"You don't think I'm too vain, do you?" Sabé faced the full length mirror in profile as she smoothed the front then the back of the burgundy velvet outer coat with her palms. The handmaiden battle fatigues fit perfectly.
"Of course not! The fact that you can still fit in the same size that you wore before Meira came along shows that you're dedicated to keeping in shape. I think you have a right to be proud of that," Saché replied, tieing Sabé's hair back into a modified pony tail.
Yané frowned with disapproval from her seat on a nearby bench. "I should have known you'd be out before you ought to be. If you fall out on the course, I should just let you stay there."
Sabé and Saché exchanged knowing looks in the mirror. "I'll be careful, I promise," Sabé said. "If I start feeling bad, I'll pull out. Fair enough?"
Yané sighed. "I suppose so."
Sabé smiled at the student healer. "Yes, believe it or not, I am grateful for your concern,and that's not just a line this time. Thank you for helping me the other night. "
Giving a curt nod, Yané left the dressing room to report to the training range.
Sabé wrinkled her brow and frowned. "I didn't want to offend her. I just couldn't stay cooped up for two whole days!"
"I know," Saché said, grabbing one knee high black leather boot. Taking a seat on the bench and pulling it on, she continued. "She'll be alright. She's fighting to win respect since it took her awhile to find her niche. Some patience would do her good, though. One can't be a healer this soon. She's not halfway through her training yet."
Sabé passed the other boot to Saché. "Still, I'd like to find a way to stay in her good graces. I may have to go ahead and tell her it was a Force directed vision after all. Maybe she'll back off then."
"Uhhh...I don't know if you should do that. Really, the fewer who know that, the safer you and Meira are. It'll work out, don't worry. Think your partner is out there?"
"Should be. Actually, the next person I have to tiptoe around is Panaka. He won't approve of the Minister training in handmaiden fatigues, he'll want me to wear the security uniform. I prefer this outfit, though; it's more feminine."
"And since you are looking to impress your femininity upon your teammate, that's the one to go with."
Sabé blushed, but regained control within seconds. "Am I that transparent?"
"Dear friend, I do find your feelings obvious. Obi-Wan's though--that's a bit harder to call with that Jedi control in the mix. Still...we know of at least one occasion...," Saché raised an eyebrow as she waited for Sabé's reply. All she got was a mysterious smile as they exited the room.
"Alright," Panaka barked. "We have teams of two each." He went down the row. "Saché and Yané; Jeré and Eirtaé;Rabé and Padmé," he said, coughing at the mention of Queen's alter ego. "And," here he stopped and looked hard at Obi-Wan and Sabé. "This is the time set aside for handmaidens."
"As a former handmaiden, and now Minister, I do believe I have not only the right, but the responsibility, to keep up with their progress. I may be called upon to act as a decoy again one day, Captain, so I should be prepared. And as we are working in teams today, I have invited a guest to participate with me."
Panaka turned to Yané. "Has she been cleared to participate? I understood that you had placed her on a two day leave."
Before Yané could answer, a deep male voice came up behind him. "Captain Panaka."
Panaka winced and turned around. He faced a saluting Lieutenant Uzza.
"Sir, I realize you are directing a training session right now, but I request permission to speak with you privately," Uzza said out loud.
Panaka returned the salute. "One moment, Lieutenant." He turned to face Yané again. "Your answer, handmaiden?"
"Captain, I have cleared her conditionally. The Minister has assured me that if she shows any symptoms of illness during the training run, she will pull out. As her teammate is a Jedi Knight, and capable of assisting her should such a problem arise, it is my opinion that she be permitted to participate."
//I should thank her for that later.// Sabé sent to Obi-Wan.
//We both will. Do you think the Captain will clear us?//
//We shall see//
Panaka stepped aside with Uzza for a few moments. After listening to his lieutenant, the Captain returned with a resigned look in his eyes. "Very well, the Jedi and the Minister may operate together. I will program some of the training droids specifically for that team, since they are the most experienced. Kenobi and Calle, I request that you be the last team to enter, as you will face the more difficult program. Eirtaé and Jeré, you are to go first, as soon as you are ready."
