Moonlit Evanescence: Lol- yes, you get the honor the first review. Thank you so much. Here is a nice, long update for your trouble. :-)
*~*~*~*~*~
Sleep was elusive that night. It had often been so for Sabé of late. Many nights her thoughts were too full of still-fresh loss, and lying in bed she could not drown the grief with activity as she could during the day. At night she was bombarded by a thousand memories every second, and there was no where to hide, even if she'd wanted to.
She was surprised by how much she missed Leiandra, or rather the manner in which she missed her. The pangs of loss were just as deep as she would have expected, if not deeper. But she found herself surprisingly adrift without her mother. All her life, Sabé had fancied herself a capable and independent person, when in reality her mother had been a masterful guide in her young life. Her influence was paradoxically subtle and strong. So strong Sabé had hardly noticed it, yet so strong that she now felt floundering without it.
Sabé now found herself closely observing her father, looking for similar tendencies. It did not surprise her that she found them in abundance. Her parents had been alike in all the most important ways.
Saché's quiet, even breathing filled the otherwise silent room. Sabé tossed from her side onto her back and looked at the slate gray sky preparing for the first breath of dawn. With a resigned sigh, she sat up and swung her legs over the bed. At this point, an hour's sleep would make her feel more tired than just getting up now.
For a moment she amused herself by staring at Saché's sleeping form in the bed across the room. By the Force, she even sleeps neatly! Saché's covers were barely disturbed, whereas Sabé's had managed to weave themselves into some kind of complicated knot on in the middle of her bed.
Padding silently to the closet, Sabé retrieved her most inconspicuous cloak and swung it up around her shoulders, drawing the hood closely around her face. For security purposes, the queen's chambers, and the adjacent rooms of the handmaidens had no exterior access. Panaka had also encouraged the girls to avoid the outside as much as possible, especially the Queen and Sabé. With Leiandra's murderer still at large, he was taking precautions against repeating the disaster. But Sabé felt suddenly suffocated. She needed to breathe the chilly air of a summer morning in Theed. She needed to clear her head from the cobwebs of memory, and get her mind ready for her day's work.
Fortunately for her, she knew the palace far better than some of the newer guards. She slipped outside with little trouble, and sighed with satisfaction. The sky had evolved from pale gray to the faintest of gold hues, and she drew in a large breath of air with smile. This particular balcony was very close to the waterfalls, and she imagined that perhaps she could feel some of the refreshing mist in the air around her. It was going to be a beautiful day.
"Mornin' Sabé," came a small voice from behind her. Sabé jumped what felt like half a kilometer in the air, and turned around sharply.
"Richard! Don't do that to me!"
"Did I scare you?"
"Just a little."
"I'm sorry," he said brightly. "I thought you saw me when you came out." He was sitting cross-legged against the back wall of the pavilion in his nightclothes. His nose was pink from the chill and he shivered slightly. Sabé frowned and pulled her cloak off her shoulders.
"Come here," she said. He stood up and she wrapped the cloak around him. Then she touched his cheek. "You're freezing. What are you doing out here?"
"Aw, Sabé," he said in exasperation. "I come out here lots of mornings. It's still the end of summer, sort of. It takes a whole ten minutes for me to get warm once the sun comes up." He folded his arms on the banister, and placed his head on his arms, staring out at the rolling green hillocks spreading out in the valley far below them. "So what are you doing out here?"
"I couldn't sleep," she replied easily. "Figured I might as well catch a free moment before Padmé starts driving the slave-whip," she added with a wink.
Richard laughed. "Yeah, though I'm sure it's not as bad as what you'd put her through if you were queen."
"I think I'm going to see that you get extra homework in Huttese for that remark," Sabé gibed, nudging Richard playfully. "So did you dance with any pretty girls last night at the party?"
The young prince wrinkled his nose and lifted his head off his arms. "Too many. What is it with those girls, anyway? They never shut up!" He batted his eyelashes and put on a high-pitched, simper. "Yes, Your Highness, no Your Highness, Do you like my dress, Your Highness?" Richard broke off and rolled his eyes, shaking his head. He went back to his previous meditative pose. "I like older girls better. Like Rabé and Saché. At least when they talk it means something."
"Well, it's settled then. When you grow up, you can marry Rabé."
"I didn't say I wanted to marry her!" Richard said, looking slightly alarmed.
Sabé laughed again and scruffed his hair. "Oh, relax. I'm just teasing you. You can't get married anyway, what would happen to me? I'd be lonely. Because you know someone will marry Padmé and Claria right away. They're too perfect."
Richard cocked an eyebrow in a most disturbingly regal manner. "Are you saying I'm not perfect?"
"Oh, no Your Highness," Sabé said, putting on the high whiny voice that Richard had just been using. "You're so perfect that nobody is worthy of marrying you."
Richard rolled his eyes. "Well, you are right about one thing."
"What's that?"
"You're the least likely of my sisters to get a good husband." Then he grinned wickedly and dashed off, the cloak floating forgotten to the ground, with Sabé chasing playfully at his heels. She quickly gave up and trailed off, content to wait till he rounded back to her, when she snatched him up and swung him around.
"Ooomph!" she sighed as she set him quickly down again, "you are getting far too big. I think you're going be unnaturally tall for a Naberrie."
