Chapter 13 - Appealing to the Senate
7 Standard Days Later – 6 Hours from Coruscant
Night had fallen, or what constituted as nighttime for the crew. Everyone was catching up on rest before they entered Coruscanti space. Sabé shifted her features and snuck through the corridors to the cockpit. She needed to get away from the suffocating atmosphere permeating the quarters she shared with Padmé, Rabé, and Voraté.
She crept past the common area where Anakin was sleeping and smiled. Voraté must be experiencing the same claustrophobic feelings as her because the girl was curled up next to Anakin, who was hugging her like a teddy bear. They really did make an adorable duo. Sabé quietly continued past them and walked into the cockpit.
"This area is off-limits… oh, I apologize, Your Highness," The young pilot, Olié's nephew, jumped up and bowed to her. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Yes, pilot," Sabé's mind raced as she thought up an excuse for him to leave the cockpit. "Let me take over for a few hours while you go and get some sleep."
"I couldn't possibly…" he protested, flummoxed by her request.
"I insist," Sabé walked towards him. "You've been piloting the ship for several days straight with your uncle. I need you both fresh when we enter Coruscanti space."
"I… yes, Your Highness," he stood and nervously glanced between her and the console.
"Do not worry, Pilot Olié," Sabé chuckled slightly at his comical expression. "I know how to pilot my own vessel."
"I will be back in a few hours, Your Highness," he bowed. "Please don't hesitate to comm me should anything come up."
Sabé smiled at him as he bowed his way out the door. The pilot was young, too young to be piloting the Queen's vessel on his own, but he had been swept onto the ship during their chaotic escape from Naboo. Luckily, his uncle and renowned starfighter pilot Ric Olié had been able to join them.
Sabé sighed as the door closed behind him. The cockpit was finally empty. She sat down in her usual chair and looked out the window. The blurry view of the stars generated by hyperdrive travel had the same calming effect as the stationary stars on Tatooine. It wasn't quite the same, but Sabé felt all the tension that had built up over the past week drift away.
She glanced down at the controls and punched in a command, changing their trajectory by a few degrees. They'd been drifting off-course slightly, so it was a good thing she'd sent the exhausted pilot to get some rest. Sabé watched as the stars flew past the ship, feeling more and more at peace as the hours passed. She jumped as the doors hissed open suddenly and she looked over her shoulder to see who it was. Obi-wan walked in and halted as he saw her at the helm.
"Where's the pilot?" he asked.
"I sent him off to get some sleep a few hours ago. He'll be back soon," Sabé grinned at Obi-wan's thunderstruck expression. He was so adorable when he was confused. "Why aren't you asleep?"
"I could ask you the same thing, Your Highness," Obi-wan took the seat next to hers.
"I couldn't sleep," Sabé responded. "And why so formal all of a sudden?"
"It's inappropriate for me to use your given name, even if you have ordered me to do so," Obi-wan said as if he were reciting from a textbook.
"You told Qui-Gon about our interactions," Sabé guessed.
Obi-wan nodded. "Yes, a Jedi Padawan shouldn't keep any secrets from his Master. And he didn't tell me anything I didn't know already. I… we shouldn't meet like this anymore."
Sabé's heart dropped. She knew it had been foolish to establish a connection with this Jedi, but she didn't want to lose Obi-wan. "I know what I feel for you isn't one-sided, Obi-wan. I've felt a connection with you ever since we traded blows in that mock fight," She put a finger against his lips as he tried to protest. "But I agree with you. We shouldn't have engaged in any of it, the bout, the conversations, the kiss… but we did. I know nothing can come of it, but I hope we can be friends?" Sabé raised her eyebrows and gazed hopefully into his beautiful blue-grey eyes.
Obi-wan hesitantly smiled and nodded. "I would like that very much… Amidala."
They grinned at each other in happiness before Obi-wan spoke again.
"In the spirit of friendship, do you mind if I ask after your wellbeing? No one has seen you since we left Tatooine."
Sabé sighed as her worry for Starré came back in full force. "I'm doing well enough. Losing my handmaiden and friend has been a harsh blow, but I can't afford to fully break down and mourn her. I have to remain strong for my people. Their lives depend on my ability to convince the Senate to help us."
"I am so sorry I couldn't save her," Sabé looked sharply at Obi-wan. "I should have stopped that creature when it boarded and spared you this pain."
Sabé hushed him and raised a finger to stop his apologies. "You did everything you could. We underestimated the creature's power and that miscalculation came back to bite us. My handmaiden is a hero for tackling the creature as she did. There's nothing more we can do, so we should focus on the present and the future."
"Thank you, I needed to hear that," Obi-wan sniffed, smiling at her. "We'll be arriving at Coruscant soon," he said, looking at the console's readings. "You should probably head back to your quarters."
"Yes, the pilot will be returning soon," Sabé rose and made to walk out the door. She paused at the threshold and turned back to Obi-wan. "In case I don't get a chance to talk to you again, thank you for protecting me and being my friend. You have no idea what this has meant to me, having someone besides my handmaidens to confide in."
"I'm honored, Amidala," Obi-wan rose and smiled at her. "I hope we will meet again."
Sabé grinned and exited the cockpit, her heart lighter than it had been in years.
