Without A Clue
Chapter 3: Uncertainty
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, remember I like praise, but if anything needs work I beg you, please let me know!) _______________________________________________________________
The ship had landed safely at one of the small hangars of the palace. Padmè was immediately greeted by old friends, all who wished to console her.
While Padmè talked to her greeters Anakin exchanged a few words with Obi Wan, "We will be staying at the senators childhood house, in Theed."
"Anakin, are you sure that is a good idea? If her parents were killed at home, the Federation must know where it is. Padmè would be at even a greater risk staying there. We need to keep her someplace where she would be less likely found."
"But we will be protecting her, one of us could stay with her at all times if security is such an issue, and besides, no matter where she is she is at a heightened risk of being attacked. I don't believe that it matters where she stays. She has asked to stay at her home to be near her nieces, we shall respect her wishes."
"Very well," Obi Wan looked at his Padawan, trying to solve his inner conflict over whether he should put Anakin or himself in charge of the senator's security.
Anakin stood watching the Senator receiving embraces from various members of the small group surrounding her.
Obi Wan recognized the admiration in his eyes, but thought nothing of it. He knew Anakin well enough to know he wouldn't act on his feelings, and even more that the senator would not receive any actions well. Obi Wan thought that maybe Anakin's adoration for the senator would help him better protect her.
"Anakin," Obi Wan said disrupting Anakin's own thoughts, "You will be in charge of protecting Padmè, I will start trying to unwrap the mystery of her parents deaths and prevent any future attempts on the senators life."
Anakin nodded and smiled, trying to hide his happiness.
"I will see to it that our bags reach the senator's house before sunset, you shall accompany her where ever she goes, just have her to the residence at a decent time tonight, understood Anakin?"
"Yes Master," Anakin said before bowing and joining Padmè.
Obi Wan walked back onto the ship to make a final arrangements.
Anakin's eyes followed Obi Wan out of sight, he leaned down to kiss Padmè. She accepted the kiss but looked up at Anakin mortified.
"Don't worry, Obi Wan is on the ship, he put me in charge of your security, he is handling investigation."
Padmè just nodded, still unsure.
"Anakin, let me introduce you to some of my old friends," Padmè announced.
Anakin looked down at her, noticing for the first time that her eyes were wet and swollen from crying. He felt terrible, he wished that there was something he could do to help her. He hated that he couldn't be as good a husband as someone else could because of their secret marriage.
Anakin turned to face Padmè's friends, he recognized one face, it was Adalyn, the friend who had sent the holo yesterday. Padmè had explained to Anakin earlier that day that Adalyn had been her best friend as a child, before she became queen.
"Ani, you briefly met Adalyn. Adalyn, Anakin Skywalker, Anakin, Adalyn Escallerie," Padmè went on to introduce the others that had greeted her, never once mentioning that Anakin was in any way her romantic interest, but after the kiss they had shared earlier, everyone was wondering.
"Anakin will be my security during the visit," Padmè announced. The others gave her strange looks, but said nothing.
Anakin noticed the looks, "Well Padmè and I should be going," Anakin said as he escorted Padmè into the palace. Padmè bid fairwell to her friends and followed Anakin inside.
"Anakin, I do not think it was wise of you to show affection, no one needs to know about us."
"Oh Padmè, do not worry so, they will not talk, and if they become problems, I can always use a mindtrick."
"Anakin Skywalker, you will not do that to one of my friends!" Padmè said, but she couldn't keep a straight face. "Oh, Ani, please tell me you wouldn't."
"Don't worry, I wouldn't, but." Anakin said, trying to keep from laughing himself.
"But what?" Padmè demanded with a smile.
"Oh nothing."
"That's what I thought," Padmè said with a smile.
"Well, where are we going first? Padmè asked?
"Obi Wan gave me no specific time to be at the house, just at a decent time."
"Well, what is a decent time to him?"
"He goes to bed very early, so probably an hour or so earlier than most people."
"Well I was hoping to go to the house soon anyway, those girls probably would like some company. We could head over now, unless you have something planned?"
"I was thinking, you need to get your mind of the current situation, are you hungry?"
"Well, maybe, why Anakin, what did you have planned?" Padmè asked curiously.
"Well maybe we could go on a short picnic, to the meadow we went to before?" Anakin asked.
"That would be wonderful Ani." Padmè nodded, we can prepare a basket in the kitchen," Padmè said leading Anakin towards the large palace cafetorium.
Anakin smiled, as he walked behind his wife, he would get some time alone with her after all.
