Chapter 8: The Power of Distraction
Padmé cringed trekking up the steps to the Senate building, Vader in tow. This was the first time they'd ever taken the public way into the building together. The media was always outside asking questions waiting for answers that they usually never received. Their pestering was useless unless Palpatine had constructed a written statement of his own. Realizing she was spending too much energy deep in thought, it took every ounce of self-determination, to compose her posture- her legs quivering with every step. There was no denying she was sore. At the time, she hadn't realized how rough he'd been. With anyone else she would have done anything to get out of such a situation but she didn't… That thought vexed her for a moment. Not only did she allow him to do such a thing – she wanted it and actually enjoyed herself.
The dynamic between them had shifted now, the tension she'd always felt had dwindled just a skosh, at least in her mind. Even Vader seemed to be more relaxed? She couldn't explain it but he wasn't marching in front of her but was matching her pace. It was as if he was conscious of how she felt, knowing that if he was treading at his usual gate, she'd strain to keep up. Was he thinking about her comfort? It would be odd if he were. It wasn't like him to even consider how she felt in the past. Yet, before today and yesterday… they'd hardly spoke since a few days before the gala. It was interesting… she felt closer to him and not only because she mindlessly had sex with him - there was something else. But Sith- what had possessed her to even do such a thing with him? He was a sinister entity that followed the biddings of his Master, and Force… at the time she didn't care! She should feel shameful, she even initiated the interaction! With a small eye roll to herself, she let out a small sigh. Padmé wanted to tell herself that she'd never to that with him again, but a small voice in her mind laughed knowing that would only be a lie.
Finally making the journey up the steps, the muscles in her thighs burned – her weak knees shaking. If she didn't get inside soon - her legs would fail. Shifting the brim of the high-neck dress, that Dormé had found given her predicament, she'd never felt so out of breath before. Her skin was burning beneath the silk where she had visual teeth marks from him. "Why did we take this way again?" Padmé wondered aloud, more to herself than to anyone as they ventured into the building.
"We have to start acclimating the public to the eventual announcement of our engagement," Vader whispered quietly above her ear. A shiver rolled down her spine from his closeness, she hadn't even known he was so close. Albeit, she also somehow overlooked the fact she'd stopped just beyond the doors to the main entrance – her legs desperately needing a reprieve. Replaying his words, her eyes widened – they were meant to marry. Uneasiness swarmed her stomach realizing that Vader was indeed not going anywhere, anytime soon. Sith's kriffing hell, her thoughts cursed knowing she should have just kept her hormones in check. The word 'complication' rang loud and clear through her political mind realizing she'd just turned something that was supposed to be strictly professional into something more personal.
"I don't understand why we had to do it today of all days," she muttered, suppressing the urge to toss her heels off then and there. "I wouldn't have worn heels."
"The session starts in fifteen minutes, we should go to your office so you can change," He said quietly, his voice uncharacteristically soft.
"You know I keep flats in there?" She questioned in slight disbelief. Padmé knew he'd been in her office for hours on end at times but never did she think he was actually paying any attention.
"I am not blind, Senator." His voice conveyed annoyance now, none of the gentle aspects remained.
"Well I always figured that you'd sleep or mediate considering how long you sometimes stand there," she quietly snickered, ignoring the slight harshness in his tone. With her ankles stinging in her heels, Padmé shoved the feeling aside taking her first step towards the lift. The vestibule was humming with conversation, even Vader's presence couldn't impede the wonders of why Palpatine would call an emergency Senate session. With eyes trailing the Senators expressions, Padmé noticed the uncertainty in every pair of eyes.
The Naboo Senator knew then and there this was not the time to have her mind adrift with thoughts of sleeping with the enemy. There was something Palpatine was about to make public… Absorbed in thought, Padmé hardly even noticed the shakiness in her ankles anymore. She was so fixated on her hands pressing harsh circles into the flesh of her palm that when her heel caught the other the weightlessness of all but falling into the lift knocked her from thought. A squeak escaped her lips feeling a pair of arms tangle around her body. "Force," she sighed in Vader's arms before pushing herself out of his grasp and straightening her dress.
"You should be more careful," he whispered, his hand slipping to the small of her back. The gesture sent tremors up her spine, he seemed to want to touch her more- even in public. The eyes of passing bystanders gawked as he escorted her into the lift.
"What is this emergency session about?" The Senator questioned without hesitation, they were alone in the lift- they were allowed to speak freely once again.
Vader seemed to hesitate for a moment before answering, "There is evidence that some Senators have not been loyal to the Empire. He plans to announce the formal investigation today."
