She'd fucked up. Emily had completely, totally and absolutely royally fucked up - and she had zero idea on how to fix it. The thing was, Ben was just as much to blame; him and his stupid, beautiful face and his fucking heart-stopping voice. He had been singing about starlight on frosted sands and the endless wheeling skies, and he was smiling that brilliant, breath-taking smile of his as he looked at her, so of course - of course she must have let it slip. How could she keep a hold of it when she was trying to stop her fucking ovaries from exploding? There was only so much multi-tasking a person could do.
And she had been doing so well at it for ages now. Keeping all her emotions tucked deep down inside her. It was like good posture; you just had to build a habit of constantly drawing yourself up and in, again and again, until it became your body's default position. Ever since she'd nearly drowned herself while distracted by a shirtless Kit Fisto during her tour of the aquatic living areas, and had to suffer the indignity of Pei scanning her hypothalamus and testing her hormone levels as it was, to quote, 'utterly abnormal to be thinking about procreation so much', Emily had clamped down on her thoughts so hard she was surprised she hadn't given herself an aneurysm yet.
It wasn't lust - well, not entirely lust at least - that had threatened to drown her again, sitting in that room, watching as Ben's fingers and voice filled the air around her. If Emily could freeze a moment to live in forever, it would have been right then, with his blue eyes soft and a little shy as he looked up at her through the long shadow of his eyelashes. She couldn't remember feeling so much love for someone as she did for him at that moment. Then he had stopped, his face wide-eyed with shock like she'd just slapped him, and he was off, out of the room - he couldn't even look at her as he said something about a meeting, nearly breaking the doors entry button due to hitting it so hard in his attempt to escape her.
How do you say, 'sorry I leaked my utter adoration of every cell in your body into the air', to a celibate space-monk, who also happens to be the most important person in your life? Especially as he had been doing everything he could to avoid her since. He was a no-show at meal times, with Ani struggling to think of excuses for his sudden absence. He would appear at random throughout the day, always when others were around, his face and voice schooled into perfect neutrality as he'd make polite enquires without meeting her eye, before leaving as soon as he could. Now she was stood on the upper docking bay, as pressed and polished as she could make herself, her skin prickling as the cool evening seeped through the airy fabric of her dress, all her nerves dancing the rumba in her stomach - and he wasn't here. Had she fucked up so badly he'd just leave her to face this alone?
There was a whoosh and clatter behind her, and Emily turned just in time to catch Ani coming out of the turbolift, looking surprisingly imposing in his long, sweeping dark brown robes and cloak. She could tell that he'd taken extra time to get dressed and ready. His face was scrubbed clean, his clothes smoothed out and his boots and belt polished to a high shine. There wasn't a smudge of motor oil, dirt or food on him.
"You look amazing!" he said as he reached her, his lanky body looming over her even with the modest heels on her shoes. A bright grin lit up his boyish face, and Emily took a moment to pity all those poor girls that were sure to fall head over heels for him in the future. They'd never stand a chance against that smile.
"So do you," she said, reaching up to playfully tug on his braid.
"Obi-Wan went on ahead to check over the security arrangements. He'll meet us there," Ani added, walking out to the open-air platform. Emily followed behind him, feeling a wave of relief at the news. She was stupid to think that Ben would just abandon her. He'd never left her before, even after she'd bit him and refused to speak to him for days. "I can't wait for you to meet the Chancellor in person. I know he's super excited to meet you too."
"I hope he hasn't gotten his hopes up too much," she replied, looking out at the dark blue skyline and the glittering, endless lights of the buildings laid out before them. Even as they watched, an airship steadily grew larger and larger as it approached, blotting out the scenery behind it.
"The Chancellor's sent his own shuttle to collect us," Ani noted, as the silver and black airbus swept towards them and gently landed directly in front of where they were standing. A ramp emerged as the side doors opened. Emily followed Ani on board, careful to not go over on her heels. The inside was upholstered in crimson and grey velvet. Emily took a soft seat across from Ani. The shuttle lifted off without a word from the helmeted pilot at the front.
"You're nervous," Ani said after a few minutes, as they watched Coruscant pass the windows.
"Well, I'm about to be entertainment for a room full of people I've never met before," Emily replied, giving Ani a small smile. "So yeah, I'm a little nervous."
"You don't need to worry. They'll love you - I know they will," he replied, all confident conviction. Emily felt her heart swell. He really thought far more of her than she deserved. "I can show you some breathing exercises, if you want?" he added. "Obi-Wan taught them to me, when I was little. I use to get nervous all the time."
"Did they work?" she asked, trying to imagine what Ani looked like as a little boy.
"Uh…sometimes," he said. Then he broke out into a sheepish smile. "Most of the time they just made me feel light-headed."
Emily laughed, some of her nerves loosening their grip on her stomach. "I'll just stick to the classic 'picture everyone in their underwear' tactic then."
