CHAPTER 6
Coruscant was by all measures the brightest planet in the galaxy, it had been said that the lights from her surface, could be seen as far as Tatooine on any given night. Her towering monoliths of illumination and artificial glow are a complete tribute to the endless extent of the Republic's ingenuity and its citizen's dexterity towards progress. After the great Yuuzhan Vong War, during the early days of the Skywalker Era, Coruscant was left in ruins, with billions dead on the planet alone and her buildings reduced to mere dust. The republic questioned whether or not to return to the capital world after the war but the citizens of Coruscant, like Luke Skywalker and many of his own family didn't give up on her so easily. It only took thirty years before all the restoration was finished, restoring most of the planet to her prior condition. A grand feat indeed by anyone's standards, one that would not have happened if not for the Jedi people themselves who earned the respect of the Coruscant people and the Republic as a whole, due to their efforts in spearheading this campaign, The Jedi have also reestablished their role as the Peace keepers of the universe and their identity as a sovereign race. The planet today serves as a constant reminder of the New Republic's strength and will to live on for the prospects of peace and prosperity. Lighting the night sky of endless worlds within the galaxy like a great star, always shining, never seceding into the darkness of the universe but this never kept darkness from trying to smother that light.
Midday of Coruscant, Chancellor Gressure, one of five other residing members of the Senate high chancellors board was waiting on the main deck of a landing platform that hovered low between several prominently tall skyscrapers in hopes of avoiding any other attacks, like the attempt on Ambassador Amidala's life, only a day ago. Being the high ranking official that he is, Gressure was flanked by his own ensemble of personal guards all clad in the uniform blue armor and cloaks that set them apart from the average New Republic law enforcers.
Suddenly, one of the guard's communiqués broke the patient silence with the voice of a non-human space traffic controller. "Traffic controller-beta-niner-seven reporting: Duconar diplomatic vessel making its final landing approach."
"I copy." the guard responded as a strange looking vessel came into the groups vision. It was solid black vessel, dark and imposing, which was shaped like a giant one-winged wedge, something that seemed a bit out of character from the peaceful descriptions of Docunan race, but they are also considered a very abstract race, and Greesure was assured that 'black' was a symbolic color of royalty, much like that of the Naboo which could also explain why each planet, given their far distance from each other have managed to keep ties together. Even during this time of War with the Sith and the limited journey's into the unknown territory which Duconar lies at the edge of.
As the vessel eased down onto the landing flat, Chancellor Gressure and his guards approached the Duconar transport as its main entry hatch slip open, revealing the Queen of the quest planet: Queen Lafonlo. Who was dressed in a Rose red coat that poured over an elaborate black gown that hooded over her head tightly around the edges of her face, concealing most of her tan forehead and all of her hair, Lafonlo was accompanied by only two of her own black armored bodyguards, who were much larger than their Coruscant counterparts, in build and in height with equally larger pulse rifles. Needless to say, Gressure was a bit intimidated.
"Welcome your highness." Gressure said in a diplomatic tone.
"Greeting from the highest to you also Chancellor." The Duconar royal returned in an exotic and rhythmic accent.
"I hope your journey wasn't too long." Gressure said in a pitiful attempt to strike conversation.
"Space travel is a ceremonial event on my world Chancellor." Lafonlo looked over to the stocky Corellian with solid green eyes that were brighter than Coruscant's own sun as the mass of Guards followed the duo to the speeder dock. "It is not so much a venture as much as it is an experience!"
"Well." Gressure became a little nervous not expecting this kind of answer to his common greeting, luckily for him the small journey from the royal's ship to her speeder transport was at its end. ".here you are your highness. This taxi will take you and your guards to your penthouse across from the senate building and will return to pick you up when you are ready to arrive for the gala tonight."
Lafonlo gave a respectful bow as thanks to the chancellor's gracious nature. "Good graces to you Chancellor." Then she and her group of silent and somewhat menacing troops entered the large transport as the Chancellor headed for his own speeder to attend to his business back at the Senate offices before he himself prepared for the gala event.
Lafonlo's craft launched into the skies, dancing though traffic and between tall buildings like a needle through tapestry. This driver was skilled, indeed a great pilot but he was not only that and the Queen from Duconar knew this for a fact.
"What do you have to report to me?" the man did not give any physical sign to look at Lafonlo, he just responded as a solder was trained to do when spoken to by his employer.
"All is going as planned so far." The dark haired bounty hunter injected with a stern sound resonating from his vocal cords. "Our boy has briefed his hired help and is preparing for tonight's mission."
The royally attired woman gave a sinister smile to this response. "Good. That is just what I wanted to hear, is your ship ready for departure?"
"Always." The tan skinned man answered with an emotionless sound.
"Ah of course, you'd think that after all these years I would have finally become accustom to your habits Captain Fett?" Lafonlo then began to laugh, belting out sharp painful bursts of noise that didn't seem to bother Fett or her loyal guards, which she ended just as abruptly as she began. "Now let us prepare ourselves for this night will not be one to be forgotten."
* * *
As dusk came to its fruition, Aled was undergoing something he could have never perceived he would as a Knight of the Jedi Order, dressing for a Ball. There Aled stood in the center of Ambassador Amidala's penthouse quarters, on top of a small stool, bared down to nothing but his pants and under tunic as Padme's two handmaidens: Sollta and Mitre attempted to find the proper ensemble for the young Orveasian man.
