Title: Instead of Hurting You
Author: Julie the Tall Terror
Category: AU Post TPM, character depth, action/adventure and some angst
Rated: PG for a little violence
Summary: Ani/Ami romance or at least a close facsimile thereof. Lots of action and evil Sith attempts to seduce Anakin to the darkside. Happy ending guaranteed! Ani is 18 and Padme is 23.
Sequel to "If I Don't Catch You", "I Won't Fail You", and "I'm Counting On You". You actually don't have read those stories to understand this one, but I'd really like you to!
Feedback: Yes! It always improves fanfic! tall_terror@hotmail.com
Begun: June 13, 2001
Completed: July 7, 2001
Qui-gon and Obi-wan are only featured in flashbacks because I couldn't see how Ani could possibly court his lady with two masters looking over his shoulder. ;)
Part 2 of 3
Anakin stood in the doorway and waited. Even though Padme was no longer Queen, she was required to be present at some of the state functions over the next few days. This was an outdoor party that was finally winding down.
When he had called, Padme had invited him to attend, but Anakin had preferred to just meet her afterward. None of the things he wanted to talk about could be said there. As he watched for her and servants darted around him through the door, Anakin began to worry.
This is a mistake. I should have arranged to meet her somewhere private later on.
Anakin backed into the shadows and snagged a passing waiter. He took a napkin from the tray and quickly scribbled a note. "Take this to Amidala, please."
Anakin watched the servant leave a moment before going back the way he came. I can't chance anyone seeing the two of us together. Not only because of the galactic press. That I can handle, but if that Sith were to find out...
He tried not to shudder. The risk of losing Padme to the manipulations of the Sith was very real. Its bad enough that too many people know about my Mom.
Anakin decided to take a shortcut through the Palace Hanger Bay. It wouldn't really save time, not since he stopped to admire the ships. A muffled beep echoed in the huge chamber.
"Alright," Anakin whispered. "I guess you can't get into trouble here."
Kaely rose out of his Jedi robe's pocket. Anakin wandered to the exit with his droid flying behind him. She chirped a question that caused Anakin to walk faster.
"No, we aren't going to fly one of the ships and its not just because I can't think of an excuse to!" Anakin strode through the door into a land craft-parking garage. For a moment Anakin thought he'd be blinded by the gaudy colors and flashy chrome on the expensive vehicles.
"Don't think those politicians have a lot of money to waste, huh?" Anakin said sarcastically.
Of course, Kaely thought they looked pretty and said so.
They were both startled by a beeping sound answering her. "Artoo?" Anakin walked around one massive and ugly purple and green enclosed landspeeder to see Padme's land craft with R2-D2. "Hi there! Are you Padme's chauffeur now?"
Anakin grinned down at the blue droid. Artoo whistled cheerfully in reply and then almost as an afterthought, acknowledged Kaely's existence. She chirped a cool greeting back at him. Anakin just shook his head. "Kaely, meet R2-D2. Artoo, this is K-LE1, you've probably heard about her from Threepio."
Artoo gave a snort at that.
"Kaely, go wait at the door and watch for Padme." Kaely beeped and soared away. "Be wary," Anakin warned Artoo. "You don't need to make an enemy of her, she'll get revenge."
Artoo gave a questioning trill. "I mean it," Anakin explained. "Threepio ignored her when we arrived and so that night she painted over his gold plating while he was shut down." Anakin smirked as he remembered the sight of C-3PO the psychedelic droid. "It took hours to clean it off."
Artoo gave an electronic laugh, but seemed to take Anakin's warning seriously.
"Hello, Ani."
Anakin turned around, "I thought you'd never escape those stuffy snobs, Padme."
She smiled at him and then glanced at the pink droid hovering beside, "I almost didn't get through the entrance. Kaely has never met me before. But we are acquainted now."
"Oh, I forgot about that," Anakin looked down in embarrassment. "I'd like to talk to you somewhere... private."
"Certainly, there is a small gallery on the next level," Padme said. "No one will be there this time of day."
In silence the two of them left the droids and Anakin never noticed that Kaely didn't follow. The gallery was a group of interconnecting rooms that overlooked the waterfalls. Some paintings and art in display cases and scattered settees were the rooms' only adornments.