-oOoOoOo-
As the starship entered Coruscant's vicinity, the ladies bustled about to get Sabé redressed into the black outfit, which was mildly crinkled from all the punishment it had received over the past week. Luckily, the feathers covered up the creases, so Sabé would still be presentable. They had decided she would continue her façade as the Queen so the Jedi and Anakin wouldn't notice anything amiss and Padmé could quickly get dressed to address the Senate. They busily packed the wardrobe and gathered their notes on the speech that Padmé would make, trying not to remain idle. There was a chance Starré was still alive, and they couldn't afford any more time to mourn her. Their people and planet were still in danger and everything depended on Padmé's address to the Senate. The ladies braced themselves as the ship thudded as they landed on Coruscant.
"Time to go, ladies," Rabé packed the last items of the wardrobe into the portable suitcases.
Sabé rose and silently glided out the door, followed by Rabé, Voraté, and Padmé. They left the luggage at the ramp for the guards to bring into their new quarters in the Galactic Senate building. Qui-Gon and Obi-wan were waiting for them along with Captain Panaka and that odd Gungan. Obi-wan gave Sabé a questioning glance and she subtly nodded, letting him know she was alright. His stiff posture relaxed slightly and he nodded before following Qui-Gon down the ramp.
"What should I do?" asked a high voice. Anakin was standing off to the side, awkwardly watching the proceedings.
"Follow the Jedi, Anakin," Voraté said, smiling at the boy she so obviously had a crush on. "We'll be right behind you."
"Ok!" He yipped and hurried down the ramp to catch up to the Jedi.
Sabé chuckled at his enthusiasm and schooled her expression before following Anakin. Oddly, her leg did not cramp or twinge unbearably. In fact, it hadn't bothered her as much since she'd faced off against the red-and-black-skinned attacker.
She glided down the ramp and advanced toward Senator Palpatine and a man who she could only assume was Chancellor Valorum. He vaguely resembled the holopictures she'd seen before. Ahead of her, the Jedi bowed to the two men and then stepped aside, allowing her to walk up to the politicians.
"It is a great gift to see you alive, Your Highness," Senator Palpatine bowed as she came forward. "With the communication breakdown, we've been very concerned. I'm anxious to hear your report on the situation."
Sabé remained quiet and unmoving. Palpatine continued his speech.
"May I present Supreme Chancellor Valorum."
The distinguished white-haired statesman addressed her in a dignified tone. "Welcome, Your Highness. It is an honor to finally meet you in person."
Sabé decided she liked Valorum. He had the look of a man who was confident in himself and in his abilities to persuade people. "Thank you, Supreme Chancellor," Sabé moved forward and Valorum and Palpatine fell into line beside her.
"I must relay to you how distressed everyone is over the current situation. I've called for a special session of the Senate to hear your position," Valorum urgently said.
Sabé's estimation of Valorum grew with each step they took. Perhaps they would find appealing to the Senate not an impossible task as they'd thought.
"I'm grateful for your concern, Chancellor," Sabé looked directly at Valorum, allowing her words to carry the proper emotion. He nodded at her and gestured for her to continue to their transportation. Sabé continued on to the speeder with her Nubian escort. Palpatine started talking about Senate procedure, to which Sabé nodded along. She briefly heard Padmé calling for Anakin to join them. Sabé stepped into the back of the cruiser, followed by the handmaidens and guards, while Anakin and the Gungan took the seats in the front.
"The Queen be grossly nice, mesa thinks. Pretty hot."
Sabé narrowed her eyes as she caught what the Gungan murmured to Anakin. What an absurdly strange thing to say. Just what would he have to gain by making that statement? Sabé dropped that train of thought as Panaka engaged her in a conversation about her security detail, but she made a note to keep an eye on the Gungan. Something wasn't right about him.
The flight to the Galactic Senate living quarters was short and uneventful. The ladies quickly filed into the building, followed by their security detail.
"Here are your quarters, Your Highness," Senator Palpatine bowed to Sabé. The security officers quickly put their luggage within the chambers. "I am going to confer with Chancellor Valorum and confirm when the special Senate meeting will take place. I will return within fifteen minutes."
Sabé acknowledged him with a regal nod and swept into her chambers. The doors whisked shut behind the ladies and they immediately exploded into motion.
"Hurry! Get my grey ensemble out of the luggage and help Sabé out of her dress!" Padmé directed Rabé and Voraté. "We only have fifteen minutes to look presentable."
Voraté removed the delicate light grey dress and fan-like headdress with delicate white lace and beads out of their luggage and set the pieces gently on the bed. She laid out complementary sets of garnet red handmaiden robes as well. Rabé and Sabé ripped off her black dress together while Padmé scrubbed off Sabé's makeup.
Within a minute, Sabé was restored to her normal self, though her face stung a little from the furious scrubbing. She reverted her features back to normal and twisted her hair into a simple bun. She waved off Rabé, Voraté, and Padmé as they continued to fuss over her.
"Get Padmé into her gown. I'll get the makeup," Sabé raced over to their luggage to retrieve the makeup kit.
"Eek!" Padmé squeaked. Sabé turned and saw she'd gotten her head stuck in one of the sleeves in her rush to put on the dress. Sabé smiled and disentangled her.
"We don't need to rush that much, sister," Sabé chuckled, greatly amused.
Padmé laughed with her and slowed her movements down. It took them ten minutes to get Padmé into the dainty dress, pin up her hair, put on the makeup, and attach the headdress. There was a buzz at the door and a guard's voice came over the comm.
"Your Highness, Senator Palpatine is awaiting your presence in the central common room."
