Chapter 7

He had been to so many different planets by now, experience every climate there is and the only one that he just hated was the sticky and humid ones. Trekking around in their heavy armor and having to evade clankers was almost unbearable and Felucia was probably the worst. He did love, however, the miles of thick and colorful jungle, visually it was probably one of the most beautiful. Danger lurked everywhere, not only from the separatists but also the wild rancor that roamed the areas, so alert was high. Aayla never seemed to mind the heat she always marched on graceful as ever, always poised and ready for anything. She had just finished a council meeting as she had been promoted to the rank of Master and now was a member, well deserved in the opinions of him and his men. The general was a born leader and always made the mission the top priority, when still doing everything to spare as many lives as possible. He knew a lot of the generals had no problem with clone fatalities, so he recognized how lucky the 327th corps were to be assigned to her.

They must have been walking just over an hour when it happened. "Commander Bly, the time has come. Execute order 66." The image of the chancellor gave him pause; he couldn't help but wonder what had happened to his face. That was soon forgotten when he realized what he must do. He didn't want to hurt her, but it was like he had no control of himself and slowly took aim.

"Do you think there are droids ahead?" She asked as her attention was taken by a bird taking flight.

"No." The last word spoke before the fatal shot to the Twi'leks back.

He shot up fast covered in sweat. He must have fallen asleep out here cleaning his armor. It was then he noticed a figure bending over him and he lunged forward tackling the unknown assailant to the ground.

"B…Bly….. Its just me… You were having a nightmare. I just was trying to wake you." He had knocked the wind out of her and her words sounded weak.

Embarrassment set in as he moved off her and helped her up. "I.. I'm sorry Belme…. Did I hurt you? I … When I have dreams, of the war… I was disoriented. I didn't mean… I'm so sorry."

She watched him blabber on and couldn't help but smile finding it adorable, but at the same time she was sad that he suffered such bad night terrors. She had heard stories that many of the retired cones had suffered from PTSD and weren't receiving adequate care.

"Commander…. Its ok, I'm ok. I was just surprised." She smiled again reassuringly but hesitated when she went to touch his arm. "You didn't hurt me."

"Commander? What happened to Bly?" He asked teasingly sitting back on the lounge chair.

"I guess I just wasn't sure if you still wanted me to call address you so casually…. After …."

"After hearing what you've been hiding from Lord Vader?" He asked moving over motioning for her to sit beside him.

"I'm sorry I kept that from you, I swear I wasn't trying to trick you or anything…. I just got caught up in everything with you and wanted to enjoy it a little."

"Why would I think you were tricking me?"

"A lot of people just don't…see people like me as real women…."

"And you think I am like those people?" He asked raising an eyebrow as he looked at her. "Do you know how many people, even ones we served under who made it clear they didn't see us as real men? I would never think that way, especially not about you."

She smiled blushing bright. "I was scared…. I didn't know how to tell you… I see you for the man you are and just I guess it never dawned on me you could understand what it was like."

"You look so beautiful …. You always do but I like seeing you like this," He said reaching out and rubbing his finger slowly against her cheek. "Without all that make up and fancy clothes. I like you fresh faced in your simple nightdress."

She couldn't speak, it was like the air had been taken from her again. Everywhere he touched was like fire and she craved more.

"I might have some questions…. About things but… I hope that it being out in the open you will have dinner with me now." His hand moved to the back of her head and pulled her to him claiming her lips in a kiss. Unlike the first time this kiss was deep, and she felt his urgency.

She returned the kiss, parting her lips allowing his tongue the access it had been begging for. The taste of his kiss was the most erotic thing she had ever experienced, and she couldn't help but get lost in it. Allowing him to pull her onto his lap she wrapped her arms around his neck, hearing a primal growl come from deep in his chest. His arms pulling her as tight against him as he could get her.

"You make me feel more a man then I ever have…. I want you to be mine." He whispered against her lips when he broke for air.

"I already am….."

He smiled wide resting his forehead to hers and looking deep into her eye.

"I really hate to interrupt this moment, because it does really warm my heart to see something good happening, but you may want to take this inside, maybe to one of your rooms?" The heard Padme's voice behind them and could tell she was trying to hide her smile.

"I'm sorry Milady…. Bly fell asleep and was having a nightmare… " Belme spoke quickly sliding off his lap.

"I had heard, that's why I came out to make sure everyone was ok… I see everything ended up well." This time Padme couldn't help but let out a small laugh seeing the look of embarrassment on Belme's face along with the look of accomplishment on Bly's.

Belme made her way inside and as she passed by Padme she stopped her and whispered, "In another life that was how Lord Vader liked me to comfort his nightmares as well. I'm very happy for you, you don't have to be embarrassed."

"T..Thank you Milday. If there is nothing you need, I will get back to bed."

"I believe I am fine for the night but perhaps the commander could use your assistance."

Belme's face was redder then she had ever seen as she rushed inside and disappeared down the hall. Padme shook her head smiling bright before turning her attention back to Bly.

"Take care of her commander, she has had much pain in her life and deserves the best."

"I swear I will Milady."

"I am going back to bed. Commander there is a room for you down the hall, you don't have to sleep out here."

"Thank you, Milady, I appreciate that… I, I guess you know where to find me if you need me."

"One more thing…. I noticed you removed Senator Organa's name from the buildings visitor log….. Thank you."

Bly just nodded in response to her watching her disappear into her room. He had decided it was best to have the record altered to insure there would be no reason for Lord Vader to ask questions. He wanted to keep Padme's confidence but also wanted to limit any reason for him to have to lie. Once he was sure Padme had closed her door he headed in the direction Belme went, gently knocking on her door.

"Hi…." She said shyly as she opened the door.

"I have a question…. and I don't want you to take it the wrong way."

"…. Okay…" She felt the feeling of dread return.

"Will you sleep beside me…. Not to do anything…. Can I just hold you as we sleep?"

She smiled warmly leaning up and placing a quick soft kiss to his lips before moving aside to let him into her room. "I would like that."

Padme smiled to herself as she crawled into her bed so happy to see some happiness return in the galaxy. It seemed like all she had seen recently was pain and misery. The sound of her comm going of made her jump, she had not expected him to reach out to her on his trip.

"Did I wake you? I know it's late." He had his mask off, just his hood covering most of his face, so she was able to hear his real voice, which she was glad for. The booming sound of his voice behind that mask disturbed her.

"I was awake…"

"I don't have much time Padme; I need you to leave first thing in the morning. Go to Naboo, to Varykino, tell no one other then Commander Bly… You can also bring the handmaiden if you desire."

"Anakin… What's going on?"

"The Emperor is coming for you. He believes you know more then you are saying regarding Kenobi and Yoda's where abouts. You and Senator Organa are going to be questioned. He promised to not have you arrested for me, but I am to convince you to tell him the truth."

She just looked at him wide eyed not sure what to say. She was hiding many things and didn't know what she was being accused of.

"Padme, I know you are lying to me about something, and I will find out but for now I don't want him near you."

"Ani….."

"Anakin is dead…. Your life will be much easier if you justy accept it and learn to love me as I am. But know this, love me or not you are mine and I will not live without you. I will send orders to Bly and will meet you on Naboo when I can."

Then he was gone, leaving her sitting there contemplating her choices. Does Palpatine know of the twins, know they are alive? That she knows exactly where they are, where Yoda and Obi Wan are? For now, she will have to put trust in her husband.

"I do love you Ani. You just make it hard to believe you."