"M4 Pt. 2"
Ihave wondered about you
Where will you be when this is through?
If all goes as planned
Will you redeem my life again?
Nadae had permission to sit out of the next Council Meeting with Anakin's testing. Yoda had instructed her after their meditation session for her to continue the assignment he had given her on her way to Tatooine.
Protect the Queen.
Yoda said it would be a good chance for her to clear her head of the troubling images. She hoped he would be right.
Obi-Wan promised to let her know as soon as possible whether Anakin Skywalker was to be trained or not. She had a communication device sitting in the folds of her robes in such case.
Nadae ascended the stairs of the Senate Tower, and by all the hustle and bustle of movement and quick walking of politicians to their allocated podiums, the special senate meeting was about to commence. She had arrived just in time.
Nadae was used to having other Jedi follow her into the Senate chambers. Yoda was often with her, sometimes Ki-Adi Mundi, or even Yaddle. Today, she was on her own. No Jedi Master to aid her in any decision or interruption she may make during the Queen's speech.
She moved into her podium and took her seat. The box felt empty without another Jedi escorting her.
She looked down at her Naboo-styled Jedi robes and clutched the seem of her outer robe, encrusted with golden embroidery. She ran a thumb along the exquisite, swirling pattern of the robe, and proceeded to clutch on tighter.
She hoped Padmé knew what she was doing. The future of the Naboo was in peril.
Nadae raised her head to acknowledge the booming voice of Chancellor Valorum. "The Chair recognises the Senator from the sovereign system of Naboo."
The Naboo congressional box floated into the centre of the massive chamber. Nadae recognised Senator Palpatine, and alongside him Queen Amidala dressed in an extraordinary red gown and elegantly styled hair.
It was time, if needed, for the Jedi Representative to protect the Queen in the Senate chamber, and not with a lightsaber.
"Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the Senate," Senator Palpatine addressed the chamber. "A tragedy has occurred which started with the taxation of trade routes, and has now engulfed our entire planet in the oppression of the Trade Federation."
Immediately, Nadae noticed a second podium float quickly into the centre of the chamber. She could easily recognise Lott Dod, the Senator of the Trade Federation
"This is outrageous!" He yelled. "I object to the Senator's statements!"
"The Chair does not recognise the Senator from the Trade Federation at this time." It occurred to Nadae that Chancellor Valorum would like the situation resolved. "Please return to your station."
This was a good sign. Hope for Naboo.
Hope for her home.
"To state our allegations," Palpatine continued. "I present Queen Amidala, recently elected ruler of Naboo, who speaks on our behalf."
Nadae was ready to use the controls to float to the centre of the room.
Queen Amidala stood, and she did so with such regality that Nads had to catch her breath. She remembered giggling with the same girl only a few days ago.
"Honourable representatives of the Republic," her voice came out deeper, more assertive than when Nadae talked alone with her. "I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. The Naboo system has been invaded by the droid armies of the Trade-"
"I object! There is no proof. This is incredible." Nadae almost rolled her eyes at Senator Dod. "We recommend a commission be sent to Naboo to ascertain the truth."
She had been commissioned to Naboo. She had ascertained the truth. However, she was unsure whether to state such a fact in this session as such; she felt that relations within the room were ready beginning to tense as it were.
Ambassador Aks Moe, an Ambassador representing Malastare immediately moved his podium next to the Trade Federation's. "The Congress of Malastare concurs with the honourable delegate from the Trade Federation. A commission must be appointed."
Nadae couldn't take it much beyond that. She flipped the switch at the front of her Podium and stood up.
"Honourable representatives," she allowed her voice to deepen and grow thicker and louder, echo around the chamber. "It is the Jedi and Senate's job to keep peace and harmony in the Galaxy and yet, when helpless citizens of the Republic beg for our help you sit here questioning of whether or not they are telling the truth?"
"If there is no proof for us to see then we cannot-"
"It does not matter about proof!" Nadae raised her hands. She would need to ask Obi-Wan for a glass of whiskey when she got back to the temple. "If the Senate decides that proof is needed when a planet is asking for aid, then the Jedi will intervene planet side."
"If the Jedi truly cared for Naboo, then a Council member would be here! You're a Padawan learner!"
"I am good enough to be your Representative for the Order!"
"Enough pointless bickering!" Chancellor Valorum boomed his voice throughout the chamber.
Nadae flicked the switch on her podium and she floated black near her designated area. She scolded herself. She shouldn't have allowed herself to become so emotional, or aggressive. She should not have allowed Senator Dod to pull her into an argument like that.
She needed to remember Yoda's teachings better.
"The Jedi Order has made their stance and opinion on the situation." Valorum explained to the rest of the Senators in the chamber. "However, the point is conceded," he turned his head towards the Naboo podium."Will you defer your motion to allow a commission to explore the validity of your accusations?"
