Sabé laid her packs down beside her bed, content to leave the unpacking for tomorrow. Sabé was glad she had arranged for her own quarters upon her return. She could not face Padmé yet. Her mission to Florrum had only been somewhat successful and Alpheridies felt like anything but success, despite the renewed treaty. What had only been a three day mission had left Sabé feeling as though she had been torn apart by Wookies. If she didn't feel so unbelievably filthy, Sabé would have fallen asleep right there. Sabé had left the planet fairly abruptly, albeit unprofessionally, Luminara had not questioned her though, allowing her to retreat rather quickly. The blood of the elders was still crusted onto her clothes, mixed with the dirt and crushed rock. She was fairly certain they would not be salvageable, but she would never want to wear them anyhow. An unexpected knock at her door stopped Sabé's inspection of her clothing, curiosity furrowing her brow. She had yet to inform anyone of her arrival. Nonetheless, Sabé made the way to her door, peering through the hole only to see a brown cloak. She slowly opened the door to reveal the smirking Jedi.
"Obi-Wan." Sabé greeted, attempting a very poor effort to keep the smile from her face. She was pleasantly surprised to seem him there, no awkwardness displayed from their last encounter. He was leaned against her doorframe, his eyes full of mirth. She was grateful to him for that, having worried she had already ruined their renewed friendship.
"Sabé." He returned, his smirk widening, hair slightly falling into his face. It was short than when she saw him last, having cut it short save the bangs that now flopped in his face. She noted his beard had come in more fully now, covering more of his face. His eyes were just as she remembered, bright blue and striking.
"This may not be the best time for company." Sabé responded, motioning to her worn clothes and the hair falling loose from her braid.
"Oh, I believe it is the perfect time." Obi-wan quipped, pulling loose-leaf tea and muffins from his robe. Sabé had to smile at that. She walked from the door, leaving it open for him to enter.
"Of course you remember. How could I ever turn down tea? She asked as she led him to her sitting area. It was style in Naboo style, as Padmé saw fit. "How did you know I arrived?"
"Briefing from Master Unduli came in." He responded his voice catching a more serious tone.
"Oh." Sabé responded, trying not to think of what Luminara briefed them on, knowing her hope was in vain if she thought the master Jedi would spare them the details.
"Thought you might need some company." He said, as his eyes swept over the environment around him. "Or at least the tea." He finished as his eyes returned to her, the concern etched in his face. Obi-Wan watched as she hesitated, her fingers tugging on the dirty hem of her shirt. "We could always start with the refresher and then tea." He suggested casually. It was not until Sabé's eyes grew wider with eyebrows raised that Obi-Wan recognized how his words must have sounded.
"I meant I would be happy to prepare it for you in the mean time, of course." He responded as his face flushed, his voice a poor attempt at maintaining his nonchalant air. Sabé smiled as he flustered and floundered around his words, giving him a small confirming nod before excusing herself to the refresher. Sabé peeled each layer of her clothes off carefully as the dried blood had seeped through and clung to her skin. She stayed there for quite some time, allowing the pounding of the water to wash the blood from her skin and hair. She hated to keep Obi-Wan waiting on her, but no matter how much she scrubbed, she could steal the blood on her arms. She could still feel the dying elder in her arms. By the time the water cut off, Sabé felt numb from the effort. Regardless, she took her damp hair into a loose braid and looked for appropriate wear for her guest. She had finally decided on a dark undershirt and loose fabric pants when the floral fragrance of tea wafted into her room. She followed the scent out to the sitting area where Obi-Wan could be seen pouring tea into two midnight blue glasses. He had pulled off his cloak, depositing it on the backside of her couch. His usual brown boots had been covered by white plastoid armor, with the same material covering up to his forearms and over his chest. It was almost absurd to see someone as diplomatic as Obi-Wan covered in armor.
"That sure is a strange look for you." Sabé couldn't help but comment, gesturing to the coverings on his arms. "It certainly doesn't look comfortable either."
"Ah, yes. These have become more of a necessity I'm afraid. They are lightweight, which does make it more bearable." Despite his words, Sabé watched him shifting uncomfortably as he moved to sit back with his cup of tea with no indication of removing himself of their confinement. An almost awkward silence hung around them. Obi-Wan's emotions were in better control than those on Alpheridies, but she could still sense his thoughts fumbling to gather themselves.
