Without A Clue
Chapter 2: Voyage to Naboo
It is shortly after the end of AotC. The Clone Wars have begun, and the galaxy is in turmoil. Padmè and Anakin are finding it very hard to keep their love a secret. The Trade Federation still wants Padmè dead, but have begun making more personal attacks on her loved ones, killing her mother, father, sister and brother-in-law.
(AN: Thanks so much to all who reviewed my first story, you guys are my inspiration to keep this going!) _______________________________________________________________
Padmè woke up the next morning in Anakin's arms feeling somewhat refreshed. She loved the mornings and even though she dreaded getting out of bed and facing reality, she felt added strength to do so.
She had rested her mind and was far less emotional than the night before, Anakin had been right sleep had done her a world of good.
She knew her next move had to be getting to Naboo, but with her increased security, that would be difficult. She just hoped the Jedi would understand and grant herself and Anakin permission to leave Coruscant.
Padmè turned in bed to face Anakin.
"He is such a heavy sleeper," Padmè thought giggling to herself. She remembered how before they were married he seldom received any sleep, but he had meditated on his bothersome thoughts and they were able to work past them together.
Padmè nestled her way closer to him, comforted by his warmth. Anakin rustled slightly before returning to his sound sleep.
Padmè sighed and shut her eyes, she thought if she slept more her troubles would just float away with her dreams, but she knew better, she could feel her heavy heart, she knew it wasn't just something you could sleep on.
Anakin felt Padmè's unrestfulness, he could feel her pain, so he tightened his grip on her waist, as if to protect her.
Padmè smiled as she felt him draw her closer.
"Nice to see you're finally awake."
"How do you feel sweatheart?" Anakin asked with concern is his voice.
"Better, I mean considering everything going on, I am doing very well, I guess."
"Padmè you don't have to play the part of the politician in this, no one expects you to be as strong as usual anymore, they will understand if you show emotion."
"Ani, I know, but I still want to be strong, for you, for me, for everyone involved."
"Don't wear yourself thin Padmè, think of yourself once and awhile."
Padmè left Anakin's embrace and walked to her wardrobe, grabbing a cloak she turned to Anakin and said, "I need to start making arrangements for my arrival on Naboo, do you think you can talk to the Jedi and convince them that it will be safe enough for me to travel to Naboo?"
"Yes, they will let us travel to Naboo, as soon as possible."
"Thank you Anakin, and promise me you will not be to stern with the Council?" she paused, "Or Obi Warn."
"Don't worry about me."
"I can't help it Anakin, I love you!" Padmè said as she leaned in to kiss him.
*********
Anakin arrived at the Jedi Temple shortly after leaving Padmè packing at the apartment. The building was familiar, but it's whole aura always made him feel humble, with it's grand pillars and marble corridors.
He was unsure of who to approach first, Obi Wan or the Council, but with some consideration he decided that Obi Wan would understand, and would be able to win the Council's support.
Anakin tapped into his force connection with Obi Wan to locate him in the enormous temple, he was not surprised to find him in the library.
"Obi Wan, I need to speak to you about Padmè, it is urgent."
Obi Wan was startled by his Padawan, "Anakin, what is it?" Obi Wan spoke carefully, he feared the worse.
"I have reasons to believe that the Trade Federation may have attempted to kill other members of the Naberrie family, besides the senator."
"Why is that young Padawan?" Obi Wan asked skeptically.
"Because Obi Wan, Padmè's mother, father, sister and brother-in-law were killed."
Obi Wan stared at Anakin, he was shocked.
"I have come to you to ask permission to escort Senator Amidala to Naboo for the burials, and to investigate."
"Anakin, I agree that it would be best if she were accompanied. If the Trade Federation is behind the deaths, they would most likely try something while she is on Naboo as well. We need to go before the Council first, and get their input. They may want to send additional assistance."
Anakin cringed at that thought, he was hoping to be alone with Padmè on her beautiful home planet one last time, but if additional Jedi were sent that would be near impossible.