Nadae had done nothing.
She sunk back into her chair and sighed. Nothing.
This government could barely do anything. No action can take place unless there's some pathetic vote on it.
She could sense much anger coming from the Naboo podium. It was contained, but there. Padmé wasn't a Jedi, she was allowed to get angry.
"I will not defer! I have come before you to resolve this attack on our sovereignty now. I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee!"
If that was not enough to swing some of the Senators, then nothing would. Nadae discovered that Padmé was a whole lot better at this Senate-thing than she was.
"If this body is not capable of action, I suggest new leadership is needed. I move for a 'vote of no confidence' in Chancellor Valorum's leadership."
Nadae was continuously becoming surprised by Padmé.
Chancellor Valorum was one of the few who supported the Queen's accusations. Why would she want him removed from power?
Her words caused a great stir in the assembly. Murmurs of crescendos ascended throughout the Senate chamber. Nadae was one of the few who remained calm and seated.
The role of Jedi Ambassador technically meant that Nadae was not a part of the senate. In the initial creation of the role, it was meant for the representative to mediate meetings and arguments and inputting peaceful solutions to keep the Republic running smoothly. She was a second opinion, an influential voice for the Senators. This meant she didn't get to vote.
And no vote meant Nadae was left to sit and ponder in her podium, even as the assembly was adjourned.
She tried to get rid of that sinking feeling.
The sunlight streamed through the windows of the corridor in golden streaks, warming her through her robes. She felt action and disturbances in the Force, coming from Senator Palpatine's office. Padmé was up to something.
Nadae was thankful when she heard the beeping from the folds her her robe. The commlink beeped red in her hand as she answered the call.
"Obi-Wan!" She leaned against the window, relieved that he had finally called. "I'm glad you called. Things are… stressful."
"Do you need anything, Little Bird?"
He was always straight to helping her. Aiding her after a rough day with Senators was becoming Obi-Wan's part time job. "Corellian whiskey."
"I will have it on me the next time I see you."
Hearing him say that relieved her tremendously. Then she remembered why she called. "And Anakin?"
"Not to be a Jedi."
This time, Nadae forced herself to be relieved. "Good, I suppose. There would be too much risk."
"Master Qui-Gon doesn't see it that way."
"I didn't think he would."
She stared at the door looming at the end of the corridor. Padmé would be waiting for her, and she remembered her promise to the handmaidens; take them to the temple and show them around. And sparring lessons. Nadae grinned at the idea.
"I have to talk to the Queen, Obi. I will keep in contact."
"Tell me about the Senate assembly when I bring you the whiskey." She smiled again.
"I will. Until later."
"Until later, Nads."
She switched off her commlink and strutted towards the door. Before she could even enter, the door swooshed open and Queen Amidala exited, in another regal gown and hair style, pursued by handmaidens in red velvet.
"We are leaving."
Nadae was far too used to the surprises now. "What do you mean?"
The Queen kept on walking and Nadae had to practically run to keep up with her at her side. "We are going back to Naboo."
"Your Majesty, with all due respect-"
"Your Republic no longer functions." She halted herself in the middle of the corridor, and glared at Nadae. She wasn't angry at her, but it was coming out at her. "If they are not willing to listen to you, one of the wisest people in the Galaxy, then there is no hope unless Senator Palpatine is elected."
"It's dangerous for you to return."
"I do not care about danger. The people back on our home are suffering and dying and I cannot allow it to continue."
Damn Padmé and her stubborn heart. Damn the Queen and her recklessness.
"You will be either forced to sign the treaty or die, your Majesty."
"And that is why I'm glad you'll be with me." Padmé already knew Nadae too well by this point. She wasn't just going to fight for Padmé because it was her job. "I am going to need my Jedi Protector."
"I know."
"I am also going to need my friend."
Nadae's throat tightened. Aside from Obi-Wan, no one had ever actually referred to her as 'friend' before. "I will always answer your call, Padmé." She turned her head and looked at the rest of the handmaidens. "I will answer all your calls."
She couldn't tell what emotion the handmaidens and the Queen were feeling, but she felt their hearts ache along with hers.
The Padawan was the first to arrive at the ship, aside from the pilots and some ship crew.
The orange astromech approached her, whizzing and beeping, twirling himself around in circles.
"Good evening, Seefor." Tragically, the sight of the droid was also cheering her up. Like the blue R2 unit, this one had spunk and personality, greeting the Jedi with profound language. She wondered what kind of life this droid had led before serving aboard Padmé's ship.
And how long it had been since he had a memory wipe.
"Is the ship nearly ready?" Seefor beeped his reply. "Good. Go help prepare the engines."
His reply was most profound. He must've been lucky to not have been deactivated already.
