The young Gungan female peeked around the corner and ducked back when she saw Panaka striding down the great hall, a serious look in his eyes. She took a deep breath and gathered her courage. The Captain intimidated her, but she would speak to him.
She had learned recently that her relation to Boss Nass as his niece could be interpreted as making her a princess. She was humble, and did not let this lead her into conceit. Rather, she used the information to boost her sagging self esteem. She was alone in a culture that was strange to her. The other handmaidens and the Queen treated her well, but she wanted to be more than just a symbol of a trade agreement. She wanted to prove herself on her own terms and fit into the group. It seemed to her that the best way to do that was to join the handmaidens in their training and other activities.
So far, Panaka had put her off everytime she wanted to talk to him about training. He was always busy, and waved away her attempts to intiate conversation. She determined that he would not avoid the subject now.
I am a Gungan Princess, she thought to herself. I have the right to ask for this.
She stepped into the hall in front of Panaka and gave him a bow. "Meesa...I would spake to you, Captain." Her accent was heavy, but her sweet clear voice delivered the Basic words in a careful and deliberate manner.
Panaka studied her. She was getting better with the standard Nubian. Perhaps this would work out after all. Remembering his caveat from Saché, he decided to hear her out this time.
"Yes, of course, Jeré. You are right to come to me about anything you wish. Let's go to my office."
Jeré's large eyes got even bigger with astonishment, but she joined Panaka at his side.
When they reached the office and closed the door, the Captain motioned for Jeré to sit. "What are your concerns, handmaiden?"
"I wouldsa join in the training with the other ladies, Captain. It is what I should do for this job."
Panaka nodded. He was impressed with the sincerity of her desire. "That's what you've wanted all along, isn't it?"
Jeré nodded vigorously.
The Captain smiled. For the first time in his life, he actually liked a Gungan. He held out his gloved hand to her. "I'm sorry we haven't had this meeting before. I'll have to admit, I'm not really sure how to train a Gungan. But you can help us learn. I'd be proud to have you join us on the training course. As soon as Minister Calle gets back, we'll set it up. Is that all?"
A huge grin of relief spread across her face. "Yes! Thank you, Captain."
"Very well. We'll get you out there in a few days."
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Saché's spirit was renewed after her conversation with the Captain. Having a chance to unload with Panaka and get his reassurance had been what she needed to go on with the mission. She almost bounced on the way back to The Faction's meeting room. She had to stop a block before she was there to get in character, remembering that she was supposed to be bringing bad news.
She opened the door and entered the room, wearing the saddest look she could possibly muster. She looked up at Dunyan as if she were about to cry.
"There, there, Chélynne. It didn't go well?"
"I've failed you, Dunyan. You and everyone else who was counting on me." Saché sniffed. She reminded herself not to lay it on too thick.
"Come here, my Dear. At least you got back to us. You were very brave." Dunyan held out his arms and Saché went to him and allowed herself to be embraced.
"You haven't failed us. That avenue was just not meant to be. I have another plan in mind that I think you are qualified for. How are you with a blaster?"
Saché hoped her alarm at that question didn't show on her face. "I've never touched one. I've always been afraid of them. Why do you ask?" She bit her lip, thinking it might make the lie more convincing.
"I'll let you know more soon. I have to make a plan tonight. Everyone, this meeting is adjourned, be back this time tommorrow night. We have to take a bigger step."
As the group broke up, Dunyan kissed Saché's forehead. "Be brave. I may be asking a lot of you, but I'm sure you can do it. I'll talk to you later."
The next night Dunyan was ready as everyone took their places. As usual, he asked Saché to sit up front and hinted that she was to have a special part in the plan. She nodded eagerly and dug her fingernails into her palms to concentrate on her duty to observe so she could make her report. She wished that this would be the last time. Her feelings told her things were about to get too big for her to stay concealed any longer.
