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!

"Whatever is said here doesn't leave this room, okay Sabe?" The girl nodded her head as the captain of the guards shut the door behind her. "What's going on?" "You do know that we have to be prepared for the eventual reality that someone may be after the Queen's life." "I never thought I would have to think that, sir, but yes. I realize that. What are you trying to say?" "Sabe," Padme said speaking up. "What he is trying to say is both you and I look like we could be sisters." "What?" The royal stood up and pulled the girl over to a mirror. She gasped, seeing the striking resemblance. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?" "Yes . . . if the situation calls for it, my friend, I want you to go under the guise of the Queen while I take the guise of the handmaiden Padme."

I was speechless . . . not just the fact that I looked identical to the Queen, but that someday I might have to die for her. I hesitantly agreed; I didn't know if and when the other handmaidens would find out, but they eventually did. After all, we needed a line of succession in case I wasn't able to perform my duties. Rabe would be next in line, followed by Yane, Sache, and last Eirtae because of her blond hair. I just never thought we would be using the plan so soon . . .

~*~*~

I will jump to the beginnings of the Trade Federation Conflict. For some reason; I'm not exactly sure; we had angered the Nemoidians (basically, the Federation) and they blocked our trade routes. We had put a call out to the Senate for some support in this manner and Supreme Chancellor Valorum sent out two ambassadors to negotiate a treaty. Queen Amidala ordered us to meet in the throne room as she got ready to contact the Viceroy of the Federation . . .

"Transmission reaching Viceroy." Padme sat up straight on her throne and stared intently where the feedback would be. As soon as the figure of the Viceroy appeared on the screen, she began to speak. "You will not be so pleased to hear what I have to say, Viceroy. Your occupation here has ended." "Oh? I was never told this . . ." "I have word that the Chancellor's ambassadors have reached you and you have been commanded to make a settlement." As soon as he made his contradictory statement, Sabe could see that both she and the other handmaidens were angry and wanted to personally destroy the Viceroy himself for doing such a thing. "We'll see . . ." Padme said. "We'll see . . ." As soon as the connection was cut with the Federation, Padme turned to Captain Panaka and ordered him to contact the Senator, a man everyone knew as Palpatine.

"What do you mean that the ambassadors aren't there? I have word from the Chancellor himself..." As the hologram began to get scrambled, the Queen called out nervously. "Senator Palpatine!" Her eyes looked around to all those gathered with her. Panaka looked to Sabe and ordered her to check the transmission generator. While she got up and hurried out of the room, Sio Bibble (the governor) told the girl upfront that in all possibilities it might be a sign of invasion. "Oh, no . . . Everyone's dismissed. Handmaidens, make ready for the possible reception of our visitors. Please let Sabe know what's going on when she returns." They nodded as each one left. The young queen, her heart heavy with worry, went to her throne room window overlooking the main square.

Rabe had found me coming back and filled me in, adding one important detail - Panaka wanted us to initiate the decoy plan. Yane, Eirtae, and Sache had everything ready by the time we got to the dressing room. I saw that I was going to be wearing the black dress with the matching feather headcap. It took us a little bit, but the girls made me to look like Padme rather quickly. As they slowly set the headcap on, I realized that this may be it - this may be the last time I'd ever see Naboo again. Sache looked around and noticed that Padme hadn't returned from the throne room. I volunteered myself to go find her, mainly because I wanted to walk after sitting a long time . . .

The first place the decoy queen checked out was the Throne Room. Yes, there she found where the real queen was. "Your highness . . . ?" The Queen looked up and gasped when she saw the look-alike standing in the doorway. "Sabe?" "Yes . . . come, we must make you ready now." She took one last look at the incoming tanks, droids, and STAPs come into the main square. "Let's go . . . "