Chapter 4
500 Republica Boulevard.
Padmé slept very little that night. What little sleep she had was plagued with troubling visions of the future. She could not imagine what life would be like for her once she had married Vader. It was clear that he didn't want her, he only wanted revenge. But he was a man, and as such would no doubt make demands of her, which, once they were married, she would be unable to refuse him. Perhaps he'd make them of her before they were even married; and he hardly seemed the type to be gently rebuffed as Palo had been. Poor Palo! She thought miserably as hot tears slid down her face. Why couldn't you just have left it alone like you promised?? The look of hurt in his dark eyes was one she knew would haunt her for a long time; but what choice did she have? Vader would surely have been true to his threat had she refused him. Even now, she feared that he may still do so. He wasn't a man who could be trusted, after all. Palo had been right about him; he was an animal. An animal who will be my husband one day…
An idea came to Padmé through all the emotional turmoil, one that gave her a glimmer of hope. What if I stall the wedding? She thought. Vader had already made it quite clear that he didn't care about her, didn't want her except as a means of revenge; what if she stalled long enough that he lost interest? Perhaps he would just let it go, and move on? It's at least a possibility, she told herself. If I can hold off the wedding long enough, maybe he will grow tired of waiting and leave me alone…
With this thought in mind, Padmé arose early. She knew she'd get no more sleep, and thought that if she occupied herself with her duties; it would help to calm her nerves. This has to work, she told herself as she headed for the fresher. It's my only hope.
Senate Chambers
Chancellor Palpatine had learned many years earlier that he could live without sleep. In fact, it had been many years since he had slept. Palpatine had learned his lessons well, for his treacherous betrayal of his own master many years earlier had taught him that sleep could be dangerous, even fatal.
Palpatine was no stranger to betrayal. His own trusted apprentice, Count Dooku, had betrayed him a mere two years earlier, seizing control of the Separatists and their vast droid army. His treachery had forced Palpatine into a situation he hated. He was forced to rely on the Jedi for help in quelling Dooku's bids to take over the Republic. Of course, Palpatine had plans of his own. All he needed was the approval of the Senate to create an army of his own; however thus far, his efforts to convince them had been fruitless. There were some who saw the creation of a Republican army as the first step to galactic war. And there were some senators whose influence over others was far too strong for Palpatine's liking. Senator Padmé Amidala was one such senator.
Amidala had worked tirelessly to convince her fellow senators of the inherent dangers of the creation of a Republican army. Palpatine had begun to think that the senator would need to be dealt with. He was considering this when the door to his office opened and Darth Vader stepped inside.
"Good morning, Master," Vader said in greeting.
"You're here early," Palpatine remarked.
Vader simply shrugged as he slid into one of the chairs in front of the large desk. "I have news," he said.
Palpatine lifted an eyebrow. "Oh? What news?" he asked.
Vader smiled before he responded. "I'm getting married."
Palpatine's face slowly morphed into a scowl. "Married?? To whom? Since when?"
"Since last night," Vader replied. "To Senator Amidala. She offered herself to me in exchange for the life of that imbecile she was engaged to."
Palpatine nodded. "So you didn't kill Corrino then," he commented.
"No," Vader replied. "I thought that this course of action was far more …entertaining."
"I see," Palpatine replied. From the tone of his voice, Vader knew at once that his master was not pleased. "And you didn't see fit to consult me before making that determination?" he asked accusingly.
"Well, it was a decision that…" Vader began, but his sentence was stopped short an invisible grip on his larynx. His hands flew to his throat, knowing better than to offer any resistance or retaliation. Within a few seconds Palpatine released him, and Vader fell forward onto his knees, gasping for air.
"Such arrogance, Lord Vader," Palpatine snapped. "To make such a decision without my approval."
Vader looked up at his master, hating him intently. "I…thought you'd approve," he gasped. "Amidala is very …influential.
Palpatine knew she was, and was secretly delighted that she would be under Vader's control. But punishing Vader was the way of the Sith. Palpatine needed to keep Vader under his heel, for he knew all too well that the young man's powers surpassed his own. But so long as Vader was kept subservient and treated like a slave, he would never dare to challenge his master's authority.
"I suppose she is," Palpatine replied at last. "But that isn't the point now, is it?"
Vader lowered his eyes. "No, my master," he replied quietly.
Palpatine sighed melodramatically as he stood up and walked around the desk. The sight of the powerful young Sith on his knees in subservience pleased him, and he smiled. "Rise, Lord Vader," he said at last. "I have decided to be benevolent."
Vader stood slowly, looking at his master warily, but without saying a word, waiting for him to continue.
"You will marry Senator Amidala," Palpatine decided. "As soon as possible. She is becoming …troublesome. I trust that you will be able to keep her well under control."
Vader nodded. "Yes, my master," he replied. "I will break her, I promise you."