"Padme," Anakin began nervously. She needs to know how dangerous my life is before I could ever ask her to marry me someday. He stared out at the setting sun. "I've told you a little about the Sith."
Padme walked over to a seat by the window. Her gown was elegant as always, but lacked the elaborate hair and makeup of her previous station. Anakin struggled to regain his voice as the sun made a glowing halo around her head.
"You never explained in much detail," Padme answered. "But it wouldn't have been safe to."
Anakin nodded. "For the last few years, the Sith haven't tried to kill me again. Haven't attempted to coerce me or capture me. Nothing. And that worries me greatly."
"As you know, Jedi sometimes have visions of the future. Since I last encountered the Sith, I've seen images of them killing my masters, killing me, and even seen myself as their servant." Anakin closed his eyes tight. "In the last few weeks they have become worse and more detailed. While traveling from Coruscant with the Supreme Chancellor I've seen horrible visions every night and sometimes during the day. They've lessened somewhat since we arrived, but -"
"Ani," Padme interrupted. "Are you sure that they are all visions? Half or more could be simply nightmares caused by your anxiety."
"Yes, Qui-gon and Obi-wan think so too. And I know some of them must be, but I can't tell which are the visions and which aren't!"
Padme held out her hand and motioned him forward. Anakin sat down on the floor and rested his head against the seat. He didn't dare move too close to her no matter how much he longed to. He nearly jumped when Padme ran her hand through his Padawan haircut. Anakin closed his eyes and sighed blissfully.
"What else concerns you?" Padme gently stroked his forehead.
"I think that the Sith master has another new apprentice," Anakin whispered in dread. "And I hope I don't have to kill it like I did the last one."
The longer they talked the more confident and relaxed Anakin grew. After the sun had set, neither of them had moved to turn on a light. By the time the moon had risen, Anakin felt he could almost ask Padme anything. Almost.
With only a tiny bit of nervousness, Anakin phrased his next question. "What do you intend your next accomplishment to be after your sabbatical from politics?"
Padme looked at him out of the corner of her eye and silently mouthed the words he'd just said, "My, what sophisticated speech you've developed."
Note to self, just talk normal around Padme. Anakin cheered quietly to himself when he successfully used the Force to prevent a blush from forming on his face. This time, anyway.
"I have been offered a number of possibilities. There are a variety of different needs for diplomatic envoys. Ambassador, Senator... and the Supreme Chancellor has even offered a position on his staff, though I don't plan on accepting."
Anakin sat up straight in his place on the floor in surprise and turned to look up at her. "Why not?"
"I have no desire to be groomed as his replacement when he retires. Two Supreme Chancellors both from Naboo in succession would be politically unwise."
"That's absurd!" Anakin argued. "You are precisely what this galaxy needs in leadership."
Padme shook her head, "I'd be better off as a goodwill ambassador traveling to worlds to convince them to not squabble with their neighbors. I always ruled Naboo directly and personally. I can't imagine functioning at a distance like the other options require."
Anakin stood up, "Who's been advising you to do this?"
Padme frowned, "Anakin -"
"It's a futile and idealistic notion. We Jedi have barely managed to do it for millennia and the galaxy still breaks out in war. I've traveled all over the galaxy and seen how excruciatingly difficult it is to mediate peace talks."
"I think I know a little more about politics than you, Anakin."
Padme stood up and walked out of the room in cold silence, while Anakin stood fuming at the stars.
Anakin stormed down the lane to Shmi's house. Why can't she understand? There is a reason Jedi are sent instead of 'goodwill' ambassadors! Jedi usually can survive when one or all the people involved decide to sabotage the talks! Has Padme totally forgotten how the Nemodians tried to kill Qui-gon and Obi-wan when they came to Naboo?
Anakin stopped outside of the door and began calming himself. He didn't want to walk into his mother's house angry. Kaely zoomed in front of his face and loudly asked him to listen to her.
"What?" Anakin grumbled quietly. He'd ignored her beeping after he'd retrieved her from the empty parking garage. She had dutifully waited for him there after Padme had left with Artoo.
As Kaely explained, Anakin's expression went from attempting to not be irritated, to surprise and grew into exasperation.
"No you can't have a holo-projector like Artoo! I can't make one that small."
Kaely snorted and let out a stream of creative whistles Anakin had never heard from her before.
"What did you call me?" He stared at her, "Never mind, don't repeat it!"
