Dark Legacy

Chapter 7 - Guilt

Padme doesn't say anything until her ship reaches the landing platform of her apartment. She's still somewhat in shock from the recent turn of events. While she's no stranger to near assassinations – it's happened far more times than she cares to count – this is definitely the first time that she's been saved by Dooku. Of course, she knows that she can trust him, but he clearly knew he'd be injured if he threw her out of the way. Part of her feels guilt for his injuries. Logically, she knows that she's not to blame – he made the choice himself – but still, he could have died, and if he did, Padme has no idea how Anakin would have handled it.

Ever since Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka returned to Coruscant with Dooku, Padme has noticed something... unusual in their interactions. They speak and act with a sense of solidarity that she's never seen in the past. Everything which has happened ever since Obi-Wan first faked his death has led all four of them to become incredibly close. Truthfully, it makes her happy to see it.

"I heard about what happened," announces Sabe the moment Padme enters the apartment, Rex and Ahsoka right behind her.

Padme grimaces. "It'll be a political nightmare, if we can't deal with it effectively." She sits on the edge of the couch with a sigh. "I really ought to be at the Senate trying to figure out what we need to do next, but Anakin insisted that I come here."

"It's for your own safely," Ahsoka reminds her pointedly. "We don't know if the person behind this was after you or not, but it's better not to take any chances until we can narrow down the list of suspects."

"This isn't the first time that I've been targeted," Padme retorts, a bit irritably as she pulls out her datapad to check for messages. There's nothing of importance yet. It's still the middle of the afternoon, and the Senate will be in session for several more hours yet.

"Forgive him for being concerned about you, but I can't say I disagree with him either," Sabe points out, sitting next to her. "Tell me what happened."

Padme does, glossing over the details which she's not particularly keen on sharing. Seeing as Dooku is already injured, it's understandable why Anakin wanted her here where she's safe. He probably wouldn't handle it well if she was also hurt. "But this situation could easily get out of control," she explains, typing out a message to Bail, asking him about the status. "I might need to go back to the Senate depending on what's happening."

"No way," Ahsoka declares emphatically. "I know it could be important, but Anakin gave me strict orders to take you here and keep you safe." She's sitting in one of the chairs, while Rex is positioned protectively against one of the walls, helmet still on.

"I can go in your stead then," offers Sabe with a smile. "It wouldn't be the first time that I've taken your place." Padme can't deny that she doesn't have a point. They almost always discuss political issues together, and she knows that Sabe is more than capable of speaking on Padme's behalf, even if she can't legally cast a vote if necessary. But she can give her opinion and instruct Jar Jar to vote however she – and Padme, by default – deems important.

"It'll be alright, Senator," Rex interjects, finally pulling off his helmet and holding it under an arm. "I can go with her. No one will suspect anything, given the most recent events."

Suddenly, her datapad beeps. She looks at it to see a new message from Bail. "Tarkin just requested that he head the investigation with the Coruscanti guard. The Senate will be discussing the situation in the next session which has been delayed for half an hour."

Tarkin... Padme doesn't know a whole lot about him, except that he's alleged to have had a friendship with former Chancellor Palpatine. Whether or not that means that he knew about Sidious remains to be seen. As of now, there is no evidence to determine if they can trust him. Either way, if she's not going to the Senate – Anakin will definitely have a fit if she does – then Sabe needs to leave now.