"Is this really necessary?" He said in a neutral tone, trying not to sound ungrateful.
"Yes." The two women said in unison.
The Jedi Noble gave a small sigh. This was the first time he had ever been fitted for a suit, he was unsure how to react but for some reason he felt a bit nervous.
"You have nothing to worry about Jedi Oden." The blue eyed Sollta assured. "Mitre and I will take your measurements and fit you for your clothes. All you have to do is stand there until we are done."
"Will this take long?" Aled questioned with calm sounding voice, even though he found no joy from the idea of this 'fitting'.
"As long as necessary." Mitre shot back at him as she activated a small analytical scanner which would be used to record Aled's measurements. ".now lift your arms out to either side."
Aled reluctantly complied, raising his arms out, very level, his powerful arms holding stiff as they floated in the air. The two women in the room couldn't help but to take note of the handsome Jedi's rather large muscles. "Like this?"
"Yes that will do." Sollta murmured as she gave a wide eyed expression to Mitre.
The Mitre, her brown eyes wandering over Aled's firm features as she scanned them in a circling pace, managed to break a small awkward silence with a question she knew Sollta was dying to ask. ".so, Jedi Oden." Mitre began to circle Aled's position as the scanner took in his physical geometry. "How long have you known Madame Ambassador?" The brown haired girl hesitated not wanting to reveal her and Sollta's inquiry, not yet at least.
Aled could sense the earnest drive of curiosity which emanated from the two Nubians, not truly knowing what it was they sought to know, he went along with the offhand question. "Well, if I'm not mistaken. I first met Ambassador Amidala during the Asilon incident, six years ago when I was still an apprentice and I believe she a Senator's aid."
"How did you meet?" Sollta added with a wiry smile as she began to sort through a small sample of fabrics that might be used for the Jedi's new clothing.
Eyes focused on the light haired Sollta, Aled complied. "That's a bit complicated."
"That's alright, we have the time." Mitre assured having heard Padme's half of the story a long time ago, she was eager to hear the Jedi's take on the events.
"Well." Aled huffed, his arms still not budging as a result of strain, but more from his nervous approach on matters relating to him and the lovely Nubian dignitary. ".I do believe you both know about the events which led to the Asilon incident?"
"Correct." Sollta answered.
"Alright then, I and Master Venad, along with my friend Mace and his Master were assigned to help settled the dispute between your people and the Asilon's. My first day on Naboo, We were introduced to Senator Quel who happened to introduce us to his own Handmaidens and a young Aid by the name of Padme Amidala."
"Yes.and?" Mitre began to loose concentration with her scanner.
"We happened to strike up a small conversation right there on the landing platform."
"What about?" Mitre injected as she slowed her pace to listen in on the Jedi's words.
Aled knew what the intentions of the little interrogation was for, he was slightly amused and decided that since theses women would be dressing him for tonight's event he best comply unless they use this power against him. "If I remember correctly.she and I were discussing the striking similarities between Naboo and my homeworld: Orveaous. Their lush plant life, their great oceans and aesthetic architecture."
Sollta was seemingly entranced by the Man's words. "Then what?"
Aled rolled his eyes once more as he continued. "After a few minutes of senseless banter, I felt something in the Force, warning me of impending danger."
"And that was when the attack happened?" Mitre paused entirely as she and Sollta listened.
"Yes, so without second thought. I pulled Madame Amidala to safety behind a nearby statue as my cohorts and the Nubian dignitaries evaded the blast as well."
"Really?" Sollta said in a disapproving tone which Aled didn't need to sense with his Jedi skills unless he was without hearing. "That's not how she says it."
Aled's head cocked to the side slightly as he looked the fair skinned woman in the eye at what seemed to be an attack on his merit of an honest nature. "Pardon me?"
"Oh no offense Jedi Oden" Sollta comforted, seeing how her comment might have been taken in spite "it's just that Madame Ambassador said that you shielded her body with your own from the blast."
Aled parted his lips into a tiny smile upon hearing this revelation. "So, she already told about our first encounter?"
"A few times actually." Mitre said as she returned her primary focus to her task at hand. ".mostly of the dance at the Celebration the week after the Asilon incident.
"Madame Amidala thinks very highly of you Noble Aled." Sollta added as he removed a small sheet of black material from the fabric sampler.
"So she still talks of me?" He said with earnest intrigue, his arms still holding their broad and open position.
"Yes." Sollta responded.
"After six years?" Aled welcomed this surprise.
"She is very fond of you. When she heard that you were to be knighted three years ago, she had arranged to attend your Ceremony at the Jedi Temple but her wok as an Ambassador demanded she stay on Naboo." Sollta said, not realizing how much information she was giving the handsome Jedi.
"I never knew." Aled sighed.
Then a high pitched beeping began to fill the room which was emitted from Mitre's scanner. "We're done Jedi Oden. You can relax your arms and put on the rest of your robes now."