"I really don't want to talk about it." She offered up for him. "In fact I would rather not think of it at all."
"Sabé…" He started before pausing. Sabé could practically see the gears turning in his head. "The Council is concerned. Master Yoda and I are concerned."
"Your concern is not necessary. I am more than capable of looking after myself. I thought we were past this." She replied, doing her best to keep her voice neutral.
"You know this is different." Their gazes locked at his final words, his eyes kind.
"You will be the first to know."
"He is to stand trial. Your presence may be requested."
"Of course." Obi-Wan sighed deeply at her response, before taking another sip of his tea. The lull of silence fell for a few more moment before Sabé was able to convince him to regale his past battles to her. They stayed that way for several hours, sitting opposite one another, tea long forgotten as Obi-Wan spiraled off into one of several riveting stories, almost all centered on the reckless nature of Anakin. Sabé could only imagine how Padmé would fare knowing all of these tales. It was late into the night when she glanced at the time and Obi-Wan immediately jumped up to leave; time having passed by far quicker than they had thought. He bid her farewell and bowed on his exit. Sabé hearing the same faint gravely voice from weeks ago as the door closed, 'General Kenobi'.
The trial for Prosset Dibs had lasted several days, and Sabé had been required to attend them all. She wasn't sure if she should be impressed with Master Windu, or questioning his competency. Despite the attempts on his life from Dibs, he held faith the Jedi could be restored. Sabé felt differently, the image of dead elders to fresh in her mind. It was not her place to question the Jedi, however, knowing their way may be very different for someone foreign to the Jedi Order. Sabé had yet to see Padmé since her return, each having been busy with their own duties. As the last trial had just ended, she hoped there might be a spare moment between them. Sabé paused as she came to the door of her apartment, as she sensed the presence behind it. He excitement grew as she recognized Padmé's signature behind it. She pulled the young woman into a swift hug as she entered the door. It had been too long. They exchanged their greetings, Sabé noticing the mischievous glint in Padmé's eye.
"What is it?" She asked.
"I have a mission for you."
Sabé tried her best to cover her grimace, but the groan escaped her anyways. She watched as Padmé's eyebrows shot up to her hairline in amusement.
"A mission for us." She clarified grinning widely. Sabé took in her friend, just now realizing she was dressed in her usual traveling clothes, two blasters strapped by her thigh.
"Well that is a whole different story! Make haste, we wouldn't want to waste time." She laughed, exchanging her courtly dress for her Naboo Armor and blasters.
Sabé briefed Padmé on the happenings of her latest missions, save the visions and voices on Alpheridies. She hated keeping secrets, but young senator had enough of her own for the time being. Sabé would hate to burden her with more without reason.
"I have received word from the Chancellor that we are to make negotiations at these coordinates" Padmé informed her as they boarded her Naboo cruiser.
"Excellent." Sabé responded, putting the coordinates into the navicomputer. It had been a long time since they had been alone together and Padmé chatted her up just like old times, regaling her in Anakin's adventures and happenings of the Senate. Sabé quieted as she marveled at Padmé, so lost in the haze of love to see or say anything but Anakin. Having noticed Sabé's silence, Padmé paused momentarily.
"Don't worry Sabé, we will find you your own love one day." Sabé laughed. Of course this is what Padmé thought her concern was. Sabé had resigned herself long ago that it was not in her cards, ignoring the fleeting image of a blasé smile and blue eyes that passed through her mind. But she simply laughed, hoping Padmé would not continue on. And Padmé didn't. In fact her entire line of conversation was abruptly ended as they left hyperspace straight into the presence of a massive separatist ship causing Sabé to swerve swiftly.
"We are in the middle of a battle! Looks like the Chancellor was wrong with his information." Sabé exclaimed, attempting to pilot around the warship. A young voice crackled over their communications.
"Naboo cruiser, identify yourself."
Sabé recognized it as Anakin's padawan Ahsoka. They had met briefly at the start of the trials before Anakin and his Padawan were swept back into the war.
"This is Senator Amidala."
Sabé inwardly cursed. She should've answered for her. Anakin would not be pleased she was out here. No sooner had the thoughts played in her head that his worried voice came over their comm.
