" - This is Anakin, I'm - borrowing Elesse's body."

(That Anakin can see and speak through those she's battle meditating with is... More or less known, among the Senators most heavily involved in meddling with the war effort, at least if you go looking. It's often relevant. (It's been used a few times to argue against the citizenship or full sapience of the clones, that they're so easily overriden. People don't like to think that Anakin - that the Jedi - can just do something like that, if they want to, if they think it's necessary. Can just look at someone and say - 'I'll be using this now.' Arguing that clones are sapient without supporting arguments that Anakin is a terrifying monster can get a bit... Delicate.))

"They told us you were dead."

" - My original body is."

"I'm sorry."

" - You don't need to be. I'm happier like this."

"Me and Elesse have left the Jedi, and... We don't want anyone else knowing I'm alive. We don't want to abandon the Republic, but - I don't think we were doing any good. That the war's doing any good."

"My fear... is that there may not be a Republic left to abandon for much longer."

" - Has something happened?"

"The last news cycle's opinion pieces were questioning the continued suitability of the Jedi to lead the war effort. Implications that they are cracking under the strain. Never mind who it was that forced the burden on them in the first place. More power devolved to the office of the Chancellor is the solution, naturally."

Harsh breath out. "Because clearly the Chancellor can do no wrong."

"The Chancellor's generals are the ones really winning the war, don't you know."

Disgusted noise. "Hard to think I used to like her..."

Very hard.

"I will be retiring from the Senate soon, you should know."

- Slow nod. 

"To take up more of your duties as Heir Apparent?"

"And Queen, soon enough. Mother is old. And keeps mentioning plans for her gardens..."

" - Are you - going to raise my girls yourself?" That hadn't directly been part of what Anakin had asked for - just that they be given to a good family, in secrecy if possible. 

"As soon as I get back home." Soft smile. "They're in hospital on Alderaan now, with the other refugee orphans we are taking care of."

Grin! "I'm glad. You're going to be a great mom." And, almost hesitantly: "They're doing okay?" (...Anakin wasn't getting prenatal check ups and doesn't know how long she was pregnant, but they were so small, and looked so thin, and she'd had so much trouble getting her little Leia warm enough...)

"They're fighters. Both doing well."

"I'm glad."

"And - if it won't be too complicated to do securely - I'd like to - see them. Be part of their lives, at least occasionally..."

"The eccentric spacer aunt?"

"The one bringing back exotic presents and stranger stories, making them sigh about how much more fun being a pirate is than doing their homework."

"I'll have to make special arrangements with palace security about allowing that sort of bad influence."

"A longing for adventure is good for growing girls."

"I'm sure it is."