Padmé hid her distress expertly, "Is that why you're here more often then?" She wondered with a purse of her lips. Every thought that wasn't about her loyalty to Palpatine remained buried in her thoughts.
"Partially," More reluctance was present in his tone. But there was also another variation in his voice that made it seem like he was analyzing her reaction as well.
"Are you not joining Palpatine today?" She asked as they stepped off the lift.
"I don't do politics Senator," Vader muttered as they reached her office. In an instant, Padmé had her heels tossed to the side- not even caring about striding barefoot to her desk.
"You were with him earlier this month," she countered with a small shrug, slipping on her flats.
"A very rare occurrence," he said in a tight manner, obviously he didn't enjoy being paraded around by Palpatine. Padmé began to wonder if Vader had ever spoken to the public at all- by all she could recall…he hadn't. He was always that shadow beside the Emperor, if Vader was to one day rule the Empire, he'd need to learn how to speak to the public eventually. Though she also knew Palpatine wasn't going anywhere, anytime soon… unfortunately. "Politics has never been important to me, which is one of the many reasons why the Emperor required you to marry me."
"Oh? Am I to be your teacher?" Padmé dryly laughed, "Unfortunately for you, even I don't know how to dance around the current political nightmare that is the galaxy at this moment."
"He and I are very different," Vader admitted, her head snapped towards the Sith with her eyebrows pinched in speculation. First, she wondered where that statement had come from. Second, Padmé wasn't prepared for him to say something like that at all under any circumstance. Even Vader seemed to be shocked by his own abrupt disclosure - he suddenly became tense, his arms locking by his sides.
Biting her lip, she ignored his statement… for the time being. Having a hankering that he'd made a mistake telling her such a thing -at the moment- she didn't press him. It was obvious he'd meant to keep that to himself. Glancing back at her hand pressed against the glass desk, it interested her how he seemed to trust her with that information. Padmé knew he wouldn't slip on saying that statement to just anyone. He should have the similar biddings as his master but maybe… Vader was more independent that he lead on to be.
"Well Palpatine does know how to keep the public at bay. I'm sure the people will be relieved to see the sweet and dedicated Naboo Senator marrying her polar opposite," Padmé sighed. She'd meant for it to be a joke but the more she contemplated their marriage, the more she realized Palpatine was setting Vader up to be better accepted by the public. He wouldn't seem so evil if she was marrying him. "He wants the people to lower their guard," she muttered aloud, "though that much was clear when we first met. There's something more to this isn't there. It's to keep the media busy but also to placate the public into believing you aren't as wicked as your deeds."
"I don't know my Master's ulterior motive for this marriage," Vader once again shockingly admitted.
Her eyes glanced towards the Sith, "That doesn't bother you?"
"My Master has his biddings," Vader shrugged, not answering her question- but deflecting it. Padmé's lips pursed, deflecting the question like a true politician… perhaps he can be taught. Internally she snickered at herself, the thought of Vader ever taking Palpatine's place was unconceivable at the moment.
"Well this marriage will affect you too, you know. How are you not more against this?" Padmé wondered resting her bottom against the brim of the desk.
"You're young, beautiful, and intellectual, finding all those attributes in a woman is quite difficult," Vader muttered casually slowly moving closer.
A small blush rose to her cheeks from his sudden compliment, Padmé hummed, "Another compliment? Wow, you must have really enjoyed yourself earlier," she dryly laughed.
"You didn't?" He questioned, but his tone was serious in comparison to her own- wanting her to share whether she'd enjoyed him. The blush across her cheeks became deeper as she hesitated admitting the truth aloud. A part of her wanted to say he was okay, not wanting to confess he was actually really good…
"I think from my reactions at the time you can discern that for yourself," she shrugged, timidly pushing the nail of her thumb against the glass desk. The gaze that she had fixated on the desk faltered as her eyes fluttered closed sensing Vader's closeness. There was that sensation again- a burning desire to have him again. A shaky breath escaped her lips as she felt his breath dip down to just below her earlobe.
"I know you enjoyed it. Maybe I just like hearing it," he said lowly, the tone of his seductive voice sending shivers down her spine straight to her core.
"I'm not a woman who will boast your ego Lord Vader," she whispered back, surprised how suggestive her own voice sounded. Slowly, his hands reached out- pressing down on the glass desk on either side of her body. She suddenly found herself caged with anticipation gnawing away at her body.
"Eventually you'll learn it will be more pleasuring if you're a good girl for me, Senator," he whispered, with his lips feathering down her neck. Padmé's eyes widened, she wanted to shove him away and make it clear that she was not into relationships like that. However, what thwarted the words from formulating was the sheer amount of excitement that pooled in reaction. Blood rushed to her cheeks, why was she aroused by that!
