Title: Snowhere to Go: An Obidala Short Story
Author: Ticklesivory
Rating: T
Warnings: None – unless you consider Dormé hazardous. In that case, yes, there may be some danger ahead.
Genre: Romance, humor
Disclaimer: Just in case this is necessary…I'm a broke school teacher. I wish I got paid for this, but alas, I do not.
In all the years I've known her, I've never seen Senator Amidala at a loss for words. She knows her own mind and knows what she wants, and yet today, didn't have any idea how to express it. Even to someone she had known most of her life.
Chancellor Palpatine looked befuddled as the senator jumbled her words into a rather nonsensical request.
"My dear, Senator," the Chancellor chuckled.
I wanted to help, but I couldn't. I knew what the senator was hoping to accomplish and was at a bit of a loss myself.
"If it's Knight Kenobi and his padawan you wish to accompany you on this trip, all you have to do is say so. These are dangerous times, so of course, I would grant such a request."
I could see the Senator's shoulders visibly relax.
"Thank you, Chancellor. I don't usually require such attention. I mean, I have my own bodyguard, but…."
I assumed Senator Amidala was meaning me. I did pass Handmaiden Training Level IV back on Naboo without any problems and was good at my job. I couldn't help her much, however, if we came face to face with a Separatist Army.
"..like you said," she continued. "There are rumors of Separatist attacks all over the galaxy and I wouldn't wish to become a bartering chip of theirs."
"Of course not," the Chancellor replied with a kind smile. "I'll notify Master Yoda of the decision and have the Jedi pair report to your apartment in the morning. Do be careful, Senator."
"Thank you Chancellor. I will." The senator smiled back before being escorted out of the office suite. I followed closely behind.
"See? That wasn't so difficult!" I mentioned casually as we walked together down the hallway. I was doing my best to appear positive and upbeat. I'd never seen her so nervous before.
"I'm going to hell. I just know it!"
Her outburst surprised me and I quickly pulled her inside a waiting lift. "Why would you say that? You didn't lie to him. These are indeed perilous.."
"Perilous, shmerilous," she interrupted, looking even more worried than before. "Obi-Wan knows me better than this! I would never request help from the Jedi! He's going to realize something's up and then what? This was a bad idea. Why did I let you talk me into this?"
I reached out and took hold of both Padmé's arms in an effort to comfort her. Not only was she my boss, but she was also my best friend. I would do anything for her.
"You and I both know what you're going to do, because that's the whole point. Right?" When she didn't agree right away, I rushed ahead. "This isn't a trip for pleasure. You are going to Alderaan for a vital committee meeting. It's important. You're important! And you have a right to ask for extra protection! And besides, once we get to Alderaan, if things go as planned, you'll have what you wanted and all this worrying will be for nothing."
"The end justifies the means? Is that what you're trying to say?"
Padmé still looked worried and in addition, a little skeptical, but I smiled in spite of that and dropped my hands. "Always," I replied confidently. I wasn't certain she believed me.
"It had better."