Obi Wan searched his Padawan's face as they walked to the Council Chambers, something was bothering him, and Obi Wan knew him well enough to know it wasn't just the death's in Padmè's family.
Anakin always seemed to grow nervous when appearing before the council. He felt as though they could see through him, like they knew his every secret. It had been that way since he was a child and was interrogated for the first time. But it seemed to get worse now that he actually had something to hide.
As they reached the Chambers Obi Wan entered first, he spoke to Master Windu before gesturing for Anakin to enter.
Obi Wan nodded, encouraging Anakin to speak.
Anakin swallowed hard before starting, he knew he had to get this right, for Padmè's sake, "I have come before you today to ask permission to accompany the Senator of Naboo on a trip to her home planet. Yesterday her parents, sister and brother-in-law were murdered, and we have reason to believe the deaths were direct results of actions by the Trade Federation. She has requested passage to Naboo, and I would like to continue my duties as her protector if it is allowed."
Mace Windu was troubled by this statement, "Anakin, what makes you believe you would be able to handle this mission by yourself. Your prior actions were not well received."
"What prior actions?" Anakin snapped.
"Your taking the Senator to Tatooine, and Genosis, both situations that threatened her life, you were under strict orders to stay with her on Naboo."
"Masters, please, I assure you my Padawan has learned from his mistakes," Obi Wan spoke, eyeing Anakin who had an angered look on his face, "If you agree, I would travel with Anakin and assist him."
The Council members looked around to each other, all seeming to agree, Yoda spoke up, "Go to Naboo, you both shall, be mindful of the force you will."
"Thank you masters," Anakin said before bowing and exiting the room with Obi Wan.
As they traveled down the corridor back toward the quartering chambers Obi Wan spoke, "Are your things at the Senate building?"
"Yes"
"Good, I would like you to leave to pack and be back with the Senator, ready to leave this afternoon."
"Very well then, and Master, thank you." Anakin nodded before turning to leave.
********
It took Anakin only minutes to maneuver his speeder from the temple to the Senate Building.
Once inside he found that the senate was about to go into session. This was to be Padmè's first day back since they arrived on Coruscant.
He made his way past a lingering group of senators and into the housing wing. Before long he was inside of Padmè's apartment. One of her handmaidens was inside, but Padmè was not in sight.
"Where is Padmè?" Anakin demanded, growing worried.
"She is attending the session, can I be of any assistance Master Anakin?" the handmaiden asked.
"No, thank you," and with that Anakin slammed the door and rushed back towards the main portion of the building.
He had not expected Padmè to be attending the session, it would be too much for her to handle, all of the corruption and problems would send her over her edge. He also wanted to share one last moment alone before they would be whisked away to Naboo with Obi Wan.
Anakin was closing in on the last turn before the lobby. He was just in time to catch the last senator before he entered the session room.
"Sir, wait," Anakin yelled.
"Yes," the burly young man replied.
"Can you please see to it that Senator Padmè Amidala returns to her apartment immediately, tell her that it is urgent, she will understand."
"Why, yes," the man replied perplexed.
"Thank you."
Anakin found a seat, he would wait for Padmè from here.
Within five minutes the door to the session room swung open and Anakin's eyes were filled with delight as his beautiful young wife came into view.
It was not long before Anakin was able to tell something was bothering her.
"Ani, why in Sith hell did you pull me out of that meeting?" she barked.
"Padmè, we have clearance to leave, Obi Wan is coming with us, and he wants to depart this afternoon. I need you to start packing, and besides, do you really want to go to this meeting at a time like this?" Anakin said referring to the crisis that was taking over Padmè's life.
Padmè stood there, fists clenched, eyes bloodshot, a look of anger on her face, she stared at Anakin, it took only seconds for her to breakdown into tears, she threw herself into the arms of her husband. She had finally dropped the masquerade.
Anakin returned the embrace, but looked about uncomfortably, not knowing who could be lurking around. He hated it when keeping the secret got in the way of their love, it wasn't meant to be this way.