The women's eyes bugged out. Padmé was dressed, but they weren't! They ripped off their flame-colored robes and hurriedly dragged on the garnet robes with deep cowls. Within thirty seconds, Sabé, Voraté, and Rabé were presentable. They rushed to the door and crossed the hall to the central common area where Palpatine was waiting for them.
"Your Highness," Senator Palpatine bowed as they entered the room. "The special Senate meeting will commence within two hours. I trust you have prepared a speech?"
"Of course, Senator," Padmé's conversion from bubbly scamp to cool-headed Queen was instantaneous. She arranged herself delicately on the couch as Sabé, Rabé, and Voraté moved to stand by the window behind her. "Do you foresee any complications in convincing the Senate to side with us?"
Palpatine sighed and started to pace. "I'm afraid the Republic is not what it once was. There is no civility, only conflict. The Senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates. There is no interest in the common good," He took a deep breath and faced Padmé, looking downtrodden. "I must be frank, Your Highness. There is little chance the Senate will act on the invasion."
That couldn't be true, Sabé fumed. They couldn't have gone through so much trouble and strife to hit a dead end now.
"Chancellor Valorum seems to think there is hope," Padmé countered coolly.
"If I may say so, Your Highness," Palpatine softly replied. "The Chancellor has little real power. He is mired by baseless accusations of corruption. The bureaucrats are in charge now."
"What options have we?" Padmé asked.
"Our best choice would be to push for the election of a stronger Supreme Chancellor, one who could control the bureaucrats and give us justice," He paused and considered his next words before speaking. "You could call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum."
"He's been our strongest supporter," Surprise and a hint of dismay leaked into Padmé's voice.
Sabé wasn't surprised by Padmé's loss of emotional control. To attack the person who was willing to help them?! It was lunacy.
"Our only other choice would be to submit a plea to the Courts."
"The Courts take even longer to decide things than the Senate," Padmé replied. "Our people are dying, Senator. We must do something quickly to stop the Federation."
"To be realistic, Your Highness," Palpatine said gently and stopped pacing. "I think we're going to have to accept Federation control for the time being."
Sabé could practically feel the rage and disbelief within Padmé and the other handmaidens at the statement. How dare he say something like that!
Padmé betrayed no emotion as she replied to his callous remark. "That is something I cannot do."
"Naboo's fate has not been decided yet, Your Highness. The Senate may yet side with us," Palpatine's eyes narrowed slightly at Padmé's stubbornness. "I beg you to consider my remarks while addressing the Senate."
Padmé stared at him with quiet disdain.
"I will return within an hour to accompany you to the Senate," Palpatine bowed to Padmé and left the room.
"How dare he," Padmé whispered with suppressed rage. The lines of beads and lace attached to her headdress quivered. "How dare he suggest I accept our people's suffering."
"He doesn't live on Naboo anymore," Sabé sat down on the couch and hugged Padmé. "And he has no idea what it's like there."
"Even so, he should understand why I cannot sit here and do nothing," Padmé's brown eyes filled with fury and her hands clenched and twisted the ornate grey fabric of her costume.
Rabé sat down on Padmé's other side and gently disentangled her hands from her skirt before she could do any damage. "We haven't lost yet. We'll consider our options if our plea to the Senate falls flat."
"We should start getting you ready," Voraté quietly insisted. She led them back across the hall to their quarters and into the sleeping area. She pulled off Padmé's headdress and started combing her long, brown tresses. "We don't have much time before we have to leave for the Senate rotunda."
"Right," Steel returned to Padmé's voice and character. "Sabé, you made the costume. How does it work?"
"It's relatively simple," Sabé rose and dragged over the luggage that contained the outfit. "The scarlet underdress works the same way as all your dresses. There's a dark red outer robe that goes over the underdress and the shoulder pieces are attached under the overdress after you've put on both pieces of clothing," Sabé pulled out the aforementioned pieces and put them on the bed. She held up the headdress and glanced between it and Padmé. "We will need some time to weave your hair into this though."
"Let's get to work then," Padmé smiled as she beheld Sabé's masterpiece. "Underdress first, and then the headpiece."
"Yes, my lady," Sabé grinned and unbuttoned Padmé's current white-grey gown.
The handmaidens traded their garnet robes for the dark violet robes that Sabé insisted they wear to supplement Padmé's gown. Sabé and Rabé quickly got Padmé into the heavily decorated red underdress while Voraté refreshed Padmé's makeup. Sabé got to work on weaving Padmé's hair into the headdress. It was a difficult process, but the end result was exactly as impressive as Sabé had imagined it to be. She attached red decorative pieces to the ends of Padmé's plaits and placed the golden insignia of the Naboo royalty in the center of the headpiece, right above her forehead.
"Now the overdress," Sabé lugged the heavy piece of clothing over and helped Padmé into it.
"Wait!" Rabé yelled.
"What is it?" Sabé jumped and looked around warily for a threat. Her right hand slid towards her blaster.
"I can see Padmé's songsteel staff," Rabé pointed at Padmé's lower back. Sure enough, the weapon formed a noticeable protrusion on the formfitting material.
"Damn it," Sabé muttered. "Padmé, can you go without the staff?"
"These handmaiden robes don't show your staffs, do they?" Padmé picked at Sabé's dark violet robes.
"I don't believe so," Voraté said as she twirled before them.
Sabé carefully scanned her and shook her head. "I don't see it, nor any of your other weapons."