Struggling to come back to her senses Padmé cleared her throat, glancing at the chrono, "T-The session is about to start- we should go," she stuttered. Slowly she straightened her posture away from him, trying to gain some space. All he did was duck his face closer to her neck, inhaling against her skin. "V-Vader," she whispered, pressing her hands against his chest. Her knees became weak feeling how rock solid he was beneath his robes. He was muscular, tall, his touch thrillingly rough… Oh Force. The woman panicked knowing where the situation was headed. "Vader we actually need to go," Padmé tried to reason again, her voice recovering its usual stern tone.
"I know," he nodded slightly, gently nipping the base of her earlobe before pulling away.
When his arms dropped, freeing her from the prison – a shaky exhale left her lungs as she pushed herself off the desk. Them being intimate completely unlocked a different person she really never contemplated could ever exist in him. There was a possessiveness in his voice that she'd rarely heard in his tone before. Pulling at the neck of her dress, the room felt so much warmer than it had been- the neck of her dress becoming more constrictive around the marks decorating her skin. She needed to get the hell out of her office or they'd never leave. Flipping her braid over her shoulder, Padmé slipped past Vader heading towards the door.
Vader was once again her shadow as she trekked with purpose towards her pod, she needed to walk-off whatever arousal that had stirred. How could he insight that response from her? Clovis had tried to do something similar in the beginning of their relationship but it always felt off… almost a fake display of authority- it made her feel uninterested. But Vader was different. The entirety of his aura was different. He was a dominant presence in whatever room he entered. That sensation alone sent anticipation swarming into her body. Being with him could be fun… she found herself blushing before feeling mortified at the fact that thought had brushed through her mind. It wasn't because she had thought it but that the Sith strolling behind her no doubt heard it.
Taking a deep breath, she shoved all the irrelevant thoughts aside to strengthen her mental barriers knowing this session could conjure vital knowledge that she could not have Vader overhearing. The fact he could easily hear her thoughts made her nervous, she worried for Bail and Mon whose pods were close by. Planting herself in the seat, she heard Vader halt near the entrance to her pod, she glanced at him at the corner of her eye. He was just leaning against the wall, his hood staring directly at her with such focus that she found her palms becoming clammy. Shifting in her seat, Padmé elegantly folded her leg over the other and remained silent- even forcing her thoughts to remain silent as the entire chamber waited for the Emperor's arrival. Over the next several minutes, Padmé found her nerves heightening. If what Vader said was accurate then the Emperor would be ordering arrests in the near future. Padmé sincerely hoped that Palpatine wouldn't make examples of Senators who weren't traitors but then again… if he wanted them replaced arresting them for aiding the Rebellion would be a good excuse.
The action now second nature, Padmé stood out of false respect as the Emperor's pod slowly ascended from the bowels of the Senate chamber. There was something different today, the Emperor was alone. Usually he'd at least have guards with him or Mas Amedda and an advisor but no… he was alone. A shiver rolled down her spine, he was just a single person controlling the galaxy now.
"My fellow constituents of the Galactic Empire! I have called upon you all to attend this emergency Senate session…" the Emperor began as Padmé slowly sat back down. Her eyes turned to Bail and there was apprehension lingering across his face. Nervousness poured into her body as she continued to listen. "As many of you are well aware the terrorist Alliance against our peaceful Empire has grown stronger, leaving destruction and the heinous murders of our loved ones…" Padmé internally scoffed knowing the terrorist attacks against the planets of part of the Empire were actually committed by the Emperor himself, to incite violence, fear, and cooperation from the Senators. "This war against the Empire will not cease unless drastic actions are taken which is why I have declared an internal investigation into every being in this room." Padmé clenched her jaw as he continued, "There is nothing to fear if you have no ties to this terrorist organization, however if you do your days are numbered. We cannot allow for the disturbance of peace any longer!"
The senate building roared with cheers and applause. Padmé stood clapping her hands, playing the part. However her body was wary, heart pounding, Vader didn't lie… this was the first declaration into a true internal investigation meaning they already had evidence. Once the ovation died down, Padmé sat in her seat trying not to think of the ramifications that were to come over the next several months. If Palpatine was successful in keeping the media busy with his heir's engagement then many of the heinous crimes that could be committed would be unnoticed by the public even more so than they were already. The Naboo Senator frowned, just how much damage will this marriage cause? Could it give Palpatine the ability to gut the Senate, perhaps even move military forces into the territories of Mid-Rim systems without the objection of the people.