Once inside the large food preparation area Padmè immediately started gathering various fruits and other small culinary items.
Anakin watched from a few feet away, completely in awe over her beauty, even when she did every day tasks, like prepare a meal. He walked over to where she stood and placed an affectionate hand on her shoulder.
Padmè turned to face Anakin, her eyes were wide, and her face held a mischievous grin.
Anakin looked down to see his wife pointing a knife at him and holding a gingerbread cookie in her other hand. He was completely dumbstruck, "Padmè what is going on.?"
"Run Run Run Ani, as fast as you can you can't catch me, I am the gingerbread man!" Padmè announced as she took off with a smile towards the other end of the kitchen.
Anakin shook his head with a laugh and chased after Padmè.
She dodged him, running to the far nook, but was soon cornered by the smiling Jedi that was her husband.
Anakin took the knife from her hand, "Didn't anyone ever teach you not to run with knifes?" he asked.
"No, they just assumed I would figure it out sooner or ." Padmè wasn't able to finish, her words were cut off by a kiss.
***************
"Obi Wan where do you want the senator's bags sent?" called one of the security guards that were assigned to help him during his time on Naboo.
"They go to the Naberrie residence, all of the bags in the cargo area do," Obi Wan called back from his makeshift desk on the ship.
Obi Wan had been going over some information he had obtained from several Naboo news sources about the murders.
They had occurred while the victims were asleep, in their homes. No witnesses are known at the time, but someone did mention seeing a strange transport in the streets of Theed late that night, roughly around the time of the murders.
Obi Wan remembered Padmè talking about her two young nieces. If they were home at the time they might be the only door he had that would provide any leads on a criminal.
"But they are just young girls, an interogation would be to hard on them at a time like this," he thought.
Obi Wan heard a crash from the storage bay. In frustration he threw down the papers he was holding and marched down to where the noise had originated. After a day of absolutely no developments he was feeling a little stressed and lost control for a moment.
Upon arrival in the bay he found a young mechanic who had been issued clearance to check the ship over. Obi Wan breathed a sigh of relief and tried to relax.
The mechanic caught glimpse of Obi Wan, "Is there something I can do for you Master?"
"No, no as you were," Obi Wan said with a nod.
The mechanic nodded and went back to his work.
Obi Wan shook his head, "I need a vacation." He decided to head to Senator's home for come much needed meditation.
*************
Padmè and Anakin walked hand-in-hand through the gardens of the palace after their picnic. Both exchanging loving glances and chattering nonchalantly. Padmè savored the moment, it was rare for them to be able to share something like this. Everything between them was so secret and formal, they were never able to just enjoy each other's company, so a moment like this was even more special for both of them.
"Ani, I think we should head to the house," Padmè suggested, "We should probably arrive before Obi Wan, that way the girls won't be alarmed by a stranger.
"They are staying with someone right?" Anakin asked.
"Well of course, but I think it would be easier on them if they were with someone they loved and trusted."
"I know, they will feel much better once I am there," Anakin joked.
Padmè elbowed him playfully in the ribs, but her face turned serious, "Ani, it isn't a laughing matter."
"I know," he said, kissing her lightly on the brow, "But I couldn't resist."
Padmè elbowed him again, "Oh stop."
*************
Anakin and Padmè walked up the path toward her house. Padmè stopped, starring at the door.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Anakin asked.
"What choice do I have?" Padmè asked.
Anakin nodded, placing a hand on her back, offering encouragement to keep going.
She stepped forward, soon they were at the door. Anakin went to knock, turning to Padmè before he did.
She nodded, and he proceeded to knock.
Seconds later the door swung open, and Obi Wan stood on the other side.
"Hello Master," Anakin said.
Obi Wan nodded and opened the door wider for the two to enter. Anakin held out a hand to help Padmè up the steps and inside. She smiled up at him and took his hand, releasing it once inside.
Padmè looked around, nothing had changed. She expected her mother to come around the corner any moment, with open arms ready to greet her. She just couldn't believe they were gone.
Anakin looked at Padmè her eyes were wandering, and he could tell tears were forming.
"Obi Wan, if you don't mind, I would like to get Padmè settled into her room."
"That would be fine, Padmè, do you have a preference to which room Anakin and I stay in?" Obi Wan asked.
"Well there are only two rooms in the house, you can stay in my parents room," she said pointing down the hall, "It is to the left."
"I will be staying in my old room, it is just across the hall."
"What about Anakin," Obi Wan asked.
"Well there is a pull out bed in my room," Padmè suggested.