"Good, then remove my staff. I can go without it for a few hours," Padmé directed.
"Okie-dokie," Sabé grinned before hiking up the multiple layers of Padmé's gown.
"What the…!" Padmé shrieked.
"No time to take off everything! It might ruin your hair." Sabé giggled from behind Padmé. She quickly removed the staff from the belt on Padmé's waist and tugged the skirts back into place.
"Was that really necessary?" Padmé asked coolly, her blush apparent even under the dense white face paint.
Sabé giggled in response and tossed the staff into their luggage for safekeeping. Their attention was diverted from their preparations as there came a buzz at the door and the guard's voice rang throughout their quarters over the comlink. It couldn't be time to go yet!
"The boy is here to see Padmé and Voraté," he said.
The handmaidens shared a glance and raised their hoods as one. Padmé nodded to Voraté to go let him in. She gave Padmé a sharp glance before complying. Sabé repositioned the dress so Padmé wouldn't step on it when she walked and then absentmindedly went to grab the earrings from the luggage. Rabé, who was folding the flame-colored handmaiden robes, turned sharply towards her and shook her head vehemently. Too late, Sabé realized her mistake as the door opened and admitted Anakin.
"Hello, Anakin. I'm sorry, but Padmé is not here right now," Voraté's soft voice carried throughout the quarters.
Before Sabé could signal her to stop, Padmé walked to the archway to the common area. "Who is it?"
"Anakin Skywalker," Voraté said with a floating feeling. "To see me and Padmé, Your Highness."
Sabé cursed as Padmé came into Anakin's view. Shit, shit, shit! The boy was sure to notice all the handmaidens were present and accounted for. She held still and tried to fade into the background as much as possible, hoping the boy wouldn't notice her.
"I sent Padmé on an errand," Padmé said, oblivious to the fact their entire ruse was about to be discovered.
"I'm on my way to the Jedi Temple, to start my training… I hope," Anakin smiled and shuffled his feet as he talked to the Queen of the Naboo. "I may never see Voraté or Padmé again, so I came to say goodbye."
Padmé's voice softened with compassion. "We will tell Padmé for you. We are sure her heart goes with you."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Anakin bowed and Padmé walked back into the sleeping area.
Sabé relaxed slightly as Anakin paid no mind to her and started saying his goodbyes to Voraté. She breathed a sigh of relief as Anakin left their quarters.
Rabé chucked the last of the robes into the luggage and rounded on Padmé. "You're incredibly lucky Anakin didn't notice there aren't any missing handmaidens!"
"What do you mean…" Padmé gasped as she realized what had just happened. Rabé, Sabé, and Voraté had been in full view of Anakin and she had walked in and showed herself. "He must have been distracted. He seemed very excited about becoming a Jedi."
"Or maybe he forgot Starré went missing," Sabé muttered, a drop of sadness entering her voice.
"Well, we got lucky either way," Voraté said, dropping her ethereal tone. "I glad he came by to say farewell."
"Me too," Padmé fiddled with her hem. "It may be the last time we ever see him."
Sabé hummed in agreement and finished attaching the earrings to Padmé's ears. Her shoulders drooped slightly as she recalled that she would likely never see Obi-wan again.
Rabé hugged Voraté and glanced at the timepiece. "We have about five minutes left. Let's get the shoulder pads on."
Sabé leaped up and grabbed the pieces. "Hold still, Padmé," she urged the fidgety woman as she gently attached the shoulder pads under the overdress and smoothed down the ensemble to remove any wrinkles. "Perfect, the Senate won't know what hit them."
Padmé glided to the full-length mirror and examined her ensemble. "I do strike a rather impressive figure, don't I?"
"You look damn intimidating," Rabé complimented. "Every inch a Queen. They'll have no choice but to listen to you."
Padmé beamed and looked at the timepiece. "Are you ladies ready to go?" They only had a few minutes before they had to leave.
Rabé and Voraté answered affirmatively but Sabé shook her head.
"I'm staying here," Sabé continued before Padmé could override her decision. "There's always a chance my hood could be knocked down and then it'll be painfully obvious I'm not 'Padmé'. We can't risk it. Besides, you'll look more presentable with two handmaidens rather than with an uneven formation of three handmaidens."
"I suppose…" Padmé bit her lip, hesitant to leave a friend behind. "Are you sure you'll be okay here?"
"Yes, I'll watch the session from here," Sabé pointed at the holoprojector on the common room table.
There was a buzz and Captain Panaka's voice came over the comlink. "Your Highness, the transport is here to take you to the Senate."
"Good luck, stay strong," Sabé gripped Padmé's hands tightly. "Convince them to help us."
Padmé's eyes brightened with fierce determination and she straightened her shoulders. "I will make them listen."
Rabé and Voraté raised their hoods and strode after Padmé into the hallway where Panaka and Palpatine were waiting.
As the doors hissed shut, Sabé breathed out and shucked off her handmaiden robes. She wouldn't need them for a while. She plopped ungracefully onto the couch, propped her feet up on the table, and turned on the holoprojector. The device projected full-color images onto the wall in front of the couch. There were several stations playing and Sabé quickly flipped through the channels to find the transmission for the Senate meeting.
She finally found the correct channel and marveled at the enormity of the Galactic Senate Chamber. There were hundreds upon hundreds of rotund pods attached to the dome-shaped walls. Senators and delegates were just beginning to enter their respective pods and commentators were voicing their opinions through the holoprojector.