"What?" Ani blustered, looking horrified. "Why would you want to think of them like that?!"
"Well, you don't want to see them in their knickers; it's just a fact that no-one can be intimidating in their underwear. Especially if you picture them all in frilly pink lace."
"You're really weird sometimes…"
"I know," she said, properly laughing now at the confused horror on his face. "I can't even blame it on being from another planet. I was weird back there too." Ani eventually joined her in laughing. It felt easier, knowing that he'd be there beside her. At least he had no reason to be awkward or avoid her.
"We're here," he said, pointing to a tall building sweeping into view past the window. "That's five-hundred Republica. Chancellor Palpatine has hired out a whole floor for the function. It's the most expensive place to live on all of Coruscant." Emily leaned over to get a better look at the building. It swept up in tiered columns, glittering windows lighting up the façade. Something about it reminded her of the big Art Deco buildings back on Earth, like the Chrysler in New York, with its round vaulted arches.
"There he is, waiting to meet us!"
Emily squinted towards where Ani was pointing. A recessed landing pad grew larger through the viewing window. She could spot a small cluster of people, their forms slowly becoming more defined as they approached. Ani made to stand and she followed him, moving towards the exit as the shuttle came to rest, the doors sliding back as the ramp extended out. There, already walking towards them, was Chancellor Palpatine. He was dressed in embroidered maroon and black robes, shot through with gold detailing. Behind him followed two people to either side, one a tall blue-skinned man who Emily recognised to be Mas Amedda, the Vice Chair, from her research. On the other side was a smaller, ghostly pale woman, Sly Moore, Palpatine's Senior Aide, dressed all in silver. Emily had never been so glad for Pei's relentless quizzes. She felt like she'd already passed her first hurdle. Just behind and to the side of the group, Ben was stood, looking as pressed and presentable as he always did. She tried to ignore the rush of nerves that bubbled back into her stomach at the sight of him.
"My lady, words cannot express how delighted I am to finally meet you in person," the Chancellor said, his voice ringing out as she made her way down the ramp beside Ani. Palpatine came to a stop in front of her, reaching out a hand. Emily hesitated for a second before realising that she was meant to do the same, her own scarred hand coming to gently rest in his surprisingly cool grip. He bent to place a brief, dry kiss on the back of her hand before straightening up with a smile. "I'm afraid Master Kenobi here has done me a great disservice today. He gave me no warning at all that I would be welcoming such beauty."
Emily briefly glanced at Ben, where he was still standing to the side. He didn't seem to react to the Chancellor mentioning him at all. He just stared at her, face blank and eyes unblinking. Emily had no idea what he was thinking.
"Let me introduce you to my friends," the Chancellor continued, repeating the names and titles of both Mas Amedda and Sly Moore. They gave her stiff, silent bows in response to her hellos.
"Anakin, my boy. It is good to see you again," Palpatine said, real pleasure lighting up his features. He tucked Emily's hand into his elbow, indicating at Ani to walk on his other side, as he started to lead them back towards the large arched entrance before them. "Come now, there are many people impatiently waiting to meet with you. I can't tell you how many enquires I have received since you agreed to this small reception. The response has been very enthusiastic."
They came out into a large foyer, decorated in bright reds, bronzes and chrome blacks. There were statues and giant vases dotted here and there. Emily wondered if statues were just the go-to housing decoration in the Galaxy? She'd seen more of them in her short time here than she had in all the museums she'd visited back on Earth.
"Now," the Chancellor said, as they approached a large set of double doors. "As agreed, you will be presented and announced to the room. Then I will escort you to personally meet some of the guests here to see you this evening. Now, there's no need to worry, I will be there to guide you at every step. Should you need anything at all, let me know and it will be seen to at once. Agreed?"
Emily nodded, sucking in a few deep breaths to try and calm the churning feeling in her stomach as she stared at the doors. She felt an ache in her hand, only just realising with a start that she had a white-knuckled grip on the thick embroidered material over the Chancellor's arm. "Sorry," she mumbled, flexing the tension from her fingers. He just smiled and patted her hand, before nodding towards the doors. Mas Amedda swept ahead, pressing a button to the side that immediately slid the doors back, revealing a wide room beyond. The sound of voices, low music and clinking glassware rushed out to greet them. The Chancellor led her through the doors onto a slightly raised platform.
The room curved around in a large semi-circle. The whole back wall was lined with glass, the glittering lights and rushing traffic of the Coruscant night stretching beyond them. People in elaborate dresses and robes were milling around in small groups. Whether it was the large room, or the fact that a hundred and twenty people wasn't as much in reality as it sounded, Emily was surprised to feel her nerves settle as she took everything in. Even more surprising was the large holoimages scattered around the floor and lining the walls. They were her drawings; rendered in three dimensions, with some of the animals animated to look like they were moving. She spotted her drawings of buildings like the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal and the Parthenon, gleaming tall and transparent blue, people circling their bases as they pointed at the details she'd tried her best to carefully render. Elephants plodded along the walls, trunks swinging. Dolphins dove and twisted around each other. Birds scattered and swirled overhead. She wasn't quite prepared for the wave of emotion that flooded through her, to see so much of Earth all at once. She had to blink back the prickle of tears threatening her eyes.
