Note:

I do not own StarWars, all belongs to George Lucas!

I am just using his brilliance to further my own imagination.

I am writing for my own enjoyment, but I hope you might find some as well.


Prologue

The soft cool breeze coming through the window and the warm glow of the setting sun across her face was all she needed to wander from her work and into a daydream. The breeze blew the pages of her book to a close, tugging her brown hair from its place, but she didn't care. She wished it would always be like this. Spring days on Naboo were always perfect. It was in this state of time that she could forget everything. Forget her responsibilities and learning. Forget about handmaiden training. Forget about perfecting imitations. She could just be herself, Sabé, dreaming it could always be this way. Another cool breeze sent a slight chill down her spine. Yes, if only all days could be like this.


32 BBY

If only it were just another perfect spring day. Everything pointed to one. The warmth of the sun at the perfect temperature, calming and smooth. The light breeze playing in the newly sprung flowers. The melodies of birds as they flew to and from the trees. Everything about this day should be her favorite. She should be relaxing by the lake, book or hallikset in hand, daydreaming as always.

The shadow of a cloud passing overhead lay over her face, reminding her of the same starships looming over Naboo at this moment. A blockade. No, it couldn't be the perfect day it was destined to be. Instead of reading, she was practically running to the queen's quarters. Today was the day she had been training for. Every painstaking lesson, every mistake made, every moment leading to this one, the one they all hoped would never come. Captain Panaka eyes had met hers instantly, the very second their communications were jammed. She had not been able to stop thinking since. Trying to remember the queen's monotone voice, the words she would choose, the reserved facial expressions, her gestures, Sabé could barely remember where to walk.

As she finally reached the door, the queen was as calm as always, the only presence that kept everyone grounded and still moving. Rabé had rushed to her side, wiping of the make-up. Sabé could feel Eirtaé pulling her, but she was still lost in her thoughts, Eirtaé's words falling on deaf ears. It was not until the queen turned to her and met her gaze, that all the noise of the room came crashing to Sabé's ears. It was in that gaze that she seaw her dear friend Padmé. She could see the fear of a 14-year-old girl dancing in her eyes. The tension in her shoulders was evident as she stiffly let Rabé remove the last traces of white make up and Saché began to undo her royal gown. Her fear strengthened Sabé in that moment. She would do this for her. She would protect her dearest friend and the home they love. The Queen extended a hand to her and in an instant she is at her side.

"Sabé, I can't let you do this." She all but breathed out, so close only she can hear her.

"Forgive me your highness, but I will do my duty. I will make sure you get through this." Her voice was much stronger now. Their gazes held together, Sabé believed every word she said.

She started to shake her head, but Sabé was already helping Saché undo the last ties of her gown, as Eirtaé prepares a new one for her replacement.

"I am sorry milady, but we are running out of time." With these last words the Queen releases her hand, and soon after, Sabé is staring at her new reflection. She is no longer Sabé. She is Queen Amidala of the Naboo. She shifts a little, trying to let the weight of the gown settle, feeling her blaster and vibroblade strapped to her leg. With the last moments of peace between them all, she squeezes the Queen's hand one more time. She is all seriousness now, every ounce of fear replaced with determination. 'We will make it' heavy in her eyes and Sabé can feel her resolve fill the air. They realign themselves, Padmé and Rabé to her right, Eirtaé, Saché and Yané to her left. Not a moment later, they can hear the unmistakable sound of droids, and the room fills with chaos.


"How will you explain this invasion to the senate?" Governor Bibble asked. Sabé chanced a look to the side at him in her peripheral vision; the concern was very evident on his face. He had been her first trial this afternoon. He was the first to see her as Queen Amidala and he had promptly treated her as such. She felt no suspicion from him. She hoped she could only remain as successful, as they continued to be marched down the hallway, Padmé and the other handmaidens slightly behind her.

Sabé's indignation toward the Neimoidian grew as he responded, "The Queen and I will sign a treaty that will legitimize our occupation here. I have assurances it will be ratified by the senate."

She kept her voice level and monotone as the queen, despite her rising anger. "I will not cooperate." She affirmed. How could he have such assurances?

"Now, now, your highness. In time, the suffering of your people will persuade you to see our point of view."

