As he guided Saché to a seat in the first row, her companion spoke to her cordially. "It was very smart of you to pick me out of the crowd. Not too many know me yet, but they will. When the rightful Queen is on the throne and that elected impostor is back on the farm, everyone will be thanking me. Now, you sit right here and we'll talk after the meeting."

As he took the stand, the room darkened, the lone spotlight shining on him, giving him a warm glow.

"Gentlemen and Ladies, I'd like to thank you for coming tonight. I'm Dunyan, and I'd like to talk to you about why we're here. How many of you are satisfied with how Queen Amidala has handled the affairs of our world? You all know she is about to seal a deal with the Gungan race for a trade alliance."

Many in the room hissed, or even cried out. A voice from the back yelled, "A real ruler would have never left us open to invasion in the first place! That's when we had to turn to the Frogs!"

Saché heard other phrases of discontent. A couple of them seemed to suggest violence. Fear grew within her; fear for her Queen and herself. She played along with the crowd, knowing it was the only way she would be allowed to leave unharmed.

At the more radical of the suggestions, the charismatic leader shook his head benevolently. "Now, we're not advocating that, at least not yet. It is my hope that this can be done without that kind of drastic action. We are a peaceful people at heart, and I intend to see that peace continue if at all possible, while we carry out our mission. We simply want to see the proper sovereign ruling, not a Frog lover who does business with the Gungans. We don't need their help. We can govern our own trading. This proposed alliance will do nothing but take money from our pockets. With your assistance, we can remove Amidala and let her return to her role as a private citizen."

Someone shouted out, "Who would rule? You, Dunyan?" Applause accompanied that proposal.

He assumed a humble air. "Me? I'm not worthy, nor would I ever suggest such a thing. We have found the rightful heir to the throne, her line traces back unbroken to the last member of the true Royal Family. She wishes to claim her birthright and lead us to become a stronger planet."

Saché chanced a question of her own. "Who is the rightful Queen? When do we get to see her?"

Dunyan saw it was Saché who had spoken and smiled directly at her. In other circumstances, that would have melted all her resistance, but here and now, it chilled her to the bone. She kept up her front, and waited for his answer.

"A fair question. Right now, we must keep her identity hidden for her own protection. I promise you, once the time is right, and it's safe, we can announce her in the fashion she deserves."

Saché went numb after that. She heard many slanderous things about the Gungans and Amidala, but tried to block them out so that she could get through the experience without giving herself away. A part of her wished to jump to the podium and tell these people how wrong they were, but of course that would have done no good.

After what seemed ages, the meeting was finally adjourned. She got out of her seat, hoping to slip away from Dunyan before he could single her out and speak to her further. He was delayed by people wanting to speak to him, so she thought she might have a chance.

She exited the back room with the group, her nerves screaming, sick to her stomach. She prayed that she was retaining the outward signs of composure.

A stranger from the crowd leered at her and smiled. "Hey, they said we should act casual. How about a drink? I don't need to run off right away."

Saché nodded and flashed a half smile back. "Sure."

Those who had been in the meeting started spreading out a bit and gravitated toward the bar to chat. Saché sipped her drink and made innocuous remarks in response to whatever she was asked. Whenever she could, she looked for the other handmaidens, hoping that they had been able to get in.

Another round of drinks had been delivered. Dunyan was working the room, and had soon made his way round to Saché.

"So pretty lady, what was your name again?"

Saché was trying to stammer out some reply, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "'Cousin Ché-Ché! We've been looking everywhere for you! Oh Sir, thank you for taking care of my cousin. We're from out of town, and we were so worried we'd lose her." She turned around and saw Eirtaé and Yané behind her.

Dunyan turned on the charm with even more vigor when he got an eyeful of the other two girls. "Beauty runs in the family, I see."

Saché piped in, "Oh yes, my cousin Taé-Taé has always been a head turner. Even so, she's a straight arrow, very loyal to family, friends, Queen Amidala." She winked at Dunyan.

"Oh, I see," he responded politely. He bowed slightly to the three girls. "I hope to see you again, Ché-Ché. You know you can find me here. Go and have a lovely evening with your cousins." With one last glance at Saché, he went back to his rounds.

With Saché leading, they exited the club, casually, but quickly. Rabé was making her way toward them, when she saw their demeanor and following their lead, joined in, matching the attitude of the group flawlessly. Their subjects of conversation were hair and makeup until they were far away from the club.

At last, when it seemed they were at a safe distance, Saché turned around to face the other women. "Were we followed?"

Yané shook her head. "No, not a chance. I'd have caught it by now. What's going on?"

Saché bit her lip and held back her tears. "Something terrible-we have to get home before I say more. Eirtaé, I didn't expect you, but I'm so glad you showed up. How did you know I was in trouble?"

The blonde grinned. "A gorgeous man was looking at you, and you weren't flirting. Unusual behavior for you, to say the least."

As soon as they had returned safely to the Palace, Saché alerted Panaka of an imminent threat to her Highness.

"We need to have a meeting immediately, Captain," Saché insisted.

"This time of night? Are you sure?" he responded slowly. It was clear he had been roused out of a sound sleep.

"Right now, Captain! This is of the utmost urgency. I can't speak of it over the com. I'll see you in the Throne Room as soon as possible. The other handmaidens and Minister Calle will be joining us."

As it was the middle of the night, no one was in uniform. Saché, Eirtaé and Yané were first to the meeting place. Amidala showed up with her hair down, and in casual robes, accompanied by Rabé. Sabé carried Meira and settled in one of the seats reserved for the Queen's advisors. She and her daughter were trying hard to stay awake. Panaka was last, stomping in, his annoyance very clear.

"Saché, please begin," Amidala requested.

As Saché related what she had heard, the other women in the room gasped. Sabé instinctively cuddled Meira in a protective gesture. Panaka began pacing frantically, even more so than during the Trade Federation's invasion. The Queen remained cool and in control, analytical of the situation, as was her manner.

"A threat from within--from our own people," Panaka fumed.

"Just a few of them," Sabé pointed out. "We know that the majority are in favor of the Queen's administration. Perhaps this is leftover frustration from the Federation's occupation and will burn itself out. We must take precautions in any case. Your Highness, I suggest that we train additional handmaidens, at least two more. One to take my former position, and a sixth, to add to the rotation. We cannot afford to let your bodyguards be anything less than fully alert while on duty."

Amidala nodded in agreement. "Captain, you and Minister Calle look into that, first thing in the morning. Saché, did you get the feeling that this movement is contained, or does it seem to go beyond Theed?"

Saché thought for a moment and shrugged. "Your Highness, it's hard to say. I regret that I allowed my emotions to cloud my observation skills at that time. I ask your forgiveness."

Amidala smiled to reassure her. "It's understandable, given the situation you found yourself in. But prepare to put your fears aside, handmaiden. We will require you to return to this place. You are in the unique position of having gained their trust. You will have to be Our eyes and ears and gather as much information as you can. Only then can We ascertain if this Faction is truly a threat."

The Queen turned to Sabé. "Minister, you and your father are experts in covert tactics. The two of you will take Saché in hand and begin training her as soon as possible."

Sabé inclined her head toward the Queen. "Of course, Your Highness."

Saché fought the misgivings she had and looked at Sabé gratefully. If she could trust anyone to teach her well, it was definitely the Minister.

"The rest of you know what we are to look for. Be on your guard when We are in public. We will discuss this again when more information has come to light. For now, We believe they are not well organized enough to be a major threat to Us, but they are not to be taken lightly. Understood?"

All the handmaidens bowed in agreement.

"Very well, this meeting is adjourned."