Anakin picked up on Obi Wan's uneasiness, "I can stay on the couch in the living room," Anakin said gesturing towards the plush couch in the nearest room.
"Anakin, are you sure, I can make other arrangements," Padmè said, "I wouldn't want you feeling uncomfortable."
"No don't worry about me, I can sleep anywhere," Anakin said with a wink.
Padmè couldn't help but giggle.
Obi Wan looked curiously at his Padawan, "What is this about?" he thought.
"Padmè, your bags are over there," Obi Wan said, pointing to a pile of luggage, "Anakin will be right there to help you, I need to speak to him first."
Padmè nodded.
"Anakin, please come with me," Obi Wan said leading him into the kitchen.
"What is it Master?" Anakin asked.
"What was that out there?"
"What?" Anakin asked, playing a fool, even if he knew exactly what Obi Wan was talking about.
"You know what Anakin, your wink to Padmè, and her giggle. Do you two have something going on I am unaware of?"
"Of course not Master, my wink was just a reminder of our time on Naboo a few months earlier. I had mentioned myself being able to sleep anywhere, and I winked because while we were on Naboo Padmè had discovered me one morning slumped in a corner of a balcony. She had found it quite funny, I had been meditating and fell asleep." Anakin lied.
"Oh I see," Obi Wan said still a little skeptical. "Anakin, just remember to be mindful of your feelings, they betray you."
"Yes master, is this all?" Anakin asked.
"Yes, you can help Padmè unpack her things."
Anakin nodded and went to the entrance of the house, picking up one of Padmè's bags on the way to her room.
"What do you keep in these bags?" Anakin joked as he reached her door.
He looked inside, Padmè was sitting on her bed crying.
"Oh Padmè," Anakin said, he dropped the bag and joined Padmè on the bed. "It is going to be okay," he said as he wrapped his arms around her petite figure. "I promise."
NEXT CHAPTER: The Girls (AN: Rod, I do think this story needs some comedic relief, it is getting a little depressing, I personally need some laughter in my life every once and a while, so expect that in chapters to come. Thanks for the advice, I hope it won't become "Let's play house" I try very hard to avoid that, because I want to make it realistic, as I get into future chapters I will be asking myself these questions, "Would the characters really act this way," or "Could this happen in Star Wars?")
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, remember I like praise, but if anything needs work I beg you, please let me know!) _______________________________________________________________
The ship had landed safely at one of the small hangars of the palace. Padmè was immediately greeted by old friends, all who wished to console her.
While Padmè talked to her greeters Anakin exchanged a few words with Obi Wan, "We will be staying at the senators childhood house, in Theed."
"Anakin, are you sure that is a good idea? If her parents were killed at home, the Federation must know where it is. Padmè would be at even a greater risk staying there. We need to keep her someplace where she would be less likely found."
"But we will be protecting her, one of us could stay with her at all times if security is such an issue, and besides, no matter where she is she is at a heightened risk of being attacked. I don't believe that it matters where she stays. She has asked to stay at her home to be near her nieces, we shall respect her wishes."
"Very well," Obi Wan looked at his Padawan, trying to solve his inner conflict over whether he should put Anakin or himself in charge of the senator's security.
Anakin stood watching the Senator receiving embraces from various members of the small group surrounding her.
Obi Wan recognized the admiration in his eyes, but thought nothing of it. He knew Anakin well enough to know he wouldn't act on his feelings, and even more that the senator would not receive any actions well. Obi Wan thought that maybe Anakin's adoration for the senator would help him better protect her.
"Anakin," Obi Wan said disrupting Anakin's own thoughts, "You will be in charge of protecting Padmè, I will start trying to unwrap the mystery of her parents deaths and prevent any future attempts on the senators life."
Anakin nodded and smiled, trying to hide his happiness.
"I will see to it that our bags reach the senator's house before sunset, you shall accompany her where ever she goes, just have her to the residence at a decent time tonight, understood Anakin?"
"Yes Master," Anakin said before bowing and joining Padmè.
Obi Wan walked back onto the ship to make a final arrangements.
Anakin's eyes followed Obi Wan out of sight, he leaned down to kiss Padmè. She accepted the kiss but looked up at Anakin mortified.
"Don't worry, Obi Wan is on the ship, he put me in charge of your security, he is handling investigation."
Padmè just nodded, still unsure.
"Anakin, let me introduce you to some of my old friends," Padmè announced.