She tried her best to remember the cool Naboo breeze to calm her racing mind. She knew the Queen would never allow the suffering of their people, but Padmé's determination embraced her as she felt it rolling off her in waves from behind her. Sabé knew she would not bow to the demands of the likes of Nute Gunray. Seemingly satisfied with her silence, the viceroy looked to his droids.

"Commander, process them."

They were to be marched to camp 4. Thousands of strategies flew through her mind. It would not bode well for their citizens to see their monarch paraded away, potentially to never return. She also had a duty to keep the Queen safe, and a prison camp was not a promising option. She silently cursed this gown. It was very heavy and the headdress even more so. The feel of her blaster against her thigh gave her little confidence if she could not maneuver to it easily. Alas, the dress was chosen to signify the mourning of their people. At this point in their march, Sabé calculated only six droids guarding them and noted the rest of the side street was clear. They could handle the droids and they may be able to use the secret passages to get to a ship. It was risky, but may be worth it. She had just about maneuvered her blaster from its position, intent on signaling Captain Panaka as two forms suddenly landed from the sky. Jedi. She recognized them instantly from their training classes. They were well renowned for their connection to the force, their use of lightsabers, as well as defenders of the peace. The two Jedi sliced into the droids with ease and finesse. There was almost a grace to which they moved, fluid like water.

The older man spoke up after their quick work, "We should leave the street, your highness." He had longer brown hair, half tied up and a strong beard. He had very kind eyes, ones that you would want to trust instantly. Recollecting herself from their sudden appearance, she remembered 'your highness' meant her now. She heard Captain Panaka call to grab the fallen weapons and was led to a hidden walk way by the governor.

"We're ambassadors for the supreme chancellor." The older man continued.

"Your negotiations seemed to have failed, Ambassador." The Governor admonished them.

"The negotiations never took place." This statement took Sabé by mild surprise and she could feel it radiate from the rest of the group. If they never took place, it was a direr situation than they originally thought. The viceroy never intended amicable negotiations with them. This was indeed an invasion. Premeditated. Her heart sank.

"It's urgent that we make contact with the Republic."

Sabé took this brief moment to look to her left to the other Jedi. He seemed much younger than the other. He carried the hairstyle of the padawan as she recalled from her lessons. A strange hairstyle indeed, but it almost suited his strong face. His olive skin was glowing with sweat, but was a fine complexion against strawberry blonde golden hair. What strikes her next were his eyes. They are breathtaking, a sea foam green and bright blue, perfectly mixed. She is pulled from her observations as the governor begins to lead her towards the main hanger, hopeful.

"There are too many of them." Panaka declares. But the master Jedi all but dismisses his concerns and turned to Sabé.

"Your Highness, under these circumstances, I suggest you come to Coruscant with us"

Without missing a beat she responded, "Thank you, Ambassador, but my place is with my people." There is no doubt in her mind that the Queen would not leave her people behind to suffer alone. The younger Jedi looks at her with a scrutinizing gaze, almost in disbelief at her remarks.

"They will kill you if you stay." His voice is grave. And while Captain Panaka and the governor move to disagree, she knows she must place her trust in this Jedi. His words make sense. The federation's move does not have logic. They have nothing to give them from invasion. Something else could be at play. Something she could not pinpoint or begin to understand. Something terrible.

"Either choice presents a great danger…. To us all." She turned to Padmé, hoping she notices her need for guidance. Sabé knows she would hate to leave their people. But this does seem like the most hope to not only keep her safe, but to reach the senate and have the federation removed from their home. Padmé, forever observant and calm leader, astutely noticed her.

"We are brave your Highness." Confirmation. They are to leave for Coruscant.

"If you are to leave, your highness, it must be now." The Master Jedi pressed her.

"Then I will plead our case to the senate. Be careful governor." The rest of her entourage and herself followed behind the Jedi, heading to the ship.

"We'll need to free those pilots." She heard Captain Panaka announce.

She watched as the younger Jedi stilled Captain Panaka's movements.

"I'll deal with that." His voice was rich with the coruscanti accent. It was not a reprimand, but it still held the air of authority as he practically glided over to the droids.

