Cassandra exited the public transport onto the Senate landing platform. Guards milled about everywhere, armed to the teeth. Coiled tension vibrated in the air, ready to snap at any second.

Striding forward, the end of her staff clicked softly against the concrete. Technically she wasn't supposed to go into the city alone. Obi-Wan had a Council meeting. He put her on a shuttle ordering her not to flash her magic around in public and come straight back to the Temple after her meeting with the Chancellor.

Given the level of security at the dock, Cassandra was confident she'd be safe in the Senate building.

One of the dark armored guards intercepted her. "Halt! The public is not allowed inside. You will have to leave, Miss." He pointed a gun at her.

She rolled her eyes. "I received an invitation from Chancellor Palpatine. My name is Cassandra Pierce. Mind telling him I'm here or would you prefer to just shoot me?"

"Wait a moment." The guard pressed his fingers to his earpiece. "A civilian's here claiming she has a meeting with the Chancellor."

Cassandra couldn't hear whatever the other person replied but she was soon ushered into the building.

"Come with me." The helmed guard ordered ushering her into a lift. He shoved her roughly between the shoulder blades, and she stumbled against the wall.

"Hey!" Cassandra whirled around and glared at him. "Watch it, asshole!"

The guard ignored her and hit the button for the second floor. What a dick.

He was lucky Anakin was on a mission because if he had been with Cassandra the guard would be spitting out teeth for daring to lay a hand on her.

With a huff she straightened her robes. The crystal on her staff pulsing with angry light in response to her emotions. She was on her period and suffering from horrible cramps. To say she was unhappy with Palpatine's summons was an understatement.

As the lift climbed, the guard's finger tensed on the trigger of his blaster, but he didn't aim the weapon at Cassandra a second time.

Jeez, security was jumpy today. More than usual. She wondered what was going on.

Exiting the lift, the guard positioned himself outside the Chancellor's office as she entered.

"Ah, Master Pierce, right on time!" With a welcoming smile, Palpatine glided across the room to greet her with open arms.

Cassandra hoped he wasn't going to hug her. They were only acquaintances after all. She smiled and extended her hand which he clasped between his dry, papery palms. "Thank you for the invitation, Your Excellency."

Again, why? Cassandra had little to offer the leader of the Republic.

Placing her hand on his elbow like she was a lady, Palpatine escorted her over to his seating area. Tea and tiny cakes had been arranged on the table.

Cassandra concealed a grimace when she noticed Senator Dorme perched on the long couch wearing a black brocade dress, her hair gathered under an elaborate headpiece-one shaped like a conch shell.

She'd rarely seen the other woman since the disastrous Jedi banquet. Cassandra narrowed her eyes. Did Dorme's face look a little puffy?

"Please, have a seat." Palpatine gestured to the vacant spot beside the Senator. "I'll pour the tea."

"Master Pierce, it is a pleasure to see you again." Dorme said, her expression carefully neutral. She curled a hand protectively over her middle. "I trust you are well."

Cassandra did a double take at the slight curve to her belly. Was the Senator pregnant?

Shocked, she mutely accepted the delicate teacup and saucer from Palpatine. The memory of Dorme and Obi-Wan together swam to the forefront of her mind.

Was Obi-Wan the father?

She quickly dismissed the notion. Obi-Wan was a rigid Jedi through and through. He would never knock up a Senator, right?

"Try the cakes. They're delicious." Palpatine urged.

To be polite Cassandra picked up a pink cake shaped like a flower and popped it in her mouth. A strong floral perfume flooded her mouth making her eyes water. Coughing, she gulped half of her tea to wash it down.

"Was that...perfume?" She wheezed.

Not these things again! Why did rich people always force feed her perfume?

The Chancellor smiled. "The confectioner fills his cakes with perfumed sweet cream. From what I understand, they are a favorite of yours, Senator Dorme?"

The Senator smiled demurely. "Indeed, Chancellor."

Cassandra puckered her mouth wanting to scrape her tongue with a scrub brush to get rid of the overpowering taste. She downed the rest of her tea and refilled her cup. "I prefer chocolate cake personally."

"Goodness! What a luxury! Chocolate is prohibitively expensive!" Palpatine exclaimed. "I've never heard of anyone using chocolate to make cake."

"Its pretty common on Earth." Cassandra replied.

"Then your planet must be quite wealthy."