The Jedi eased his arms down to their normal resting position at his sides, having never shown or felt any signs of tire as he stepped down from the pedestal to put on his discarded robes. The weight he carried being held in his heart. In the form of a single question he thought he had quelled years ago. '.does she care for me in the same way I care for her?' Aled took a moment of quiet self reflection as he pulled on his over trousers.
Soon the sounds of footsteps filled the room as Padme entered the living quarters. Aled didn't notice her presence until she spoke. "How goes the fitting?" she said in a well punctuated tone.
Aled turned with the Ambassador's entrance with an awkward smile dawned on his face, realizing that his senses were put off guard by his own thoughts. Aled didn't even detect Padme's approach to his proximity. "We just finished scanning Jedi Oden's geometry M'lady. Soon enough we should be able to pick out a more suitable garment for tonight."
"Good to hear." Padme said as she gazed over towards the handsome Jedi across the room, taking note of his firm geometry for herself before he pulled on his over tunic.
"Am I to believe that you will be choosing my clothing M'lady?" he approached the ambassador as he fastened his belt around his waist, with a humoring tone projecting his words.
Padme giggled at the Jedi's inquiry. "First off, Aled. I asked you to address me as Padme when we weren't in public, and unless you have any preferences to what you will be wearing tonight? Sollta and Mitre will see to that."
Aled felt surprisingly calmed by hearing Padme laugh. "As you wish M'lady. Padme it is then." On the far side of the room, Mitre and Sollta were quietly enjoying themselves as they witnessed the secret displays of emotions sparring off between the Jedi and their Ambassador during their seemingly simple conversation. "When are we departing for the Senate Hall?"
"We have four hours until the Ball tonight." Padme assured Aled as the two began to walk down the hall, leaving her two handmaidens to their work. "I have an hour before I need to begin preparing myself for tonight's party so I thought it would be nice if we could take this time to."
".catch up?" the Jedi expelled, finishing Padme's thought without reading her mind. This perplexed the Jedi knight, but not as much as the Ambassador's first statement.
"Yes." Padme smiled.
"But if the Gala is in four hours, then why do you only have an hour till you need to get ready?"
Padme shook her head realizing how ridiculous her response might sound to Aled. "My work requires that I dress as royalty and that in itself is an elaborate and tedious task." The two found a small, velvet couch at the end of the hallway near a large window that overlooked the great expanse of Coruscant's many surrounding districts. Aled gestured his hand for Padme to sit, waited for her to take her seat first before he sat down to continue listening to her lovely voice. "One of the drawbacks to being an Ambassador I guess, while the clothing is exquisite, it sure does take a long time to put on, but it is every little girl's dream to be treated as a queen I guess?" She shrugged, staring at the floor in a timid manner.
Aled took a good look over Padme's current clothing, which as far as he could tell, was a simple house coat that seemed to cover an intercity knit sweater and well accommodating skirt. The gloss maroon jacket went well down to her knees, barely covering her twin silk shoes. He knew from the look of her now, that she didn't need anything artificial to enhance her beauty. "I don't believe it's what one wears on the outside that makes them beautiful." He said, catching the young woman's attention once more. "It's what they are on the inside that should reflect how they appear to others." He assured with a gaze that seemed to dive deep into Padme's eyes.
"I couldn't agree more." Padme was captivated by Aled's proverb, which was something she had come to accept herself as a sole believer in. It was something that only served to heighten her attraction to the twenty year old Jedi, but were it not for her duties to her people, she would act upon this instinct. "But every occupation has its downs, being a Jedi must be no different than being an Ambassador at times?"
"With our first encounter in mind, I can't really disagree with that point." Padme laughed at Aled's joke, he joined in, finding joy from her amusement.
Padme sighed as she began to speak over her laughter. "Thank you."
"For what?" Aled was struck by this unexpected comment.
"For making me laugh, I haven't done that in a while." Padme said with an earnest look of appreciation on her face. "My work has been so tumultuous recently. I almost forgot how to laugh."
"How can you forget how to laugh?" Aled pressed, with earnest concern growing in him.
"Sometimes I wonder that myself? Ever since I came into office, my life has just been overcome by work, and I rarely have anytime to myself or to spend in the company of friends. The only people I do have anytime with our my Handmaidens, they're the closets things I have to friends really." she smiled awkwardly. ".that is until you were assigned to be my protectorate."
Aled found a sense of personal respect from this, and as her friend he thought it best to give a suggestion that would better help Padme. "Have you considered a vacation?"
Padme smirked to herself as she shook her head at the almost preposterous proposal. "Where would I go?" She sighed. "My work has sent me halfway across the Republic, I have seen all the worlds there are to see."
Aled pondered whether or not he should suggest it for a second before finally saying it. "Have you ever been to Orveaous?"
"Yes actually, it is a beautiful planet, it rival's Naboo in lushness and architecture." Padme admitted. "You are fortunate to call it home."
"I am." Aled agreed. "Few Jedi can say that they have a home nowadays, besides the Ossus district or other Temples off Coruscant." He enlightened Padme, who showed an honest interest. "Home as we know it should be with the Force."
"So in essence, everywhere you go is home?" Padme inquired with a baser knowledge of the Force driving her.
"Yes." Aled nodded, sensing her mood begin to brighten.
