The remainder of the evening proceeded without a hitch, and before long, after getting some sleep, it was time to face the next day. Oddly enough, I woke up feeling a curious mix of anticipation and unease. I let out a soft sigh and rubbed my groggy eyes as I stirred from the embrace of the delightfully soft bed. The fresh, unfamiliar scent of water still lingered in the air, an aroma I was gradually becoming acquainted with.

Stretching luxuriously, I unfurled my wings to their full span, feeling the gentle pull of my muscles. Across from me, Padmé stirred as well, her bed positioned directly opposite mine. She yawned delicately, and one of her slender Piusha-arms clad in silken nightwear slipped halfway down her shoulder, revealing the smooth, pale skin beneath. The sight brought a tender smile to my face.

Rising gracefully, I gave my tail a playful swish, watching as my deep purple eyes scanned the room. The early morning sunlight cascaded through the windows, casting a warm, golden glow and creating intricate patterns on the floor. The serenity of the morning encapsulated the room, making it a moment of tranquil beauty before the hustle of the new day began.

"Why are you awake now? Didn't they say we could sleep for at least another hour before meeting with Lott Dod again?" Padmé's delicate voice broke through the early morning stillness, her slender fingers entwining with mine in a gesture of tender concern. Her eyes, heavy with the remnants of sleep, sought answers from me.

I looked down at her, my heart softening at the sight of her frail form illuminated by the shy morning light. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Because I'm usually a nocturnal creature—that's when I thrive best. But this relentless solar cycle is throwing me off," I confessed, my voice tinged with a hint of frustration. I released her hand gently and turned towards the balcony. "You go ahead and rest some more, dear. I'll be right here, keeping watch."

With a soft click, I opened the door and stepped out onto the glasslined balcony. The chill of the tiles bit at my feet, drawing a shiver from deep within me. As I gazed downward, the world of Rodia came alive before my eyes. Exotic birds with plumage in dazzling shades of blue and red darted through the air, their calls a bizarre yet captivating melody. Small, curious creatures skittered about, their tiny feet rustling through the underbrush, creating a symphony of strange, enchanting sounds that spoke of a land both foreign and fascinating.

The soft golden rays of the sun began to stretch over the horizon, casting a warm glow and painting the morning sky in hues of pink and orange. It would have been a serene scene, perfect for losing oneself in thoughts and daydreams, if not for the sudden, jarring intrusion. The unmistakable noise of marching boots echoed through the otherwise tranquil morning, their rhythmic thudding like the beats of a war drum. The smile that had begun to form on my lips vanished, replaced by a growing sense of dread and urgency.

Right, I thought, my sense of calm evaporating like morning dew under the harsh sun. The separatists were here too. My hands instinctively clenched into tight fists, and I felt a surge of determination course through me. This was a reminder, a rude awakening that our troubles were far from over. The weight of our predicament settled heavily on my shoulders as I braced myself for the challenges ahead.

I sighed deeply and rose from my spot, pulling the toxic-berry-red cloaks tightly around myself. A wide yawn escaped my lips, revealing sharp, glistening teeth. Glancing over my shoulder, I could see the dimly-lit room where Padmé still lay asleep, though she was starting to stir more frequently. In my hand, the communicator began to blink insistently, and a smile played upon my lips as I tapped it with a slender claw.

Anakin's voice crackled through, filled with familiar warmth and concern. "Midnight, I hope you and Padmé are alright," he said, and I couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Yes, Anakin, we're fine. Don't worry," I responded, my tail curling up to touch my hip in a gesture of contentment. I let out another sigh, the weight of our situation pressing down once more. "But, well, separatists are here—or rather, the Trade Federation."

"What?" the voice of Commander Cody cut through, sharp and authoritative. I furrowed my brow in surprise; Cody was usually with Obi-Wan at this hour, busy with reports. "Why is the Trade Federation there?" Anakin inquired, a note of urgency in his tone.

I exhaled slowly, pacing around a glass table before settling into a plush chair. "I don't know. Lott Dod mentioned something about the Trade Federation claiming they wanted to maintain peace on Rodia and provide supplies. I think Senator Farr might not have any other choice but to align with them."

As I sat back, the chair embracing me in its soft cushion, my mind wandered to the scene outside the window. The morning light painted the landscape in soft hues, the foreign call of Rodian wildlife a distant murmur. Yet, the tranquility was a stark contrast to the looming threat that the presence of the Trade Federation represented, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead weighed heavily on my heart.

"It's just wrong on so many levels," Commander Cody said, his voice tinged with frustration and disbelief. I could hear the faint rustling sound, which likely meant he was either ruffling his hair in agitation or trying to wrest the communicator from Anakin's grasp.

"That... no, do you want me to send a squadron over there?" he continued, his tone sharp and ready for action.

I snorted softly, a smirk playing on my lips as I curled my ebony-colored tail over them, feeling its smooth texture. "Commander, that's really not necessary. I'm perfectly fine here. Lott Dod hasn't tried anything—if he had, I would have decapitated him without hesitation. I'm safe, and so is Padmé. Senator Farr wouldn't let any harm befall his protégé."

The communicator fell silent for a moment, the weight of my words settling in. Outside, the morning continued to unfold in its serene beauty, the sounds of the Rodian wildlife providing a strange yet comforting backdrop to our tense conversation. Padmé's gentle breathing filled the room, a reminder of the calm before what might be a brewing storm. I felt a fierce sense of protectiveness surge through me, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together with unwavering resolve.

The door to the balcony creaked open, and Padmé stepped out, still wrapped in her sleep robes. "Hmm, Midnight, who are you talking to?" she rasped, her voice still heavy with sleep. From the communicator, Anakin's laughter rang out, light and warm. "Hello to you too, Padmé."

"Ani?" Padmé's face lit up with delight at the sound of her cousin's voice. A smile spread across my face as well.

"Yes, it's Anakin. He just called to check on us. They're asking if we're safe," I explained, my voice reassuring. Padmé giggled softly, the tension in her body easing. "We are safe, don't worry, cousin. We will be even safer once the Trade Federation leaves," she sighed, sinking into the plush sofa across from me.

"I still don't understand why Uncle Ono would do something like this," she murmured, rubbing her hands over her bare shoulders to ward off the morning chill. Without a second thought, I draped my cloak over her completely, the toxic-berry-red fabric contrasting beautifully with her pale skin.

"I'm sure he didn't mean any harm," I said softly, trying to infuse my voice with as much comfort as possible. Anakin's voice broke in, supportive and firm. "I don't think so either. But we'll be there soon anyway. Just let us know if any trouble arises, and I mean any trouble at all, alright? Do you hear me, Midnight? Don't dive into anything that we can handle together."

The morning sun continued to rise, casting long rays of light across the balcony. The juxtaposition of the peaceful setting and the underlying tension weighed heavily on all of us, but knowing that Anakin and Cody were coming provided a glimmer of hope. As Padmé nestled deeper into the sofa, wrapped warmly in my cloak, I couldn't help but feel a fierce determination ignite within me. Together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead, united by our bonds and our unwavering resolve.