Wrong Place Right Time

Ch.34

Space Bus, Space Senate, and the Space Duck Dinosaur

Jo:

So there I stood, waiting at the "bus" stop by the edge of the temple, rocking my feet, and humming the Animaniacs theme song.

Aaron's plans dictated that he would not be leaving the Temple for some time yet, but I figured getting dressed and such was already underway. He was so excited to go to watch the Intergalactic Indy 500.

Is that the equivalent? I'll ask him later.

Unfortunately, because I was going on a trip to this galaxy's version of Capitol Hill, I needed to travel 'light,' (AKA no weapons required). As I already mentioned, I still wore the gauntlet, but more for effect than anything else. Yes, it had the blade in it, but it wouldn't do much to assist me on its own.

I carried the small pack that I was provided when given my uniform. Inside contained a water canteen, my travel pass (which I would need), a few feminine products (because some habits are near impossible to break), and my cell for some familiarity in this mess. Of course at that time there was no cell service; however, I convinced myself that if need be, Aaron could find someone to activate the tracker on it and find my body…

I've gotta get a grip! Not everything is out to get me. And my dream… What did it mean? If my dreams are anything to go by, I need to be ready to act.

Other people and species trickled into the waiting area, and I stopped humming and rocking.

Sure enough, after a few minutes, a ship far larger than Jango's dropped next to us and a ramp came down. From looks I could already see that the ship was several levels. Beings of all species and sizes disembarked in a mess of children crying, people talking on devices, and parents shushing. I heard music, too, coming from some devices.

I suppose some things are just universal.

I was fascinated by it all. It was basically a bus like there would be back home, but on a much larger scale. So many people.

After several moments, we, the passengers, were ordered to climb aboard and to present a travel pass, ticket, or fare. One of the perks of being a resident under the care of Jedi was that travel pass.

I climbed the steep ramp and boarded, presenting the pass to the attending droid, who scanned it, and asked me my age. I gave it and then he asked where I was going. I explained where I was headed. He then told me to take a seat on this lower level.

I nodded to the droid and then gave a sweeping look over the level. There were seats everywhere. Not quite so many as the Lucas Oil Stadium back home, but maybe three times as many as were in my High School auditorium. I quickly chose one somewhat near the exit so I would not impede disembarkment upon arrival to the Senate. The people continued to board in an orderly fashion and I just watched in amazement.

XxXxXxXxX

When I disembarked the transport near the steps of the Senate building, my jaw dropped at the scenery. It was like Roman architecture! Except it was futuristic, and I could only begin to guess what the statues guarding the path to the building were. Speaking of, my previous comparison to Lucas Oil applied here more so. Visually, it looked about the same size as that beloved stadium at home.

Home…

I shook myself from my gaze to notice that I wasn't alone by the steps. Besides me was a younger woman. An official by the looks of it, her skin was cyan. Over her apparel was a light blue poncho with a darker blue pattern and collar. On the left side of the poncho were three topaz-like stones fitted. Under the poncho was a shirt with long navy sleeves, and she wore matching gloves. She had a brown sash with a large brass triangle charm hanging from the middle, and also thin ropes of fabric hanging by brass fasteners draping her hips. Her maxi skirt matched the same color. Her periwinkle hair was adorned in buns also, with a white cloth coming from under her collar, under her chin, up around her head. There was a hole in the top and ears for the buns to come through. Each bun was enclosed in sort of gold cages with gold triangle ornaments hanging from the bottom.

As impressive as she appeared, there was something that stood out. Something I could relate to.

"First time?"

She was knocked out of her view of the Senate and nearly jumped at the sight of me.

"Umm, yes."

"Mine too."

Relief came to her face and left as she talked.

"Oh Good… I mean! Good that I'm not alone here."

I took a deep breath…

She is of my people!

"I understand. Shall we go together then?"

"If you wouldn't mind."

