Diary of a Handmaiden 4–Following Protocol–Eirtaé's Diary--Entry 3

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<–...>You will never believe where I am right now. I scarcely can believe it. I'm on the Royal Starship heading to some backwater planet called Tantooey or something where we will stop for repairs.

Get this: Tantooey is ruled by the Hutts–the Hutts. What a bright idea, Master Jedi. Why don't we just hand the Queen over to them upon arrival? Why bother making them figure out who she is for themselves? At least the Trade Federation follows the Senate's guidance to some extent. The Hutts are gangsters. They do whatever they want. And who knows what they'll want to do with Padmé?!?

This is a disaster waiting to happen! Of course, my only response has been what it always is–silence. At least I can maintain propriety by holding my tongue, even if everyone else is throwing it to the winds. Am I the only one who cares about how things are done?

Ok, Eirtaé, calm down.

I'm sorry if this sounds childish or petulant. I try very hard not to let Padmé or any of the others see how upset I am with all this. I like feeling that I'm in control, at least to some extent, but right now everything is totally out of control. If I was perfectly honest, I'd admit that half of my anger over this plan of Master Jinn's is actually fear.

We're going to a sparsely inhabited desert planet ruled by notorious criminals. No one knows we'll be there, of course. That means our safety, but it could also be our doom if something goes wrong. Ugh.

Deep breath. I have to be calm and confident for the others. Being the eldest is hard, let me tell you.

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