The Penpal Paradox/Chapter Fourteen
Queen Reillata was an exception in the long history of Naboo monarchs. Not only had she served once before, but she was older than the typical queen. And from what Padme had heard, far more strict with traditional protocols.
The senator had donned her best navy blue gown and took great care with the rest of her appearance before presenting herself before the Queen. She entered the conference room with Dorme five steps behind and to her left, curtsied and then stood silently while awaiting her introduction.
Sabe stepped out from the right of the velvet seat at the head of the large, gilded table.
"Senator Amidala representing Naboo and the Chommell Sector, your Highness."
Reillata remained seated but motioned with her hand. "Senator, please take a seat.
Padme immediately noticed even the woman's dress and cosmetics were representative of the old era. She also noticed the lack of council members present. When she was queen, during a meeting such as this, Padme would've considered their advice. Apparently, this queen was so confident in her leadership abilities, she didn't need their guidance.
"Thank you for your punctuality," Reillata began. "It's come to my attention there may be a faction of radicals determined to eliminate any opposition to the political stance you've so bravely taken; one that I commend you for. You have my full support, which is why I've asked you here today. I realize you'll be returning to Coruscant tomorrow in order to cast your vote. Accompanying you on your journey will be my top security officials as well as a decoy and two Starfighters."
That seemed like too much trouble, Padme thought. Wouldn't it be better if she returned to Coruscant a little more discretely? Perhaps through some mode of public transportation?
"I'm grateful for your support," she replied before stating her refusal, "but I really don't believe…"
"Enough of that," the Queen cut her off. "I absolutely insist. Even though Naboo is a peaceful planet, we are fully capable of protecting our own. Whether you wish to, believe it or not, Senator, these are precarious times and precautions must be taken. I shall have your escort prepared in the royal hangar by 0700 tomorrow morning."
"This is ridiculous," Padme complained to Dorme later that evening. "There might as well be a parade in downtown Galactic City announcing our arrival."
"Queen Reillata would probably be happy to oblige," her friend announced as she prepared for bed. "You're considered one of the most favored monarchs in Naboo's history. She's a fan. We all are."
"Stop it," the young senator blushed and tossed a pillow at Dorme's head. "I had a lot of help getting us out of that mess if you remember."
At the mention of the invasion which had earned her another term as queen, Padme checked the time.
"Still no word?" Dorme asked, obviously understanding her intent.
"No, not yet. It's been hours since I sent that letter. For Obi-Wan, months. In his time, the invasion has been resolved and Nute Gunray is in prison."
"He's probably just busy. If I remember correctly, he's stuck with that kid." Dorme pointed out.
"Anakin," Padme corrected glumly. "I still don't understand. Just a word! One word is all I need!"
That wasn't exactly true. What she wanted to hear from him took at least three words, possibly four. 'I still love you,' 'I forgive you,' or 'Everything is going to be ok." Any one of those phrases would do.
Morning arrived after a fitful night's sleep. There had still been no letter from Obi-Wan and now it was time to leave Naboo.
As promised, her entourage included several handmaidens who would be traveling in her private transport, as well as a few armed security personnel. Captain Gregar Typho, Palace Staff Officer, would be piloting an N-1 Starfighter and she would be piloting another. Corde had been selected as her decoy and was wearing one of Padme's white senatorial gowns, along with a formal headdress. Might as well arrive in style.
Padme approached the disguised handmaiden, smiling fondly, tucking the pilot's helmet and shield under her arm. "Are you about ready to get this dog and pony show underway?" she jokingly asked the young woman.
"We'll certainly make a grand entrance," Corde replied. "I'm actually excited to be going. It's been a while since I've been off-planet. At least we're not heading to an opera."
"There are actually some pretty good ones being performed in the Galactic Theater right now. If you'd like a ticket, perhaps I could…"
"I'll pass," Corde laughed.
"Theed Control has cleared us for an exit. It's time," Typho announced to the group.
"I'll see you on the platform," Padme told her friends before heading to her assigned fighter.
It had been a few years since she had piloted one of these, but her training quickly returned and once they had broken free from Naboo's orbit, management of the controls went far more smoothly. All of her attention was focused on maintaining distance, pitch, and location when a figure appeared on her communications pad in miniature holographic blue. It was Dorme.
"Everything ok?" Padme asked, slightly worried.
"I wasn't sure if you wanted to know this right now or not, but you've received a reply. Would you rather wait or do you want me to read it to you?"
That all depends on what it says, Padme figured. But now that she knew one had arrived, she simply had to hear what Obi-Wan had to say.
"Go ahead and read it," she said, her heart filled with trepidation.