I didn't and we soon made our way up the stairs. It was quiet. At east as it could be with the morning air traffic. Unlike other places, the main traffic made sure to never hover over the building. A no fly zone for civilians, but not for some transport that I saw. Perhaps for high positions in the Senate.

As the building grew, moving blue figures could be now seen. They grew as well as the building and soon could be recognized. Guards, in armor liken to that of the clones I had seen. Only blue with larger fins atop the helmets. With that, blasters strapped to their backs, or spears.

And unlike friskers back home, I saw none as others entered the building. For such a building of great importance, this level of trust of the people was mind boggling. It made me think…

Before… then…

I shook it off and turned to my acquaintance.

"I'm Joanne Shepherd, by the way. You can call me Jo for short."

"I'm Riyo Chuchi. And Riyo is fine by me, Jo."

"Great. Now that I think about it, do we need any ID?"

My travel pass was for the bus, not a real Identification card.

She slowed down for a moment in thought and quickly resumed her pace.

"Not that I'm aware of, not as long as we're expected. I believe I left mine on the ship."

"Ok, that's good to know. I don't have any."

"I'm sorry?"

"Ah, then this may be a short endeavor."

One can hope… What am I saying! Padmé needs my help for the new senator coming in. I can't let her down!

"Halt."

I froze at the command. I gulped in Dred. My worst fear. Getting stopped by security. I turned to see what I didn't expect. In the armored man's hand was a thin rectangular device with a screen.

My phone!

"You dropped this."

This was confusing, as I placed it at the bottom of my bag. More fear entered in the realization and looked to see a small hole on the bottom of the bag. I calmed a little when I also saw nothing else was missing.

"Thank you so much! I don't know what would have happened if it got lost!"

"Don't mention it ma'am. I'd look into getting a new bag, if you don't mind me saying."

Hmmm. That's what you get from a hand me down.

I started to walk off again with Riyo again.

"Will do, and have a good day!"

"You the same!"

The start of a bad day saved. Nothing lost, but now I had to clutch my bag. Which isn't suspicious in the slightest…

Ok… This is embarrassing. But I'm not alone.

"That was nice of him, too bad I didn't get a name."

"Yeah, but what was it that you dropped?"

I felt far away again.

"A keepsake from home."

"Ah, I understand then. Is it personal?"

"Yes and no. It's a communicator that might help me get home, somehow… It's a long story."

"Then I shouldn't take too much of your time. You probably have a busy schedule."

"Little bit. If we have time, I can tell you."

As we entered the building we became silent. If the building outside was impressive, the inside was more. The deep dark red walls were especially appealing, wth chrome colored tables and chairs laid across. Along with glass vases that held plants similar to that of home and yet not, one flower that stood out was blue mixed with red speckled across its black flower petals. People of different races with outfits that didn't seem possible walked across the hallways, paying no mind to us.

And right by the entrance was a set of desks with a receptionist of the human race, at least what I could tell. He wore a black and blue one piece suit that had the republic flag on his breast pocket. Next to him was a protocol droid like Threepio. Only this one was black with big bug eyes.

The man greeted first, "Hello, can we help you today?"

I cleared my throat, "Yes, we both have separate appointments."

"Ah, then we can take each of you. Who are your appointments with?"

"With Senator Amidala."

"With Senator Amidala."

I paused at the sudden realization. One, it was her first time here, and two, she had an appointment. Should have put it together.

My head turned to face the new senator while restraining a chortle.

"So you're the Senator?"

She chuckled at the situation as well, "Yes."

The man didn't know what to make of this and told us what we needed to know.

"Well, if you're here for the same thing. Mind if I have your names to confirm the meeting?"

"Joanne Shepherd."

"Riyo Chuchi, newly appointed Senator of Pantora."

"I see, well I have neither of you on for any meeting today with Padme, or anyone for that matter."

What?

The Pantoran was just as shocked as I was, and became inquisitive on our behalf.

"Truly? I was told to come here first when I arrived, I assumed that it was marked in the system. Are you sure it's correct?"