As she waited behind the master Jedi, she could see the padawan take care of the enemy swiftly and with undeniable ease before she was led swiftly up the ramp of the ship

After boarding the Naboo ship, the Queen's entourage soon felt the ship lift off. Sabé immediately felt the loss of Naboo air and was dismayed by the lack of windows in the throne room. Sabé did not know what was worse. Being blind to that around them and living in the unknown or looking out into space and anxiously watching the blockade grow closer. They were sentenced to the former; nervous looks exchanged as the ship rocked slightly every few moments. After what felt like ages of uncertainty, they became aware of the jump to hyperspace.

The small peace that had settled among the handmaidens was just as quickly interrupted as it had started. Captain Panaka and the Jedi had entered the throne room, followed by a white and blue astro droid.

"An extremely well put together little droid your highness. Without a doubt, it saved the ship, as well as our lives." Captain Panaka explained to her.

"Then it is to be commended. What is its number?"

"R2-D2, your highness."

"Thank you, R2-D2." Thinking quickly as the droid beeped in delight.

"Padmé." Sabé called. "Clean this droid up as best you can. It deserves our gratitude." Padmé walked over to the droid, aware of Sabé's plan. Sometimes it felt as if they were linked, sharing one mind. She had hoped from here she could gauge Padmé's reactions and make necessary decisions. From the look on Padmé's face now, she had gathered this and was awaiting further information from the Jedi, just as Sabé was herself.

"Continue, Captain." She urged. He in turn looked to the master Jedi, who swiftly stepped forward.

"Your highness, with your permission, we're heading for a remote planet called Tatooine. It's in a system far beyond the reach of the Trade Federation."

"I do not agree with the Jedi on this." The captain cut in.

"You must trust my judgment, your highness." The ever-diplomatic Jedi returned.

Sabé roamed her eyes between the two men, stealing a glance at Padmé between them. Her face was passive. She was as unsure as she was. Her eyes settled last on the padawan Jedi, his face also unreadable. He was doing a spectacular job at hiding any thoughts or emotions that he might be experiencing. Her own face one of passivity, Sabé slowly nodded.

"We shall trust your judgment, Master Jedi."

A heavy silence filled the throne room as their ambassadors left through the door. Unfortunately her decision to have Padmé clean the droid meant she followed them out the door as well. She would not be able to seek her approval of her decision. Sabé's mind began to race. How safe would the Queen really be here? It was true, the Hutts would not be looking for her, but it was still a dangerous place. However, she saw no other choice than to follow the recommendations of the Master Jedi. She would ensure they did extra safety checks of the ship and perhaps nightly watches in case of any unwanted visitors. Certainly Captain Panaka would not take kindly to her ordering him around. However, her ultimate duty was to the Queen, and she would do what she must to keep her protected.

Not long into her musings, she felt the ship ascending and Padmé had returned to the throne room.

"I am going with him." She suddenly declared. Sabé hid her brief surprise. "The Master Jedi will be traveling into the town to look for parts. While I trust his judgment, I wish to be part of these dealings."

"Padmé, there is no way that is safe. All will be lost if I allow you to get killed on this forsaken planet." She hoped she could rationalize with her queen, praying to have some sway over the resolve she could see in her eyes.

"I will go for you, if you so desire us to be a part of this." She offered. She knew Padmé had been trained as she had, that she could take care of herself. However, she would never forgive herself if she failed her and she died alone in the sand.

"No, I will go. You must still act as my decoy here."

"Padmé…"

"I am your queen and I will be going." Her tone was firm and final and Sabé knew the argument was lost. Captain Panaka would not be pleased.

And indeed he was not as he called after the master Jedi, releasing Padmé to his unknowing protection.

The other handmaidens looked to her after Padmé's absence. She could tell they were all tired, exhausted after such trying days.

"Captain." She called as he passed by the door. " I will be releasing the handmaidens to their quarters. Please ensure safety checks are done and we are secure. I will check our supplies. This ship was not meant for long term stays."

He was evidently disgruntled by her orders. "Sabé…" He began.

"As much as we both wish it were not so captain, I am 'your highness' while aboard this ship and we must act accordingly." She tried her best to be diplomatic. She knew he would see reason soon enough. "Please secure our security and then get the much needed rest you deserve."

