Star Wars: Remix version

Chapter eight: Traitor

Padme sighed heavily. She hated being shut up in their safe haven, but she knew that until the culprit was caught, she had no choice if she wanted her baby to survive. Anakin was out looking for the fiend as well.

"Milady?" Padme looked up as a young padawan learner entered. She smiled at him. He was about five or six.

"What is it?" She asked gently.

"Captain Skywalker asked me to tell you that he will be home late. He has a lead on the explosion" The little padawan said. Padme smiled.

"What is your name, little one?" She asked.

"Han" the boy replied. "Han Solo"

"Well, Han Solo, thank you for bringing the message to me." She handed him a few coins. Han smiled and took off.

Padme knew that she shouldn't venture out, but the apartment was stuffy and she needed some fresh air. She left a quick note on the table, incase Anakin got home before her, pulled on her cloak and ventured out into the city. Little Han Solo was practicing with his fake lightsaber when he saw her take off. He knew that Senator Padme was supposed to stay put, but he also remembered overhearing Captain Skywalker saying how stubborn she was. Han wasn't sure if he should report her leaving or not. If he reported it, she might get mad at him and want her money back. If he didn't, she could get in serious trouble. He decided it would be best if he told Master Windu what was going on. When Mace Windu heard the young padawan's story, he tracked Anakin down and told him that Padme was out. Anakin was more worried than angry and set out to find his AWOL wife.

Padme was unaware of the turmoil she had caused back at the temple, she was just happy to be able to breathe clean and fresh air. As she turned a corner she bumped into Forsythe.

"Forsythe, what are you doing here?" She asked.

"Looking for you" Forsythe replied. "You really shouldn't be out here alone"

"I know, I just need some fresh air. I was about to head back to the temple." She made a move to pass him, but he blocked her. "Forsythe, let me pass" She said staring at him. Suddenly, he pointed a blaster at her.

"You're not going anywhere" He said. Padme paled.

"It was you" She whispered. "You blew up our home. Why?"

"I was paid to. And now, I must eliminate you" He said.

"You were our friend" Padme protested. "We trusted you"

"Yeah, well I need the money" Forsythe replied. Padme stared him straight in the eye.

"Are you going to kill Anakin too?" She asked.

"No, Anakin gets to live, a life of loneliness without you. And he'll never know who killed you" Forsythe grinned, finger on the trigger. Padme closed her eyes as she heard the blast. She braced herself for the pain, but nothing happened. She opened her eyes to see Forsythe lying on the ground dead. His wife Maria was holding a smoking blaster, her face pale.

"Are you alright Padme?" She asked.

"I'm fine" Padme said softly. "Thank you"

"I can't believe my husband was a killer. I never suspected it, even when he started to purchase nice things we could never afford before. I'm really sorry" Maria's eyes filled with tears. Padme pulled her into a hug.

"It is not your fault Maria. You couldn't know none of us did" She said softly.

"Padme, are you okay?" Anakin appeared in the ally looking tired and worried. "I heard blaster shots" Padme pointed to Forsythe and explained what had happened.

"Did he tell you who paid him?" Anakin asked. Padme shook her head. "It was probably the Sith Lord Obi-wan told us about" He said.

"Han saw me leave, didn't he?" Padme asked. Anakin nodded. She smiled. "He's a good kid."