The Divine Move
A.N: Hi everyone, I hope that your loved ones and you are safe and healthy during these trying times. Here's a Star Wars Fanfiction, to cheer you up! It will mostly follow the movies and the Clone wars cartoon series, and it is –as you most likely already saw –an Obi-Wan/OC story.
Disclaimer:Every Characters, plots, vocabulary and creatures you might be familiar with belong to George Lucas and his genius brain. The Characters, the Planets, the creatures, the plots and the dialects that were not originally from the series are mine.
The cover image belongs to Tamilia (please check out her Deviantart page as she does awesome things!): tamilia/art/The-Universe-in-her-Hand-70397360
Enjoy!
Chapter 1: The Handmaiden
A long Time ago in a galaxy far, far away…
Turmoil has engulfed the Galactic Republic. The taxation of trade routes to outlying star systems is in dispute.
Hoping to resolve the matter with a blockade of deadly battleships, the greedy Trade Federation has stopped all shipping to the small planet of Naboo.
While the Congress of the Republic endlessly debates this alarming chain of events, the supreme Chancellor has secretly dispatched two Jedi Knights, the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, to settle the conflict…
Theed, Planet Naboo –32 BBY–
"Again you come before us, Highness." The hologram of the Neimoidian invader stated proudly.
"You'll not be so pleased when you hear what I have to say, Viceroy." the young queen of Naboo replied, in her platonic voice, keeping her face void of any form of emotions. "Your trade boycott of our planet has ended."
"I was not aware of such failure."
"I have word that the Chancellor's ambassadors are with you now. And that you've been commanded to reach a settlement."
"I know not of any ambassadors. You must be mistaken."
"Beware, Viceroy. The Federation has gone too far, this time."
"We would not do anything without the approval of the senate. You assume too much."
"We will see." Once Padmé Amidala, Queen of the Naboo has cut the communication, she looked around at each and every trusted advisor that sat at her side. They all shared confused and worried looks between each other before turning back towards their queen.
"I thought for sure that the ambassadors would have arrived, at this hour." She mumbled, seemingly confused herself with the situation.
"There's only one way to know, your highness." I told her, from my seat, at her right. At that moment, I was thoughtfully staring down at the vast marble table in front of us, twirling strands of my auburn-red hair between my right index and thumb, "Call Senator Palpatine. He'll know if the ambassadors have arrived or if they've been delayed." I explained.
"A fine idea!" Governor Sio Bibble exclaimed his approval, while the other members of Naboo's Royal advisory Council nodded in agreement.
It seemed that Queen Amidala also agreed with my idea, because she called Senator Palpatine without any more delays.
In the four years and a half I've spend living in Naboo, Senator Palpatine and I had never personally met. But according to Sabé and Padmé, the old looking, short grey haired man was kind hearted, open minded, wise and strong willed. They also believed him to be honest, which I had a hard time believing seeing as I found that most politicians –with the exception of Padmé and my foster father, who were too honest for their own good –were fine manipulators.
"Negotiations haven't started because the ambassador aren't there?!" Palpatine's hologram wondered in surprise, "How could that be true? I have insurances by the Chancellor: His ambassadors did arrive!" he said before his hologram swiftly disappeared.
"Senator Palpatine? What happened?" The Queen demanded to know.
"Check the transmission generator." Captain Quarsh Panaka, the head of Naboo's Royal Security Forces, ordered a soldier.
"A communication's disruption could mean only one thing: Invasion." The round faced governor stated.
I had to agree with him. The first step of an invasion would be to stop all communications leading outside the land, as to prevent the invaded world to call for help. That also meant that they would soon send Ships loaded with an army to land on our soil and attack our cities.
Naboo was a small and peaceful planet, which, until today, had no reasons to fear war. Sure we had soldiers and pilots, but in no way were we ready or trained for war.
I started to pounder on our chances of pushing the invading army away. When it comes to war and invasions, there are three main factors to consider: The number of Soldiers –Which most likely fell to the Trade Federation's advantage –the knowledge of the terrain –which was in our favor, seeing as this was our home world –and the heart of the people –this was where things got complicated seeing as the people weren't willing to surrender, however they feared for their future and that kind of fear was not going to win us a war.
"The Federation would not dare go that far."
"The Senate would revoke their Trade Franchise and they'd be finished." Panaka acquiesced.