"I'm positive, I'm afraid. Unless someone tampered with it. I can leave a message if you'd like."

"If you are able, but what do we say?"

"Housekeeping."

The receptionist and the Senator looked at me bemused.

"Well I am skilled, courtesy of my aunt's obsessive compulsive disorder."

He shook his head at my declaration.

"Whatever that is. I'll give you two a minute to think of a message to send."

Hmmm. Beam me up Scotty? The beacons are lit? For Narnia?

"Miss Shepherd?!"

Miss Shepherd? Nah too formal.

"Miss Shepherd?!"

Ok, I said no…. Wait, that voice.

It was oddly familiar, synthetic in nature, whining, uptight. An image of a droid popped in my head, one of the first friendly droids we got to know on our journey.

3PO.

I turned to face the machine remembering the droid's personality. One that I had yet to get used to.

"I think that's our call, senator. Thank you for the help, sir."

"Well I didn't do too much, but it was my pleasure."

With a wave, we made our way to the frantic C-3PO, who was decked out in spiffed up plating, a shade of gold reminiscent of a communion tray. Definitely an upgrade from the rough armor he had before.

"Hello Miss Shepherd."

"Hello, C-3PO. Nice plating."

"Oh, thank you! I am to show you and the Senator to Amidala's office."

"Then lead the way."

"Of course! And on the way I can tell you all about how I came across this new set, I was shopping for..."

I chose to tune him out after he started talking about the armor.

The journey was short, but I took notice of many things I didn't understand. Sculptures and paintings for the most part. Some of which depicted battles that I didn't grasp. Hoping to be enlightened by Padme when the time came.

"...And so Padmé awarded me this new plating for my service! And here we are."

He led us into a simple room that showed one of my few friends in the galaxy sitting at her metallic desk full of paperwork, a necklace with a carving of sorts into a bone off to the side of it, and a terminal that was being typed away by hers truly.

Senator Amidala was wearing a gray dress with a full skirt, a fitted, black, velvet bodice with a high collar (and a decorative pattern in gray and beads down the middle of it). The skirt was slightly darker in shade and of a rougher fabric, while the sleeves and cuffs were made of what looked like satin or silk. Silver bands were wrapped around her upper arms, creating shoulder and lower arm poofs in the sleeves. Her brown locks were parted and twisted into intricate (and somehow three-sided) buns, with a silver hair ornament perched firmly in place creating a widow's peak.

She noticed us in the corner of her eye, and brightened more than the light from her monitor.

"Jo! It's been so long! Have the Jedi been treating you and your brother well!"

I shrugged smugly, "I suppose, to be honest, some of their members could use some lightening up."

The former queen giggled at my remark, "Yes, most of the ones I've met are aloof in appearance. And what of Boba and Bossk?"

"They're living it up as guards for the temple until told otherwise."

"Oh? And how is that going?"

"Alright, they said the pay is good."

"I see, and I suppose you are the new senator from Pantora?"

The Pantoran walked slightly forward and did a small curtsy with the skirt of her dress.

"Riyo Chuchi, Miss Amidala."

"Please, Padmé is fine in this setting. But please, have a seat before we get to business."

The two of us took the seats in front of us and waited for the most senior senator to continue.

"Now, do either of you have any questions before we begin?"

…

"I have one."

"Go ahead, Jo."

"Why wasn't it listed that we had a meeting with you?"

The senator coughed in her hand and motioned for us to lean in, which we did. Her voice went into a whisper after a quick glance at the door we came through.

"It is because factions are frowned upon in the Senate. Especially since this whole war is about fighting a large said faction."

This was sneaky then, even for Padmé. It was unbelievable.

"Then why have one?"

"I said they were frowned upon, not illegal. Everyone does it. If you want something done, you need like minds to do it. But what our main drive for ours is that we want to put an end to this war. Quickly and peacefully as possible."

That sounded more like her.

"Alright. But what if there are too many factions to do anything?"

"Hmmm, let's save that for later in the tour. Any other questions?"

