Well, hello. Long time no see. As always, I hope you guys enjoy this Chapter. I had a lot of fun writing it.

In this chapter, Padme finds herself in an impossible situation…

Chapter III

Aboard the Venator-class Star Destroyer Trident…

The gunship's doors opened to reveal two clone commanders standing side by side, presumably waiting for the Admiral. Padme immediately recognized one of them, the bright red markings on his armor were unmistakable. The other clone had black markings on his armor with a white pauldron on his shoulder. His helmet was plain except for two black tally marks on his chin. Both clones saluted the admiral.

Admiral Yural returned the salute. "As you were," he calmly said.

The clones lowered their salute and turned their attention to her. "Senator," they both greeted.

Padme returned their greeting, "Gentlemen," she looked directly at Commander Thire and silently contemplated what he was doing here, "It's good to see you again, Commander."

"Likewise, ma'am," he said, "Although I wish it was under better circumstances."

"I agree," Padme said. Her eyes drifted to the other clone commander. "I don't believe we've met. What's your name?"

He stiffened. "I'm Commander Marks, ma'am. CC-1662. 426th Star Corps."

Padme smiled. "You don't have to be so formal with me, Commander."

Admiral Yural seemed to be amused by their interaction. "Good luck with that, Senator. I've tried to get him to relax, but I can't seem to convince him."

"He's always been that way, ma'am," Thire chimed in, "Even back on Kamino. Got him high marks with all the instructors."

"And a name from his brothers," Padme stated, "Never the less, it's a pleasure to meet you, Commander Marks."

"Likewise, ma'am," he said, never once breaking his bearing.

"Commander," said Admiral Yural, "Are we ready to depart?"

"Yes, sir," Commander Marks replied, "All troops have been embarked, supplies have been loaded and stowed."

"Very good," the Admiral turned his attention to Commander Thire, "and your men, Commander?"

"My company is all present and accounted for, sir," he responded, "Commander Marks set us up in the starboard aft quarters."

"Excellent," said the Admiral, "Commander Marks, tell the captain to prepare my ship for hyperspace and signal the rest of the fleet to do the same. I'll be on the bridge shorty."

Marks saluted and said, "Right away," then he turned around and started walking in the direction of the turbolift.

Admiral Yural turned towards her, "You'll have to excuse me, Senator. I have a great many things to attend to at the moment. Commander Thire can show you to your quarters or anywhere else you'd like to go for that matter."

Padme bowed her head respectfully. "Thank you, Admiral."

"My pleasure," said the Admiral, "I'll page you shortly before we exit hyperspace." With that being said, he turned and headed in the same direction as Commander Marks.

Commander Thire took that as his cue, "Would you like me to show you to your quarters, ma'am?"

As soon as he finished asking his question, her stomach rumbled. "Eventually," she said, "Can you take me to the cafeteria instead?"

"Yes, ma'am." Thire responded, "I can go for some grub myself. If you'll follow me…" He started walking towards a set of doors along the back wall of the hangar.

Padme tried to follow him, but her legs were buckling so bad that she was having trouble balancing herself. This was the most exercise she'd had in a long time and her body couldn't take it anymore. After a few more steps, her legs finally gave and she went crashing to the floor.

Thire stopped and turned his head. When he saw her, the calm expression on his face changed to one of surprise and panic. He immediately rushed to her side, dropping his helmet to the floor in the process. "Senator! What's wrong?!" he asked, "Do you need a medic?"

"I'm fine. I'm fine." she insisted, "I'm just a little tired. Can you…can you help me up?"

"Of course, ma'am." Thire grabbed her arm, swung it over his shoulder, put his other arm around her waist, and lifted her to her feet. He carried her over to a nearby supply crate and gently set her down on it. "Are you sure you're okay, madame?"

Padme brushed her hair out of her face. "Quite sure, Commander. I hope I didn't startle you too bad."