The woman's eyes widened at that thought, he was making his final move to take over the galaxy- strip the more powerful systems of their autonomy when it came to governance. The distrust in the Senate would create a domino effect – Palpatine would find ways to distrust the governments of systems. Even Naboo… it could be possible that the democratic system there would be shattered. Padmé knew the thoughts darting around in her mind were only those of speculation but what the past five years had taught her about Palpatine was that he was proficient at shielding his motives. He was exceedingly skillful at the art of deception and the exploitation of ignorance.
Another roar of applause snapped Padmé from her thoughts as she swiftly regained her bearings and stood to follow suit. Her thoughts were spinning with uncertainty, whatever was going on between her and Vader would only be a distraction to the things she had to stay aware of, or maybe… She hushed her thoughts as an epiphany threatened to spear through her mind. It was tedious to not think freely, it was becoming harder to keep her thoughts in check.
Once the ovation died down once again, Palpatine continued to address them for another hour mainly regarding the budget bill. As Padmé watched him, she could slightly understand how the people could be swayed by him. He was charismatic, passionate, seemingly wholehearted- he hid his twisted mind with an unparalleled façade. A true con-artist to those who didn't know him or met the fury of his military. When the session ended, Padmé didn't hesitate standing from her seat- too lost in her own thoughts until she was almost shocked to see Vader still leaning against the wall. "You have the patience of a Saint," Padmé whispered shaking her head as she strolled towards him.
A chuckle left his lips, "No one has ever depicted me in that way- even sarcastically," he mused quietly as they made their way into the hall. Before she had the opportunity to travel back to her office- his hand pressing against the wall cut her off and she immediately became enveloped by his scent as he towered over her. "I have meetings to attend until later this evening. I will have one of my men escort you back to our establishments," he said, completely shifting back into a professional manner even if his dominating stance was anything but.
"I could wait for you until your meetings are over with," Padmé shrugged brushing a hand down his chest- knowing his back shielding the action away from prying eyes.
"I should only be a few hours," The Sith replied as his hand reached up into his hood most-likely holding the back of his neck. Padmé nodded, glad she had received the reply she wanted to hear. With that, the Sith Lord turned abruptly before dipping around the corner down the hall. Once Vader's frame vanished from sight, she glanced towards the hall to her office before turning the opposite way. This was the first time he'd actually left her unattended and she wasn't about to waste it. Padmé didn't even think of his reasoning for leaving her alone – whether it was on accident or he trusted her it didn't make a difference. Trekking with a new sense of purpose, she internally began creating a check-list of the people she desperately needed to speak with. First on her list was Clovis, she figured that perhaps their conversation would be the shortest.
Not even glancing at the stormtroopers who were normally stationed in the hall, she slipped around the corner towards Rush's office. Padmé had seen him during the session – she knew he was here. Reaching is door, she knocked gently once and when the door pulled open there stood Clovis seeming even more petrified than he did the previous night.
"Padmé w-what are you doing here?" He stuttered his eyes darting in both directions down the hall. "You need to leave- you can't be here."
Confusion hit her chest immediately, "Rush I just wanted-"
"No you can't be here. Go please," He all but begged her before the door slammed closed in her face. The gust of wind against her cheeks made her flinch, complete and utter bewilderment shaking her mind with apprehension. The woman stood there for a few moments trying to discern what actually just happened. He'd shut the door in her face, but he wasn't angry- when his eyes met hers it was almost as if he had seen a ghost. A ghost, she whispered in her mind or a specter. Before she could control her actions, Padmé found herself knocking once again with a bit more urgency. Noticing the hall was empty she all but started banging on the door to let her in – trying to signify she didn't plan on leaving. When the door slid open again, she didn't give him the chance to speak as she shoved past him and into the room. "Padmé you can't-" He began to argue.
"What the hell is going on?" She demanded her eyes meeting his with immense determination, slamming the door controls. Once it hammered closed, she trekked further towards his desk. "You've been avoiding me, you won't answer my calls, you even left every committee!" She ranted, reeling back to face him. "What I said- I never meant that I didn't want to continue working with-"
"It's not that Padmé," Clovis whispered, his eyes swirling in pure frightened helplessness as if she was holding him prisoner.
