It had been many weeks since Vader's first swimming lesson. Since that he and Padme swam together every night, 3 hours after dinner. Since the night of the first swimming lesson, Vader couldn't get Padme's words out of his head " It's been a long time since I had a friend. You're a good person" Vader knew he wasn't a good person, but she seemed to think he was. It made him feel things he didn't understand. They hadn't argued in weeks. She considered him a friend!

Now, he sat across from her at a table in the outdoor enclosure. "I do not wish to swim tonight." Vader said, he saw her face fall in disappointment.

"Oh, that's fine." Padme answered, giving him what he now knew was a fake smile. "I'll go to my room."

"No, I don't want you to do that!" He lowered his voice at his next words. "I wish to do something else with you tonight." Her brown eyes widened with fear.

"I will never hurt you, Padme! With your permission I wish to do something other than swim. That does not mean you have to go away. I do not wish to be alone." He saw her angelic face relax.

"You have my permission as long as the activity is proper and safe." She answered, he nodded his head in a yes motion. He rose from his chair.

"Follow me, please. I promise nothing will harm you." He replied. She moved out of her chair. She then stood still until she saw him walking to her. Then she moved from the table. When he offered his arm, she took it. They walked into the house, and into a turbolift.

"Where are we going?" She asked, tightening her grip on his arm as the turbolift traveled higher, and higher.

"You will see."

"Are we going to the highest floor?" She asked.

"No." He answered as the turbolift stopped . The doors opened, and they walked out. He led her down a small hallway, at the end of it was a medal door. Vader reached out his free arm to the panel on the door, his free fingers flew across the keypad, and the door slid open. Vader felt Padme's grip on his arm tighten further, as they walked slowly into the massive room.

The door slid closed. Padme's brown eyes focused on the many droid parts that littered the room. "You keep your droids here?" Padme questioned in a whisper.

"The ones I design, and build, yes." Vader answered.

"I want to leave. l want to leave now!"

"Padme, you are safe here."

"I want to leave now", she repeated, ``Please, take me out of here!"

"Padme, this place has more than droids in it, this is my workshop. You are safe here. You are safe with me."

I want to leave, Vader! Please, let's leave!" She said, suddenly turning, and moving them toward the door.

"Padme, no." He said, turning them to face the droids again. "Padme, you said you haven't had a friend in a long time. Do you consider me a friend?"

"Ye, yes." She answered, her voice shaking. "I need to leave this room. please." Her grip on Vader's arm tightened again. Vader never realized until now, how physically strong she was.

"I have never been anyone's friend before, I have never had a friend before. Friends help each other. Come with me." He guided her over to an object, covered by a black sheet. "As your friend, I need to help you get over your fears." With his free hand, Vader removed the black sheet from the object. He threw the sheet to the ground, and felt Padme instantly begin to tremble. "Padme, do not be afraid." Vader turned the switch of the object on, and watched it come to life. It opened its eyes.

"Please", Padme cried. "Take me out of here, Vader!"

"Padme, this is Threepio . You do not have to fear him. Threepio will help you."

Hello, Master." Threepio said, suddenly.

"Threepio , this is Padme. You will be at her service." Vader replied.

"Hello, Miss Padme. It will be a pleasure to serve you." Threepio said.

Padme was surprised by his voice. It was so gentle and warm. Her shaking ceased, her grip on Vader's arm loosened, and she smiled. Hell... Hello, Threepio."

"Threepio, will not harm you, Padme. I promise you. Vader reassured her. Threepio is yours, he is a gift from me to you."

"Vader, you have already given me too much." Padme said.

"No, I have not." Vader replied, quickly.

Padme sighed, softly. "Nice to meet you, Threepio." She said, softly.