A/N- Thank you for the constructive feedback on the last chapter. -GP
Chapter 17- Coruscant
Summary: Alternate World: The Empire Prevails and the Jedi have all been in hiding for thirty years. Emperor Palptaine searches for a way to live long past his dying body through cloning technology and his attempts at descendants. One of his " experiments" escapes and comes to live a slave's life on Naboo. He will meet and forever his destiny changed by the fateful meeting with none other than one young Naberrie girl…
Location: Imperial Center, Coruscant
Month 3 Day 35 Year 28 BBY
It took several days to travel from one spaceport to another. The ship had taken several detours to planets Padme' had always yearned to visit- Dantoonie was one such planet. She had gotten off the ship to explore the farming communities and used some of her credits to buy a few basic tunics and pants to wear on her journey. She had never been off-world and as she traveled to nearby planets- she realized how small she is in the galaxy. It opened her eyes to an excitement she hadn't felt in awhile and got her mind off the obvious; Palo's proposal- their fight and how she and Anakin can salvage their friendship.
On the day they arrived on Coruscant, her mind had been blown. She has seen holos news clips of the planet; an entire planet metropolis. There are many sections of the planet; deep depths below, the mid section where most of the citizens live in their modest small apartments and where most of the crime happens. Then, there is the elite- the Senators, famous celebrities which all live in most of those skyscrapers on the planet.
Glancing up at the skyscrapers along the skylanes are nothing like her home. She is in awe at the sights. She had seen the Senate building from the transport ship and dreamed that she might be able to talk Bail into taking her on a tour while she is here. Even Dorme' might be able to do this if Bail is not on planet side.
Since she had left Naboo, she had spoken to most of her family- including her father. Her father had been surprised she had left without notice, but he understood she needed a vacation. Apparently Palo had gone to the house the morning after their argument and had been shocked to find that she was gone. He had been very loud and spoke of their fight as if everyone in their home needed to hear of it. He had of course left out the portions of what Anakin had done to him- probably more out of embarrassment then for Anakin's sake. Padme' had told her father she needed to be gone for a while and even asked for him to pull a favor with her professors so that she could complete her assignments virtually for the time being.
Then there had been the incessant calls from Katrina. Katrina had blown up her comm link with messages, mainly shouting at her for being stupid enough to blow Palo off. That Palo was her match and she needed to come to her senses. By the fifth message, Katrina's jets had cooled and she had apologized for her four other messages, which meant she had spoken to her father.
Sabe' had been the most jubilant to hear her voice. She had squealed like a young child hearing that her sister was on her way to see her. Padme' didn't comment about why she had chosen to visit- just that she needed a break from her studies, even though Spring Fete was a week long and would start in 2 days time.
Last of all was Anakin. He had been her first call on the flight- which had left at 2am Naboo standard time. By then Anakin had been up most of the night and had been waiting on her call. He had tried to keep the excitement out of his voice, but it is hard to contain when there's hope for their friendship to survive. She had requested he be there to pick her up.
As she strolls through the large crowds, her eyes are drawn to the Imperial Star Destroyers and how grand they appear and gigantic they really are when standing beneath their glory.
" Pad!" His voice calls over the gathering crowds. Her eyes descend onto his form. He's in uniform- those gray Imperial uniforms that most of the Navy wears. A smile breaks out on her face as her eyes meet his. He's grinning brightly- looking mightily handsome in his uniform.
She breaks into a faster walk than before. He matches her pace and when her arms come around him, she feels safe- and home. Tears brim to her eyes as she pushes her head into his chest. Her face lays against the rough gray material of his suit. The best part of being near him is that she can feel him.
Hi
Tears trickle down her cheeks. She hasn't felt this completeness in so long. She knows what he's thinking- how he's feeling. Her soul feels complete and not broken apart in two.
Hi- I missed you so much.
He chuckles feeling her happiness through their bond. He kisses the top of her head and murmurs, " I've missed you too."
He uses his finger to lift her chin so their eyes meet. He takes a calloused finger and wipes away those few tears that have leaked out of her eyes. Those tears of relief, not heart break. " No more tears. You're here to enjoy yourself."
She laughs and wipes at her eyes. She questions, " How long have you been waiting?"
He shrugs and mutters, " It doesn't matter. Let's get you to Sabs apartment."
She nods and he guides her to the awaiting speeder.