"Padmé, what are you doing out here?" Sabé was always surprised when he addressed her so informally in front of others. He was so reckless, especially now that he had been granted his knighthood.
"We were sent on a special mission, by the chancellor. We were told the Banking clan would be meeting us here to negotiate a treaty." Sabé responded, cutting Padmé off.
"You need to get out of here. Now!" His voice was angry and urgent and Sabé wasn't going to wait around to hear more. She continued her maneuvers, hopeful to find a smooth pass to jump to hyperspace. Just as escape felt possible, their ship lurched and both pairs of brown eyes found one another.
"Well this just got much worse." Padmé whispered.
"Padmé! What is going on?" Anakin urged over the comm.
"It seems we have attracted separatist attention. We are in their droid cruiser's tractor beam and are being reeled in." Sabé responded much more calmly than she felt. They both felt the hesitation from the other side, Padmé quickly taking control of the conversation.
"I will not be made a bargaining chip for this war! Keep up your attack. We must destroy this ship. Sabé will protect me."
While strengthened by Padmé's confidence in her, even Sabé knew she was no match for a ship full of droids, but she would do all she could. She suddenly felt ten years younger again, once again by the Queen's side. It was a feeling she hadn't felt in months, it almost pained her how nostalgic it felt.
"Well looks like this was a very well planned trap." Sabé noted.
"And we walked right into it."
"Better than running." Padmé smirked at that; glad Sabé was there to lighten the mood. "Besides. I have a plan"
"A plan?"
"Well half a plan." The worry line grew on Padmé's forehead, as their ship landed in the hangar. "Hurry, overload the engines." She motioned, waiting for Padmé to comply. Padmé quickly understood Sabé's intentions, and they ran from the ship together, Sabé dragging her behind nearby crates. They waited in fearful silence, listening to the metallic scraping of talons across the floor as what appeared to be a massive cloaked droid boarded their ship. Sabé felt Padmé's hand slip into her own, squeezing it tightly, though no fear showed on her face. They ducked into one another, as the ship exploded, waiting for the dust to settle. As the last sounds of the explosion settled, Sabé realized the shaking of the ship had ceased; the firing from the Republic cruisers must have stopped. She motioned to Padmé, her finger tracing from her inner eyebrow down to her jaw and a swift point to her left. Padmé nodded in return, and they darted to the closest doorway, searching for a communications panel. As they finally found one, Padmé set to work, Sabé standing guard. It was Padmé that spoke first.
"This feels good." She murmured. Sabé turned to her blinking in confusion.
"What about being potential hostages feels good?"
Padmé laughed at her incredulous expression, returning her attentions to the panel. "Not that. Us. Using our old codes, I feel fourteen again." Sabé remained silent and sobered at Padmé's thoughts. "Sabé?" She had expected her friend to return the sentiment in kind, but instead found her staring intently down the hall.
"Milady, I'm afraid we have some company." Sabé whispered, abruptly turning to grab Padmé. She found a fallen panel and pulled Padmé inside with her. They both waited in quiet breaths as they saw the silhouette of the massive droid again. His monstrous metal body gleamed white in the soft lights of the hall. Sabé's stomach sickened at the sight of his innards showing through his chest plate and his piercing reptilian eyes. She realized then that this was the General Grievous Obi-Wan had mentioned only a few nights before. It was Sabé this time that pushed her hand into that of Padmé's behind her, giving a reassuring squeeze. Times seemed to stop as he continued looking intently at the surface that hid them, both held their breath, afraid any small noise might alert him to their presence.
"General." A droid beeped out, breaking the tension of the silence. "It appears the hyperdrive is not as badly damaged as we thought and should be fixed momentarily."
"I must tell Count Dooku." His voice growled out, turning menacingly towards the droid. "Keep up the search. I want those stowaways brought to me on the bridge."
Sabé heard both of them sigh in mimicked relief, slowly exiting their hideaway as the droids marched in the opposite direction. Padmé returned her attention to the communications panel, hopeful as the connection was finally made with the Republican ship and eventually Anakin.
"Padmé! Are you alright?" His voice was grave with concern.
"We are alright, just may not be for long."
"Obi-Wan and I are here as well." At the mention of Obi-Wan, Sabé tried to remain focused.