"That may be so, but there are ways for them to make this trade legal." I begun explaining, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. "They've already cut us off from the rest of the universe. That means that we cannot report what is going on or request for help. And let us presume that they are ready for an invasion –which isn't farfetched –and that they therefore have a sufficient number of men to take us on. Then, it wouldn't be hard for them to use the people as a way to pressure our Queen to sign a treaty. Their invasion would then be considered legal, in the eyes of the Senate."
The room was drowned in complete silence as the royal advisors pondered at my explanation. They knew I was right. Now one question remained:
"How do you wish for us to proceed?" I asked turning towards the throne, on my left.
"We must continue to rely on negotiations."
Her reply didn't surprise me in the least. In the few years we've know each other, I've learned that Padme Amidala was a kind and gentle soul. She did not like the idea of war and preferred to rely only on words instead of a gun. She hated the idea of wasting lives for wars and power plays. In the most part, I would have to agree with her, but this time, we were already at war. Lives would be lost. The only question was whose lives we wanted to destroy? Naboo's or the Trade Federation's?
"Negotiations? We've lost all communications. And where are the Chancellor's ambassadors?" Governor Sio Bibble wondered, his eyes drifting from the Queen, to myself and finally landed on the Captain.
"This is a dangerous situation, your highness. Our security volunteers will be no match against the battle-hardened army of the Federation Trade."
'"I will not condone an action that will lead us to war."
"May I just say that you are not condoning any actions leading to war: We are at war, whether you like it or not. Now we must chose to fight and defend ourselves or surrender. Either way, the choice is yours." I explained. "Perhaps it is time for you to lurk in the shadows and for the shadows to go out in the light, while we find a way out of this mess that would satisfy you." I added, when it became clear that she was not ready to make a decision.
Sabé –who, like me, was a handmaiden to Queen Amidala –nodded in agreement. She knew, like me that it wouldn't take the trade federation long to reach the castle. We needed to make sure that they would not be able to get their greedy hands on Padmé or all would be lost. We had to switch their places now, as we may not have any other chances after that.
The Queen nodded and rose to her feet before excusing herself. She swiftly exited the room, followed by Sabé, myself and the rest of the handmaidens.
Here, on Naboo, being a handmaiden was not something trivial. No. Being a handmaiden meant that we were the Queen's loyal and personal guards. We were her Queen-guards, of sorts. Each handmaiden had to have similar traits to the ruling queen –and each other –as to be able to become her double should she need one. In school, we were thought to fight, recognize poison, spy and every royal protocols known to men.
The ample orange dress that we wore allowed us to hide any small weapons on ourselves without drawing to much attention, while our veil hid our hair and face perfectly. Once selected to be a handmaiden, we were asked to choose a new name, to hide our identities. My younger foster sister –Tsabin –chose Sabé, while I went by Désyré. All these methods to hide who we were was how we managed to stay hidden from the rest of the world.
Once we arrived in the Queen's quarters, it didn't take long for Cordé, Dormé, Eirtaé –Three other handmaidens –and myself to help Sabé dress up in the many layers of royal garments and apply her white and red face paint. It took even less time for the other girls to change Padmé into a handmaiden's outfit.
"Don't forget to stay close to me, Padmé." I told her. She nodded.
"Désyré, do you really believe what you said in the Throne room?" she wondered.
"I wouldn't have said it had I not believed it." I stated back.
"What should I do?" she asked, as she looked down at me.
I was eighteen years old –slightly older than most of the girls –but I was the shortest one of us all –though none of us were truly tall. Because I was older and had more experience of the outside world, the girls –most often the Queen -would ask me for my opinion and guidance.
"Do what you believe is right. Use your instincts and believe that the Force will guide you. And keep in mind that no matter how good or bad things turn out to be, you are not alone: We'll all be there to help."
The other girls voiced their support for the girl they to viewed as a friend and sister.
"Ready Sabé, because it's show time!" I told my sister as we went back to the throne room.
"I was born ready!"
I stood by one of the tall windows of the throne room, looking outside as the first enemy battle ships arrived in Theed.
My Fylgja –a Sphinx male named Erebus –was rubbing himself against my left leg, when Sabé arrived at my side to observe, as well.
'Stop worrying.' I felt Erebus' mind touch mine.