"Then what?" She breathed. Her eyes were wide, tears welling at the brims. His behavior was odd and he couldn't tell her why. All she wanted was to understand and right now she was still completely disconcerted. Over the year they were together, Padmé found herself secure around him- he would always try to be sweet, comforting. He was assuring that her rejection for a relationship wasn't the reason for his complete detachment – then what was? Clovis was probably the closest thing she had to a friend now. Bail and Mon, they were also friends but there was also something more attached to that friendship. With Clovis it was just the two of them. They'd speak about normal things not just trying to overthrow a totalitarian regime. There wasn't the complicating factor of committing treason. "I mean- I know these past few weeks things have changed but we are still colleagues. You're a good friend I-"
"I can't do this, you need to leave. Now," he snapped, gabbing his finger towards the door. The anger, the anxiety that was prevalent across his features made her body shiver in worry. What had happened to him? He was the same as the night before – the skin beneath his eyes were a draining purple signifying he was exhausted, too terrified to sleep. Every muscle on display under his tight robes were tense. Padmé stood there stunned for a moment, he'd never spoken to her in such a hostile tone.
The woman's heart dropped in her chest, her voice broke, "W-What?"
"For once, put aside your recalcitrant behavior and leave. I don't want you here. I can't have you here. You said you didn't want me contacting you-"
"What do you mean you can't have me here?" She pried, taking a step towards him. "Please tell me- I don't understand, you're not yourself." The words that left her lips almost felt fragmented. Why couldn't he tell her – why… "Did someone tell you not to speak with me anymore?" Padmé whispered, her eyes scrutinizing his reaction. His face visually paled, the red flush from his anger evaporated. His lips clamped shut, and he swallowed hard. "Did Vader-"
"Padmé. L-Leave." He stuttered grabbing her by the shoulders, pushing her towards the door.
"No- Clovis, did he do something to you?" The woman breathed, digging her heels into the ground before spinning in his grasp. A loud bang on the door knocked both of them from thought and Rush's face went white as parchment.
"You can't be here," he breathed as if comatose, his eyes warily staring at the door just inches from her back. Another knock pounded against the metal barrier and Padmé skittered away, her eyes locking onto the security panel beside the door. There were four black armored stormtroopers beyond the barrier. "Hide," he demanded in a whisper as his hand hovered over the controls. Padmé didn't hesitate spinning around and racing towards the small coat cabinet – she was able to shuffle, stuffing herself in a corner on the floor before easing the door closed. Her senses heightened in apprehension as she heard the door slide open and boots storm into the room.
"You are to come with us." A modulated voice demanded, as three sets of footsteps moved. A shiver ran down Padmé's spine as she remained completely silent.
"For what purpose?" Clovis argued, his voice just as severe as the officer's.
"Detain him," the distorted voice muttered his voice void of emotion.
"Tell him I didn't do anything! I swear!" Padmé's eyes pinched closed from Clovis' pure desperation until she heard a struggle beyond the thin cabinet door, "Please! I swear!" His voice cried as the flailing of limbs hitting the floor became louder. A gasp escaped her lips before she could stop herself, a hand swiftly clamping over her mouth in a futile attempt to shield the sound that had already left. The overwhelming ambition to do something- anything to deescalate the situation speared through her body as she contemplated making her presence known. But would doing that only make the situation worse? She wasn't sure who would give the orders to detain him- it could be Palpatine, or Vader, her thoughts reminded her quietly. A loud thump and a distinct crack echoed the room and for a moment there was complete silence.
"You better pray he isn't dead. Lord Vader will be greatly displeased if he is," A man's voice snapped, "Gather him."
Fuck. Padmé shivered pressing back against the wooden wall. Why would Vader do something like this? Why- what an idiotic question… he is who he is, her thoughts scolded condescendingly. But what was the motive? There wasn't any she could see… At the gala Clovis had introduced himself as if he'd never met Vader. It was obvious to her then and now that he was lying ever wise the interaction would not have been so unpleasant, the tension could be cut with a knife between them. What could Clovis have done to upset the Emperor? Padmé had secrets… was it possible Rush had his own?
The woman remained silent until the thundering of boots left her ears, the door slamming shut behind the four troopers. Once a few minutes passed, she slowly crawled from the cabinet – eyeing the room before standing. A pool of blood seeping into the carpeting made her gasp; she had to get the hell out of there. Her eyes stared at the chrono on the door controls waiting another five minutes before she left. Padmé had to be sure they were gone – she couldn't risk getting caught up in whatever Clovis was involved in…
As the seconds turned into minutes, her mind was flooded with questions. Did Vader do this out of his own discretion or did Palpatine order him? Clovis' reaction to her when she showed up at his doorstep was one of pure fear of even seeing her - was it possible Palpatine knew about their past relationship? Seeing it as a threat to the engagement? It was possible but seemed to insignificant for Palpatine to even care… But Vader wouldn't have the authority to… kill a Senator without Palpatine's approval. It would cause too much uneasiness with the media or maybe it wouldn't – everything was so contrived.