Palpatine's smile grew. "Excellent," he replied. "I will make the arrangements for a grand celebration," he continued. "You see to it that the Senator is ready. You know, the dress, the ring, all that nonsense that females insist upon."
"I will inform her of our plans this very morning," Vader replied. "The Senator will not have a chance to back out, I promise you, Master."
Palpatine merely nodded in response, pleased at how well things had worked out in his favor once more.
Office of Senator Amidala
Padmé had just arrived at her office when she was met by her administrative assistant.
"Good morning, Milady," Ella greeted her.
Padmé could see at once that Ella was upset about something. "What's wrong, Ella?" she asked as the two women walked into the office.
Ella looked at her briefly and then looked away. "I'm…not feeling well, milady," she replied.
Padmé frowned. "Do you need to go home?" she asked. "I can manage if you aren't well."
Ella felt terrible leaving Padmé in the lurch this way, but felt as though she wasn't able to stay. "I'd like to go home, if you're sure you'll be able to manage, Senator."
"I'm sure," Padmé assured the woman. "Now off with you," she said. "Get better."
"Thank you, Milady," Ella said gratefully. "I'll be back tomorrow, I promise."
Padmé nodded as she watched the young woman leave. Ella had only recently entered her employ, having moved from Naboo a few months earlier. In the time she had known her, Padmé had found the young woman to be highly competent, and certainly friendly; however she'd received more than one report of Ella spending an inordinate amount of time frequenting Coruscant's drinking establishments during her off hours. Padmé herself had always lead such a sheltered life, never partaking in alcohol except in small amounts, never allowing herself to appear anything but the consummate professional in every social situation and milieu. It was rather shocking at first to learn that her assistant was quite the opposite, but Padmé had never been one to judge others, and quite liked the young woman. And so she overlooked Ella's wilder tendencies, deeming them irrelevant in light of the excellent work she did for Padmé.
Having checked over her schedule for the day, Padmé was relieved to see that it was fairly light. Yes, she could manage alone for the few hours she would be required to spend at the office, and sat down at her desk to commence her day. She'd only been working on a report for half an hour when the door to her office opened. Looking up, she half expected to see Ella back again, having felt badly about leaving the way she had. But it was not Ella who now stood in the doorway. It was Palo.
"Palo!" she said, looking at him aghast. He looked as though he'd been up the whole night, for he was unshaven and his clothes looked rumpled. "What are you doing here?"
Palo stood in the doorway for a moment, staring at her before he responded. "Where's Ella?" he asked at last.
Padmé frowned, his strange behavior starting to alarm her. "She…she went home sick," she said, standing up slowly. "Why?"
Palo walked into the room, the door sliding closed behind him. "Because I don't want to be interrupted," he told her as he walked towards the office. As he drew closer Padmé could see that he was quite drunk, and her alarm jumped considerably at this realization.
"Palo, you're drunk," she said. "Please leave."
Palo shook his head as he continued to walk towards the desk. "Why, Padmé?" he asked acrimoniously. "Why did you do it? Why did you betray me this way?"
Padmé moved behind her chair, her instincts telling her to put some distance between he and her. "You know why I did it," she told him. "You left me no choice, Palo. I did if for you."
Palo narrowed his rather bloodshot eyes and looked at her. "I don't know if I believe you," he slurred. "I remember the two of you at the Gathering last week," he continued. "What went on between the two of you when I was gone?"
"Nothing!" she cried in frustration. "I hate Darth Vader! Do you really think I want to marry him?? I'm only doing so to save your life! Why can't you see that?"
"All I can see is that I am losing the best thing that ever happened to me," he said, as tears filled his eyes. "I hate the thought of him touching you, Padmé! It makes me sick to think of it!"
"I know," she said, starting to soften. "I feel the very same way, Palo. But surely you can see that there is no other way."
Palo looked at her for a moment as though thinking over what she'd said. "No," he said at last. "I suppose there isn't. He's won. Men like Vader always win," he added bitterly. "Why is that, Padmé?" he asked, moving towards her again. "Why do you suppose that is?"
"Vader is a powerful man," she told him, growing alarmed by his proximity once more. "Men like him take what they want and don't care who they hurt in the process."
Palo nodded. "That's true," he replied. "But men like Vader aren't the only ones to take what they want, Padmé," he told her, still advancing upon her.
Fear began to blossom in Padmé when she looked into his eyes. Palo wasn't a heavy drinker, but the rare occasions when he'd overindulged, he had typically become quite aggressive and more than a little amorous. Given the circumstances she was truly fearful, even more so as he continued to advance upon her.
"Palo, stop this," she said, doing her best to sound authoritative. "You know this isn't the way to solve anything," she added.
"No?" he challenged. "I know it will make me feel better," he told her as he moved closer to her. "You owe me this, Padmé," he continued. "For weeks of teasing me, weeks of denying me…and now you're just going to throw me aside and give yourself to Darth Vader? I don't think so," he concluded, grabbing her suddenly by the arms.