From his seat at the table, he started the presentation. "Thank you for your attendance, everyone. Now before I disclose my plan, I'd like to show you why Chélynne is perfect for the role she is to play. The Queen has an entourage of handmaidens, similar to her in height and build. If we can copy one of their gowns, she will be able to pass as a handmaiden and get close to the Queen. This is a most important job. I'm trusting you, Chélynne. I know you can help us." He looked deeply into Saché's eyes as he spoke the last sentence.
From the rear of the room, a laugh started, low at first. As it increased in volume, it deepened.
Dunyan broke eye contact with Saché and cast an angry glare to see who was causing the disturbance.
A broad dark man with a sly look on his face spoke. "You're a fool, Dunyan. I've suspected as much for some time, now I'm sure of it."
Dunyan rose from his seat. His challenger stood and took wide strides across the room to stand in front of the group.
"There is a reason she's the perfect size for a handmaiden's gown." He pointed an accusing finger. "That's because she is one!"
Everyone, including Saché, gasped at the accusation. She began reaching under her outer robe for the panic button that would alert Panaka's people.
Her accuser grabbed her wrist. "Keep your hands where we can see them at all times, my lady."
Dunyan shot Saché a confused look, but steeled himself. "Chélynne has proven herself to me. What evidence do you have of your allegation, Piers?"
Piers produced a series of holo images recorded the day before of Saché's accidental encouter with a palace guard and another leading him away.
"So someone thought she was an old friend. That's not proof. It happens all the time," Dunyan stated confidently.
The members of the group were beginning to whisper among themselves as Piers responded. "Perhaps not...if that was all I had to show you. One of the things I found interesting was the name he called her. Saché-one of the names of Amidala's coterie of personal bodyguards."
Piers shot Saché a dark, satisfied look, then continued. "I took the liberty of doing a bit of digging. It's very difficult to get images of the faces of the handmaidens. Keeping themselves covered and maintaining a low profile are among the techniques they use to cause confusion when the Queen is in danger. But I have found an image that is confirmed to be Saché, who, by the way, has not made a public appearance with Amidala for a few weeks now. "
When the image flashed up on the holo, it wasn't the clearest of pictures but it was close enough. The shape of her eyes, chin and nose matched up well enough for all to see that she was the one standing before them.
She turned to face Dunyan and was surprised to see pain in his eyes as he felt the full impact of what had just taken place.
Dunyan motioned to one of the female members to check her for any surveillance devices. When the panic button was found, it was quickly destroyed. The young woman who had made the discovery whispered to her.
"Idiot! You could have had it all. Do you know what I would have given to be in your position?"
Saché could only stare at her in amazement.
The mood among the group began to change. Its unity disintegrated into discord. Saché took some comfort in the fact that with her cover blown, The Faction had turned its anger from Amidala to itself and perhaps that would be enough to destroy it from within.
Piers glared at Dunyan. "Are you going to kill her, or do I have to do that for you, too?"
A woman stood up from the auidence. "Wait! While I don't want Amidala on the throne, I will not support anything that brings any harm to one of our people. We won't kill a Naboo while I'm a part of this group. We'll keep her prisoner. A hostage could be useful."
"Thank you, Rayanne, that's just what I was thinking," Dunyan said.
"However, I do think Piers has one thing right. Perhaps you're not cut out to lead us after all, if you missed such a ploy as the Queen and Panaka have pulled on us with Saché. I move that we select a new leader, one who will be more cautious, but not resort to violence."
Some members began to change their support to Piers, some to Rayanne. When it became evident that there would be a battle for power, Dunyan ordered Saché taken away.
She was blindfolded and thrown into a vehicle of some kind. To distract herself from her dilemma, she concentrated on the sounds and the smells of whatever they were passing.
The splash of the river on concrete walls.
The motors of boats speeding through the water.
The exotic scent of a deli's meats.
Voices getting farther away.
The vehicle entering an enclosed area, and the door slamming into place behind it.
