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Chapter Three

A storm was rolling into Coruscant. Padmé could smell the rain in the air as she gets ready for another day with Rush. She hoped last night was out of his system and he would realize that she just wanted to be friends. She did enjoy his company though and having the attention she so desperately craved from her husband by someone else was alluring. She heard her servant let Rush in so she left the bedroom to start another day again leaving the holopad behind as it starts to beep and flash that a message was coming in.

Anakin had hoped that by trying a different time of day he would have gotten through to her. He was getting anxious that he hadn't made contact with her yet. Rex knocked on his door.

"Come in Captain." Anakin says.

"I just wanted to inform you that the engineers were able to increase the hyperdrive like you requested. We should be to Coruscant in one day now instead of two." Rex says.

"Good job Rex. That is great news! I will let the council know of the change in plans." Anakin says as he picks up his holopad. At least I can get a hold of someone at the Temple; he thinks to himself as Rex leaves his cabin.

He contacts the Jedi Temple and Obi-Wan's image appears.

"Hello Anakin, how is the flight coming along?"

"Just fine Master. I wanted to inform the Council that we will be back a day ahead of schedule." Anakin says.

"A whole day?" Obi-Wan asks with his eyebrow raised. "You interfering with the hyperdrive wouldn't have anything to do with it now?"

"I didn't do anything to the hyperdrive." Anakin states. "If my men did, then that is their prerogative." He shrugs.

"Okay Anakin, but just don't over push the drive. I wouldn't want to have to come rescue you again." Obi-Wan sighs.

"Not to worry, they learned from that mistake. At least I think they did." Anakin jokes.

"Just remember when you get here come to the Temple to give us your report and then barring any pressing issue we need you to attend to, you will get your leave." Obi-Wan says.

"Yes Master. I will see you soon." Anakin says as he turns off the communicator. He is really hoping for that time off.

Padmé meets Rush in her living room and he walks over to her and kisses her hand.

"I am sorry about last night." Rush says as he looks into her chocolate brown eyes apologetically. "I was just trying to lighten the mood from all of the stress that has been going on with the war. I was hoping by remembering better times it might help ease our troubles. I am sorry if that was the wrong direction to go. You were right about focusing on the future so that is what I intend to do." Rush says to her as he lets go of her hand and sits in front of all their work from the previous day.

"I am sorry for snapping at you Rush." Padmé sighs. "I guess with everything going on I got defensive and I shouldn't have. I should have realized you were being a good friend. Please forgive me as well." She says as she sits next to Rush and puts her hand on top of his.

"Of course, all is forgiven." He says as he puts his other hand on top of hers and smiles.

All of a sudden Rush's holopad starts to beep. They break away their hold as Rush picks it up. Chancellor Palpatine's image appears.

"Senator Clovis, Senator Amidala, just the two I wanted to check in on. How are the findings coming along with Scipio?" Palpatine asks with concern.

"Slow going." Rush says. "We have been over the data a few times but are still at a loss for a plan."

"Would it be better to go to Scipio? To get a first-hand account of what the Muun people are hearing or experiencing?" Palpatine suggest. "Plus clone intelligence has informed us that a few Separatist Senators are not happy with the move as well. They might be willing to meet in a neutral location like Scipio to discuss the matter."

"I suppose it would be wise to meet with them." Rush says. "How soon could we set up a meeting?"

"I will get you the contact information of the Senators. I suggest you head to Scipio tomorrow. That way it will show them how serious of a matter this is to us." Palaptine requests.

"Excuse me Chancellor, but do both of us need to go?" Padmé iquires. She knew if she left now, however small a chance it might be as of late, she might miss Anakin.

"Yes Senator Amidala, you are a strong asset and your influence could sway the Separatists. Please I beg of you to join Senator Clovis in our time of need." Palpatine says with a worried expression on his face.

"Very well. I will accompany Senator Clovis to Scipio." Padmé says defeated.

"Thank you both of you for helping the Republic." Palpatine says as he disconnects. He sits back in his chair and smiles as everything is going to his plans.

Padmé turns to Rush and sighs. "Looks like we are off on a mission." She states.

"Padmé don't fear. I will be with you to make sure nothing happens. Plus if we're lucky, we can end this mess before it even starts." He says taking her hand again.

"I need to get my affairs here and in my office in order before I leave." She says standing up and clearing the datapads.

"Of course, I will call those Senators and set up our meetings. Meet again tonight to go over strategy?" Rush asks as he stands and gathers his things.

"Sure, I will meet you back here tonight." She says.

Anakin is so close to Coruscant he can feel it. In a few short hours he will be landing and once he meets with the council he can take his leave. He thinks back to the night of his honeymoon at the lake house and how magical it was. How he finally was with his angel and swore to not only be her husband but also her protector. Her love for him helped give him focus. They try to get to the lake house as much as they can but it seems as of late it is happening less and less. He tried to rest so his commute wouldn't take so long, but his mind wouldn't stop thinking of her and the reunion that was waiting for both of them.

Padmé's servant let Rush in while Padmé is in the bedroom packing. He walks in and takes her hand to kiss it as it has become his customary greeting with her. Every time he does that she fights off the longing that is stirring in her. She is so starved for attention that it is becoming a flame igniting in her. She knows it is wrong and she wishes it was her Ani but she hasn't seen him in so long. She instantly grabs her necklace and starts playing with it to help calm her nerves. Rush notices the necklace and comments on it.

"I remember you wearing that necklace all the time. Who did you say gave that to you?" He asks.

"It was a gift from a boy who helped save Naboo during the trade federation blockade." She says.

"That is right. That is why it is so important to you." Rush says. "It is your good luck charm. Perhaps it will give us good luck on Scipio."

"I agree but you are not here to watch me pack. I have an idea for the meeting so let's head out to the table and discuss my plan." Padmé says as she drops the necklace and heads out to the table.

After making a few tweaks to her plan, they feel they have a handle on the negotiations coming up with the Separatist Senators. Rush stands up from the table and grabs his items.

"Our transport leaves in the afternoon for Scipio. I will come by and get you in the early afternoon. Padmé, I truly do appreciate your help in this. With your plan, I think we have a good chance at succeeding." He walks over to her and gives her a hug and kisses her on the cheek before he exits the apartment.

Padmé lets out a huge breath. She hadn't even realized she was holding it. She sits down on her couch and starts to cry. "Where are you Ani?" as she cries into her hands. She let her mind wander on what it would be like to be with Rush. It would be so much easier. She wouldn't have to hide her marriage and they would be able to see each other more often. She wouldn't be in a forbidden relationship. It also wouldn't be right. Anakin is her true love and she knows it. He treats her like the angel he calls her.