wildfire41: Wow, thanks for pointing out about the anonymous review thing. Duh! I didn't even realize. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
ghostrider: Thanks, I hope you'll stick around.
Thank you for your patience, life's been crazy. In this chapter we get into some familiar Phantom Menace territory.
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Part Three
In the residential wing of Theed Palace, the five Royal Handmaidens worked in a subdued silence. They were making preparations, and they were waiting. But at long last they could wait no longer.
"Someone should send for the Queen," Eirtaé finally spoke up, her lips set in a thin line.
"I'll go," said Sabé.
"Not you, Sabé. We should keep you here. You need to get ready." Under normal circumstances, the bossiness of Eirtaé's statement might have been annoying, but at the moment all such things seemed childish and petty.
"She's my sister, Eirtaé. I think she might need me."
Eirtaé's lips seemed to press harder, but she nodded.
The hallways were deserted, their polished grandeur almost haunting. Even the swish of Sabé's soft skirts made a noticeable echo in the emptiness, but it was not loud enough to drown out the sounds coming from outside in the city streets. The drone of ships' engines. Scores of them. Theed was being invaded.
Sabé had not been present when Amidala had spoken to Nute Gunray, but Yané had shown her the recordings.
"Again you come before us, Your Highness."
Indeed, it had not been Amidala's first interview with the Viceroy. She had finally conceded after the Chancellor had agreed to send ambassadors. Sabé knew it had pained the Queen to surrender her resolve of not contacting him first, but the Queen herself pointed out that stubborn pride counted for much less when the people were facing hunger and uncertainty.
"You will not be so pleased when you hear what I have to say, Viceroy. Your trade boycott of our planet has ended."
"I was not aware of such failure."
Even over a holorecording, the smugness in Gunray's answer was so thick that it made Sabé want to smack him, or smash a million datapads over his head, the hardest ones she could find. She didn't think she would get sent away for penance for that.
"I have word that the Chancellor's ambassadors are with you now, and that you've been commanded to reach a settlement." Senator Palpatine had called them only moments beforehand, saying that he'd received confirmation that the Republic vessel transporting the ambassadors had successfully entered the Naboo system.
"I know nothing of any ambassadors. You must be mistaken."
"Beware, Viceroy. The Federation has gone too far this time." The Queen had been covering her surprise with that statement. Doubtless Gunray had known that very well, but both leaders knew it mattered little. Still, it caused him to become even more smug, if that were possible.
"We would never do anything without the approval of the Senate. You assume too much."
"We will see." Here, the Queen had cut the communication short, and Sabé couldn't say she blamed her. It was about as effective as trying to converse with a Gamorrean in a vacuum.
As the empty stretches of corridor passed unnoticed around her, Sabé fell deep into thought, considering this odd interchange. She recalled the bewilderment that she and Eirtaé had shared over the fact the Neimoidians had invaded at all. They were by all other accounts a rather spineless race, so where had they picked up this newfound boldness?
By the time she reached the grand reception chamber just outside the throne room, she still had not puzzled it out. Here she found Amidala, standing at the window, looking out over a sorry scene taking place on her city streets.
Sabé paused, letting her quiet footsteps fall silent altogether, and watched her for a moment. The sunshine streaming through the window seemed to mock the weary tilt of Amidala's head, as it drooped dejectedly. Sabé tilted her head, suddenly extremely sad. It seemed as if the worry and burden of the entire world had succumbed to gravity and settled squarely on the Queen's shoulders.
She was reluctant to interrupt, but time was running short. As quietly as possible, she walked to her sister's side and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. The Queen turned her head, and there Sabé saw not Amidala's eyes, but Padmé Naberrie's, wide and sorrowful.
"I wish mama were here," she whispered. "She would have known what to do. I have failed them."
Sabé squeezed her shoulder gently. "You are alive, and so are we. We are strong. It is not over yet. You know what must be done to ensure your survival."
"I do not wish to run."
"Perhaps not. But at the very least, you do need to hide. Come with me, Padmé. We don't have much time."
Padmé reached up and grasped Sabé's hand, returning the affectionate squeeze. "How can I ask you to do this?" There was an edge of desperate anxiety in her tone.
A knot of fear fluttered in Sabé's stomach. She would hide her fear, but she could not deny it to herself. "We are servants of Naboo, Padmé, in our different ways. You have done your duty. And now I will do mine. Do not deny me the honor to serve."