She was pulled up and led to another room in a large building. As soon as the blindfold was removed, she was thrown and locked into a closet.
She had learned recently that her relation to Boss Nass as his niece could be interpreted as making her a princess. She was humble, and did not let this lead her into conceit. Rather, she used the information to boost her sagging self esteem. She was alone in a culture that was strange to her. The other handmaidens and the Queen treated her well, but she wanted to be more than just a symbol of a trade agreement. She wanted to prove herself on her own terms and fit into the group. It seemed to her that the best way to do that was to join the handmaidens in their training and other activities.
So far, Panaka had put her off everytime she wanted to talk to him about training. He was always busy, and waved away her attempts to intiate conversation. She determined that he would not avoid the subject now.
I am a Gungan Princess, she thought to herself. I have the right to ask for this.
She stepped into the hall in front of Panaka and gave him a bow. "Meesa...I would spake to you, Captain." Her accent was heavy, but her sweet clear voice delivered the Basic words in a careful and deliberate manner.
Panaka studied her. She was getting better with the standard Nubian. Perhaps this would work out after all. Remembering his caveat from Saché, he decided to hear her out this time.
"Yes, of course, Jeré. You are right to come to me about anything you wish. Let's go to my office."
Jeré's large eyes got even bigger with astonishment, but she joined Panaka at his side.
When they reached the office and closed the door, the Captain motioned for Jeré to sit. "What are your concerns, handmaiden?"
"I wouldsa join in the training with the other ladies, Captain. It is what I should do for this job."
Panaka nodded. He was impressed with the sincerity of her desire. "That's what you've wanted all along, isn't it?"
Jeré nodded vigorously.
The Captain smiled. For the first time in his life, he actually liked a Gungan. He held out his gloved hand to her. "I'm sorry we haven't had this meeting before. I'll have to admit, I'm not really sure how to train a Gungan. But you can help us learn. I'd be proud to have you join us on the training course. As soon as Minister Calle gets back, we'll set it up. Is that all?"
A huge grin of relief spread across her face. "Yes! Thank you, Captain."
"Very well. We'll get you out there in a few days."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saché's spirit was renewed after her conversation with the Captain. Having a chance to unload with Panaka and get his reassurance had been what she needed to go on with the mission. She almost bounced on the way back to The Faction's meeting room. She had to stop a block before she was there to get in character, remembering that she was supposed to be bringing bad news.
She opened the door and entered the room, wearing the saddest look she could possibly muster. She looked up at Dunyan as if she were about to cry.
"There, there, Chélynne. It didn't go well?"
"I've failed you, Dunyan. You and everyone else who was counting on me." Saché sniffed. She reminded herself not to lay it on too thick.
"Come here, my Dear. At least you got back to us. You were very brave." Dunyan held out his arms and Saché went to him and allowed herself to be embraced.
"You haven't failed us. That avenue was just not meant to be. I have another plan in mind that I think you are qualified for. How are you with a blaster?"
Saché hoped her alarm at that question didn't show on her face. "I've never touched one. I've always been afraid of them. Why do you ask?" She bit her lip, thinking it might make the lie more convincing.
"I'll let you know more soon. I have to make a plan tonight. Everyone, this meeting is adjourned, be back this time tommorrow night. We have to take a bigger step."
As the group broke up, Dunyan kissed Saché's forehead. "Be brave. I may be asking a lot of you, but I'm sure you can do it. I'll talk to you later."
The next night Dunyan was ready as everyone took their places. As usual, he asked Saché to sit up front and hinted that she was to have a special part in the plan. She nodded eagerly and dug her fingernails into her palms to concentrate on her duty to observe so she could make her report. She wished that this would be the last time. Her feelings told her things were about to get too big for her to stay concealed any longer.
