Hello again! I hope you all enjoy this newest chapter. Thank you, once again, to my amazing BFF and editor for not only catching my errors but confirming that I don't italicize too much. Also, thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed this story so far. You're the best!

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars.


It's amazing how stressful experiences can bring people together.

After our disastrous-yet-somehow-amazing training session ended we flew back to Theed and resumed our duties at the Palace. This day, unlike the one before, proved to be quite different. As opposed to all the Lead Handmaidens running around the grounds to perform separate tasks, Padmé insisted on keeping the six of us together, including herself.

We listened quietly while she conducted meetings with various legislators. We offered our opinions and advice, such as it was, whenever she asked. (Which was surprisingly often…) We shared stories and laughter that evening over dinner; after I suggested we order food to be delivered to the Queen's quarters.

Padmé learned quickly that my judgment concerning food is not to be questioned.

When we finally went to bed ─ at a much more reasonable hour than the previous evening ─ I felt a closer connection with the girls I work with, even Rabé and Saché whom I've known for years. Maybe this is true in any universe; stick a group of girls together, feed them excessive amounts of food, let them share stories and giggle about boys and they'll be irrevocably bonded.

I fell asleep feeling lighter than I have in a long time.

When I arise the next morning, however, a certain Captain decides to throw a metaphorical hydrospanner in the works. I awake to the sound of my com blaring and the pained groans of my roommates as I blindly search for it on my dresser. ("Make it stop, Sabé.")

"Vena," I answer mid-yawn. What time is it?

"Handmaiden Sabé," Of course it's Panaka at kriffing 0500. He'd be the one to wake me up at the butt crack of dawn. "I have a matter of great importance to discuss with all Lead Handmaidens. The Queen has been informed and will be in attendance. Our meeting will begin at 0700 hours sharp."

Hmm, at least he's giving me more than fifteen minutes notice this time around. I may even have time to snag a biscuit from the kitchens beforehand!

"We will be there; Vena out."

I allow myself a few more minutes of comfort before forcing myself out of bed. Eirtaé, like last night, is buried underneath her covers. The only identifying marker that she is the one beneath all the layers is a puff of curls sticking out from the very top of the blankets.

Even at her most tired, Eirtaé is the least likely to kill me if I wake her up early. The rest of the girls on the other hand have much deeper-rooted mean streaks. This is why I lightly poke the foot-shaped lump at the bottom of the bed. "Eirtaé… "

Poke. Poke. Poke.

"Eiiiiiiirtaé."

The mass of blankets shift until bleary eyes reveal themselves to me. Her mouth opens wide in a yawn. "Sabé? What's wrong?"

"Panaka has called for a meeting at 0700. Can you wake everyone else up in half an hour? I'll get ready and attend to the Queen first."

She nods and disappears beneath the covers again. Taking this as a positive sign, I ready myself as quickly as possible before running to the kitchens and picking up breakfast for Padmé and myself, naturally. Thankfully, the kitchens are not too far of a walk from our living arrangements.

Yes, the kitchen staff already recognizes me. They also know to save biscuits and shuura fruit jam for me. It's about life's simple joys really.

Padmé, unsurprisingly, is awake when I enter her quarters. The only source of light, before I tap the controls by the door, is the datapad she holds in her hand. She winces when the overhead lighting fills the room. "Goodness, Sabé. Will you warn a girl from now on?"

"Good morning to you too, Your Royal Perkiness." I set her breakfast tray on her lap and effectively remove her datapad from her grasp. "All matters of state can wait until you've eaten at least three bites."

"But Governor Bibble left an important message about the state of Theed's traffic contr─" She covers her eyes at my warning look. I fling the curtains open wide to allow natural light inside the chamber. "It's simply too early for this."

"Thank you, Sabé," I mimic her tone, which earns me a glare from a ruffled Queen. "I will thoroughly enjoy my breakfast that you have oh-so-kindly delivered. In fact, I am so thrilled by your assistance that I shall give you an immediate raise."

"Oh, Your Highness," she fires back in an admirable imitation of my Kaadarian accent, "I wouldn't dare accept such an offer of generosity. I'd much rather gift it to others I truly admire;such as Captain Panaka, for putting up with my whimsical, fun-loving nature."

"Well, that's just rude. Are you sure you're a politician?"

Padmé lips her caf mug and breathes in slowly. "I may not be held accountable for anything I say before my first caf of the day."