"…this Senate meeting is rather special since the Queen of the Naboo is expected to give a speech to plea for the Senate to intervene and halt the Trade Federation's invasion of her planet."
The commentator's face wasn't featured on the viewscreen, but his voice was well-polished and professional.
"The Queen arrived on Coruscant this morning," Another commentator's voice cut in, this one female and a little nasal.
Footage of their arrival popped up on the screen. Sabé analyzed the video and was shocked to see how well their ruse was working. If she hadn't known otherwise, she'd have said the woman on the screen in the black, feathered dress was Padmé.
"As you can see, the young Queen looks stunning in a somber black feathered gown, her ensemble augmenting the tragic situation of the Naboo. However, as young and inexperienced as she is, she may not be able to sway the Senate to her side."
The male cut in. "That may be, she is only fifteen standard years old. She'll need to appear older and demand respect and attention to persuade the Senate to hear her cause."
Sabé grinned. Just wait until they saw Padmé's new costume.
The commentator paused as if listening to something. "…I've just received word Queen Amidala has arrived at the Galactic Senate Chambers," The footage switched back to the holocameras in the Senate and focused on the Naboo pod. "The Nubian delegation should be stepping onto their pod any second."
Senator Palpatine came into view, followed by Captain Panaka.
"Here is Senator Sheev Palpatine, representative of Naboo," reported the male commentator. "His word carries considerable weight in the Senate and you can bet he will be using that power to the Naboo's advantage today. Ah, and here is the Queen… oh my."
Padmé walked onto the pod with all the grace and dignity of the powerful Queen she was. Her ensemble was gorgeous on the holocam and it emitted power and demanded respect from all who gazed upon it. Sabé hadn't been too sure about the shoulder attachments during the design but now she was happy she'd added them to the outfit. Rabé and Voraté's violet handmaiden robes were the perfect contrast and focused attention on the Queen.
"Holy f…" The female commentator's curse was covered by a bleep. "This is a surprise. Just look at that ensemble! The large shoulder pads, the elaborate hairstyle, the decorative robes. She appears elegant and powerful at the same time. I don't think I've ever seen anyone successfully pull off this kind of fashion choice. She may just stand a chance!"
"I have to agree with you on this, Mora," The male sounded wispy and stunned. "But I think we'll be watching Senator Palpatine use his political clout to get the results they desire from the Senate."
The commentators quieted down as Chancellor Valorum's podium rose in the center of the chamber, signaling the Senate session was starting.
"A special Senate meeting has been convened today to address a pressing issue plaguing one of our esteemed delegates," Valorum's voice echoed throughout the rotunda. "The chair recognizes the Senator from the sovereign system of Naboo."
Palpatine brought the Naboo pod floating down into the chamber to hover near the Supreme Chancellor's podium.
"Supreme Chancellor and delegates of the Senate," Palpatine's deep voice rang throughout the chamber, confidence and power imbued in it. "A tragedy has occurred and started right here with the taxation of the trade routes and has engulfed our entire planet in the oppression of the Trade Federation."
"This is outrageous! I object to the Senator's statement," The Trade Federation pod flew down and hovered next to the Naboo platform.
"This is where it gets tricky," said the male commentator quietly while the Chancellor berated the Trade Federation for speaking out of turn. "Senator Palpatine has an uphill battle to combat Senator Lott Dod."
He was interrupted by Palpatine's next words. "To state our allegations, I present Queen Amidala, recently elected ruler of the Naboo to speak on our behalf."
"Did he just…?" the female commentator whispered, her words nearly drowned out amid the murmurs from the Senate delegations.
"Yes," gasped the male commentator with wonder. "He just handed the fate of the Naboo over to Queen Amidala. Now we'll see if she is as resourceful as she appears to be."
"Shut up!" Sabé yelled at the holoprojector. They had better not cover up Padmé's speech with their useless comments.
Padmé stepped up to the head of the pod. "Honorable representatives of the Republic. I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. The Naboo system has been invaded by the droid armies of the Trade…"
"I object! There is no proof!" The Trade Federation representative rudely interrupted.
Sabé cursed his leathery hide while Padmé flicked her eyes over to the Trade Federation pod. A spark of rage momentarily glimmered in her eyes before vanishing.
"This is incredible. We recommend a commission be sent to Naboo to ascertain the truth!"
"The Congress of Malastare concurs with the honorable delegate of the Trade Federation. A commission must be appointed."
Sabé fumed as the Malastare delegates publicly sided with the Trade Federation. How dare they ignore the truth right in front of them. Did they think that Padmé, the Queen of the Naboo, had come all this way just to spout lies?
Chancellor Valorum wasn't intervening in the conversation at all. He'd been interrupted by his aides and was now conferring with them. Sabé's heart dropped. This didn't bode well. She glanced back to the Naboo platform, where Palpatine was whispering something into Padmé's ear. Padmé's face gave nothing away, but her eyes full of sadness told a different story. They would get no help from the Senate this day.
"The point is conceded," Valorum's voice was heavy with defeat. "Will you defer your motion to allow a commission to explore the validity of your accusations?"
No… Sabé couldn't believe it. Valorum was their strongest supporter. Why wasn't he helping them?!
"I will not defer," Padmé's words rang strong and full of steel and suppressed anger and sorrow. "I've come before you to resolve this attack on our sovereignty now! I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee."
"Whoa, Queen Amidala means business! Perhaps Senator Palpatine was right to let her speak instead of him," The male commentator was so stunned by this turn of events, he was losing his impartial tone.