"Lets head back to the apartment," he suggested, grasping Padmè's hands in his.
She nodded and they made their descent towards the living quarters.
Upon arrival Anakin relaxed, he led Padmè to her bed. They both sat down.
Anakin reached towards Padmè's face, wiping her tears away with his thumbs. He gently slipped his hands from her face to behind her neck, and then down her shoulders. His hands lingered there for a while, tracing the seams of her senatorial gown. Anakin eased her closer.
Padmè breathed in and out slowly, intoxicated by Anakin's touch. He had mentioned earlier that Obi Wan was coming as well, so she knew this would be the last intimate moment shared between them for a long time.
Padmè leaned in, brushing her soft lips against his. He was used to her teasing, and tried to avoid it by pressing his lips to hers forcefully.
Padmè returned this kiss as she leaned back on the bed. Anakin followed, they continued exchanging kisses for several minutes before Padmè broke away. She rested her head on his chest. She loved being able to feel his breathing as his chest rose up and down. Anakin rested his hand on her shoulder, wishing the moment would never end.
"Ani, tell me how was your trip to the temple?" Padmè asked.
"It was fine.?" Anakin asked, perplexed by her question, "Why do you ask?"
Padmè sat upright, "Oh no reason, it just seems that everytime you go to the temple, something interesting happens." Padmè said with a smile.
Anakin still a little unsure of her question laughed, "Now Padmè, you don't trust me?"
"Well." Padmè chided.
Anakin playfully pushed her back into a pile of pillows.
She gasped and pulled him down with her, kissing his forehead, he turned to look into her dark, chocolate eyes.
"Ani seriously, how did it go?" she asked.
"It went well, Obi Wan was very understanding, Master Windu however was very, well, he was unsure of me, he said that after my actions on Genosis and Tatooine, that he didn't trust me with you." Anakin said.
"Does he suspect something?" Padmè asked?
"No, I don't think so, it is more like he lost faith in me, which is ludicris."
"Ani now don't get arrogant," Padmè said as she rose to her feet.
Anakin could feel his anger rising and decided to change the subject, "Have you done any packing?"
"Yes, I started before I left for the session."
"Very well, I will be in my room packing, you can finish yours as well." Anakin said as he stood up next to Padmè. He gently leaned down to kiss her before turning to leave.
*********
Anakin rushed to the other side of the speeder to help Padmè out and take her bags. She had changed from her senatorial gowns to a strapless black dress with a black lace poncho.
Anakin walked with Padmè into the large entry room of the Jedi Temple. Obi Wan was waiting for them.
"What took you so long?" Obi Wan asked as he walked toward the young couple.
Anakin lowered his chin looking into his masters eyes he replied sternly, "We had to pack."
Obi Wan nodded skeptically, "We have a ship on the back landing pad."
Anakin nodded, taking up his luggage once again he gestured for Padmè to go ahead of him.
She smiled and followed Obi Wan.
*********
It was not long after that the three had boarded the tiny ship. Obi Wan was piloting so Anakin and Padmè were alone in the small quarters. Both knew that it would best to not show any affection, just to be sure.
"Padmè were will we be staying when we reach Naboo?" Anakin asked.
"I think that it would be best to stay at my house, in Theed. That way we can stay with Ryoo and Pooja, I know they will have taken this hard, the more people they have to support them, the better."
Anakin nodded, "But Padmè, you house has only has two bedrooms? What about Obi Wan?"
Padmè smiled, "I know, I have already thought of that, and it is just one more reason to stay there."
"What do you mean?" Anakin asked.
Padmè just winked, and Anakin understood.
Anakin got up from his seat and went to the window, he could see Naboo, "We will be there in about 5 minutes," he announced.
Padmè took a deep breath, dreading what was to come.
NEXT CHAPTER: Uncertainty (AN: Jedi Svuem I like your idea of making Anakin vulnerable sometime in the story, I was planning on molding him into a father figure in this story, but you never know where it will go, glad to see some one else was thinking along my lines. I plan to use that in one of the next few chapters.)
