Chapter 17

Bly hated being on bed rest more then anything in this galaxy. He hated feeling useless and having other people care for him. He guessed it was due to the fears every clone had that they would be deemed to no longer be needed and cast away. He believed Belme when she told him she loved him but the last thing he wanted was to be a burden to her or Lady Vader. He knew Vader probably felt no remorse for what had happened and would have him replaced if he wasn't able to protect his wife. Dr. Anella said he could go back to light duty in a few days.

He still hadn't decided on her offer of the procedure she thought would reverse the gene that caused his rapid aging. If something were to happen, he could end up worse off, he would rather half a life with Belme then having no life with her. Then again, the thought of growing old with her, maybe raising a family and having grandkids excite him more then he wanted to admit to himself. He was created to fight a war and die not fall in love and have what normal people got to have.

It was his comm going off that brought him back into the present. He knew it was Lord Vader as this was their private line. He jumped out of bed ignoring the sharp pain and dizziness and answered. When Vader came into view Bly was slightly surprised, Vader stood there in a pair of sleep pants without either his helmet or dark robes. Since the first-time meeting Lord Vader rumors of his injuries had been widespread, although obviously covered in scars it wasn't as bad as Bly had imagined.

"Lord Vader." He greeted.

"Commander, I see Dr. Anella has come through, you seem almost good as new."

"Yes Sir."

"Commander my wife has informed me that I may have overreacted to the situation."

Bly had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. "Not at all sir."

"Okay then. Commander my wife has requested for her handmaiden to resume care of our daughter until she feels safe about her being in the capital with us. I trust I do not have to tell you what I expect from you or what will happen to you both if anything happens to my child."

Bly was surprised how much influence Lady Vader seemed to have over her husband. The few weeks he trained with Lord Vader left hi, with the impression no one told Vader what to do. "It will be my honor sir to protect your little one and Lady Belme."

Vader was silent a moment before a malicious smile crept across his face. "So, Commander, have you discovered whether her outie is now an Innie? "He asked with a cruel chuckle.

"I… I'm not sure what you mean milord." Bly's anger was growing but he made himself not lash out, not after last time.

"I see…. Unable to close the deal or is Lady Belme just a prude? Maybe you just don't do it for her commander."

"If and when milady is ready to take our relationship there is fine with me Milord. I just enjoy being in her company."

"That's good commander, even with her… issue she is still in a higher class then a security guard clone." Vader took great pleasure in degrading the commander. He didn't like him having a split focus when he oversaw his family's safety. He believed the commanders feelings for Belme would only bring trouble. "I will be sending my daughter to you in the next few days, be ready commander."

Vader ended the transmission without waiting for Bly's response. He hated the fact he could do nothing about the way Vader spoke about Belme, it made him feel like less of a man. That was probably what her wanted him to feel anyways. Bly through the comm across the room letting out a frustrated growl.

"You shouldn't be out of bed…" Belme's soft voice greeted as she came in holding a tray of his favorite foods.

"That for me?" He couldn't help but smile.

"The doctor says you can resume your normal diet, I figured you would be starving," She set the tray on the small table in the corner of the room. "The doctor also has informed me the bacta tank will be here today and you should be back to one hundred percent by this evening."

"That's good news… Has Lady Vader contacted you?" He asked sitting down and grabbing a piece of the Shaak steak and practically inhaling it.

"She did, it will be an honor to be able to protect milady's daughter from harm."

Bly grabbed her arm and gently pulled her to sit in his lap. "Eat with me."

Belme giggled and relaxed against him. "I'm not hungry, but I will sit with you if you like."

"I would like, very much. I never felt like this before…. For a woman…and I like it."

Belme blushed and leaned back into him, sitting quietly while he ate and just listening to him talk. He told her of some of his craziest battles and all the different planets he traveled. She was just in awe of all he had been through in the three years of the war.

"You are a very impressive man."

"Glad you think so."

Back on Coruscant

Ahsoka couldn't reach her comm fast enough when she saw the alert go off, the second Padme came into view it was like the weight of the galaxy lifted from her. "Padme, I have been so worried."

"I'm ok. I know how this sounds but I know he won't hurt me. The one thing that remains the same is how much he loves me and the regret he feels for …. Mustafar."

"Padme, you can not trust a Sith. Sith's are incapable of love."

Padme took a deep breath before continuing. "he is still in there Ahsoka, if I leave him then Anakin is lost forever."

"Senator please, we have to get off the planet and we don't want to leave you behind."

"My fate is intertwined with his Captain, however…. I do need your help. Do you think you can infiltrate the 501st ranks again?"

"I believe so, but if you aren't willing to leave why does that matter?" Rex curiosity peaked.

"Just please if possible do it and I will explain when I am able to see you in person. If it gets to dangerous, I want you both to just go, please don't take high risks for this."

"Padme we will do all we can… To be of service to you while we can." Ahsoka smiled weakly, disappointed that Padme seemed to have given up. She was afraid her hope has blinded her to the truth.

"Thank you, my friend." Padme smiled and disconnected the communication as she saw her husband approaching.

"The commander has his orders."

"Belme as well." She said trying to suppress a yawn.

"Tired Angel?" He asked scooping her into his arms and carrying her to the bedroom.

Padme giggled softly before nuzzling her face into his neck. "Strenuous physical activity with little sleep will do that."

"So, I guess I will be getting no more of your loving this morning?"

"Anakin… Are you trying to kill me?"

He laughed as he laid her down in their bed and pulled the blanket over her. "Never… I would be nothing without you Angel." Using the force, he gently brough Leia's bassinette over to be right next to her. "Sleep, I will be back when I can. I would like to have a little more time with my girls before we send Leia to Naboo."

Padme felt guilt watching her husband look down at their daughter and the look of love on his face. "We will be here when you return my love."

"I love you so much Padme… you will never truly know how much." He leaned down kissing her slowly. "Can I have you again tonight?"

Without hesitation she answered with a yes.