Something in these words seemed to strengthen the Queen, for she suddenly nodded and straightened. Then she let go of Sabé's hand and reached for something around her neck.
"Here," she said, "you must wear this now." It was the karatine amulet that their father had given her upon her Coronation.
"But this is yours," Sabé protested mildly.
Padmé shook her head. "It is a symbol of peace," she said. "Only when Naboo is at peace again will I ask for its return."
"Very well," Sabé agreed solemnly, taking the amulet and placing it over her own neck. Then she tucked it under her robes. "Come now. As I said, we do not have much time."
As they turned to go, Padmé asked, "Which dress did you choose to wear?"
"The black. We are in mourning, are we not?" This seemed a very elegant answer, and truthfully it was part of the reason for her choice, but… She leaned in conspiratorially. "Besides," she added, "The headdress is made of feathers. It's by far the lightest."
Padmé's laugh was extremely subdued; nonetheless, it did Sabé good to hear it. Walking at a brisk pace, they had almost reached the Royal quarters when they were interrupted by a muffled shout.
"Sabé! Padmé!" called a voice in a frantic whisper. "Over here!"
Sabé turned her head sharply to the right to see Richard's curly head peeking out from an alcove at the top of a side staircase. He beckoned frantically to them, and she hurried over. Amidala followed at a more dignified pace, though she did not dawdle.
She found Claria just behind Richard, both dressed in what were probably the plainest clothes they owned. "What on Naboo are you two doing up here?" she chided in the loudest, most angry whisper she dared.
Richard glanced behind his shoulder, then turned back to her with wide, eager eyes. "We're taking a bunch of the kids down through the secret passages. Get the other girls and come with us!"
"Sabé and the handmaidens have their own duties to perform." Amidala's voice was firm as she stepped up behind Sabé. "Where is Father?"
Richard, recognizing the formal overtones in her manner, immediately stiffened and became the picture of perfect respect, though he seemed a little surprised. Claria put a soothing hand on his shoulder. "Father is with Governor Bibble, at the moment," she said quietly. "He told us to get away."
Amidala nodded. "Then you should go quickly. There isn't much time."
Sabé extended her arms and enclosed Claria in a tight embrace. "Be safe," she whispered fiercely into her sister's hair. Then she reached for Richard, whose eyes were already quivering with unshed tears that he was trying his best to hold back. "I love you," she told him, and kissed the crown of his head.
The two children turned and began heading down the stairs, both sending regretful glances back at the Queen. Sabé could not understand why she was insisting on being Amidala now, of all moments. At last Richard was no longer able to hold back, he ran back, and wrapped Padmé in a desperate hug, crying into the front of her red gown. As he pulled away, he looked up with angry eyes. "I know you're the Queen," he said stubbornly, "but you're still our sister. And I'm going to tell you bye whether you like it or not."
Padmé smiled softly. "Of course, you're right. I'm sorry." She pulled him close again and extended an arm to Claria as well. "I don't know what's going to happen," she murmured, "but reassure the people that I will not give up on them. Help them to not give up on me."
"We will, Padmé," Richard said proudly, pulling away and wiping his nose on his sleeve.
"Be careful," added Claria.
"We will," Sabé interjected. A distant, ominous pounding sound made all four of them jump. "Now go," Sabé urged. "Hurry!"
Richard and Claria dashed off together down the staircase. Without a word, the twins continued on their way at a pace that was now almost frantic. When they finally rejoined the other handmaidens in the common room, they were out of breath.
Rabé did not even pause for pleasantries as she rushed over to the Queen and deftly began pulling down her headdress. "Where have you been?" she murmured angrily to Sabé out of the corner of her mouth. Sabé simply rolled her eyes and hurried with Saché into the other room to begin donning the visage of the Queen.
The sounds of the invasion became increasingly louder and closer all around them, but it wasn't until the makeup was on her face that Sabé had calmed down enough to think about the task before her. While Eirtaé painted her nails with expert speed, she used the time to take several large, steadying breaths, studying her reflection in the mirror, and fingering the karatine carefully with her spare hand.
The Queen took the opportunity to give the girls last-minute instructions. "Remember, I am Padmé now. Sabé, don't hesitate to give me instructions now and then."
