From the Private Diary of Handmaiden Padmé Naberrie

Naboo

Late Afternoon

It became a nightmare.

The Palace was intruded. We do not how many of the droid army invaded Naboo, but the palace was the intended target. They came in through the city; surrounding the area and securing it like a force not to be reckoned with. Their numbers greatly overpowered ours.

They found us, everyone: the Queen with her handmaidens—including myself—Sio Bibble, Captain Panaka and a few armed guards. We did not struggle nor did we put up a fight; instead, we merely succumbed to their will. At least temporarily.

We were "escorted" through Theed's halls. Apparently we were to be taken to a special "camp" in hopes of persuading the Queen to make this seemingly "peaceful" invasion legal. As if a mere document were to stop her…

Of course we refused. We had to—or should I say she had to. Without the Queen there would be no one in which to make this charade possible. Killing the Queen would be pointless as would more-or-less torturing her. I would rather not get into such thoughts.

Our small party was being led through Theed's nearly empty streets. I kept up the pace with my fellow 'maidens, doing my best to hide my discomfort. Although I was surrounded by my friends and colleagues, I still couldn't help but to think that maybe something could go wrong…seriously wrong…

I noticed that we were being taken almost in the same direction as the hangar bay. There weren't that many droids surrounding us and even though our men were unarmed it didn't mean they could still use physical strength… If only…

We were inching towards the hangar ever-so closely now. Time was running out and so was my eagerness to get away. I understood the possibility of getting caught if I somehow managed to let the men know that I had a plan—even though I had to relay it quick—but it was better then being sent to a "camp" where they will do their best to make the Queen sign the treaty…but what will they do with the rest of us?

I shuddered at the thought at what they might do to us 'maidens. Ridiculous, I know, but I still cannot help to think...

Suddenly, two brown-robed figures appeared before us; lightsabers flashing set with determined faces. A Master and Padawan team.

Our rescuers.

It was as if they fell from the heavens, only it was actually from an overhead walkway. As quickly as they had landed, the youngest one—the Padawan, I presumed—quickly sprung off of the ground and kicked two droids out of commission. I watched both Jedi with much anticipation as they swiftly took care of the problem. I couldn't well describe the respect I felt for their graceful technique as they precisely took down every droid surrounding us… None of our party attempted to flee or make a sound. Doing so would be suicide and greatly create a problem for the Jedi who came to our aid.

For some unknown reason, I kept my eye on the youngest Jedi—the Padawan.

Sure, his master was more cautious and precise with his technique. But his Padawan seemed to be…more loose, more open-minded…a bit reckless…

Rather cute.

I had a feeling he sensed I was watching him quite eagerly. After finishing off the last droid he spun his lightsaber around in front of him—and stared directly at me.

I couldn't take my eyes away. When our gazes locked—were his eyes blue?—I felt something. Something within his calm gaze made me feel…relieved…thankful…secure…

…even embarrassed. Almost immediately I felt my face turn red. I didn't realize his master was talking, and just as quickly as our gazes met he turned away. To be honest I was very grateful it was he and not I who broke the awkward staring. But the same time I felt a small ping of disappointment. For a Padawan he had quite the lovely face.

We left the small courtyard and proceeded to the hangar bay. I didn't notice the young Padawan was standing beside me until he brushed past one of the guards. Once again I did my best to keep my composure as I felt my face begin to flare—my arm seemed to be touching his. Although he was standing with his back to the wall, his gaze moving from his master to the courtyard we just exited, I was pinned in between him and another one of my fellow 'maidens. It was hard for me to move and the position I was in made me feel slightly uncomfortable.

Nonetheless, I did feel a bit…excited…that he was right beside me. Silly, I know, but I couldn't help it.

We continued to the hangar after a short conversation between our governor and the Jedi Master.