Hello everybody! I didn't intend to be gone so long, but I promise there won't be as long of a wait for the next chapter! Thank you for all your kind reviews and messages. You always make my day. Also, as always, thank you to julesley for your amazing editing skills and mutual feelings about the Dark Phoenix.

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars.


Of all the people I'm the most nervous to meet… I didn't expect it to be Anakin Skywalker.

Yet here I am, sweating beneath my headdress and trying to appear regal, calm, and collected; as Master Jinn introduces the boy who is, arguably, the most important figure in the galaxy. Said boy stares back at me with round eyes, mouth slightly open in awe.

"Your Highness, this is Anakin Skywalker; the boy who ensured our successful departure from Tatooine by winning the Boonta Eve podrace."

"Whoa… I've never met a real queen before."

Oh, little does he know… "And I have never met a real podracer before. I must express that the honor is mine." I offer a small smile as he looks at his feet bashfully. "Thank you, Anakin Skywalker for your assistance. Naboo owes you a great debt."

I can see Padmé smiling from the opposite end of the room. She's had nothing but wonderful things to say about Ani ever since she returned to the ship. I can't get over the, frankly, weird feeling knowing that the two are destined to fall in love. Granted that won't happen until ten years from now, but still…

Have I mentioned knowing the future is really kriffing odd?

"Aw, it was nothing." Anakin says, now scuffing his feet against the floor. I notice Obi-Wan's eyes crinkling in amusement at the boy's antics. Maybe he'll focus his attention on him and leave me and my antics the kriff alone. "I'm just glad I could help."

"Well…" I let some of my amusement show in my tone. "If you consider your recent actions to be nothing, I'm curious to see what you consider to be worthy of being called something."

Anakin blinks at me. "Thanks… I think?"

Qui-Gon places his hand on Anakin's shoulder, smiling down at him fondly. "Let us suffice it to say that Anakin has many great things ahead of him." His expression sobers as he looks at me. "I am certain you have been apprised of the situation that occurred that led to our sudden departure from Tatooine."

I fight the grimace as I think of Darth Maul attacking Qui-Gon in efforts to get to the Queen, which for all the Sith knows is me. That's not a scary thought at all. "You were attacked by an assassin trained in arts similar to those of the Jedi Order. Are you well after this encounter?"

He looks surprised at my concern, nodding once before crossing his arms in front of him. "I am, Your Highness. Thank you for asking. We will bring the matter of this assassin to the Jedi Council once we reach Coruscant."

Part of me wonders how I could discreetly send a message to Yoda without it being traced to me. If only Yané were here with us, she could slice her way into any database. "How much longer shall it be before we arrive?"

"It should not take longer than two hours, Your Highness. If we may be excused, I would like to speak with my Padawan and Anakin about our upcoming meeting with the Jedi Council."

"Certainly, Master Jinn." He inclines his head respectfully towards me as Anakin bows wobbly, kneeling too far to the left before righting himself. I smile at him encouragingly as he leaves the chamber. Obi-Wan files out after them, making a point to say goodbye to all of the Handmaidens and specifically calling Padmé by name, which only serves to send my blood pressure soaring through the roof.

It's no wonder Anakin causes so much mischief when he has a future Master who is the definition of a buttinski…

It's also hard to reconcile the small, blue-eyed, sandy-haired boy with the evil Sith lord he is supposed to become. It's not as if I can see a Vader-shaped shadow following him around. He even has freckles across his nose, for the galaxy's sake. He couldn't be more adorable if he tried.

"He is just so cute!" Rabé squeals from behind me. "I just want to hug him, Padmé!"

"Maybe he doesn't like hugs." Eirtaé replies, ever defensive of her less-than-affectionate ways.

"Not everyone is as special as you." I turn toward her and grin. "But we love you anyways, Eirtaé."

"Loving me and my ways is written in the Handmaiden contract, right along with desensitizing your ears to swearing in multiple languages." She fires back at me, a smirk on her face. It didn't take her long to forgive me for sneaking out again, but only after I promised to tell Padmé what happened.

Funnily enough, when I did tell her, she only shook her head and muttered something along the lines of, "Oh, Sabé, you just can't stay out of trouble, can you?"

I didn't know whether or not I should be offended.

"Ha! You haven't even heard the worst yet─"

"Moving on." Padmé interjects smoothly, shaking her head at our bickering. "We are supposed to be received by Senator Palpatine." She ignores the face I make at the mention of the man's name. "And Supreme Chancellor Valorum… we need to rehearse what you will say, Sabé."