They returned to the banister to admire the remainder of the sunrise. The sky was now full of mottled orange and scarlet. As Richard had so knowingly informed her, it did indeed grow much warmer after the first few moments after the sun crested.
"Sabé?" Richard asked suddenly, and he pointed. "What's that? It's not a star."
Sabé followed the line of his finger and frowned, leaning out over the banister to better observe what she saw. "I don't know," she said curiously. "It's awfully close, whatever it is. I didn't know we had any ships that big in orbit." She leaned back again. "But I wasn't on duty yesterday, so I'm not quite up to date on the state of Naboo affairs."
"Look!" he cried. "There's another one!"
But Sabé's quick, sharp eyes had already detected three more such anomalies. One of them, she was sure, had materialized directly in front of them. She took an inadvertent step backwards and swallowed.
"Richard," she said. "Let's go back inside. Right now." Her voice was shaky, but resolute.
"What's wrong?" he asked, immediately picking up on her apprehension.
She took his hand and quickened her pace. She needed to talk to Panaka and Padmé right away. "I'm not sure."
By all accounts, a fleet of large ships had just emerged from hyperspace above the jewel that was Naboo. Sabé couldn't think of any good reason why that would be. And she was inexplicably afraid.
*~*~*~*~*~*~
The atmosphere that had pervaded Theed Palace since the blockade had was of an intensity Sabé doubted it had seen in many years. It wasn't panic, exactly, but rather like someone holding his or her breath before panicking actually commenced. Staff and residents alike rushed about trying to busy themselves with tasks, while at the same time accomplishing very little. With the exception of Amidala, of course.
She had already been awake when Sabé had arrived back in the Royal quarters, just about the same time as Captain Panaka had arrived, a grim set to his features. Sabé had told her story, and Panaka had confirmed her concerns. There were fifteen capital starships orbiting Naboo, in addition to a varied but powerful fleet of smaller vehicles.
"They've ordered all Naboo commercial, military, and civilian craft to land immediately."
Amidala had replied without hesitation. "If any resist tell them the Queen orders them to comply immediately. I'll not have a bloodbath on my hands before I even get a chance to figure out what's going on."
From there, the Queen had proceeded to security screening rooms where her analysts and technicians had shown her all the data they had collected and were still collecting, even while the Queen and her entourage were present. They watched with mounting trepidation as the starships systematically placed themselves in a strategic orbit around the planet.
The Royal Cabinet had been immediately sent for, and Amidala had spent the last three hours in an intense high-security meeting with the Cabinet members and the leaders of Parliament. Captain Panaka, Sabé, and Eirtaé had been the only people present who were not government officials. Now they emerged from the meeting, and Sabé felt exhausted. This had not been a good day to preclude with a sleepless night. The tension was draining her, and she felt that surely adrenaline was now coursing through her veins in place of blood. It was certainly the only thing keeping her going.
Amidala seemed to display no such weariness. "Captain, summon Rabé and Yané. I sent them on different duties, now I require their presence. I am going to my quarters to change. In an hour's time, I will address the planet."
Panaka nodded and headed in the opposite direction, nodding to two of his Lieutenants to accompany the Queen to her quarters. Already he had his comlink in hand, no doubt hailing one of the two requested handmaidens.
They found Saché pacing nervously alone in the common room of the Royal Chambers. She looked relieved when they entered. "Your Highness, Prince Armand would like to see you as soon as possible, and Princess Claria and Richard extend their concern as well."
Amidala nodded. "Thank you, Saché. Please go fetch my green gown. I need to address the planet."
"The coronation gown, my lady?"
"Yes. I need people to be reminded of the promise I made that day."
Saché swallowed and nodded, then practically fled into the Queen's bedchamber. The queen sat down with a weary sigh, and Eirtaé promptly began disassembling her cumbersome headdress while Sabé picked up the pacing that Saché had abandoned.
"I do not understand this, Padmé," she muttered. Catching the look on the Queen's face, she rolled her eyes slightly and began again. "I do not understand this, Amidala. Why come to Naboo? Why?" She saw Saché struggling to bring the gown into the common room and walked briskly over to assist her.
Eirtaé finally disengaged the headdress from the Queen's hair and set it on the nearby end table. Then she promptly began undoing the buttons on the back of the Queen's gown.
"Does any injustice ever make sense to a reasonable person?"
"Those are noble sentiments, my lady," Sabé replied confidently, "but I must refute that in some cases the motives of wrongdoers are at least discernible, even if they do not make sense in the way you speak of. I know that Naboo is wealthy. And I know that we are pacifists. Perhaps we seem like easy prey, but there are other planets just as desirable. Just as conquerable. Especially for someone with the resources available to the Trade Federation. But what makes it all more confusing is the fact that the Nemoidians…" she broke off and huffed in frustration.
"Yes?" prompted the Queen.
"The Nemoidians are generally considered to be cowardly," Eirtaé finished, nodding knowingly at Sabé, albeit rather stiffly. "They are not risk takers by nature."
"It makes no sense," Sabé repeated, whispering this time.
Rabé and Yané arrived together, looking outwardly calm, but still resolute.
"Rabé, what news do you have for me?"
"Rumors fly faster than réka in times like these, Majesty. I have plenty of news. The city is frightened, as is to be expected, but for now they hold their faith in you. I can see little evidence of any rioting or extortion yet. But silence from you for too long will not sit well with them. I suggest you say something, anything, about this situation very soon."