From his seat at the table, he started the presentation. "Thank you for your attendance, everyone. Now before I disclose my plan, I'd like to show you why Chélynne is perfect for the role she is to play. The Queen has an entourage of handmaidens, similar to her in height and build. If we can copy one of their gowns, she will be able to pass as a handmaiden and get close to the Queen. This is a most important job. I'm trusting you, Chélynne. I know you can help us." He looked deeply into Saché's eyes as he spoke the last sentence.
From the rear of the room, a laugh started, low at first. As it increased in volume, it deepened.
Dunyan broke eye contact with Saché and cast an angry glare to see who was causing the disturbance.
A broad dark man with a sly look on his face spoke. "You're a fool, Dunyan. I've suspected as much for some time, now I'm sure of it."
Dunyan rose from his seat. His challenger stood and took wide strides across the room to stand in front of the group.
"There is a reason she's the perfect size for a handmaiden's gown." He pointed an accusing finger. "That's because she is one!"
Everyone, including Saché, gasped at the accusation. She began reaching under her outer robe for the panic button that would alert Panaka's people.
Her accuser grabbed her wrist. "Keep your hands where we can see them at all times, my lady."
Dunyan shot Saché a confused look, but steeled himself. "Chélynne has proven herself to me. What evidence do you have of your allegation, Piers?"
Piers produced a series of holo images recorded the day before of Saché's accidental encouter with a palace guard and another leading him away.
"So someone thought she was an old friend. That's not proof. It happens all the time," Dunyan stated confidently.
The members of the group were beginning to whisper among themselves as Piers responded. "Perhaps not...if that was all I had to show you. One of the things I found interesting was the name he called her. Saché-one of the names of Amidala's coterie of personal bodyguards."
Piers shot Saché a dark, satisfied look, then continued. "I took the liberty of doing a bit of digging. It's very difficult to get images of the faces of the handmaidens. Keeping themselves covered and maintaining a low profile are among the techniques they use to cause confusion when the Queen is in danger. But I have found an image that is confirmed to be Saché, who, by the way, has not made a public appearance with Amidala for a few weeks now. "
When the image flashed up on the holo, it wasn't the clearest of pictures but it was close enough. The shape of her eyes, chin and nose matched up well enough for all to see that she was the one standing before them.
She turned to face Dunyan and was surprised to see pain in his eyes as he felt the full impact of what had just taken place.
Dunyan motioned to one of the female members to check her for any surveillance devices. When the panic button was found, it was quickly destroyed. The young woman who had made the discovery whispered to her.
"Idiot! You could have had it all. Do you know what I would have given to be in your position?"
Saché could only stare at her in amazement.
The mood among the group began to change. Its unity disintegrated into discord. Saché took some comfort in the fact that with her cover blown, The Faction had turned its anger from Amidala to itself and perhaps that would be enough to destroy it from within.
Piers glared at Dunyan. "Are you going to kill her, or do I have to do that for you, too?"
A woman stood up from the auidence. "Wait! While I don't want Amidala on the throne, I will not support anything that brings any harm to one of our people. We won't kill a Naboo while I'm a part of this group. We'll keep her prisoner. A hostage could be useful."
"Thank you, Rayanne, that's just what I was thinking," Dunyan said.
"However, I do think Piers has one thing right. Perhaps you're not cut out to lead us after all, if you missed such a ploy as the Queen and Panaka have pulled on us with Saché. I move that we select a new leader, one who will be more cautious, but not resort to violence."
Some members began to change their support to Piers, some to Rayanne. When it became evident that there would be a battle for power, Dunyan ordered Saché taken away.
She was blindfolded and thrown into a vehicle of some kind. To distract herself from her dilemma, she concentrated on the sounds and the smells of whatever they were passing.
The splash of the river on concrete walls.
The motors of boats speeding through the water.
The exotic scent of a deli's meats.
Voices getting farther away.
The vehicle entering an enclosed area, and the door slamming into place behind it.
She was pulled up and led to another room in a large building. As soon as the blindfold was removed, she was thrown and locked into a closet.