Chapter Three: Snowhere to Go
Padmé Amidala has always been a favorite Republican Citizen of mine. I've known her for years. She's easy to talk to, intelligent, witty, and fun to hang around with. During the numerous social engagements these politicians seem to enjoy, which Master Yoda forces me to attend, I've run into her. We always have a good time and usually end up talking and laughing the entire night. The hilarity of her attempting to dance with Senator Xolta is something I'll remember with pleasure for the rest of my days. She handled it well, however, and I didn't expect anything different. As Queen of Naboo or their senatorial representative, Padmé has always been graceful and charming. And I must admit very attractive.
Regardless of what my padawan thinks, I am a man. I've noticed her looks and underneath all that fabric, I can imagine is a very petite and pleasing figure. Although I tend to hide such emotions from him for his own good, I do experience them from time to time. It would do the boy little good to realize I'm capable of such introspections. He has enough trouble focusing. I'm fully aware that she is a potential distraction in my own life.
At one point, I had considered pursuing a relationship with her that went beyond the friendship we now share, but that was before my padawan entered his teen years and his hormones took over his brain. The poor boy has spent hours in meditation working on his lack of control. Time after time I've had to call him out on his inability to find his center, school his thoughts, and quell his excitement while coming into contact with the opposite sex. Regardless of race or species. The boy doesn't seem to have acquired any particular taste.
Today's events, however, shed some light on a particular problem I need to take care of. Anakin is seemingly infatuated with Senator Amidala. He hadn't mentioned her in years, but the nervousness I felt along our training bond on our way to her apartment and the way he stammered a greeting this morning was especially worrisome. What I thought was a childhood crush appears to have grown into something more substantial. This may be a problem and could prove to be a huge stumbling block in training.
I'm not worried about Padmé. She's one of those rare women who are far more mature than their physical age. Anakin has a long way to go to reach her equal. Of this I'm certain.
One thing, however, I'm not so certain about is the reason we were called to aid her. According to Master Yoda, Padmé asked for us specifically. Why would she do that? Her life isn't in any danger and the vote for the Military Creation Act is months away. The Force is quiet where she's concerned, which is why I don't understand the urgency.
Unless…. No. That's not possible. Anakin and she have nothing in common. He's much too young for her. Whomever Padmé Amidala ends up with is someone who needs to be as intelligent, witty, professional, and mature as she is – or else she'll never be happy or reach her full potential.
I hope she realizes that.
In the meanwhile, I'll play along with this little charade until I can figure out exactly what's going on. Perhaps her handmaiden knows something. I don't actually know Dormé that well. We've only spoken occasionally. However, Padmé has hinted about the young woman's tendency to overstep her bounds and get into trouble. I'll have to keep an eye on her as well.
From my calculations, we should be reaching Alderaan in fifteen hours. Plenty of time to do a little investigating.