Druids –such as myself –were natives from the deep Core Planet Mh'àthair –which was said to be located at the center of the universe. We were very spiritual and being the heirs of the Architects, we had a special bound with the Force. Because of that bound, we required balance within ourselves. That Balance was represented by our soul duality: our Fylgja –who were born from our Shadows and were therefore dark and, in most times, sadistic creatures –and ourselves –we represented the light portion of our souls, but this didn't mean that all of us were good; it just meant that we were better than our Fylgja. Because they represented our other halves, when a Fylgja was male, it meant that its owner was female, and vice-versa.
My Fylgja was a Sphinx –a winged wildcat –but not every Fylgja were of the same species. The species of a Fylgja will vary according to its owner's inner character, personality and their destiny.
In their natural form, Sphinxs were huge cats –two meters high and one-and-a-half meter long –with either big, white eagle wings or big, black bat wings. Erebus, however, like all Fylgjur was much smaller. In fact, he was the size of a house cat. But, by feeding him some energy –through our bound –he could instantly grow up to the size that one would expect a Sphinx to be. He had a wild appearance. His coat usually had a golden shimmer with rosettes markings all over it, making him look like a small angel winged leopard. Unlike wild Sphinxs –or other cats in general –his pupils were not slit but round, giving him a more human look.
Sphinxs were known to be smart and wise creatures. They had very strong psychic abilities and could not only predict events that would happen in the near future –by using a complex probability calculus –but were also known as spiritual guides, which gave them many abilities such as turning invisible, healing or inducing pain and empathy. Erebus being a Fylgja meant that not only did he have his natural counterpart's abilities –though not as strong –but he could also control the four elements –to some small degree – as well as entering shadows and travelling through them –abilities shared by all Fylgja.
'I'm not worrying. I knew that it wouldn't take long for the trade federation to invade. I just didn't expect it to be so quick!' I replied to him. He stopped rubbing himself against me and looked up at me with an expression that could only be described as skeptical. 'Okay, fine, I'm worried. Like Padmé said earlier, this is much too aggressive a move for the Trade Federation. I feel like there is a puppet master behind the curtains that we have yet to meet. The question remains…'
'Who.' Erebus finished for me. 'If it makes you feel any better, I'll make sure that you are safe. After all, if you die, so do I. And, anyone who dares cause you harm again, will suffer like they've never suffered before.' He added darkly.
Because together Erebus and I were one soul, this meant that everytime I felt pain, he did to, and whenever he was in pain, so was I. If one died, so would the other. This was the danger of having half of your soul in another physical body. It meant we had to trust each other to not get killed. Because Fylgjur were weaker when they were too far from their counterparts –they couldn't feed from our energy as much –it made them easier to kill then Druids. That's why Fylgjur were usually the ones killed to murder a Druid.
"Sabé, until I have Padmé and you safely tucked in a transport, away from Naboo, I want you to keep Erebus close to you. He'll be able to protect you while I focus souly on Padmé."
She nodded, while my Sphinx left my side to seat near her.
'I don't like not staying near you, but I'll respect your wishes… for now. I'll protect the girl, but not at the cost of our life.' Erebus grumbled.
Soon, we saw the Neimoidian Viceroy –Nut Gunray –and his right hand man –Rune Haako –get of one of the ships, seeming very pleased with themselves.
Greedy bastards.
They were calmly making their way towards the inside of the castle, when I felt two familiar presence in the force.
It couldn't be… and yet, my senses –and Erebus' growl –told me that it was the case. I tried to focus a little more on these two presence. Yes, there was no denying it: Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, had arrived in Theed, near the palace. I didn't know how to feel about having two Jedis here –after all, the order had betrayed me –but I needed help. Alone, I wouldn't be able to fight off the army, but with them, I may be able to get Sabé and Padmé to safety.
'And yourself.' Erebus ordered, clearly annoyed by my selflessness.
I gave him a soft nod, but my priority was to keep Padmé and Sabé safe from harm.
"How are we going to get out of this mess, now?" Sabé mumbled.
"With patience and a lot of thinking." I whispered back, "But don't worry, we'll manage. I mean, it's not the first time the ten of us are facing trouble and it sure as hell won't be the last."
With that I left Sabé alone, to think as I took my place at Padmé's side. Suddenly, the doors leading to the room were forced open and in came Nut Gunray, followed by Rune Haako and a handful of armed droids.
"Queen Amidala." He said proudly, when his beady eyes fell on Sabé, "We meet once more, but now, you are my prisoner." He gave a throaty laugh before looking at every people in the room. "You are all my prisoners." He added.