Amidala nodded thoughtfully. "Wise advice. I am indeed preparing to address our people very shortly. The Governor is likely already announcing it.
"Pardon me, my lady," Saché spoke up hesitantly as she drew the overdress off its stand, "but should not you make some attempt to contact the blockade? Find out what it is exactly that they want?"
"No, Saché. I am prepared to use any weapon I have at my disposal, and right now that includes making them come to me first. They'll not have the satisfaction of seeing me cower. Not now, not ever. No matter what happens."
Saché still seemed worried, but murmured, "Yes, my lady," and continued with her work.
"Do not fear," continued Amidala more gently, "that you are the only one to be against this course of action, Saché. It was one of the things I debated over amongst the cabinet members, but I have made my decision. Speaking of the meeting…?" she turned her gaze to Yané, who still stood closest to the doorway, watching everything up till now with huge, silent, fearful eyes.
Yané stepped forward. "You were not observed, my lady. I checked everything myself. To the best of my knowledge, nothing that was said in that room reached unfriendly ears. And nothing in this room, either."
"Well done, handmaiden."
Sabé found herself marveling at the two different Yané's that seemed to be walking around in this twelve-year-old girl's body. The first Yané was flighty, absentminded, and usually quite fun, if at times a little odd. The professional Yané, when given a chance to emerge, seemed strangely old and wise. This was because of her confidence in her work, Sabé knew. Panaka had mentioned that Yané was probably one of the most talented programming and technical minds in this sector of the galaxy. He regarded her being of appropriate age for a handmaiden position to be a huge boon to Amidala's administration.
Eirtaé now assisted Amidala out of her current gown, and Saché held up the gray underdress of the coronation gown. Saché began fastening the new gown closed. Together, the two handmaidens managed the entire process without smudging any of the makeup, which was quite a feat of dexterity. It always left Sabé impressed in spite of herself.
"What I tell you is not to go beyond this room, at least not yet," Amidala said as Saché continued to fasten her gown. "Not your families, not your closest friends. I will not even tell my family."
Rabé, Saché, and Yané all yielded grim nods, and the Queen continued. "It is clear that this blockade was put into effect as a protest on the part of the Nemoidian Trade Federation against the controversial Trade Tax Act passed yesterday by the Senate. I have made contact with Senator Palpatine, and he as assured me that he will keep our case at the focus of the Chancellor's attention. This much I will tell the people. What they do not yet need to know right away are the potential economic problems presented if this blockade should be successful for any serious length of time." She looked expectantly at Sabé.
Pursing her lips, Sabé spoke up. "Naboo has a great many natural resources," she began, "but for the last two centuries they have been heavily given over to exports, and at this point in time Naboo is not well-equipped to be self-sustaining. The southern hemisphere is in the end of winter, and most of our harvests have already been shipped away. Without imports, we will have a hard time of it, I'm afraid."
"Perhaps the choice of Naboo as a target makes better sense to you now, Handmaiden Sabé," commented the Queen. "It is nothing but a circumstantial theory, of course, but a planet where a siege poses such a serious potential threat…" she trailed off, and seemed to dwell on the thought for a moment.
Sabé bit her lip stubbornly. She wasn't so sure. Padmé was right, that theory did make sense, but… something about the manner in which the ships had arrived was pestering her. She couldn't put her finger on it, and it was starting to frustrate her.
"If this crisis should for some reason last longer than two weeks, I shall be putting into effect a ration plan for the Naboo."
"I don't understand," said Yané uncertainly. "Forgive me, my lady, if I seem naive here, but why should you have any reason to believe that the Senate should not resolve it immediately? I mean, this can't be allowable, what they're doing."
With Saché's assistance, Amidala shrugged into the heavy green outerdress. "There is a slight difficulty," she said stiffly. Her voice was cold, but the coldness was not directed at Yané. "According to Senator Palpatine, the Trade Federation's actions are perfectly legal."
Yané's jaw dropped, and Saché's hands stopped as shock riddled her features. "What?" Yané asked, incredulously. "How?"
Eirtaé rolled her eyes. "Palpatine explained it to us, and we accessed the records he indicated. Believe me, you don't want the full explanation, but it is true."
Saché finished with the gown and stepped back from the Queen, swallowing hard. Her work was complete.
"Rabé, my hair," commanded Amidala. She seemed surreally calm, despite everything.
Later that evening, Sabé slipped away to another part of the palace to visit her father and younger siblings. The frenzied undercurrent of panic was absent from the halls now. The people were quietly tucked away with their families. She saw no one as she walked but the guards who were on high alert that night all over the palace. They nodded to her respectfully as she passed, and she nodded back. She must show no fear. She represented Amidala, and for now that meant representing courage and pride.
"Tell Sabé that pride is not always an ill quality." Her mother's words rang through the halls and seemed to echo in the emptiness. She held her head even higher and continued walking.
When she reached her father's chambers, she was not surprised to find Claria and Richard there with him. They were gathered on the settee watching the holo. Armand was quick to rise and envelop her in a tight embrace upon her appearance.
He started to speak, but Sabé cut him off when she noted that the holo was beginning to retransmit the broadcast of Padmé's speech earlier that afternoon.
