Chapter 4
" Cargo which is not covered by a regular commercial shipping line's manifest, and is not moving under regularly established commercial rates published in commercial tariffs, but is moving to or from ports that are served by vessels operating in regular trade routes under commercial tariffs, shall be assessed wharfage on the same basis as the freight charges on such cargo would have been assessed on vessels operating in such regular trade routes under commercial tariffs. And furthermore…."
It had been a long meeting, and like many before it, much was said but not much was solved. They had been in the stuffy cramped room for over two hours, but yet they didn't' seem to have accomplished anything. As hard as she tried to pay attention, and participate, Senator Amidala found her mind wandering to the sunny green meadows of Naboo and to a certain Jedi Padawan. She barely noticed the older Senator from Selonia when she gently tapped her on the shoulder.
"Senator Amidala, is everything okay? You look a million parsecs away," whispered Senator Allerle Irauh, just loud enough for Padmé to hear.
Padmé looked up and realized she had not heard anything that was said for at least an hour.
"Its okay, I'm not exactly enthralled with our current discussion either. I'm sure where ever you were, it's much nicer than it is here." Senator Irauh whispered back. "I think we've had enough of this for today."
"I think we could all use a break. A little fresh air and some exercise might do us all some good. All in favor of adjourning until the same time tomorrow?" She addressed the group with such authority, it hardly befit her advanced age and diminutive stature.
As soon as all members of the group responded with a unanimous "Aye" Senator Irauh waited for them to leave and then sat down next to Padmé who hadn't moved out of her seat. She reached over and put her hand on the young woman's shoulder in a gesture more maternal than anything else.
"You would prefer to be with someone else today wouldn't you? If you would care to talk about it, I have great ears and a very soft shoulder. Who ever this young man is, that has you in such a state, he must be someone very special."
For reasons she couldn't quite explain, Padmé felt as though she could trust this person. There was something about the older woman that radiated warmth, and genuine concern. She wasn't ready to share all of her secrets though. The risk was just too great. She looked up with at the older female with surprise.
"How could she know? We've always been so good at hiding everything. Even Master Kenobi doesn't suspect the full truth. How can this woman, a virtual stranger know. I can't be that obvious can I?"
Padmé couldn't' believe that this woman who she had barely known could read something so personal, and yet there was no trace of anything but kindness in both her voice and her demeanor. She wasn't sure what to say to her. On the one hand, talking to someone would feel good, but she couldn't risk it. The danger to her and Anakin would be too great.
"Don't be so surprised. When you have been around as long as I have, it's not hard to recognize a woman troubled by love. I can tell by the way you have been absent-mindedly handling that little carving, that it clearly means something very important to you."
"It's rather complicated" Padme looked up, trying not to give away too much, even though the thought of finally talking to someone was a very attractive offer.
"It always is Honey, it always is. I've been watching you. For someone so young and beautiful, you are always so serious. No one would think any less of you, if you were to let your hair down and have a little fun every once in awhile. It might do you some good. I've been told I make a pretty good listener. Maybe I could meet you in the Senate Lounge for a cup of ardees later?"
"Maybe another time. I am expecting something tonight and I'd like to be home just in case." She knew if there were any possible way for Anakin to contact her, he would do it tonight. There was no way she was not going to be home.
"Your hoping to hear from your young man aren't you? If you change your mind you know where to find me" The older woman sounded genuinely concerned and sympathetic. It was almost like she could read what Padmé was thinking.
"Thank-you. Senator...." Padmé responded gratefully, but was interrupted by the older woman before she could finish her sentence.
"Call me Allerle. I hate formal titles, they sound so formal and cold."
"Thank-you Allerle. I'm Padmé. I may take you up on that offer another time."
"Good night Padmé. I hope you hear from him."
"Thank-You"