Chapter Text
‘“Morning Senators,” the all too familiar modulated voice of Cad Bane sounded out following the abrupt blaster fire. I cursed under my breath, turning from the impromptu meeting we had been having in the grand lobby.
It had been a year since Geonosis, a full year since the last time I had even spoken to Rex and, of course, once again the Senate was under attack. I was more irritated than scared this time as the blue Bounty Hunter rounded the Senators, including myself, further into the lobby forcing us close together as his crew counted the hostages. Padme and Bail stood close to me, attempting to help me shield my son from the absolute chaos around us. Nearby Jai Yang was glaring at the man as though she would single handedly save us from the crew. I frowned, despite my respect for the woman, secretly hoping my son's father would be one to save us.
Of course, the one time I decide to bring the baby to work to meet my friends Cad Bane decided to make his presence known, I thought to myself as the man circled the small crowd. If my baby had not been strapped to me, I likely would have punched him, like Fives had taught me, just to let some of my frustration out.
Padme had been the last Senator to arrive along with Bail, the two already discussing the meeting we were meant to be having in the lobby before the vote. The Bounty Hunters had made quick work of rounding us together. The body of the only Senator to stand up to them lay crumpled on the floor in front of us, an unspoken warning of our fate should we attempt anything. Bail and Padme stayed close to me as the Bounty Hunters moved through the crowd, collecting our communication devices. I handed over my comm link without argument when he reached me and the Bounty Hunter paused.
“Ah, Senator, long time, no see,” His voice tore through me, my every instinct telling me to run. I still had frequent night terrors about the last time I had come face to face with the monster before m. “I see you have every reason to behave this time around.” Gesturing to the baby I recoiled, pulling my son protectively against my chest.
“You will not hurt my child,” I snarled, Jai took a step closer, showing her willingness to help me. The Bounty Hunter laughed, his modulated voice piercing through the poignant silence that had fallen around the room.
“I have no intention of harming you or the little creighton, so long as our demands are met.” Around us the power flickered, menacingly, before slamming off abruptly.
Someone had cut the power to the wing, effectively isolating us from the rest of the world. Obviously the Bounty Hunter had learned from his last invasion of the Senate. He moved on to Padme but I felt Bail touch the small of my back.
“Stay close,” he muttered. “Padme seems to have something up her sleeve, just hang tight.” I inclined my head my head in understanding but said nothing. The less these Bounty Hunters noticed my presence the better. No sooner had our exchange ended when the Bounty Hunter began firing wildly at the rafters.
“Skywalker," Bane snarled. “After him.”
Padme feel back from where the Bounty Hunter had been holding her, coming to stand next to us. Out of the corner of my eye I noted Senator Yang fidgeting with her sleeve slightly.
The Bounty Hunters were communicating loudly, apparently the General lacked his weapon. I groaned, Rex had always said his General was reckless and I was starting to believe him. I pulled my baby in tightly to my chest, hoping beyond all reason Skywalker had at least found a way to get a message out to his unit.
"The lightsaber," Padme muttered to Bail. “I have it.”
I gave her a look, she must truly think we are all stupid to not realize she was involved with Skywalker. Bail shot me a look, likely understanding my glare.
At least we had a weapon, I decided, turning away from the two. I tuned out the conversation around me, mentally trying to find a way to protect the baby, I did not care why the Bounty Hunters were here I only cared that they spared us. I sighed.
After what felt like hours, there was motion at the far side of the room, and I rose expectantly, hoping for good news. I let out a slightly groan when I saw what was coming.
The Jedi was dragged into the lobby and I all but cried. There went any hope of an escape. Padme left my side, causing Bail to shift slightly, Jai quickly took Padme’s place blocking me from direct view.
"Just keep your head down," he said softly. "It's under control." While we were all in danger I believe that my friends were most worried about the baby, which settled me slightly. We settled on the floor, huddled together tightly.
The Bounty Hunters began moving around the room, setting charges on all the pillars I shared a look with Organa.
“This isn’t looking good," I settled further and loosened the carrier I had been using to support the baby.
The blue fabric which matched the dress I was wearing fell back revealing the his peaceful face. I smiled remembering when Rex had given it to me, incredibly grateful there had been enough to make both items.
“They have no intention on letting us go," he agreed. I looked at him.
“I need to find a way to protect-," Bail nodded and it was Yangi who spoke next.
“When they leave we will huddle around you, hopefully enough of the charges will be blocked by us that he’ll be ok.” My friends gentle voice was filled with resolution and I nodded. Feeling immense affection for the young woman.
“Senators, Jedi, I bid you all a most respectful farewell,” Bane called out after warning us of the lasers. The Bounty Hunters left swiftly leaving nothing aside from their detonators behind.
The moment they were out of view, Padme dropped to her knees and attempted to rouse the still unconscious Jedi. Around us the bombs engaged.
We were screwed.
“What are you looking so sad about,” Skywalker groaned, finally sitting up. There was a collective sigh of relief as he rose, hope returning to the fearful group around me.
“The bounty hunters said we should just sit here. So I think we should just sit here.” I rolled my eyes, unsure which of my coworkers had spoken so stupidly. Jai chuckled at my expression, eyeing the Jedi curiously as he rose.
"Well,” the General seemed to already have a plan, “that’s not a very good idea.”
Padme handed him his lightsaber as the bombs clicked once again. He immediately began cutting a large hole in the ground beneath us and the others huddled close to me.
I pulled my son in close to my chest, listening to the high whistle of the timers. Kissing the top of his head I allowed the others to huddle in close.
Hopefully our bodies would provide some padding, as Jai had initially suggested. Time slowed as I felt the floor disappear from beneath us. Above our heads the sensors squealed and an explosion sounded overhead.
Our bodies were thrown everywhere and I somehow managed to land on my back, still holding tightly to the infant. Immediately, jai helped me to my feet.
The far doors of the chamber were thrown open, flashes of red and blue filling my vision. I looked down at my still sleeping child, pleased to note he appeared unharmed.
“Cuyan,” A clone all but barrelled into me. His helmet unrecognizable despite the familiarity of the greeting. The man pulled his helmet off revealing a tattoo across his temple of the number five. He paused, pulling back from me slightly. “What is that?”
“Fives,” I sighed, simultaneously pleased to see him and terrified of the rest of my evening. “This is my son, Cassian Rex.”