'Please let me tear his throat out, or devour his heart!' Erebus begged.
'I'd loved to, but if you do that, then we'll all be killed, for sure. For now, we wait.' I replied.
If there was one thing I had been thought by the order it was to wait until the right moment arrived. In this situation, the right moment still hasn't risen. Soon, I thought. Yes, it would soon be time for us to strike.
It hadn't been hard for Nut to force us out of the safety of the throne room, Sabé and Governor Sio Bibble at his side, Captain Panaka, Padmé and I right behind them –though I made sure that Panaka and I were slightly ahead of her, in case we needed to protect her. I carefully looked down to see my sandy colored Sphinx elegantly walking at Sabé's side.
"How will you explain this invasion to the Senate?" Sio Bibble demanded to know as we slowly went down the castle's marble stairs.
"The Queen and I will sign a treaty. It will legitimize our occupation here. I have assurances it will be ratified by the Senate."
His answer made me frown.
'It seems that you were right on all counts! They are planning on having her sign a treaty and someone is playing puppet master, behind the scenes.' Erebus snarked, in my mind.
'Yes. And if what he says is true, that person might be working for or with the Senate.'
'Does that mean that the Order could be involved?'
'Possibly, though I doubt that they are aware of their involvement… these clueless bastards.'
'Any idea of the puppeteer's identity?'
'Most likely someone in power or greedy for power.'
'A member of the council?'
'Possibly, though I doubt it. They might be closed minded and blind to certain things, but greedy isn't one of their flows. No, I'd say that we should look at the people in the Senate more closely.'
'Chancellor Valorum, then?'
'Possibly… or someone who wishes to take his place. It may also be someone close to him… the list is too long for us to watch everyone's move, for now, but we'll have to keep our eyes and ears opened.'
"… in time the suffering of your people will persuade you to see our point of view." I heard the Viceroy finish.
I hadn't followed what had been said during the time Erebus and I were having our mental brainstorming, but if that sentence was anything to go by, Sabé had told the Viceroy to fuck off –in a more polite way, for sure.
"Commander." The viceroy told a Droid that was waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs.
"Yes, sir?" was the robotic reply.
"Process them."
"Captain, take them to Camp four." The commanding droid told the captain –one of the droids that were keeping our group in check.
"Roger, roger."
We followed the droid captain outside the castle. There, people were being lead to different areas, in small groups. It was smart of them really, as it not only divided and spread our people all over the city, but it also prevented us from knowing exactly where the others were.
'Can I please have a go at them, now?'
'Soon, but not yet.'
'Please don't tell me you are waiting for these two to come and help out!'
'What if I am?'
'Oh. My. Force! You haven't learned shit, now have you?'
'Stop being as sassy as a Harpy and focus on Sabé and her safety.' I told my feline.
The moment we turned, at the corner of the street, near an alcove, the two Jedis jumped, light sabers blazing as they kicked and slay their way through the few droids surrounding us. But what really caught my eyes was the Gungan accompanying them that clumsily crashed to the floor, at their side. It took everything I had not to laugh.
"We should leave the street, your highness." The older man –Master Qui-Gon Jinn, I recalled –advised the woman he believed to be our Queen.
The pudgy governor gently rushed Sabé away from the fight –Erebus still by her side –as Panaka ordered for his soldiers to get the slain droids' weapons. Discreetly, I grabbed a blaster for myself before rushing Padmé to safety.
We stopped under the shadow and foliage of one of Theed's buildings.
"We're Ambassadors for the Supreme Chancellor." Qui-Gon explained to Sio Bibble.
"Your negotiations seem to have failed, ambassador." He said ironically.
"Our negotiations never took place. It's urgent we make contact with the republic." Qui-Gon calmly clarified.
"They've knocked out all of our communications."
"Do you have transports?"
"In the main hangar. This way!" The captain answered, pointing straight ahead, his blaster gun held tightly against him.
We followed the master Jedi and his padawan to the hangar. Once there, we hid behind the walls, carefully taking in the situation: The droids had overwhelmed our pilots and were now holding them hostage.
"There're too many." Captain Panaka stated.
'For him, maybe. But not for three Jedis.' Erebus happily said.
'Two Jedis. I won't be intervening unless it is necessary.' I replied as I glanced at him. He glanced back and gave me what looked like a pout.