Anakin dropped his face in his hands, "Artoo and I are going to have a long talk about what not to teach you. Kaely, don't say any of those insults again, is that clear?" He looked at her sternly. "Artoo has a very filthy vocabulary and no one will treat you like a lady if you say things like that."
Kaely reluctantly agreed. It's a good thing that only some Jedi can understand her. Anakin thought in mortification.
Shmi opened the door. "Ani, whatever are you doing standing out here?"
"I don't know," he looked at his feet. "I just got in a fight with Padme and I really need help."
Shmi wrapped him in a hug and drew him inside. As he gloomily followed Anakin remembered another argument.
"Padawan, you have gone too far!"
Anakin cringed at the voice of doom. Obi-wan had said it quietly and calmly, too calmly.
"How did you do this and how do you undo it!"
Anakin tried not to smirk at Obi-wan's pink face. And pink hair and pink clothes. Only his master's boots weren't an awful shade of pink. "Its just Raelc. I put it in your shampoo, on your soap and washed your tunics in it last night."
Obi-wan looked miserable, "But Raelc is clear."
"Except when you spray Detavitca in the air," Anakin held up an empty misting container. "They taught us in Chem class that they react. But it's harmless and will all wash out with normal cleansers."
Obi-wan sighed mournfully, "Anakin, you couldn't have chosen the worst time for one of your tricks."
"Aww, you used to be good at taking a joke," Anakin grumbled as Obi-wan hauled him out of sight of the path and exit.
"I had a very important reason to meet Teiuq today," Obi-wan could see that Anakin wasn't taking him seriously. "We had a disagreement yesterday and being late will make it harder to reconcile."
Anakin's face fell, "Oh, I'm sorry Obi-wan," Anakin felt deeply ashamed. He looked up to say more and froze. Looking over Obi-wan's head, Anakin glimpsed a face between a tree and one of the pillars. What is Teiuq - uh oh, she's smiling! She's gonna laugh any second! Time to flee.
"I know you want to hurry to see her, so I'll be going," Anakin hastily excused himself and darted for the exit. Once in the corridor, he breathed a sigh of relief. At least, technically, I didn't disobey Qui-gon about leaving Obi-wan alone when he's with his girlfriend.
Anakin gave a startled squawk when a hand clamped down on his collar.
"I'm sure you will just love cleaning out the waste recycling chamber," Qui-gon announced quietly in his ear.
Obi-wan was stalling me and called Qui-gon! Arg! Anakin groaned.
In the bowels of a magnificent house, Anakin and Kaely tried very hard not to get lost. It wasn't working. Now that Padme was no longer Queen Amidala, she'd moved out of the Palace and was staying with a friend of her family. Under the cover of darkness, Anakin had snuck across the elaborate estate's gardens and into a back door.
Within minutes, he and Kaely had made three wrong turns and gotten into two arguments about which way to take next. They never saw a lift and the only stairs they'd found were those going down, not up. That's it, I'm going back outside and scaling the wall.
The door behind Anakin opened and he froze as a young woman dressed in blue came down the corridor. Masking his presence with the Force, he flattened himself against the wall. She stopped after walking only a few steps though the door. Looking closer, Anakin recognized that she was one of Padme's handmaidens. They were remaining with Padme until the official functions she had to attend were finished with before leaving to return to their own homes.
"I know you are here somewhere, Padawan Skywalker, so show yourself," she said with a faintly peeved expression on her face.
Anakin didn't move. No way! She can't possibly see me or have heard me! He studied her in puzzlement.
"Now!" She stomped one foot and put her hands on her hips.
Oh, might as well. She might be able to help me. Anakin faded into view as he dispersed his 'ordinary wall' disguise.
"What do you want, Sache?" Anakin asked.
His appearance didn't startle her in the slightest, "Sneaking around is not going to help anything."
"Yeah, well -"
"You are here to see Padme?"
"Yes, of course."
"Then why didn't you go to the front door like a normal person?"
Anakin sighed. "I wasn't sure if the matron of the house would refuse to let me in. Or you handmaidens. The protecting Padme stuff."
Sache nodded warily, "Actually, Sera would have gladly welcomed you in - and then told you precisely what she thinks of this fight you and Padme had."
Anakin frowned, "Who? Oh, the lady who owns this house. You aren't going to tell her I'm here, are you?"