"Not at all, ma'am." He walked over to where his helmet was laying on the floor and scooped it up. "Would you like me to get you a skiff, ma'am?"

"That's unnecessary," she held up her hand, "All I need is your arm." Thire, once again, took her hand and helped her to her feet. Only, this time, she latched onto his arm to support herself. The rest of the trip to the cafeteria was uneventful. When they arrived, Commander Thire dropped her off at a table in the back and went towards the front of the cafeteria to the food line. He returned a few minutes later carrying two trays of food. Padme noticed that there was significantly more food on her tray than on the Commander's. She looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

"No offence, ma'am, but if get any skinnier my troopers might confuse you for a Kaminoan," he joked.

Padme closed her eyes and laughed harder than she had in…she couldn't remember. Regardless, she regained her composure and looked at the commander, "Thanks."

He winked and said, "Don't mention it."

Padme looked down at the mountain of food on her tray and lost all self-control. She must've looked like some wild, primitive beast devouring it's kill. She could hardly get a breath in with the amount of food she was shoving into her mouth. She wasn't sure how much time had passed, but she had conquered about half the mountain when she caught a glimpse of Commander Thire. He was sipping a cup of java juice just watching her. "Is there something wrong, Commander?"

"No, ma'am," he said. "Just wondering where you put it all."

She giggled, "I used to not eat as much, but when I got pregnant, I swear it's like I grew a second stomach."

He nodded in understanding, then went back to sipping his java juice.

Padme shoveled a couple more bites of food into her mouth and then just thinking. Something had been bothering her. It was something Commander Thire had said earlier. He said his 'company' was all present and accounted for. Why did he bring an entire company of troops? "Commander?"

"Ma'am?"

"Why are you here?"

He raised an eyebrow at the question. "What do you mean, ma'am?"

She thought about the best way to phrase her next words. "What I mean, Commander, is that I'm not quite sure why the Coruscant Guard is coming along on this mission."

His eyes narrowed. "We were assigned to protect you, ma'am."

"And…" she prodded.

"And, what, madame?"

Padme took a sip of her drink. "Commander, I've had a very long, trying day and my patience is running pretty thin so if what I'm about to say comes off as rude…I apologize in advance." She paused for a second to take a breath then continued, "I may be starving, hormonal, and borderline delirious, but I'm not stupid, Commander. I've had security details on more than one occasion and not once has an entire company ever been assigned to protect me or any other Senator for that matter. So, I'd appreciate it if you would quit lying to me."

Thire didn't say anything. He broke eye contact and just looked down at his drink.

Padme leaned across the table, "You can tell me…or I'll go to the Admiral. Your choice."

"That won't be necessary," he said, "I wasn't lying. My primary mission really is to provide security for you during your mission, but, if your negotiations fail…the Emperor has ordered me to place the Queen under arrest and transport her back to Coruscant."

And there it was. Whatever margin of error she thought she had was gone. She laid her head on the table and closed her eyes. My job just got a lot harder. How am I going to pull this off? With considerable effort, she lifted her head off the table. Her eyelids were heavy and she could barely keep them open. She looked down at the food left on her tray and felt disgusted. She pushed her tray away. "I've lost my appetite."

"I'll take it for you," said Thire. He downed his java juice, picked up both trays, and took them to the scullery. When he got back, he led Padme down a series of hallways. Eventually, he stopped in front of a door, "This is your room, ma'am." He keyed the controls and the door opened with a hiss. He helped her inside and set her down on the bed. "The turbolift to the bridge is at the end of the hall and if you need anything, I'm right across the way."

"Thank you, Commander."

"Don't mention it," he said as he stepped out into the hall, "It'll be a few hours before we arrive. Try to get some rest, ma'am." He keyed the controls and the door closed behind him.

Padme didn't waste any time. She laid back on the bed and tucked herself into the covers. She was out almost immediately.

. . .

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4/5/2022