'You're no fun!'
"It won't be a problem." Qui-Gon answered Captain Panaka before turning to Sabé. "Your highness, under the circumstances, I suggest that you come to Coruscant, with us."
"Thank you ambassador, but my place is with my people."
"They will kill you if you stay."
"They wouldn't dare." The governor insisted.
"They need her to sign a treaty to make this invasion of theirs legal. They can't afford to kill her."
I thoughtfully brought a finger to my lips and listened to what everyone was saying. There was always a solution and an explanation to everything. I just had to think it through to find my answers.
"There is something else behind all this, your highness." Qui-Gon told the queen, completely unfazed by the captain and governor's reactions. "There's no logic in the federation's movements. My feelings tell me they will destroy you."
So he too sensed that something bigger was at play.
"Our only hope is for the Senate to side with us. Senator Palpatine will need your help." The governor argued.
"Either choice presents great danger…" Sabé told them before turning her head towards Padmé and I. "… to us all."
"Your highness," I begun, drawing the attention of everyone, "if I may, I would just like to remind you that the Trade Federation has already acted. Whether their invasion is made legal or not, Naboo is already theirs to control, for the time being. The Federation will be desperate and will have nothing to lose, especially if you do not sign their treaty. Should you stay here, nothing and no one will be able to guaranty your safety and that of your people. It may be much easier and safer for you to speak directly to the Senate." I reasoned, keeping my head low in fear of being recognized by both Jedis. I could feel Obi-Wan's gaze on me.
Somehow, the two lightsabers I carried under my orange and yellow dress felt much heavier than they really were.
"We are brave your highness." Padmé told Sabé.
This was it, our green light to go with the Jedi to Coruscant.
"If you are to leave, your highness, it must be now."
"Then I will plead our case to the Senate." The Queen stated.
"Wait!" I exclaimed before any of us could make our way to the ships, "There are bound to be a resistant group forming in the undergrounds." I told the Queen, "As you well know, your highness, we –your handmaidens –are trained in combat. We are smart, strong, wise, mischievous and discreet. At least two of us should stay here to guide these movements in your name, to protect our people, as best we can, while you plead our case." I explained to her. In all honesty, I was hoping to be left behind, as I had no desire to stay too long by the Jedis' sides.
"Yané and I know these streets and undergrounds like the back of our hands." A fair skinned and brown eyed colleague and friend of mine –Saché –said, as Yané merely nodded at her side, "We will stay behind, in your name."
"But…" I begun arguing.
"Désyré, the Queen will need your advice again, before all of this is over." The governor stated, leaving me no room to argue. I reluctantly consented, after the Queen –Sabé –dipped slightly her head in acknowledgement.
"Don't fret, Désyré. We will be fine." Yané mumbled.
"Yes, you do what you do best while Yané and I do the same on our end." Saché added.
"Be careful, Yané, Saché, Governor." Sabé called out, as the rest of us made our way towards the ships.
'Finally, a fight! I was wondering when I'd get to see one, again. Peace is so boring, don't you think?' Erebus exclaimed, thrilled, as he excitedly jumped around Sabé.
I rolled my eyes at him. Trust a Fylgja to be this excited at the idea of war, suffering and death.
"We'll need to free those pilots." Panaka said.
Obi-Wan put a hand on the captain's left shoulder before stating that he'd take care of it. Show off, I wanted to tell him, but I kept my mouth shut. I didn't need to attract any more attention from the Jedis, to myself.
While Kenobi confidently walked towards the hostages, we followed Qui-Gon's steps.
"Halt." A droid stopped us.
"I'm ambassador to the supreme Chancellor. I'm taking these people to Coruscant."
"Where are you taking them?"
"To Coruscant."Jinn repeated.
"Coruscant…huh… That doesn't compute." The android said, shaking his head back and forth "… huh… wait… huh… you're under arrest!" he concluded as he pointed his finger at the Jedi.
That's when, Jinn and Kenobi simultaneously drew their lightsabers and slew the droids.
Jinn rushed us into the first ship we could find. I waited outside, making sure that everyone had made it in, shooting a droid every now and then.
Believing that Sabé and Padmé were now safe, Erebus came back to my side, as I turned around to see the Jedis in action. Kenobi's saber technic had always been excellent, but I found that he had progressed immensely, over the years. The force surrounding him felt calmer, more peaceful and less wild then the last time I've seen him. This made me believe that he controlled his thoughts and emotions better than before.
