the better. In a short while, she was going to have a child to raise. Being near a Jedi was bad enough on the danger scale, but add the rebel medical network into that? No, Dormé would remain ignorant of Padmé's latest work. That way, she could honestly claim ignorance if anyone asked and she and the child would be safe. Relatively.

"I'll tell you later. Why don't you show me this nightgown project you mentioned?" As she'd hoped it would, the suggestion distracted her friend.

Dormé put on some music and indicated which box Padmé should open. The color of the silk was a beautiful pink-orange. 'Melon' she thought was the name of the color, which was appropriate, for the shade was the same color as the sweet melons grown in regions of Naboo. There were sketches of designs resting on the silk and Padmé thoroughly approved of the final design. It was simple 'v' neckline, with slim straps. The fabric would be bias cut. Dormé planned the embroidery to run diagonally from the right shoulder, across the top edge of the bodice to the center, then run diagonally once more all down the side of the gown to the hem. It was going to be absolutely lovely when completed.

No decision had been made on the exact embroidery design, so they settled down with several, discussing the pros and cons of each and changing color combinations so as to best compliment the shade of the fabric. They were well into planning when there was a noise outside.

Dormé looked up. "Ben? You're home early. Didn't they have the part?" She switched off the music.

There was no answer. Padmé went still, her body stiffening. A sense of danger filled her. She cocked her head and listened a moment, then rose from her seat. Dormé did the same, reaching for their cloaks and tossing Padmé's to her. They hurried into them, ready in case they needed to run out into the desert heat.

It could be sandpeople. The house was in an area they frequented. Or it could be animals. They'd had problems with animals prowling about before. It could be many things.

Padmé snatched up the binoculars Obi-Wan kept by the window, her heart a fierce pounding in her chest. Focusing, she searched the visible area, managing not to gasp when she saw the two ships to the right on the desert floor.

Imperial troops.

There was no activity around them. She squinted. When had they arrived? Had she and Dormé been so wrapped up in the project that they'd not noticed the arrival? Stupid! They both should have been paying attention. They should have heard the arrival and Padmé never should have returned to Tatooine to begin with. She'd been careless hadn't she? Assuming the empire would not find any of them. Blithely tripping about the galaxy as she had been.

The whole of her own recent stupidity flooded over her. Obi-Wan had tried to tell her, hadn't he? He'd tried to --

"Padmé?" Dormé's voice was a whisper.

"Troops," she returned, still looking in vain for any sign of them.

"How many?"

"Two ships, but I don't see anyone."

"Two ships for three people?" Dormé was in motion as she spoke, flipping open one cabinet and drawing out two wicked looking blasters. "That's overkill --"

"Unless they knew they were after a Jedi," Padmé finished for her.

"I don't plan on going easily."

Padmé turned, took the gun her friend handed her. It was a standard, if somewhat souped-up model. One blast would pack quite a punch. "There's no sign of them. We're probably already surrounded."

With a nod, Dormé moved towards the back of the house. "I'll check the rear."

A man in full soldier uniform blocked the doorway. "That won't be necessary. Drop your weapons."

Padmé leveled her weapon at the front doorway and Dormé kept hers on the man. "You first," Dormé said in a sweet tone.

And then they were firing, killing soldiers as more entered the house until....

Padmé's blaster jammed. She swung it viciously at the head of one soldier but the blow never made contact. A fist slammed into her face and her world went black.

~~~~~~~~~~

Something was wrong. There should not be smoke pouring from his home, not even if Dormé had managed to burn dinner. Great plumes of black swirled up to the sky. His heart leapt into his throat and the sweat on his body seemed to suddenly become ice.

Obi-Wan pushed the speeder to its limit. A small Imperial transport waited a short distance from the house. He sensed no one. Not Dormé or Padmé. Panic made his limbs tremble and he took a few calming breaths before leaping from the speeder and running into the house.

The blasters he'd bought for Dormé were discarded on the floor and he had time to see both scorch marks and blood on the walls and furniture before the smoke forced him to retreat outside. There were no bodies. Relief eclipsed the panic. They had not left bodies for him to find. A small kindness, but what awaited him above?

His glance turned to the transport. Obi-Wan boarded it, a calm falling over him. He prepared to lift off. This, he knew, was a trap. There was nothing else it could be. They'd known he'd try to rescue the women and left the transport here for him to follow. The bait ploy. Dangle the bait and reel in the hunted one. He'd hoped this day would never come.

I should have been watching for it, he thought. I should have remained vigilant. I.I've had many other things on my mind and the empire finding me was the least of them.

Qui-Gon's words came back to him and he bowed his head.

Can you still do your job should you be called to? Can you live without her if need be?

Sitting back, he stroked his beard in thought. Don't act on emotion, he told himself. Look at it from all angles. What is the right road at this juncture? The man you are tells you to go after them, but what does the Jedi you are tell you to do?

After a moment, Obi-Wan piloted the ship up from Tatooine's surface.

Sometimes, the right road was the very one loving emotion set one upon. On that, the Jedi he was agreed with the man he'd become.