"I might, it depends on whether you are going to apologize to Padme or not."
"Yes, I am," Anakin said irritably.
"Good," she smiled for the first time. "I'll take you to her."
"Wait!" Anakin said suddenly. "I don't want to be presumptuous, but if I could ask you a serious question?" The young lady looked at him suspiciously, so Anakin hurriedly continued. "There is something I need to know, and I really need a yes or no answer."
"Very well," she pursed her lips.
"Is Padme, um involved with anyone?"
Sache's eyebrows shot up, "You mean a man, a boyfriend?"
Anakin nodded miserably. She gave him a half smile, "No, Padme isn't seeing anyone right now. And just to be nice, I can tell you that she hasn't had the time to have a serious relationship with any man."
Anakin sagged with relief and for the moment he didn't care that he had a very amused witness.
"Come on."
"By the way, how did you know I was here?" Anakin quietly praised himself for speaking in such a nonchalant tone. I easily hid myself with the Force from the people. Their holo-cameras must have some new programming that prevented Kaely from freezing them when we passed.
"Your small droid is a very noticeable against these white walls. I could see her the moment I walked through the door."
Kaely gave a squeak and Anakin grimaced. "I told you that bright pink would be trouble." He muttered.
Kaely just snorted.
Anakin was relieved to find that after you went downstairs there was a lift and stairs that went up. It was a bizarre arrangement, but rather typical of old estates.
"Here it is," Sache stopped at a door that Anakin noticed looked very plain, as if they were in a secret passage. "If you'll wait a moment, I'll see if she is presentable."
Anakin blushed and Sache left trying to stifle a giggle at his reaction. After he'd regained his composure, she returned and waved him in. Anakin strode into the room and hoped he didn't look as nervous as he felt. The Force wasn't being very helpful in that department today. He felt terrible that it had taken him a full day to work up the courage to come.
Padme was standing by a low sofa and surrounded by the ornate and beautiful furniture and decorations he'd come to expect in houses such as these. She looked tired and a little pale. Quietly, Sache backed out of the room and closed the hidden door, leaving them alone.
Silence reigned and finally Padme just sat down, "Hello, I know -"
"I'm sorry!" Anakin interrupted her in a rush.
Padme looked startled. Anakin clammed up in surprise. Did she think I was here to continue trying to make her change her mind? I don't think she was expecting an apology at all.
"I appreciate that, Anakin."
But she still feels hurt. Anakin steeled his resolve, "I had no right to be angry with you and try to tell you what to do with your life."
Padme's expression softened, "That was a very hard thing to say, to anyone, Ani. A few days ago, I did ask for your opinion about how my life has changed, so I shouldn't have been upset later when you gave it."
Anakin should have relaxed, but he didn't and visibly worried Padme, "Won't you sit down?"
Stiffly, Anakin walked closer, but didn't sit. He shook his head silently and his face contorted as he tried to say what he wanted to.
Padme tried to encourage him, "Please? Tell me why it bothered you so. It's not like you. Why were you so angry?"
"Because I love you!"
It's too soon! Too soon! This was a mistake! Of all things to mess up, why this?
In embarrassment and fear, Anakin tore his eyes from Padme's shocked face. He stared at the carpet, his boots, anything else.
"I..." Padme began in almost a whisper, but then seemed to recover her voice. "I had no idea, Ani."
For a moment, Anakin considered fleeing out the way he came until he remembered how lost he'd gotten. I knew she wouldn't be ready! Just a few more days would have been enough.
Padme stood up, "You are very dear to be, but -"
"But you don't feel that way about me. I know, and I didn't expect you too," Anakin put on a brave face.
He glanced around the room and turned towards the only visible door. There will be at least one handmaiden out there, she can direct me out.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"Wait," Padme called out.
Anakin stopped with his back to her.
"I do care about you, but you need to know that when I think of you, I always see the sweet boy who saved my planet," Padme was nearly choking on her words. "And I always will."
Anakin went stiff as he caught her meaning, "Are you sure?"
"Yes, the way I care for you won't change," she whispered.
How can she think that she could never love me? But I've had visions that she will! She's got to! Anakin didn't move any closer to the door. Or maybe my life is too dangerous for her.