"What?! What are you doing here?" Padmé asked, almost annoyed he had ignored her request.
"We came to rescue you." At this Sabé smiled. She always did appreciate that he cared for Padmé's safety as much as she did. She could at least always count on him to come save her. "Where are you?"
"We are on the lower levels."
"Ahsoka, how can we get to them?" He called to the ship.
Ahsoka's voice chirped over the comm. "It looks like there's a large open area in the center of the ship. You should be able to meet up there."
"We are on are way. Did you hear the Padmé?"
"We will be there." She responded before looking anxiously up and down the hall. Sabé and Padmé crept their way through. Thankfully, most droids did seem too occupied with the decrepit status of the ship to be anywhere else. They slowly made their way until they came to a very large opening. How was a ship so large it could hold its very own mini subway station? They looked around for signs of the Jedi, coming up empty.
"Probably late again." Padmé mused. Sabé quirked a smile at that, if that wasn't the truth. Anakin was always late. She had heard relentlessly from Padmé how he always had some meeting with the council or some mission that went long over due. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of clanking metal, several droids coming up behind them.
"Not to worry, perhaps you can grab a date with one of these droids instead." Sabé teased, raising her blaster to the droids behind them and slowly leading Padmé to the edge of the platform. "Jump!" She instructed Padmé, having finally spotted the Jedi. She watched to make sure she landed first, before following herself. She knew Anakin would go after her himself, leaving Sabé to worry for herself for the moment. Her thoughts were confirmed by the sound of Anakin yelling Padmé's name, landing not too far behind her. Now faced with jumping herself, Sabé wasn't too keen on the idea of jumping onto a moving vehicle, but the surrounding droids were making her decision all the easier. Her breath caught in her stomach as she went hurdling down, landing somewhat gracefully considering. She looked around, hoping for a lower landing platform she might be able to jump onto and wait for Anakin and Padmé to inevitably find her. Her searching was interrupted however as she was suddenly lifted in the air by an unknown force. She swallowed the urge to shriek in surprise as she was turned around and saw Obi-Wan above her, focusing intently. It worked her last nerve to remain calm, despite the oncoming subway train, not knowing how much focus he required to maintain her moving through the air. The train nearly hit her before she was suddenly, seemingly forcefully shoved forward to where Obi-Wan stood, just clasping his hand as she threatened to fall backwards over the edge.
"Maybe we should save the daring rescues to me?" She joked out breathlessly, still not fully recovered from such a trip. He smiled at her apologetically.
"My apologies, milady. I will take note for the future." As always, his rich coruscanti accented voice was full of lighthearted merriment, eyes shining in a mischievous fashion.
"We have to hurry, we overheard them telling General Grievous that the hyperdrive is almost back online." She informed him, releasing the hand that had helped her land.
"Well that just won't do, will it?" He responded, smirking and grabbing her hand again to lead her along the train to their new destination.
Obi-Wan should have expected Sabé to be accompanying the Senator, but had still not been prepared to see her. He had been taken aback by her appearance when he saw her last. Her clothes riddled with dry blood, purple under her eyes and her hair in disarray. It was not the calm and collected Sabé he had known. Yet here she was, the Sabé he was use to, decked out in blue and burgundy Naboo armor, her hair tied back in multiple braids, ornate with silver clips to keep them in place. Her eyes shone as always, that fire in them even now, but it was her small smile that reminded him of their moment together in the hospital. That conversation had been a painful one, knowing he had put her in an uncomfortable situation. Of course now, his fears had been realized. He did his best to ignore the signs, not wanting to admit anything had happened with Anakin and Padmé. He lived in a current denial, trying hard to focus elsewhere, but it had easily become too evident. Now he wondered if Sabé would even hear his thoughts on the matter, even just as someone to share the burden with. But to do so would be an acknowledgement on his part and he felt he owed it to Anakin to hold out. Obi-Wan's thoughts were interrupted as they neared an entrance. He silently walked through the doorway, Sabé more cautiously following behind. They had barely walked a few moments in before droids walked in behind them from every direction and a gravely voice could be heard.