Riyo spoke up, "I have one, but it's about Jo. You said something about the Jedi and her staying at the temple. Is she a Jedi?"

Padmé looked between the two of us before stating, "That is something we'd have to ask Jo, I'm not even sure what to call it."

"I'd like to think of it as an internship. But Initiate would probably be the correct term."

"Then that's what we'll call it. Initiate Jo, senator? Shall we begin the tour?"

We both agreed.

"Then let's begin."

XxXxXxXxX

We went off to a great start. Padmé showed us the many district offices where citizens could direct concerns and ideas for bills and laws being processed by the senate. The spaces they had reminded me of the cubicle type of work you would find on Earth.

"I can't even imagine that on a galactic scale!"

"Oh no, there are various offices in other regions. This is for the laws that are higher priority and ones nearing finalization."

"Ah."

Riyo added a tid bit.

"We have one on our Moon, serving planets just outside the core worlds."

Up next was the Judicial section. Padme led us into an unoccupied courtroom. Or at least it felt like one. A witness stand in the center of the room. Seats around the room. Everything about it's array seemed mechanical. Lording over that one spot. The sight gave off an eerie sense of anxiety.

"This is where we hold both civil and political hearings for crimes committed. Political ones are a rare occurrence, so it's mostly used for civilian use."

I jokingly commented, "It'll be in the political business once the war is over."

"Yeah…"

Mmm, poor choice of words. She may have friends on the other side? Maybe.

"Hey, I'm sure it will just be war criminals."

She wasn't so sure herself.

"Yes, you're right… Anyways, I have seen a few case proceedings involving a senator acting as judge over the proceedings. In the most extreme cases, the chancellor would be the overseer in a case. The last time that happened was 20 years ago. A woman was charged with unlawful experimentation. It was nasty business then. I was too little to remember it, but I remember every adult was visibly upset about it on Naboo. On top of that, I believe she set up situations where someone would have an 'Accident' and she would take the body. "

Sheesh.

The Pantoran's face darkened, "I wasn't around then, but my parents told me about it… Her last victim was my grandmother."

My heart skipped a beat, and looked to Padme to see her nearly panic as her eyes went wide.

"Oh! Forgive me Riyo, I should have done some more research on it. But I didn't have clearance on it."

My new companion was quick to reassure her.

"Oh no, it's not your fault. Our family had requested that most of the information on it be put under wraps. Especially since it was never brought up in court."

The inquisitive side of me dared to know more, "Why wasn't it brought up?"

"She died day one of the trial… Right in the court room. Claiming she wasn't who she was and was dying, raving like a mad woman. She died of a heart attack after the first testimony."

Tragic. As soon as she is caught, she gets a fast pass… Well I know what really happens after the "fact" to people like her. However, I had a feeling Senator Chuchi wouldn't feel the same sentiment.

I did the best I could, "They say justice is blind, but more blind to others."

Each of them was confused, "They do?"

"But that is how it is with everyone in life. I however believe what's after this life is in someone's hands. One who doesn't let things like that slide."

This baffled the blue alien, "Really? You think that's the case? Why?"

I pointed to the center of my chest with my thumb, "Because I'm here. If nothing mattered, why does life prevail?"

Both understood the rhetorical essence of the question and chose not to answer. Yet neither were angry about it.

"You're right, we shouldn't live like that. Sometimes justice is missed, but let's hope next time it gets served. Now let's head to the highlight of the Senate and see the Senate chamber."

Our trust was in our guide, and followed her out of the empty courtroom.

XxXxXxXxX

Once more she led us down the halls, occasionally stopping to explain some of the art work placed along the walls and which planets donated them as a show of good will to the republic. One of such was nearly 3 thousand years old!

"It's called the Manifest of the Stars. It's about the hope to go beyond the galaxy and see more of what the universe has to offer. This was painted on the tallest mountain on Alderan's. Something that Senator Organa loves to point out is that the star alignment is exactly the same every year as it was then on that day. I've often seen him looking at this painting from time to time over the years."