~~~~~~~~~~

The seat was uncomfortable and the company was odious.

Dormé cradled Padmé's head against her belly and inspected the swelling place on her lady's jaw for the fifth time since they'd lifted off. Padmé had yet to regain consciousness. Around her, she heard the coarse conversation of the men; their speculations and crude innuendos. They seemed to be under the greatly mistaken impression that Dormé and Padmé were concubines of Obi-Wan's.

Another time, that might have amused her. Her questions were met with snickers and the only thing she could get from them was that the Emperor wanted to see them. She bit her lip, not looking forward to the meeting. Would Obi-Wan come after them? Would he rescue them from Palpatine? Was it even possible to rescue someone from Imperial capture? Dormé suspected it would be difficult for Obi-Wan to do so, if not impossible.

She worked the hood of Padmé's cloak up over her lady's head, then searched in the folds until she found the veil that fastened across the face below the eyes. There. Now it was only herself under their scrutiny.

Of course Obi-Wan would come after them. It was silly to even think he wouldn't. He was her husband and he loved her. She trusted him with her life, with everything. He would come. She let herself picture him in her mind, his head next to hers on their pillow as they'd discussed baby matters just that morning. His kisses had been gentle....

Tears stung her eyes and she blinked them away. I won't cry, Dormé decided. I won't let them see me upset by this turn.

"What's your name?"

She looked up. The man asking was not a clone trooper, or one of the other troopers. His uniform was that of an officer. Dormé met his gaze with the haughtiest look she could muster and copied the regal tone Padmé had often used. "My name is of no importance to you."

"We'll know soon enough, lady. Might as well tell us." At her silence, he snorted, gesturing to Padmé. "How about her name? Is it of importance?"

"She is my handmaiden."

He nodded. "Of course she is. Which culture? Am I going to have to dig through buried files to retrieve her true identity? I know you ladies love to change your names upon taking a...posting."

She narrowed her eyes at him. Several choice names in six languages came to mind, but she didn't loose any of the curses upon her tongue.

Crouching down in front of her, he leveled an amused stare at her stomach. "Is the kid the Jedi's?"

She returned her attention to Padmé, relieved to notice that Padmé's eyes were open and she was listening. "I do not see how it is your business."

"It's the Emperor's business. He wishes to know the state of the two women picked up. I intend to tell him with as much detail as possible. Now, is the Jedi the child's father? He'll wish to know."

Dormé didn't respond.

"I'll take that as an affirmative." He stood, conversed in low tones with one soldier, then nodded and returned to her. "Well, well. Dormé Kaserrah of Naboo. Told you it'd be soon. But as for your...handmaiden, I still have no identity for her. Strange. As though she does not exist. Tell me her name."

Padmé chose that moment to sit up, then turned and clasped one of Dormé's hands. Her gaze implored Dormé to let her handle this, but Dormé couldn't. She'd spent far too long protecting Padmé to sit back.

Padmé's lips tightened with displeasure. "Are you all right, milady?"

Shades of the past. She recalled saying those words to Padmé. Dormé nodded.

The man, who hadn't told them his name, grabbed Padmé's arm, jerking her to face him. "Give me your name."

Padmé was silent a moment, but then there was the hint of a smile behind the veil. "You can call me Lady Sky."

He released her with a raised brow. "Lady Sky? Somehow I get the feeling you're not being entirely honest, but never mind. The Emperor will find the truth of it. I'll leave you to him." The ship landed and he motioned to several soldiers. "Take them to the Throne room, then return here. The Emperor will meet you there, ladies."

The trip through the halls revealed little in the way of personnel and the lighting was low. Dormé wondered on that. Where was everyone? She exchanged a puzzled glance with Padmé. Aside from their escorts, they'd only seen Palpatine's red robed guards. Dormé had a bad feeling about this. Something was not right.

The baby kicked inside her, an uncomfortable press.