"I never thought of it that way." She grinned a bit, staring out onto the skyline. The sun was beginning to set. Bright colors of crimson and violet danced across the clouds and shimmered off the buildings and eventually into the young Nubian woman's eyes.
"It's not a vacation you want." Aled pressed onto Padme, causing her to look at him in a manner of surprise.
"What do you mean?" she replied, a bit taken by the Jedi's unexpected words and somewhat confused.
".you want to go home." He said with confidence, he could read every emotion she was emitting, much like an unwilling reader to an open book. "I can sense it, you are homesick."
The young politician sighed collecting herself before responding to Aled's truthful observation. "I guess I am now that you mention it, funny I never thought of it before but it's true."
"Do you consider Naboo home?" The Jedi continued asking questions in hopes to help ease Padme's worn nerves.
"In a way, I was raised there, my foster family is on Naboo and it was her homeworld."
"Her homeworld?" Aled was befuddled.
"My template's. The original Padme Amidala." She clarified.
"Oh.I see." Aled almost slapped himself for his blind stupidity, but realized the simplicity in the mistake. "If it helps you in any way, I know both Obi-wan and Mace have had similar feelings on what they consider 'home'?"
Padme could see that Aled was trying his hardest to help her. He couldn't really understand what she was going through even if Obi-wan and Mace were his closest friends and they had shared their feelings with him on this matter. He couldn't really comprehend what a clone goes through, trying to live amongst those of normal birth. He was just trying to help her feel better and deep down inside, Padme wanted him to make her feel happy. "My life as a clone has been a little bit different than either Mace or Obi-wan's. Being a politician assigned to represent a world she wasn't born on has had its own tribulations."
"I see." He said once again, nodding in a quiet defeat.
"Where I come from is different than where everyone else comes from. During my days in primary school, I remember just before graduation, I was required to compose a paper based on one subject: How has your Legacy affected your plans for the future?" Padme shook her head as the painful memory returned to her. "I couldn't do the assignment, my instructor understood why I couldn't do the assignment and he suggested that I write the paper based on my foster family's heritage but I couldn't because it didn't feel right to me. That was the first time I failed at something I did and that question has still been plaguing me. What is my legacy?"
Padme had never thought of it that way. "I guess your right." She agreed. "It seems we do have much in common."
"Of course we do." Aled blurted out inadvertently for some reason beyond his understanding at the time.
"What do you mean by that?" Padme said, confused by the Jedi's words.
Now is when Aled wished that he could simply erase her mind of his clumsy tongue, but even if her will weren't so strong he would never do such a thing to begin with, now was when his wits would have to save him. ".I only implied that we are all guided by the force, therefore we all have that in common with one another." He could have patted himself on the back for such a great excuse.
"Well." Padme began to tense up her muscles, something was uneasy in her. Aled could sense it.
"What's wrong?"
Padme peered out the window, purposely not looking Aled in the eye in fear that her words would offend him in someway, the last thing she would want to do. ".I don't know what the Force wants of me, I just.it's hard to explain."
"You believe that because you are a clone, that perhaps the Force has no purpose for you." Aled answered it for her.
"Yes." She turned back to him, in a bit of awe. ".it appears that you have a way of finishing my thoughts for me Aled."
"Jedis are quite perceptive Padme." Aled injected with a tone of modesty.
"Not just that." She replied. "There is more to it than that? Something I can't quite tell?"
The Orveasian couldn't perceive what it was either, instead he was intrigued by the beautiful woman's reference in regard to her own belief. "Do you believe in the Force?" he expressed with a cautious heart.
"For the longest time I never really knew." she paused, fearful of her own words. ".that was until I met a Jedi." His eyes grew intense with welcomed shock. "Before I was an Apprentice Legislator on Naboo, the Jedi, to me were only a race of courageous warriors who I knew too little of to hold any objective opinion fore or against, but when I first met a Jedi I became enlightened to no end. Every word he spoke just glowed with an endless flow of spirituality. And I couldn't help but be jealous of his faith." All the while her mind replayed all the short but sweet experiences she shared with a much younger Jedi by the name of Oden.
Aled was so transfixed with Padme's words to even glimpse into her mind. He had to ask. "And who was this Jedi? Perhaps I know him?"
"I wouldn't be surprised if you did." She laughed to herself, confusing Aled even more so than he was a moment before.
Just then, Tuhmi appeared from around the vestibule, as if she had undergone a search. "Madam Amidala?"
Padme turned to face her loyal Handmaiden. "Yes Tuhmi?"
"We should begin preparing you for the gala." She switched her focus to the Knight at her Ambassador's side. "Jedi Oden, your suit will be ready in the hour."
"Thank you Tuhmi I will be there in a second." Padme ordered. Tuhmi walked away back to the master bedroom, but not before shooting a wink at the Ambassador. Aled took good note of this curious action as Padme arose from the couch. "Well, duty calls." They both smiled in silent amusement. "I guess I will see you in a few hours then?" Aled got up from the couch as well, now looking down to the brown haired beauty, staring at her with warm eyes.
"Of course M'lady." He bowed in a generous display of respect as she walked off to her room to undergo the tumultuous task of getting dressed. Leaving Aled alone with his thoughts, he felt a calming sense of assurance. Tonight would be a good night for him. What exactly for? Only the Force will tell.