It is shortly after the end of AotC. The Clone Wars have begun, and the galaxy is in turmoil. Padmè and Anakin are finding it very hard to keep their love a secret. The Trade Federation still wants Padmè dead, but have begun making more personal attacks on her loved ones, killing her mother, father, sister and brother-in-law.
(AN: Thanks so much to all who reviewed my first story, you guys are my inspiration to keep this going!) _______________________________________________________________
Padmè woke up the next morning in Anakin's arms feeling somewhat refreshed. She loved the mornings and even though she dreaded getting out of bed and facing reality, she felt added strength to do so.
She had rested her mind and was far less emotional than the night before, Anakin had been right sleep had done her a world of good.
She knew her next move had to be getting to Naboo, but with her increased security, that would be difficult. She just hoped the Jedi would understand and grant herself and Anakin permission to leave Coruscant.
Padmè turned in bed to face Anakin.
"He is such a heavy sleeper," Padmè thought giggling to herself. She remembered how before they were married he seldom received any sleep, but he had meditated on his bothersome thoughts and they were able to work past them together.
Padmè nestled her way closer to him, comforted by his warmth. Anakin rustled slightly before returning to his sound sleep.
Padmè sighed and shut her eyes, she thought if she slept more her troubles would just float away with her dreams, but she knew better, she could feel her heavy heart, she knew it wasn't just something you could sleep on.
Anakin felt Padmè's unrestfulness, he could feel her pain, so he tightened his grip on her waist, as if to protect her.
Padmè smiled as she felt him draw her closer.
"Nice to see you're finally awake."
"How do you feel sweatheart?" Anakin asked with concern is his voice.
"Better, I mean considering everything going on, I am doing very well, I guess."
"Padmè you don't have to play the part of the politician in this, no one expects you to be as strong as usual anymore, they will understand if you show emotion."
"Ani, I know, but I still want to be strong, for you, for me, for everyone involved."
"Don't wear yourself thin Padmè, think of yourself once and awhile."
Padmè left Anakin's embrace and walked to her wardrobe, grabbing a cloak she turned to Anakin and said, "I need to start making arrangements for my arrival on Naboo, do you think you can talk to the Jedi and convince them that it will be safe enough for me to travel to Naboo?"
"Yes, they will let us travel to Naboo, as soon as possible."
"Thank you Anakin, and promise me you will not be to stern with the Council?" she paused, "Or Obi Warn."
"Don't worry about me."
"I can't help it Anakin, I love you!" Padmè said as she leaned in to kiss him.
*********
Anakin arrived at the Jedi Temple shortly after leaving Padmè packing at the apartment. The building was familiar, but it's whole aura always made him feel humble, with it's grand pillars and marble corridors.
He was unsure of who to approach first, Obi Wan or the Council, but with some consideration he decided that Obi Wan would understand, and would be able to win the Council's support.
Anakin tapped into his force connection with Obi Wan to locate him in the enormous temple, he was not surprised to find him in the library.
"Obi Wan, I need to speak to you about Padmè, it is urgent."
Obi Wan was startled by his Padawan, "Anakin, what is it?" Obi Wan spoke carefully, he feared the worse.
"I have reasons to believe that the Trade Federation may have attempted to kill other members of the Naberrie family, besides the senator."
"Why is that young Padawan?" Obi Wan asked skeptically.
"Because Obi Wan, Padmè's mother, father, sister and brother-in-law were killed."
Obi Wan stared at Anakin, he was shocked.
"I have come to you to ask permission to escort Senator Amidala to Naboo for the burials, and to investigate."
"Anakin, I agree that it would be best if she were accompanied. If the Trade Federation is behind the deaths, they would most likely try something while she is on Naboo as well. We need to go before the Council first, and get their input. They may want to send additional assistance."
Anakin cringed at that thought, he was hoping to be alone with Padmè on her beautiful home planet one last time, but if additional Jedi were sent that would be near impossible.
