1; Enemy Greetings

"I would have girls regard themselves not as adjectives but as nouns" ~ Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Catalea Adonis

Catalea Adonis stood in front of her mirror dripping in diamonds. The feeling of luxury and privilege was not a foreign concept to the young girl, but rather a common commodity. The white dress contrasted beautifully against her complexion in a stunning vision of freedom and power. The silk gown flowed gracefully about her feet as the kyber crystals refracted light in a ceremony of glamour.

Catalea glanced up at the modest crown nestled into her golden locks with a knowing smile. The young girl was dressed in her regalia to meet the newly elected queen of Naboo. She had heard promising tales that the new monarch was young and still in need of counsel. This led Catalea to believe that the girl would be inexperienced and thus easy to manipulate. Catalea had no intention of using the girl for her own gain, but rather to end a revolution that had spread like wildfire across her planet. Baethea was the reason she had been sent into the political mess that was the republic.

Baethea was second only to Naboo that was capable of maintaining life within the Naboo System. The lush environment and bountiful caves filled to the brim with kyber crystals made it an ideal trading post for all who entered the Naboo systems. However many chose to avoid Baethea due to the strict laws set in place by the electoral monarchy of Naboo. Naboo sought to profit from the many kyber crystal mines located on the planet and also instilled laws relating to equality due to Baethea's extreme belief in women's supremacy.

Catalea allowed her lip to quirk upward slightly before moving to the door to be escorted to the banquet. Keana and Erix Nyco were tasked with keeping their young revolutionary safe. It was a normal occurrence for the couple to be seen at Catalea's side. They had watched the girl grow up and felt a sense of sibling kinship between the three, even if Keana and Erix had recently been married. The couple was known to be loyal when it was expedient to them, but for Catalea there was nothing that could measure how far they were willing to go.

She was their future.

Keana and Erix flanked either side of Catalea as they approached the slaughter that was the queen's banquet. Catalea felt nervous about the proceedings and prayed to every deity in the galaxy that Naboo's new queen was decent and could learn to see things her way. She was determined to gain independence for her planet and although she preferred to be diplomatic, she was not above civil war to obtain it.

"I hope they serve stronger drinks than they did last time." Erix's mumbled to his wife, but Catalea rolled her eyes and sent the man a look.

"If they don't then I imagine a trip to the bar is needed to maintain your sanity," Catalea replied.

Keana snorted at her mistress, "The last time he did that he came back with empty pockets and his ass on the couch."

Catalea and Keana laughed at the memory. Erix rolled his eyes realizing going against armed women was a lost cause, even if one was armed with a silver tongue and the other a sword. Catalea was happy to see that although her friends were strict with their duties they still had not lost their sense of humor. She knew Erix was a joker while his wife preferred to leave sly innuendos. Catalea, on the other hand, dished out sassy remarks like her life depended on it.

The trio arrived at the banquet after a long stroll through the endless palace corridors. The heir to Baethea had been inconveniently located as far from the throne room as humanly possible. Catalea was led to believe that this was due to her beliefs of independence but told herself not to get defensive yet. She was here to negotiate, not start a war.

"Lady Catalea Adonis of Baethea!"

The announcement of her name caused Catalea to fix her already perfect posture. She had to make sure everything was perfect, her planet was counting on her. The doors swung open to reveal the large throne room. It was the more formal of the two throne rooms that Naboo's palace possessed but was still lovely. Catalea squared her shoulders and walked into the lion's den as she greeted all the foreign dignitaries. The trade federation was especially interested in the Baethean Lady and what Baethea might have to offer them.

"It is wonderful to make your acquaintance Lady Adonis." The representative bowed in respect to the newly elected princess.

Catalea bowed her head in greeting but kept her face void of emotion. She knew these men were looking for a new base and she would be damned if she allowed them onto her planet. They wanted a new base to which to conduct their affairs. Baethea was in need of peace and prosperity, not corruption and that was all they were known for. The young blonde was quick to move past them as she made her way towards the refreshment table. As she sipped on her glass of champagne she could feel hostile eyes on her.