Once all the pilots had slipped into the Ship, I begun to follow them, Erebus flying low, beside me. That's when I felt it. The imminent danger. It wasn't aimed at me, but at the Padawan, who had his back turned, as he was about to embark the ship himself. Quickly and before anyone else could react, I turned around and focused the Force on the Droid that was aiming at him, sending the threat flying against the wall. Shocked both Jedis froze and looked up at me. I kept my head down, hoping that the veil would hide my whole face from them. And I calmly as can be, turned away and resumed my steps into the spaceship. Once Erebus and I were in, we made our way to the Queen's side and followed her into the room she had claimed for herself. I could feel the heavy gazes of both Jedis on my frame, the gentle tapping of my hidden lightsabers, around my waist mocking every step I took away from them.
The Queen and all of her handmaidens had made it in the room, when the ship had finally taken off. Soon, we felt the ship jolt violently.
"What's going on?" Cordé asked.
"It's the blockade." Padmé replied, "Their firing at us."
"Désyrée, is there a way to get out of here unharmed?" Sabé asked from her seat.
"We just have to believe in the skills of our pilots." I replied, clearly not enjoying the idea of having my fate depend on someone else's skills.
"Damn it! We're seating Ducks!" Dormé cursed under her breath.
"Uh… I don't mean to be pessimistic, but is this fire I see on the ship's wing? And are these our droids I see getting shoot away?" Eirtaé wondered, as she used one hand to point at the window while the other one was wrapped around Padmé's waist, to keep her from falling face down.
"Shit!" I growled, "I think that this is where our shield generator is supposed to be!"
"Great! We're as good as dead!" Duja replied.
"This is why I hate being stuck in these cans!" Rabé mumbled under her breath.
Just then, the ship stabilized and we somehow managed to get passed the blockade.
"I guess that we're good?" Padmé said, as Eirtaé unwrapped her arm from her waist.
"I guess so." Dormé agreed.
"Is everyone alright?" Sabé checked. We all signaled to her that we were fine.
"Good. Now that we've passed the Blockade, how much worse can it be?" Padmé told us.
We had to admit that she was right. The hardest part seemed to be behind us. Now all that was left was to ask for the Senate's help and everything would be back to normal… or so we thought.
Later on, the two Jedis and the Captain came to the Queen's room to tell us what had happened and how a small Droid had saved us. Despite my best efforts, I found it hard to focus on what was happening in front of me: Obi-Wan gently tugged at the Force surrounding me –possibly attempting to get a reaction –while he kept his eyes focused on my figure.
"An extremely well put together little droid, your highness." Panaka was saying, as he turned towards the small mechanical droid, "Without a doubt, it saved this ship as well as our lives."
"It is to be commanded. What is its number?" Sabé –as acting queen –demanded to know.
The Droid gave a binary sound, its head pivoting around, as Panaka leaned down to read the number.
"R2-…" He begun.
"…D2." I finished for him. All heads turned towards me.
"Do you know this droid?" Sabé questioned as she rose a skeptical eyebrow.
"I'm its maker." I replied, simply. "Your highness might recall me telling her last month about the completion of a mechanical droid I was making. This is the said droid." I explained when no one spoke.
"Well, thank you, R2-D2, and good job to you, Désyré."
"I've learned from the best." I answered as I bowed slightly, my eyes discreetly rising to meet Obi-Wan's. He had been, after all, the one to teach me mechanics.
Artoo gave another series of binary sounds before Sabé asked Padmé to clean him up. By giving Padmé that job, it assured us that no one suspected her to be anything more than a Handmaiden.
"Continue, Captain."
But it was the Jedi knight –Master Qui-Gon Jinn –who stepped forward and spoke instead.
"Your highness, with your permission, we are 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."
Oh, my Force, no! I was quite familiar with Tatooine. In fact, this is where I was born. It's also the place I grew up in, before my mother brought me to the order to be trained as a Jedi. Tatooine was where I hid after the order's betrayal and it's where I first met Ken-Mei, my foster father and Sabé's biological father. It was a planet controlled by the Hutts, who were dangerous and powerful people. But, unlike the Trade Federation, they weren't looking for Naboo's queen, so this gave us an advantage. However, if one of Jabba's men –Jabba was the name of the Hutt ruling this planet –were to see me, then it may cause us plenty of trouble –which, in all honesty, we did not need, at the moment.