It wasn't long before she saw four more figures approached the landing platform. She sensed Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan having a disagreement, but this was nothing new. Artoo was reunited with Seefor at the entrance ramp, and surely the two would be up to mischief in no time. And Anakin…
Anakin was looking rather solemn. She could sense it on the boy, he practically reeked of disappointment.
Nadae stride past Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan and to the boy. "How was your testing, Ani?"
"It was ok, I guess. I didn't pass, I don't think."
"Oh," she pretended to sound surprised, as if Obi-Wan hadn't informed her an hour earlier. "I'm sorry to hear it." The slowly walked towards the ship.
"Well, I should be ok. Qui-Gon told me to watch him closely so I can learn something at least."
Oh Qui-Gon, you sneaky little-
"Keep an eye on all of us," she quirked a smile at the boy. "One thing you'll find is that even amongst Jedi there is diversity in skill."
"What do you mean?" Ani frowned. However, Nadae noticed he was more curious than grumpy.
Dammit, the boy was so eager.
"Take Obi-Wan for example," Nadae gestured towards the other Padawan. "He is one of the most skilled lightsaber practitioner of the Padawans. Perhaps in the whole order."
"Really?!"
"Really. However, Ani, even he admits that I am much better at 'throwing rocks at people' than he is."
Now the boy was confused. She didn't need the Force to see the expression on his face.
"Telekenises, moving things with the Force, Ani. Force manipulation."
"Oh! So I learn how to fight from Obi-Wan, and throwing rocks from you?"
She giggled at him. Perhaps Obi-Wan's sarcasm was starting to rub off on Ani. "Yes," she ruffled his hair with her hand. "That's exactly what you do. Not even Master Yoda knows everything."
"Nads!"
Nadae nodded at Ani, before walking towards the ship with Obi-Wan joining her.
"I did as you asked."
She noticed the small rucksack he carried on his back.
"You have no idea how thankful I am."
"I almost regret introducing you to the stuff." He gave her that lopsided smile as they boarded the ship. "Those politicians must do a number on you.
"It was my fault this time."
Obi-Wan stopped short of the quarters he resided in before they arrived on Coruscant. She knew she wasn't hiding her stress but now Obi-Wan looked far more concerned than before. She didn't want to do this to him.
"I tell you what," he started removing his rucksack from his back. "Remove your face," he gestured to Nadae's face paint, causing a little giggle to escape her lips. "Get yourself a little more relaxed. Once we've made it to hyperspace, you meet me in the starboard observation lounge and I'll have a glass of whiskey ready."
She quirked another grin at him. "I'm down for that," she playfully punched his shoulder. "Just so long as Master Yoda doesn't give me a lecture in the morning again."
Most people aboard the ship were getting ready for rest before arriving on Naboo. Most had already sent themselves to their quarters.
Nadae, however, had relaxed into a couch looking out at hyperspace, feet up on a foot rest, and neat whiskey in hand.
Obi-Wan returned to the lounge with his own glass and bottle of Corellian whiskey. "So," he said as he poured the whiskey into the glass. "What has the Senate done now?"
"Everything." She took another sip. "Most of the Senators want proof of the invasion."
"You can't be serious," he sat down next to Nads. "What could anyone gain from lying about an invasion?"
"Ugh," she rolled her head back and she stared at the plain white ceiling of the ship. "I should've said that."
"You can't keep regretting what you don't do." He leaned back into the sofa as well do their bodies were level and crossed his legs. He rested his arm atop of the back of the sofa and swirled the alcohol in his glass with his other hand. "You won't learn from it, Nads."
She rubbed her eye with her free hand and swept a strand of hair that had gotten in the way of her sight. "You weren't there, Obi." She moved her body so she sat forward, elbows resting on knees. "I let them get to me and I had an emotional bout. I didn't say anything that would've helped."
"Emotional bout?" He sat forward as well, placing a hand at the small of her back. "I admit, I am surprised."
"I'm supposed to be better than that." She took a of whiskey, finishing the shot and then reaching for the bottle that sat on the floor between them and poured herself another. "It was so… not Jedi of me."
She took yet another sip. "It's like they use compassion against me now," she admitted. "Dod found my compassion for the Naboo and set a trap for me. I fell right into it, I should know better by now. None of them even listen to me. I did nothing for the Queen, Obi. Nothing." And in went another sip.
"Little Bird," his hand moved from her back to her shoulder, bringing her body closer to his so her head rested against his shoulder. "You're a Padawan. A learner. You're eighteen." He sipped his whiskey again. "Do you have any idea what you've accomplished?"
She shook her head, and allowed it to rest on Obi-Wan's shoulder.
"You do more than what you think. You are one of the strongest and wisest of the Force users in the Order. You practically have stopped wars from occurring in in the Senate. You're probably going to get on the Council as soon as you're Knighted… There's a reason Master Yoda chose you. Blast it Nads, you're even wiser than Qui-Gon and I put together." He placed his glass of the floor next to the whiskey bottle and shifted himself so his body faced more directly towards hers, placing his hands on her shoulders and forcing her to look at him.