He nodded his head swiftly and left without another word. She followed the handmaidens to the queen's quarters. This outfit would have to go if she was to get anything done in Padmé's absence. While she knew it was not very royal of her to be checking supplies, she could not bring herself to ask the others. They were exhausted, and despite being so herself, she knew sleep would escape her tonight, as it always had. While rummaging through the queen's wardrobe, she found what she was looking for. It was a simple black dress with long sleeves and a hood. While it was similar to a handmaiden cloak, it had a more regal air about it with Naboo crest embroidered on the back. This would allow her to move more easily and swiftly as she pleased. Of course, she would need to return to the stately attire before they reached Coruscant.

She was just finishing her last check in the main hull, when she was joined by none other than the Jedi padawan, who seemed to be checking a list of his own. Of course being a Jedi, he had already sensed her presence, and had managed a quick bow of his head in her direction.

"I am sorry for my intrusion, your highness. I hope I did not disturb you."

Sabé nodded her head in return. "There is no reason to apologize, Master Jedi. What is it you are looking for? I have already begun to look through several of our supplies and would hate for you to waste any time."

"I was hoping to find more for us to bargain with. I am afraid Republican credits are not in currency here."

She nodded back to him sullenly. She was doing her best to keep her face neutral and her voice devoid and even, as Padmé often did as royalty.

"I am afraid we are not prepared then. We do not have much in way of supplies. When leaving in such haste, I do not think there is enough of even my wardrobe with which to trade." She lamented. They may be stuck here a very long time. If they had had more time to prepare, they would have had other currency available, or at least jewels of some kind that the queen would usually pack for royal affairs. Her face must have betrayed her for the Jedi suddenly spoke.

"Do not worry, your highness. Master Qui-Gon knows much of the living force. If we were to be stranded here, surely he would have sensed it." Obi-Wan offered as he briefly thought of his own feelings before their descent to Naboo. He still felt it, something elusive, something he could not quite place. But he was doing his best to live in the here and now, as his master had told him. In the here and now was a very young queen, worried for her people and more worried they may never make it back to bring help. This was the first he had been able to sense much from her. She wore her white mask very well and had surprised him with how well she hid her emotions and remained levelheaded back on Naboo. Now, in this moment, he could feel it slowly radiating off of her. A grave concern. It made the silence in the room even more deafening to him. He suddenly felt stupid telling her not to worry. Of course, he had faith in his master and the force, but it was not something so easy for someone else to believe and simply let their worry go. It was also in this moment that he realized just how incredibly young she was. He had read that the Naboo royals were elected young and even knew from the beginning of their mission her age. However, she had been so calm, collected and diplomatic, her age had not registered. Her maturity had been beyond her years, head held high in regal status. But as his gaze met hers, he could suddenly see the face of a fourteen year-old girl. While she had once stood so tall to him, she now looked small, the pressure causing her shoulders to sag slightly. He could not imagine how she must feel in this moment. He had felt his own burdens at the success of this mission, but nothing like having his own people depend on him as they were taken in to camps and into the unknown. Slowly, the fear in her face crept away, her mask replaced, emotions repressed.

"I have faith in Master Qui-Gon's judgment." She firmly stated as if it would eradicate everything she had just allowed him to see. Gone was the child, replaced by a fearless leader. She was truly remarkable to him and he could see how she could win the confidence of a nation.

"I will do everything within my power to save my people. Excuse me, Master Jedi." She promptly nodded her head and swiftly and gracefully exited the room, leaving Obi-Wan with his own thoughts. Remembering his purpose for being here, he headed back to the cockpit to relay his findings to his masters.

As she made the return to the Queen's quarters, Sabé overheard the young Jedi talking, causing her to pause before entering.

"A few containers of supplies. The queen's wardrobe, maybe, but not enough for you to barter with, not in the amount you're talking about." He relayed.

Qui-Gon's voiced chirped from the communication center in response. "All right. I'm sure another solution will present itself. I'll check back later."

She hoped another solution would present itself and soon. If she was suffering with guilt and fear, she could only imagine how Padmé must feel. She was out there, trying to find a solution. It would be disheartening to be there and watch them fail. With a heavy sigh she entered the handmaidens quarters.