Padmé reached out to Mina Bonteri via comm as soon as she was back in her apartment once the ban was lifted, smiling as the smaller image of her friend appeared. "Long time no see."
"Padmé, thank goodness. I was getting worried about you."
"Sorry. I had to go into hiding for a while after an assassination attempt on me that took Cordé's life. Then I came back to find out that apparently a motion had been passed in my absence forbidding reaching out to Separatists and it was just now lifted in the meeting I just left. It's been an interesting few weeks."
"Cordé is dead? I am so sorry to hear that, Padmé. Sounds like you have had a stressful time."
"That is just the tip of the iceberg, Mina." She sighed heavily. "I think I am in love with someone I shouldn't be."
Mina raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what sort of person has snagged your affections, my dear?"
"It's complicated and I can't really discuss it on an open channel. Besides, there are more important matters at hand. Is there any chance we could meet for peace talks between the Separatists and the Republic?"
"I will discuss it with the Separatist Senate at once and call you back."
"Thank you, Mina."
"It is my pleasure. And Padmé?"
"Yes?"
"You should know by now I think matters of the heart are far more important than anything else. We are not done discussing this mystery man of yours."
Padmé felt herself smiling in spite of the circumstances as her friend cut the connection. She glanced over at Master Yoda, who was in the other room meditating as they waited for the arrival of her new protector Shaak Ti. She decided she needed to eat and walked to her kitchen to prepare something.
Master Ti arrived in the evening, making quite the appearance as a six foot tall female Togruta with red skin and white markings and grey stripes on the parts of her that were visible passed her brown Jedi robes. She bowed to Yoda and Padmé. "I would have been here sooner, but my departure was delayed when some of the locals of Thustra asked me to act as mediator a little longer. I apologize for any inconvenience I have caused."
"An inconvenience, it is not. Waiting for from Senator Bonteri of the Separatists, we have been."
Padmé nodded her agreement. "It is an honor to finally meet you Master Ti, I have heard so much about you."
"Thank you for your understanding and kindness." Shaak bowed again. "Is there anything else I should be aware of that isn't on the data cube you sent me, Master Yoda?"
"Come to mind, nothing does. Return I will, to the Jedi Temple. Call me, if need my help you do. Be there, I will." He bowed to both women and hobbled out to catch a transport.
"Can I get you anything, Master Ti?"
"I wouldn't mind a tour of your apartment, Senator Amidala."
"Of course. This is the main room obviously, over there to your right is the kitchen and dining area, straight back is Captain Typho's security post and sleeping quarters and to the left is my room." Padmé pointed to each in turn as they walked more into her humble abode. It was very modest as far as Senatorial accommodations went, though she had heard the Jedi were far more sparse. "If you need food, please feel free to help yourself."
"Thank you, Senator."
"Considering we will be spending quite a bit of time together, you can call me Padmé."
"Then you may address me as Shaak." The Togruta replied with a smile.
"Fair enough, Shaak. Excuse me." Padmé stepped into her room as her comm beeped. "Hi, Mina."
"Hello, dear. I just spoke with the Separatist Senate. They have agreed that I can represent them for a peace talks as long as we can pick the planet."
"I don't see why not, so long as we can both survey the area independently and bring our own security."
Mina smiled. "Agreed. How does meeting on my homeworld of Onderon sound?"
"Perfect. When and what time do you wish to hold the summit?"
"Since we got to choose the place, I thought you might like to have a say in that."
"Certainly. How about in two days at eight in the morning?"
"It's a deal. Now, what's this about you being in love?"
Padmé felt herself blush a little bit. "Mina, I told you I can't really talk about that on an open line. Can we discuss this after the summit?"
"As you wish, but if you think I will forget you are mistaken. We will discuss this."
"I am counting on it." She sighed as Mina cut the connection and sat down for a while.
Captain Typho knocked on the doorframe. "Everything alright, milady?"
"Yes. The Separatists agreed to peace talks, so I will be letting Bail and Mon Motha we'll be leaving at first light for Onderon. Don't worry, I will let you go down first for surveillance."
"Sometimes it's like you can read my mind." He chuckled.
"I guess you have been working for me for long enough that could be the case." She agreed. "Is Shaak Ti settling in?"
"Yes, she is meditating in the living room at the moment."
"Thank you, Captain. Try to get some sleep, okay?"
"I make no promises."
She smiled as he left and dialed Bail's number. "Evening, Bail. I hope it's not too late."
"Not at all, Padmé. I take it you had a chance to speak with Mina?"
"Indeed. We're leaving for Onderon early tomorrow for the peace talks."
"That is wonderful news."
"The best we have had in a while. Come over as soon as you can tomorrow and we can take my ship."
He nodded. "I will be there."
"I'm glad. Good night, Bail."
"Good night, Padmé."
She called Mon Motha next, then stepped out and relayed the information to Shaak as well before going off to get some sleep.