"Hello there." The party of two turned around to find none other than General Grievous looming above them. "General Kenobi." Sabé's breathing hitched slightly. She had felt a familiarity when he had spoken earlier, but now, with his name spoken from his lips, Sabé knew why. It was the voice in her mind that she had played over and over again for several months, grave and metallic. "Did you really think I would leave the hyperdrive unguarded?"
Without hesitation, Sabé heard Obi-Wan respond with his own sarcastic sass. "Anything is possible. You haven't exactly impressed me today."
General Grievous let out a sinister laugh, "Kill them!"
Sabé's eyes darted to Obi-Wan, hoping he had a plan. She wasn't expecting the sudden demand, but followed without hesitation.
"Duck!" He had yelled and forced her to the ground as he sprang into the air, laser bolts filling the space between them. She had barely seen what he had done, only hearing the intense clanging of metal and blasters in each direction. Only a few mere moments later and he was pulling her from the ground, urging her to run with him through an exit, hail of blaster fire following in their wake. He led her straight back to the ledge above the subways, a daring smirk on his face.
"On the count of three!" He said.
"What?"
"One."
"Obi-Wan Wait!"
"Two."
"This is a bad idea."
"Three."
"I don't like this!" Her last words echoed in the space as Obi-Wan pulled her in and leapt from the edge onto the moving train below. She kept her hands clutched in his tunic for a few moments longer, trying to steady her breath.
"I'm sorry milady, was it not you just a few months ago doing far more reckless things."
"That was different." She nearly grimaced looking up into his amused face. A loud thump behind her led her to fully release him, as they started their way to the other end of the ship. He shoved her forward, as General Grievous made his way to their position, lightsabers swinging wildly. Sabé watched the frenzy of lightsabers, crashing together, almost mesmerized by Obi-Wan's precise movements. She pulled her blaster, determined to find an opening, as she lay forgotten from their battle. Grievous must be a haughty creature, Sabé thought, as he loomed over Obi-Wan boastfully, waiting just too long to take what he wanted. It was in his moment of error, that Sabé did find her opening, aiming her blaster to his wrists that held his saber. Startled by the sudden bolt, Grievous turned all his attention toward her, his eyes piercing. Sabé kept firing, despite his speed towards her, his metal talons crushing the train beneath him. Just as he was in range to perfectly slice her with his lightsaber, he was suddenly kicked to the side out of her view, and she was once again pulled through midair, landing on a far away train.
"You have got to stop doing that!" Sabé spoke to the front of his tunic, his arms relaxing around her. Secretly, it was quite thrilling, but she would not satisfy him by voicing it out loud. He only smiled, pulling her once again to a landing platform. Their small reprieve from fire was quickly to an end as they made their way back to the Jedi's ship. Droids followed them mercilessly, Sabé firing behind while Obi-Wan deflected, until they finally spotted Anakin and Padmé at their exit.
"Hold the ship!" Obi-Wan called, as they barely made it through the doors before they closed. Safely on the ship, Sabé looked around. This ship was a junker if she ever saw one. She could only assume this was the ship Anakin had been boasting about for the past few months. He would be the only one to get this junker into space, she thought reaching for a nearby chair. They had only barely escaped the hold of the ship, when their own ship shook from incoming fire.
"You know we have guns, you could use them at any time!" Anakin growled to Obi-Wan.
"I've got it." Padmé spoke back, grabbing the controls before Obi-Wan could even stutter out a response.
"She seems to know her way around." Obi-Wan commented, watching the Senator take aim. Sabé watched Anakin's smile grow. Of course she knew her way around. This must be one of their hideaways they often escape to, avoiding Padmé's personnel. Sabé tried not to think about the dangers he put her in that she would easily know the gun controls. Her gaze turned to Obi-Wan whose eyes met hers instantly. The look in his eyes matched her own, a quiet knowing. Could he really know? Sabé had thought it rather obvious, but didn't dare hope he did. She would not wish the secret on anyone and wouldn't dare risk asking him, lest he did not really know. His eyes tore from hers as Padmé shot down several of their pursuers.
"Nice shot Senator!" He praised, causing Anakin's smile to grow wider. So not subtle. She thought. She was, however, impressed with Anakin's tactics regarding the Malevolence. It was true he was quite brilliant, high jacking it to go towards the moon, forcing its end.