"People of Naboo, at approximately 0815 this morning Theed time, our sovereignty was besieged by the forces of the Trade Federation. This seemingly unprovoked action on the part of the Trade Federation is both uncivilized and unacceptable. We know that your reaction will no doubt be one of fear and uncertainty, but rest assured that we are already taking steps to resolve this crisis. We have already made contact with Coruscant and our esteemed Senator Palpatine. He will not let they cry of Naboo go unheard. Until then, Naboo, we ask you to be courageous and resolute. Do not panic and do not fear. The Republic is a great and honorable institution. It will not allow the principles of freedom and justice to be so grossly abused."
Padmé's confident words warmed Sabé's heart, and for a moment she wished she did not know the full gravity of the situation. She wished she could be just like every other citizen…
No you don't, she chided herself. From your position you will be able to assist the Queen and aid Naboo. Stop acting like a frightened child!
But I am a frightened child…
She found the evening with her family members more difficult than she'd imagined. She gave them messages of reassurance from Padmé, who'd said she would visit them as soon as she could find a spare instant. Then she did her best to answer their probing questions with confidence. It was very hard, withholding from her family. She knew the only reason Padmé had insisted on it was so that the other handmaidens wouldn't feel so bad about having to hide things from their families. But it was no less difficult.
When she crawled into bed, she curled into a tight ball and buried herself under the covers, hoping to enshroud herself in darkness and forgetfulness. Maybe if she sat very still and stayed hidden, the looming ships in orbit would just… go away. Or she'd wake up from this obvious and disturbing nightmare.
Despite all her worries, sleep was easier to come by that night. Forgetfulness did in fact enshroud her, even if it was only for a little while.
*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sabé's brown eyes suddenly seemed as hard as duracrete as they bored darkly into Captain Panaka. "What is that?" Sabé asked warily, her eyes resting suspiciously on the object nestled in his palm.
"It's a blaster."
"I can see that. Why are you putting one in my hand?"
Panaka did not immediately reply, but kept his face impassive as he handed another of the small, streamlined blasters to Rabé. She accepted it with less fussing than did Sabé, and her face was almost intrigued. She hefted the weapon with careful deliberation in her small hand, gauging the weight of it.
"Come with me, ladies." Panaka turned heel and began walking smartly towards the turbolift. Rabé sent a shrug Sabé's way and began to follow him. Pursing her lips with annoyed reluctance, Sabé followed as well.
The Captain took them down. Way down, in the subterranean levels of the palace, where even Sabé had rarely ever been. There were secret passages down here that she knew how to access, should the need arise, but further than that she had never given this underground very much thought. She was not exploratory by nature. Richard undoubtedly was very familiar with the meandering corridors down here though.
Finally the small company emerged into a well-lit, long room with a low ceiling. Various types of weaponry neatly lined the walls. There was some kind of barrier set up on their end of the long room, and object at the other end that looked suspiciously like…
"Panaka!" Sabé exclaimed curtly. "Would you please explain what is going on?"
He did not look at her as he replied. Rather, he took a wicked-looking black blaster off the wall and began fiddling with buttons on its side. "Target practice, Princess. You need to learn how to shoot."
Sabé's jaw dropped slightly, but she quickly closed it, not wanting to let him see how off-putting she found all this to be. Glowering, she stomped over to the barrier and laid the small silver blaster in her hand on a small ledge she found there. "No," she said crossing her arms with a glare. "Naberries are pacifists."
Panaka seemed almost amused. He strode quickly but calmly over to her, his bearing so casual and confident that it made Sabé take an involuntary step back. "Princess," he began, "do you want to continue your services as a handmaiden for this court?"
"Yes," she promptly replied, giving him her most regal expression. Her arms were still crossed.
He gave a smug smile. "Good. As a handmaiden, you are answerable to me. And I say that unless you wish to submit your resignation, that you are going to learn how to shoot a blaster and maybe even how to hit something with it."
Sabé scowled and picked up the blaster again. "Does the Queen know about this?"
Panaka gave her the benefit of another smug smile as he walked back over to his own weapon and picked it up again. "Yes. She had her first lesson yesterday, as a matter of fact. The Trade Federation has a massive droid army, Princess. I don't know what all this will eventually come to, but I daresay that if you ever meet up with one of those droids, they won't be so overcome by your Royalty that they forget to shoot."
Rabé seemed to be suddenly fighting the giggles at these words, and Sabé didn't know who she wanted to glare at more: Panaka or Rabé. She settled for glaring at her blaster. "Where did you get this?"
"From Theed Arms. They were custom made for the Queen and all you girls. Based on your measurements and other specifications, and weighted accordingly."
At these words, Rabé reached over and lifted Sabé's blaster experimentally, then nodded. "You're right. Hers is a little lighter than mine."
"So you're saying that you had these weapons commissioned before the blockade?" Sabé prompted Panaka through slightly stiff lips.
Panaka sighed wearily and turned to face her. "Highness," he said wearily, "it is the job of the Queen to maintain the peace. She can afford to be as idealistic as she chooses, and that is because it is my job to oversee her safety. Or have you so quickly forgotten that less than seven months ago your mother was assassinated within the very walls of this palace?"
Sabé's mouth opened slightly to protest, but then she closed it again, realizing there was no way she could refute such a strong persuasion. She lowered her head.