Location: Sabe's Apartment , Coruscant
Month 3 Day 35 Year 28 BBY
The lift to Sabe's apartment seemed endless. She and Anakin had fallen into their normal conversations, catching up on podraces they had both watched in their spare time. Both had avoided the topic of her decision she needed to make. Anakin knows the topic will come up, but not on her first day of her visit.
The lift comes to a halt and Sabe's small but beautiful apartment is up ahead. Anakin rings the bell to notify them of their arrival. Obi-wan had stayed the previous night, trying to help her prepare for her sister's arrival. She had been busy setting up the guest bedroom as the apartment had two small bedrooms.
The door slides open and Sabe's arms wrap around her little sister. Padme' doesn't even get a chance to say hello before being squished by her. She whispers against Padme's ear, " It's good to have you here."
Padme's cheery mood brightens even more. She pulls away from her sister and eyes her sister. Her sister's hair is pulled up into a tight brunette bun. She wears a deep blue simple tunic and lounge pants- a style that she had seen a few women at the spaceport wear. The smile she wears is beaming and Obi-wan sits on the blue colored sofa and waves. Padme' waves back and takes in the furnished apartment.
The walls are an off-white, with many beautiful paintings- all of which Padme' recognizes as landscapes of home. Her eyes flicker to the waterfalls near Theed. Her father had proposed to their mother there. He had retold the story many times over their childhood because his daughters' yearned to know about their mother.
The living area is tiny compared to Nabooian standards. The living room is 500 square feet with simple furnishings; a cafe' table, a holo projector screen to watch the holonews or holomovies. The couch is against the wall and there is a small hall, leading to what Padme' thinks are the two bedrooms. Her eyes glance to the kitchen area which is linked to the living area. There is no room for a table, but a bar with barstools and countertop. The kitchen is all gray and steel with the basic necessities to prepare a meal.
" It's very nice," She comments to her sister.
Sabe's smile can't get any bigger and she jokes, " It's all right. Dorme' offered for me to stay at their apartment in Five Hundred República, but I feel free to do as I desire in my own place. It's not much bigger than our bedrooms combined at home."
Padme' laughs and takes the small carry-on bag she had bought on Dantooine down the hall that Sabe' is guiding her too. Her eyes settle on the maybe three hundred square feet bedroom. It has the basic standard bed- and the walls are the same off-white color. It is bland compared to the living room, but Sabe' hasn't been able to finish her work yet.
" It's not much, but all yours while your here," Sabe says with sincerity.
Padme' bobs her head and puts her simple small bag on her bed. She turns to Sabe' and questions, " I know you have an entire agenda. What is on the agenda for tonight?"
Sabe' fakes a gasp and suggests, " An agenda? Me? Oh course not! I want to be spontaneous in our adventure while you are here. Though Dorme' and Bail would love to have dinner with us tonight."
Padme' nods and murmurs, " No plans? That isn't like the Sabs I know and love."
Sabe shrugs and says nonchalantly, " I'd rather you choose what you want to do while you're here. It isn't everyday that you can see the beautiful Imperial Capital."
Padme' smiles back at her and suggests, " Well, if we are to dine with our dear cousin at Five Hundred República, I'd rather go shopping for something a bit more dressier than my simple tunics and pants to wear."
Sabe' smiles and admits, " We haven't gone shopping in a long time together. I think I'd rather enjoy a shopping trip with you.
Padme' throws an arm around her sister and suggests, " Then let's go!"
Sabe' smiles and comments, " Let's go after lunch, Obiwan has to get back to the Academy and I believe Anakin has training with the Inquisitors' tonight."
Padme' nods and says, " That sounds wonderful. I'm up for whatever."
Sabe' leads her sister back out into the living area and onto their journey for the afternoon.
Location: Five Hundred República- Senator Organa's Residence, Coruscant
Month 3 Day 35 Year 28 BBY
After going to three different upscale clothing stores, Padme' had settled on an emerald lace short dress with a pink wrap. It honestly reminds her of a spring day back home on Naboo. She had twisted her hair into a three part braid and left it hanging over her shoulder, as her hair is well past her shoulders. Perhaps a change is overdue- maybe she'll crop her hair like she had wanted to and hadn't had the conviction to do it as she only has ever trimmed her brown lock due to the fact that her father mentioned many times that she out of all his daughter's has their mother's curls. She had yearned to have that part of her mother.
Sabe' had chosen a yellow sun dress with a golden shawl. It is a bit formal but can be worn on a hot summer's day during their visits to the Lake country. She has put her hair up in a tight twist and left a few wisps curling around her neck.
