Episode III: Attack of the Clones

Chapter 14: Gone!

When Padme awoke the next morning it was to hear shrieks coming from downstairs, and to find that Anakin had already gotten up. She expected this. It was presently 0915 Hours, and the refugee ship that would return him to the capital left forty-five minutes after. What she didn't expect, however, was to hear Antellica shrieking on the first floor.

She chose not to give much thought to it as she got out of bed. It was probably over something the girl had seen on the HV; nothing more.

But Padme still couldn't help being a little worried as the shrieks continued. After quickly showering and dressing, she went downstairs and proceeded into the living room to find Antellica bent on the floor crying and yelling loudly in anguish while Anakin was obviously trying to calm her down. He was sitting on the floor next to her holding her tightly. He looked a bit upset himself.

"What's going on here? And where's breakfast?" she added tautly to Dorme, Lizzie, and Leslie, who were just standing there watching the scene before them. The servants quickly dashed into the kitchen, and returned a moment later with a plate of food, a cup of chocolate milk, and a few napkins.

The Senator snatched these things from them and sat down on the couch, flipping the HV on to drown out Antellica's moans of anguish.

"Well, what's going on?" she repeated, popping a piece of bacon into her mouth. Antellica had finally stopped making noise, but was still crying softly.

"Arica's gone," she said softly. "All her belongings are gone from her room, and your ship, Lovely Lady's gone."

"What?!" Padme bellowed, jumping to her feet.

"Obviously she left during the night," Anakin added just as quiet as Antellica.

"Lovely Lady's gone!" she shouted. "That was one of my favorite ships!"

"How can you be worried about your ship?!" Antellica sobbed. "What about Arica? She's gone and we don't know where she is! And I've tried contacting her, but she's blocking her mind from me."

Padme didn't know what to say. She had to admit she was very shocked by this.

"Was there a note at all?" she finally asked.

Anakin sadly shook his head. "No."

Dorme then came rushing back into the room and cleared her throat. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but the shuttle which is here to take Jedi Skywalker to the Transport Station has just arrived."

"Thank you Dorme," Padme said. "I guess we better go."

"We?" Anakin repeated. "Aren't you going to finish your food?"

"I'm suddenly not very hungry," she said softly and exited the room. Anakin and Antellica followed her and they all left on the shuttle.

The ride to the Transport Station in Theed was spent in silence. Antellica had stopped crying and was now simply gazing out the window, her face void of expression.

When they arrived at the station, she and Padme said their good-byes to Anakin and he left.