"If this body is not capable of action, I suggest new leadership is needed."
"Oh my stars, is she going to do what I think she's going to do?" Mora was so shocked that she was barely able to choke out the words.
Sabé nodded, stunned it had come to this.
Padmé's tone was sorrowful, yet resolute. "I move for a vote of no confidence… in Chancellor Valorum's leadership."
All around the rotunda, the delegates were beginning to scream for a vote to elect a new chancellor. Valorum sat down heavily, unable to believe Padmé's betrayal. He cringed and folded in on himself as the cries for a new chancellor rained down on him.
Sabé switched off the holoprojector. The Senate would change now, perhaps for the better, but not in enough time to help the Naboo. She stood up and put the violet handmaiden robes back on. Padmé would need comforting when she came back. As strong and unbreakable as she looked on the outside, she was still fifteen years old and an unbelievable amount of stress burdened her. Sabé knew that better than anyone; she'd carried the full weight of that responsibility for a short while. Adding betrayal and failure on top of that would be enough to break anyone.
Sabé grabbed the makeup removal wipes and a different black ensemble from their luggage for Padmé to change into when she came back. She directed the security officer protecting the Queen's quarters to send for some cold-cut foods for the Queen and her handmaidens to eat upon their return.
Sabé had just gotten the food situated on the tables next to the bed in the sleeping area when the doors hissed open and admitted Padmé, Rabé, and Voraté. The door whisked shut and Voraté engaged the lock. Padmé started to sob, her shoulders heaving with each breath she took as she collapsed into a heap on the floor. Tears rolled down her face, leaving tracks in the white face paint. Sabé went to her friend and hugged her tight, letting Padmé know it was alright to break down. Padmé did just that, dissolving further into a blubbering mess. Voraté gently removed Padmé's clothes and armor, leaving her in her loose undergarments while Rabé released Padmé's brown hair from the headdress contraption and removed her streaky makeup. When they were finished, Sabé tugged her over to the bed. Padmé curled up against Sabé, never stopping her heart-wrenching sobs. Rabé and Voraté climbed onto the bed next to them and hugged Padmé close.
There they sat with silent tears falling down their cheeks, holding their heartbroken Queen, and mourning their failure to convince the Senate to save the Naboo.
-oOoOoOo-
Hours later, night had long since fallen and Padmé's sobbing devolved into weeping and then finally stopped. Sabé offered the girl another tissue.
"Thank you," Padmé's voice cracked from disuse. She blew her nose and tossed the tissue over the bedside to join the countless others that already littered the floor. "I've failed. I've failed you, my people… everyone."
"Don't speak like that," Sabé chided her. "There's always another way. We just… have to open ourselves up to the possibilities."
"Like what?" Padmé sniffed and leaned into Sabé like a small child. "Without the Senate to help us, we're doomed. The Naboo has no army, no defenses. Our air force isn't equipped to defend against an invading force. That's why the Trade Federation attacked in the first place."
"Well…" Sabé racked her brains, trying to think of something that could help them save their planet. She remembered their odd passenger. "Don't the Gungans have an established army? I seem to remember reading something about that in the history books. Maybe they could help. It is their planet too, after all."
"The Gungans hate the Naboo people. They would never agree to help us," Padmé said doubtfully, but a hint of hope entered her voice.
"They just might change their minds this time," Rabé supplied, animated by the idea. "It's only a matter of time before the Trade Federation tries to invade the Gungan cities, if they haven't already. Surely the Gungans won't stand by and let it happen."
"That's true," Padmé reasoned, sounding stronger.
"Let's eat and brainstorm some more ideas," Sabé nudged Padmé towards the side table where the food was. The platters of berries, bread, and cut vegetables were still edible, if not completely fresh.
The ladies reached over to the table, grabbed a plate, and started eating. They discussed ideas, some including the Gungans and others that didn't. As they mulled over their limited options, they agreed the plan where they allied with the Gungans would be their best bet at defeating the Trade Federation and wresting back control of the planet.
"How are we going to overcome centuries of feuding with the Gungans? This entire plan is useless if we can't convince them to join us," Voraté bit her lip as she brought up the hitch in their plan.
"I'll take care of that," Padmé said. "It'll be difficult, but I think I can do it."
"Then assuming we win the Gungan's trust and persuade them to join us, we'll need to initiate three points of attack," Sabé counted them on her fingers. "In space to take out the Trade Federation control ship, on the plains outside Theed to draw out the droid army, and inside the royal palace to capture the Viceroy."
"Can we convince the Jedi to join us again?" Voraté questioned. "We'll stand a better chance if they're with us."
"I'll have Panaka send a transmission to the Jedi Temple," Padmé nodded at her excellent idea. "Have him also request Jar Jar Binks' presence," She grimaced as she plucked at her rumpled, undergarments. "I need to get dressed first."
"I took the liberty of choosing an outfit for you," Sabé gestured to the simple black dress she'd laid out on a chair.
Padmé turned to Sabé and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Sabé. You always know exactly what I need."
The handmaidens quickly got Padmé into the dress and made preparations for their departure. Once they'd gotten everything packed, they crossed the hall and lounged in the central common area. Padmé was looking out the window at the bustling city when the doors hissed open to admit Panaka and the Gungan.
"Jar-Jar Binks, Your Highness," Captain Panaka bowed and left the room.