When she turned her eyes met Chancellor Palpatine's. An ambitious man who acted as if he had all the power in the world and yet democracy would not let him. Catalea had always been wary of his advances for power and knew his plans would eventually include Baethea.

She politely nodded her head in his direction before steering her entourage in a different direction. She eventually settled on the senator from Alderaan. A young man recently married to his childhood sweetheart or so her sources had informed her.

"I take it your wedding provided a much needed rest from your duties as senator?" Catalea asked while sipping her champagne.

"It most certainly was. My wife absolutely forbade me from doing any work while on our getaway. It was quite refreshing." The senator replied.

"I'm glad you were able to take a break. I feel like all we've been doing is working toward a goal that seems years in the making."

"Perhaps it's closer than we like to admit."

Catalea smirked, "Do you think this new queen will adjust to our way of thinking?"

Senator Bail Organa looked down at her with a raised eyebrow, "Our way of thinking or yours?"

"That doesn't answer my question senator."

"It wasn't one I had the answer to."

Catalea smirked at Organa, "Touché"

Erix Nyco

Erix Nyco stood beside feeling bored at the party's turn out. He adjusted his uniform around five times now and had tried and failed to sneak off to the bar twice. He was about ready to start a riot just to liven up the place when silence echoed throughout the room.

He laid a hand on his sword for good measure, but knew the reason for the sudden turn of events. The queen of Naboo had arrived. She was young was the first thing Erix noticed about her and small in stature. She had opted for a red extravagant outfit that looked absolutely ridiculous to him.

He elbowed his wife next to him and in return received a slap on the ass, "What was that for?"

"Be nice."

"I wasn't going to say anything that you didn't already deduce."

"We are here on a mission with Catalea, so try to show some restraint." Keana quipped, sending him a look.

"Well when you look at me like that."

"This is not the time for your jokes."

"But you do admit I am the most entertaining thing you'll find this evening, my love."

This time he not only received a slap from Keana but a disapproving look from Catalea. He chuckled to himself, but said no more as he waited for an opening to run to the bar. His opening came when Catalea became trapped in a discussion about mines and he ran from the free booze.

He quickly ordered the most alcoholic beverages on the menu before moving aside to watch as his wife and charge mingled. He could tell Catalea was getting frustrated with the amount of people between her and the queen, but he knew first hand it wouldn't stop her. She was very good at getting what she wanted.

He chugged his drink down delighting in the feeling of being tipsy before ordering another. When he moved back toward his spot he noticed a man in Jedi robes had taken his place. Erix decided on this rare occasion that he would be polite rather than an ass.

"Like the view?"

The Jedi looked in his direction before chuckling, "It's better than being in the crowd."

"I'll drink to that." Erix said, taking a swig. "What's your name?"

The man held out his hand for Erix to shake, "Master Mace Windu."

"Master huh? Must be nice getting to bossy somebody else around." Erix replied, obliging him.

Windu chuckled, "I take it you're from Baethea? Beautiful planet with the radical ideals."

"That I am. Erix Nyco, Lady Catalea Adonis guard and I wouldn't say our way of life is completely out there. We just found a system that works for us. Although I can't imagine what it must be like to boss around my own wife. Granted if she doesn't skewer me first."

"I believe it. Is it true you gave up your last name when you married her?"

Erix smiled at the memory of marrying Keana, "I did. Best decision I ever made."

"Congratulations."

"Thanks."

"What is it that your charge is looking to do while here on Naboo?"

Erix sobered up at the question, "That's on a need to know basis."

Windu nodded apparently done with pleasantries, "I would very much like to meet her. I assume she is the newly elected heir to Baethea's throne? I heard the current queen is ready to join the force."

Erix kept a stoic expression as he reiterated, "As I said before I can not divulge my ladies private information."

"I understand. Perhaps you could extend my wishes for her to come to the Jedi temple for a meeting? If she is indeed Baethea's new heir the Jedi counsel would very much like to meet her."

"I will pass on the invitation."

"Thank you my friend."