"Yes," he continued, almost sadly, "I have been planning to teach you these skills all along. I'm sorry if it comes as a disappointment, but it is wiser to face reality in such a case as this. I have made my decision, and Her Majesty has been behind me completely."
Sabé made very little progress in shooting lessons that day. Her heart was still wounded and she was feeling too much resentment to the Captain to be properly focused. Once away from him for a few hours though, she was better able to digest his words, and try to take them to heart. As a result, she came to her successive lessons with determination, even if she was not exactly eager. She always trained with another handmaiden, sometimes two, and sometimes with Padmé.
These new lessons, combined with the endless exhausting process of trying to discover information regarding the planet's crisis, made the days fly by. Before Sabé was even aware of it, the invasion had reached its two-week point.
"So it comes to this," Amidala said gravely from her throne, "the Senate is still… discussing our situation." Her slight emphasis on the word 'discussing' was laden with barely concealed contempt.
"Do they show any indication of acknowledging the demands of the Trade Federation?" asked the Duke Tomen from his seat near the end of the cabinet members. The demands he referred to had been forwarded to the Naboo Queen by way of Senator Palpatine. The Trade Federation's demands were chiefly with the Republic, giving no indication why they had chosen Naboo over any other planet for their little boycott. Viceroy Gunray still had not made any effort to contact Amidala, and she was still resolute in her decision not to initiate any such contact.
"No, and nor would I expect them to," Amidala replied. "Their demands are ridiculous, even when taking into account the equally unfair dictates of the Trade Tax Act itself."
"Which is why the idea of negotiation seems reasonable," put in Maia Daris in her calm, collected way. Maia was present on behalf of her party as a representative of Parliament. Sabé admired Maia's conduct through the crisis thus far. Lord Daris was still offplanet and now not able to come home to his children. This was definitely a strain on the family, especially since Maia would not be able to escape her civil duties to visit her brother and sister at Naestral's Grove. "It is a classic bartering maneuver," Maia continued. "Raise your demands higher than what you actually expect to receive, so that they may be lowered to something you still find acceptable."
"Yes, so it would seem," agreed the Queen. "Perhaps negotiation would be a wise move for the Senate. As soon as they decide to take some action on our behalf." Again, the thinly veiled exasperation crept into her tone. "As it is, I think it is clear that we will need to instill a ration program as a precautionary tactic for the time being. Senator Daris, I would like you to head a committee to design such a program. You will work with the Minister of Agriculture, and anyone else you deem worthy. I will also lend you the Handmaidens Sabé Naberrie and Saché Drianna to assist you."
Maia looked mildly surprised and just a little apprehensive. Sabé could understand her concerns. The idea of a ration program was very intimidating, taking the fear the planet suffered under to a whole new level. Nevertheless she nodded her head respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Very well. I believe that is all the farther we may proceed today. Court is adjourned."
As one, the cabinet and representatives rose with the Queen and the handmaidens. Sabé and Eirtaé followed the Queen out of the room before the other courtiers dispersed. Amidala did not speak again until they'd reached the Royal quarters.
"Sabé, find Saché and then meet up with Senator Daris. Doubtless she is already making preparations for the work I assigned her. It is our utmost priority at this moment. I have chosen both of you because you each have particularly useful skills to contribute to this project."
Sabé could see the Queen's point. She herself had a strong tap on the economic pulse of Naboo, a pulse that had been slowly weakening over the last couple of weeks. Saché, well… all the other handmaidens already knew that Saché possessed unusual skills at compiling, cataloguing, and organizing any sort of task that would need such application. By this time, it was a point that the other handmaidens teased her mercilessly over, but only because she didn't seem to mind. Amidala, however, never teased. She just wisely and increasingly used the useful skill to her own advantage.
"Your Highness," Sabé heard Eirtaé ask as she headed to the bedroom she shared with Saché, "how much longer will you wait now, before you take any new action?"
Sabé paused at the door, wanting to catch the Queen's reply. There was a long pause.
"I don't know," the Queen said finally, and Sabé shivered.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Coming up with a planet-wide ration plan was no mean feat. For the first time, Sabé began to have doubts about her desire to be an ambassador someday. Ambassadors were required to spend much of their time on committees, and Sabé had never before considered how exasperating they could be.
It had taken the ration committee the better part of two days to come up with a plan they could all agree on. Sabé had no doubts that the debating would have gone on longer, had not Amidala tactfully reminded them all that the nature of their assigned task meant it was time sensitive. Many different areas needed to be taken into consideration. There were nutritional concerns, cost and transportation considerations, and they discussed what concessions should be made for various age-levels or for special groups such as nursing mothers. They also designed a time budget for various succeeding scenarios, depending on how long the blockade would last.
At long last, however, an agreement had been reached, and Sabé had received many congratulations from various members of Parliament and other officials, who seemed to think that a mere two-day run for such a diverse committee was something of a miracle. This reaction was chiefly responsible for Sabé's newfound apprehension about the merits of diplomacy as an occupation.
Much to her dismay, upon making their presentation to the Queen, she found that her responsibilities were not over. Amidala asked that Sabé and Maia visit all the more prominent leaders in Theed the next day, to explain to them the new plan. The idea was to emphasize to the nobility the critical nature of the plan, and that they must set a strong example to the people.
