Padme really could not concentrate on her reading, all because she kept getting this feeling, that this was not just a random attack on her. There was something a lot bigger behind this attack on her ship. Her thoughts were interrupted by the door chime. Of course, she was wondering, when Anakin was going to come and talk to her.
Padme got out of bed and headed for the door, but she stopped, when she realized that her nightgown was somewhat revealing. Going over to the end of the bed and grabbing her robe, she put it on, before heading for the door. Padme opened the door and sure enough, Anakin was standing there.
Um . . . hello. Anakin looked at the woman standing right in front of him, and it was because of this, he could hardly draw his breath.
Hello, Anakin. Um . . . is everything all right? Padme looked at Anakin and saw that he was trying to catch his breath.
Oh, yes. Yes, my Master has gone to the lower levels, so he could check on Captain Typhos security measures. All seems very quiet at the moment. Anakin began to stuttered over his response, before he did manage to say something.
You sound disappointed. Padme raised her eyebrow to him.
Anakin finally gave Padme an embarrassed laugh, because she knew what he was truly feeling.
You are not enjoying this. Padme noticed that he was blushing some.
There is nowhere else in all the galaxy that I rather be. Anakin blurted out, and it was Padmes turn to give an embarrassed little laugh.
But it is this . . . inertia. Padme reasoned and Anakin could only nodded, as he finally caught on.
Well, we should be more aggressive in our search for the assassin, and not just sitting back and waiting to invite disaster. Anakin insisted. From the tone in his voice, he really did not like Obi-Wans ideas.
So, Master Kenobi does not agree with you. Padme could tell that the two did have a disagreement, as to what they wanted to do.
Well, Master Kenobi is bound by the letter of the Orders. He will not take any chances of doing anything that is not explicitly asked of him by the Jedi Council. Anakin explained to Padme, as to why Obi-Wan will not go with his ideas, in looking into the assassination.
Padme looked at Anakin and began to carefully consider this impetuous young man very more carefully. This was not a discipline primary lesson of the Jedi Knights, and were they not bound, and very strictly so, within the structure of the Order and to their Code.
Well, for starters, Master Kenobi is not like his own Master. Master Qui-Gon did understand the need for independent thinking and initiative, otherwise he would have left me on Tatooine. Anakin had a sad look come across his face, when he talked about Master Qui-Gon.
And you are more like Master Qui-Gon? Padme looked at Anakin and gave him a small smile.
Well, I do accept the duties that I am given, but they demand the leeway. I need to see them to a proper conclusion. Anakin gave a small smile back.
What do you mean, by demand? Padme looked at him very puzzled.
It is presumed then, mostly when you cannot get the answers, that you desire. Padme gave a knowing grin though in her heart, she was only half teasing.
I do the best that I can, with every problem that I am given. was the only strongest admission that Anakin would offer to Padme.
So, what you are telling me is that sitting around here guarding me, is not your idea of fun. Padme felt some anger enter her voice.
Well, let us say that we could be doing something better; even more exciting things Anakin knrw that there was a double edge to his voice. It was one that intrigued Padme and it also made her pull her robe up even tighter around her body.
Well, if we can catch the assassin, then we might just find the root of these attempts. Either way, you will be safer, and our duties will be made far more easier. the Padawan explained, then he quickly putt the discussion back on a professional level.
Padmes mind began to whirl, as she tried to sort out Anakins thoughts, and even his motivation. He was surprising her with every word, and even she was considering that he was a Jedi Padawan, but yet, he gave the fire that she clearly saw burning behind his blue eyes, and then again he was not surprising her. Padme also saw trouble brewing there, simmering and too-passionate eyes, but then again, there was even more than that, because what she saw was excitement and the promise of thrills. But then again, it was the promise of finding out, who it was that was trying to kill her.
Well then, goodnight. I will be right outside your door in the living room. Anakin bowed his head, before turning around walked back into the living room.
Padme took a deep breath, as her thoughts were lost in the last images of Anakin, as he had left her bedroom. Another thought came to her, and this time, it was the images of her sister Sola teasing her. Padme motioned to R2-D2, who was standing impassively against the wall beside the bedroom door.
Implement the shut down. Padme told the little droid.
Oooo. R2-D2 replied fearful.
Go ahead, R2. It is alright, we do have protection here. Padme looked at the small droid, before heading towards her bed.
The small droid gave another worried call, but it extended a probe out to the security panel on the wall that was beside him. Padme looked back to the door, and began thinking about the last images of Anakin, her tall and lean Jedi protector. She could see his blue shining eyes watching over her, moving more carefully than any security Cam ever could. Taking off her robe, she then climbed back into bed. This time she laid down and began drifting off to sleep.
(pages 78-81 from the novel Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones by R. A. Salvatore)