Obi Wan strode down the elegant hallway. At least, the high arch of the ceiling and the softness of the carpet under his boots suggested it was elegant. The familiar hum of Corusanti traffic murmured in his ear, audible through the thin panes of the windows along his right. To the left now was his destination, the door to Queen Amidala's temporary quarters.
He lifted a hand to knock, but was surprised when the door whooshed open. In front of him was Padme, a handmaiden, and one of the few that did not make him uncomfortable. He recognized her strong yet somehow gentle aura in the Force. He guessed that she was just barely Force sensitive, not enough to be trained as a Jedi, but there nonetheless.
The fragrance of her perfume, an exotic flowery scent, just barely registered in his mind. She smelled much better now, without the sweat and sandy grime of Tatooine that had clung to her since her journey in Mos Eisley.
What Obi Wan Kenobi could not discern, was her elaborate white and red face paint, indicative of Naboo royalty. Nor was he concentrating deeply enough to tell that the style of her clothing and hair was far too extravagant for a mere handmaid.
He bowed politely. "Milady, May I have a word with the queen?"
Padme frowned slightly at the strangely worded request to speak to her. "Of course, come inside Jedi Kenobi."
To her surprise, after thanking her and stepping inside, he immediately walked to Sabe, who happened to be in the room as well, and bowed deeply. "Your majesty, I have a message from the counsel regarding your request for Qui Gon and I to be witnesses during the Senate hearing."
Sabe was clearly startled as well. She and Padme exchanged glances. Had he seen through their ruse and was now subtly teasing them over it? It seemed out of character for the somber young Jedi, but they came to the unspoken agreement to simply go along with it for the moment. "Have a seat, Jedi Kenobi." Sabe waved an arm toward an armchair while she and Padme seated themselves on the sofa opposite it.
Obi Wan seemed to hesitate, as though orienting himself, before settling down in the chair. His eyes met with Sabe's before he spoke. "I regret to inform you, your majesty, that neither Qui Gon nor I will be present at tomorrow's Senate hearing; we cannot testify."
"Why not?" Padme asked, "Surely you see why your testimony would be valuable to our plea to the Senate."
Obi Wan had not expected Padme to speak so openly in a conversation specifically directed to the queen. But she did seem a bit headstrong and brash. Queen Amidala did not appear to mind her interruption, so he responded. "The Supreme Chancellor took a risk, secretly sending Jedi as ambassadors without the Senate Committee of Jedi Affairs' approval. Technically we should not have been on Naboo at all. It may harm your case rather than help it."
"I don't see how your verifying the situation could harm the case. The Senate would have to realize the truth." Sabe commented.
"Your majesty, our right to speak would be in question, and the matter would have to be taken to committee, delaying your hearing." Obi Wan reasoned. "And besides that, Master Qui Gon has been involved in missions in the past, before my apprenticeship, that would cause the Senate to question his impartiality to trade franchises in general."
"Well then what if you were the eyewitness instead, Jedi Kenobi?"
Obi Wan hesitated. "My…value as a witness would also be in question, milady. It would take several sessions with a committee, at least, to convince them of the validity of my testimony."
"Why is that?" Padme pressed, confused. What could this young man have done to make his testimony of questionable worth?
Obi Wan smiled softly. "I am blind, milady."
Both women exchanged bewildered glances.
"I speak the truth. My training and Force sensitivity balance that out, but the Senate will not understand. They cannot understand the nuances of the Force. All they would see is that I can't tell them the color of the robe they wear, nor read the words on a datapad without an assistive electronic device." The young Jedi lowered his head, as though in apology for his condition. "All in all, it would be best to have the hearing without us, at least initially. When we learn the outcome of this one, we can take whatever action is necessary for the good of your people. If that means long, drawn out committee sessions, so be it."
"It must not come to that," Sabe said gravely, now realizing, with Padme, that Obi Wan genuinely believed her to be the queen. He had been introduced to Sabe as such, and apparently, his Jedi senses were not to be dissuaded by visual disguises. "My people need help now."
Obi Wan smiled again, this one rather sad. "I agree, your highness, but I do not put much confidence in politics." Then, as though suddenly realizing he was addressing a politician, he stood and bowed. "Forgive my presumption, your majesty. I do hope all goes well in the Senate tomorrow. May the Force be with you."
I have wondered before why Padme never asked for the Jedi to verify her story before the Senate. That way, they could avoid being sent to committee. So, this is my story's explanation for why she could not.
