Citizens of alien races and of Coruscant passed through the darkened rain-soaked streets. Down one wet alley walked a human female form, cautiously and alertly. She soon reached her destination and spoke in low volume to a tall, small-horned, orange-hued alien of the Nikto race.
Since the uprising of Morgukai clan of the Nikto, leading to bloodshed and civil war on their home planet of Kintan, the refugee Nikto were now widespread throughout the galaxy, making a living as best they knew how -- selling illegal substances in dark Republic city streets. Dorme placed a case of Republic credits into the outstretched hand of the Nikto, who opened it quickly and counted its contents before placing a small blue vial into Dorme's hand.
Without a word, the Nikto disappeared into the shadows and Dorme released the breath she had been holding since their meeting. "He'd better be worth it." She mumbled as she made her way back through the rain to her speeder.
The next day, Padme Amidala sat in Chancellor Palpatine's office, listening to his report of the spice miner rebellion on Naboo and discovering that the Queen had officially requested Padme return to Naboo in order to negotiate an end to the conflict. Ever since the Trade Federation's defeat on Naboo, Padme Amidala's reputation as a diplomatic negotiator had grown, and this request came as no surprise. She immediately accepted the assignment.
She continued listening as the Supreme Chancellor requested that two Jedi Knights be assigned to escort her to Naboo, due to this tense situation. Master Windu, who had been present at the meeting suggested Master Kenobi, to which Padme's heart fluttered and a smile appeared on her face, and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker. Her smile lessened. At least Obi-Wan was accompanying her as well, this time.
"Dorme!" Padme hollered from her apartment dressing room.
"Yes Mi'Lady?"
"I can't read Niktolian!"
"Two dabs behind each ear. A slight burning sensation may occur. If it worsens, discontinue use." Dorme continued to pack Padme's bags without looking up. Padme looked at her, bewildered.
"Are you sure this is safe?"
"It's just pheromones, Mi'Lady." Good for any Nikto, Rodian, Sullustan, or human. Trust me. But don't put it on until you arrive at the shuttle. That stuff stinks."
Padme shook her head and grabbed her bags as she headed out the door.
Her face lit up when she saw Obi-Wan Kenobi waiting for her at the shuttle platform. However, she struggled to maintain her smile when she met Anakin's piercing gaze. This was going to be tricky, she thought. How was she going to use this stuff and not have it work on Anakin as well? Then she remembered something Dorme had told her. Nikto pheromones are similar to a fertilizer, she had said. However, if there is nothing there, nothing will grow.
"Here goes." Padme's face grimaced from the foul odor rising to her nostrils when she opened the small blue vial. Placing one finger into the cool blue foam, she placed a drop behind each ear and hoped for the best.
"It's a pleasure seeing you again, Mi'Lady." Obi-Wan gracefully bowed upon her arrival into the shuttle.
"Thank you, Master Kenobi." She surprised him by grasping his hand and placing a light kiss on his cheek.
Obi-Wan stood stunned due to her closeness, but revelled in it all the same. The softness of her lips on his bearded face, the warmth of her body next to him, and the fragrance she wore did not escape his attention. And what was that intoxicating fragrance? It was unlike anything he had experienced before. It made him feel almost giddy. He inhaled deeply...and then started sneezing. Violently.
Soon after, Anakin stepped into the shuttle and grasped ahold of his nose. "What's that horrible stench?"
Three days later, Dorme stood waiting for the Senator's transportation shuttle to arrive at the landing platform. Padme soon stepped out onto it and did not look happy. After her brief and curt goodbye to her sole Jedi protector, whom Dorme recognized as Anakin Skywalker, she walked briskly past Dorme and the young woman had to rush to keep up with her.
"Well?"
Padme didn't slow down, her small feet pounding into the steel surface of the landing platform. "Master Kenobi is allergic to Niktolian pheromones Dorme! He had to go to the medic and Anakin went with me to Naboo - alone!"
"Uh oh." She immediately fell back a few steps behind Padme who was still storming across the platform.
"And here! No more crazy ideas!"
Dorme looked up just in time to catch a small blue vial flying toward her. "Time for Plan B." she whispered.