Anakin looked down at her, noticing for the first time that her eyes were wet and swollen from crying. He felt terrible, he wished that there was something he could do to help her. He hated that he couldn't be as good a husband as someone else could because of their secret marriage.
Anakin turned to face Padmè's friends, he recognized one face, it was Adalyn, the friend who had sent the holo yesterday. Padmè had explained to Anakin earlier that day that Adalyn had been her best friend as a child, before she became queen.
"Ani, you briefly met Adalyn. Adalyn, Anakin Skywalker, Anakin, Adalyn Escallerie," Padmè went on to introduce the others that had greeted her, never once mentioning that Anakin was in any way her romantic interest, but after the kiss they had shared earlier, everyone was wondering.
"Anakin will be my security during the visit," Padmè announced. The others gave her strange looks, but said nothing.
Anakin noticed the looks, "Well Padmè and I should be going," Anakin said as he escorted Padmè into the palace. Padmè bid fairwell to her friends and followed Anakin inside.
"Anakin, I do not think it was wise of you to show affection, no one needs to know about us."
"Oh Padmè, do not worry so, they will not talk, and if they become problems, I can always use a mindtrick."
"Anakin Skywalker, you will not do that to one of my friends!" Padmè said, but she couldn't keep a straight face. "Oh, Ani, please tell me you wouldn't."
"Don't worry, I wouldn't, but." Anakin said, trying to keep from laughing himself.
"But what?" Padmè demanded with a smile.
"Oh nothing."
"That's what I thought," Padmè said with a smile.
"Well, where are we going first? Padmè asked?
"Obi Wan gave me no specific time to be at the house, just at a decent time."
"Well, what is a decent time to him?"
"He goes to bed very early, so probably an hour or so earlier than most people."
"Well I was hoping to go to the house soon anyway, those girls probably would like some company. We could head over now, unless you have something planned?"
"I was thinking, you need to get your mind of the current situation, are you hungry?"
"Well, maybe, why Anakin, what did you have planned?" Padmè asked curiously.
"Well maybe we could go on a short picnic, to the meadow we went to before?" Anakin asked.
"That would be wonderful Ani." Padmè nodded, we can prepare a basket in the kitchen," Padmè said leading Anakin towards the large palace cafetorium.
Anakin smiled, as he walked behind his wife, he would get some time alone with her after all.
Once inside the large food preparation area Padmè immediately started gathering various fruits and other small culinary items.
Anakin watched from a few feet away, completely in awe over her beauty, even when she did every day tasks, like prepare a meal. He walked over to where she stood and placed an affectionate hand on her shoulder.
Padmè turned to face Anakin, her eyes were wide, and her face held a mischievous grin.
Anakin looked down to see his wife pointing a knife at him and holding a gingerbread cookie in her other hand. He was completely dumbstruck, "Padmè what is going on.?"
"Run Run Run Ani, as fast as you can you can't catch me, I am the gingerbread man!" Padmè announced as she took off with a smile towards the other end of the kitchen.
Anakin shook his head with a laugh and chased after Padmè.
She dodged him, running to the far nook, but was soon cornered by the smiling Jedi that was her husband.
Anakin took the knife from her hand, "Didn't anyone ever teach you not to run with knifes?" he asked.
"No, they just assumed I would figure it out sooner or ." Padmè wasn't able to finish, her words were cut off by a kiss.
***************
"Obi Wan where do you want the senator's bags sent?" called one of the security guards that were assigned to help him during his time on Naboo.
"They go to the Naberrie residence, all of the bags in the cargo area do," Obi Wan called back from his makeshift desk on the ship.
Obi Wan had been going over some information he had obtained from several Naboo news sources about the murders.
They had occurred while the victims were asleep, in their homes. No witnesses are known at the time, but someone did mention seeing a strange transport in the streets of Theed late that night, roughly around the time of the murders.
Obi Wan remembered Padmè talking about her two young nieces. If they were home at the time they might be the only door he had that would provide any leads on a criminal.
"But they are just young girls, an interogation would be to hard on them at a time like this," he thought.
Obi Wan heard a crash from the storage bay. In frustration he threw down the papers he was holding and marched down to where the noise had originated. After a day of absolutely no developments he was feeling a little stressed and lost control for a moment.
Upon arrival in the bay he found a young mechanic who had been issued clearance to check the ship over. Obi Wan breathed a sigh of relief and tried to relax.
The mechanic caught glimpse of Obi Wan, "Is there something I can do for you Master?"
"No, no as you were," Obi Wan said with a nod.
The mechanic nodded and went back to his work.