Sabé glanced at Obi-Wan's utility belt as the first team entered the training area. "How could I have overlooked that! I'll have to get you a blaster for this range. Good thing we have a bit of time before we go on." She walked to the rack where extra weapons were stored, chose one and brought it to him.
He looked with disdain at the weapon she tried to hand him. "I have no need of that. Too clumsy and random." He immediatly regretted that statement when Sabé's face took on a wounded look.
"Clumsy and random? I know you're not talking about *my* blaster technique!" She whirled around and took a shot at a droid that was just floating out to the range. The target spot on the small machine blinked from green to red, indicating a perfect hit.
"No...not your technique," Obi-Wan replied, his tone a bit kinder now. "It's considered a weapon of attack, we only use our weapons for defense. It's nothing personal at all." He attempted to reassure her by reaching out and stroking her shoulder.
"Oh," she replied, her ego soothed. "Depends on how one uses it. I would think that even Jedi would need to know a bit about blasters. Lightsabers aren't infallible. What if there was a malfunction while you were still in a fight? Having some practice with the blaster could mean the difference between getting away with the protectant, or remaining trapped. You would still be acting in defense by disabling your opponent temporarily, with the weapon on stun."
"You have a point there. I'll work with it a bit," he conceded, more to keep the peace than anything else.
As he watched the droids for the other team float by, Obi-Wan noticed their unusual design. Most droids of this type were painted with a white or buff color and were very utilitarian in appearance. These machines were a blood red with a gold motif trim. The lines were graceful. They were almost like sculpture.
He turned to Sabé with a bemused expression, pointing at the droids. "Even these have to be decorated?"
"Theed began as an art colony, with only the finest craftspersons and artists in residence. It became the capital city when the Naboo turned away from war, and wished to devote their energies to more intellectual pastimes. That was hundreds of years ago, but the tradition lives on," Sabé explained.
Their turn came up soon. As they entered the course, there was barely time to get their bearings before the droids descended upon them, their beauty not overshadowing the challenge they would present.
//A direct hit on the green light scores?// Obi-Wan asked.
//Yes,// Sabé confirmed. // This should be a simple task for you.//
Running up a set of terraces to the left, Obi-Wan was surprised to find that handling blasters wasn't as easy as all that. He got the droids he was aiming for, and dodged his share of stun blasts, but it took more effort to do so than he had imagined it would.
Looking around for Sabé, he spotted her approaching a wall that was to one side of the terraces. //Clear your mind,// he sent. //Make a leap.//
Sabé nodded to indicate that she had gotten the message. He felt her trying to gather the Force to assist her in the attempt, but she didn't quite have the knack yet. Her jump was a bit higher than usual, so she took what she could and climbed the rest of the way over.
//Meet me up ahead. I see a clearing in the trees,// he pointed out.
Between firing the blaster at the droids, Sabé confirmed. //Yes, I know the one.//
They had each knocked out an allotment of droids, but they weren't through with the course yet. More would be sent. The couple did have a few moments to catch their breath when they got back together.
"Well, what did you think?" Sabé asked.
Obi-Wan smiled and nodded. "That was an interesting change for me. Now I have one for you. Put away the blaster."
"What? But more droids are coming!"
"That's right. And you're going to use this!" Obi-Wan removed the lightsaber from his belt, and held it out to Sabé. "Take it. For real this time. You are going to defend me."
The droids were still in the distance, but they were coming in fast. Sabé eyed them nervously. "You mean right now? But I've never used a lightsaber, never even praticed with one! Shouldn't I have some training first?"
Putting his weapon in her hand, Obi-Wan moved behind Sabé and placed his hands on her back, sending her calming vibrations through the Force. //You can do it. I believe in you.//
Flashing a hopeful smile, Sabé prepared for the incoming opponents. The first couple of shots came in fast and high. She missed them and both she and Obi-Wan felt a sting. "Sorry," she hissed.
"It's all right. Bound to catch a few the first time. Just don't give up."