That was why the two young women were to be found outside the palace that crisp autumn afternoon. They'd spent the morning visiting almost half the aristocrats of Theed, and would continue to do so every morning for the rest of the week. Sabé was thankful that Maia, as the older and more experienced one, did most of the talking on their visits. The redundancy was beginning to get tedious.
Squinting her eyes, Sabé rose up on her toes and peered across the Market Square. They were to meet Rabé and Saché here this afternoon for some shopping. It had been Rabé's suggestion, to ease some of the stress of the last few days. Gazing around the Market, however, Sabé wondered if a different form of stress-relief might be in order next time.
At first glance nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but closer inspection showed just how the blockade was already beginning to take effect. Vendors selling produce and foodstuffs were already showing thin and baring shelves. As for those selling more durable type goods, it was clear that the people of Naboo were being conservative about spending. Though there were plenty of people wandering the streets, a native would know it wasn't nearly as many as it should be, and the mood was quiet and tense.
"There they are," Sabé finally said, lowering herself to her heels again. She caught Rabé's eye and waved, and the dark-haired handmaiden waved back with a cheery smile. The foursome convened in the middle of the square, and Saché pulled her shawl more tightly around her arms, shivering and looking around.
"It's really chilly today," she said. "Let's go to Madame Trillium's and get out of this wind."
Rabé's face brightened. Since Danae Trillium had been appointed as Amidala's official seamstress, she'd become a good friend to all the girls, and her dress shop was a favorite haunt of theirs. Saché especially loved going there whenever she got the chance, since it was close to her home.
A pleasant chime sounded when the four young ladies entered the cozy front room. Several elegant gowns were displayed on stands in well-lit portions of the store, and reams of cloth and accessories were tucked away in an amazing easy-access yet unobtrusive layout along the walls. There were several mirrors as well. Sabé took in a deep, satisfied breath. It was always so pleasant here.
There was a smattering of customers, one of whom Danae was engaged with in conversation. She smiled at the girls upon entering, but politely turned back to her guest, her eyes telling them that she would see them as soon as possible.
Sabé led Maia to the front counter and fingered a piece of sage green that sat there. "Danae told us she's making a new set of robes for the handmaidens out of this."
"It's lovely," Maia nodded politely. From the uncertain set of her shoulders, and her noncommittal stance, Sabé got the impression that Maia was unfamiliar with the atmosphere of the dress shop. Perhaps she did not find fashion of particular interest.
At last, Danae concluded her business with her customer and approached the girls with a smile. She greeted Saché with a warm hug before saying, "I had not expected to see you anywhere around town in these times, Saché." The her eyes flicked to the other two girls. "Or any of you young ladies."
"Madame Trillium," said Sabé, "may I present Maia Daris, Senator of Oxon and leader of the Ronalt Party. Maia, Madame Danae Trillium."
Maia began a formal curtsy, but Danae gave a shy smile, and extended a hand instead, stopping Maia's curtsey halfway. "None of that," she said, smoothing the front of her dress with her other hand. "We're not very fancy around here."
"On the contrary, Madame Trillium," replied Maia, "I have seen much of your work. I do not pretend to be an expert in the field of fashion, but even I can see that it is everything refined and exquisite."
Danae blushed again, and Sabé grinned at her from behind Maia's back. Any further conversation was cut short by the arrival of a young boy of about seven or eight, with very large, blue-violet eyes like Danae's. He reached over and tugged on Saché's skirt. The young handmaiden looked down and let out a happy laugh.
"Taren!" She knelt down and enveloped him in a hug not unlike the one Danae had just given her. "I haven't seen you since I got my new job! I think you got taller."
"Two inches," he said with a reserved but proud smile. "Would you like to see my new boats?"
"Yes of course," she said with a smile. "I don't know how long I can stay though."
"It won't take long," he said. "Come on! I showed them to Doojii this morning, and he really liked them. He said they were good." The boy tugged Saché's hand eagerly towards the door. She offered her companions a grin of helpless surrender and allowed herself to be led away.
"Who's Dooji?" she asked, as they drifted off.
"The Gungan," replied the boy. They were almost out of the room now, but his last words were still audible enough that Maia and Sabé to turn to Danae with mild surprise.
Danae Trillium shrugged. "Dooji has been visiting a few places through town. Wherever he is not instantly thrown out upon entrance, at least. He's been here a number of times." She walked behind the counter and began straightening ribbons. She did not seem to want to meet the young ladies' eyes, yet her voice had a slight edge of defiance.
Rabé traced a finger along the scrolled inlay of the countertop. "Is this the same Gungan we heard report of the day before the blockade?" Sabé noted with some surprise that the events surrounding the crisis had driven the Gungan completely out of her head. Normally his presence would have been of far more pressing interest.
Danae nodded. "He hasn't said as much, but… I believe he must be an outcast of sorts."
"What makes you think that?" asked Maia, curiously. She seemed almost eager in her question.
The seamstress shrugged. "Over-interest in humans? He asks all sorts of questions about how we live. Uses all kinds of strange words. Honestly I can't make heads or tails of what he says most of the time, but Taren and my husband get along with him very well. Dooji gave Taren a great deal of advice about those little toy boats he likes to make. Of course, I'm sure the water folk know a great deal more about such things than we do."
Sabé frowned. "I never heard of a Gungan with a boat before."