Obi Wan shook his head, "I need a vacation." He decided to head to Senator's home for come much needed meditation.
*************
Padmè and Anakin walked hand-in-hand through the gardens of the palace after their picnic. Both exchanging loving glances and chattering nonchalantly. Padmè savored the moment, it was rare for them to be able to share something like this. Everything between them was so secret and formal, they were never able to just enjoy each other's company, so a moment like this was even more special for both of them.
"Ani, I think we should head to the house," Padmè suggested, "We should probably arrive before Obi Wan, that way the girls won't be alarmed by a stranger.
"They are staying with someone right?" Anakin asked.
"Well of course, but I think it would be easier on them if they were with someone they loved and trusted."
"I know, they will feel much better once I am there," Anakin joked.
Padmè elbowed him playfully in the ribs, but her face turned serious, "Ani, it isn't a laughing matter."
"I know," he said, kissing her lightly on the brow, "But I couldn't resist."
Padmè elbowed him again, "Oh stop."
*************
Anakin and Padmè walked up the path toward her house. Padmè stopped, starring at the door.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Anakin asked.
"What choice do I have?" Padmè asked.
Anakin nodded, placing a hand on her back, offering encouragement to keep going.
She stepped forward, soon they were at the door. Anakin went to knock, turning to Padmè before he did.
She nodded, and he proceeded to knock.
Seconds later the door swung open, and Obi Wan stood on the other side.
"Hello Master," Anakin said.
Obi Wan nodded and opened the door wider for the two to enter. Anakin held out a hand to help Padmè up the steps and inside. She smiled up at him and took his hand, releasing it once inside.
Padmè looked around, nothing had changed. She expected her mother to come around the corner any moment, with open arms ready to greet her. She just couldn't believe they were gone.
Anakin looked at Padmè her eyes were wandering, and he could tell tears were forming.
"Obi Wan, if you don't mind, I would like to get Padmè settled into her room."
"That would be fine, Padmè, do you have a preference to which room Anakin and I stay in?" Obi Wan asked.
"Well there are only two rooms in the house, you can stay in my parents room," she said pointing down the hall, "It is to the left."
"I will be staying in my old room, it is just across the hall."
"What about Anakin," Obi Wan asked.
"Well there is a pull out bed in my room," Padmè suggested.
Anakin picked up on Obi Wan's uneasiness, "I can stay on the couch in the living room," Anakin said gesturing towards the plush couch in the nearest room.
"Anakin, are you sure, I can make other arrangements," Padmè said, "I wouldn't want you feeling uncomfortable."
"No don't worry about me, I can sleep anywhere," Anakin said with a wink.
Padmè couldn't help but giggle.
Obi Wan looked curiously at his Padawan, "What is this about?" he thought.
"Padmè, your bags are over there," Obi Wan said, pointing to a pile of luggage, "Anakin will be right there to help you, I need to speak to him first."
Padmè nodded.
"Anakin, please come with me," Obi Wan said leading him into the kitchen.
"What is it Master?" Anakin asked.
"What was that out there?"
"What?" Anakin asked, playing a fool, even if he knew exactly what Obi Wan was talking about.
"You know what Anakin, your wink to Padmè, and her giggle. Do you two have something going on I am unaware of?"
"Of course not Master, my wink was just a reminder of our time on Naboo a few months earlier. I had mentioned myself being able to sleep anywhere, and I winked because while we were on Naboo Padmè had discovered me one morning slumped in a corner of a balcony. She had found it quite funny, I had been meditating and fell asleep." Anakin lied.
"Oh I see," Obi Wan said still a little skeptical. "Anakin, just remember to be mindful of your feelings, they betray you."
"Yes master, is this all?" Anakin asked.
"Yes, you can help Padmè unpack her things."
Anakin nodded and went to the entrance of the house, picking up one of Padmè's bags on the way to her room.
"What do you keep in these bags?" Anakin joked as he reached her door.
He looked inside, Padmè was sitting on her bed crying.
"Oh Padmè," Anakin said, he dropped the bag and joined Padmè on the bed. "It is going to be okay," he said as he wrapped his arms around her petite figure. "I promise."
NEXT CHAPTER: The Girls (AN: Rod, I do think this story needs some comedic relief, it is getting a little depressing, I personally need some laughter in my life every once and a while, so expect that in chapters to come. Thanks for the advice, I hope it won't become "Let's play house" I try very hard to avoid that, because I want to make it realistic, as I get into future chapters I will be asking myself these questions, "Would the characters really act this way," or "Could this happen in Star Wars?")