"Never," she said through clenched teeth. Defend the man I love, she thought to herself. I have to do that. I refuse to look a fool in front of him. She had not sent that thought, but Obi-Wan answered it.
//You can't look like a fool to me. That would be impossible.//
She would have asked him how he knew about that, but there was no time. Several other blaster shots were fired. She and Obi-Wan were able to dodge them, but she had not deflected one yet.
Resuming his position behind her, he began sending through the bond. //You know how to do this. It calls for skills you've practiced with other weapons. Think of those. Reach out with your feelings. Defocus your vision if you have to.//
Sabé nodded and prepared once again. Taking the proper stance, she felt the Jedi in her consciousness, giving her encouragment and guidance through impressions. Surprised, and not, at the same time, she started deflecting the bolts. She missed a few, but none hit either of them. A sense of peace and exhilaration came over her. //Have I got it? Is this what it's like? Feels good!//
//Excellent!// he sent her. //Let's go a bit farther along the trail.//
Suddenly she got an impression. //Behind you!// she warned Obi-Wan. Together, they were able to leap out of the way of the shot. Obi-Wan sent more praise and affirmation as they progressed along the course.
The mistakes became fewer and the correct moves started coming faster and smoother as she practiced. She also found that she was getting a clearer picture of Obi-Wan's thoughts, and that he was allowing this, not shielding most of the surface impressions from her. She did sense one little area that he was holding back, but not out of any intention to deceive her. It felt more like someone planning a surprise party that he didn't want the recepient to know about just yet. She accepted that there would have to be some areas of privacy, and if he was indeed planning something, she certainly didn't wish to take the pleasure of springing the surprise away from him.
Sabé was thrilled to reach the end of the course having achieved her goal of protecting the Jedi from most of the droids. "Did you feel that? Was it just me, or did we really operate together through the bond?"
Obi-Wan pulled her to the side, and behind a wall that would conceal them from the others. Turning her to face him, hands still on her shoulders, he looked into her eyes, and saw that her joy equaled his own. "No, it wasn't your imagination. The bond is strong."
They smiled at each other, then they started moving closer and closer together. A millisecond before their lips would have touched, they heard their names called.
"Sabé? Jedi Kenobi?" It was Uzza.
"Later,"Sabé whispered. She gave Obi-Wan a crooked grin and shrugged just before she stepped into view. "Since you didn't call me Minister, I assume we're not acting in our professional roles right now?"
"Not at all, my girl! I saw you with that lightsaber. You were brilliant! Come give your proud old father a hug," he said, arms wide open.
"Anytime," Sabé said as they embraced each other with great affection.
"Got a few minutes to chat? Your mother and I haven't seen you in days. When are you and our lovely granddaughter coming for a visit?"
//Enjoy your time with your father. I'll meet you later.// Obi-Wan sent.
//Thank you so much!// she responded. //I do need to catch up with him. See you this afternoon.//
Sabé led the way out of the training area so Obi-Wan could emerge from hiding. Rabé and Padmé were just finishing up their run and waved at him. He waved back and almost turned to go, but Padmé's gesture turned from a greeting to a summons, so he waited for them to catch up.
"Whew," Rabé exhaled. "That was one to get the blood pumping! Jedi Kenobi, you and our Minister make a great team. Last ones in, but not last out! My compliments."
Obi-Wan inclined his head. "Thank you, kind handmaiden."
Rabé smiled in return, then faced her teammate. "With your permission, I'll head for the showers, Your Highness."
Padmé nodded. "I won't be too far behind you. Thanks for watching my back, Rabé."
The handmaiden beamed at the compliment, bowed and jogged off to the dressing rooms.
"Jedi Kenobi, do you find Our course challenging?" the Queen asked, making an abrupt change from her handmaiden persona.
Obi-Wan bowed to her before answering. "Your Highness, even though I have trained on some very tough courses, I can honestly say that this one is able to keep me on my toes."
"Good," Amidala replied. "And your time with Our Minister...was it well spent?"
"Your Minister has never failed to teach me something worthwhile in any occasion that I have shared with her," he said in a soft voice. "But I haven't yet done what we discussed earlier. The setting has not been right."