Cassandra thought of the poverty, the pollution, and the general misery. "That's one perspective."

Dorme delicately nibbled a cake, and bile rose in Cassandra's throat. How could she eat those disgusting things? "I noticed a lot of security. Things seem tense."

Palpatine's expression turned grave. "Ah, yes. There has been further unrest in the lower levels of the city. Threats have been made against the Senate and after the attack on the power generator we've had to increase security."

Cassandra wasn't surprised. A girl had robbed Obi-Wan on the street when she went to the diner with him awhile back. "I think people are running low on food supplies. The Jedi were supposed to address this matter with you, that's what Obi-Wan told me anyway."

"Unfortunately, the supply chain continues to be an issue." Dorme said quietly. "We're doing what we can but it's not nearly enough."

No joke. The Republic was a cracked mirror, the crack was spreading and soon it would explode, raining glass everywhere.

Cassandra rubbed her wedding band with her thumb, an ache settling behind her breast. Wishing Anakin was here with her instead of on some God forsaken planet.

".... Master Pierce?" Palpatine was asking her a question.

Shit balls! Cassandra felt her face warm. "Uh...pardon me. My thoughts drifted away for a moment. Can you repeat your question?"

"Of course, my dear." Palpatine said warmly. "I was saying that its nearly time for the detonation of the electro-proton bomb on Malastare. I will be connecting with Master Windu and Anakin shortly. I thought you'd like to be here for this momentous occasion."

To watch a bomb be set off with her husband in the vicinity? He had to be joking. Cassandra studied him over the rim of her teacup. "What exactly is the electro-proton bomb?"

"I think its best to save your questions for Dr. Boll. She is the bomb's creator and better able to explain the schematics." The Chancellor replied.

'Because a nuclear deterrent always calms things down.' Cassandra thought sarcastically. Palpatine had placed Anakin in the vicinity of such a weapon and it made her blood boil.

Dorme also had misgivings. For once they were on the same page. "Chancellor, aren't you concerned deployment of a new weapon could increase the length of this war? The Republic's finances are already in deep arrears. The galaxy is suffering. We must seek diplomatic avenues to solve the crisis."

"Not to mention it will also encourage the Separatists to more violent actions." Cassandra added, unable to keep her emotions bottled any longer. "The odds are good more people will die once this weapon is deployed not less."

"I hear your concerns." Palpatine countered gently. "But my people are dying faster than I can count. We must do something to usher this war to a swifter conclusion."

In other words, in one ear and out the other. Cassandra set her tea aside. "Will Anakin be safe?"

Dorme glanced at her askance but said nothing.

"Ah, it's time to begin the meeting. Your questions will be answered shortly, my dear." Palpatine deflected and led the two women over to the transmission hub and activated the device.

A hologram with Anakin, Windu, and two unfamiliar aliens appeared above the hub. Cassandra braced her hands against the hub and leaned forward. "Anakin! Are you alright?"

Her husband blinked in surprise. "Master Pierce, what are you doing with the Chancellor?"

"He invited me to attend this meeting." Cassandra answered. "Are you far enough away from the bomb? What about radiation?"

"I assure you the weapon is quite safe." The female alien replied in a robotic monotone that made Cassandra want to throttle her. "The electro-proton bomb targets inorganic material, and machines. Organic lifeforms are safe from the effects of the device."

"But this is the first time you're using it!" Cassandra argued. "You can't be a hundred percent sure the weapon is safe!"

Not that she honestly cared about the scientist. The fact she created a destructive weapon made her evil in Cassandra's book.

"Dr. Boll, please offer us a detailed explanation of what will occur when the bomb detonates." Palpatine interjected.

Cassandra folded her arms and stared death at Dr. Boll. The alien blinked nervously at the sorceress and swallowed hard. 'Yeah, you better be afraid. Because if anything happens to Anakin, I'm coming for you.'

In her peripheral she noticed the Chancellor watching her. She toned down her murderous stare and pasted on a fake smile, beaming from ear to ear.

Anakin coughed into his fist, hiding a laugh.

Yeah, she was convincing no one.

Her staff floated over from the couch where she'd left it. Cassandra curled her fingers around the smooth wood automatically, letting the vibrant magic unspool in her core and calm her.

Dr. Boll gaped at her. She could see the gears turning in the alien's brain. The scientist probably wanted to use Cassandra for an experiment.

