A/N:

Mando'a Terms Used in This Chapter:

burc'ya - friend

vod - sister

"Senator, while I appreciate your concern, I can assure you that the people of Naboo do not take kindly to troops of any kind being flooded into our cities," Padmé spoke confidently, her voice echoing across the Senate chambers. You sat silently behind her, dressed in a long hooded dress that complimented Padmé's outfit. "If you will recall just a few cycles ago, a multitude of troops was pushed onto our planet, and though we are grateful to the clones for their help, there was simply too much bloodshed to allow that sort of thing to happen again. The people of Naboo are peaceful," she gestured to Senator Binks, "and we have the Gungans by our side."

"You are defenseless, Senator. Your people are defenseless. Can you really say you represent them if you are not acting in their best interests? What will happen when a droid army returns to Naboo? Without the clones, your people will be slaughtered like animals in the streets," Senator Paddie returned, almost smugly. "Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has given the clones direct orders to remain away from the people of Naboo, you wouldn't even notice them there." You could have sworn that the man was smiling as he brought up the Chancellor. Senator Paddie was a loyal supporter of the Chancellor, though you weren't quite sure why. Palpatine was simply a politician, and you didn't trust a word that most politicians said. The promises he made meant nothing until they were proven to be true. However, as a handmaiden, you were not a part of the Senate, and therefore unable to voice your opinions. You glared daggers at Senator Paddie from beneath your hood until he shifted, nervously playing with the edge of his collar as he felt the pressure of something angry with him. You happened to glance up to Padmé, whose eyebrows had furrowed slightly at the man's words.

The proceedings had been going on for three hours now, and you were hoping the Chancellor would call for a recess soon. As though he could read your mind, Chancellor Palpatine stood, raising his hands.

"My friends. We have been discussing this for far too long without a break. Let us pause for a brief recess. We shall reconvene in two hours," his voice sounded strong against the background of murmuring that had already broken out. With that, your pod sped back towards the edge of the room, and you stepped out with Padmé.

"Who does Senator Paddie think he is? I swear that man is a puppet made solely to worship the ground Palpatine walks on," Padmé grumbled not-so-quietly. You smiled and fell into step beside her.

"My lady, they are politicians, I'm not sure what you expected."

"Some decency, maybe." Padmé shook her head. She breathed a sigh before it was interrupted by a familiar face. Padmé smiled and stepped forward, meeting the eyes of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, who were both looking stoic.

"Senator." The duo spoke at the same time, causing you to smile a bit as you took a step back so as to let Padmé speak with them.

"Generals. How are you today? I hope you are having a more exciting, and less frustrating, day than we are," she said with a soft laugh, lightly gesturing to you. However, her smile faded slightly as neither man returned the look. You looked up slightly, surprised to find both of them staring at you. "Anakin? Are you alright?" Padmé asked, concern creeping into her voice as she noticed where the two were looking. Your heart dropped into your stomach.

They know. They had to know. Why else would they be staring at me unless they knew?

"We would like to speak with your handmaiden, if that's alright with you, Senator," General Kenobi said, his voice intentionally emotionless. Padmé shot you a confused glance. You knew in that moment that she had said nothing about your secret to them. It had been two weeks since the Aurra Sing incident and you had almost put it entirely behind you. At a slight, almost imperceptible, twitch from Anakin's hand, you realized he was waiting for you to make a move to see if he needed his lightsaber or not.

"This isn't really a good time, I'm sorry. We have the proceedings to get back to soon," Padmé lied, knowing full well that the recess had only just begun.

"It's fine, my lady. I will be back before the recess is up. I'm sure it's just a few questions, right generals?" You plastered on a smile and calmed your racing heart. They had nothing on you until you confirmed it. General Kenobi gave you a soft smile.

"Of course, only a few questions," he said. He dipped his head towards you for a moment. "Nice to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you from Anakin and Ahsoka." The last sentence was pointed, and you hid your reaction. Ahsoka. You knew you couldn't be upset with her if she really did tell the Jedi about you, but you were a bit disappointed.