The Gungan came forward and stood next to the Queen with a befuddled expression.
"Yousa been asking for me, Your Highness?" Jar-Jar asked quietly.
"Yes, Jar-Jar," Padmé kept her eyes on the Coruscanti traffic. Her brown hair shimmered in the blinking lights. "My plea to the Senate has failed. The Naboo won't be receiving help from the Republic any time soon."
"Yousa thinking yousa people gonna die?" Jar-Jar's yellow eyes bulged as he considered the implications of the Senate's inability to help the Naboo. "Gungans get pasted too, eh?" he added as an afterthought.
"I hope not," Padmé said sadly.
"Gungans not dying without a fight," Jar-Jar said proudly, thumping his chest. "Wesa warriors. Wesa got a grand army. That's why yousa no liking us, mesa thinks."
Sabé caught a gleam of hope and triumph in Padmé's eyes as Jar-Jar brought up the fact that the Gungans currently had an army. She felt the same excitement within her too. Now that they knew for sure the Gungans possessed an army, the only hindrance to their plan was convincing the Gungans to be their ally.
"Your Highness!" Panaka burst into the room, followed by a smiling Palpatine.
Padmé slowly turned around and looked at them. Sabé wondered what was going on that would make the men so excited.
"Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as Supreme Chancellor," Panaka said with a big smile.
"A surprise to be sure," Palpatine grinned at Padmé. "But a welcome one."
Sabé bit her lip. That was sort of good news. But even if he became Supreme Chancellor, it wouldn't be soon enough to oust the Trade Federation from Naboo.
Padmé said nothing and moved to a different window.
Palpatine frowned at Padmé's lack of excitement and followed her. "Your Highness, if I'm elected, I promise to put an end to corruption."
Padmé whirled around and addressed Panaka. "Who else has been nominated?"
"Bail Antilles of Alderaan and Ainlee Teem of Malastare," Panaka supplied.
Well shit, Sabé thought. The senator from Alderaan was a great choice and a potential sympathizer to their cause, but Ainlee Teem had sided with the Trade Federation today. If he were elected Supreme Chancellor, they'd be worse off than they were now.
"I feel confident our situation will create a strong sympathy vote for us," Palpatine said seriously as he sat down. "I will be Chancellor," he spoke with certainty.
Padmé looked less than convinced. "I fear that by the time you have control of the bureaucrats, Senator, there will be nothing left of our people, our way of life."
"I understand your concern, Your Highness," Palpatine tracked Padmé's movements as she walked across the room. "Unfortunately, the Federation has possession of our planet."
"Senator," Padmé's voice rang strong with conviction. "This is your arena. I'm afraid I must return to mine," She turned about to face the room. "I've decided to go back to Naboo."
Silence fell before a visibly shaken Palpatine stood up and protested as Padmé unhurriedly strode to the door. "Go back? But Your Highness, be realistic. They'll force you to sign the treaty!"
"I'll sign no treaty, Senator," Padmé said with disgust, turning to face him. "My fate will be no different than that of our people."
Sabé cheered internally as Padmé told the Senator off. As proud and confident as the man appeared, he'd shown himself to be a coward at heart with his unwillingness to take immediate action to help his people.
"Captain, ready my ship," Padmé walked with purpose to the exit. Sabé nudged Voraté and Rabé into movement and they glided after Padmé. Jar-Jar lumbered to keep up with them.
"Please, Your Highness. Stay here, where it is safe!" Palpatine pleaded.
Padmé halted at the doorway, letting Panaka and Jar-Jar continue on as she turned back once again to face Palpatine. "It is clear to me now that the Republic no longer functions. I pray you will bring sanity and compassion back to the Senate."
Sabé grinned with glee, glad her dark violet handmaiden cowl hid her face. She followed Padmé into the hall along with Rabé and Voraté. They quickly caught up with Panaka, who was directing their aids to gather the Queen's luggage and provisions for their journey back to Naboo.
"Captain, have we received a response from the Jedi Temple about our request that Jedi Jinn and Kenobi accompany us back to Naboo?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Panaka nodded. "The Council has approved your request. The Jedi will join us on the platform shortly."
Padmé nodded in approval and gestured for Rabé and Voraté to give directions to their retinue and make sure they gathered everything they required for the journey. She walked over to the window overlooking the bay where their starship was parked. Sabé came over and made a hand signal, silently asking if she was okay.
"Yes, I'm fine, Sabé," Padmé pursed her lips. "I've never been more sure of anything."
"I have faith you'll lead us to victory, Padmé," Sabé whispered quietly, taking Padmé's clammy hand. "With or without the Gungans or the Jedi, we will take back the Naboo from the Trade Federation. I'm with you, no matter how this may end."
Padmé inhaled sharply and grasped her hand tightly. She let go as Panaka came over.
"Your Highness, Master Jedi Jinn and Padawan Kenobi have arrived and Pilot Olié will be ready to depart within a quarter-hour."
"Thank you, Captain."
"Now," Panaka's lowered his voice and looked over his shoulder to make sure no one was within hearing range. "Do you ladies want to tell me what you're planning?"
"We're going to take back the Naboo, Captain," Sabé said matter-of-factly.
"I gathered that, but how are you going to manage it?" Panaka looked between Padmé and Sabé. "In case you haven't noticed, we're vastly outnumbered."
"There's bound to be a resistance group within Theed," Padmé countered. "And I have a plan that will turn the tides in our favor."
