Rush Clovis was still constantly looking for chances to get close to Padmé aboard the ship. Even the safety belt seemed unable to restrain him. His movements gradually became more and more brazen—stroking the back of Padmé's hand and even trying to lean over and kiss her.
Although Rock Johnson was sitting beside them, Clovis considered it nothing more than a robot. They had long grown accustomed to being surrounded and served by robots, so even making love in front of one would have been absolutely fine. (Definitely.)
Seeing this from the cockpit, Anakin Skywalker was consumed by fury. He turned to Padmé's Chief Guard, who was seated in the co-pilot's seat, and said, "Look at that guy's mouth! I'd bet it stretched out at least a meter just now!"
The Chief Guard did not know what to say, so he merely gave an awkward laugh and shrugged.
Anakin looked at the surveillance screen and sneered coldly. "Good thing I came prepared."
He switched on the communicator and feigned a startled cry. "Oh no! Watch out! There's an accident ahead!!" As he spoke, he violently yanked the ship to one side.
They had not yet left the atmosphere, and the sharp turn immediately sent everyone in the passenger cabin toppling sideways.
Rush Clovis's lips had been only one centimeter away from Padmé's face. Being flung away like that left him deeply displeased. "Is this the Milky Way Galaxy's best pilot? Padmé, I think I can arrange for you to—ah..."
Before he could finish, the safety belt Anakin had damaged earlier suddenly snapped! Clovis was hurled forward and slammed into the frontmost seat.
"Clovis! Watch out!" Padmé instinctively stood up, unfastened her own belt, and went over to help Clovis to his feet.
Anakin, who had just entered the passenger cabin,