Welcome Home
–
Walking out of time
Looking for a better place
Something's on my mind
Always in my head space
But I know someday I'll make it out of here
Even if it takes all night or a hundred years
Need a place to hide, but I can't find one near
Wanna feel alive, outside I can't fight my fear
–
"What happened?" Luke asked as Padme was returned to the unit.
"Are we getting out?" Leia added. Padme could barely look at the two pairs of bright eyes peering up at her.
"Not exactly." Padme let out an exasperated sigh, feeling foolish that she let her emotions get to her instead of just bargaining for their freedom.
"But we will. I promise." She assured after seeing the disappointment on their faces, joining them on the mattress.
Just then Taul knocked on the door and let himself in. Guards followed him in, carrying plates of food and packages.
"What is all this?" Padme jumped up, observing what they laid out on the wooden table.
"Food. Water. Clothes." Taul pointed at each item.
"Clothes?" She cocked an eyebrow.
"Yes. We were sent to your apartment to pick up some stuff for you to, you know, make this place feel like home."
"You went to my apartment?" She seethed.
The guards all left, closing the door behind them.
"I'm just doing my job, milady."
Padme scoffed. "Tell me something, Taul. . .how do you sleep at night? Are you proud to work for a fascist regime? Do they pay you well . . .to sneak into people's homes – to rob them of their basic rights?"
Taul clicked his tongue and snickered to himself. "Yeah that's what the system needs. . .another privileged senator pretending things were all fine and dandy before the Empire came along. You know what my life looked like while you believed we were living in a utopian society? My father died thirteen years ago during the Clone War when I was 15. We were left with nothing. I dropped out of school, went to work to take care of my sick mother and little sister. Where was the republic then? You see, my planet wasn't even on your radar. The truth is democracy died long before the Empire rose."
"...How old's your sister?" Padme asked
"17."
"Do you think that she's protected. . .now that you work here?" She probed.
Taul remained silent.
"You see," She shook her head. "I know we failed you. We failed everyone. But you were lied to." She paused. "...One day, when you for whatever reason can no longer adhere to their rules, you too will be their prisoner. And you'll realize that giving up your freedom in exchange for security. . .isn't really safe at all."
–
"Lord Vader." Palpatine's scratchy voice came across the holo-projector.
"Master." Vader greeted, kneeling down.
"Senator Amidala is alive." Palpatine's words were laced with venom. "And you brought her here?"
"I will section off an area in my fortress to keep an eye on her."
"What about the offspring of Anakin Skywalker?"
"I will keep them here too."
Palpatine remained quiet for a moment, deep in thought.
