Chapter 29 - Ahsoka
Anakin and his squadron leave early, leaving me with plenty of time to get ready for the senate meeting today. I sort of laze around my flat, not wanting to get dressed, but not wanting to go back to bed, either. It's like I'm stuck. Jar Jar and Typho sort of watch me as I walk aimlessly about the apartment, stopping at the fountain to sit, or walking into the kitchen only to leave without eating anything. Teckla and Miré eye me suspiciously, but don't say anything. It's silent in the flat, save for the sound of my feet.
Finally, the hour turns, and I realize I should get ready to go. I head back to my room, and the girls follow me, eager to get me out of the house. They help me into my violet senate gown, and Teckla fixes my hair back into the large cage-like accessory. I take a deep breath when I'm dressed, and turn to leave.
"Wait, M'Lady," Teckla says, snatching a hold of my clothing. "I want you to know something."
"What is it," I ask, confused.
"That senator from Cato Nemoidia," she begins, "I know you want to strike an agreement with him. But-"
"I know. You don't think that's possible."
She shakes her head. "Please M'Lady, don't put yourself into harm's way."
"I know you're concerned, Teckla, and I understand." I smile gently at the young woman. "But for the sake of my people, I must risk everything important to me. Including my life."
She bows her head, unhappily, and lets go of my clothing. "I understand."
"I'll be fine," I tell her, "don't worry about me. I'll see you tonight."
She nods, and I leave the flat. Jar Jar rides with me, choosing to be silent. I relish the moment of peace, as the elevator descends. The floor numbers descend steadily, and light blinks in and out from the window panes behind us. Level 25, Chandrila, level 10, Anxia. Level one, ground floor.
The doors hiss open, and we step out into the lobby of the building, where senators bustle about, looking for their alliance members or rushing away from lobbyists. We are no exclusion, as a group of young people in matching green uniforms rush to approach us, even though we haven't yet stepped out of the elevator.
"Senator Amidala, what is your opinion on the motion this afternoon," a young woman reporter yells from across the room.
"What is to be done about the invasion of Christophsis," another reporter asks.
"Is it true that you're secretly married to the senator from Scipio," a trash magazine reporter says.
I wave to them, and cut through the bustling crowd, most of the members of senate moving to avoid me, and lobbyists to nervous to approach me. I smile, walking as gracefully as I can do as not to seem afraid or concerned. Other representatives do nothing to hide their emotion, though it has been proven to put them out of office.
"Senator Amidala," Bail Organa calls as he rushes up to meet me. "Senator Farr of the Rhodia system is looking for you."
"Oh, where is he," I ask, looking around to spot my father's old friend.
"Padmé," Senator Farr calls as he approaches me from behind.
"Uncle Ono," I gasp, wrapping him in a warm embrace, "it's been too long!"
"It certainly has, my flower," he smiles, squeezing me tight. "I'm sorry I haven't been around much, we've been having a bit of a problem with the separatists."
"I understand. It's great to see you again. Is there a reason you needed to see me?"
"Yes, actually," he says, "it's about today's motion."
"What is it?"
"I need you to be in favour of it. We must have more military troops stationed in the Quadracept sector. I know it's not what you want..."
"No, we were going to vote in favour of it. We must protect the systems nearby. We can't afford to lost any more ground to the separatists."
"I agree," uncle Ono smiles. "Hopefully the senate rules in our favour."
A low gasp is heard through the room, and several heads turn to look at the entrance. A group of younglings march in, all of them clutching their lightsabers in hand. I recognize a few from the time I visited the temple, two years ago. The leader of the pack is the Togruta girl who I remember had trouble meditating. Her bright blue eyes bore into the gathering, flitting from face to face, until she finally finds who she's looking for. She motions to the group, and they ignite their sabers to show they mean business.
"Representative Kliam from Paladia, you are under arrest," the young Jedi announces, as the others flank the representative.
"What for," the man asks, throwing his hands up into the air.
"For the rape and murder of Tikki Naryk."
Another gasp spreads throughout the room.
"Wasn't she a Jedi," a woman asks.
"That cute Twi'lek kid," asks a man.
"You can't prove anything," the representative shouts.
"Nevertheless," the Togruta shouts again, "you are coming with us."