"It pleases Us a great deal to hear you say that, Honored Jedi." Amidala let a beat pass before she continued. "I have come across a fact that will help you in your persuasion of the Minister, when you find the right setting. The reigning monarch has the authority to conduct certain ceremonies that can be considered binding to the participants, whether or not the details are made public. Since We happen to know that the Minister's chief concern will be publicity, giving her that information will surely overcome her strongest objection." The Queen allowed herself a very unprofessional twinkle in her eye.
Obi-Wan smiled. "Thank you, Your Highness. I shall let you know how things go."
"Before you return to the Minister, I have something to show you. Meet me in an hour in throne room."
******************************************************************************
When he was sure they wouldn't be overheard, Hasin Uzza turned to his daughter on his arm. "So, how goes things with the Jedi?"
Sabé shrugged. "Hard to say, Father. I sense he's still holding back. But I think he's planning something too. I caught that impression while defending him on the range."
Hasin spoke carefully. "Sabé...I trust that you know what you're speaking of, but I am still your father and I don't want to see you hurt. Please be sure that the Jedi is who you want. Your mother and I had always wanted someone stable for you."
She shook her head. "I've had all this time to think it over. Any choice carries risk. If I had fallen in love with a soldier, he could have been killed in the war, just like poor Baris. A politician would be away a lot, and the possible target of assasins. Even an everyday transport driver could be in a fatal accident. With the galaxy as it is, I might as well love a Jedi as anyone else."
The Lieutenant patted her hand. "Spoken wisely. If he does make a move toward a strong commitment, will you be bringing him over to meet the folks?"
"Oh dear! I don't know if I wish to watch Mother rake him over the coals."
"Any Jedi Knight worth his 'saber can handle your mother. You can't put off her interrogation forever. Best to get that over with sooner rather than later, wouldn't you agree?"
She nodded. "You do have a point there. I'll let you know when the timing is right."
Uzza stopped walking and drew Sabé into another hug, this one more protective. "You know whatever happens, whether you stay or go, whether you end up with this Jedi or a lowly nerf herder, I love you."
She hugged him tight. "Love you too."
"Of course not! The fact that you can still fit in the same size that you wore before Meira came along shows that you're dedicated to keeping in shape. I think you have a right to be proud of that," Saché replied, tieing Sabé's hair back into a modified pony tail.
Yané frowned with disapproval from her seat on a nearby bench. "I should have known you'd be out before you ought to be. If you fall out on the course, I should just let you stay there."
Sabé and Saché exchanged knowing looks in the mirror. "I'll be careful, I promise," Sabé said. "If I start feeling bad, I'll pull out. Fair enough?"
Yané sighed. "I suppose so."
Sabé smiled at the student healer. "Yes, believe it or not, I am grateful for your concern,and that's not just a line this time. Thank you for helping me the other night. "
Giving a curt nod, Yané left the dressing room to report to the training range.
Sabé wrinkled her brow and frowned. "I didn't want to offend her. I just couldn't stay cooped up for two whole days!"
"I know," Saché said, grabbing one knee high black leather boot. Taking a seat on the bench and pulling it on, she continued. "She'll be alright. She's fighting to win respect since it took her awhile to find her niche. Some patience would do her good, though. One can't be a healer this soon. She's not halfway through her training yet."
Sabé passed the other boot to Saché. "Still, I'd like to find a way to stay in her good graces. I may have to go ahead and tell her it was a Force directed vision after all. Maybe she'll back off then."
"Uhhh...I don't know if you should do that. Really, the fewer who know that, the safer you and Meira are. It'll work out, don't worry. Think your partner is out there?"
"Should be. Actually, the next person I have to tiptoe around is Panaka. He won't approve of the Minister training in handmaiden fatigues, he'll want me to wear the security uniform. I prefer this outfit, though; it's more feminine."
"And since you are looking to impress your femininity upon your teammate, that's the one to go with."
Sabé blushed, but regained control within seconds. "Am I that transparent?"
