Chapter 12 - The Jedi

When morning finally breaks, my eyes are ringed with purple bags, that imitate bruises. I could not sleep last night, and it shows in my complexion. No big deal, I can cover it up. But I can't get rid of the reason I couldn't sleep.

I sit out on the balcony this morning, clutching a hot cup of caf, and watch the sun rise. I've spent several hours waiting for this moment, thinking. I must go speak to senator Organa and senator Mothma today, and I'd like to talk to anyone else who represents a middle ring planet.

My tutor comes to mind. Before my coronation, I took personal lessons from the representative for Raxus, a senator named Mina Bonteri. I remember watching her speak, her perfect composure, never a hair out of place. She was without fault, and the most beautiful human woman I've ever come to know.

Suddenly, there's a knock at the door, and I'm ripped out of my trance.

Waiting behind the door is a tall Nautolan dressed in Jedi robes. His wide blue eyes glint in the morning light, while his greenish skin shimmers, almost wet. He wears a wide, welcoming smile, and his voice is low and smooth.

"Welcome, senator Amidala," he says, bowing his head. "I've been sent to speak to you on behalf of the Jedi council. My name is Kit Fisto."

"Pleased to meet you, master Fisto," I begin. "Why don't you come in and sit down? Is there something I should be concerned about?"

"Not at all, senator," he laughs. "We do this for every new senator."

"Oh," I say, relieved. "Well, what can I do?"

He takes a seat on my couch, and lays his lightsaber on the coffee table.

"Well," he says, rubbing his hands together, " the Jedi council has a tight connection with the senate. We hate to see any of our senators in danger. Which is why we are at the beck and call of all the senators here, as protection, as ambassadors, as anything you may need us to be."

"That's a very noble thing for the Jedi to do," I say.

"It is an act of friendship," he corrects me. "But we are not to be misused. If anyone were to send a Jedi to their death over something trivial, or were to have them killed in a mission that we all knew would kill them, it is extremely disrespectful to the Jedi code, and will not be tolerated. You may not misuse our services."

"Understood."

"Wonderful," master Fisto smiles. "Then, we hope you never have to use our services, but know that we are always here."

"Thank you, master."

He stands to leave, and I watch him go. Part of me wonders if they could prevent senator Clovis from visiting. Nevermind that now, I have bigger things to be concerned about.

I retreat to my room again to put on my proper clothing, donning a green silk gown embroidered in silver, with matching silver and green jewelry. Then I put on the overcoat, a thick velvet trench coat as green as the dress. Then I put my hair up into a mass of braids which almost tumble off my head.

I finally leave now, satisfied with my appearance. As I open the door, a familiar face stands there, waiting.

"Jar jar?"

The tall Gungan nods. "Meesa sent by de queenie, to be da representative for da Gungans. Weesa be workin' togedder!"

I nod, and welcome him in. "You can move your things into the guest room, and then take care of yourself. And don't break anything."

"Meesa understand."

I wave goodbye, and leave promptly. I do not have the patience to deal with him today.

oOo

After a few hours of running around and talking to people, I realize how loud Coruscant is. The whole city buzzes this undertone of music and talking. And all it is is pointless talk. The senators are always hesitant to take action. Eventually, my senses can't take it anymore, and I catch the next transit out.

I don't really care where the speeder is going, as long as it takes me someplace quiet. I'll get off at the next church or temple it passes.

The transit glides over the hustle and bustle of the city, finally coming to a stop by a large sand-colored building, decorated with pillars and deep colored carpets. Several figures in brown cloaks pass, their hoods pulled over their eyes to conceal their faces. It resembles a temple, and it's quieter here, so get off, hoping to just walk around the temple for a few hours.

As I pass though the entrance courtyard, I take in the surroundings. Tall pillars surround the opening doors to the building, and on every open space outside, large groups of children sit cross legged, completely silent. In a group of the older kids is a particular girl, a Togruta, probably about 12, whom I'm particularly drawn to for some reason. Her skin is more orange than I've usually seen on a Togruta, and her montrals are striped with light blue chevron shapes. Her eyelashes flutter as she meditates, probably a sign that she's having a hard time.

The teacher suddenly rises, and walks over to me, respectfully signaling for me to follow him. He is tall, his shoulders are broad, and his face is stern and cold. Human, but darker skinned than I.

"Senator Amidala," he says. His voice is just as deep as his skin tone. "We were not expecting a visit already."

"Sorry, I just needed somewhere quiet to come."