"I must have missed that rule in the Royal Handmaiden handbook." I walk over to the massive closet on the other side of the room. Her ensemble for the day was painstakingly selected by Rabé the night prior. The conversation managed to last an hour before they ultimately decided on a silver-trimmed, green gown over a voluptuous, white petticoat.

I'll spare the details of the accessory and hairpiece debate that followed. Suffice it to say, I've never had a greater understanding of symbolic colors until now.

"Just out of curiosity," I ask her as she rises from the bed. A quick glance to my right shows she ate at least half of her breakfast. "Are these hairpieces exceptionally heavy?"

"It… takes time to adjust to them." She stares at her ensemble and sighs. "I sincerely hope Rabé is right about the comfort of this outfit. We have a full agenda today."

For a moment, I'm struck once again with the realization of how young she is. At fourteen years old she has been elected as the ruler of a planet, which is a responsibility I cannot even begin to comprehend. It's one of the reasons I tease her so much, she needs the break to simply be herself.

"Alright, Your Royal Busy-ness. Let's see if we can get you ready before Rabé comes in."

Padmé's smile is full of mischief. "I give her ten minutes."

Rabé arrives in seven.


Panaka is the genius behind the decoy plan. Panaka is the genius behind the decoy plan. Panaka is the genius behind the decoy plan.

No matter how many times I think about this it never fails to surprise me.

This is why I am now currently dressed in one of Padmé's outfits while being fitted for one of the hairpieces I questioned her about earlier this morning. Captain Panaka's meeting consisted of a long discussion about the unnerving physical similarities between Padmé and me.

He also made the comment: "Handmaiden Sabé has also demonstrated a penchant for impersonations, no matter whether it is appropriate or not; which will be a useful skill for the success of this plan."

I knew he would throw in a dig about my impressions at some point.

"It really is eerie," Saché comments, pointing between Padmé and me as we stand side-by-side. "Like looking in one of those illusion houses at festivals."

"Oh, I've never liked those ─ or the men and women in paint and wigs that follow you around and insist on hugging you." We all turn and stare at Eirtaé, who has gone slightly pale. Even if she liked hugs ─ which she has firmly stated that she doesn't ─ that experience would be traumatizing. "Please don't ask."

We honor her wish by changing the subject. "I can search our planetary database for any distant familial links between the two of you." Yané offers. "It would give me an opportunity to practice."

"Sabé, please stand still." I cringe when Rabé jabs a hair pin into the back of my skull. I have a newfound respect for Padmé having to deal with this daily. "I can't set the hairpiece if you constantly fidget."

"I wouldn't fidget so much, Rabé, if you'd stop trying to poke holes in my brain."

"Padmé, Sabé may look nearly identical to you but you are much more cooperative."

I huff and cross my arms while Padmé hesitatingly thanks her for the compliment.

Next is the full face of makeup the Queen is typically seen wearing: a white face, identical red dots on each cheek, upper lip painted red while the lower is split with the Scar of Remembrance. Once Rabé's finished making me up, she steps back and appraises her work. The rest of the Handmaidens pause in their conversation and stare at us until I begin feeling extremely uncomfortable.

"That's… " Eirtaé begins.

"… Creepy," Saché finishes. "Very creepy,"

"Thank you, Rabé, for your excellent work. I would like to speak with Sabé alone for a moment, if you do not mind."

The other four curtsy in response, quickly filing out of the room until Padmé and I are alone. I would bet a few credits that they have their ears pressed to the door.

"Sabé, how do you feel about this?" I blink a few times. That's a loaded question if I've ever heard one.

"How do you feel about it? I mean, it's strange, right?" I deepen my voice to imitate her royal accent. "I am here to serve you─no, wait, you wouldn't say that. How about this: it is my responsibility to govern the great planet of Naboo, not to appease Trade Federation sycophants who possess nothing more than greedy intentions." I pause. "Was that better?"

"I might not use the word, 'sycophants,' but the message is still the same?" She shakes her head. "I am not entirely comfortable with this. You are putting yourself at great risk by disguising yourself as me."

"With all due respect, it's my job to protect you. Perhaps the means are different than normal," I gesture to the hairpiece which is, in fact, quite heavy. "But I will gladly stand in for you if it means your survival."

"Are you certain about this?" She presses, a note of worry in her voice.

