Chapter Six

Time is relevant in all matters, especially when it comes to duties as Queen. Our timeline did not match hers and Yoda announced that midnight would serve as the time for the Suŗa. When I asked him why midnight, he pointed to the long line of citizens of Naboo who had traveled to the palace seeking out the Queen's aid.

The day stretched long before us. Yoda had retired to quarters provided for him for rest and refreshment, while I stood vigil behind the Queen. Most of the petitioners were looking for restitution, revenge for loved ones lost during the battle, while others brought gifts to thank her for her bravery in ousting the invaders. Throughout the hours, she remained patient, calm, and concerned about each individual's concerns. I was impressed with not only her mannerisms but her level of care. She may be a mere fourteen years of age, but she was far older than her years in wisdom.

She had counseled her people through mid-meal and had only left once to visit her private refresher. It was now growing late and my own stomach was complaining of neglect. I would put aside my own needs as she was. It was the least I could do. In fact, I quickly discovered it was easier to focus on other things such as the ache in my tired legs anyway. I was determined to protect her, even though all those who came seemed to be good-natured, regardless of their suffering.

That is until one particular man showed up. He appeared to have traveled a fair distance from his dirty and ragged appearance. His aura exuded sadness, but beneath that I also detected anger. Due to my own experiences, I was immediately alerted by his countenance.

"I lost my wife and my son to the Trade Federation," he began explaining. "Their droid army burned down my house and destroyed my fields." The man paused to sob although his face was red. It was then that I noticed the blistered and burned skin upon his neck and arms.

"I'm so sorry," Queen Amidala told him with deep regret. "I will do whatever I can to compensate you for your loss. We have shelter and food available for you, and it looks like you need medical attention as well."

At the moment it was all she could offer. At least until Senator Palpatine had gathered enough support at the Senate to offer Naboo something more substantial.

Apparently, for this man, it wasn't enough and he began to chuckle. His laugh was a result of pain and misery. The longer he laughed, the more it became closer to maniacal as if he no longer had nothing to lose.

And then time slowed down to a crawl. From his tattered cloak, he withdrew an object I immediately recognized as a thermal detonator – an N-20 with enough baradium to blow apart half the palace. It would definitely destroy the throne room and everyone in it.

I didn't have time to think. Only act. Before the man's thumb activated the weapon, I had removed his arm with my lightsaber. His angry fist hit the floor gripping onto the detonator switch tightly. The danger had passed. I had saved the Queen and all within this side of the palace, but it was this man that she ran to. This man who had threatened her life and now lay seizing upon the marble floor.

"Medic!" she called out, only to watch helplessly while the grieving visitor died before her.

As the dozen or so in the room uttered their shock and displeasure, she spun on me with unexpected venom.

"Why did you do that?"

I couldn't answer her. I merely lowered my eyes because I couldn't stand looking upon her pained face.

"You didn't even allow me time to talk to him! I could've calmed him down! I could've done something!"

How could I explain all the situations I'd been in when I'd seen similar expressions, witnessed countless individuals who had reached the end of their ropes with nothing to lose? They mindlessly lash out, hoping to hurt others as they are hurting; not caring if they live or die. Only that they cause the death of those they think are responsible for their pain and loss.

And yet, I could say none of those things. My vow of pre-Suŗa silence forbid it.

"Why are you here? Why don't you just leave! Nobody wants you here! You only make everyone nervous and you give me the creeps!"

She had gone silent and I took a chance to glance up at her. Although she had calmed down a little, her eyes were shooting red-hot laser beams at me. Even underneath her royal traditional white face paint, I could see her face was reddened in anger.

"Aren't you going to say anything?"

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly while she stomped over to her handmaidens and Captain Panaka. Quiet conversation passed between them before the Captain announced that the audience with the Queen would resume in the morning, considering the tragedy of what had just happened. Although the neglected citizens grumbled with displeasure, they began to file out, as did the Queen and her entourage.

I followed her, although I stayed back a little further than I had previously. I had a bad feeling that I had inadvertently damaged my chances of fulfilling my duty here.