Two younglings grab hold of the representative's arms, and drag him out of the building.
"Go back to your business," the leader says, waving back at the bustling crowd behind her.
They leave as silently as they entered, and the lobby is left in deafening silence.
"That was strange," uncle Ono mutters.
"Yeah..." I say, turning back to face him. "Hopefully that's the most excitement we get today."
oOo
A few days later
The evening sun begins to set over the horizon. It's been a while since in seen Anakin, and I can only hope that he's alright. Ever since Jabba the Hutt's son has been kidnapped, I've fallen out of contact with him. It makes me sick to my stomach to think of him, stuck out in the cold desert nights of Tattooine, making his way back. I only spoke to him for a moment, and the nights on the desert planet are treacherous. He must be so alone.
My holotransmitter begins to beep, and I make a dash for it, snapping up the small device in my fingers.
"Senator Amidala," I answer, brushing a stray lock of hair back out of my face.
"Hey, Padmé," a dreamy, familiar voice soothes. "I'm back from Tattooine, heading up to your place. I've got a guest with me."
"Oh," I say, trying to hide my disappointment. "You know, Obi Wan isn't considered a guest at this point."
"Oh, I know," he smirks. "Just be ready when we get up there."
I smile, and turn the device off. The living room is tidy, but I should make a pot of tea and grab a few snacks. As I'm brewing the tea, the elevator opens, and Anakin and his guest enter.
"You seem quite close with the senator," a female voice muses.
"We're good friends," I hear Anakin say. "I've known her since I was eight years old."
"Didn't you join the order at eight?"
"Yeah," he says, "she was one of the people on the mission that found me."
The female voice doesn't respond, but I hear the sound of fabric against leather, so she must have sat down. I pull the tea bag out of the pot and place three mugs on my tray.
"Thought you'd be in here," Anakin calls from the kitchen archway.
"Would you help me carry this," I ask, holding out the plate of sweet treats.
"Course," he smirks, gently taking the glass plate and ushering me out of the kitchen.
In my living room waits the same Togruta girl who arrested representative Kliam. I almost drop my tray, but quickly shift my grip, so that it doesn't fall.
"Hello," the young girl smiles. "I take it you're Senator Amidala."
"I am," I smile, gently placing the tea tray on he coffee table. "I don't think I've met you."
"I'm Anakin's padawan, Ahsoka Tano." She extends one hand, and I shake it.
"I thought you didn't want a padawan," I say to Anakin.
"I didn't," he explains. "Obi Wan set this up for me." He folds his arms and rolls his eyes. "But she's a good fighter."
Ahsoka nods at her master, and smiles. She's cute, quite thin. Her large blue eyes are striking against her sunset-orange skin, and her short montrals are a pretty shade of blue. She wears a short, dark red top made of hide, and a skirt made of the same material. Around her waist is a light purple sash with a geometric design on the front. When she smiles, it's wide, and perfect. She's pretty, for a young girl.
"I'm very excited to study with Master Skywalker," she says, sipping her cup of tea. "He's a great teacher."
I raise an eyebrow at him, and he gives me a sort of sassy expression in return, shrugging quite wide.
"He's an excellent pilot, you know," I tell her. "He prides himself of his expert maneuvers."
"I've heard. I'm excited to learn from his expertise," Ahsoka smiles.
"I think I need some air. I'll be back," Anakin winks.
He steps outside onto the balcony, and turns his back to us. I watch as his shoulders heave, and he takes a deep breath.
"Did he give you any trouble," I ask, turning back to face the young girl.
"Just a bit of sass," she smirks. "But I can handle that."
I roll my eyes. "Typical."
"So, do you know why he insisted we visit you?"
I shrug. "We're very good friends, and he likes to make a habit of visiting me when he comes back from his missions."
Ahsoka nods, taking another sip of tea. "It just seems strange that he visits you, when he knows so many other politicians."
I shrug. "I suppose. So, how old are you, Ahsoka?"
"Thirteen," she grins. "Master Yoda let me move up to padawan early."
"How lucky," I say, sipping my tea. "He'll be a great teacher for you."
"I sure hope so," she says. "I wasn't his first choice."
"He didn't have a first choice," I laugh. "I think you'll be good for him."
She smiles, and I raise my mug to her.
"I really hope so."
