Padme was standing near one of the double doors that led out of the huge beautiful gardens that Rush had made, shortly after the Battle of Coruscant. She was thanking her gods that the doors where open and letting the cool air into the crowded room that was filled with Senators, Representatives, bankers, suppliers, judges and lawyers. As she looked around, she noticed that when she saw the lawyers standing around talking, her first thought went to Robert. She had not heard anything from him in a while. As she was looking around the room, she did not see him anywhere and then she began to get that feeling that she was not alone by the doors.
Enjoying yourself, Padme? a mans voice whispered into her ear.
Rush, um . . . yes, I am enjoying myself. Padme lied to the man.
That is good, but you know, I can make your evening even better. Rush reached out and then began running his fingers down her bare arm.
No, thank you. I am doing just fine. Padme pulled her away from Rush and moved slightly away from him.
Ok, but if you change your mind, I will be around. Now, if you will excused me, I have a few people that need to see. Rush looked over and saw one of the bankers nod to him and he gave a slight nod back too.
Um, sure. Padme did notice the nod too and she breathed a sigh of relieve and watched Rush and a couple of men that worked for the banks, go into a room that is far away from the party.
Padme began scanning the room again and she saw one of the lawyers that works with Robert. She moved away from the doors and went up to him and his wife.
Seth, it is so nice to see you again. Padme came up to the couple.
Ah, Senator Padme. What a pleasant surprise to see you. This is my wife, Keli. the lawyer said, as he introduced Padme to his wife.
It is nice to meet you, Senator. Keli shook Padmes hand.
The same here. Padme returned Kelis hand shake.
Padme, since you and Robert are seeing each other, well, I was wondering if you have heard from him? Seth took a sip of his drink.
I was about to ask you the same thing, because I have not seen him in two weeks. The last time I talked to him, he told me that he could not have dinner with me, because he was about to work on a very high profile trial. Padme looked at the older man.
Yes, that was what he was about to work on, but another lawyer has taken the case, because he has not been seen in the office since the day he took the case. Seth looked at Padme and saw a worried look come to her face.
What you are telling me, is that he is missing? Padme looked at him in shock, all because no one has come to her to let her know that he was missing.
Yes, Padme, he is missing. Everyone at the Firm believes he is dead, and yes, we have gone to the police. They are searching for him, but so far, no luck. Seth told Padme his worst fear that he has for his friend.
I see. Um . . . can you excuse me? It was very nice to meet you, Keli. Padme nodded to the lawyer and his wife, before she turned and left the couple. Padme headed over to the double doors and walked out of the room and headed down the stairs. She began walking around the garden, as she was trying to think of who would want Robert dead. Coming up to a stone bench, she sat down and began to stare out over the city and she could see the setting sun start gleaming off the buildings.
Padme, there you are. One of the guests told me they saw you come out here. Are you ok? Rush came over to Padme and stood in front of her.
Um . . . yes, am fine. I just need some air, is all. Padme looked up and saw how close Rush was standing next to her.
I see. Well, I think I will join you here for a few moments, before dinner. Rush sat down next to Padme on the bench, put his arm around her and started pulling her close to him.
Um . . . I really just want to be alone, and please take your arm off of me. Padme scooted slightly away from him.
Come on, Padme. You know that you want me to be right here with you and also to make you feel better. Rush stood up and reached down and pulled Padme up from the bench and held her close to him.
No, I do not want anything from you, so let me go, Rush. Padme pushed against him and tried to get away from him.
Yes, you do. I want to have you so badly, Padme. Rush pulled her close to him again and this time he was trying to kiss her.
I said, no and let me go . . . Rush, let me go now! Padme called out, as she was trying to push him away from her, but he only tightened his hold on her.
I believe the Senator said to let her go. a voice came from behind the couple.
This is between the Senator and I, so you can stay out of this. Rush stopped, as he felt Padme freeze in his arms.
Well, now, it is between me and you. Padme did tell you to stop and now I am telling you, if you dont remove yourself from her, then I will have to remove you myself. Darth Vader moved out of the shadows, as he was using the Force by grabbing Rush by the throat.
Vader, please, let him be. Thank you for your help. Padme came up to Vader, once Rush let her go, and put her hand on his arm and looked up at his masked face.
As you wish, Senator. Please come with me, because dinner is now being served and we will give our host a moment to gather himself up, before coming with us to the dining hall. Vader nodded down to Padme, before turning his attention back to Rush.
Are you ok, Senator? the other man, who was standing next to Darth Vader asked Padme. Um . . . yes, Governor Tarkin. I am fine now, thank you. Padme nodded to the Governor.
Rush straightened up and made sure that his clothes were in place, before nodding to his three guests, before turning and leading them back inside the apartment and to his dinner party. Vader and the Governor sat down on either side of Rush; and Padme took her seat next to Darth Vader.
Senator Padme, please let me take you home. I do not trust Rush. Vader came up to Padme, as she stood by the door that leads out to the landing platform.
Thank you Vader. I do believe that is a great idea, because I too do not trust him. Padme took Vaders arm and he led her to his private shuttle.
After landing on Padmes private platform, Vader bid her a good night. He left and headed back to his Palace. Walking into the apartment, Padme went to her bedroom and got undressed, then climbed into bed and fell sound asleep.