Obi Wan searched his Padawan's face as they walked to the Council Chambers, something was bothering him, and Obi Wan knew him well enough to know it wasn't just the death's in Padmè's family.
Anakin always seemed to grow nervous when appearing before the council. He felt as though they could see through him, like they knew his every secret. It had been that way since he was a child and was interrogated for the first time. But it seemed to get worse now that he actually had something to hide.
As they reached the Chambers Obi Wan entered first, he spoke to Master Windu before gesturing for Anakin to enter.
Obi Wan nodded, encouraging Anakin to speak.
Anakin swallowed hard before starting, he knew he had to get this right, for Padmè's sake, "I have come before you today to ask permission to accompany the Senator of Naboo on a trip to her home planet. Yesterday her parents, sister and brother-in-law were murdered, and we have reason to believe the deaths were direct results of actions by the Trade Federation. She has requested passage to Naboo, and I would like to continue my duties as her protector if it is allowed."
Mace Windu was troubled by this statement, "Anakin, what makes you believe you would be able to handle this mission by yourself. Your prior actions were not well received."
"What prior actions?" Anakin snapped.
"Your taking the Senator to Tatooine, and Genosis, both situations that threatened her life, you were under strict orders to stay with her on Naboo."
"Masters, please, I assure you my Padawan has learned from his mistakes," Obi Wan spoke, eyeing Anakin who had an angered look on his face, "If you agree, I would travel with Anakin and assist him."
The Council members looked around to each other, all seeming to agree, Yoda spoke up, "Go to Naboo, you both shall, be mindful of the force you will."
"Thank you masters," Anakin said before bowing and exiting the room with Obi Wan.
As they traveled down the corridor back toward the quartering chambers Obi Wan spoke, "Are your things at the Senate building?"
"Yes"
"Good, I would like you to leave to pack and be back with the Senator, ready to leave this afternoon."
"Very well then, and Master, thank you." Anakin nodded before turning to leave.
********
It took Anakin only minutes to maneuver his speeder from the temple to the Senate Building.
Once inside he found that the senate was about to go into session. This was to be Padmè's first day back since they arrived on Coruscant.
He made his way past a lingering group of senators and into the housing wing. Before long he was inside of Padmè's apartment. One of her handmaidens was inside, but Padmè was not in sight.
"Where is Padmè?" Anakin demanded, growing worried.
"She is attending the session, can I be of any assistance Master Anakin?" the handmaiden asked.
"No, thank you," and with that Anakin slammed the door and rushed back towards the main portion of the building.
He had not expected Padmè to be attending the session, it would be too much for her to handle, all of the corruption and problems would send her over her edge. He also wanted to share one last moment alone before they would be whisked away to Naboo with Obi Wan.
Anakin was closing in on the last turn before the lobby. He was just in time to catch the last senator before he entered the session room.
"Sir, wait," Anakin yelled.
"Yes," the burly young man replied.
"Can you please see to it that Senator Padmè Amidala returns to her apartment immediately, tell her that it is urgent, she will understand."
"Why, yes," the man replied perplexed.
"Thank you."
Anakin found a seat, he would wait for Padmè from here.
Within five minutes the door to the session room swung open and Anakin's eyes were filled with delight as his beautiful young wife came into view.
It was not long before Anakin was able to tell something was bothering her.
"Ani, why in Sith hell did you pull me out of that meeting?" she barked.
"Padmè, we have clearance to leave, Obi Wan is coming with us, and he wants to depart this afternoon. I need you to start packing, and besides, do you really want to go to this meeting at a time like this?" Anakin said referring to the crisis that was taking over Padmè's life.
Padmè stood there, fists clenched, eyes bloodshot, a look of anger on her face, she stared at Anakin, it took only seconds for her to breakdown into tears, she threw herself into the arms of her husband. She had finally dropped the masquerade.
Anakin returned the embrace, but looked about uncomfortably, not knowing who could be lurking around. He hated it when keeping the secret got in the way of their love, it wasn't meant to be this way.