We turned a corner and came to a section of arch ways.

"And up ahead is one of the pod bays into the Senate floor."

I had to double take what I heard, "Pod bays…"

"That's right."

I decided to keep my mouth shut and be surprised.

Glad I did, because it was an amazing sight! Before even entering the room, I laid witness to one of the largest indoor spaces I had ever seen. In it were rows of similar pods like the one we started to board. Each pod had a gray/silver coloration, and a monitor at the forefront. Each of the pods were positioned to face the center of the chamber in a circumference up and down each level. At the center was a three seat podium. The highest one was obviously for the chancellor. I could only begin to guess what the other two seats were for.

Padme pressed a button on the terminal and we were flying.

I gripped the side of the craft for personal comfort.

High! High!

These thoughts I buried deep down. We were only moving fifteen miles an hour and it would be too embarrassing to freak out about it.

"This is the heart of the Republic, all laws, by-laws, bills, and affirmative actions in case of emergencies are held here. And unfortunately, the most recent one taken was with the start of this war. The one before that was ten years ago, the blockade of my world by the trade federation."

She went on about the proceedings of the Senate and… it was boring to say the least. Boring as it was, that's why it's a job for people like Padme. The fact that she could endure this drabble day in and day out was mind boggling! Heck, she's married now! Secretly!

"And that is what you are to expect in a day in the office. Sometimes a law will go on for years before anything is passed."

"And let me guess. By the time it gets through, it is a shell of its former self."

Padme sighed, "It's the same everywhere, isn't it."

"Probably."

The Pantoran showed she felt out of the loop with her next question.

"Am I missing something?"

"Again, Jo would have to be the one to tell you. It's not for everyone's ears. It could risk her people's safety."

The new senator acted like a scolded child.

"Oh! Then I'm sorry for asking something like that."

"No Chuchi, I trust you enough to tell you…"

As we floated in the air, I filled in all that had happened since my brother and I had arrived. Being stranded on Tatooine, the skirmishes there, the teaming up with a bounty hunter family, the dinner with the separatists, the charge into the battlefield, and our newfound lodgings at the Jedi temple.

The young woman was dazzled by the tale and gripped the edge of her seat.

"Incredulous! And yet the two of you keep going, I hope to have the strength to keep going like that while I serve my people."

Trust me, it doesn't feel like that.

"And what of your world Jo? What's it like?"

"It's vastly different from the planets we've visited so far. And I've only had three for reference. What I can say is we have an assorted amount of biomes on our world, oceans, rainforests, deserts, mountain ranges, snowy tundras, swamps… the list goes on."

"I-I can't say I've ever seen a world like that. It sounds like a mess."

"Oh, that part isn't the mess. Honestly, I'd say it was the people that were the mess. I mean different people from different environments. Wars happen when people don't even know it and… Well, among other things… Don't get me wrong, I love Earth and it's people. But I always felt off from them, far off. My brother would say the same. Funny enough, coming here made me realize how much I miss it…"

Riyo sat up, "I feel the same way, but I know it's different than what you're experiencing. I've left my Moon and family behind to better serve them. And I know if I backed down they could find someone just as qualified."

Determination came across her face, "If there is a way to help you, let me know. I would love to see your world one day."

I got up and extended a hand, "Thank you."

She took it and we shook on that promise.

"Uh oh."

Hmm?

Padme was looking up, and we stretched our necks upwards slightly to see a pod coming down our way. On it were a few people, one of which was what I believed was a Twi'lek. His clothes were just as spectacular as the others I had seen today. Only problem was that he was very… "Well rounded." Especially for his head tails. They swayed with his head as he spoke in a very formal tone.

"Ah, Senator Amidala! Interesting to find you out here on the weekend. I pray you aren't neglecting your health because of the War Bill next week?"

The way the large blue man spoke seemed so fake, I count help but eye roll.