"Dear friend, I do find your feelings obvious. Obi-Wan's though--that's a bit harder to call with that Jedi control in the mix. Still...we know of at least one occasion...," Saché raised an eyebrow as she waited for Sabé's reply. All she got was a mysterious smile as they exited the room.
"Alright," Panaka barked. "We have teams of two each." He went down the row. "Saché and Yané; Jeré and Eirtaé;Rabé and Padmé," he said, coughing at the mention of Queen's alter ego. "And," here he stopped and looked hard at Obi-Wan and Sabé. "This is the time set aside for handmaidens."
"As a former handmaiden, and now Minister, I do believe I have not only the right, but the responsibility, to keep up with their progress. I may be called upon to act as a decoy again one day, Captain, so I should be prepared. And as we are working in teams today, I have invited a guest to participate with me."
Panaka turned to Yané. "Has she been cleared to participate? I understood that you had placed her on a two day leave."
Before Yané could answer, a deep male voice came up behind him. "Captain Panaka."
Panaka winced and turned around. He faced a saluting Lieutenant Uzza.
"Sir, I realize you are directing a training session right now, but I request permission to speak with you privately," Uzza said out loud.
Panaka returned the salute. "One moment, Lieutenant." He turned to face Yané again. "Your answer, handmaiden?"
"Captain, I have cleared her conditionally. The Minister has assured me that if she shows any symptoms of illness during the training run, she will pull out. As her teammate is a Jedi Knight, and capable of assisting her should such a problem arise, it is my opinion that she be permitted to participate."
//I should thank her for that later.// Sabé sent to Obi-Wan.
//We both will. Do you think the Captain will clear us?//
//We shall see//
Panaka stepped aside with Uzza for a few moments. After listening to his lieutenant, the Captain returned with a resigned look in his eyes. "Very well, the Jedi and the Minister may operate together. I will program some of the training droids specifically for that team, since they are the most experienced. Kenobi and Calle, I request that you be the last team to enter, as you will face the more difficult program. Eirtaé and Jeré, you are to go first, as soon as you are ready."
Sabé glanced at Obi-Wan's utility belt as the first team entered the training area. "How could I have overlooked that! I'll have to get you a blaster for this range. Good thing we have a bit of time before we go on." She walked to the rack where extra weapons were stored, chose one and brought it to him.
He looked with disdain at the weapon she tried to hand him. "I have no need of that. Too clumsy and random." He immediatly regretted that statement when Sabé's face took on a wounded look.
"Clumsy and random? I know you're not talking about *my* blaster technique!" She whirled around and took a shot at a droid that was just floating out to the range. The target spot on the small machine blinked from green to red, indicating a perfect hit.
"No...not your technique," Obi-Wan replied, his tone a bit kinder now. "It's considered a weapon of attack, we only use our weapons for defense. It's nothing personal at all." He attempted to reassure her by reaching out and stroking her shoulder.
"Oh," she replied, her ego soothed. "Depends on how one uses it. I would think that even Jedi would need to know a bit about blasters. Lightsabers aren't infallible. What if there was a malfunction while you were still in a fight? Having some practice with the blaster could mean the difference between getting away with the protectant, or remaining trapped. You would still be acting in defense by disabling your opponent temporarily, with the weapon on stun."
"You have a point there. I'll work with it a bit," he conceded, more to keep the peace than anything else.
As he watched the droids for the other team float by, Obi-Wan noticed their unusual design. Most droids of this type were painted with a white or buff color and were very utilitarian in appearance. These machines were a blood red with a gold motif trim. The lines were graceful. They were almost like sculpture.
He turned to Sabé with a bemused expression, pointing at the droids. "Even these have to be decorated?"
"Theed began as an art colony, with only the finest craftspersons and artists in residence. It became the capital city when the Naboo turned away from war, and wished to devote their energies to more intellectual pastimes. That was hundreds of years ago, but the tradition lives on," Sabé explained.
Their turn came up soon. As they entered the course, there was barely time to get their bearings before the droids descended upon them, their beauty not overshadowing the challenge they would present.
//A direct hit on the green light scores?// Obi-Wan asked.