"But you're still a learner." He continued. "You're still young. You will still make mistakes, and you will learn from them. You will become a better Jedi from them." One of his hands raised itself to her cheep to cup her jaw. She welcomed the friendly touch. "You are going to be the next Grand Master at this rate."
Nadae gave a pretend horrified expression at this. "Oh no," she purposely imitated Master Yoda's toady, backwards voice. "Old and tiny and green, I will become."
She saw Obi-Wan look down at his lap and fail to contain his laughter. "Does he know you do that?"
"One time he was giving me a sparring lesson. Once he asked me a question on the footing of Niman form push slash technique and I said 'forward balance in the body, there is. Footing, spread apart you must be'."
Obi-Wan continued to fail miserably at containing his laughter. It was good to see him like that. Making him laugh made her feel all kinds of wonderful.
He used the hand that cupped her cheek to pull her head into the spot underneath his chin. She could still feel the remnants of his laughter vibrate through his chest. She placed her arms around his back, accepting the relaxation he gave her.
"You did good today, even if you don't know it." One of his hands rubbed her back up and down, and she could feel his intention to help her relax. "I'm the luckiest man in the Galaxy to know you, Little Bird."
It was probably an hour after Obi-Wan had first brought her a glass of whiskey that she swayed her way through the halls of the ships to the handmaiden chambers.
It was time to go back to work, and she had drunk a little too much.
She opened the chamber door and saw most of the handmaidens still awake, lying in bed. Reading a datapad or something.
Except Padmé. She was seated at the centre table of the room, watching a holorecording.
"The death toll is catastrophic." The image of Sio Bibble cut in and out, but the sound still projected. "We must bow to their wishes. You must contact me."
The transmission played over and over, illuminating Padmé's face a faint blue. Even in her mildly intoxicated state, Nadae could sense the disturbance and fear come from the Queen.
"You weren't meant to see that message, Padmé. Is this why we're going back?" She spoke, a little too loudly.
"You smell wonderful." She stated sarcastically. "What were you drinking? Rum?"
The Queen turned to face the holorecording again. To say she was upset was an understatement
"I admit," Padmé lowered her head in shame. "Knowing that my people are possibly dying because I'm not there… the Senate not helping... It makes one loose a little hope."
Nadae then thought of V'kala. Her brother that left her and then Order under mysterious circumstances.
The times Master Yoda sung her that hymn to help make her feel better… Yoda was not a good singer, but it hardly mattered since it worked.
Nadae knew the Force worked in mysterious ways, that was for sure. But perhaps… a reason her brother left the Order… was so she knew what to do now. So she could make her friend feel ok.
"There's an old Jedi hymn," she placed a hand on Padmé's shoulder. "My Master sung it to me when I was younger and feeling upset."
Padmé was intrigued. She turned her head a raised an eyebrow at her, as if she was asking 'you mean Jedi sing?'.
Nadae moved her hand so she draped her arm around Padmé's shoulders, and began to sing.
"Shadows fall and hope has fled,
Steal your heart, the Dawn Will Come
The night is long, and the path is dark
Look to the sky, for one day soon
The Dawn Will Come."
At the sound of her voice, the other handmaidens rose from their positions in their beds and stared at Nadae, the singing Jedi. She rose from her own seat and removed her arm from Padmé, turning off the holorecording.
"The shepherd's lost and his home is far,
Keep to the stars, the Dawn Will Come
The night is long, and the path is dark
Look to the sky, for one day soon
The Dawn Will Come."
By now, they had gathered around her, listening to the lyrics that she now realised they so desperately needed.
The girls before her were brave, but even the brave need a little Hope of their own.
"Bare your blade, and raise it high
Stand your ground, the Dawn Will Come
The night is long, and the path is dark
Look to the sky, for one day soon
The Dawn Will Come."
Nadae sat back down next to Padmé, and the other handmaidens sat around the circular table. They were there, together, and generating another day for each other to continue to fight.
She remembered Obi-Wan before, letting her know that she was a learner, a valued learner, and her mistake in the Senate, and when she lost her hope for a moment. "Us loosing hope," she stated to the handmaidens. "Is the enemy's greatest ally."
whyYYYYyYYYyyyy is this so long?
Just a disclaimer: I did not write the song that Nadae is singing at all. It was written by Trevor Morris (I think) for Dragon Age: Inquisition. (fantastic game, btw) Also, bad news. I'm heading back to university at the end of the month, so I won't have as much time to write as I normally do (I need to at least pass this course!) (and no I do not have a good track record for using my spare time to write!). I'm hoping that I may be able to finish I, Protector by then, but I have absolutrly no faith in myself. - yoda-is-cool.