Danae smiled slightly, then licked her lips hesitantly before saying, "Forgive me, my Lady, but… I have a feeling you wouldn't ever see one. Leastways not unless they wanted you too." She seemed to somehow think she might have said something offensive, or overstepped herself, for she quickly turned her attention back to her ribbons.
Sabé only pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Yes, that's true." Then she laughed lightly. "What am I saying? I've never actually seen a Gungan at all, only pictures." This caused both Danae and Maia to chuckle, and Rabé to laugh right out loud.
The girls enjoyed a lovely visit, refreshing in light of the stress they'd been under over the past few weeks. Danae showed them the patterns for the green robes, which looked quite lovely. "Of course," she said as she tucked them away in a portfolio again, "I don't know if green will be an appropriate color any time soon. Not somber, I think. Not to match the present times." Her large, beautiful eyes flicked surreptitiously towards Sabé and Maia as she spoke, and just as humbly away.
"I can assure you, Madame Trillium," said Sabé in her best diplomatic voice, "Her Majesty is doing everything in her power to take care of this situation. She is practically wearing herself out with effort. I can say nothing with absolute certainty, I'm afraid, but do not doubt that our fate is in the best possible hands. Remember her. She will need all our support."
Even though Sabé knew nothing had changed in the ten seconds she'd been speaking, relief flooded Danae's eyes, and she nodded hastily. "Of course," said the little seamstress. "Of course, I shall certainly keep the Queen in my thoughts."
Sabé wished they could tell Danae about the ration plan, but Danae was not authorized. Besides, she would learn of it in three days time.
"At least the autumn promises to be long-lasting this year," said Rabé encouragingly. "We're stuck her certainly, but… there are worse places in the galaxy to be stuck than Naboo."
At this, Danae's smile was bright. "Yes, that's true."
The wind seemed to be less brisk as they left the shop. Saché's cheeks were pink and bright from the time she'd spent outdoors with young Taren Trillium. Clearly, the experience had been an ease of stress for her. She walked with more cheer than she had in over a week. They all did, really.
"A very kind woman," Maia noted as they headed down the street.
"Yes. She was frightened though, didn't you notice?" asked Rabé's musical voice with concern.
Maia nodded. "Who could blame her? I'm a bit frightened myself, and not ashamed to admit so." She was thoughtfully quiet a moment, before adding, "I think… I think it was good for me to come here today. I hadn't been among the everyday citizens in quite some time."
Sabé sniffed haughtily. "I don't know, Maia," she teased, "I say you need to go back home and pick plombs. Lots and lots of plombs." Everyone laughed heartily.
*~*~*~*~*~
Two months later
It was with conscious effort that Sabé managed not to clutch her gnawing stomach. Standing in place behind Amidala's throne, she concentrated instead on the short man standing before the Queen. Of middling age, with tufts of gray creeping along the edges of his hairline, he had weary eyes and an even wearier posture. The scene unfolding was a bit paradoxical, for the man was being severely censured. A grown adult man, being chastised by a girl-queen with a third of his years.
"Master Keres," Amidala said, in a tone that made the person named Padmé seem like a distant memory or dream, "you understand the seriousness of what you are being accused of." The voice was hard and unyielding. Almost cold.
Nem Keres's eyes became pleading. "My children," he said woefully. "I'm sorry, my lady, but the little ones were so hungry."
"Everyone on Naboo is hungry, Master Keres. I understand you have many children. Nine, is it not? Were not you given adequate allowances for so many?"
He nodded humbly. "Yes, my lady. I'm not complaining about unfair treatment, it's just…" he bowed his head. "Maybe someday if you are a parent, you'll understand."
"I am a parent, Master Keres. I am a parent to every citizen of this planet, so to speak. Do you think their distress does not pain me? Not only that, but there are many other natural parents besides yourself. And yet most of them are obeying the law."
"I'm sorry," he said again. Sabé wondered exactly what he was sorry for. He didn't seem dangerously resentful, but she was willing to bet he had not been sorry to see his children with completely full bellies for once. At any rate he did not seem willing to elaborate any more on the subject. He stood in meek silence, waiting for Amidala to resume speaking.
After a long moment, the Queen stood up, her head cocked in the ultimate pose of authority. "I do not wish to mete severe punishments for a man only trying to help his family, Master Keres. But the law is the law, and for the good of all I must not yield. I am sentencing you to a prison term, in which you will be kept on half rations until that which you have stolen is compensated for."
His face became alarmed. "But, my lady," he began feebly, "I must work. I must support my children and my wife."
"They will not starve, Master Keres. With the food supply being safeguarded in the Royal Treasury, and its distribution being overseen by the Royal Guard, you can rest assured that your family will still receive their share. If your wife or relatives cannot afford to pay for the food, then we may consider it an indefinite loan to be repaid with a small interest when the crisis is in order. This is a punishment, Master KeresF. Our sovereignty is dependent on the structure and order of the law. The well-being of the Naboo depends on it. I am sorry."
He bowed his head again. "The Queen is just," he said quietly. Then, with a bow, he backed away still facing her, until one of Panaka's Lieutenants came and took his arm to gently lead him away. Sabé watched him go with a wince. She did not envy his experience. She knew just how unpleasant half-rations were.