Panaka raised an eyebrow, looking at the women with newfound curiosity and respect. "I take it this plan is ambitious, bordering on crazy. You ladies have this gleam in your eyes that I haven't seen since the Trials."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Sabé said dryly, raising her head so Panaka could see her impish grin.
Panaka smirked and answered his comlink as it buzzed. "The ship is prepped for flight and the supplies we need are on board. Shall we?" He bowed and gestured in the direction of the elevator.
Padmé gave him a gracious nod and headed over to the elevator. The security officers and handmaidens followed her. The elevators let out on the hangar platform and Panaka directed their people to prep the platform for their departure and board.
Sabé breathed in the cold Coruscanti air as she fell into formation behind Padmé. She noticed Qui-Gon Jinn was kneeling on the platform and speaking to Anakin. What was the boy doing here? Shouldn't he be in the Jedi Temple with the rest of the initiates? As Sabé wondered this, she saw Voraté signing the exact same question but she could only shrug, having no answer for her.
Obi-wan was near the ramp of the starship, helping platform engineers make their final checks and close the starship ports and panels. Sabé's heart quickened with excitement. She was glad he'd agreed to come with them to Naboo. He glanced up as he noticed the royal procession advancing towards the ship. He focused on Padmé and frowned, pausing his movements as he studied her.
Oh no. Could he somehow tell the difference between her and Padmé? That should have been impossible! But she needn't have worried as Obi-wan stopped his perusal of them and used his abilities to move the mass of cables and hoses away from the starship's landing legs.
Qui-Gon finished his conversation with Anakin as Padmé walked up to him. "Your Highness," He bowed deeply. "It is our pleasure to continue to serve and protect you."
"I welcome your help," Padmé nodded politely in return and continued walking towards the ship. "Senator Palpatine fears the Federation means to destroy me."
"I assure you I will not allow that to happen," Qui-Gon said firmly as they walked up the ramp.
Sabé smiled as Jar-Jar yelled out.
"Wesa going home!" whooped the Gungan.
It echoed her sentiments exactly. It would be good to return to Naboo.
Padmé immediately made for the throne room. Rabé and Voraté positioned themselves behind the throne on either side of Padmé. Sabé stood next to Rabé off to the side. This was a change from her usual position at Padmé's right, but this choice was intentional. Hopefully, the Jedi would be less inclined to notice her and compare her to Padmé.
The ship rumbled and took off into the sky. As soon as they cleared the planet, the hyperdrive engaged and hurtled them towards Naboo.
The doors hissed open and Panaka, Qui-Gon, Obi-wan, R2-D2, and Jar-Jar entered the room.
"Your Highness," Panaka got straight to the point. "As soon as we land in Theed, the Federation will arrest you and force you to sign the treaty."
"I agree," Qui-Gon said with quiet certainty. "I'm not sure what you wish to accomplish by this."
"I will take back what's ours," Padmé said with quiet ferociousness.
"There are too few of us, Your Highness," Panaka warned as he stared at Padmé, trying to get her to see reason. "We have no army."
"And I can only protect you, I can't fight a war for you," Qui-Gon uttered quietly.
"What is your plan, Your Highness?" Panaka asked persistently.
Padmé blinked and Sabé could see her holding back a smirk as she called on Jar-Jar. "Jar-Jar Binks."
The Gungan looked around as if expecting to see someone else also named Jar-Jar. The Jedi also turned about, as if wondering if they'd heard her correctly.
"Mesa, Your Highness?"
"Yes," Padmé drawled. "I need your help."
The Gungan stepped forward. "How can mesa help?"
"I wish to form an alliance with the Gungan people. Naboo is as much your world as it is ours. If we want to remove the Trade Federation from our home, we must work together."
Padmé waited patiently for a response as the Gungan considered this.
"Well, mesa thinks that da bosses won't be liking it," Jar-Jar tilted his head, making his ear flaps sway. "But… dey might agree to being friends if da Trade Federation invades Ota Gunga. It be worth a try, mesa thinks."
"Good," Padmé smiled. "Voraté!"
Voraté stepped forward into Padmé's line of vision and bowed slightly. "Yes, my lady?"
"Jar-Jar, go with Voraté and give her the location of your city so we can land near it when we arrive on Naboo. Voraté, I want you to plot a course back to Naboo and relay it to Pilot Olié. You've studied star charts of this galaxy and know the position of each wormhole, planet, and star. Get us to Naboo as quickly as possible."
"Yes, my lady. Some sections may be hazardous and put a strain on the hyperdrive, but I can get us to Naboo within two standard days," Voraté gestured for Jar-Jar to follow her and she left the chamber.
"Your Highness, what is your plan if we successfully ally with the Gungans?" Panaka asked, shock overcoming his professional demeanor.
"Our plan hinges on convincing the Gungan people to join us in the fight against the Trade Federation. When that happens, I'll inform you of our next move," Padmé rose and glided quickly out of the chamber, leaving Panaka and the Jedi barely any time to bow.
Sabé was admiring Padmé's forceful command of the room and her quick exit when she noticed Obi-wan staring at her, perhaps for some time now. Sabé gulped and lowered her head and hurriedly followed Padmé out the door. Shit. She hoped he hadn't recognized her and that if he did, he wouldn't voice his concerns until after they'd liberated Naboo.
A/N: The Senate can't help (typical), so it's up to the ladies to form a plan to save their planet! Has Obi-wan guessed that Sabé and Padmé switched places?