Coruscant was by all measures the brightest planet in the galaxy, it had been said that the lights from her surface, could be seen as far as Tatooine on any given night. Her towering monoliths of illumination and artificial glow are a complete tribute to the endless extent of the Republic's ingenuity and its citizen's dexterity towards progress. After the great Yuuzhan Vong War, during the early days of the Skywalker Era, Coruscant was left in ruins, with billions dead on the planet alone and her buildings reduced to mere dust. The republic questioned whether or not to return to the capital world after the war but the citizens of Coruscant, like Luke Skywalker and many of his own family didn't give up on her so easily. It only took thirty years before all the restoration was finished, restoring most of the planet to her prior condition. A grand feat indeed by anyone's standards, one that would not have happened if not for the Jedi people themselves who earned the respect of the Coruscant people and the Republic as a whole, due to their efforts in spearheading this campaign, The Jedi have also reestablished their role as the Peace keepers of the universe and their identity as a sovereign race. The planet today serves as a constant reminder of the New Republic's strength and will to live on for the prospects of peace and prosperity. Lighting the night sky of endless worlds within the galaxy like a great star, always shining, never seceding into the darkness of the universe but this never kept darkness from trying to smother that light.
Midday of Coruscant, Chancellor Gressure, one of five other residing members of the Senate high chancellors board was waiting on the main deck of a landing platform that hovered low between several prominently tall skyscrapers in hopes of avoiding any other attacks, like the attempt on Ambassador Amidala's life, only a day ago. Being the high ranking official that he is, Gressure was flanked by his own ensemble of personal guards all clad in the uniform blue armor and cloaks that set them apart from the average New Republic law enforcers.
Suddenly, one of the guard's communiqués broke the patient silence with the voice of a non-human space traffic controller. "Traffic controller-beta-niner-seven reporting: Duconar diplomatic vessel making its final landing approach."
"I copy." the guard responded as a strange looking vessel came into the groups vision. It was solid black vessel, dark and imposing, which was shaped like a giant one-winged wedge, something that seemed a bit out of character from the peaceful descriptions of Docunan race, but they are also considered a very abstract race, and Greesure was assured that 'black' was a symbolic color of royalty, much like that of the Naboo which could also explain why each planet, given their far distance from each other have managed to keep ties together. Even during this time of War with the Sith and the limited journey's into the unknown territory which Duconar lies at the edge of.
As the vessel eased down onto the landing flat, Chancellor Gressure and his guards approached the Duconar transport as its main entry hatch slip open, revealing the Queen of the quest planet: Queen Lafonlo. Who was dressed in a Rose red coat that poured over an elaborate black gown that hooded over her head tightly around the edges of her face, concealing most of her tan forehead and all of her hair, Lafonlo was accompanied by only two of her own black armored bodyguards, who were much larger than their Coruscant counterparts, in build and in height with equally larger pulse rifles. Needless to say, Gressure was a bit intimidated.
"Welcome your highness." Gressure said in a diplomatic tone.
"Greeting from the highest to you also Chancellor." The Duconar royal returned in an exotic and rhythmic accent.
"I hope your journey wasn't too long." Gressure said in a pitiful attempt to strike conversation.
"Space travel is a ceremonial event on my world Chancellor." Lafonlo looked over to the stocky Corellian with solid green eyes that were brighter than Coruscant's own sun as the mass of Guards followed the duo to the speeder dock. "It is not so much a venture as much as it is an experience!"
"Well." Gressure became a little nervous not expecting this kind of answer to his common greeting, luckily for him the small journey from the royal's ship to her speeder transport was at its end. ".here you are your highness. This taxi will take you and your guards to your penthouse across from the senate building and will return to pick you up when you are ready to arrive for the gala tonight."
Lafonlo gave a respectful bow as thanks to the chancellor's gracious nature. "Good graces to you Chancellor." Then she and her group of silent and somewhat menacing troops entered the large transport as the Chancellor headed for his own speeder to attend to his business back at the Senate offices before he himself prepared for the gala event.
Lafonlo's craft launched into the skies, dancing though traffic and between tall buildings like a needle through tapestry. This driver was skilled, indeed a great pilot but he was not only that and the Queen from Duconar knew this for a fact.
"What do you have to report to me?" the man did not give any physical sign to look at Lafonlo, he just responded as a solder was trained to do when spoken to by his employer.
"All is going as planned so far." The dark haired bounty hunter injected with a stern sound resonating from his vocal cords. "Our boy has briefed his hired help and is preparing for tonight's mission."
The royally attired woman gave a sinister smile to this response. "Good. That is just what I wanted to hear, is your ship ready for departure?"
"Always." The tan skinned man answered with an emotionless sound.
"Ah of course, you'd think that after all these years I would have finally become accustom to your habits Captain Fett?" Lafonlo then began to laugh, belting out sharp painful bursts of noise that didn't seem to bother Fett or her loyal guards, which she ended just as abruptly as she began. "Now let us prepare ourselves for this night will not be one to be forgotten."
* * *
As dusk came to its fruition, Aled was undergoing something he could have never perceived he would as a Knight of the Jedi Order, dressing for a Ball. There Aled stood in the center of Ambassador Amidala's penthouse quarters, on top of a small stool, bared down to nothing but his pants and under tunic as Padme's two handmaidens: Sollta and Mitre attempted to find the proper ensemble for the young Orveasian man.