Her heart warmed with pride when she remembered the experience the day the ration plan had begun. When the Queen finished her address to the planet, she had been severely grieved. It was not the kind of administrative duty that anyone would envy. The handmaidens had seemed to sense her despair.
It was Rabé who had first stepped forward. She had knelt on one knee before the Queen, and placed her right fist over her heart. "I have been granted the privilege of this position so that I may help the people of Naboo," she began. Her musical accent had seemed a hundred times more elegant and noble than usual. "Here me now. I swear by the people of Naboo that until this crisis is over, I will only take half my portion. The other I ask to be given to the children of my home, in the moors."
It had been one of those moments when everything seemed to stand still. Stunned, warmed, and inspired by Rabé's pronouncement, the other handmaidens had been quick to swear her oath as well. Eventually word had leaked around the palace of the event, and soon the entire Royal Guard had also pledged, and a great many from Parliament soon followed.
They were all very proud of their promise, and fiercely determined never to give into the often strong temptation to break it. They were equally determined not to let the Queen take the oath, which she had been eager to do. But the handmaidens, for once, had gotten the stronger hand over her, insisting that she. of all people, needed the extra strength if she was to serve them properly.
After Keres and the Lieutenant had gone, and the door disappeared behind them, the Queen spoke again. "Yané," she addressed.
Yané was standing on the other side of Amidala, parallel to Sabé. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"I would like you to seek out Madame Keres and her family, and deliver the news about her husband in person." Yané swallowed but managed to keep her face straight and nod. Sabé thought she could understand Yané's hesitance. It was certainly not an enviable task.
"Everyone but the handmaidens are dismissed," Amidala then said. Panaka's lips set in a disapproving line at these words, but even he obeyed. Sabé knew he would only remain just outside the door.
When the last courtier had gone, Amidala, still standing, collapsed with a strangled sigh back onto the throne and put her face into her hands. After a moment, quiet sobs began emerging from her frame, and her slender shoulders, buried in layers of stiff fabric, began to shake.
Eirtaé looked alarmed, and might have reached the Queen faster than Sabé, had not Sabé been already standing just behind her sister. She took Padmé's shoulders in her hands, and dropped to her knees, placing her head against the sobbing back, and tried to think of something to say. Eirtaé stood hesitantly just before the Queen, looking uncertain.
When she was finally able to speak, the Queen did not remove her hands, but whispered, "Who am I? What have I become?"
When an awkward moment had passed, Eirtaé offered a quiet but confident reply. "You are Amidala, Queen of the Naboo."
Amidala looked up. Her makeup was smudged and smeared, and she looked more like Padmé than she had since her election. She looked at Sabé with red-rimmed eyes and swallowed. "What would mama have done?"
Sabé's heart ached. It was frightening to see her Queen and sister so distraught. "You are just as strong as mama, Padmé. You will get us through this. I believe in you. We all do."
Padmé let out a shaky sigh and seemed to calm considerably. She slowly rose from her seat and walked at a deliberate pace across the throne room. After a moment to collect herself, she drew her shoulders back, and raised her head again. "Eirtaé, I am going to call on Chancellor Valorum again. It is high time he provided us with answers. Please call him over the holonet."
"It is night on Coruscant now, my lady. He will likely be asleep." Eirtaé pointed this out in a neutral tone.
"Good. He will not be occupied with any other business then. Tell him I will speak to him in one hour's time." As Eirtaé retreated from the throne room, the Queen turned her attention to Sabé. "Go to the royal chambers and retrieve my makeup kit. I can't afford to go there myself, looking in such disarray. Ask Rabé to come as well. She is the best with it."
An hour later, Sabé stood once again behind the throne, and dispassionately looked upon the holo of Supreme Chancellor Valorum, Head of the Galactic Senate. She had seen his face many times over the course of the last two months, usually partaking in the same endless round of redundant assurances to Amidala. This time, however, the conversation was hardly redundant. In fact, it could hardly be really called a conversation.
Before Valorum even had a chance to say anything, Amidala spoke up boldly. "I am calling you, Chancellor to tell you of a visit I had today in court. A father of nine, who I had to send to prison for stealing food and breaking ration. I thought you might like to know that every day you delay in this matter, you are taking food from the starving children of Naboo."
It was hard to be sure with the grainy quality of the holo, but Sabé thought Valorum seemed to go pale. Mild panic could be detected in his eyes and in the sudden rigid set of his shoulders. He swallowed and hesitated.
"I am asking you to do something about this crisis immediately, Chancellor. See to it personally."
Valorum sighed. "I shall send private ambassadors to the Gunray. They will be able to settle this. I will send them immediately, Your Highness."
"Thank you, Supreme Chancellor."
When the Chancellor's image had winked away, Amidala turned to Governer Bibble, who was sitting in his usual chair closest to her. "Private ambassadors?" she asked, curiously. Bibble looked perplexed, and it was Panaka who stepped forward.
"He must mean Jedi, Your Highness. They serve under the Supreme Chancellor."
Amidala paused, considering. "Jedi," she repeated slowly. "That would explain why he seemed so confident they would be able to settle."
Unspoken were the feelings of sudden hope that Sabé was sure everyone, like she, was feeling. Jedi! If the Jedi were coming, then certainly this situation would be soon resolved. Suddenly the sunshine outside the palace windows no longer seemed to mock the throne room with its cheeriness.
End Part Two
*~*~*~*~*~*~