With her chest heaving, the woman pressed her back against the wall. Vader was only doing what he was told… that's what she would like to tell herself. Vader was a killer. A monster but the man she saw earlier today, how he was almost at peace when she showed him affection was heart-wrenching yet beforehand and even in her office- he was almost feral.
Vader's interaction with Clovis at the gala almost seemed personal. Padmé shook her head, there was no way Vader could know about them or even care. With a shaky sigh, she tapped the door controls before escaping down the hall towards her office. She was pushing her luck, the thought of speaking to Bail falling from her mind completely. Sith, what if Vader placed guards outside my office… they would know I wasn't there- which means he'd know. Padmé grimaced at that possibility.
Trekking around the final corner to her office, her palms became muggy witnessing Captain Grett speaking quite stringently towards two guards outside her office. When the Imperial Captain noticed her figure, he instantaneously stopped talking to storm towards her, "Why were you not with your security detail?" the Captain asked struggling to keep his tone tamed - still it came out terse.
Padmé eyed him for a moment, truly taking in his expression and the sheer coldness that shrouded him. "I went to get some fresh air – is there a problem with that?" She swiftly replied in a curt professional tone.
The Captain's shoulders tightened as a deep scowl crossed his features, "Lord Vader-"
"I am aware that you are to babysit me Captain, but I needed to be alone for a moment," she regally stated. "If you'll excuse me I have work to complete." With that, she strolled around him. However when he spoke again she froze in her tracks.
"I will have to report your actions to Lord Vader," Grett practically warned her, Padmé's shoulders tightened just a fraction.
"So report me to him," she dared, not missing a beat. "I didn't see any guards waiting for me after the session was complete. It's not me he will be displeased with," she sniped restraining herself from turning towards the man. She heard his boots shift, his breath hitch. Serves him right, it was his mistake for not having his guards where they were needed, her thoughts huffed as she continued gracefully into her office. Captain Lasky was much more pleasant then that grouchy old man.
When the door slid closed behind her, a breath she'd been holding in released as she sauntered towards the desk. She needed to figure out what happened to Clovis – why Palpatine or Vader would have him arrested. He could be dead… Padmé shivered at that thought as she fell back into her seat. What could she do? If she did ask about Clovis, would Vader even tell her? Most likely not, her thoughts sighed as she stared aimlessly out the window.
With tears prickling her eyes, she pulled herself from the chair, to nestle on one of the couches. She didn't want to feel this pain- the loss, the possibility she'd never see Clovis again. Padmé frowned burying her head into her knees, she shouldn't have become so attached to him. It was known that eventually everyone around her would be gone. If Grett did comb through the security footage and discover where she'd actually been would he risk his own life telling Vader she'd been with Clovis? How upset would the Sith Lord actually be? -Upset, her thoughts answered swiftly. The Sith Lord did not want Clovis speaking with her… that thought lead her mind to venture down the path of maybe believing Vader was jealous of Clovis?
Padmé scrunched her nose; was that even an emotion someone like him could even feel? Shaking her head, the woman knew her thoughts about the Sith Lord were nonsensical. There was no way that he'd even registered her existence before she was tossed in front of him. Just because he wanted some physicality didn't mean that he wanted something more than that. 'I've waited so long to have you.' A tremor ran down her spine as she repeated Vader's possible words- they made her nervous. She wanted to blame it on the heat of the moment but he was not like the other men she'd been with. He was serious on everything he said. The woman buried her face within her knees, she wasn't even sure if she'd heard him correctly. Perhaps Clovis was involved with something unconventional that would damage her reputation if they were seen together? She truly didn't know… the only conversations she ever had with Clovis were about work or about one another.
Pushing the emotionally suffocating thoughts aside, she still needed to devise a plan to speak with Bail. She still had contacts on Kessel that could ascertain the supplies the Rebellion needed… truly all they needed was a good pilot, technically a great one. The only method of leaving Kessel to bypass any Imperial ships was if they utilized the Kessel Run which was a challenging route for any pilot. How the hell could she even contact him? What's the possibility Grett would leave her without an escort, little to none. With a groan she found her mind spinning trying to devise a way to leave without being noticed.
The Dark Lord stood with his hands folded behind his back listening to the intelligence briefing. There were a plethora of planets where the Rebellion could be hiding, even with all the recon droids dispersed they've found nothing. It infuriated Vader, how such scum could hide themselves so well. But he had to admit, after their attack on Almas the situation had escalated. They were recruiting talented soldiers, pilots, orchestrating and executing complex battle plans, it was becoming a true war.
"We need the weapon built as soon as possible to extinguish this mess," Tarkin demanded sitting back in his seat, obvious frustration was written on his aging face. "These rebel vermin are making a mockery of us."
