We were on the bridge of our republic cruiser. Admiral Leeorch was standing at the bridge gazing down on the impressive planet of Terra. I came up beside him, and looked with it.

"It is an impressive planet," I said.

"This might be a fool's errand, my lady. This planet may be uninhabited, or the locals may be savages," he said.

"Or they could be the salvation needed to save the Republic from the Separtist."

"There is always hope ma'am?"

I smiled. How many people thought nothing good came from Tatooine, and that is where I found the love of my life? "Always," I said.

Admiral Leeorch walked me from the bridge to the hanger, where I heard a lot of yelling. When we turned the corner, there was a man, a clone, standing on some boxes, barking orders to all of the other men standing around him.

"Listen up dogs," yelled a clone in the hanger. "We are going to an unknown planet where anything can happen. So look alive. Our primary objective is to bring the Senator home in one piece. Ya copy, mutts?"

"Yes, sir," came the chorus of men.

"Dismissed," barked the commanding clone, and the men when back to what they were doing.

The man hopped off the crates, and turned to see Admiral Leeroch and me walking towards him.

"Admiral," he said, saluting.

"At ease, Commander Cast," said Leeorch. "This is Senator Padme Amidala. She was assigned by the senate to inspect Terra and learn of its inhabitants. Your company is to escort her, and keep her safe."

"Yes, sir," said Cast.

"I have been in tough spots before Commander, and I can handle a blaster," I said. "I won't be much of a liability. The problem is I do not know how long we will need to explore the planet."

Cast looked at me shocked. "My lady, you do not need to worry about safety, that is my job. I was bred for combat, and this may become a combat zone. Explore what you need, and I will have your back."

We take the gunships to Terra at 0600 Corrausaunt time. I am in the gunship with Cast and we are arguing about my safety.

"Commander, I would feel safer with a blaster at my side. That way I am not a liability but an asset to the mission," I said.

"Senator, with all due respect it is my job to keep you safe. You do not need to worry about being a liability. You will be protected at all times."

"Have you not read my profile?" I asked indignantly. "I helped my captain of the guard Captain Panaka to infiltrate and arrest the Trade Federation leader, Nute Gunrey. Then during the battle of Geonosis, I fought alongside Anakin Skywalker, himself. I know how to fight."

"With all due respect, ma'am, I am in charge of keeping you safe, and I do not believe you will be safer with a weapon."

I huffed and said nothing. Anakin would give me a gun, I thought.

We landed in a clearing about two clicks south of where we got off the cruiser. As soon as we touch down, Cast started barking orders, "Alright men, move it. We don't have time for loligagging. Come on. Put your back into it."

Padme stepped out onto a lush green planet that looked a little bit like Felucia. It had lush greens and bright sunlight that made her strain her eyes. The vegetation looked pretty. Big bright green colors.

Padme watched the clones set up knowing that if Cast was not going to give her a gun, then he certainly was not going to let her participate in mans work of setting up camp. While she was waiting for all of the construction to be done, she sent a message to Anakin.

"Arrived safe. Missing you. All my love."

She sent it quickly and looked around the camp, no one was paying any attention to her.

After a while, a clone came and found her. "Your quarters are ready, miss," he said, and he lead her to a small tent with a cot, a dresser, and a basin and mirror. "It is not much ma'am, but it is private and there is netting so the bugs can't get to ya."

"This is fine Commander," I said.

"Dinner will be served in 20 minutes," he said, then clicked his heels together and strolled out of the tent.

Dinner was okay. I could not eat like that everyday. I am surprised Anakin did not complain about the food more often. I ate about half, telling Cast that this strange planet has thrown my appetite off.

"That's not good ma'am, You need to keep your appetite up during the mission."

"Oh I am sure it will return,'' I said. "I am just nervous and excited. I think I will turn in now. Good night."

I go to my tent and pick up my datapad, and there is a message from Anakin. It reads:

"Padme.

I miss you so much my bones hurt. I have to see you and I hate that I am stuck out here on the Outer Rim. Ahsoka is blossoming into such a young woman and everyone is noticing, including Rex, my first in command. Obi-Wan is by the book and seems even more grumpy than usual. How is Coruscant? I should be up for leave soon.

Anakin."

I write him back.

"Anakin,

I miss you too. When this war is over, we can go to Naboo and drink deeply of each other. I am not on Coruscant at the moment. I am on a mission for palpatine, surveying a new planet called Terra. I am glad Ahsoka is doing well. It is sweet that she and Rex can be friends, I am glad that Obi-Wan is wekk,

All my love,

Padme"

I went to sleep dreaming of my husband, but a hellish shriek woke me up.