"Something tells me that isn't the reason you came here. Something is bothering you."

I pause. The Jedi are incredibly perceptive, and this one is no different. He knows I'm troubled, but not why. Perhaps I can pass my confusion off for something else?

"It's this first Bill, master. The effects could be disastrous to the middle ring population."

"You've already sorted that out. No, something more sinister is bothering you."

"Sinister may be the wrong word to describe it," I digress. "But yes, there is something more bothering me."

"I'd be more than willing to help you, senator. Tell me what it is."

"It's... One of my colleagues. He's... Overprotective of me. He seems to have deluded himself into..."

"Into a romantic relationship with you?"

"Yes. In the past we were a couple, but I broke it off with him, telling him id rather just be friends. But I believe that he is intending to take advantage of me, in more ways than one."

The master nods, a grave expression on his face. "This is troubling, senator. Would it make you feel more comfortable if one of us, here, watched over him for you?"

"You mean, like read his mind?"

"No, rather, meditate on him, and use the force to predict his movements and intentions."

"That may take some stress from me."

"Good. I'm glad you came here. If you'd like to look around, you're more than welcome."

"Thank you, master-"

"Windu," he finishes.

"Master Windu. I hope your class goes well, here."

"And I hope that your debate falls in your favour."

I smile, and walk into the temple. The entrance hall is carved completely of stone, the floors of the corridors laid with hardwood and the carpets which run the area are dyed green, and large sculptures and busts of former Jedi masters are carved into railings and pillars along the walls. Small children bustle along, led by a very short, elderly Jedi with wrinkled green skin, and long pointy ears. I remember him from the liberation celebration, master Yoda. Each child following him is clothed in dusty brown robes, made of linen and burlap. They must be quite scratchy and uncomfortable, but the children are so well trained, they do not complain or scratch. They just follow, obediently.

This is the place where Master Jinn and his padawan spent their time. I suppose his padawan is a Knight now, training Anakin, the desert boy. I wonder if I'll ever see them again.

An older Jedi happens to be passing me, and I stop her for a moment.

"You wouldn't know where I could find Master Qui-gon's old padawan, would you?"

"Obi-wan? He's off on a mission with his padawan. They went to Antion. I don't suspect they'll be back for several weeks yet. Is there something you need to see him for, representative?"

"Senator, actually," I laugh. "No, I just wanted to see how he and his padawan were. I haven't seen them for eight years now."

She smiles. "A noble pursuit. His young one has grown into quite the handsome young man, but that's none of my business." She giggles, but then immediately returns to normal. "If I see him before you do, I'll tell him you were hoping to meet."

I nod, and thank her as I leave.

Imagine that. The little desert boy has grown up. He must be around sixteen now. He once called me an angel. I wonder if he still thinks of me that way.

oOo

As I make my way back to the senate building, I stop for a moment, to think. Clovis definitely wants me to marry him, I know that, he told me that. But, I don't want to marry him... So will I stay alone for the rest of my life?

Before I can answer that, I'm suddenly grabbed from behind, a large hand with skin like leather, and thick claws. I let out a yelp as I'm yanked back, but immediately another hand wraps around my face, covering my mouth.

"Stay quiet if you know what's best for you," he says, in a low, rumbling voice.

This guy isn't holding me very effectively, and his grip is too loose and slippery. He's going to have to do better to hold onto me. I thrust my elbow back, into his ribs. He shouts, mostly in shock, and lets go just for a moment. I take advantage of that, and jump away, then attack, swinging my leg at his head. My shoe makes contact with his face, and his jaw moves back, almost snapping the bone. Suddenly, another person attacks from behind, wrapping his arms around mine and restraining me back. I whip my legs around, my shins making contact with his forehead, and then, as his grip loosens, I pull away and sweep his legs out from under him. He groans as he makes contact with the hard floor of the speeder. I try to scream for help, but then I realize that every other passenger on the train has been incapacitated in some way. The speeder is probably being driven by another one of these goons. A mother and her child lie unconscious in their seats, completely still. Near the back, a lonely man is pushed up against the window, a huge blaster hole in his chest. Now, I am afraid. I keep fighting, frantically throwing heavy punches and dodging their attacks. But, all of a sudden, I'm struck in the abdomen, and I feel the breath pushed out if me. My vision blurs for a moment, enough time for the second thug to restrain me back and push me against the wall. The first thug then moves in, and covers my mouth with a cloth. I feel my consciousness slip away, and I'm thrust into a world of darkness.