//Yes,// Sabé confirmed. // This should be a simple task for you.//
Running up a set of terraces to the left, Obi-Wan was surprised to find that handling blasters wasn't as easy as all that. He got the droids he was aiming for, and dodged his share of stun blasts, but it took more effort to do so than he had imagined it would.
Looking around for Sabé, he spotted her approaching a wall that was to one side of the terraces. //Clear your mind,// he sent. //Make a leap.//
Sabé nodded to indicate that she had gotten the message. He felt her trying to gather the Force to assist her in the attempt, but she didn't quite have the knack yet. Her jump was a bit higher than usual, so she took what she could and climbed the rest of the way over.
//Meet me up ahead. I see a clearing in the trees,// he pointed out.
Between firing the blaster at the droids, Sabé confirmed. //Yes, I know the one.//
They had each knocked out an allotment of droids, but they weren't through with the course yet. More would be sent. The couple did have a few moments to catch their breath when they got back together.
"Well, what did you think?" Sabé asked.
Obi-Wan smiled and nodded. "That was an interesting change for me. Now I have one for you. Put away the blaster."
"What? But more droids are coming!"
"That's right. And you're going to use this!" Obi-Wan removed the lightsaber from his belt, and held it out to Sabé. "Take it. For real this time. You are going to defend me."
The droids were still in the distance, but they were coming in fast. Sabé eyed them nervously. "You mean right now? But I've never used a lightsaber, never even praticed with one! Shouldn't I have some training first?"
Putting his weapon in her hand, Obi-Wan moved behind Sabé and placed his hands on her back, sending her calming vibrations through the Force. //You can do it. I believe in you.//
Flashing a hopeful smile, Sabé prepared for the incoming opponents. The first couple of shots came in fast and high. She missed them and both she and Obi-Wan felt a sting. "Sorry," she hissed.
"It's all right. Bound to catch a few the first time. Just don't give up."
"Never," she said through clenched teeth. Defend the man I love, she thought to herself. I have to do that. I refuse to look a fool in front of him. She had not sent that thought, but Obi-Wan answered it.
//You can't look like a fool to me. That would be impossible.//
She would have asked him how he knew about that, but there was no time. Several other blaster shots were fired. She and Obi-Wan were able to dodge them, but she had not deflected one yet.
Resuming his position behind her, he began sending through the bond. //You know how to do this. It calls for skills you've practiced with other weapons. Think of those. Reach out with your feelings. Defocus your vision if you have to.//
Sabé nodded and prepared once again. Taking the proper stance, she felt the Jedi in her consciousness, giving her encouragment and guidance through impressions. Surprised, and not, at the same time, she started deflecting the bolts. She missed a few, but none hit either of them. A sense of peace and exhilaration came over her. //Have I got it? Is this what it's like? Feels good!//
//Excellent!// he sent her. //Let's go a bit farther along the trail.//
Suddenly she got an impression. //Behind you!// she warned Obi-Wan. Together, they were able to leap out of the way of the shot. Obi-Wan sent more praise and affirmation as they progressed along the course.
The mistakes became fewer and the correct moves started coming faster and smoother as she practiced. She also found that she was getting a clearer picture of Obi-Wan's thoughts, and that he was allowing this, not shielding most of the surface impressions from her. She did sense one little area that he was holding back, but not out of any intention to deceive her. It felt more like someone planning a surprise party that he didn't want the recepient to know about just yet. She accepted that there would have to be some areas of privacy, and if he was indeed planning something, she certainly didn't wish to take the pleasure of springing the surprise away from him.
Sabé was thrilled to reach the end of the course having achieved her goal of protecting the Jedi from most of the droids. "Did you feel that? Was it just me, or did we really operate together through the bond?"
Obi-Wan pulled her to the side, and behind a wall that would conceal them from the others. Turning her to face him, hands still on her shoulders, he looked into her eyes, and saw that her joy equaled his own. "No, it wasn't your imagination. The bond is strong."
They smiled at each other, then they started moving closer and closer together. A millisecond before their lips would have touched, they heard their names called.