'No,' I want to say. I saw The Phantom Menace a number of times. I know that I will be playing the role of the Queen in the near future. I know that the plan works unless my knowledge of said future events changes things. (A worry that has kept me up at night far too many times…) I also know that I'm not supposed to make an appearance in any other films which is something I can't allow myself to ponder for very long.

"Padmé, I will gladly serve as your decoy when the time calls for it." I stand up straighter. "You chose me and the others as Handmaidens for a reason. We are brave, Your Highness."

She regards me silently, an indescribable expression on her face. A moment later she offers a small smile. "Okay."

"Okay."

In effort to lighten the mood, I place my finger over my mouth and quietly tiptoe to the door. After waiting a few seconds I smack my hand against the surface and cackle when squeals immediately follow.

I knew they were listening all along.


"Saché, do you have eyes on the man by the fountain?"

"Yes. He hasn't moved in fifteen minutes ─ too much to drink, I'd say."

"Inform us if that changes."

Working security for an Inauguration is not for the fainthearted. It provides a mixture of feelings like: 'Kriff, this is going to be a long day, isn't it?' and, 'How many people do we really need in the main entrance at one time?' and lastly, 'How does the Queen move so fast while wearing three skirts and heels?'

Also, I think my earpiece is too big. I'm going to have to ask for a new one.

If we hadn't trained so hard this past week, we would have lost Padmé within ten minutes. The advisory crowd nearly broke through our protective formation around her until Eirtaé fixed her most intimidating glare on each one of them. I never knew a girl this soft-spoken could be so frightening.

Unfortunately, she reserved none of these expressions for Senator Palpatine. He is allowed unhindered access to Padmé before the ceremony. The more I see the man's purposefully friendly expression and hear his amiable tone, the more my skin crawls.

It's an icky feeling, for lack of better word, to be around a Sith.

Not only does the man have far too much access to Padmé, she seems to be fully intent on listening to everything he has to say. I want to grab her by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. However, if I were to do so, Panaka would have me fired quicker than you can say, 'Good riddance.'

"Queen Amidala," Palpatine croons to her. I share a look with Rabé from behind him, quickly curling my hands and wiggling my fingers in a creepy manner. She blinks incredulously in response. "Today is a day to celebrate your recent success. I have no doubt that you will make an excellent monarch for our lovely home."

"Thank you, Senator Palpatine. You are most kind."

No he's not. He's evil and gross and─

"Do not allow any worries over trade dealings and taxation to take away from the joy of this moment. You have well earned it." He places his hand over his heart. "I will do my utmost best to advise you in any way possible."

─manipulative and creepy and did I mention evil because if I didn't, I really need to─

"It is nearly impossible to do so with the Trade Federation breathing down our necks, Senator. Even now their command ship is in our outer orbit."

─I hate him, I hate him, I hate him.

I cut my angry thoughts short when Palpatine straightens. Kriff, he's a Force user. What if he's sensing my less-than-complimentary feelings towards him? What if I'm inadvertently drawing attention to myself?

"They are vile and cowardly, if you do not mind my plain speech." Of course they are. It's how they're so easily manipulated by you─happy thoughts, Sabé. "If you were to take firm legislative action against them they will be forced to capitulate."

"I shall consider your advice." I breathe a sigh of relief. This is Padmé's favorite phrase to segue into a new subject. The only reason I know this is because she's used it on all of us a number of times over the past week. "Shall we commence with the ceremony, Senator?"

I wrinkle my nose when Palpatine offers his arm to her. Eirtaé's warning cough reminds me to keep a neutral expression. "We shall, my Queen."

In inaugurations past, it is standard custom for the newly elected monarch to travel to the temple in Kaadara and light a torch with the Eternal Flame to symbolize the prosperity of their rule. We had to depart from tradition due to higher tensions caused by the Trade Federation's proximity and modified our own ceremony here in the heart of Theed.

As we proceed from the Palace entrance, surrounded by cheering crowds on both sides, I watch closely as Padmé approaches the lit brazier at the base of the stairs. Governor Bibble waits for her there with an unlit torch, engraved with ancient Naboo symbols, in his hands. As he passes the torch to her waiting hands, we adjust our stations to form a semicircle behind Padmé. Eirtaé stands in the middle, Saché and I stand on either side of her, while Rabé and Yané stand further forward.

I can't help but feel a shift in the air as she lowers the torch into the ceremonial flame. The crowd's cheering becomes a deafening roar as she holds the object in her right hand. The flame sparks, floating into the slightly chilled air as she holds her head high. A filming droid floats nearby, capturing her next words and connecting them to holoscreens around the planet.

