A/N: Thank you guys for all the encouraging reviews! But I am sure you have got more to say - so please share any of your thoughts with me!
Anyway in this chapter Vader will reveal his full amount of handsomeness to Padmé...how will she react? And what about the blue cape?
Disclaimer: I still don't own Star Wars.
Rate and Review, please!
Padmé's breath stuck in her throat as she perceived Palatine's message. The grey haired tactician was about to declare the beginning of an autocratic system. The worst that the delicate Ex-Queen had ever apprehended was about to become reality. Unsurprisingly inside the Great Hall, which was the vestibule to the Plenary, raged a mix between turmoil and noise. The picture presenting itself to Padmé's big brown eyes was different than what the witty Senator was used to from this area of the Temple of Democracy: instead of seeing busy Senators discussion upcoming petitions or votes with their advisors, the Great Hall was crowded with the presence of armed soldiers. These guards, whose allegiance obviously belonged to the Chancellor, stood at critical control points observing the members of Parliament rolling inside the Plenary. Naturally the mere presence of the troops inside the Senate created a strained atmosphere throughout, because on regular basis such a seizure of power brought insecurity to the Galaxy.
As soon as the Chancellor had entered the Great Hall some of Padmé's colleagues began to clap enthusiastically, but the Brunette with rich locks immediately identified that this excitement was rather a result of corruption than true support. "Well thank you my friends!" exclaimed the old Naboo with false modesty and started to whisper with a fellow Senator from Corellia, who had just approached the rat's side. "Milady, I will see you shortly" reckoned Palpatine en passant to his female companion and pointed at two free Senate guard droids to accompany the so called symbol of hope to a place he wanted Padmé to be at. Without feeling further joy about any future encounter the pretty Senator proudly turned away from her fellow native and decided to make her way to the Chancellor box with the guards following her obediently. As far her own safety was concerned they would not harm her anytime soon…as Palpatine had stated, she was of use to the new…whatever that power-hungry lunatic came up with. Nevertheless the feeling of being doomed grew inside the fine chest of the Naboo with every step she got closer to the Main Floor of the Senate. The fact that she had hardly seen any member of the Opposition, especially her closest allies Mon and Organa, troubled the sincere politician additionally. Quietly Padmé, who still wore her blue battle dress, entered the elevator that would take her to the fifth floor of the monumental Senate building. With the mechanic closing the noise of the lift gradually died down. Only now Padmé noticed how quick her breathing was…especially compared to the non-existing exhalation of her mechanical guards.
"You have reached the 5th floor: Chancellor's box" informed a melodious voice automatically before the reflecting doors before Padmé's eyes opened up. A higher ranked Commander with his subordinates formed a strange kind of reception committee and only allowed Padmé to descend the elevator after they made sure that they had identified the person requesting admittance to the 5th floor properly: "Welcome, Milady. Please wait somewhere close to the doors until the Chancellor arrives." A friendly gesture followed the words of the higher ranked military member, who strangely looked at Padmé's attire. Yes, at first glance it seemed evident that the Senator of Naboo wanted to flee the word. However the Senator pretended not to notice his judging look and made her way. There was nothing to deny anyway. It was true that she was dressed inappropriately, but Kriff she truly had wanted to escape the upcoming events. Sighting quietly Padmé glanced around and recognised some of the other politicians, advisors and other members of the military that were also commanded to wait here. Despite being in the presence of such outstanding individuals Padmé felt no urge to join any of the small groups… Damned hyporcats…
Feeling her frustration grow, something unexpectedly caught Padmé's eyes as she kept looking around. Actually it was not something that had aroused the Senator's attention…it was someone. Was that Vader at the corner? At first Padmé was not sure because she only saw the back of the man…but there was no mistake. Vader had lifted his cloack again, but yet again that monster had managed to position him in a way that Padmé could not look Palpatine's weapon into his face. Again the pitch black material of Vader's cloth contrasted strongly with his slightly curled blonde locks. To Padmé's surprise Palpatine's fighting dog did not intimidate the other persons waiting for the older Naboo, instead he was getting medical care. Next to the mysterious force user kneeled a red headed woman, who sometimes stood up to get clean bandages while she obviously did her best to treat Vader. And what kind of eye's that dishonourable woman made to that monster! How charmed she looked at the face of that man! Padmé almost laughed as she noticed how hard the female doctor tried to swing her hips while walking. Regardless the sight did not satisfy the Senator at all…Padmé caught herself wanting to see the face of her hijacker.
"Milady" exclaimed a protocol droid, which had walked up to the Brunette without making any noise. Startled Padmé jumped back; realising how engaged her mind was with the identity of Palpatine's right hand man. "Yes…" she answered the mechanic being while keeping an eye on the little hospital scene not far from her. In the meantime Vader had stood up, still not having his head covered. "I hope your arrival here was not too unpleasant" rumbled the droid on monotonously, but Padmé did not care. It could only take seconds that Vader turned around…if he was anytime soon able to finish his little chit chat with that blushing doctor. Again Padmé's thoughts were disturbed, however this time she could feel a cold metallic touch on her arm. "Milady, You seem rather distracted. Shall I call Dr. Eitra Obath to check on you after she finished her examination on Lord Vader?" asked the exaggeratedly friendly droid with his high pitched voice. Biting her lip the Senator glanced at the figure before her and shocked her head, seeing only now that the model of the PO-Series held a rich royal blue cape in his hands. "Is that for me? Does he want me to wear that?" questioned the female Senator in her improper outfit that showed all her curves. She already hated the cape. It remembered her at the time when she was Queen of the Naboo and was not allowed to decide anything about herself. Not whom she had to meet, not her attire, not the way they made her hair… However back in those days she was at least elected by her people, which had enabled the young 14 year old to endure the deed proudly. But now…she had to dress up like a doll for Palpatine and the end of everything , that she had ever believed in. Especially frustrating about the little present was, that Palpatine wanted her to wear something that symbolised royalty. He is doing that to anger me…he is making a farce of my devotion to being elected by the people…thought the Brunette angrily and quickly grabbed the rich velvet with pompous neck part from the shiny can. "Thank you, milady" said the droid almost yelping and Padmé decided to put her gift on. The smooth velvet caressed her skin tenderly by contact and the female Naboo never ever had felt dirtier in her entire life. She looked down at her feet, remembering where she came from while she fought back tears. She knew that she was not allowed to cry, but the fact that she had to wear royal attire by the order of the Galaxy's new dictator had upset the Senator unexpectedly. Without understanding the situation the robot had put Padmé trough, the shiny can walked away mumbling that he was not able to understand human emotions completely. Padmé felt herself trembling. She wanted to weep for the Galaxy, she wanted to weep for herself. Only now the realisation hit her that she was a puppet…again. Perhaps she had been a puppet all her life… Nevertheless she would never do that rotten old man the favour to cry. He would not break her this soon… Focusing again Padmé regained her countenance and proudly raised her head again, trying to examine if someone has noticed her little break-down. At first she felt safe…but then her eyes made contact with bright blue orbs.
A/N: I have never said anything about how much of Vader's face will be revealed to you ;-)