Sabé smiled amusedly. "Are you sure you won't regret that, Padmé?" she teased.
Padmé's mind was clearly heavily occupied, for she neither laughed at the joke nor scolded Sabé for her lighthearted behavior. Sabé did, however, notice Yané snickering quietly in the corner and Rabé covering a smile with one hand. "Should we need to separate, I want Rabé and Eirtaé to remain with me," Padmé continued. "I'm sorry," she insisted at Saché's and Yané's sudden protests, "but their skills are most needed for the situation." Sabé privately agreed. Eirtaé's cultural expertise and Rabé's talent for keen observation could prove most useful.
Yané and Saché still did not look happy. Yané glowered and fidgeted with a small wrist chrono unit on her arm, while Saché stood there, slightly wringing her hands as if she wanted to say something.
A sudden pounding on the door put an end to whatever further instructions Padmé might have had. All six girls froze, and a taut silence overtook the room. Saché visibly gulped, and as one, Queen and handmaidens eyed the door nervously.
"Yané," said Sabé with what she hoped was regal confidence. "Please answer the door."
Yané nodded, and the others lined up neatly behind Sabé. She set her head straight and thought of her mother and her sister. Her little playact had truly begun. "May the Force be with us," she said quietly.
If it truly exists.
Yané opened the door.
*~*~*~*~
By the Three Moons, he's even uglier in person, Sabé thought as Nute Gunray's face became clear. Unsurprisingly, the force of battle droids that captured the Royal party had escorted them directly to the throne room.
Nute Gunray and his cronies seemed to be already making themselves well at home. Two pale, diminutive Neimoidians seemed to be performing a sensor sweep of the entire room. Sabé smirked inwardly. If they were only half as stupid as they looked, it would take them a century to find Yané's recording equipment. That was what Panaka always implied, anyway.
When he spotted her, the Viceroy straightened and headed towards her. Noting that he had left the throne itself untouched, she ignored his approach altogether, walking right by him and taking her seat upon it. To his credit, he chose not to comment. As the handmaidens took their places behind her, she placed her hands on the armrests and eyed him coolly. He began to speak.
"Your Highness, you have been brought here to…" he began.
"I was not brought here, Viceroy," Sabé interrupted with a retort. "This is my throne room. I do not recognize your authority here." As she spoke, she realized her hands were resting on the secret compartments that Panaka had insisted they install in the arms of the throne. These compartments contained blaster pistols, designed as a means of last defense for the Queen's protection. Sabé's reaction to this decision had been akin to how she'd felt about her blaster training. What surprised her was how the presence of the pistols so close at hand reassured her. Perhaps it was simply because they were proof that the Naboo still had secrets. Secrets that could be used against their invaders.
Gunray quickly proved just how short his temper really was. "If that's the way you want it!" he spat back, voice rising slightly. An aide handed him a resin-leaf paper, which he flourished madly in Sabé's face. She did her best not to blink until he looked away. She desperately wanted to know what the paper said, but she wasn't about to let him see that.
She noted Governor Bibble among a group of cabinet members standing behind a guard of droids in the back of the room. Remembering Claria's words, she searched quickly and discreetly for her father, but did not see him. This left her with an odd mix of both fear and relief. She would have given much to know where he was and if he was safe.
Gunray seemed about to discuss the mysterious piece of paper but quickly changed his mind. "I don't have time for this right now," he mumbled to another aide. "Bring them along. We can discuss this planet as we go."
By rightful definition, discuss was not exactly what Gunray did. Rather, he spent the slow, tedious walk down three staircases telling Sabé, in detail, exactly what portions of the planet were under Federation control, and, to her utmost disgust, what was being done with the Naboo's populace. The detention camps he described could not possibly have been more archaic.
Sabé kept her face impassive, but her insides writhed with loathing. She was appalled at the attitude of these pucker-faced Neimoidians. Not only appalled, but scornful. Their entire approach to the invasion was clumsy and awkward, like small children who had been allowed to play with their father's tools and did not know how to go about it. Where before she had harbored only suspicions, she now had no doubts that someone or something stronger than Nute Gunray's Trade Federation was behind this invasion.
As they descended the final staircase into the grand entry of the palace, the Governor asked, "How will you explain this invasion to the Senate?"