'Not on your life, Frog Lady.'

"Dr. Boll." Palpatine spoke firmly, reminding them they were there for a purpose.

"The weapon is designed to overload the droids' servers and shut them down permanently." The scientist explained, her orange bulbous eyes still dissecting Cassandra. "I am confident there will be no threat to any organic lifeforms."

"Thank you, Doctor. We will proceed as planned." A note of command threaded into Palpatine's voice. He sent a look toward Cassandra she couldn't interpret.

She arched her brow in return. If they were going to disregard her warnings, there was nothing she could do short of praying Anakin emerged in one piece.

Anakin's gaze softened as if he sensed her emotions, his eyes becoming unspeakably tender. "It's going to be alright."

Who knows? Maybe he could sense her emotions across the galaxy. Anakin was the most powerful Force wielder to have ever existed. He was likely capable of things the other Jedi could only dream of.

"If you're device is successful you will have your treaty and access to our fuel reserves." Doge Uris proclaimed.

Raising his wrist, Anakin spoke into his commlink without taking his gaze off Cassandra. "It's a go. Time to drop the payload, boys."

The fighters took off in formation, distant specks in the sky from where everyone watched on the palace balcony. Cassandra clutched her hands so tightly together, she cut off the circulation. 'Come on. Come on. Let no one get hurt.'

Slender fingers closed around her forearm. Dorme, offering support. Surprised, she flinched at the contact.

The Senator just smiled, a look of determination in her brown eyes. She cared about Anakin too.

Cassandra returned her focus to the hologram but didn't pull away from Dorme. The bomb went off like a supernova, the concussive blast flattening the droids where they stood.

"Here it comes!" Anakin yelled as the shockwave roared across the plain towards the palace.

When it reached the balcony, the wave fizzled out, a few sparks of electricity crackling over Anakin's arm and then dissipating completely. Her Jedi clutched his forearm briefly and flexed his fingers, the prosthesis undamaged by the bomb.

"I'm losing my transmission!" Palpatine cried and the hologram winked out.

A loaded silence fell over the group as Mas Amedda got the transmission hub working again.

Once the device was reactivated, Cassandra leaned toward the hologram. "Is everyone alright?"

No one seemed to be hurt.

Anakin flexed his fingers one last time and nodded at her with a faint smile. "We're all in one piece, Master Pierce."

"It appears your bomb was a success." Palpatine congratulated Dr. Boll.

There was a rumble in the background. Mace lurched toward the railing and pointed. "Look! The ground's collapsing!"

Anakin barked orders into his commlink. "Rex! Get everyone out of there!"

The earth buckled rapidly, chunks of dry earth collapsing into the abyss. Cassandra's heart was in her throat, threatening to leap out as the clones ran for their lives. She knew the stupid scientist would fuck something up!

If only she could get to them. If only she could leap across the galaxy to Anakin's side. The hot scent of burning sulfur filled her nostrils.

Cassandra looked around the office, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. For a second the air shimmered like heat on a pavement on a hot summer day. She blinked and it was gone.

Anakin stumbled as the earthquake hit the palace. The railing groaned and shrieked, one end snapping free of its support. The holograph fizzled unsteadily before settling again.

Cassandra had the sinking feeling it wasn't over yet.

*********************************************************************************************

Once the ground quit shaking Anakin pushed away from the palace wall. A cool breeze carried a trace of a familiar wildflower scent. Cassandra.

He looked around wildly but of course Cassandra wasn't there. She was back in Coruscant in the Chancellor's office.

He cupped the side of his head blinking rapidly. What the kriff was that?

Windu clamped a hand on his shoulder. "You alright, Skywalker?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Handle the Doge and the treaty, I'm going to investigate the crater." The other Jedi ordered.

The transmission had been disconnected, taking the image of Cassandra's beautiful face with it. Anakin heaved a heavy sigh, tired of plans always going wrong.

They took a shuttle to the field. The crater resembled a great maw of some beast. Anakin stepped to the edge, his boot knocking loose stones into the darkness. The Doge regarded him haughtily. "I hope your bomb has not upset the delicate balance of our planet!"

"We set the bomb off at your request!" Anakin snapped back.

"Because you want access to our fuel for your war!" The Dug accused. With an imperious tilt to his head, he lumbered off with his guards.

The sheer arrogance of the Malastare ruler. Anakin ground his teeth, wishing he could be off this wasteland and back home with his Angel.