"We have our own Senators to blame for this," Ozzel sneered clenching his first.
"Lord Vader, why does the Emperor allow such treasonous filth to remain alive?" General Veers howled.
"It is not in your place to question the Emperor," Vader reminded him darkly the void of his hood staring towards the nuisance.
"Well what about you, marrying that rebel bitch," Veers snapped slamming his hand against the table. The eyes went wide around the room as an eerie silence filled the air, Vader clenched his jaw staring at the man intently. A feeling of discomfort spread across the General's face as his hand went for the collar of his shirt, unable to breathe.
"You forget your place. I would watch your tongue General, or have you already swallowed it," Vader said emotionless stepping away from the wall. The man's face was morphing crimson, the life slipping away from him slowly as pathetic gargles caught in his throat.
"Please. That is enough Lord Vader," Tarkin insisted, the Sith stood there for another moment until he released the impertinent General. Vader wished for that man to rot, but to his dismay Sidious would be greatly displeased if he'd ended his life. After releasing his windpipe from the Force, the man coughed furiously color and oxygen finally being allowed to move freely in his body. "I will contact Krennic to accelerate the construction," Tarkin stated moving past the incident. "Lord Vader I understand that the Emperor has requested you stay on Imperial Center for the next few months, but I believe if Krennic does not show any efforts of accelerating the construction I think it would be wise for you to speak with him personally." Vader gave no vocal response but there was an unspoken acknowledgement of Tarkin's words. The creation of the Death Star had been in progress for over nineteen standard years. Even before the Empire, Palpatine had the plan in the works and had hidden the location of its development back when the Senate still fully controlled the Republic. Vader had known that the superweapon was almost complete and yet still it could take months or even years to finalize.
He didn't particularly see eye-to-eye with his master on this weapon, the space station was as large as a moon… an eventual planet destroyer. Only the men within this room and the Emperor knew about it's true purpose, absolute indisputable unlimited power. It would give them far reaching authority during war, however it would only create turmoil and division in the end. How can one simply destroy planets and expect the rest of the galaxy to bow down? Vader knew once the rebellion eventually learned about its presence, they would surely stop at nothing to destroy it. The young Sith couldn't understand what the point of ruling a galaxy where the number of its inhabitants could dwindle to none.
One day soon, the Senate would be disassembled and if the rebellion presence did continue to grow, what would stop some of those planets formerly represented by the Senate from turning away from the Empire? Would the fear of a planet annihilating weapon truly be enough to crush the hope in which the rebellion stood for? All of these questions vexed him. It made him think of the future of the Empire, the future under the control of Darth Sidious.
After another several hours, the meeting finally concluded and the various war leaders seeped back from back from whence they came. If it were up to Vader, he would have been on the frontlines of the attack against the Imperial Station above Jakku. Even all the rest of the military leadership knew he'd been slide-lined, it was excruciating. He had to rely on Admiral Piett to run his Starfleet, the man was loyal, dedicated but it still was frustrating Vader wasn't even allowed to return to what he once thought was his ship. Entering the corridor of the lower levels of the Senate building, he made his way through the dim halls towards the lift.
His teeth gritted together thinking about what General Veers' had said about Senator Amidala. There was no doubt that she was assisting the rebellion in some way- even if he couldn't pin point exactly what. After watching her over the past four years, marrying her was indeed a way of protecting her. Even if she had to be locked away in his establishments with restricted communication privileges, whatever treasonous behavior she'd been involved with needed to end. He never experienced the need to protect someone before her, he found himself trying not to dwell on that feeling and just focus on getting what needed to be done to satisfy that urge. However, if Sidious discovered what lengths Vader had gone to protect her- alter recordings and records for her- lie to his Master about her potential involvement… that transgression would come at a cost if Sidious became aware. The warning from his Master rang loud and clear through his ears from their previous meeting, 'I realize your possessive feelings concerning Senator Amidala, Lord Vader. However, it is wise of you to remember she is just that- a possession.'
Vader stormed out of the lift, navigating through the secret corridors of the Senate. Through the Force he searched for her. He reached into her thoughts deciphering her mood, her thoughts were circulating about the various documents on her holoscreen. They were moving too quickly for Vader to hear every bit of detail but there were deeper thoughts surfacing through the superficial ones. She was concerned, Vader knew she felt that way during the entirety of Sidious' speech but now there was a concern springing from somewhere else in her mind. About someone. He couldn't reach deep enough to discover who, but knowing she was worried for someone made him agitated. Why would she be concerned about someone? Who had contacted her? He already had Clovis detained and planned on letting that trivial man squirm for a few days in a cell before dealing with him. Slipping into the normal halls of the Senate, Vader made his way towards her office – witnessing Captain Grett seeming quite stressed.