They had arrived at Dorme's and Bail's apartment around five o'clock that evening. Dorme' had all but squeezed the life out of her dear cousin- she hadn't seen her since the morning after the reception. They had sat and talked for about an hour before another unexpected guest had arrived.
Bail had been the one to attend to this guest. The guest had entered their residence as regal as ever. He wore a maroon jacket with a black tone shirt underneath. His pants were black to match. Padme' had recognized him as soon as their eyes had made contact. His eyes were a light green tone, and he had slicked back his wavy reddish hair. The guest is none other than Senator Rush Clovis of Scipio; and one of the many Senators Padme' had applied for their intern positions. She had not been made aware of his close association with Bail who greets him like an old friend.
Rush's eyes glance over the younger of the pair of sisters'. Her brown eyes are warm and inviting. Her body in that little emerald number is inviting and innocent. At least she appears to have the look of an innocent angel, one Bail would have his head if he touched without courting properly.
" You must be Padme' Naberrie. I have heard much about you." He says taking her hand and kissing her knuckles.
Padme' blushes a cherry red. She isn't used to royal treatment. " Why thank you kindly sir. Senator Clovis, it is an honor to meet you in person. I've watched many of your speeches on the holonews."
Rush's laughter is delightful and fills Padme's soul. She smiles at his warmth. She admired him and his work throughout the galaxy. Rush did not back down from the worn-torn planets that needed help after being stuck due to fighting between the Rebellion and Empire. He is what many would call a loyalist, but fights for his constituents' needs and others. He is also known to many as one of the top bachelors on Coruscant. He does not stay in relationships too long due to his schedule and job. Padme' admired all these qualities as she wanted to put her work first before anything else, including her love for a man whom she'll marry perhaps one day.
" You are very charming, Ms. Naberrie. One quality Bail mentioned many times."
Padme' didn't know she could become the shade of a red rose. She fans her face and says, " Um- I believe Dorme' said dinner is ready."
Rush gestures for her to lead the way and chooses in the next room to pull out her chair for her. Padme' thanks him for his politeness and sets herself next to the grand Senator. She feels like a fan girl meeting one of her idols as she admired and watched a lot of speeches on the holo. He is never afraid to speak his mind- while Bail is overly cautious as Padme' had recognized in her new cousin in law.
The first course is served and it is elegant even compared to Naboo's standards. Quail with a touch of dijon and spruces from a vendor Padme' knew not the name of. The Quail seemed soft and not tough as when her father had attempted at making it for the first time. The spruces were delightful and tasted of a sour lemon grass that Padme' had tasted before.
The second course had been a palate cleanser between the meals. Some strange star fruit she had never tried that had once grown on Coruscant before it had become a metropolis. The fruit had a sour, but sweet flavor. The outside of the fruit looked to be that of a star and it was cut into pieces to try and chew. Padme' enjoyed this portion of the course.
Conversations during the dinner had leaned towards the frustration of many Senators about the Rebellion taking control of an Imperial base on Uptanu. Bail and Rush continued to speak of how both sides have become more violent.
" I would think sending in the Inquisitors would fix the problem," Rush comments his solution to the group.
Bail sighs and argues, " If Count Dooku orders the Inquisitors into the area then destruction only follows their path."
Rush disagreement is clear. " The Rebels need to know who is in charge. The Inquisitor's mission is to show the Emperor's power and shake fear into our enemies."
Bail's tone is cold and direct. " Sending in an army of force users to take back the planet will only result in the annihilation of millions of innocent citizens."
Those words send shivers down Padme's back. She had heard of the Inquisitors' ruthlessness when it comes to prisoners, but never towards regular citizens of the Empire. Her mind flashes to Anakin's force choke around Palo's neck. Anakin is training to become one of these soldiers. He will become a murderer at some point if he has to go out in the field.
The expression on her face shows her concern. Sabe takes her hand and squeezes it as if reading her own worries for their friend. Rush eyes the concern in her gaze. " Milady, I don't mean to cause such disturbing images to your mind. War is brutal."
Padme' nods and says quietly, " My best friend is training to be an Inquisitor. To hear what sort of soldier he will become is disturbing, as myself and my sisters' and cousin have known him half our lives. He is the opposite of all these things, you say an Inquisitor is."
Bail's eyes flicker to his wife's whose eyes shine in sorrow as well. She loves Anakin like a brother too and to hear those brutalities that the Inquisitors can do are brutal for her to hear.