There was a brief knock that made them both jump, and then the door flung open. Even though Anakin felt no hostile intentions, he nearly went into a defensive stance. The figure before them was dressed in a black suit with a complicated bright orange harness. The person's head was completely swathed in a black scarf.
"Hello, Aunt Sera," Padme greeted the figure.
In an instant the scarf came off and a lady's face appeared. Her hair reacted with static electricity and stuck up at odd angles into an awful mass of red and a little gray. She was an average height and size, not really overweight, but if she ever stopped exercising that would quickly change. Her cheeks were flushed and she had a childish dimple in each.
When Anakin recovered himself he realized who she was and gave her a short bow, "Please excuse the intrusion, Lady Tseraed of S-"
"Now, now! None of that young man," her hazel eyes twinkled merrily and she began stripping off her thick gloves. "Just call me Sera, everyone else does," Sera then looked at Padme, "And I told you, no more of that 'Aunt' stuff, it makes me feel old."
Padme smiled faintly, "This is Anakin Skywalker, Sera. Sera is my parents' dearest friend," Padme told Anakin.
Sera dumped the scarf, gloves, a hook of some kind and goggles on a chair and reach out to grasp Anakin's hands, "I'm delighted to meet you at last, Anakin. Padme has told me so much about you!"
Anakin opened his mouth to speak, but Sera never gave him the chance, "I so rarely get to see Jedi. I wish I could have greeted you earlier, but I didn't get word that you had arrived until after I returned to the base of the cliff."
It was the polite way of saying that he should have called ahead before coming, instead of just sneaking into the house, and Anakin knew it. "I'm sorry, but I really must be going," Anakin said weakly.
"Oh," Sera's face fell. "What a shame, but you will come again?"
Anakin quietly muttered a thank you and scurried past the strange lady as quick as he could. She made him nervous, though perhaps it was only due to her odd clothes.
Sera looked pointedly at Padme once the door shut, "Well? Are things repaired?"
"Yes and no," Padme answered. "Aunt -" Padme corrected herself when Sera raised one eyebrow. "What are you wearing?"
"My rock climbing gear."
Padme was only a little surprised, "You were climbing the cliffs. I see," she paused to consider her older friend's sanity. "Whatever were you doing up there at night?!"
"It's the only time the Thgin flowers bloom," Sera shrugged and plopped into a chair.
"Aren't they poisonous?"
"Only if you touch the spores, that's what the gear was for," she pointed at the goggles, scarf and gloves. "Now, quit stalling and 'fess up."
"Anakin apologized very nicely, but -"
"Good, but what?"
"He's become infatuated with me and though I tried to let him down gently, I know he is very hurt."
"Oh, dear," Sera ran a hand through her wild tangles.
"Ani will be leaving with the Supreme Chancellor in two days, I don't think I should see for the rest of his stay."
"That will only make things worse, Padme."
"I know, but seeing him will make things just as hard. He needs to get past this," Padme began to pace the room. "Being with him will only serve to encourage his feelings and hurt him more when I still refuse him."
"Neither of us needs this right now. He needs to finish his Jedi training and I -" Padme stopped by the window. "I am -"
"- fooling yourself," Sera said curtly.
Padme only glanced at her friend. Sera was typically direct and brutally honest with her friends and family. And Padme knew this would be no different.
"I don't love him like that and I won't. He's just an overgrown boy."
"Men frequently are, especially at that age." Sera smirked at her, but then her face grew serious. "Though I suppose I shouldn't talk, I never married and have had little experience with romance."
"I can manage on my own, thank you," Padme told her.
"Very well dear. But if you change your mind, or just want to talk about it, I'll be here."
Shmi Skywalker wrapped her arms tightly around her son, "I want a message every month, no less!"
Anakin smiled, "Of course, Mom." He kissed the top of her head and wished for the millionth time that he was taking her back with him.
The last of the luggage and supplies had been loaded and Anakin couldn't delay any longer. He hugged her again and didn't trust his voice to speak. He backed up the ramp slowly so that he could continue to look at his mother even as is closed. Shmi could only wave sadly as the Supreme Chancellor's ship took off.
Anakin took his seat by Palpatine and strapped in for the jump. There were a few advisors and attendants in the other seats talking quietly.
"It is a shame," Palpatine whispered. "But cheer up, I am sure that your mother will be with you some day."
Anakin looked mournfully at him, "Is it that obvious?"