"Sabé? Jedi Kenobi?" It was Uzza.
"Later,"Sabé whispered. She gave Obi-Wan a crooked grin and shrugged just before she stepped into view. "Since you didn't call me Minister, I assume we're not acting in our professional roles right now?"
"Not at all, my girl! I saw you with that lightsaber. You were brilliant! Come give your proud old father a hug," he said, arms wide open.
"Anytime," Sabé said as they embraced each other with great affection.
"Got a few minutes to chat? Your mother and I haven't seen you in days. When are you and our lovely granddaughter coming for a visit?"
//Enjoy your time with your father. I'll meet you later.// Obi-Wan sent.
//Thank you so much!// she responded. //I do need to catch up with him. See you this afternoon.//
Sabé led the way out of the training area so Obi-Wan could emerge from hiding. Rabé and Padmé were just finishing up their run and waved at him. He waved back and almost turned to go, but Padmé's gesture turned from a greeting to a summons, so he waited for them to catch up.
"Whew," Rabé exhaled. "That was one to get the blood pumping! Jedi Kenobi, you and our Minister make a great team. Last ones in, but not last out! My compliments."
Obi-Wan inclined his head. "Thank you, kind handmaiden."
Rabé smiled in return, then faced her teammate. "With your permission, I'll head for the showers, Your Highness."
Padmé nodded. "I won't be too far behind you. Thanks for watching my back, Rabé."
The handmaiden beamed at the compliment, bowed and jogged off to the dressing rooms.
"Jedi Kenobi, do you find Our course challenging?" the Queen asked, making an abrupt change from her handmaiden persona.
Obi-Wan bowed to her before answering. "Your Highness, even though I have trained on some very tough courses, I can honestly say that this one is able to keep me on my toes."
"Good," Amidala replied. "And your time with Our Minister...was it well spent?"
"Your Minister has never failed to teach me something worthwhile in any occasion that I have shared with her," he said in a soft voice. "But I haven't yet done what we discussed earlier. The setting has not been right."
"It pleases Us a great deal to hear you say that, Honored Jedi." Amidala let a beat pass before she continued. "I have come across a fact that will help you in your persuasion of the Minister, when you find the right setting. The reigning monarch has the authority to conduct certain ceremonies that can be considered binding to the participants, whether or not the details are made public. Since We happen to know that the Minister's chief concern will be publicity, giving her that information will surely overcome her strongest objection." The Queen allowed herself a very unprofessional twinkle in her eye.
Obi-Wan smiled. "Thank you, Your Highness. I shall let you know how things go."
"Before you return to the Minister, I have something to show you. Meet me in an hour in throne room."
******************************************************************************
When he was sure they wouldn't be overheard, Hasin Uzza turned to his daughter on his arm. "So, how goes things with the Jedi?"
Sabé shrugged. "Hard to say, Father. I sense he's still holding back. But I think he's planning something too. I caught that impression while defending him on the range."
Hasin spoke carefully. "Sabé...I trust that you know what you're speaking of, but I am still your father and I don't want to see you hurt. Please be sure that the Jedi is who you want. Your mother and I had always wanted someone stable for you."
She shook her head. "I've had all this time to think it over. Any choice carries risk. If I had fallen in love with a soldier, he could have been killed in the war, just like poor Baris. A politician would be away a lot, and the possible target of assasins. Even an everyday transport driver could be in a fatal accident. With the galaxy as it is, I might as well love a Jedi as anyone else."
The Lieutenant patted her hand. "Spoken wisely. If he does make a move toward a strong commitment, will you be bringing him over to meet the folks?"
"Oh dear! I don't know if I wish to watch Mother rake him over the coals."
"Any Jedi Knight worth his 'saber can handle your mother. You can't put off her interrogation forever. Best to get that over with sooner rather than later, wouldn't you agree?"
She nodded. "You do have a point there. I'll let you know when the timing is right."
Uzza stopped walking and drew Sabé into another hug, this one more protective. "You know whatever happens, whether you stay or go, whether you end up with this Jedi or a lowly nerf herder, I love you."
She hugged him tight. "Love you too."