"The Queen and I will sign a treaty that will legitimize our occupation here. I have assurances it will be ratified by the Senate." The tight satisfaction in his voice made Sabé desperately want to slap him and shout "Assurances from whom?!"
Instead, she satisfied herself with a stiff, "I will not cooperate."
"Now now, Your Highness, in time the suffering of your people will persuade you to see our point of view. I hear that the Queen is compassionate as well as wise. She does not like to see people suffering." With these words, he seemed to be laughing at her.
I'll show you compassionate, you sorry excuse for a Hutt's tail.
Gunray turned them over to the battle droids, with instructions that they were to be "processed." Sabé was not quite sure she wanted to know what that meant, exactly. The sorry troop were shuffled off by their droid escort.
The city streets were incredibly depressing. The statues and monoliths looked as they always did, of course, but there were no children playing "catch a réka" underneath. There should have been a small legion of debating students camped out at the base of the Thanos Berkin memorial, but for the first time in Sabé's memory, the air around the stone feet of the legendary scholar was silent.
Anger kept her from weeping as they walked farther and farther on. This could not be her beloved Naboo! She glared at the back of the droid's head in front of her, doing her best to bleed her stress away before she did anything foolish. If only they could figure some means to escape their escort. The droids didn't strike Sabé as being very competent, but there were a significant number of them.
Still, the ratio of prisoners to droids was not unacceptable, at least in Sabé's mind. She hoped that if there were some reasonable means to overcome their captors, that Captain Panaka was aware of it and would be taking initiative. It was part of the man's job, after all.
They were passing through Gloven Street and under the far archway when, out of nowhere, three shapes dropped from the sky. Sabé barely had time to think as she found herself being shielded by the nearest guard. She was able to register the sound of blasterfire all around her, and she craned her neck desperately to try and see what was going on, but the guard was very good at his job.
She was not left long in suspense, however. The moment the street was quiet again, the guard stepped away, and her eyes were captured by the sight of a young man whirling a blue lightsaber in a circle in front of his face.
Jedi! she realized excitedly. The young man put the weapon away, and glanced at a taller man stepping up beside him. This man bore an air of calm confidence. His eyes picked her out right away, and with one long arm he indicated an alcove to his right. "We should leave the street, Your Highness." Governor Bibble placed a guiding hand on the small of her back, and she felt some satisfaction at the realization that even he did not know who she really was. As they moved out of the open towards the shelter, she heard Panaka's voice instructing the guards to retrieve the droids' blasters.
The moment they were out of immediate danger, the tall Jedi turned to address her again. "We're ambassadors for the Supreme Chancellor," he began without preamble.
"Your negotiations seem to have failed, Ambassadors," replied Bibble. Sabé stifled a flash of annoyance. Wasn't she supposed to do the talking here?
"The negotiations never took place. It's urgent that we make contact with the Republic."
"They've knocked out all our communications," Panaka informed him. Sabé gritted her teeth. Was she the Queen or wasn't she? The irony of that thought abruptly struck her, and under normal circumstances she might have laughed. Still… she was supposed to be speaking with authority here.
"Do you have transports?" the tall Jedi asked the Captain of Security.
"In the main hangar," Panaka indicated, "this way."
They slipped as quickly and quietly as possible through the streets, back towards the palace, until they stood just outside the doors to the hangar where the Queen's Royal Cruiser was docked. After taking a quick glance at the vessel, and reassuring Panaka that the droid sentries presented no problem, the tall Jedi turned back to face her. "Your Highness, under the circumstances I suggest you come to Coruscant with us."
Finally, a chance to speak! "Thank you, Ambassador, but my place is with my people," she replied confidently. The Queen had voiced a preference not to leave the planet if she could avoid it.
"They will kill you if you stay." These words, stated so matter-of-factly, set her somewhat aback. How could he sound so sure?
"They wouldn't dare!" exclaimed the Governor.
"They need her to sign a treaty to make this invasion of theirs legal; they can't afford to kill her," added Panaka.
The Jedi pursed his lips with well-controlled frustration. "There's something else behind all this, Your Highness." Sabé was pleased he was still focusing on her. "There's no logic in the Federation's move here. My feelings tell me they will destroy you."
This seemed assurance enough for Bibble. "Our only hope is for the Senate to side with us," he conceded. "Senator Palpatine will need your help."
