When the Coruscant sun rises, people are bustling about. With the newest assassination attempt, it is decided that Padmé will go into hiding with Anakin and I to protect her. At first I wasn't going to go, but Padmé wanted a friend and advisor with her and Typho wanted someone he could trust with her. He doesn't have an incredible amount of faith regarding the Padawan. Dormé is staying to be Padmé's decoy.
While Dormé helps Padmé pack, I am discussing where we will be heading with Captain Typho. "I'm not so sure that you should be heading to Naboo," Typho tells me. "What if Senator Amidala is seen and they tell of her relocation?"
"Her Majesty needs to be informed of what is playing out, Captain. Not to mention, the Jedi Council wants it," I explain as if I were Padmé's mother. I feel like it sometimes, as well. "We won't be there for long. The Naberrie family has a retreat in the Lake Country. We will head there directly after seeing the Queen."
Captain Typho was about to exress his concerns once again, but I beat him to it. "I will make sure she is properly dressed in a way that the locals will not recognize her. She will discuss with the representatives in the palace then head directly to the Lake Country. I will see to it myself."
He gives me a small smile. "And this is why you're going," he states. "You're as stubborn as she is. But I still believe it will be safer not on Naboo. Assassins will most definitely look for her there if they even suspect that she has left."
"Where else would we go?" I ask. "Stewjon? Alderaan? We know nothing of the areas. They are just as safe as Naboo where at least we can hide there."
"I hope you and the Senator know what you are doing," Captain Typho utters, finally giving in.
"She may not, but I do. I will keep them both in line. And we will also have Artoo."
"Like he was such a major help hours ago." I sigh, knowing Typho's statement is true.
"Nevertheless, Senator Amidala will meet with Queen Jamillia before heading out to the Lake Country," I say, sticking with my opinion. Captain Typho nods his head, knowing nothing will change the decision. Padmé won't want to go anywhere else but Naboo; although, she doesn't want to leave Coruscant right now either.
We make our way to a transport which takes us to the spaceport freighter docks. Dormé is dressed as the Senator while Padmé, Anakin, and I are dressed in Outland peasant outfits, something to blend in.
The ride is short. As the transport docks, Padmé, Dormé, Typho, and I stand and make our way towards the door. "Be safe, milady," Typho says.
"Thank you, Captain," Padmé replies. "Take good care of Dormé. The threat's on you two now."
"He'll be safe with me," Dormé jokes before looking to the floor, a tear escaping.
"You'll be fine," the senator reassures.
"It's not me, milady. I worry about you. What if they realize you've left the capital?" Dormé looks extremely worried, but aren't we all?
"Then my Jedi protector will have to prove how good he is." Padmé smiles at Dormé.
Obi-Wan tells Anakin something quietly. Then he moves to us. "I'll get to the bottom of this plot quickly, milady," he assures her. "You'll be back here in no time."
"I'll be most grateful for your speed, Master Jedi," Padmé replies.
"It's time to go," Anakin cuts in.
"I know." Padmé and I hug Dormé before exitting the speeder bus. Anakin carries two of the bags, while Padmé and I grab the other two. We head towards the giant Starfreighter with Artoo following. "Suddenly I'm afraid."
"This is my first assignment on my own," Anakin relays, not exactly helping the mood. "I am too. Don't worry, that's why we have a babysitter."
"And then there's me," I counter. Padmé laughs a little. We board the freighter and claim a spot in the storage hold for the four of us. It's gloomy and crowded with emigrants, definitely not something we're used to. But we make do. Once we go into light speed, I tell Padmé that I'm going to walk around, leaving her with Anakin and Artoo to eat. The walk helped me get the feel of refugee life and to miss hearing and seeing the tension between Anakin and Padmé.
Soon we land in Naboo and we exit with our belongings. After taking a small shuttle to the palace, we cross the courtyard. Behind me, Padmé tells Anakin about her rule as Senator of Naboo. In the throne room, Queen Jamillia sits on her throne, exactly how I remember Padmé looking when she was queen. Advisors sit around, and Governor Bibble I notice is still present. Handmaidens stay close to the queen and guards are stationed at the door. It's all very familiar.
The greetings were simple. The actual discussion caused tension in the room. "How many systems have joined Count Dooku and the separatists?" Queen Jamillia asks.
"About two hundred. And more are leaving the Republic every day. If the Senate votes to create an army, I'm sure it's going to push us into a civil war," Padmé explains to the group. Anakin and I stand behind her.
"It's unthinkable!" Bibble exclaims. "There hasn't been a full-scale war since the formation of the Republic." There could very well be one soon enough.
Queen Jamillia turns to Senator Amidala. "Do you see any way, through negotiations, to bring the separatists back into the Republic?" she asks.
"Not if they feel threatened," Padmé begins. "My guess is they'll turn to the Trade Federation or the Commerce Guilds for help."
"It's outrageous," the Governor adds in. "After four trials in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still the Viceroy of the Trade Federation. I fear the Senate is powerless to resolve this crisis."
"We must keep our faith in the Republic," Queen Jamillia says, and she stands, the rest of them following suit, and she then makes her way over to Padmé. "The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it."
"Let's pray that day never comes," Padmé notes. We start slowly walking, Anakin and I right behind the Senator and the Queen.
"In the mean time, we must consider your own safety," the Queen tells her.
"What is your suggestion, Master Jedi?" Bibble asks, walking over to us.
Anakin is about to reply, but Padmé cuts him off, and I notice him become nettled. "Oh, Anakin's not a Jedi yet," Padmé explains. "He's still a Padawan learner." Despite her being wiser than most people, she didn't realize he would take that statement badly. "I was thinking-"
Anakin cuts her off. "Hold on a minute."
"Excuse me." Padmé continues as if she wasn't interrupted. "I was thinking I would stay in the Lake Country. There are some places up there that are very isolated."
"Excuse me. I'm in charge of security here, milady," Anakin cut in again. I notice the Queen and the Governor exchange a look.
"And this is my home. I know it very well, that is why we're here," Padmé explains. "I think it would be wise if you took advantage of my knowledge in this instance."
Anakin composes himself, taking a deep breath. "Sorry, milady."
"Perfect. It's settled then," the Queen says.