"Citizens of Naboo, it is my joy to serve as your Queen. May our days ahead be filled with peace in the midst of any circumstances we may yet face. It is in times of change that the very best parts of our great culture are brought to the surface." Padmé's voice is clear and strong, not a hint of uncertainty or wavering. "I will do everything in my power to protect and honor the home we all love."

I overheard Captain Panaka grumbling a few days ago about a conciliatory invitation that was extended to Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation for the Inaugural ceremony. He declined with an excessive amount of politeness and we all were able to relax somewhat, but I can't help but think Padmé's speech is a direct message to the Neimoidian himself. If I'm able to pick up on this I have no doubt he is as well.

Padmé hoists the ceremonial torch high, earning another round of deafening applause. She is resplendent in her red gown, a beacon of hope and bright futures. Our own robes are flame-colored and made of a velvety material to represent the fire she wields. One of the reasons all Handmaidens were present for the ceremony, besides the obvious need for security, is a symbolic facet of Naboo culture.

It is said that there are six gates in place to keep Chaos at bay. To those who lean towards superstition and fairytales, our placement today is in honor of that belief. I've never been one to believe in the story but I know that between all five Handmaidens and the Queen, we will not hesitate to defend our home and loved ones; six guardians against evil tidings.

"How much longer do you think the ceremony will be?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I left my curling iron on."

We're doomed.


From meangreenmachineataverna to SVRHMatRNSF 1810 GST
Subject: Nice outfit

"So, I know I'm not supposed to do this, but when have I ever been one to follow rules? We watched the Inauguration yesterday. I have a bet going with Dad that you were the one standing behind Queen Amidala and to the left. If I'm right, he has to help me transplant my millaflowers this weekend. Do me a favor and let me know I was right.

When we're in town for the festival in a few weeks will they make you stay in uniform? Or do I get to actually see your face? Not that I actually WANT to but knowing you, you'll start using that creepy voice and I will have to deny any relation between us.

Talk to you soon.

XOXO HA, winner of all wagers about sisters in disguise.

P.S. You look shorter on a holoscreen."

From SVRHMatRNSF to meangreenmachineataverna 2157 GST
Subject:RE: [Encoded24187] Nice outfit

"I can neither confirm nor deny where I was placed. I signed a contract with my lefthand and know I will be kicked out on my behindif I violate it. Good luck with your transplanting. Say hi to Dad for me.

I take offense to your implication that I would EVER use a creepy voice. I happen to be a beacon of maturity, dear sister, and since I am also your role model and hero, I must always present myself to you in the most well-mannered way possible. I hope you know I take this responsibility very seriously. (It's hard to type when you're laughing hysterically, if you're wondering.)

Talk to you soon.

XOXO SV, paragon of sisterly role-modeling

P.S. You're short whether or not you're on a holoscreen."

- Message thread between Royal Handmaiden Sabé Vena and civilian contact Halleth Averna


I never knew taking Queen Amidala lessons would be so… intense.

After nearly three months of imitating her voice, mannerisms, posture, and walk I've found myself using, 'Padmé-isms,' even when I'm not training. The other day I slipped into a court accent when I asked one of the pilots to pass a flimsi message along to Saché (she paid me back in full for this by hiding all of my datapads) and he thought the Queen had come for a surprise inspection until he noticed I was just a Handmaiden.

This was an awkward conversation I'd rather not relive.

Our first trial run, if you can call it that, of me as a decoy went smoothly for the most part. I sat in for Padmé during a lunch meeting with Representative Nmari. I personally think this was a test that she and Saché came up with, only to see if I could keep a straight face in the presence of a nose-whistler.

We also have devised our own set of nonverbal signals in case I am unable to communicate with Padmé directly. Lots of ear tugging, tapping of feet, wiggling of fingers, and wiping of noses have been utilized. Most have been fairly clear to translate, except for the last one when Yané had a cold for a week:

"Yané, what's wrong?"

"Nothig's wrong, blasd it! I hab a runny nose."

"Maybe the nose signal wasn't a good idea, Eirtaé."

"I told you I'm no good at coming up with gestures! I can't even wink!"

All of this training with Padmé concerning, well, herself and Panaka's strict regimen of exercise and target practice leaves all of us fully exhausted when we make it to our beds. There have been many evenings where I've fallen asleep on top of my bed, still in my training uniform. I've never worked harder in my life but I love every second of it.