"Not to the others, they only see another serious and reserved Jedi," he gestured to the rest of the room. "But I can tell when you are grieving, Anakin."
"Thank you, sir."
"Please, no more 'sir' or addressing me by my title. I feel awkward to hear such formality from you, my friend."
Anakin smiled faintly, "Okay, Palpatine."
Later that day, Palpatine summoned Anakin to join him in his onboard office. "Anakin, the captain has picked up a distress signal."
Anakin walked around the desk to see the screen to see a still picture of an alien he didn't recognize. The message had been sent in written format as well audio and visual.
Palpatine pointed at one garbled passage, "It appears that they are not under attack, but are sick. And they do not know any of the common galactic languages well enough to say what it is. Our computer was unable to translate their speech."
Anakin nodded has he read through the message again. Palpatine leaned back in his chair in thought, "I'm inclined to help them, but I wished to ask you first if it would be safe."
"I sense no danger for us, but is there no other ship in the vicinity?"
"None that we know of, this is a relatively quiet section of space and it's not near any of the major or even minor trade routes."
"Very well, I agree.""Thank you," Palpatine smiled. "I'll contact Coruscant to inform them that we shall be making a short detour, but for safety's sake, I won't tell them the exact location."
"Yes," Anakin answered, "No need to chance someone picking up the transmission."
"Once we've determined what these people need, we will proceed home. I hope you don't mind getting home a day or two later than we expected."
"Not at all," Anakin smiled. "Jedi rarely get to stick to a real schedule."
The planet was unusually large for a habitable world. The ship's sensors had detected only primitive technology, and a sparse population. Much of the terrain looked not so much barren as simply poor.
Anakin was in the cockpit with the pilots this time. Palpatine had requested it so that Anakin would be better able to access the planet and people. I wouldn't want to be a farmer there. It's almost as bad as Tatooine.
He was jerked out of his thoughts as a sharp warning of danger alerted him. Before Anakin could say a word the ship bucked wildly and half of the dash's lights and screens flickered on and off.
"We've been hit by lightening!"
Anakin looked at the two pilots in surprise, "But the sensors detected no atmospheric disturbances."
The ship was struck again and some of the screens didn't come back on. Anakin scanned the nearest terminal, "We're losing power."
They all cringed as three more bolts hit the ship and every light went out. For a half a second, Anakin wondered if he would be able to use the Force to land the ship without crashing. But then some of the screens lit up.
"Let me land us," Anakin told the pilot. Gratefully the man vacated his seat as electricity struck the ship again.
Sera watched Padme's expression become more and more grave. She had been miserable ever since Anakin left the house two days ago. Padme had stubbornly stuck to her decision to not see him before he left. Now that he was gone Padme had become a silent and very disagreeable houseguest.
Padme finally gave up trying to read the book in her hands and instead let her head rest on one hand. She stared at the mass of colorful string in Sera's hands. "What are you making?"
"I'm not sure yet," Sera held the slowly growing rectangle of cloth. "It will be either a small wall hanging, a seat cover, or a shawl. I tried to teach your mother when we first met at school, but she never managed it."
Sera put it down and looked at her young friend, "Would you like to learn?"
"No thank you," Padme rubbed her bloodshot eyes. "I couldn't concentrate on it, I just..." She didn't finish her sentence.
"You just feel too guilty?"
"Yes."
"Good," Sera said.
Padme gave her honorary aunt a glare and turned on the holo-terminal to watch the galactic news frequency.
"- with these uprisings increasing, they are calling for more recruits to contain them. Also today, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has left Naboo and will be touring several small worlds. He is expected to return to Coruscant in a month."
"It seems you won't be able to send a message to your Ani for awhile."
"He is not my Ani," Padme grumbled.
Unknown Planet
Anakin slumped in exhaustion and blearily looked at the suffering people around him. They were very sick and unless help arrived soon, many would die. The last two days had passed in a blur of worry and stress. Has it really only been a couple of days?
The lightening hadn't ceased until the ship had dropped close to the ground, just above the trees. After landing safely, Anakin had calmly left the cockpit and tried not to smile at how relieved the frazzled the pilots looked. He needed to check on the passengers, in particular, the Supreme Chancellor.
