Disclaimer: My name is not George (or Lucas for that matter). Therefore, I do not own the Star Wars universe. I'm just having a bit of fun playing around in it:-)
A/N: This is the very first story that I have had the courage to post. I want to say a big "THANK YOU" to Ticklesivory for giving me the confidence to share my work. I welcome any reviews, but please don't flame (especially if you're just doing it because you don't like Obidala). Thanks so much and please enjoy!
(Another) A/N: Some of the dalogue, mostly later on, was inspiredby Colleen McCullough's "The Thorn Birds." and it is rated the way it is for a later chapter. You'll be safe for the time being!
It was six years after the Battle of Naboo.
Though the Trade Federation had lost their control of the lush planet, many were still angry. These unhappy few had resorted to domestic terrorism to affect change in global policy. It was now feared that the Federation may have a hand in the attacks. For many months terrorists had been targeting the Noobian population in the hope of aiding their cause; or, quite probably, the cause of their employers.
Padmé Amidala, reigning queen of Naboo during the battle with the Trade Federation, had since become a Galactic Senator for her planet. In a desperate bid to make sense of the chaos that had erupted in Naboo's cities, the new Queen had called the Senator back. It was the monarch's hope that Amidala may be able to lend some kind of guidance on the terrorist attacks.
Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi had also been called to Naboo. The Jedi Council had decided that because of his personal knowledge of and participation in the Battle of Naboo he would be the right person to aid the Queen with the conflict. He was to be the official representative of the Republic.
Even as his Jedi Starfighter hovered over the lush, green forests of Naboo, Obi-Wan had his doubts. He was unsure about his decision to leave Couruscant. It was a pivotal time in the training of his Padawan, Anakin. And his student didn't seem happy at all that his Master was to undertake this particular mission without him. But this was not a decision for either of them to make. As Jedi, they were bound to abide by the word of the Council. This will be the most difficult lesson for Anakin to learn, Obi-Wan thought to himself with a chuckle.
The small ship landed on the docking pad with a heavy woosh sound, as the power to its engines was cut. Having barely placed one foot on the ground he was greeted by an official Noobian representative and immediately shuffled into the Palace of Theed. High marble walls, grand upright pillars, and the beautiful antique elegance that was the Noobian capital greeted him. It was truly a sight to behold, one of which the Jedi had many fond memories.
Queen Shalla had only recently been elected to lead the Noobian people. She had large shoes to fill as she entered the office, following one of the most popular rulers in recent memory, Queen Amidala. It was her youth and inexperience that had brought all of them together this day. A strong ruler, Shalla had no idea how to handle a situation of this nature. Luckily, though, she was not above asking those around her, or at her disposal, for advice on how best to proceed.
The entrance to the throne room was blocked by a large pressure door. And, in front of that, an even more impressive security device was standing watch. Captain Panaka was an imposing figure and had been the head of the Queen's Royal Bodyguards even before Amidala's rule.
Throughout the whole of their battle for Naboo, Obi-Wan had come to greatly respect the Captain. He was efficient, strong, and had an incredible tactical mind. All were very good qualities for the head of monarchal security to possess. Beyond that, he was a genuinely nice guy (despite the fierce front he tended to put up while on duty). Though he did not get to know him very well in their former collaboration, the Jedi was happy to see a familiar face.
For his part, Captain Panaka seemed equally pleased to see the Jedi, though it took him a moment to recognize him as the former Padawan. Gone was the long braid and ponytail that had marked Obi-Wan's status within the Jedi Order. Though his hair was not as long as his master Qui-Gon's by any means, it had just enough length to allow him to comb it back out of his face.
With a warm smile and a nod Panaka led Obi-Wan into the Queen's throne room. From there he was led by one of the queen's handmaidens to the last empty seat that flanked the figurehead on each side. Looking up, his gentle blue-green eyes met vibrant chocolate brown ones.
Padmé Amidala looked back at him, a surprised smile gracing her delicate features. Though she had been Queen when she first met him and proper decorum must be maintained, she had still been fourteen. No title that the galaxy could give would ever be able to stop adolescence from taking its toll on her.
Through their short time spent together, she had developed a huge crush on the Padawan. Luckily she had covered it well. And though it had faded with their parting six years ago, she was now suddenly aware once again of just why she used to fantasize about him.
Boyish good looks met civilized and elegant maturity within him. His hair was a bit lighter and longer but his eyes still pierced the soul. She had always loved his hands, strong and larger than her own, which he now rested on the armrests of his seat.
If truth be told, the Jedi was equally surprised. Though he knew that she was also being consulted on this issue, the mere sight of her threw him for a loop. Even six years ago, when he first met her, she had been beautiful. Before he knew she was the real Queen, when she was still in disguise as a handmaiden, something had captivated him about her. It was not difficult to sense her inner strength and recognize her outward beauty, Jedi or not.
But she had only been a child then, disregarded by the Padawan who was still focused on his training and his mission. Now, as he gazed forward, he was struck by her. Having become the Jedi it was impossible to ignore how much more beautiful Padmé had grown. The beauty that lay in her now came from the grace and poise of maturity. She is no longer a child, he thought to himself.