I inwardly cursed at my luck today: First the Jedi, now Tatooine. It seemed like my troubled past was catching up to me.
'I told you to stay in bed this morning, but did you listen? Nooo. Well now your day is biting you in your ass.' Erebus said, sarcasm leaking out of his voice. I ignored him, focusing souly on what was being said.
"You must trust my Judgement, your highness." Qui-Gon calmly told the Queen.
"What do you think of the matter, Master strategist?" Sabé asked, as she slightly turned to the side to look at me.
I wanted to glare at her and strangle her for that, but I kept my face as impassible as possible.
Both Jedis looked agape. It was funny, really, but quite understandable, seeing as never before had a Handmaiden been given an official advisory title. Ken-Mei Moonflower –the previous Master strategist and my foster father –had retired the day of Padmé's coronation, forcing her to choose another master strategist. Believing that I was fit for the job, the newly appointed Queen pushed me to accept the role, in addition to that of Handmaiden. It was smart, really and practical as no one paid a handmaiden attention, which allowed me to observe my surroundings and make informed decisions.
I pondered a bit on Sabé's question, knowing full well that she was giving me a way for me not to set foot on Tatooine. However, I could not in good conscious put Padmé and herself in danger simply because I was afraid of crossing paths with Jabba and his men. What were our options? What were the advantages of going there and the disadvantages? What would benefit us in the long run? To go, or not to go? I closed my eyes and meditated shortly on the matter, as every pair of eyes still remained on me.
"I believe that the Jedi is right. The Federation wouldn't dare set foot in Hutt air space without permission. I also agree with the captain's view of the Hutts. They are dangerous, however, they aren't looking for us, which gives us an advantage. We should land on Tatooine, get the parts that we need and leave the planet as fast as we possibly can." I said frankly.
Sabé shared a glance with Padmé, who stood at Artoo's side. Padmé gave her double a barely perceptible nod.
"Then we will trust the Jedi's decision, Captain, and we will land on Tatooine."
Once their orders were given, every men left the room. Padmé gave Sabé a small bow before leaving, as well, to clean Artoo.
Only us, handmaidens, were left in the room.
"Are you sure, it's alright with you, Désyré?" Sabé asked me, worried.
"It's fine. As long as I don't leave the ship's vicinity, I'll be alright."
"Between this and the Jedis, you're not about to get any form of rest!" Dormé mocked.
"Speaking of which, did you see how the Padawan kept staring at you? Do you think he knows?"
"I don't believe that he does, Corbé, but I do think he suspects. I could feel his uncertainty about my identity, through the force." I replied.
"So you knew him?"
"Yes, Eirtaé. I did."
"What will you do?" Rabé asked me. I merely shrugged. I still did not know what my next move would be.
I trusted very few people with my past. Tsabin had been the first to find out that I was a Jedi Padawan. She had found that out when I had saved her life four-and-a half years ago, while she and her father had no other choice but to land on Tatooine, after their Ship had suffered some damage –much like today, ironically. Her charms had attracted the unwanted attention of Jabba, forcing me to defy him in order to protect her. After being raped, tortured and publicly shamed for that crime, I had been sold as a slave. Tsabin's father had wanted to pay me back for saving his daughter and had decided to take it upon himself to 'buy me' with the idea of setting me free. After learning of my past and finding out I was an orphan, he made the choice to take me in as his daughter. That's how I became Tsabin's sister, by law.
That same year, we both decided to attend the Royal academy. There, we were put in the same class as Padmé Amidala, Eiru –now known as Eirtaé –, Cordyn whom we now called Cordé –, Dorra –or Dormé –, Sasha –better known as Saché –, Yanaelle –also known as Yané –, Duellé –who chose Duja, as her new name –and of Rabat –now called Rabé.
Being classmates, we had all become friends, but what made our bound so unbreakable was an event that happened three years ago. A group of mercenaries had kidnapped us, as we were all related to very influential people, in the hopes of forcing our loved ones to pressure the Senator into passing a military law that would have put Naboo in the center of a war. What they did not expect was for me to be force sensitive. It didn't take me long to free the girls and to formulate an escape plan. Once we were safe and sound, Tsabin and I had told them my story, expressing just how important it was for me to not have my past divulged to anyone else. They swore to me that they would keep my secret to themselves, until the day they died. Ever since then, we've done everything together: get into trouble, pull pranks on others, and help those that needed it the most… We were inseparable; we were sisters.