The noise slowly hushed to muted silence. All eyes had turned to where they were stood on the raised dais. The Chancellor didn't even raise his voice, it seemed to naturally carry and echo through the space.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," he began. "It is my great pleasure and honour to introduce to you, Emily Anne MacKenzie of Earth." Applause echoed around the room. She could almost feel the press of their eyes on her. It reminded her of when the Jedi would focus their thoughts towards her; that shivering prickle that ran over her skin and raised the fine hairs on the back of her neck. "Now while I am aware that you will all be understandably eager to ask questions, I must beg of you to please hold your curiosity, as Emily has most graciously agreed to a short interview later this evening. For now, let me officially welcome and thank everyone for their attendance. I look forward to introducing Emily to each of you. Thank you." Another smattering of applause, as everyone in the room started to talk again, louder than before, leaning in towards each other as their eyes seemed to stay latched onto her.
"There, that wasn't so painful, now was it?" the Chancellor said, leading her down a small set of stairs. People at the bottom were already turned towards them, eyes eagerly raking over her.
"I suppose that depends on your definition of painful," she said under her breath, which got a small chuckle from him. He motioned over a gleaming silver droid carrying a tray of fluted glasses filled with a bright blue liquid.
"Why don't you have a glass of this Toniray wine?" the Chancellor suggested, plucking one up to hand to her, before retrieving one for himself. He took a sip, making a satisfied sound. Emily watched for his reaction. She hadn't tried anything like alcohol since she'd crashed here, but if ever she could do with some Dutch courage, it would be now. "It is a most excellent vintage."
Emily took a sip from her glass. It tasted a bit like old school sherbet lemons dissolved in gin. Emily drained the flute in one go, hoping that it would at least have some kick to it. Palpatine raised his eyebrows, and then motioned for the droid to refill her glass. Emily didn't object. The Chancellor led her over to a group of very fancy looking humans. One was dressed in overlapping silver and gold metal disks, it reminded her of fish scales. She could almost hear Plo's deep voice say, 'Corulag; they are known to be ostentatious'.
"This is Baron Lazan Danthe of Corulag," the Chancellor said as they approached. The Baron bowed low, his clothing rattling as he did. And that was how the next few hours went.
"This is Senator Rolak Megrile of Eufornis Major."
"This is Senator Mee Deechi of Umbarra."
"This is Crown Prince Kamran Qiesh of Cuyacan."
"This is Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrilla."
Names and faces rushed past her as she was led around the room. Emily found herself draining her glass around every third person she was introduced to, with the droid quickly topping it up the minute the last blue drop disappeared. Emily very much appreciated the quiet efficiency. Ani and Ben lingered close by, while managing to remain out of scrutiny. Once or twice, she noted a deepening scowl from Ben, as more and more of the wine seemed to magically vanish. At one point he caught her eye as she extended out her empty glass, shaking his head in warning. Emily ignored him, even adding a whispered, "keep it coming" to the droid as it wandered away. Everyone was exceedingly polite, though she caught one or two more intense looks, and more than a few people seemed to find their eyes wandering over the web of scarring along her right arm and neck. Emily supposed that, with their advanced medicine, they'd probably never seen anyone as scarred as she was. She wondered what they thought of it; it was hard to tell through the schooled expressions and polite smiles.
"This is Dr Aelis Tarea, one of our foremost scientists in the study of interplanetary evolution," the Chancellor said, indicating a blue-skinned woman with soft purple hair. The Doctor did an awkward little curtsey, but her gold eyes were wide as she looked at Emily, a bright indigo flush spreading over her cheeks.
"You have no idea how excited I am to finally meet you," the Doctor said, her voice a breathless rush as the words tumbled out. "I've read everything that's come out of the Jedi Temple about you and your planet. You're just…" her eyes ran Emily over from head to toe and back again "…fascinating! I know I'm meant to keep my questions until later, but I just have so many!"
"That's quite enough for now, Doctor," the Chancellor said, interrupting her. "Though perhaps this would be a good time to take a few questions on the podium, yes?" He turned to Emily, and suddenly she felt like she hadn't drank nearly enough to do this. Would he give her time to down a bottle or two first, she wondered? He pressed a hand to the small of her back, leading her towards the podium again, and Emily took a few deep breaths as she tried to keep the wobble in her stomach from travelling down to her knees.
It was fine, she could do this, right? What was the worst they could ask her anyway? If she could survive the scrutiny of her rather uneventful past sex life by Pei, she could surely survive whatever they had to throw at her. Right?