"Is this really necessary?" He said in a neutral tone, trying not to sound ungrateful.
"Yes." The two women said in unison.
The Jedi Noble gave a small sigh. This was the first time he had ever been fitted for a suit, he was unsure how to react but for some reason he felt a bit nervous.
"You have nothing to worry about Jedi Oden." The blue eyed Sollta assured. "Mitre and I will take your measurements and fit you for your clothes. All you have to do is stand there until we are done."
"Will this take long?" Aled questioned with calm sounding voice, even though he found no joy from the idea of this 'fitting'.
"As long as necessary." Mitre shot back at him as she activated a small analytical scanner which would be used to record Aled's measurements. ".now lift your arms out to either side."
Aled reluctantly complied, raising his arms out, very level, his powerful arms holding stiff as they floated in the air. The two women in the room couldn't help but to take note of the handsome Jedi's rather large muscles. "Like this?"
"Yes that will do." Sollta murmured as she gave a wide eyed expression to Mitre.
The Mitre, her brown eyes wandering over Aled's firm features as she scanned them in a circling pace, managed to break a small awkward silence with a question she knew Sollta was dying to ask. ".so, Jedi Oden." Mitre began to circle Aled's position as the scanner took in his physical geometry. "How long have you known Madame Ambassador?" The brown haired girl hesitated not wanting to reveal her and Sollta's inquiry, not yet at least.
Aled could sense the earnest drive of curiosity which emanated from the two Nubians, not truly knowing what it was they sought to know, he went along with the offhand question. "Well, if I'm not mistaken. I first met Ambassador Amidala during the Asilon incident, six years ago when I was still an apprentice and I believe she a Senator's aid."
"How did you meet?" Sollta added with a wiry smile as she began to sort through a small sample of fabrics that might be used for the Jedi's new clothing.
Eyes focused on the light haired Sollta, Aled complied. "That's a bit complicated."
"That's alright, we have the time." Mitre assured having heard Padme's half of the story a long time ago, she was eager to hear the Jedi's take on the events.
"Well." Aled huffed, his arms still not budging as a result of strain, but more from his nervous approach on matters relating to him and the lovely Nubian dignitary. ".I do believe you both know about the events which led to the Asilon incident?"
"Correct." Sollta answered.
"Alright then, I and Master Venad, along with my friend Mace and his Master were assigned to help settled the dispute between your people and the Asilon's. My first day on Naboo, We were introduced to Senator Quel who happened to introduce us to his own Handmaidens and a young Aid by the name of Padme Amidala."
"Yes.and?" Mitre began to loose concentration with her scanner.
"We happened to strike up a small conversation right there on the landing platform."
"What about?" Mitre injected as she slowed her pace to listen in on the Jedi's words.
Aled knew what the intentions of the little interrogation was for, he was slightly amused and decided that since theses women would be dressing him for tonight's event he best comply unless they use this power against him. "If I remember correctly.she and I were discussing the striking similarities between Naboo and my homeworld: Orveaous. Their lush plant life, their great oceans and aesthetic architecture."
Sollta was seemingly entranced by the Man's words. "Then what?"
Aled rolled his eyes once more as he continued. "After a few minutes of senseless banter, I felt something in the Force, warning me of impending danger."
"And that was when the attack happened?" Mitre paused entirely as she and Sollta listened.
"Yes, so without second thought. I pulled Madame Amidala to safety behind a nearby statue as my cohorts and the Nubian dignitaries evaded the blast as well."
"Really?" Sollta said in a disapproving tone which Aled didn't need to sense with his Jedi skills unless he was without hearing. "That's not how she says it."
Aled's head cocked to the side slightly as he looked the fair skinned woman in the eye at what seemed to be an attack on his merit of an honest nature. "Pardon me?"
"Oh no offense Jedi Oden" Sollta comforted, seeing how her comment might have been taken in spite "it's just that Madame Ambassador said that you shielded her body with your own from the blast."
Aled parted his lips into a tiny smile upon hearing this revelation. "So, she already told about our first encounter?"
"A few times actually." Mitre said as she returned her primary focus to her task at hand. ".mostly of the dance at the Celebration the week after the Asilon incident.
"Madame Amidala thinks very highly of you Noble Aled." Sollta added as he removed a small sheet of black material from the fabric sampler.
"So she still talks of me?" He said with earnest intrigue, his arms still holding their broad and open position.
"Yes." Sollta responded.
"After six years?" Aled welcomed this surprise.
"She is very fond of you. When she heard that you were to be knighted three years ago, she had arranged to attend your Ceremony at the Jedi Temple but her wok as an Ambassador demanded she stay on Naboo." Sollta said, not realizing how much information she was giving the handsome Jedi.
"I never knew." Aled sighed.
Then a high pitched beeping began to fill the room which was emitted from Mitre's scanner. "We're done Jedi Oden. You can relax your arms and put on the rest of your robes now."
