"You do realize this is treason, since when does a clone go against protocol?" Dorme asked harshly.
"With all due respect ma'am I may be a clone but that doesn't make me any less a man. I do feel conflicted but I know the difference between right and wrong." Rex responded calmly.
"How do we know you are not just trying to use us and plan to turn us all over to Vader once we have led you to more of the empire's enemies?"
"Shut up Dorme!" Ahsoka screamed as she slapped Dorme across her face with enough force to make the handmaiden fall back against the tree.
"How dare you!"
"Enough both of you, do you want to have every clone on the planet find us! Rex although truly misguided Dorme does have one small point, this is treason for you and if found out surely the consequences will be severe."
"I know Senator my life is insignificant in the long run and sacrifices must be made."
"Although I do agree about sacrifices being made for the greater good your life is in no way any less value to me than anyone else in this galaxy. I would be most appreciative of any help but only if we take all precautions to ensure that you are safe as well." Padme stated softly smiling weakly at Rex.
"Are you both mad! He can't be trusted Milady, this is all part of some evil plan from Vader!" Dorme screamed unable to control herself.
Ahsoka felt the anger rise in her once again and stepped forward towards Dorme only to have Rex grab her arm gently and pull her back. She looked up into his eyes and he smiled warmly to her as he always used to when they were alone together back during the war. It was a smile that made her heart melt and made all the stresses of live seem to disappear.
Although offended by Dorme's opinions of clones, thinking them to all be mindless copies who only knew how to carry out every order, he understood she was afraid. He also understood that she cared very much for the Senator and was only trying to protect her. Honestly with all that has gone on since the abrupt end to the war he couldn't blame her for thinking the way she was and he was actually surprised how much faith Padme was willing to put in him. Then there was Ahsoka who could very well have ended up at the opposite end of his blaster had she not abandon the order months before. There she was defending him and treating him as the man he wanted to believe he was. If he didn't believe that he had fallen in love with this young woman he sure did now.
"Ma'am I understand your reservations but honestly what choices do you three really have right now?" Rex said to Dorme trying to be as polite as he could.
Dorme went to speak but closed her mouth knowing Rex was right. Without cover there would be no way to get through the city and if even one person saw Padme she knew it would get back to Vader and he would hunt her to the ends of the galaxy if he needed to.
"Come with us." Ahsoka Said Quietly.
Rex looked down at her and gently ran his hands down her Lekku and smiled. Ahsoka smiled shyly before reaching up and finding his lips with hers. This was the first time Rex had ever experienced any form of intimacy. During the war Commander Bly used to share stories of the passionate love affair her had with General Secura and Rex always dreamt of one day experiencing that with Ahsoka but never thought it would come to be. As she deepened the kiss he almost lost his balance and stumbled backwards bringing them both back to reality.
"That settles it than, Rex will accompany us to wherever we are to end up. I for one am happy to have you with us Captain." Padme said warmly.
"I am honored Senator. Never has a man been so lucky as to be able to be the protector of three of the galaxies most beautiful woman." Rex said bowing his head in respect.
"So what now?" Dorme asked not even trying to mask her annoyance.
"That is a good question. Rex how long do you think we have before Ana…. I mean Vader notices you are missing? Would it be wise to take the chance of being seen and try to make it to the ship now?" Padme asked looking to Rex.
"Lord Vader has been distracted since we entered the system, being here seems to have a strong effect on him. We might be able to use this to our advantage."
"What kind of effect?"
"For God's sake Padme, what does it matter what kind of effect?!" Dorme shouted in exasperation.
Padme looked down to the ground trying to avoid all eye contact as id ashamed that she had even asked the question.
"I am warning you Dorme to watch yourself. I put up with you cause I know at the end of the day you care for Padme and mean well, but I will not tolerate your rudeness much longer." Ahsoka warned forcefully.
Dorme was about to respond but then thought better of it.
"Senator we need to get you out of here as soon as possible. Vader has been ordered to eliminate all Jedi that may be hidden on the planet once he dealt with the Queen, it's only a matter of time her searches for anyone strong in the force."
"Which will lead him to me?"
"I don't know how this force business works but I know he is able to sense others who use it and he might recognize you though the force."
"That will lead him to why I would be on Naboo which might make him extend his reach and find Padme."
"He thinks I'm dead, why would he even think to do that?"
"The General has become very paranoid; he questions everything even when it's not logical." Rex answered.
Padme knew Rex was right, she remembered the last few days before everything fell apart and how strange and erratic his behavior had become. His nightmares of her supposed death was more than his mind could handle and everything went downhill from there. He had even begun hinting that he thought she was being unfaithful to him with his closest friend which added to his animosity on Mustafar. She shuddered thinking about the look in his eyes as he attacked her, Anakin had never so much as yelled at her before. His anger was so overpowering and frightening; she still sees those red and yellow eyes every time she tries to sleep.
"He loved you more than anything Senator." Rex spoke breaking Padme from her thoughts.
"But at the end of the day I wasn't enough for him, he craved more even if it meant he lost our family."
"I don't believe that ma'am. I think things got twisted and confused him but he still calls out your name when he dreams."
"Even in the darkness he can't escape his nightmares, my poor Ani." Padme thought to herself sadly.
"Don't lose all faith in him Senator you could be what brings Anakin back." Rex smiled and placed his hand on Padme's Shoulder.
Meanwhile back at the Palace….
"Lord Vader, there is no signs of the Queen or any of her court. They seemed to have managed to evacuate the entire palace." Commander Bly reported.
"Have all the men checked in Commander?"
"All but Captain Rex Sir."
"No one in the 501st or 327th have seen the Captain?"
"No sir."
"I want him found Commander!" Vader boomed.