It was with some relief when Mace commed him. "What is it?"

"Skywalker, get down here. There's something in the crater."

"Copy that." Anakin dashed for his starfighter and took off. He zipped into the thick fog created by the bomb.

Another side effect Dr. Boll had failed to warn them about. The electro-proton bomb had created an atmospheric disturbance in addition to the earthquake. Belatedly, Anakin regretted not agreeing with Cassandra. His wife had foreseen the problems, and they ignored her warnings.

Artoo beeped in concern.

"I can't see anything either, buddy..." Anakin trailed off as a monster rose from the fog. "Except that!" His fighter zoomed around the creature's head. He craned his neck for a better look. "What is that thing?"

The beast twisted its head, green eye glowing with malice as it fixed on Anakin's starfighter.

"Hold on!" He sent the fighter into a tailspin rising over the monster's ridged back. Its tail whipped free of the dense fog and slammed into Anakin's fighter damaging the wing.

Cursing, Anakin crash-landed and jumped free of the ship as the beast slammed its foot down destroying the star fighter. "That's just great! I'm never going to hear the end of it from Mace!"

Igniting his lightsaber he launched himself at the monster. Anakin's weapon bounced off the beast's leg. "What the-"

He jumped, the foot slamming down where he'd been standing a second later. Anakin vaulted onto a nearby rise. Artoo appeared a second later and carried him free of the crater. He tumbled and rolled, the astromech rolling over his body.

As he came to stop, Anakin groaned at the bruises that were already forming on his torso. Windu jogged over. "Skywalker! Where's your starfighter?"

Anakin glared up at him, clutching his side. "Never mind! What was that thing?"

"A Zillow beast." Doge Uris hobbled over. "They once roamed Malastare devouring our ancestors. It must be destroyed!"

*********************************************************************************************

Cassandra followed Dorme out of the Chancellor's office. Palpatine was finishing up with the Doge and his retinue after dismissing them.

"Thank you for speaking up today, Master Pierce." Dorme said.

"Why are you thanking me? They set the bomb off anyway."

The senator walked at a slow, regal pace down the hall. "You are a citizen of the Republic. Your voice matters. You may not think so, but you bring a fresh perspective to problems. Master Pierce, you are a very discerning woman."

Cassandra was taken aback at the compliment. "Thank you, Dorme. Why are you being so nice? I thought you didn't like me."

The other woman smiled thinly. "Ani looked so happy when he saw you in the Chancellor's office. He's always been serious. I don't think I've ever seen him smile as often as he does around you."

Cassandra tensed, her guard sliding into place. "He's been a really good friend to me. When I arrived in Coruscant I was scared and angry. Anakin was there for me and we became close."

"I'm glad Ani has a friend who understands him. He has always been an outsider in the Jedi Order especially among those his own age. For us to grow, we need to be accepted by our peers."

"Well, technically I am a year older than him, but I get what you mean."

Until Anakin, Cassandra had little connection with people her own age. She was always something of an outcast too. Looking back, she had never expected to fall in love with him. It just... happened.

Dorme stopped outside her office. "Perhaps we could have dinner one night and get to know one another? I'd like to hear your thoughts about a bill I'm writing."

"Alright."

Bemused by this turn of events, Cassandra returned to the Temple. She hurried to the apartment eager to fish her private commlink out and have a proper conversation with her Jedi.

"Ah, welcome home Miss Cassandra." Threepio shuffled over and took her coat. "Dinner will be ready in an hour."

"Thank you, 3P0."

Cassandra retreated to their bedroom to freshen up. The automatic lights snapped on revealing a single rose laying on the bed. "What in the world?"

The flower wasn't from Anakin. He was on another planet.

A strip of paper curled around the rose's stem. Cassandra brushed her fingertips over the velvety blood-red petals and unwound the note. The words sent a marked chill down her spine.

'Soon, you will be mine.'

Both threat and promise.

She crumpled the note in her fist. It wasn't Wanda.

If the witch were in Coruscant she would have just taken Cassandra. No. She had an unknown enemy. One capable of getting past 3P0 without the droid noticing.

Her lips compressed in a grim line. Like someone using the Mirror Dimension.

There was another sorcerer on the planet besides herself.

The question is who?

A/N: Thanks for reading as always! I hope you enjoyed it. Below are Cass and Anakin art.