"Interesting! I've only met General Skywalker once or twice, so I'm not quite sure what he has to tell you can be anything but hearsay," you looked at Anakin pointedly, "But Ahsoka and I are decent friends. Hopefully she has had nothing but good things to say." You smiled.

A small smile crossed Obi-Wan's features as Anakin instantly looked offended. "You talk like a politician. Padmé has flooded your brain with those Senate proceedings, hasn't she? Well, I'll have you back before you know it. Thank you, Senator." Obi-Wan dipped his head towards Padmé before gesturing for you to step in line with him as he turned and walked. You did as he requested, noticing that Anakin was walking behind the two of you. You felt almost like a prisoner, being guarded by two Jedi as you were escorted down the hall.

"Am I in trouble, General Kenobi?" You directed the questions to him and not his former padawan trailing behind. Obi-Wan glanced your direction.

"Have you done something for which you would get into trouble for?"

"Well, no."

"Then no. You're not. Like I said, I just have a few questions."

"Is that why your fellow Jedi back there," you gestured behind you before continuing, "is watching me as though I will attack the room at any minute? Just questions?"

Obi-Wan gave a short laugh. "Aren't you perceptive. Anakin can be... a bit overenthusiastic sometimes, but he means well. No, the questions I have to ask may be difficult for you to answer. Anakin is simply here to help oversee our diplomatic relations."

"Now who sounds like a politician, General?" You smiled, easing into the rhythm of the two Jedi. Anakin behind you was like a tornado of energy, and you could feel all of it from the Force. Obi-Wan, though, was calm and inquisitive. None of the worry that his padawan carried, solely curiosity. You pushed a bit deeper into the energy you felt from Obi-Wan, attempting to discern a few of his 'questions' beforehand.

"If you'd like to know the questions, you could just ask, you know," General Kenobi said, his voice intrigued, but also clearly calm. He definitely knew what you were. You took a deep breath.

"Alright then, General. What was it you wanted to ask me? We've walked an awful long way for a few questi-" you stopped short as you realized you were standing before the large doors that led to the Jedi Council Chamber. Obi-Wan pushed one open slightly. "I- I'm not sure I'm allowed in there. I thought only Jedi were allowed into the chamber?" You took a slight step back, bumping directly into Anakin's chest. He raised an eyebrow before lightly pushing you forward, his hand on your lower back. Your stomach flipped as you saw, through the crack in the door, a circle of Jedi Masters discussing who-knows-what. "Right. After you then," you said, stepping away from Anakin's touch. Obi-Wan shot a glance towards his former padawan before pushing the door open the rest of the way.

"Relax. They're not that high and mighty," Anakin dropped his voice low so that the sound would not carry, and it was like a wave of calm washed over you. Something about his voice told you that you could trust him. Glancing towards him for a moment, your eyes locked with his and your heart skipped a beat. Whether that was from the nerves or something else, you had no idea. Finally, you took a deep breath and stepped inside.

The room fell silent as the Jedi Masters looked at you. As was typical for a handmaiden, you dropped your eyes to the floor.

"Come. Stand before us, you must." Master Yoda was relaxing in his chair, gesturing to you to move to the center of the room. Despite your shaking hands, you stepped forward. You heard a slight creak from the door behind you and glanced quickly towards the noise. You locked eyes with Ahsoka, who looked sheepish. You gave her a brief smile, knowing that, while it most likely was Ahsoka's fault that you were here, you didn't think she had done it with malice or intentionally. No reason to stay mad at her; this situation was bound to happen eventually. You saw her shoulders relax when she realized you weren't upset with her.

"Master Kenobi has brought up a few concerns to the council; a rumor, if you will," Master Windu said. Thankfully, you had paid attention when Padmé had talked about the different Jedi Masters. You may not have met them all, but you knew their faces and names.

You glanced at Obi-Wan, who remained silent.