The swapping sound of the door opening startled us all from our thoughtful state. Padmé strolled in, with a determined look on her face.
"I want to go and visit the planet with the Jedi knight." She declared, after the door swapped back closed, behind her.
"Are you mad?" I squealed at her.
"No, I'm not. I'm well aware of the risks, but as you've explained both the Jedi master and the captain, no one is looking for us here, so I don't risk much." She calmly stated.
"This is still madness, Padmé! You don't truly grasp how dangerous it is, here. And if anything were to happen to you, there isn't much I'd be able to do, especially from the Ship." I told her.
"Perhaps we should listen to what she has to say, Désyré." Sabé tried to reason.
"When we first met, you told me that I knew nothing of the universe outside of Naboo…"
"That was me being a bitch." I cut her.
"I know. Nevertheless, you were right. I need to know about these other cultures that surround us; I need to understand the way of each planet and I need to see the good and the bad this universe has to offer. How can I lead our people if I can't see any of it and make my own opinion of things? How am I supposed to chose what I believe is best for us, when I know nothing of our world?" I couldn't find any counter-arguments. She was right, of course and who was I to stop her?
"Alright, but you will take Erebus with you. AND you will change into something simpler." I told her. She nodded excitedly, her eyes beaming with joy. Once she was ready to go, we called the captain and Sabé ordered him to bring Padmé to the Jedi.
"I hope this will not add to our troubles later." I mumbled under my breath as I watched our Queen exit the ship, my Fylgja flying at her side.
A.N: Thank you to all of you for taking the time to read this Chapter. I hope that it pleased you.
Please show your support by giving me a critical review and by favoriting and/or following this story!
Here are some Fun Facts and a Preview to the next chapter,
See you soon!
Fun facts:
- The idea of Fylgjur was inspired by Philip Pullman's Daemons, from his His dark Materials series. The idea of soul duality came to me when I worked around the concept of balance. I also wanted Désyré's darker and more sadistic side to have a physical representation.
- Fylgja (or Fylgjur, in plural) is a termed used by the Norse. According to their Mythology, it's a supernatural being or spirit that accompanies a person, in connection to their fate or fortune.
- Erebus coat looks a lot like a Bengal cat's.
- The idea of round pupils to make Erebus seem more human came from a wildcat called the Manul (or Pallas' cat), which also has round pupils.
- At first, Désyré was not supposed to know Obi-Wan at all or even have been part of the Order, but after re-watching the clone wars, I liked the idea of her feeling betrayed by the Order, just like Ahsoka was.
- At first Druids were supposed to be called Fairies, but somehow, while I was taping, Fairies became Druids and it just stuck.
- In this chapter, Désyré's birth name was never revealed, neither was her master's identity.
Preview:
I was so caught up into the memory that I hadn't felt nor heard anyone come out of the ship. A small but rough cough startled me back to reality.
"You avoided the question earlier, but not this time. Who are you?"
"I avoided nothing, Padawan Kenobi. As I've already told you, I go by Désyré and I'm her majesty's Handmaiden and master strategist." I replied, almost robotically, as I avoided his gaze.
Everytime he took one step forward, I took two steps away from him. He passed his hand in his short auburn hair, in frustration and sighed. Suddenly, he used the Force to leap forward and grabbed my arm. My crystal blue eyes widened in shock as he violently pushed my veil away from my pale skinned face, thus setting my waist long, wild and curly auburn-red hair free. Despite his suspicions being confirmed, he couldn't help a surprised gasp from escaping his lips.
"So it is you." I heard him whisper, his firm grasp on my arm suddenly loosening up.
Seven years had passed since I last saw him. Five had gone by since I had read his last letter, a letter where he admitted that he loved another and was not sure he'd come back to the order. Five years since I left him behind, without a single goodbye. Suddenly, all these years we've spent apart seemed like centuries.
We had been so close to each other, him and me. We had once known each other so well. But today, we were strangers.
His beautiful dark blue pools never left mine. He never blinked, as he extended his arm forward. Hesitantly, he touched my face. I closed my eyes and let myself enjoy the familiar sensation of his fingers dancing across my right cheek as they followed the freckles sprinkled on my face.
"Obi-Wan…" I whispered, catching his hand in mine while I slowly opened my eyes, once more.