"Lets head back to the apartment," he suggested, grasping Padmè's hands in his.
She nodded and they made their descent towards the living quarters.
Upon arrival Anakin relaxed, he led Padmè to her bed. They both sat down.
Anakin reached towards Padmè's face, wiping her tears away with his thumbs. He gently slipped his hands from her face to behind her neck, and then down her shoulders. His hands lingered there for a while, tracing the seams of her senatorial gown. Anakin eased her closer.
Padmè breathed in and out slowly, intoxicated by Anakin's touch. He had mentioned earlier that Obi Wan was coming as well, so she knew this would be the last intimate moment shared between them for a long time.
Padmè leaned in, brushing her soft lips against his. He was used to her teasing, and tried to avoid it by pressing his lips to hers forcefully.
Padmè returned this kiss as she leaned back on the bed. Anakin followed, they continued exchanging kisses for several minutes before Padmè broke away. She rested her head on his chest. She loved being able to feel his breathing as his chest rose up and down. Anakin rested his hand on her shoulder, wishing the moment would never end.
"Ani, tell me how was your trip to the temple?" Padmè asked.
"It was fine.?" Anakin asked, perplexed by her question, "Why do you ask?"
Padmè sat upright, "Oh no reason, it just seems that everytime you go to the temple, something interesting happens." Padmè said with a smile.
Anakin still a little unsure of her question laughed, "Now Padmè, you don't trust me?"
"Well." Padmè chided.
Anakin playfully pushed her back into a pile of pillows.
She gasped and pulled him down with her, kissing his forehead, he turned to look into her dark, chocolate eyes.
"Ani seriously, how did it go?" she asked.
"It went well, Obi Wan was very understanding, Master Windu however was very, well, he was unsure of me, he said that after my actions on Genosis and Tatooine, that he didn't trust me with you." Anakin said.
"Does he suspect something?" Padmè asked?
"No, I don't think so, it is more like he lost faith in me, which is ludicris."
"Ani now don't get arrogant," Padmè said as she rose to her feet.
Anakin could feel his anger rising and decided to change the subject, "Have you done any packing?"
"Yes, I started before I left for the session."
"Very well, I will be in my room packing, you can finish yours as well." Anakin said as he stood up next to Padmè. He gently leaned down to kiss her before turning to leave.
*********
Anakin rushed to the other side of the speeder to help Padmè out and take her bags. She had changed from her senatorial gowns to a strapless black dress with a black lace poncho.
Anakin walked with Padmè into the large entry room of the Jedi Temple. Obi Wan was waiting for them.
"What took you so long?" Obi Wan asked as he walked toward the young couple.
Anakin lowered his chin looking into his masters eyes he replied sternly, "We had to pack."
Obi Wan nodded skeptically, "We have a ship on the back landing pad."
Anakin nodded, taking up his luggage once again he gestured for Padmè to go ahead of him.
She smiled and followed Obi Wan.
*********
It was not long after that the three had boarded the tiny ship. Obi Wan was piloting so Anakin and Padmè were alone in the small quarters. Both knew that it would best to not show any affection, just to be sure.
"Padmè were will we be staying when we reach Naboo?" Anakin asked.
"I think that it would be best to stay at my house, in Theed. That way we can stay with Ryoo and Pooja, I know they will have taken this hard, the more people they have to support them, the better."
Anakin nodded, "But Padmè, you house has only has two bedrooms? What about Obi Wan?"
Padmè smiled, "I know, I have already thought of that, and it is just one more reason to stay there."
"What do you mean?" Anakin asked.
Padmè just winked, and Anakin understood.
Anakin got up from his seat and went to the window, he could see Naboo, "We will be there in about 5 minutes," he announced.
Padmè took a deep breath, dreading what was to come.
NEXT CHAPTER: Uncertainty (AN: Jedi Svuem I like your idea of making Anakin vulnerable sometime in the story, I was planning on molding him into a father figure in this story, but you never know where it will go, glad to see some one else was thinking along my lines. I plan to use that in one of the next few chapters.)