"Palo, please don't do this!" she cried as he pulled her roughly towards the desk.
But her pleas fell on deaf ears as he pushed her roughly onto the desk. "I've wanted you for so long, Padmé," he told her as bent over her, his face hovering over hers. "And now I'm going to have you. Vader may be marrying you, but he won't be the first to have your sweet body, I will," he told her, pressing his mouth to hers and kissing her roughly. Padmé squirmed under him, her arms pinned to her sides by his vice like grip. Panic raged through her as she realized that she was helpless and alone, having sent Ella home. She gasped for breath when he finally released her mouth. She tried to scream but he clapped one hand over her mouth before she could draw another breath, the other hand moved to the buttons of her blouse which he started to rip open. Palo swore loudly and pulled his hand back when she bit it, giving her an opening. She screamed as loudly as she could and pushed against him with all her might. But all she succeeded in doing was angering him.
"Don't fight me, Padmé," he warned her as she moved away from him again. "I don't want to hurt you, but I am going to take what I want, what I should have had months ago."
Padmé shook her head as she tried to back away. "You'll regret this, Palo," she told him, trying to compose herself, pulling the top of her blouse closed.
"No I won't," he replied with a lurid smile as he trapped her against the desk once more. "I'll enjoy every minute of it," he told her as he pressed his body to hers again. "Now be a good little senator and cooperate," he told her, his hands moving up over her body, pulling her blouse open again. "It will only hurt if you fight me."
"No!!" she screamed as she felt his knee pushing her legs apart as his hands ripped her blouse open, his mouth pressing into the soft flesh of her exposed body. And then, without warning, he stopped. No, he didn't stop- he was stopped, and his body was hurled against the wall like a rag doll. Padmé got up, staring at Palo, not understanding until she heard a voice from behind her.
"Move away from him, Senator."
She whirled around to see Darth Vader standing in the doorway, his yellow eyes boring into Palo menacingly. She nearly wept with relief as she stumbled away from the desk, her body trembling.
"Are you unharmed?" he asked her, the tone of his voice not giving her any hint as to whether he cared or not.
"Yes," she stammered as she pulled her blouse together. "I…I think so."
Vader nodded, his eyes not leaving Palo who was starting to come around. Vader moved over to the desk and lifted Palo with the Force, his invisible grip around Palo's throat. Palo opened his eyes, which filled with fear and loathing when he saw Vader standing before him.
"And you call me an animal," Vader growled as he tightened his grip.
Palo wanted to retort, wanted to rage at Vader, but he couldn't breathe, and could only grasp at his throat desperately.
"Don't kill him."
Vader turned to look at Padmé, who stood beside him now. Even from where he stood he could see that she was trembling, the bruises around her mouth and on her neck making him more angry. "You can't be serious," he retorted. "After what he did to you?"
Padmé looked at Palo, intense sadness in her eyes. "Don't kill him," she said again as tears filled her eyes. She had never dreamed Palo would do such a thing to her, and it made her wonder just how well she actually knew the man she came so close to marrying. "Please," she said, tentatively putting a hand on Vader's thick forearm.
He frowned, not understanding how she could show compassion for a man who had so nearly raped her, and yet she seemed sincere. He released Palo, who fell to his knees at once, gasping for air. "You're the animal, Corrino," he growled. "Not fit for decent society. And if I ever see you within a thousand meters of Senator Amidala again, I will not hesitate to crush every organ in your body. Do we understand one another?"
Palo looked up at Vader, the hatred clear in his eyes. "Go to hell," he spat.
Vader smirked at him. "You first," he said, releasing a blast of blue energy in Palo's direction. Palo's body jerked around violently as the Sith lighting ripped through him.
"Stop it!" Padmé cried, grabbing Vader's arm again.
Vader only stopped after a few more seconds, wanting more than anything to kill Palo where he lay. But he didn't, and released the pathetic man who lay unconscious on the floor.
Vader walked over to the comm. embedded on Padmé's desk and contacted security. "Get up to Senator Amidala's office at once," he said. "She's been attacked."
"Right away sir!"
Vader turned to Padmé. "Do you require medical attention?" he asked calmly.
She shook her head. "No," she said quietly. "A…a change of clothing would be nice, though," she said.
Vader nodded. "I'll take you home," he said, removing his cloak. "Put this on," he told her, handing her the enormous garment.
Padmé was surprised by the gesture, and took it, only too happy to cover herself up with it. Security guards rushed into the room at that moment, surprised to see Darth Vader standing there.
"Arrest that man," Vader said. "He assaulted the senator."
The two security guards didn't question Vader, and simply hauled Palo to his feet and dragged him out of the room.
"Let's go," Vader told her as she rolled up the sleeves of the huge cloak. He started towards the door.
"Thank you," she said as she followed behind him. Vader glanced back at her, but didn't answer, and simply continued to stride out the door, forcing her to hurry to keep up with him.