I slump down in the throne, stopping my hand before I drag it down my face and ruin the work Rabé did on my makeup. "Are you sure we can't just pull the switch now? That would make our lives so much easier."

"And how exactly would you explain my sudden disappearance, hmm?"

"... Have I mentioned I hate it when you're right?"

Padmé grins at me. "You must hate me all the time then."

I stick my tongue out at her, which causes the rest of them to burst into laughter. My scowl only lasts for a few seconds before I find myself joining in with them.

Somehow, I think we needed that laugh.


I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

It's just an encounter with the leader of the Galactic Republic. I could do this in my sleep!

Actually… no, considering how strange my dreams are ─ Tap dancing and bad poetry aside ─ I should renounce that last statement.

I feel a burst of climate-controlled air as the loading ramp lowers onto our landing platform. Being surrounded by Jedi, pilots, a Gungan, the Chosen One, Handmaidens, and Captain Panaka should give me a sense of relief but in all honesty, I feel like I might be sick.

The feeling in my stomach only worsens when I see Palpatine leading the greeting committee. Supreme Chancellor Valorum stands at his side as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan bow respectfully to him. The latter sends me an indecipherable look as he moves to let me pass.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

"It is a great gift to see you alive, Your Majesty." Palpatine says to me, a genial smile on his face. "With the communications breakdown, we've been very concerned." Oh, I'm just so sure you have been. "I'm anxious to hear your report on the situation." He turns to his right. "May I present Supreme Chancellor Valorum?"

I look at the man Palpatine has just introduced and feel a slight jab of pity for him. I don't know much about Valorum and his politics, beyond the fact that his actions on the side have given Palpatine enough room to undermine him over the years. "Welcome, Your Highness. It's an honor to finally meet you in person."

I respond with the words Padmé and I agreed will be my general statement for the foreseeable future. "Thank you, Supreme Chancellor." I catch Anakin looking up at me in my peripheral vision. I wish I could smile at him.

"I must relay to you how distressed everyone is over the current situation. I've called for a special session of the senate to hear your position."

Turning towards Valorum, I stop and meet his gaze. "I'm grateful for your concern, Chancellor."

He remains behind with the Jedi as we move forward. I resist the urge to cringe as Palpatine croons in my ear. "There is a question of procedure, but I'm confident we can overcome it."

I continue to move forward without deigning his remark with a reply. An idea ─ a rebellious one at that ─ forms in my mind as he moves to assist me into the transport waiting for us. As I go to thank him, I notice his eyes narrowing suspiciously on my face. He glances over his shoulder in Padmé's direction and my stomach sinks into my feet.

He knows.

Kriffing Force-Sensitives…

"Ani, come on," Padmé urges Anakin to follow us and he takes a seat in the front by Jar Jar.

Unfortunately, this leads me to being sat across from Palpatine with Panaka, Padmé, and Rabé on my left, and Eirtaé on my right. Any trace of suspicion has disappeared from his face but I tap my hand on my right knee to signal, 'Danger.'

"The queen's a bein' grossly nice, mesa tinks." Jar Jar's voice carries over to us. "Pity hot."

I never understood what the last part of that statement meant, even after watching The Phantom Menace multiple times.

Despite the weight of suspicion that hovers in the transport, I try to focus on the towering spires around us and multiple skylanes filled with heavy traffic. Coruscant couldn't be any different from Naboo if it tried. I find myself missing the sound of roaring waterfalls and wind flowing through the trees in comparison to engines burning and honking at multiple intervals.

It is a long journey to Palpatine's apartment in 500 Republica.


I've never changed more quickly in my life.

"Sabé, can you find the beaded cap!?" Rabé asks, rushing around with her arms full of intricately embroidered robes to drape Padmé in. "I think it's in the smaller container."

I am currently face first in said container, digging around through various hair implements and swearing when I stab my finger on the edge of a pair of scissors. "Kriff! Who packed this thing anyways!? It's a hazard!"

"We didn't exactly have time to organize it." Eirtaé snaps back, hurriedly painting Padmé's face. She nearly stabs her in the eye with her index finger. "Sorry, Padmé."

"It's alright,"

I let out a triumphant sound when my fingers curl around the beaded cap. My smile falls when I see the strands have become tangled. "Oh for crying out loud…" My grumbled cursing is ignored as I work on untangling the strands.

"Are you almost finished?" Rabé asks as I finally manage to work the last strands into a semblance of order.