Ah… she never returned to her office after the session, Vader concluded from Grett's thoughts. "Lord Vader, Sir," the Captain said respectfully with a salute as the troopers flanking her doors mirrored his actions.
"Anything to report Captain?" Vader questioned darkly, testing his intelligence to see if he'd share the truth.
"Yes, Sir. Senator Amidala was unable to be located for twenty-four minutes. From fourteen-oh-seven to fourteen-thirty-three," Captain Grett replied immediately, "I was unaware that you had departed for your meeting early My Lord. I had men comb through the security footage after the session and she went to… Senator Clovis' office Sir." The Captain gulped as his face went pale. Vader took a deep breath, straining to not suffocate the man to death. "The Death Troopers whom were instructed to detain him did not notice her presence in his office. I had the security footage pulled from his office and it seems she had concealed herself in one of the cabinets. I also listened to the audio recording of what they discussed before the troopers arrived to collect him."
"And?" Vader prodded emotionlessly.
"Clovis did not reveal anything of substance to Senator Amidala, My Lord. He was very adamant on her leaving his office yet she refused to leave," Grett explained. "There was no prior communication between Senator Amidala and Senator Clovis, it seems she went there out of spontaneity. She was concerned about his unusual behavior, My Lord."
The Sith gritted his teeth, straining to not kill the man right then and there for allowing Senator Amidala to leave his sight but then again… Vader had left her in the hallway by her pod. He had expected her to return to her office and complete the work she had insisted on completing. "I will escort her from here on. You are dismissed," the Sith snapped tersely, Grett bowed and replied with a respectful 'yes sir,' before departing- thankful to get away with his life.
Without hesitation, Vader entered the Senator's office. A gasp left the small woman's lips as her head snapped towards him, "Ever think of knocking?" She frowned flicking her braid off her shoulder. The Sith's neck cracked, he'd dealt with too much incompetence and attitude for one day. The beast that was crawling at his chest to discipline her for lying to him, was growing stronger as he gazed over her hidden skin. She was becoming comfortable with him too quickly. Perhaps he'd shown his face too soon. This woman had yet to understand who he was.
"We are leaving Senator," Vader demanded coldly, his tone woven with hidden anger.
"I have one last document to read, it should only-"
"Perhaps that is what you should have been doing instead of disappearing for over twenty minutes. Now get up we are leaving," he snapped, hardly controlling his anger anymore.
The expression she gave him, made the blood beneath his skin boil with the desire to slam her on top her desk and take her right there for being so disobedient. Yet he knew that would not fare well considering how their interaction last night ended. He didn't want her to fear him- he wanted her to obey him. The way her chin inclined slightly, her hands folded with one on top of the other regally; her face one of pure defiance. "So Captain Grett told you. I was only-"
"Before you contemplate lying to me Senator, understand that there are surveillance devices placed everywhere in this building. Nothing is beyond my reach- even your thoughts. I know where you were. I know that you were in Clovis' office when he was detained. Now. Get. Up. We are leaving. If you insist on not following my orders- then I will make you."
Visually, the woman's face paled only for a moment before she stood- turning her chin away from him she pushed in her office chair. The sheer attitude of this woman was absurd even though her thoughts warned her she was speaking with a murder but he was also the murder she'd had sex with. Shame poured from her signature as she strolled towards him, her eyes remaining adverted from his. The Senator stood a few feet away from him, waiting for him to turn and leave to follow him out but a different idea crossed his mind as he approached her.
"It will be easier on you to just follow my orders."
"I am not one of your men that you can order around nor am I a pet," she countered, her eyes finally glaring into his.
"No, however," he said lowly, stepping close enough for her to take a step back. With every word he approached while she only made steps back. "It would still be wise for you to listen," he warned as her bottom hit the edge of her desk. He could see the apprehension in her eyes as they once again adverted themselves. Caging her with his arms, he dipped his head to her ear, "My men are there to ensure your safety," he stated in a deep whisper, a smirk formed across his lips feeling her shiver with anticipation. "You are unaware of Rush Clovis' wrong doings. You should not have seen him, he is not worthy of you nor is he worthy of breathing after what he's done." His lips hovered over her ear before slowly ghosting down to the sensitive skin below. He had done something to her when trying to repair her mental barriers, it was much easier to get the response he wanted from her. It wasn't an intended result but he couldn't deny that claiming her mind would be much easier now. Perhaps even in a weeks' time- she would be his. Only two more marks.