As he passed through the ship, Anakin learned that everyone had strapped into their seats quickly and so escaped serious injury. Most of the terminals were blackened by the fires caused when their systems were overloaded. However, they were all being put out quickly by the crew and the few emergency systems that were still operational.
The ship actually had three levels, the cockpit and crew at the top, Palpatine and his staff in the center, and the cargo and main exit ramps below. Anakin had to hit the manual release and shove open the emergency door to reach the stairs. Most of the doors no longer had power and no one was going to try the lifts.
He found a small crowd of franticly chattering attendants and two stolid guards outside of Palpatine's bedchamber. The guards were struggling to open the jammed door. Anakin could sense no distress from the other side, and so quickly reassured the worried staff that the Supreme Chancellor was fine. With a little help from the Force, Anakin swiftly yanked the door open.
"Ah, Anakin," Palpatine was standing in the room alone. "I'm glad you're here, I thought they'd never get me out!"
The old man was smiling cheerfully and was clearly unharmed. He turned to his over-enthusiastic staff, "I am quite alright!" Palpatine then looked up at Anakin, "I decide to rest my poor headache for a moment before we land, and then chaos breaks loose! We arrived intact, I presume?"
"Yes," Anakin said gravely and walked with him to find the captain.
The ship was intact, due to Anakin's skillfully landing. However, the electricity had shorted out and destroyed much of the vital systems. Anakin listened with growing concern as the captain reported that it would take extensive repairs to make the ship flyable again. The com unit was completely ruined, preventing any calls for help. So, Anakin took a group of the crew with him to search for the communication system the people of this planet had.
Anakin had returned a few hours later with a sour expression and miserably went to report to the Supreme Chancellor of what he'd found.
"These people have very little technology and no flying vessels at all," Anakin explained. "I got the impression that what few machines they have probably were bartered from a few small trading vessels or smugglers."
"We needed parts to repair the ship," Palpatine pressed his lips tightly together in concern. "What about their communication terminal?"
Anakin frowned, "Melted. Their receiving tower was hit by the lightening and it fried everything connected to it. Just talking to the people is extremely difficult as well. Their distress call wasn't really garbled like we thought. They simply have very little knowledge of how to write our language and their vocal cords won't pronounce it either."
Palpatine shook his head sadly, "What of their sickness?"
"It's very bad and I think a lot of them have died."
Its worse than bad. Anakin sat down outside of the aliens' make shift hospital. He was too tired to even walk to the ship. Palpatine's personal physician had never seen this illness before, but what he could determine about it was horrible. It was an airborne disease that seemed to attack their internal organs. How and why was still unknown, since they didn't know what most of these people's organs were or their functions they weren't likely to find the answer in time. For it appeared to be fatal.
By using the Force to compare the sick and the well, Anakin had noticed only one discernable difference, the ill had much higher body temperatures. So after consulting the doctor, it had become his job to cool the interior of the entire single room hospital. Every hour, Anakin would stand in the center and use the Force to reduce the temperature of the room to freezing. It didn't make the people get well, but it gave them a little comfort and actually slowed the disease's progress.
"Kaely," Anakin said to his little droid. "Wake me up in an hour."
She beeped in reply and landed on a nearby stump. Anakin dozed fitfully against the wall and hoped that he'd get a little rest before they needed him again.
Naboo
Padme surveyed the last boxes and baggage. Most of her belongings had been sent to her parents' home days ago. The handmaidens wouldn't be likely to forget anything, but since they were all excited about going home, it wouldn't hurt to check one more time before they were all loaded. Indeed, a pair of blue shoes were missing, and belatedly Padme recalled taking them off in Sera's Mess room.
The Mess Room was made up of several interconnecting chambers whose massive doors were nearly always open. Each section was devoted to a different project or fancy Sera had recently decided to learn. It was the one place in the house that none of the servants were ever allowed to clean without Sera carefully observing them, lest they throw away something important.
As usual, it was a terrible disaster, and Padme nearly tripped twice while hunting for her shoes. She finally spied them under a massive weaving contraption that Sera had picked up somewhere. When she kneeled down to reach them, Padme was surprised to see several drops of fresh red paint on the floor. Another drop suddenly splashed beside her hand.
She never got a chance to look up before two hands wrapped around her throat.
Padme's reflexes began using her self-defense training almost before she could think of them. She twisted in his grip and dug her nails into his wrists to no avail. Driving her elbow backwards into his belly did make him loosen his grip long enough for her to breathe.