Sabé hesitated. She knew what she would do, but the choice was not hers. "Either choice presents great danger," she said carefully, then turned as if considering the handmaidens, and added, "to us all."
"We are brave, Your Highness," murmured Padmé, without raising her eyes. Years of sisterhood conveyed the meaning of her words, and Sabé knew what to do.
She turned back to the Jedi. "Then I will plead our case to the Senate." She looked at Bibble. "Be careful, Governor."
With the barest of hand motions, Padmé indicated that Saché and Yané were to stay behind. Sabé took the opportunity to hug them both goodbye. "You be careful too," she whispered into her shy roommate's ear. There was no time for more words.
She gathered her courage and followed the two Jedi out of the doors. They kept a brisk pace, but she was so nervous that the distance to the Cruiser seemed almost light-years away.
"We'll need to free those pilots," Panaka spoke up, nodding his head in the direction of a group of Royal Air Force pilots being supervised by more battle droids.
"I'll deal with that," said the younger Jedi, speaking for the first time. He held out a hand to forestall any action on Panaka's part, and strode towards the captive pilots without a backward glance.
Sabé did not, however, have a chance to see what he was going to do, for all too soon they had their own problems.
"Halt!" said a droid at the base of the Cruiser's gangplank as they approached.
"I'm Ambassador for the Supreme Chancellor," said the tall Jedi with his seemingly ever-present calm. "I'm taking these people to Coruscant."
"Where are you taking them?"
"To Coruscant."
"Coruscant… ah… that doesn't compute… uh, wait! You're under arrest!"
Sabé didn't even see him draw the lightsaber. One minute he was standing there, quiet as a pillar, the next his arms were a blur of motion, and the green blade a living extension of them. As fascinating as it would have been to watch, she quickly gathered her senses and headed up the ramp. The flying blaster bolts were enough of a terror to quell any desire to watch a lightsaber in action.
"Go to the receiving room," Padmé muttered at her elbow. "We need to strap ourselves in and sit quietly. This is out of our hands for now." Sabé nodded her wholehearted agreement.
The receiving area was the equivalent of a throne room on the ship. There was a large, raised seat for the queen, and Sabé wasted no time settling into it and fastening the crash webbing. Before this chair was a sizeable area of standing room, where she could address whomever she needed. Padded benches along the walls held more crash webbing, and Padmé, Rabé, and Eirtaé were just as hasty in getting themselves settled there.
Then they waited. They caught glimpses of pilots and guards running by, accompanied by muffled shouts. Before long, they felt the ship begin to move beneath them. At one point, the younger Jedi walked by with a Gungan in tow, which caused Sabé to do a double take. Where had he come from? With a frown, she scanned her recent memories and realized he must have been the third person that had jumped from the sky in Glovern Street. It was a testimony to her high state of distraction that she had not even noticed him until now.
The ship flew erratically, and Sabé squeezed the armrests of her chair, trying to subdue her fear and think of something besides the fact that she was in the middle of an honest-to-goodness space battle.
Listening to the sounds of battle all around them, yet being helpless to contribute, was a maddening experience. It seemed to go on forever, but when a shudder of the deckplates and a subsequent silence told them they had safely reached hyperspace, Sabé realized it had only been a few minutes at most.
"Sabé," she heard Padmé whisper quietly behind her. "For now, go along with whatever the Jedi have planned. If I have any overriding objections, I'll let you know."
"How?"
"Just make sure you can see my face. If I blink once it means yes; twice means no."
Sabé exhaled slowly. "Okay," she said, nodding her head in agreement. Outside, the sound of footsteps could be heard approaching, and she made sure she looked the perfect picture of composed monarch.
Panaka came first, followed by the two Jedi, two Royal Guards, and a very beat-up looking astro-droid. "Your Highness," he said, "it is my pleasure to formally introduce Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn," the taller Jedi gave a small, dignified bow, "and his Padawan Learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
Sabé finally had a chance to study the two men more carefully. In addition to being very tall, Master Jinn was very noble looking, with a distinguished, aquiline nose and piercing blue eyes. He reminded her of a grandfather tusk-cat: outwardly calm and collected, deadly if provoked, but with ageless wisdom that would not use violence unnecessarily.