With the ship destroyed and Grievous nowhere in sight, they finally reached the Republic fleet. She glanced to Padmé, who swept her hand across her cheek, replacing a strand of hair behind her ear. Sabé smirked and turned to Obi-Wan, how to distract him now. She went for boldness, looping her arm through his and led him to the door.
"Obi-Wan! Please show me about the ship! I have not been on a Republic Cruiser quite this large and am extremely curious as to how it works. How many fighters does it carry?"
His slightly surprised expression at her gesture eventually disappeared as he began his tour in a very Obi-Wan Kenobi way. His accented voice always became full with emotion when he spoke to her, making everything he said more captivating and riveting with his enthusiasm. Such was the way he spoke now, gesturing every few moments, allowing Sabé a quick peek back to the couple on board, fully embraced, before allowing Obi-Wan to lead her aboard the Republic ship.
Sabé followed him back to the command center as he finished his tour. He had expected her to comment on his final remarks but had received none. Upon turning to look at her, he realized she was lost in thought, eyes focused on some faraway place.
"Sabé…" He called to her, jolting her from her reverie. "Why don't I show you to the rest quarters?"
"Yes, thank you… I apologize. I am finding it hard to focus." She responded, still not completely present, a fog had started to settle over her mind. She felt blind following Obi-Wan to the quarters, her limbs getting heavier as she went.
She was glad they had finally arrived, feeling harder and harder to carry herself there. She was quick with her farewells to him, feeling suddenly overcome with the need to fall into a deep sleep. Sabé barely remembered her head falling to the bed, her eyes closed and breathing deep before it hit the pillow.
The soft cool breeze coming through the window and the warm glow of the setting sun across her face was all she needed to wander from her work and into a daydream. The breeze blew the pages of her book to a close, tugging her brown hair from its place, but she didn't care. She wished it would always be like this. Spring days on Naboo were always perfect. It was in this state of time that she could forget everything. Forget her responsibilities and learning. Forget about handmaiden training. Forget about perfecting imitations. She could just be herself, Sabé, dreaming it could always be this way. Another cool breeze sent a slight chill down her spine. Yes, if only all days could be like this. Sabé left her books, allowing herself this small reprieve and found her way down to the lakeside, basking in the fresh smell of the air as the breeze mingled with the nearby flowers. She stared out across the lake, enjoying the shimmering of the light across its surface, looking deeper to the fish below. Deep beneath the surface something glimmered bright and red. It seemed in a dance of its own, shimmering back and forth across the ocean floor, streaking ribbons of red behind it. Sabé strained her eyes, hoping to catch a clear image of what fish it might be. She found herself leaning further over the makeshift rail, before she was suddenly falling forward crashing into the water below. Sabé closed her eyes upon impact, reaching her arms out to swim upwards as the water grew thick around her, choking the air from her lungs. She fought towards the surface, her eyes opening as the water around her was a deep red, thick. Blood. Sabé screamed as she trudged through the blood filled water, choking in gasps of air. She collapsed onto the shore, hands sifting through the sand to reach further up the bank. She cried as the blood dripped through her eyes and she flung her sand covered hands to her face, then her arms and her dress, desperate to somehow wipe the blood away from her. As she frantically tried in vain, collapsing to her knees, a heat erupted behind her, causing Sabé to turn around abruptly. Red and orange flames erupted as magma boiled where water and blood once were. It crawled to her, surrounding her on her now very small plot of sand. Sabé felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness and dread as a figure formed from the lava, a creature in a dark cloak reaching their arm out to her. Coming closer, chanting words in a language she could not understand. Just as she felt madness sinking in, overcome from the heat and the strong waves of death emanating from the figure she heard a new voice cast out the others.
"Sabé." At first it was just a whisper and then it grew louder. "Sabé." It was gentle but firm, commanding. "Sabé. Come." Sabé looked around her, but found nothing that belonged to the voice, nothing until she looked above to the black sky billowing with smoke. Beneath the columns of grey she could make out a small light, something akin to a star. "Sabé. Come to the light. You must awaken now. It is not safe here." The voice was so familiar, someone she trusted, that much she knew. She reached her arm upward towards it, just as the flames came to consume her. "Sabé! Wake up!"
Sabé's eyes flew open. Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon Jinn.