She answered him, "Yes, I've been keen on taking care of myself, Senator Orn Free Taa. In fact, I've already prepared my proposal a couple days ago."

This seemed to impress the big guy and he faltered.

"I-I see. Then who is this young girl?"

"I am Riyo Chuchi, the newly appointed Senator of Pantora."

A smile crept up on his lips, "Ah yes, congratulations on achieving the position. Perhaps I should show you around the Senate building so you could settle in?"

Riyo kindly declined, "Thank you, but Padme has already been showing me around."

His friendly demeanor slightly changed with a little hostility,

"Oh, has she?"

"Yes, she was kind enough to offer it to me before I arrived. If you really wanted to, you should have at least sent a message to reach out in advance."

Burn!

The Orn took offense, but then tried for another angle.

"You say the senator contacted you? Very ambitious, Miss Amidala. Perhaps you have something to gain from her 'friendship'? Or maybe you're trying to gain traction in the Senate?"

Padme opened her mouth, and closed it. The usually bold senator looked like she didn't know what to say.

He turned his attention back to Riyo.

"Perhaps you should pick better allies?"

The snide remark pushed my patience over the edge. Padme didn't deserve to be perceived in that way in the slightest. I took a deep breath to speak up.

"So what?! Like anyone is any better in the Senate! And Padme doesn't make friends for just power. Her actions speak for herself!"

The creature was flabbergasted, "Bah, what do you know?!… Miss?"

"Shepherd, and what I'll tell you about Padme is nothing but the truth! She's done nothing but try her best to prevent this war from happening and received no thanks from it! She put her life on the line countless times for her people and yours!"

"Listen here, 'Miss Shepherd.' It's clear you aren't familiar with how things are done here. Everyone has made sacrifices because of this war! Including me!"

Looking at his waist line, I doubted it.

"So go back to whatever backwater planet you came from and get an education before you attempt to debate with members of the Senate."

Excuse me?!

My entire school career flashed before my eyes. And unfortunately, I could not say I was a college graduate… Because I didn't finish it yet… Was it all a lie?!

"I-I am still a student thank you very much. And I at least know I have a right to voice my opinion when you talk poorly about my friends!"

Padme whispered happily next to me, "Jo…"

"Listen girl, do not-!"

"WHAAA!"

An unexpected yell was heard from above our heads. Instinctively, I wanted to turn my head to the noise. Before I could, my mind flashed a vision. I saw a dark object flying towards my head and my head imploding before going dark.

With our questioning the vision, I quickly ducked down to avoid getting my head lobbed off by the incoming object. It avoided us, but the same could not be said of the Orn Free Taa's pod.

It smashed into its side and the passengers screamed as it spun out of control downwards. Almost like "whirlers" from a maple tree.

"Oops! Messa sorry!"

"Jar Jar!"

Upon the other object (now visually identified as a pod) was an odd looking creature.

He looked to be about seven foot, and held amphibian and reptilian features. Slitted orange eyes, scales across his lightish red ears, which dropped across the back of his neck. But what stood out the most was his elongated mouth. It was almost like a man's interpretation of a dinosaur made into a humanoid. And it was the duck looking dinosaur...And according to our guide, the person's name was Jar Jar. And he looked out of it.

"Oh! Miss Padme! So glad to be seeing yousa! All three or four of you!"

"What happened?!"

I felt the same, only that I thought about the vision I just had.

"Messa don't know! Messa just be talkin with da kaminoans. Den da feet slipped on somtin, then I bumped into the controls and things went in a spin! Oh, my head!"

As this conversation was happening, I gazed over the edge of our transport to see Orn's pod crash onto the bottom of the room. All of the passengers were still on board, but it looks like nobody avoided an injury. Orn was the only one that stood out among the others, his size helped with that. He grabbed his head in a daze as the Senate Security rushed to the downed craft.

Padmé yelled out to the poor pilot.

"Jar Jar, you need to get out of here! We'll talk about this later!"

