Chapter Nine

When the group arrived at the ship, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Anakin were waiting for them. They bowed and Qui-Gon addressed the Queen.
"Your Majesty, it is our pleasure to continue to serve and protect you."
"I welcome your help," the Queen said. "Senator Palpatine fears the Federation means to destroy me."
"I assure you; I will not let that happen."

Walking beside Padmé, Everett wasn't expecting the quiet apology that she received.
"I do value your opinion," Padmé added. "I'm just not used to being questioned." Everett tilted up her lips slightly and dipped her head quickly in acknowledgement.

Inside the ship, Everett stood off to the side with Obi-Wan as Captain Panaka, Qui-Gon, and the Queen spoke.
"As soon as we land, the Federation will arrest you and force you to sign the treaty," Captain Panaka said.
"I agree," Qui-Gon said. "I'm not sure what you wish to accomplish by this."
"I will take back what's ours."
"There are too few of us, Your Highness… we have no army."
"And I can only protect you," Qui-Gon said. "I cannot fight a war for you."

The Queen looked around, eyes finally setting on someone.
"Jar Jar Binks!" The gungan's head shot up.
"Mesa, Your Highness?"
"Yes, I need your help."

Immediately, Everett knew what Padmé's plan was about. What the Queen had planned was suicidal if they failed, but what if they didn't? Her eyes briefly met Padmé's, the young woman had her lips pursed together, but a faint gleam in her eyes. This could work.

For most of the flight to Naboo they stood around a hologram map, making plans and Jar Jar showing them where the gungan's would probably be sequestered in their underwater city.

When Everett left to change her clothes, once more turning into a handmaiden for her protection, Captain Panaka grabbed her wrist.
"Must you go back to deceiving me?" he said. She looked back at him, green eyes fierce.
"I have not nor will I ever deceive you, Captain," she said sharply. "Now please, release me."

The Captain didn't instantly let go and she fixed him a look, one that normally sent her political opponents cowering.
"I have the upmost respect for you," she said lowly. "I never meant to upset you. What I did was necessary."
"Everett, I have watched you grow, you are as much of my own flesh and blood as Gregar is. I will not be able to protect you if you disguise yourself."
"I do not need your protection... Captain, You used to trust me, did you not?" At his sharp nod, she stepped closer to him. "Then please trust me again."

He pulled away and she turned to look at him.
"You have been as close to me as a father, Captain. I have no wish to hurt you or cause you pain."
He gave her a stiff bow, "Senator." She nodded and strolled away.

It would be a while until the new rift between them would be healed, but she was certain it would be. They were practically family and when she and Gregar married the next summer, they would be official.

She had hoped to make it to her quarters without another interruption, but Obi-Wan was waiting outside her door.
"Can I help you?" she asked.
"Mot—Senator Alvera." He bowed as an afterthought, and she gave him a tight smile.
"I am sorry for the deception, Obi-Wan. It was not my choice. However, please, call me Everett. Senator Alvera makes me seem important."

Her choice of words made him pause.
"But you are important," he said. He flushed after a moment. "I mean, important for the government of Naboo. They would not have elected you if you weren't important." She rolled her eyes. She would disagree with that. They had elected her for another pretty face in parliament. Not because she was good at what she did.
"Be as that may, my name is Everett. Not Senator Alvera. Now, can I help you with something?"

Quickly, the young Jedi shook his head. "I suppose not... I hope that you understand that you will be protected."
"I do not need your protection..." "Nonetheless you shall have it."
"Then I thank you," she said quietly.
"For what?"
"For everything, I guess."
"Everything?"

The poor boy was confused, and Everett felt like it was her fault.
"For saving us and getting us to Coruscant and getting us back home and… thank you for anything else you do for us. We are in your debt."
"It is what we do. It is our duty, no need for thanks."

A light breathless laugh escaped Everett.
"Well, Obi-Wan, thank you for being my friend." She slipped into her room before he could say anything else.

When the door slid shut behind her, Everett released a breath. For some odd reason, that young Jedi made her feel things she didn't expect to feel. She had never had friends. She only ever had Gregar… maybe that was the reason her feelings were going crazy. She fell onto her bunk, maybe a nap would help her. That was all she needed.

The sound of cheering came from below her and her eyes opened, arm shooting out to balance herself on the tree branch. She took a shaky breath, wondering where she was.
"Evy!" a cheerful voice called. "We did it! We won!" Her head popped up in surprise and she lost her balance, falling out of the tree.

The one who startled her, caught her, and smiled down at her. She didn't smile back as she gazed into a bright face with shining blue eyes who hid her from the sun with auburn hair.

Before she could say anything, the man before her disappeared, leaving her in the garden. She looked around and screamed as everything started burning. The sky full of smoke. She spun around, looking for an escape.

At the sound of a lightsaber ignition, her head shot up, seeing a tall man, dressed entirely in black armor, his breathing modulated. He reached for her, and her feet moved without her permission, dragging her towards him. She tried to scream again, but her voice was cut off when the man wrapped his hand around her throat. He squeezed and she started choking, gasping for air.

Everett awoke, blinking back tears. Her hand went to her throat. She whispered a prayer to the goddess and then climbed out of bed. It was just a dream and that was all it was. Dreams were just dreams, no matter how bad it seemed.

Ah, feelings! Aren't they complicated? Well, it seems Everett is gonna have to work through them. I hope you are enjoying
-Amy Thorton

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