The throne room had obviously been hastily converted from something else, but what Dormé wasn't certain. There were several consoles on two walls whose nature she could not discern without a closer look at the panels. Was this possibly a secondary bridge? A redundant command center? Perhaps, she decided, peering at the consoles with a speculative stare. Palpatine always did like to be in control of everything and he'd have control at his elbow in case he needed it. Her glance took another turn about the room. There was an over-use of yards of red fabric and the chair Palpatine sat in looked out of place.

"The prisoners, my lord."

The soldiers were dismissed and once they were alone, Palpatine frowned. "I know you. You were a handmaiden to Padmé Amidala." He nodded. "Yes, I remember you. Quite loyal. You returned to Naboo to live, so what are you doing in Obi-Wan Kenobi's house on Tatooine?" The question appeared rhetorical as he didn't wait for an answer, continuing on in that cool tone. A leer curved his lips, his attention lingering on her belly. "I believe I can guess what you were doing, hmm?" He chuckled. "Naughty of Kenobi. He certainly has a thing for handmaidens." A mock innocent expression twisted his features further. "You...are aware you aren't the first of Amidala's handmaidens he romanced?"

She kept her expression neutral. Of course she'd known about the other handmaiden, but to be fair, Obi-Wan had still been somewhat of a rash youth at the time and he had tried to explain to the woman why he had to break ties with her. Obi-Wan had shared his past with Dormé and she'd done the same. When she showed no outward response, Palpatine's humor faded.

"Where is that lady now and where will you be when he tires of you?"

Beside her, Padmé drew herself up tall, the folds of her cloak rustling.

Palpatine turned his attention to Padmé. "Remove your veil, woman. I would see your face." His eyes narrowed and he leaned forward, hands clenching the arms of the chair. "I know your presence as well, however...something eludes me. I sense something...someone...who should not be here and yet is. Remove it." His voice became guttural on the last two words.

Padmé shook her head.

His brows raised. "Remove it, or I will." There was a beep, his glance lowering to the datapad on his lap. Slowly he sat back in his seat. Satisfaction fairly shimmered in the air about him. "Very well. We'll wait a few moments. Then, the truth will be out."

Dormé gritted her teeth against the sharp pain in her lower back and shifted her weight. The baby was active in her belly and she wondered how long she'd be able to remain standing. She slipped her hands under her stomach and hoped Ben would get here soon.

~~~~~~~~~~~

He had been summoned. Anakin wasn't sure what annoyed him the most; being summoned or the fact that he had to go to the space directly above Tatooine to meet with Palpatine. He snorted at that. Tatooine of all places.

Luckily, he'd been in the area. His curiosity had gotten the better of him the past couple days and he'd been on Naboo when the urgent summons had come, heading for the area Norel's letters had originated from. Ready to meet her or not, he'd been determined to track her down and so he had. Vader's clearances had proved useful in that quest and Anakin didn't know why he hadn't thought of that before. How had it eluded him? He could have met with Norel immediately after that first letter. If Palpatine had not ordered that he drop everything or else, he would be introducing himself to her right this minute.

No matter, he decided. He'd simply go to her after this meeting with Palpatine.

Anakin thought on what he'd been able to find out so far. There wasn't much, Palpatine keeping him short on details like usual. There were two prisoners, both women. He recognized the name of one. Dormé Kaserrah. He hadn't thought about her in a long time. He remembered she'd worked for Padmé once. What was she doing here and why was it important that Vader show up? Was this something to do with the rebels? The update mentioned she was very pregnant, as though it was an important detail. Palpatine wanted Vader there immediately. Likely it was a rebel matter and he'd be on his way soon, able to finish the rest of his day off in peace.

Anakin didn't think he'd bother changing into the suit. It wasn't as though this would take long.

Docking his ship, he noted the strange absence of personnel. A sense of deja-vu swept over him, memories of another time he'd traversed deserted corridors. That memory also had Palpatine in it. His ship was the only one there and he saw no one as he walked. Strange, which meant that Palpatine was really up to something this time. A ship with a skeleton crew in an isolated part of the galaxy. Palpatine didn't want witnesses to whatever he anticipated happening.

Not good. Not good at all.

Just what had Palpatine orchestrated this time? His last performance had netted Anakin into the embrace of the dark side and caused Vader to emerge ascendant. What did Palpatine anticipate?

Anakin stretched his senses out, thenpaused in his strides, tilting his head a little. He stopped walking.

That felt like.... No. It was his imagination. Padmé was dead. And that? No. Obi-Wan wouldn't fall for any of Palpatine's plans.

But his presence was getting stronger the longer Anakin stood still.

Then the sound of running behind him. Lightsaber ready, he whirled to greet his old Master.