"We need to leave," Typho said.
"I concur," Niobe said.
They were heading out of a meeting with the Pau'ans leader. Towards the end of their negotiations, Niobe sensed the presence of something dark and alerted Typho.
"Just a little further," Niobe said.
They crept along the back hallways, following their R2 units holographic map of the palace.
"How cute."
Niobe's eyes flicked to a woman in front of them.
Yellow eyes
"We do not want trouble," Padme said. "We only wish to pass through. We have no qualms with you."
"Shut up," the woman said.
The sith looked at Padme with exasperation. Niobe moved herself to stand in front of Padme, blade drawn.
"You will not win," the sith said. "Little padawan. Hand over the senator and we can leave peacefully."
"Sorry," Niobe said. "We have somewhere to be. You know, hair appointments are hard to back out at last minute."
Niobe inhaled, centering her thoughts. She did not have to win. All Niobe needed to do was ensure Padme could leave the system.
Niobe smirked at the sith. She began force pushing Padme back with subtle taps.
"Oh, great," the sith said. "This one thinks she's funny."
Niobe shrugged and the sith lunged. Niobe met her attack with equal ferocity. All the while, Niobe guided Padme away. Niobe kicked the sith back, listening to the Sith's body hit a pillar.
"Go!" Niobe said. "Do not be foolish! Do not waste my efforts!"
Padme was taken back by the Jedi's words. Niobe had never been so outspoken before. The senator turned with Typho and ran from the room.
"Pathetic!" The sith said.
"I'm not the one losing to a padawan," Niobe said.
The sith yelled, leaping upwards. The red blade slammed into Niobe's yellow one. Niobe grimaced at the intensity of the hit but held her own. What followed was a series of intricate blocks and spins. Unfortunately, the sith managed to get a few burns on the Jedi's arms. Niobe was weakening.
While the sith was obsessing over the thought of killing Niobe, the Jedi found and exit. Niobe dove to the side, swinging her blade up and behind her. The sith screamed, clutching her wound. Niobe had managed to take the majority of the Sith's arm. Without looking back, Niobe ran to a window and jumped, hoping she could pad her fall enough to survive.
Niobe hit the ground. The hit was cushioned but still took the breath out of her. Forcing herself to move, she rolled over. A pain shot up her right side. Caught up in adrenaline, she failed to notice her leg bent in an unusual direction.
"This is fine," she said. "I am fine."
The Jedi spotted the ship several feet in front of her. Taking a deep breath, she began crawling as fast as she could towards the ramp.
"Go!" Niobe said.
Typho turned to the entry of the ramp, eyes wide. He ran to meet Niobe, lifting her off the ramp and shutting the hatch behind them.
"You heard her!" Typho said.
Niobe directed Panaka to set her at the front where Padme was. The man groaned, but carried her to the senator, setting her onto a couch nearby.
"I'm beginning to suspect there is a beacon on you that draws in psychotic murderers and assassins," Niobe said. "This is the 10th time that's happened."
Typho smiled at Niobe's joke. They were all glad the Jedi had survived.
"Are you sure you're a padawan?" Typho asked.
"I'm in between really," Niobe said.
They grinned at one another. Niobe had always been a special case with the Jedi. Training under Yoda gave her advantages, and she had naturally excelled at anything the Jedi had thrown at her. She began handling small missions on her own such as protecting Padme, and when necessary, she joined other Masters on their missions.
"Seriously," Niobe said. "You are being targeted too frequently."
The ship grew quiet. Padme was being targeted. Her political ideals caused a headache for many systems. She wanted peace and that seemed unacceptable. Her actions on Tatooine were more than enough cause for attack, but a sith raised questions.
OOO
"Are you doing okay?" Padme asked.
Niobe nodded.
"These wounds will heal fast," Niobe said.
OOOO
Niobe sat in a chair by the large glass window. Duja combed Padme's hair for bed. Corde, Dorme, and Verse had been given their leave several minutes ago.
"You can talk to me Obe," Padme said.
The senator had relaxed from the Amidala persona. Padme's soft, silk-like voice was settling into place.
"I worry something is brewing," Niobe said. "Something the Jedi are missing."
Padme waved Duja away. The handmaiden bowed, sat the brush on the vanity, and left the room. Padme gathered the skirt of her nightgown and moved to the silk sheets on her bed.
"Missing?" Padme asked.
"There is something...almost a shadow," Niobe said. "I have spoken with Yoda about this and he senses this shadow too."
"The dark side?" Padme asked.
Niobe nodded. The Jedi looked out the window. Bright speeders passed their building. In the distance, Niobe could see the temple.
"I fear we have become too comfortable in this Republic," Niobe said. "Perhaps this time we perceive as peace is a facade."
"You do not believe in the Republic?" Padme asked.
Niobe looked to the senator. The Jedi rose from her seat.
"I do," Niobe said. "I did."
Niobe walked towards the door.
"I have said too much," Niobe said. "I will be watching over from the living area. Alert me if you need anything."
OOOO
Padme leads the group up the ramp of the Naboo ship. Niobe stood back, watching the skyline. A beeping came from her comm. The Jedi grasped the small box and held the speaker near her ear.
"Padawan Niobe, your presence is requested by Chancellor Palpatine."
Niobe did not recognize the voice, but by the transmission code, she could verify the sender was from the Chancellor's offices. Niobe caught Typho's arm.
"I need to speak with the Chancellor," Niobe said. "Can we postpone?"
Typho looked to the ship. He was hesitant, but he nodded.
"I'll speak with the senator," Typho said.
OOO
Niobe did not like the senate building. She always felt cold, empty almost, when she walked the halls
The secretary tipped her head to Niobe and waved a hand towards the now unlocked doors of the Chancellor's office.
"Padawan Niobe," Palpatine said.
Niobe bowed. The man chuckled before walking to her.
"No need, my child," he said. "I have wanted to meet you for some time now. Your legend is spoken far and wide."
Niobe kept her face neutral, reminiscent of the Amidala persona.
"The padawan befitting the rank of Jedi Master," Palpatine said. "I must say, even your presence is intimidating. You give Master Yoda a run for his money."
"Is there something you needed to speak with me about Chancellor?" Niobe said. "I do not mean to rush you, however, Senator Amidala was in the midst of leaving for the tour."
"Ah, yes," Palpatine said. "The anti-military creation act speech tour. I do hope she is able to make progress. I worry this whole ordeal is going to tear the Republic we so dearly love, in two."
Palpatine moved back beyond his chair.
"I wanted to ask if you might be able to do something for me. A favor of sorts," Palpatine said. "Your tour will go by Malastare, correct?"
"Near that area," Niobe said.
"This favor requires your assistance on Malastare, there are whispers of an uprising in the works. I need someone to pay them a visit, learn the truth of these rumors."
Niobe nodded.
"Report directly to me," Palpatine said. "No one must know you are there."
"Yes, Chancellor," Niobe said.
OOOO
"Is everything okay?" Padme asked.
"Yes," Niobe said. "I cannot speak about my meeting though. I will inform you once everything is passed."
Padme nodded and returned her attention to reviewing her speech.