A Love Story

Special Delivery

Special Delivery

–

And all I am is a man

I want the world in my hands

I hate the beach, but I stand

With my toes in the sand

Use the sleeves of my sweater, let's have an adventure

Head in the clouds, but my gravity's centered

–

Anakin listened closely as Palpatine described his duties from behind that large mahogany desk. He talked and talked. About responsibilities and opportunities. It made Anakin think about his own reality filled to the brim with difficulties and sacrifices. This here all seemed too good to be true. A perk or a poison? Anakin was normally skeptical but the more he listened, the more he believed in what this man was saying. No man could utter a lie so convincingly. He knew too much to be faking his own knowledge. Maybe that was the secret. Tell the truth. The ugly truth. And then you'll have their trust.

The old man was too understanding, too empathetic, putting himself in Anakin's shoes throughout the conversation. Although Anakin was undoubtedly excited, he still wondered whether he could take on a project of this size. A job that hundreds probably lined up for – to be Palpatine's assistant.

Don't blow it.

They weren't alone in the big office with the wall-length windows. A woman stood to Palpatine's right. Completely silent. She was poised, stoic, and at least 5 foot 8. She had short black hair, a square face (very Demi Moore), and in this light, her eyes looked reddish-brown. She seemed to be around 30. Anakin guessed 32 or 33. Her height was probably the reason why she could wear contrasting patterns – a maroon striped turtleneck and a black and white checkered skirt. The skirt was quite short. She didn't dress like a lawyer.

"For now, you'll mostly be filing until I'm sure I can trust you." Palpatine went on with an infectious charm. His words relieved Anakin's busy mind. They got on like a house on fire. Palpatine was taking a risk with Anakin, but Anakin was glad to see Palpatine was also being cautious. It made Anakin feel more secure. The probation period made Anakin believe this wasn't a decision made lightly.

"Thanks. I really appreciate it." Anakin had no complaints. All he could feel was the nervous elation that came with good fortune.

"Happy with the salary?" Palpatine asked

"Definitely." Anakin nodded assuredly. "The money's good. Real good, especially with the twins on the way."

Palpatine's quizzical thin white brow shot up. "Twins?"

Fuck. A record scratch sound blasted in Anakin's head. Everything halted. He probably shouldn't have said that. "Padme was going to tell you, she just wanted to settle in first." He explained sheepishly.

"Hm." Was all Palpatine presented. He then strangely seemed to gloss over the topic, turning to the quiet, tall woman in the corner. "This is my first assistant. You'll be shadowing her." Palpatine stood and therefore Anakin followed suit as his new boss swayed a hand in the woman's direction. "Asajj, meet Mr Skywalker."

"Call me Anakin." Anakin insisted as he shook her hand.

"Call me Miss Ventress." She replied. Anakin concealed a smirk, puzzled by the need for dominance. Perhaps him being second assistant meant he was coming for her job. Or maybe this was part of some hazing ritual.

Palpatine had a tendency to laugh at her responses. She always liked keeping people on their toes. That was his Ventress. In all her seriousness she can weaken the spirit of those around her with her grim takes.