Padme's mind also wanders to the fact that if anyone were to discover her force sensitivity, she too would be forced to become an Inquisitor or die. There are several Inquisitors of many life forms that are female. If the cloning labs were still around she would have been forced to become a breeder- much like those she had read about in the history of the empire class.
" I think becoming an Inquisitor is one of the highest honors and specialties one can achieve in the Imperial Navy. Your friend will have great wealth and honor within the Empire once he starts his missions." Rush claims with dignity.
Padme' swipes at her food and doesn't have such an appetite anymore- thinking of how barbaric her best friend could become. Would he be better off working for the Rebellion? No, the rebels can be brutal as well- all part of war.
Bail clears his throat and suggests, " Let's change the subject. Padme', how are your studies coming?"
Padme' smiles at his direct change of subject. She mentions, " Fine, I will graduate at the end of the semester."
Bail nods, taking the opportunity as to why he invited them to dinner. He eyes Rush and comments, " Yes, Padme' is currently waiting for her applications to be approved or rejected by Senators here on Coruscant."
Padme' blushes as the conversation has turned to her. Had Bail invited Senator Clovis here just for her to get to know one of the Senator's that she had applied to their internship for?
Rush turns his green gaze onto her and asks, " Have you heard back from anyone yet?"
Padme' shakes her head a bit in disappointment. " No, but with Spring Fete almost upon us, I didn't think I would until after the holiday week."
Rush's smile is hidden and he asks, " How long do you plan on staying on Coruscant?"
Padme' honestly hadn't totally figured that part out yet. She had jumped onto the transport ship trying to escape her decision making on her future and her future career. Her professors all understood her need for a vacation and told her to explore the political arena if she could. She knew eventually she'll have to return to Naboo, but the prospect of staying for a longer period of time warms her heart.
She shrugs and says, " My professors said I can send all assignments in,"
Rush's grin broadens more. " That is good news, because I currently am in need of an second interim intern, as my last one is currently getting married and going on her honeymoon for a few weeks. I know this is a temporary position, but I was very impressed with your application and when I heard you were currently on planet, well I had to try."
Padme's eyes widened. He's offering her an internship tryout? Not many people have the chance to work for someone before their own internships. Her mouth stays closed as her mind roams over the prospect. She'd have to stay a few more weeks, at least a month by the sounds of it. But it is a paying position. She'd have a job for a few weeks to have such a position on her resume' would impress a lot of Senator's!
" When would you need me to start?" She asks brightly and with enthusiasm.
Rush is beaming at this point and suggests, " We-ll with the Spring holiday starting in a few days, I'd say how about you start the first day after Spring Fete?"
Padme reciprocates the heartful excitement. She even senses his excitement through the force. He seems genuinely impressed with her and not having anything to do with her associates with Bail. Even through her excitement, her mind dwells on one minor person that it will have a greater effect on- Palo. Palo had tried to speak to her since she left Naboo without warning, and she's been ignoring his calls. She hadn't been able to listen to his messages either, as she didn't want to be swayed by his pleadings to come home. But she should contact him in the morning and give him the news.
" If you need time to think about it, that is fine too-" Rush says, noticing her quietness.
Padme' shakes her head determined to take this opportunity for herself. She always did something for everyone else- this is for her future- and will help her decide if working as an intern on Coruscant will be worth it. She will also have more time with her best friend- and they can mend their friendship.
" I accept your offer. How long will you need me for this position?" She questions.
Rush eyes Bail knowingly- almost as if he should approve of this venture. His gaze falls back on Padme'. " One of my interns' weddings is during spring fete, she mentioned that she'd be on a five week hiatus."
Padme's heart feels at home. 25 days. She'd have 25 days of experience in the Senate, seeing actual Senators speaking on the floor on behalf of their planets.
" I believe that is a reasonable venture. I can stay with Sabe' while I'm here." She reasons, eyeing her sister as if her sister would approve of her staying in her apartment.
Rush nods, eyeing the dessert headed their way. " Then I shall make sure my secretary and security start processing your information and clearance into the office and Senate prior to the start of the holiday. I am delighted to hear of our joint prospects."
Padme' smiles and admits, " Yes, I am very surprised with your offer, but I am elated to start after the holiday."
Rush smiles. " Well- then that settles it. I believe this dessert is to die for."
Padme' smiles , feeling the rush of excitement within her veins. A part of her hopes Palo understands why she needs to take this unexpected venture. However, a part of her already knows this will cause an argument- or at least a very small part of her knows.
To Be Continued
