Chapter 2

Artoo beeped beside her, Padme's brain was working over time. Who the blazers was this Lord Vader and what in space did he have to do with anything? More importantly perhaps, we're her friends safe? And how was she going to get out of this? There was the sound of footsteps and a man entered... no a machine. It was a figure wearing black, with a mask covering his face. It barely made any noise as it moved. Just the sweeping of waves of black material and the lightest of footsteps tapping on the gleaming metallic floor.

"Vader, explain out terms to the senator." Stated Palpatine calmly.

"What terms?" thought Padme wildly. "What could she do? Not help save the senate?" She would agree to do that if it meant her friends were saved.

Meanwhile the figure had lifted its arms and was removing its helmet. Nothing could have prepared Padme for what she was about to see. It took all her will power not to faint. For there starring at her, his piercing blue eyes upon her was Anakin Skywalker.

Padme felt as though she had been struck by lightening. She wanted to cry out. But by jamming her teeth together stopped herself. She mustn't display emotion. She must not display emotion. She must not display her weakness…

"Senator, our terms are the following." Said Anakin. His voice was exactly as she remembered. But Padme Amidala was not going to be walked all over. She pulled herself to her full height and looked Anakin straight in the face. It was a mistake. Their eyes met, she felt like she had been turned to ice. His eyes were cold and expressionless. Hers were full of love and emotion. She closed them and changed her expression to blankness, her eyes to coldness. He, it appeared was not prepared for this. His expression became one of hurt and surprise. Padme almost weakened. But counter attacked with a glare that was practically a weapon. Palpatine was watching the meeting with barely suppressed interest.

"Our terms are, you will tell me the whereabouts of the Skywalker child, and remember we can sense it if you lie." Said Anakin in a dull voice, it was almost choked Padme thought.

Then the panic swept in.

She deliberately thought very strongly of Luke, so they would never find out about Leia by sensing Padme's thoughts of her. Lies and pleas flickered and dashed madly through her head. "I can't lie. But if I tell the truth?" It was hopeless. But she could not betray her friends. Luke would be spared though. But would be turned to the dark side?

"Well?" Asked Palpatine. Impatience in his voice. Padme decided to try lying.

"He's on Naboo."

Palpatine began to laugh. A very cold laugh.

"Liar."

Padme sighed. It was hopeless. She had to reveal Luke's whereabouts.

"Tatooine, Luke is with the Owen Lars on Tatooine." She said finally.

"Now that wasn't so hard was it?" Said Palpatine satisfaction on his face. He nodded at a clone and commanded, "Have the party in cell block 3R set free. Send them back to Naboo."

"What about me?" Padme asked weakly.

"Somebody has to raise the child." Barked Palpatine. Padme opened her mouth to protest, but closed it again. She felt too drained. Palpatine stood up and swept out of the room, giving Anakin a nod as he left. Padme shivered. She felt suddenly cold and didn't exactly relish being left alone with "Lord Vader".

"I'll show you to your quarters." Said Anakin in a strangely soft voice that didn't match his appearance.

Padme sighed. It was just too much.

"Anakin, what's going to happen to Luke?" She asked in a voice, which showed too much emotion. She bit her tongue. She had to stop loving him.

"He will be raised by you and trained by my master to be a Sith." Padme stood still on the spot.

"Why? Why have you joined the dark side Anakin? Where are you?" She was shaking now. Barely able to keep her voice remotely steady.

"Senator, you do not know the power of the dark side." He said not making eye contact.

"Fine." She snapped with all the strength she could muster.

"This way." Ordered Anakin. He led her along another passage to a series of rooms.

He stopped outside a large metallic door and pressed a red button on the wall. The door slid open revealing a moderately spacious room. It was not comfortable though. It seemed dark, like everything on this cursed ship.

"Your friends have been released." Informed Anakin.

"They were once your friends." Retorted Padme, her back to him.

"Those days are dead." Said Anakin softly, and he left. The door sliding shut behind him.