The Jedi eased his arms down to their normal resting position at his sides, having never shown or felt any signs of tire as he stepped down from the pedestal to put on his discarded robes. The weight he carried being held in his heart. In the form of a single question he thought he had quelled years ago. '.does she care for me in the same way I care for her?' Aled took a moment of quiet self reflection as he pulled on his over trousers.
Soon the sounds of footsteps filled the room as Padme entered the living quarters. Aled didn't notice her presence until she spoke. "How goes the fitting?" she said in a well punctuated tone.
Aled turned with the Ambassador's entrance with an awkward smile dawned on his face, realizing that his senses were put off guard by his own thoughts. Aled didn't even detect Padme's approach to his proximity. "We just finished scanning Jedi Oden's geometry M'lady. Soon enough we should be able to pick out a more suitable garment for tonight."
"Good to hear." Padme said as she gazed over towards the handsome Jedi across the room, taking note of his firm geometry for herself before he pulled on his over tunic.
"Am I to believe that you will be choosing my clothing M'lady?" he approached the ambassador as he fastened his belt around his waist, with a humoring tone projecting his words.
Padme giggled at the Jedi's inquiry. "First off, Aled. I asked you to address me as Padme when we weren't in public, and unless you have any preferences to what you will be wearing tonight? Sollta and Mitre will see to that."
Aled felt surprisingly calmed by hearing Padme laugh. "As you wish M'lady. Padme it is then." On the far side of the room, Mitre and Sollta were quietly enjoying themselves as they witnessed the secret displays of emotions sparring off between the Jedi and their Ambassador during their seemingly simple conversation. "When are we departing for the Senate Hall?"
"We have four hours until the Ball tonight." Padme assured Aled as the two began to walk down the hall, leaving her two handmaidens to their work. "I have an hour before I need to begin preparing myself for tonight's party so I thought it would be nice if we could take this time to."
".catch up?" the Jedi expelled, finishing Padme's thought without reading her mind. This perplexed the Jedi knight, but not as much as the Ambassador's first statement.
"Yes." Padme smiled.
"But if the Gala is in four hours, then why do you only have an hour till you need to get ready?"
Padme shook her head realizing how ridiculous her response might sound to Aled. "My work requires that I dress as royalty and that in itself is an elaborate and tedious task." The two found a small, velvet couch at the end of the hallway near a large window that overlooked the great expanse of Coruscant's many surrounding districts. Aled gestured his hand for Padme to sit, waited for her to take her seat first before he sat down to continue listening to her lovely voice. "One of the drawbacks to being an Ambassador I guess, while the clothing is exquisite, it sure does take a long time to put on, but it is every little girl's dream to be treated as a queen I guess?" She shrugged, staring at the floor in a timid manner.
Aled took a good look over Padme's current clothing, which as far as he could tell, was a simple house coat that seemed to cover an intercity knit sweater and well accommodating skirt. The gloss maroon jacket went well down to her knees, barely covering her twin silk shoes. He knew from the look of her now, that she didn't need anything artificial to enhance her beauty. "I don't believe it's what one wears on the outside that makes them beautiful." He said, catching the young woman's attention once more. "It's what they are on the inside that should reflect how they appear to others." He assured with a gaze that seemed to dive deep into Padme's eyes.
"I couldn't agree more." Padme was captivated by Aled's proverb, which was something she had come to accept herself as a sole believer in. It was something that only served to heighten her attraction to the twenty year old Jedi, but were it not for her duties to her people, she would act upon this instinct. "But every occupation has its downs, being a Jedi must be no different than being an Ambassador at times?"
"With our first encounter in mind, I can't really disagree with that point." Padme laughed at Aled's joke, he joined in, finding joy from her amusement.
Padme sighed as she began to speak over her laughter. "Thank you."
"For what?" Aled was struck by this unexpected comment.
"For making me laugh, I haven't done that in a while." Padme said with an earnest look of appreciation on her face. "My work has been so tumultuous recently. I almost forgot how to laugh."
"How can you forget how to laugh?" Aled pressed, with earnest concern growing in him.
"Sometimes I wonder that myself? Ever since I came into office, my life has just been overcome by work, and I rarely have anytime to myself or to spend in the company of friends. The only people I do have anytime with our my Handmaidens, they're the closets things I have to friends really." she smiled awkwardly. ".that is until you were assigned to be my protectorate."
Aled found a sense of personal respect from this, and as her friend he thought it best to give a suggestion that would better help Padme. "Have you considered a vacation?"
Padme smirked to herself as she shook her head at the almost preposterous proposal. "Where would I go?" She sighed. "My work has sent me halfway across the Republic, I have seen all the worlds there are to see."
Aled pondered whether or not he should suggest it for a second before finally saying it. "Have you ever been to Orveaous?"
"Yes actually, it is a beautiful planet, it rival's Naboo in lushness and architecture." Padme admitted. "You are fortunate to call it home."
"I am." Aled agreed. "Few Jedi can say that they have a home nowadays, besides the Ossus district or other Temples off Coruscant." He enlightened Padme, who showed an honest interest. "Home as we know it should be with the Force."
"So in essence, everywhere you go is home?" Padme inquired with a baser knowledge of the Force driving her.
"Yes." Aled nodded, sensing her mood begin to brighten.