Riyo pulled me from looking over and sat me down in the spot I was in, "Careful, I think we're going for a ride."

As soon as the words left her mouth, Padme made the pod shoot off to the bay we came from. The drop that was felt was awful, but not as bad as the open speeder.

A click could be heard when it rested in its Holder.

"Quickly! Let's head to my office!"

Neither of us argued and followed the experienced politician down the halls in a hurry.

XxXxXxXxX

Ten minutes later, we were back in her office. Hopefully safe from any scrutiny. Each of us took the same seat we had had before.

"Please tell me we aren't going to face charges for that?"

Riyo answered, "I don't know Jo."

"... Please tell me we aren't going to face charges for that."

The room was silent, once more. Until Padme tried to suppress a laugh. And failed with a small series of chuckles. I looked at her confused.

"Sorry, Jo… But that was too funny!"

"Really? Because I wasn't trying to be."

"No, really! It's good! And after that, we needed some brevity."

I'll say.

The blue skinned woman didn't agree.

"Brevity… I wish I could feel the same. I'm with Jo on this."

"Yeah, there's no way that happens all the time."

Padmé's silence spoke volumes.

"Padmé'?"

"..."

"This is the first time… right?"

"... We'll, with Representative Binks, these things happen… often."

"Who?"

"The Gungan you saw, the one crashing the pod into the Senator's? His name is JarJar Binks, a representative of the Gungan people on my home planet of Naboo. He tends to have, 'Incidents.'"

"And how does someone with 'incidents' get that kind of power?"

Oddly enough, a smile came across her face.

"By becoming friends."

She then told the story I heard a couple of times already, only she added in the parts with the person I would soon see as a hero.

A person cast out from society soon becomes an army general for his people against forces that have them out classed in every field. Becoming a spokesperson that united the humans and gungans together in harmony. And for recent events, Jar Jar was the leading force to use the clones as the republic's army… If he hadn't done that, we'd probably not be here right now.

Next time I see him, I'll thank him. And I'll ignore the fact he almost lobbed off my head, at least once.

"Well, considering that security hasn't come in for questioning, I guess we can continue with the tour, Padmé."

Riyo was unsure, "I don't know, we might have to postpone the rest for another day to be sure."

"Oh yes, about that. We're done."

?

"Are you sure?"

She scratched the side of her cheek.

"Unfortunately… I had hoped what I had prepared lasted longer. And the happening we had at the end, sped that along faster than intended."

This was disappointing. Not that it was Padmé's fault, but that I still wanted to know more.

"Are you still up for questions?"

Her mood brightened, "Of course, Jo! What would you like to know?"

"I want to know more about what you go through. How do you deal with dressing up for occasions, know what edict to use, and deal with the pressure of so many galactic governments?"

"Yes, I too would like to know some of these questions. I'm still trying to understand the intricacies of the position."

She paused in thought, and smiled, "Those are good questions Jo, and I think I can answer part of it by showing."

She pressed a button that opened a comm link. Then the familiar voice of a droid came on.

"Miss Padmé, how may I help you?"

"Threepio, could you inform the maids to prepare a lunch for three? I'm bringing some guests."

"Certainly, any preferences?"

"Hmmm, fish would be fine with me, any complaints or other suggestions you two?"

Neither had any qualms.

"Something with fish if it's not too much trouble."

"Right away, Miss Padmé."

The line cut off and Padmé asked us something that threw in for a loop, "Would the two of you like to come over to my apartment for lunch?"

End Chapter

A/N: This was a long time coming. I was hoping to be much further ahead than I have been at this point. Things are going to be different in the near future. From now on, I will be the one writing the majority of the chapters. My co-author is unable to write full chapters as her life is changing rapidly. I won't go into details, but I will say she will be editing and adding some here and there.

Projected time of completion of this arc is unknown. I had hoped to be finished by the end of this last year, but it may move into March.

And without further adieu, here is a very small bonus chapter.