Three weeks before my birthday leads to the culmination of all our hard work. We receive news in the Council room that more Trade Federation control ships have come into orbit around our planet. Padmé imposed heavier taxation on their movements in an effort to dissuade further business with them. Instead of causing them to retreat like Palpatine advised (what a shocker) they responded with a menacing increase in demands on production in our Plasma Refinery.

"They are likely attempting to form a blockade," Panaka says. "It won't be long before they make a move to invade."

"To invade our planet would defy all logical reason. Their attempt at blockading alone is illegal." Governor Bibble interjects. "We must speak with Senator Palpatine at once and make an appeal to the Senate for an investigation."

"I have already contacted him. He is having a meeting with Supreme Chancellor Valorum as we speak." Padmé looks at me from across the room. My stomach sinks. She and I both know what this means. "We must examine every course of action we can take to prevent hostilities."

"It may already be too late for that, Your Highness." Have I ever mentioned how much I appreciate Panaka's optimism? It's so comforting in times like this. "Hold on, we're receiving a message from Senator Palpatine."

"Put him through."

A holoprojection appears in the center of the room, revealing Palpatine at a quarter of his normal size. "Queen Amidala, I have spoken with the Supreme Chancellor and urged him to take action; he has contacted the Jedi Council and they are sending representatives to begin negotiations."

My heart skips a beat. I'll be able to meet Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi very soon. How kriffing cool is that? Except for, you know, the dangerous situation surrounding us…

"Thank you, Senator, for your quick work. How soon shall they arrive to begin these negotiations?" Again she glances at me, likely to factor in the time it will take for her to change into Handmaiden robes while I am transformed into the Queen.

"They will arrive in less than twenty-four standard hours. Please utilize all caution, Your Highness. These are dark times, indeed."

"We will. Please keep us apprised of any changes."

Palpatine's image flickers away after he bids us farewell. The conversation from before turns into a full blown argument ─ mostly between Panaka and Bibble while I gesture to Eirtaé with three taps on my leg: "This isn't good."

One cough later: "Affirmative."

I look through the window, scrutinizing the clear, blue skies above us. No one would ever suspect the madness hovering around us. The Trade Federation is far more insidious than people give them credit.

After our meeting adjourns, and we escort Padmé back to her room; I pull up my datapad and send a message to Halleth, who is supposedly in Theed for a field trip. As I finish typing, Rabé and Saché flop onto my bed while Eirtaé and Yané sit on the former's neighboring bed.

"Sabé, are you ready for what might happen if the Trade Federation invades?"

"Of course! How often does a girl get a chance to fool the majority of people around her?" I'm such a liar. "Is anyone else hungry? I'm starving."

All four of them look at each other before bursting into laughter. I cross my arms and wait for them to compose themselves once more. "Only you, Sabé, would be concerned about food after news like this."

"Do you think I'll be able to perform while hungry? We might as well have Eirtaé try to hug the Neimoidians into submission."

She shudders in response. "I hate hugging."

"We know." We reply, earning an eye roll in response.

"Or, if this had happened earlier, Yané could've spread her cold germs to them. They'd be too sick to function." Saché nudges the girl in question with her foot. "Also, they'd probably need shots and that seems like justice to me."

Yané blinks rapidly. "But Neimoidians have a thicker epidermis and typical hypo-injections wouldn't work─OH. You're being facetious again. I caught it this time."

"Or," Rabé interjects. "Better yet, we could have Saché mobilize all the pilots with her sweet ways. They'll gladly jump in to defend her."

"Hey! I can be sweet when I want to be! I just happen to never desire this whenever I'm around our piloting force."

"Snarky Hood."

"Shut up."

As they continue to bicker back and forth, I catch Eirtaé's concerned look in my direction. She has an unnerving capability to read people and in the time I've had to get to know her, I suspect she knew I distracted everyone on purpose.

Later in the evening, I lie in my bed and stare at the ceiling. Halleth has not responded to my message, Padmé barely ate anything for dinner, and news of the blockade has been announced through our main news network. Worry over the reality of this situation makes my stomach hurt.

It's one thing to witness these events in a movie. It's another thing entirely to actually experience it for myself. These people are my friends and family, not hired actors and actresses to play a role.

Have I mentioned that I hate Palpatine and the Trade Federation?


Here comes the invasion and an even more stressed-out Sabé. (Poor girl.) Thank you for reading and please feel free to leave a review!