"Here you go." I run over to her and hold the longer ends as she places it over Padmé's braided hair. An ornate, fan headdress follows as she wraps the beaded strands around the base to hold it securely. I look at the Queen and grin. "It's a good thing you're not claustrophobic."

"Would it matter if I was?"

"Hmm… probably not."

Rabé and Eirtaé step back to admire their work while I wrap Padmé's waist in a crème colored ribbon. She lifts her arms obligingly as I begin tying it behind her.

"Regal and delicate, yet commanding… I think this will be excellent for the meeting with the Senator."

"We do good work, Rabé." I narrow my eyes at them from over Padmé's shoulder.

"What am I, chopped goober fish?"

"That would explain the smell."

"You're hilarious, Eirtaé." I reply, deadpan. They all giggle at me as I take a survey of the room. "Have you noticed that Palpatine has an obsession with the color red?"

The other girls observe the red walls, drapes, furniture, and carpeting in a slightly concerned manner. "It is… somewhat overpowering." Padmé offers. "Some find the color to be strengthening."

"And some are psychotic."

Before she can reply, Panaka steps into the chamber. "Your Highness, Senator Palpatine is waiting for you."

"Thank you, Captain. We are ready to speak with him."

He then turns to me, raising an eyebrow at my greasy, flattened hair, and partially scrubbed off makeup. "It would be best if you remain behind, Sabé."

"Aww, you mean I can't decoy as Padmé instead of the Queen?" I snap my fingers in mock defeat. He shakes his head as the others depart the room.

"Try to stay out of sight." He orders as he leaves me behind. I take a look at the scattered clothing, and upturned wardrobe and accessory containers and sigh heavily.

How did we manage to make such a mess in a short amount of time?

After I've sufficiently picked up all of our belongings and returned them to their proper place, I attempt to wash the rest of my makeup off. Seeing my true face in the mirror is oddly comforting, though I notice a few bumps on my chin that weren't there before. Lovely.

As I braid my hair back, the doors to the chamber slide open. Padmé walks in swiftly, her hands clutched in fists at her sides. Eirtaé and Rabé file in quietly behind her."I am growing sick and tired of dealing with bureaucrats."

"What happened?" I ask, watching her pace the floor. The beaded strands around her face move wildly as she throws her hands up.

"Senator Palpatine believes that Chancellor Valorum, our strongest supporter, will do nothing to assist us. He suggested a vote of no confidence in the man's leadership or the plight of our home will be forced into a committee ─ which will take months at minimum before a decision will be made."

"It makes some political sense." Eirtaé states. "It would be considered a bold move on your part if you were to call for a vote of no confidence. The other delegates would have to take you and your position seriously."

"All that will do is throw the Senate into chaos and we'll be left with nothing." I argue back. Finally, I have a chance to use the idea I had earlier. If I can convince Padmé to not call for the vote, it would be one hydrospanner thrown in Palpatine's schemes. "The Trade Federation doesn't expect you to come to the hearing in such a way. If we play into their expectations that we're more easily defeated, they wouldn't see us coming if we take our home back in a show of force."

Padmé stops pacing and fixes her gaze on me. I've only been on the receiving end of her fiercest glares a few times. I won't lie and say it isn't intimidating. "Sabé, if you're suggesting that the only way to take back our home is by force, then what is the point of attending the Senate hearing at all?"

"Think about it, Padmé. If the Trade Federation delegates believe that you are defeated by the lack of support from the Senate, they will be caught unawares when we return in a strong manner. Besides, if you were to call for a vote of no confidence, who will benefit the most from it?" I point towards the main chamber. "If Senator Palpatine doesn't have individuals ready to put his name forward, I'll eat the headdress I just wore for days on end."

"Not your theories again." Eirtaé shakes her head. "Senator Palpatine has been nothing but supportive."

"Of course he has. He'd look like a kriffing moron if he couldn't properly represent his home." I cross my arms. "In the long game, he'll be the one to benefit the most."

"Be that as it may, I have little options to work with." Padmé sits on the couch, her shoulders slumped. I join her at her side. "… Did you sincerely just offer to eat a headdress?"

"I was trying to make a point!"

Rabé clears her throat in effort to cut through the tension. "Perhaps we should focus on preparing your outfit for the upcoming session, Padmé? Vote or no vote, we are going to make sure you look your very best." I smile despite myself.

Rabé and her priorities…


Hours later, after deliberating back and forth on the perfect outfit for Padmé to wear and a change of robes for us Handmaidens, I find myself holding an option in each hand for her to wear as a topcoat. Rabé stands on the other side of the chamber, eyeing both of them.