Bonus Chapter:

Messa Run Now

Pov: Jar Jar Binks

It was a simple day, talking with kaminoans about the upcoming presentation of the war bill.

"Yessa, Padme told me to tell you on her behalf to accept your invitation to kamino. She is personally interested in the treatment of these clones yousa made for da Republic."

"I can assure you, they are given the best treatment of anyone in the galaxy. Best medical care, best environment to grow healthy and strong in. They need such conditions to be the best soldiers."

"Exactly. Miss Padmé been wondering da implications of dat. Her concerns lie in- AAHH!"

Before I knew it, my foot tripped over something on the ground. I tried to regain my balance. Gravity however led me to the controls of a pod bay and it made the pod I entered go full force towards the senate chambers and into a pod.

WHAAAAAA!

Miss Padmé had shouted at me to run, but my head was very spinny. After docking the pod with the emergency dock button, I thought I could breathe for a moment.

Instead, security caught me, and made me wait for a very angry big senator.

"Padmé's co-worker, I should have known! Do you realize what you've done?!"

"Uuhh…"

"You've ruined the chance of making a good impression on the new Senator! This could make relations between me and her people for generations!"

"Oh, no…"

"You may have helped push the use of clones, but after this incident you are through!"

Welp, Messa was busted…

"Hold on!"

A security guard arrived with the kaminoans I was speaking with before.

"It wasn't his fault."

The blue Twi'lek wasn't accepting of that.

"Ten years! Ten years this blundering idiot has been a scourge amongst the Senate! Accidents follow him!"

"Be that as it may, an accident is an accident. And here is the true culprit."

In the guard's hand was a cylindrical object with an image of a flower on it. With it was an odd form of basic on the outside of it.

"It is a beauty product of some sort, could have fallen out of someone's pocket, purse, or-."

"Hand bag!"

Another guard spoke out now, and explained.

"This might have fallen out of the woman's hand bag earlier. It had a hole in it and dropped something earlier."

"You're telling me that this is just the fault of some personal hygiene dispenser! We nearly died!"

"I'll have you know senator, these pods are nearly crash proof. The only way someone would get hurt is if they take a direct blow to the body. And I would wrap things up quickly here, you're starting to make a scene."

Senator Orn looked around and noticed that other officials were now witnesses to his rant.

"Mmmmhh, this isn't over Gungan."

After that, his group left to do whatever they were doing before.

"Tell Padmé we'd be glad to offer her a tour of our facilities. The Jedi we're going to conduct an investigation in our production as well. Either way, it makes no difference."

"Uuhh, right."

The Kaminoans made their peace and walked off, leaving me with the guards…

"Sorry… again."

"4 times, Jar Jar… That has to be a record of how much you've messed up in a week."

"Aaww…"

"Look, I'm not going to bash you too much about this, but you need to take some kind of balancing class at this point."

As much as I hated it, he told the truth… My entire life, I've never had balance. Where could I find it?

"Messa try to do something."

"Alright, at least something is a start. … Even so, the boys will get a kick out of this one."

Ohhh…

"Anyways, what did this woman look like?"

"Yeah, she had on some black dress, she looked like she was doing something important with the blue skinned woman.

"Blue skinned?... Oh! The new Senator from Pantora! They were with Padmé earlier walking around. It must have fallen out when they came this way."

Oh… OH!

"Messa can bring it to her! Miss Padmé told me we'd talk later!"

"I don't think that's what she meant. but if it will get you out of the way for the day, be my guest."

He handed me the cylinder. From it escaped a fruity smell that was foreign to me, however it was pleasant.

"Now, you won't cause anymore trouble?"

I looked at the group of Senate guards and made the best salute possible.

"Yossa can count on me!"

Before I knew it, my saluting arm went flying into the face of one of the guards.

I turned with dread to see no expression aimed at me because of the helmet. That didn't mean I couldn't feel the gaze I was given.

"Messa run now."

"Yes."

"Ahhh!"

Messa didn't look back as I ran for it.

End Bonus Chapter