"Master Windu, it is a pleasure to finally meet you in person," you said, flashing a gentle smile. "I can assure you, I am completely unaware of whatever rumor that Master Kenobi may have presented."

"Ah. Well, maybe a refresher is needed, yes?" Mace Windu stated, gesturing to Obi-Wan to step forward.

"Council. It has been brought to my attention that this lovely handmaiden of Padmé's is actually Force-sensitive. A childhood friend of hers trained under us, years ago, and unfortunately met his untimely end at the Battle for Naboo," Obi-Wan said, avoiding eye contact with you. You felt your heart tighten in your chest at the mention of your best friend, but remained quiet. "We had been so focused on the boy all those years ago that, when we picked him up from his small village in the Outer Rim, we completely brushed over her." Images of the Republic ship sitting at the edge of your village flashed through your brain, causing your jaw to clench.

"Yes... Kodo Rumarch, wasn't it? A shame. He was a good fighter," Master Fisto spoke up, contemplating the woman standing before him.

"True, this is? A hidden Force user, we have?" Yoda hummed in recognition, looking at you. You glanced at Obi-Wan, and then towards Ahsoka and Anakin. The duo were looking at you, Ahsoka with a smile on her face. Anakin gave you a slight nod, and you took a deep breath.

"Yes, Master. This is true."

"Why would you hide? You could have made a difference. You could have saved him," Master Windu said, his eyes locked onto you to gauge your reaction. You turned your gaze to him, a fire burning behind your eyes.

"Excuse me?" You knew this was not the time nor place to take on the entire Jedi Council, but it was a difficult decision to remain where you were, rather than walking out. "Master Windu. No disrespect, of course, but if it were not for you and your Jedi Council, I wouldn't have had to be there to save him. He would have been safely at home with his family, not fighting your battles for you." In his corner, Anakin exchanged a slight smile with Ahsoka at your push-back. Windu leaned forward, eyes narrowing.

"Watch yourself, padawan. You must learn respect. One would think it would be ingrained from being a handmaiden, but I suppose not," he said, folding his arms across his chest. Your brow furrowed in confusion at his choice in words, despite the clear antagonistic tone.

"Padawan? I'm afraid that's not me, sir. I work for Lady Padmé, and that isn't changing any time soon," you raised your chin in slight defiance.

"Hmmmm..." Master Yoda hummed, "Master Windu is correct. A padawan you now are. Speak to Senator Amidala myself, I will."

"Wait what?" you looked at Master Yoda in disbelief. "Master Yoda, I mean no disrespect, but I'm an adult. I'm too old to be a padawan."

"You're never too old to learn," Master Fisto said stoically.

"A padawan? Who is to teach her then?" Anakin spoke up, looking confused. Normally, he would have been given you as his padawan, but he had Ahsoka. Master Yoda and Master Windu didn't really take on padawans anymore, and from what you knew, the other Jedi all had padawans. All except...

"Master Kenobi will be overseeing your training. You are to be his padawan and learn from him, as Anakin once did," Master Windu plainly stated, folding his arms in front of himself.

"What?" Both you and Obi-Wan spoke at the same time, looking at each other afterwards.

"But I-"

"But she-"

"This decision is not up for debate. You will train the girl, Obi-Wan. She will work alongside you, Anakin, and Ahsoka. From what I've heard, she already has a great relationship with the 212th and the 501st," Master Windu interrupted.

Obi-Wan looked as though he wanted to protest, but instead simply said, "Yes, masters." All eyes fell on you. What choice did you really have? It was like your childhood all over again. The Jedi were forcing you into a life of war, one you never wanted. An image flashed through your thoughts as you remembered the last time you had seen Kodo. It had only been a few years ago, right before his death. Throughout the years, he had always come back to see you, but the last time...

"You're absolutely ridiculous. You know the Jedi would never let me bring a civilian along on this mission. It's too dangerous, burc'ya. Queen Amidala is asking for Jedi support alongside the Gungans," Kodo said, pointing at you with his fork. The two of you were eating dinner in a small 'secret spot' that you had frequented since you were younglings. You chewed on the bite you had taken, looking out over the village below.