The younger Jedi seemed much the same. Though his hands were folded calmly beneath his brown robes, his sharp blue-green eyes took in everything around him. He looked over the room, the guards, the handmaidens, and Sabé herself in an observant, calculating manner. His light brown hair was cropped in a style she recognized from holos of Jedi, and, of course, he bore the trademark Padawan braid.
"It is a pleasure to meet you both, Masters Jinn and Kenobi," said Sabé formally. "I thank you for your assistance."
"It is our pleasure to serve, Your Highness," replied Jinn, nodding his head slightly. "Please, call me Master Qui-Gon. I am more accustomed to it."
"Certainly, Master Qui-Gon," Sabé nodded. "What is our situation, Captain?" she then asked Panaka.
"We will not be able to go straight to Coruscant, my lady. We had some trouble in our escape. The Federation managed to disable our shield generator, as well as our hyperdrive. We'll need to stop somewhere close by for repairs. We only escaped with the aid of this droid." He indicated the astro-droid that had accompanied him. "An extremely well-put-together little droid, Your Highness. Without a doubt it saved the ship, as well as our lives."
"It is to be commended," she replied with the barest of smiles. "What is its number?"
Panaka leaned over to read the droid's identification tag, then straightened. "Artoo-Detoo, Your Highness."
"Thank you, Artoo-Detoo." The droid whistled pleasantly in return, a sound Sabé found surprisingly cheering.
Just make sure you can see my face… Sudden inspiration hit her. "Padmé," she called. Sensing her sister step up behind her, she continued, "clean this droid up as best you can. It deserves our gratitude."
Padmé seemed to understand Sabé's intent, for she walked up beside Artoo-Detoo, behind the Jedi, and turned back to face the throne again.
"Continue, Captain," Sabé prompted.
Panaka pressed his lips together in his usual sign of dissatisfaction and looked over at Master Jinn, who stepped forward. "Your Highness," Jinn said, "with your permission we're heading for a remote planet called Tatooine. It's in a system far beyond the reach of the Trade Federation."
"I do not agree with the Jedi on this," Panaka said, with a gaze at Jinn that was more than just a little bit stern.
Jinn glanced at Panaka, then back to her. "You must trust my judgment, Your Highness."
Trying not to let her uncertainty show, Sabé made a pretense of gazing at each person before her in turn, as if considering. When her gaze rested on Padmé, her sister blinked once, very deliberately. Yes. "Very well, Master Jedi," she said at last. "We will go to this Tatooine. Now if you'll excuse me, I wish to retire." She stood up, and the Jedi bowed respectfully as she left the room. She did not look to see if the handmaidens were following.
Safe at last in the sanctuary of their cabin, all the girls seemed to breathe one combined sigh of relief. "Tatooine!" Sabé exclaimed, sitting on the queen's bed and trying to get a crick out of her very stiff neck. "It's a good thing you've been studying all that Huttese, eh Padmé?" she asked. Hearing no reply, she looked around. "Where is she?"
Rabé stifled a giggle as Eirtaé said, "You sent her off to clean that droid, remember?"
"Oh, right." Sabé blinked and then she too began to giggle. Soon she and Rabé were in a fit of laughter, though they did manage to keep it to a level where no one outside would notice.
Eirtaé seemed annoyed. "I hardly think we're in any kind of laughing situation," she said with a frown. She had begun to open the travel cases, which had been put on board well before the invasion for just this purpose, should the Queen need to make a quick getaway. Finding a hairbrush, Eirtaé lowered her hood and began combing out tangles in her now very matted hair.
"Oh, come off it, Bakuro," Sabé snapped. "What's it to you if we don't spend every moment wallowing in depression?"
Eirtaé began brushing harder. "Our planet is besieged and invaded, and our fellow citizens suffering cruelly," she said. "Forgive me if I can't find it in my heart to laugh." Sabé thought that if she brushed any harder, she would rip her hair out.
Rabé seemed sobered by these words, but she said nothing, only began to help with the unpacking. Sabé might have been censured had the criticism come from anyone but Eirtaé, but that girl had the uncanny effect of pushing all the wrong buttons. She wished she could scream or kick or do something, but it was a small ship, and she didn't think it would be wise to attract any unwanted attention.
Suddenly she envied Padmé. She would much rather be out there, cleaning a droid, than in here with snooty Eirtaé Bakuro. She sighed and lay down on the bed, trying not to disturb her clothes or makeup too much. It was going to be a long journey.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~