"What about this one?" I lift up my left hand.

"No, that color is too cheerful for a debate about an invasion."

"Fine, what about this?" I lift my right hand.

"That one is too shiny. The lights in the Senate will reflect off of it and draw attention away from her face."

"The giant headdress is already doing that!" I gesture to the towering piece we wrapped Padmé's hair in, where two thick sections hang on each side to frame her face. We all turn as a beeping sound emits from one of our comlinks.

"Who is it?" Rabé asks.

"The boy's here to see Padmé."

"Let him in." My eyes go wide and I fling the coats at Eirtaé, who squawks in protest. Just as Anakin enters the room I drop to the ground and roll to the corner. Unfortunately, this causes me to knock my elbow against the wall and I curse under my breath.

"I'm sorry, Ani, but Padmé's not here right now." Rabé says while Eirtaé shoots me an incredulous look. I motion for her to keep quiet, praying that Anakin won't walk any further into the room and discover me.

"Who is it?" Padmé steps forward, regal tone fully in use.

"Anakin Skywalker, to see Padmé, Your Highness."

The Queen turns to him. "I've sent Padmé on an errand."

Kriff, my elbow is throbbing now. That's going to be a nasty bruise.

"I'm on my way to the Jedi Temple to start my training, I hope. I may never see her again, so I came to say good-bye."

"We will tell her for you. We are sure her heart goes with you." Despite it all, I can hear the sadness in her tone. If I didn't know we'll be seeing Anakin again in the very near future, my heart would melt even further than it already has.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

I breathe a sigh of relief when the doors open and close. The three of them stare at me as I stand up, dusting off my robes.

"What was that all about?" Eirtaé flings the coats back at me and I dash forward to catch them.

"The guard said he was here to see Padmé, and there are three Handmaidens here along with the Queen. Don't you think he'd be a little suspicious if she isn't one of them, unless we can somehow explain why a new Handmaiden is here?"

Their eyes widen in realization while I rub my elbow and scowl. "I wonder where I can get some ice around here…"

"That was quick thinking, Sabé." I pause at the slight catch in Padmé's voice. She presses her hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry─I just hate that I couldn't properly say goodbye to Ani."

"Why don't you send him a message?" Rabé points to the terminal by one of the wardrobe containers. "Even if it's not in person, he will probably appreciate something written personally by you."

"That is an excellent idea." She moves to the terminal to type out a quick message. As soon as she hits send, the doors open to reveal Panaka. I breathe a sigh of relief that I didn't have to duck and roll once again.

"It is time for us to depart for the hearing, Your Highness."

"Thank you, Captain Panaka. We are ready to leave." I place a hand on Padmé's shoulder and offer her an encouraging smile.

"Good luck. I know you'll make the right choice."

She smiles briefly as they move to leave. Once again, I am left alone in the chamber with another room full of belongings to clean up.

Oh well, at least I can finally check my messages once I'm done.


From SVRHMatRNSF to meangreenmachineataverna 0312 GST
Subject: [no subject]

Halleth Averna, don't you dare get yourself hurt before I return home.

I'm coming back soon. Just hold on a little longer.

XOXO SV, proud older sister of a rebel.


I can barely see through my tears as I bring up the feed from the Senate hearing on the terminal. After reading Halleth's messages… I haven't been able to stop crying.

Wiping angrily at my eyes, I watch as the recorder droids circle the Naboo pod, focusing on Padmé's determined and stalwart expression.

"The chair recognizes the senator from the sovereign system of Naboo."

"Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the Senate." Hatred boils up inside me at Palpatine's voice. He's the cause behind all of this. He's the one that put my sister in danger. "A tragedy has occurred, which started right here with the taxation of trade routes and has now engulfed our entire planet in the oppression of the Trade Federation."

A beeping at the door causes me to turn away from the terminal just as the Federation delegates begin arguing back. "Whoever is here has the kriffing worst timing."

I school my expression into neutrality as I press the keypad to open the door. If I hadn't had such rigorous training, my eyes would've bugged out of my head at the sight of the Muun across from me, with a transpirator affixed to the lower half of his face.

"Where is the boy?" His mechanical voice freezes me in place.

Darth Plagueis…


To Mari: There are definitely a lot of ways Sabé could take to change things, and like I said, I enjoy all the speculations about the fic! Thank you for your lovely review. :)

A/N: *hides behind potato-waffle shield* Please don't kill me for the cliffhanger... Time will tell what will occur in her interaction with Palpatine's master. Thank you all so much for reading and please feel free to leave a review!