Erix went to get his fourth refill and when he returned was surprised to see that his new drinking spot had been vacated. He found the encounter with the Jedi odd, especially when he began making small talk, but he found their entire order to be odd. They believed in a balance of power and Erix had grown up believing that power was meant to be wielded by the elite. He continued to watch his girls from afar downing a drink ever so often. Giving the illusion of being drunk while keeping his wife and Baethea's hope safe.

Padme Amidala

Padme Amidala was beyond nervous as foreign dignitaries from across the galaxy came to greet her. One after another they received with relatively open arms, but she knew better than to take the bait. She remained emotionless and ridged in her throne only to exchange quick words and a nod of the head with each guest. Although she had been taught to handle stressful environments she had yet to put her skills to the test.

She placed her hands delicately in her lap and laced her fingers together in an attempt to keep them from shaking. Padme greeted her counselor and dear friend Senator Palpatine when he made his way to her side. She motioned for the procession to stop and turned to listen to his news.

"The new heir to Baethea is here, your majesty."

Padme felt her hard demeanor shatter for an instant before she built it backup piece by piece. She knew her allies as well as her enemies would be here, but she didn't expect Baethea to show up. The last word she had received on the planet was that the current queen was dying and the counsel was currently in session to see who would replace her. She didn't know they already had.

"Where is she?"

Palpatine was all too happy to show Padme her rival and she found it to be in the form of a stunning blonde. At first glance she seemed rather plain, but many would miss the true beauty that hid behind the girl's eyes. She had fire. A fire that could probably rival Padme's if she wasn't so anxious.

The queen stood from her throne surprising not only her adviser, but the entire party as she made her way down the steps. Her steps echoed on the tile as she proceeded to leave her throne in favor of a new mission. The crowds broke apart revealing a path for Padme to walk down and also her destination.

The young queen stopped directly in front of the party from Baethea and took in the girl's appearance now that she was much closer. She was indeed blessed with beautiful silk blonde hair, but also had piercing blue eyes and a pale complexion. Her ornate dress was dripping in luxury as Padme recognized the white gown of an unmarried woman.

Padme sent the stoic looking emissary a smile and bowed her head, "Welcome to Naboo. I trust you are having a comfortable stay?"

The young woman looked shocked for a moment before composing herself and bowing back, "I am. The planet is beautiful and reminds me of the rolling hills back home."

Padme nodded, "It must be hard being so far away from home. Especially at such a critical time for your planet."

"If it keeps Baethea thriving then it is a sacrifice I am willing to make."

Padme motioned for the lady to join her in a turn about the room, "I apologize, but I don't believe we have been introduced. I am Queen Amidala of Naboo."

The blonde smiled, "Lady Catalea Adonis of Baethea and this is one of my bodyguards Keana Nyco."

Padme nodded, "Well let me be the first to say that I know what it is you are here to achieve and I want you to know I support you."

Padme watched as Catalea's steps faltered at her proposal, "I don't mean to be blunt, but I doubt you know what it is my people seek. We have been slave's doing Naboo's bidding for far to long."

"I understand the plight because it was my main focus while studying in the Legislative Youth Program. I wanted to come up with a solution that would give Baethea her freedom and Naboo a piece of the profit. When I was elected queen it was one of the first things I had drawn besides my agreements to meet with the Trade federation."

Padme could tell Catalea was stunned into silence at the prospect of actually receiving freedom, "May I see this treaty you have drawn up. If it pleases me and my people we could finally achieve peace after all these years of revolution."

"Those were my thoughts exactly. I wish to extend an invitation to sit by me at the banquet so we can better discuss the details over some refreshments."

Catalea smiled, "I would like nothing more."

Padme returned the smile, "I look forward to it. If you will excuse me."

The two powerful women exchanged some more pleasantries before going their separate ways. Padme was more than thrilled with how her plan had worked out. She truly wanted Baethea to have freedom. She felt from a young age that it wasn't right that one planet ruled over another. She believed whole hardheartedly in the power of democracy and she would utilize that to her advantage. She didn't want to lose income altogether, but a willing planet was better than a revolting one.

The queen of Naboo made her way back to her throne and where her grinning adviser was waiting, "How did they take your proposal?"

"I think it went rather well, thank you Senator."