"Kodo, that's exactly why I have to come. You know I can help; I'm not just a civilian. And from what it sounds like, you're going to need all the help you can get," you retorted. He seemed on edge, frustrated with the Jedi and the war. Every time he visited home, you noticed that the frustration seemed to grow. "Please."

He shook his head, frustrated now that you weren't taking no for an answer. "You're not a soldier, sister."

"Neither are you. Just leave, Kodo. Something feels wrong with this war and I know you feel it too," you said, practically begging him to stay. He avoided eye contact with you for a moment before his features softened and he set down his bowl.

"I'll be alright. I promise. I will see you again, and we'll never leave home ever. How does that sound?" Kodo shot you a smile and you couldn't help but return it. Pulling you into a tight hug, he sighed. He knew this was a difficult choice, but he had his own plans and goals and he couldn't get you involved. Maybe some day... Maybe he would come back from the war and make true on his promises.

The flashback faded as quickly as it came on, and you took a breath. "Yes, masters," you said, echoing Obi-Wan. You looked over at him, noting his posture and unbreakable poise.

"That will be all for now. Ahsoka will show you to your new quarters and help you settle in. We will have a droid or a clone bring your things from Padmé's room. Dismissed," Master Windu said. Your head was spinning as you walked out of the door, leaning against the wall in the hallway. A soft step snapped you back to the present as Ahsoka approached you. She seemed nervous.

"Hey," you managed to say. Your whole world was crumbling around you like it did when you were younger, only this time you were the one trapped by the Jedi.

"I know it seems bad, but I promise everything will be okay. Obi-Wan is a great master, and we'll get to travel a lot together! Plus, you know.. Saving the galaxy and stuff," Ahsoka said, attempting a joke at the end that fell flat. "I didn't mean to tell them, I promise. I accidentally let it slip to Anakin and he told Obi-Wan and he told the Council and I feel really ba-" You cut her off with a small touch to her arm and a smile. She relaxed visibly, returning your smile. Anakin appeared out of nowhere, slight concern on his face at how pale you looked.

"Don't worry. Obi-Wan can be strict, but he means well. You'll do well," Anakin said, attempting to reassure you. You looked down, avoiding eye contact. Habits from being a handmaiden were going to be difficult to break. Before you could respond, a light touch beneath your chin stopped your heart as your face was lifted slightly. Anakin smiled as he moved your gaze up, his eyes now locking with yours. "You're a Jedi now. Eye contact is allowed, and even preferred. Wear your training as a badge of honor, padawan," he said, dropping his hand back to his side. Your stomach was doing flips, though you weren't sure if that was from Anakin's touch or from the meeting. Before you could respond, Obi-Wan stepped out of the Council's chamber, moving towards you, Ahsoka, and Anakin.

"I trust you both are not poisoning my padawan's ears with your nonsense," he said, a slight smile on his face. "Ahsoka, would you please show her the room she will be staying in? I believe a droid is on its way there now with her things." Ahsoka nodded, gesturing down the hall with her head.

"C'mon, you're going to love this. Your room is right next to mine!" She sounded so excited, it was hard to be upset. The two of you began your walk down the hallway, and Obi-Wan called after you.

"Training begins tomorrow morning, 0700. I will meet you in Sparring Room 3," he said, voice raised to reach your ears as you walked away. You nodded back to him, a 'yes, Master' leaving your mouth, though it didn't feel like you even said it. Your entire world had been flipped upside down, and you weren't sure what was in store for you tomorrow.

Somehow, you ended up in your new room, your stuff in a box in the corner virtually ignored as you tumbled not-so-gracefully into bed. You ran your thumb gently over the necklace you always wore, hoping it would give you strength as you pulled the blankets close. Kodo once had the other half of the necklace, but, as you were unable to find it in his belongings that were returned to his family, you assumed he died with it on or lost it. You finally slipped into a restless sleep, Kodo's smile occupying your thoughts.