"Where is he?"
Padme briefly wondered how she was supposed to answer with his hands around her throat, before deciding to strike with her elbow again. He cried out from the blow and let go with one hand. Immediately, Padme lunged to one side and tried to get out of his grasp, but she was trapped against the weaving loom.
"Where is he?" the intruder repeated hoarsely.
Finally he stopped trying to choke her and Padme was able to scream. Instantly, he squeezed again, but his hands were suddenly too slick and couldn't get a grip. Padme twisted and kicked him with all her might. He let out a yell and let go. Padme tried to stand but slipped and fell on her hands and knees.
Padme heard a wild ear-piercing yell and looked up just in time to see Sera come barreling into the room. The older woman landed on the man in a fury and began to beat him over the head with her fists. He held up one hand and suddenly Sera went flying completely across the room, landing on a pile of un-carded wool by the doorway.
He turned back to Padme, but she was ready this time. She bashed him in the face with the nearest heavy object she could get her hands on. The man dropped to the floor unconscious. For a moment, Padme just stared at him in shock. He was dressed completely in black and his skin was pale yellow with greenish splotches.
"Sera?" she croaked out in barely a whisper.
"I'm fine, dear," Sera began limping slightly across to her. "Be careful standing up, you'll slip."
Padme stared for a moment and then looked down. On the floor were several bright red pools of not paint, but blood. His blood. It was on her hands, knees, and as she reached up she realized it was likely on her neck as well. Belatedly, she understood that it was what had prevented him from choking her again.
Finally, the guards and a few of Padme's handmaidens arrived in a big pack with their weapons drawn. "Bind him, but don't remove him yet, he's injured," Sera directed them. "And call for a healer."
Quickly, the girls helped Padme stand up and walk to the sofa in the next room. Padme was very pale. Sera quickly grabbed some cloth she had woven and began helping the others wipe the blood away.
"He used the Force."
"What dear?" Sera asked.
Padme's color began to return and her voice was stronger this time, "I think he used the Force to fling you away."
Sera and the girls could only stare at her. The healer arrived then, and quickly checked over the two women before going to the prisoner. Neither were seriously hurt, Padme's throat would be sore for a while and Sera's ankle was twisted a little.
"You can put it down now," Sera said quietly.
"What?" Padme answered hoarsely and then looked down at the mangled object still clutched in her hand that she had hit the intruder with. "At least there is no blood on it. What is it anyway?"
"A Lootrac."
Padme and the handmaidens blinked in confusion.
"It's a landspeeder tool. I'm building one in the in the next room."
"You are building a landspeeder?"
Sera's face brightened into a grin, "Its ever so fun, I've already finished the engine. And now I'm welding the body together all myself and I can't wait to paint it!" she then looked at the bent tool. "I'll have to remember to order a new one of those."
Padme just shook her head at her strange friend, but was grateful for the distraction just the same. Padme was both disappointed and a little relieved that she wasn't really related to Sera.
"Excuse me, Lady S'iuq," the captain of Sera's guards interrupted. "The prisoner is dying."
"Has he regained consciousness?" Sera asked.
"No. He has numerous poorly bandaged stab wounds and severe burns on his chest and arms. The healer says they are at least a day old and he has aggravated them extensively. He has lost too much blood and is unlikely to wake at all." He then turned to Padme, "Did he say why he attacked you?"
"No, he just asked one question, 'Where is he?'"
"Perhaps he was after the Supreme Chancellor and thought you would know his currently location?"
"That is possible," Padme agreed. "But I don't know where the Chancellor has gone."
"Should we send a warning, my lady?" the captain looked at Sera. "There could be another attempt."
"I'm sure the Chancellor is quite safe. He is being escorted by a Jedi you know," Padme said quickly.
The answer satisfied the captain and he gave them a short bow before returning to the other room. Sera looked at Padme slyly, "I see. You don't want your Anakin to know about this, so -"
"Would you stop that. He's not my Anakin."
"Skywalker?"
The room went silent as everyone stared at the prisoner. He was awake and staring at Padme with unfocused eyes. "No wonder he abandoned me," the man slurred as his expression of shock gave way to hate, anger and pain. Finally, his face went slack and he breathed his last.
End part 2 of 3