Journey to the Past

DISCLAIMER: Lets keep it simple, k? All the Star Wars characters mentioned here on out belong to George Lucas. There are a few people, rather minor characters, who come in later who belong to me but I don't care if you use them - just let me know. Thanks!

I was born in the city of Theed, or so the orphans who I lived with were told. Truth is, I don't know exactly where I came from - my first memories were that of the Theed Orphanage. Don't feel sorry for me . . . I have managed to survive, especially with my skills as a diplomat. That is why when King Veruna abdicated the throne everyone kept vying for a girl my age on the throne. She was the Princess of Theed or something like that - I didn't really care to figure out exactly who she was. I also hadn't seen a picture of her but I was told she was very pretty. Anyway, the elections finally came. The girl, 'Amidala' as she was on the ballot won by a landslide. Of course, the time came soon after to pick her future handmaidens. Out of a million girls, only a thousand were chosen - me included. We had one more test of our physical abilities before choices would be considered . . .

Girls were everywhere dressed in their warm-up/workout clothes. Sabe Krigare walked into the room wearing a black catsuit-type outfit, courteous of the Orphanage. *Well,* she thought, *I'm finally here. I need to make . . .* Her thought was interrupted as she heard a dark-skinned man introduce himself as Panaka, Captain of the Royal Nubian Corps. "You will be getting a number," he said, "and at the end of the sessions I will post the listings of the girls who will be advancing, eventually leading up to the 5 who will be chosen as the new Queen's handmaidens. Good luck, everyone, and may the best girls in." As he left the stand, another younger-looking man took over. He directed them outside to do a run through the countryside.

I met Padme that day, also. I didn't realize that she was actually Amidala, the new Queen still yet to be sworn in. I found out much later. We were gathered at lunch . . .

The girls were gathered in the back field eating their lunches. Sabe was eating alone - she didn't really care to make friends with anyone for fear they would be cut and she make it to the finals or, Force-forbidding, vice-versa.

*Hi.*

She heard a voice behind her. She turned around and saw who appeared to be a mirror-image of her. "Ummm . . . hi." "I noticed that you weren't sitting with anyone. Care if I join?" "No," she said scooting over for the newcomer. "My name is Sabe. Sabe Krigare." "Its nice to meet you, Sabe. I'm Padme Naberrie." She smiled - maybe she had found a potential friend after all . . .

The girls continued to talk until they noticed another girl sitting alone. "Hey," Padme said, "Come eat with us!" She looked up and, after debating it, came over. "I'm Padme Naberrie and this is Sabe Krigare." "I'm Yane Xicgare," she said smiling. "Its nice to meet you two."

The physical section ended that day. A list of 25 girls were posted for an interview with the new Queen herself and Panaka, the person who would be in charge of her protection. I noticed I had made it, as did Yane and Padme. My interview was scheduled at the Castle two days away. I arrived there a nervous wreck . . .

"Right this way, Miss Krigare." Sabe followed a soldier into the Theed Castle. She was in awe at how big the place was. *If I make it, I'll go crazy! I'll be lost for months at a time here!* She continued to gape until they came to a stop in a breezeway. "Please wait here, Miss Krigare. I shall inform Her Majesty that you have arrived." She nodded and looked out at the view - overlooking the city of Theed.

"Ma'am?" She looked over at the guard who had returned, standing next to a door. "Right in here, please. Good luck." Sabe, not suspecting anything, went into the room with her head slightly bowed. When she looked up, her head jerked up. *Padme?* Indeed, her friend Padme from a couple of days ago was sitting on the throne dressed in a beautiful red dress. She bowed to show respect to her Queen. "Sit down, Sabe," she said. Obeying her, she took a deep breath, exhaling it as she sat down. Padme smiled encouragingly to her as Panaka began to talk.