"I never thought of it that way." She grinned a bit, staring out onto the skyline. The sun was beginning to set. Bright colors of crimson and violet danced across the clouds and shimmered off the buildings and eventually into the young Nubian woman's eyes.
"It's not a vacation you want." Aled pressed onto Padme, causing her to look at him in a manner of surprise.
"What do you mean?" she replied, a bit taken by the Jedi's unexpected words and somewhat confused.
".you want to go home." He said with confidence, he could read every emotion she was emitting, much like an unwilling reader to an open book. "I can sense it, you are homesick."
The young politician sighed collecting herself before responding to Aled's truthful observation. "I guess I am now that you mention it, funny I never thought of it before but it's true."
"Do you consider Naboo home?" The Jedi continued asking questions in hopes to help ease Padme's worn nerves.
"In a way, I was raised there, my foster family is on Naboo and it was her homeworld."
"Her homeworld?" Aled was befuddled.
"My template's. The original Padme Amidala." She clarified.
"Oh.I see." Aled almost slapped himself for his blind stupidity, but realized the simplicity in the mistake. "If it helps you in any way, I know both Obi-wan and Mace have had similar feelings on what they consider 'home'?"
Padme could see that Aled was trying his hardest to help her. He couldn't really understand what she was going through even if Obi-wan and Mace were his closest friends and they had shared their feelings with him on this matter. He couldn't really comprehend what a clone goes through, trying to live amongst those of normal birth. He was just trying to help her feel better and deep down inside, Padme wanted him to make her feel happy. "My life as a clone has been a little bit different than either Mace or Obi-wan's. Being a politician assigned to represent a world she wasn't born on has had its own tribulations."
"I see." He said once again, nodding in a quiet defeat.
"Where I come from is different than where everyone else comes from. During my days in primary school, I remember just before graduation, I was required to compose a paper based on one subject: How has your Legacy affected your plans for the future?" Padme shook her head as the painful memory returned to her. "I couldn't do the assignment, my instructor understood why I couldn't do the assignment and he suggested that I write the paper based on my foster family's heritage but I couldn't because it didn't feel right to me. That was the first time I failed at something I did and that question has still been plaguing me. What is my legacy?"
Padme had never thought of it that way. "I guess your right." She agreed. "It seems we do have much in common."
"Of course we do." Aled blurted out inadvertently for some reason beyond his understanding at the time.
"What do you mean by that?" Padme said, confused by the Jedi's words.
Now is when Aled wished that he could simply erase her mind of his clumsy tongue, but even if her will weren't so strong he would never do such a thing to begin with, now was when his wits would have to save him. ".I only implied that we are all guided by the force, therefore we all have that in common with one another." He could have patted himself on the back for such a great excuse.
"Well." Padme began to tense up her muscles, something was uneasy in her. Aled could sense it.
"What's wrong?"
Padme peered out the window, purposely not looking Aled in the eye in fear that her words would offend him in someway, the last thing she would want to do. ".I don't know what the Force wants of me, I just.it's hard to explain."
"You believe that because you are a clone, that perhaps the Force has no purpose for you." Aled answered it for her.
"Yes." She turned back to him, in a bit of awe. ".it appears that you have a way of finishing my thoughts for me Aled."
"Jedis are quite perceptive Padme." Aled injected with a tone of modesty.
"Not just that." She replied. "There is more to it than that? Something I can't quite tell?"
The Orveasian couldn't perceive what it was either, instead he was intrigued by the beautiful woman's reference in regard to her own belief. "Do you believe in the Force?" he expressed with a cautious heart.
"For the longest time I never really knew." she paused, fearful of her own words. ".that was until I met a Jedi." His eyes grew intense with welcomed shock. "Before I was an Apprentice Legislator on Naboo, the Jedi, to me were only a race of courageous warriors who I knew too little of to hold any objective opinion fore or against, but when I first met a Jedi I became enlightened to no end. Every word he spoke just glowed with an endless flow of spirituality. And I couldn't help but be jealous of his faith." All the while her mind replayed all the short but sweet experiences she shared with a much younger Jedi by the name of Oden.
Aled was so transfixed with Padme's words to even glimpse into her mind. He had to ask. "And who was this Jedi? Perhaps I know him?"
"I wouldn't be surprised if you did." She laughed to herself, confusing Aled even more so than he was a moment before.
Just then, Tuhmi appeared from around the vestibule, as if she had undergone a search. "Madam Amidala?"
Padme turned to face her loyal Handmaiden. "Yes Tuhmi?"
"We should begin preparing you for the gala." She switched her focus to the Knight at her Ambassador's side. "Jedi Oden, your suit will be ready in the hour."
"Thank you Tuhmi I will be there in a second." Padme ordered. Tuhmi walked away back to the master bedroom, but not before shooting a wink at the Ambassador. Aled took good note of this curious action as Padme arose from the couch. "Well, duty calls." They both smiled in silent amusement. "I guess I will see you in a few hours then?" Aled got up from the couch as well, now looking down to the brown haired beauty, staring at her with warm eyes.
"Of course M'lady." He bowed in a generous display of respect as she walked off to her room to undergo the tumultuous task of getting dressed. Leaving Aled alone with his thoughts, he felt a calming sense of assurance. Tonight would be a good night for him. What exactly for? Only the Force will tell.