=Queen Jamillia's Office, Theed Royal Palace=
Halyon followed Arin back to the group. When they got back inside the palace, they were led directly to the Queen's office. Kel-Ani and Moraye were taken to a medical ward, and the remaining four younglings followed Kloré and their guard escorts.
Sairdé was waiting for them in front of a set of ornate double doors. One eyebrow raised at them severely. "There's something Jedi have against following orders, isn't there?" she asked darkly, shaking her head. "I suppose the important thing is that you've found another bomb and you're all okay. You're very lucky," she said, shaking a finger at them. "Very foolish and rash as well. But never mind that. The queen is waiting for you all. Let's not keep her waiting, shall we?"
The guards opened the doors and Sairdé gestured for the younglings to file into the office. "A word, if you don't mind," she whispered to Kloré, and the two handmaidens remained outside.
Arin followed her clan mates into the office. It was a huge solarium, with a large curved desk flanked by several cushioned chairs and a wide, arching window behind.
Queen Jamillia sat in a tall chair behind the desk. Her thick black hair was woven into an elaborate headdress, just like the type all Naboo queens wore. Pale makeup dusted her face; it was much lighter than her natural dark skin. Two red dots on her cheeks complemented the red of her full lips. She smiled politely as they entered.
"Good evening, Jedi younglings. Or perhaps, good morning. It is a pleasure for the Naboo to host your field trip. I apologize that things haven't quite followed your itinerary," she said lightly in an attempt to dispense the tension in the room. Her accent was clipped but deep and warm.
She looked around; her large dark eyes smiled down on all of them, and they all blinked back at her, unsure if or how to answer.
The queen continued. "I'm sure you all remember that upon us is the tenth anniversary of the Battle of Naboo, and the alliance and settlement of peace between the Naboo and the Gungans. Surely you've discussed this event in your studies?" she asked.
"Yes, Majesty," Naia said, babbling, "will there still be a Peace Day parade?"
Queen Jamillia smiled. "Yes," she said. "We won't be intimidated by this… Sith acolyte." The parade was scheduled for tomorrow evening. Right. Arin had almost forgotten about that in the wake of everything else that had happened.
"I think it's time that someone explained to you all what is going on," she said, suddenly turning more serious. "Are you ready for that?"
The four younglings nodded intently.
"There has been unrest in the galaxy for quite some time now. Several nations have seceded from the Republic, along with a few business conglomerates. You have all seen the terrorist attacks on Coruscant. There was one recently against Senator Amidala, who is a former Queen of Naboo."
Arin nodded slowly. That had been an important factor Master Yoda said he'd considered before allowing their field trip. She expected Zade to whisper, "how can you succeed from something?" but she heard only silence.
"Senator Amidala and two Jedi have uncovered a droid factory on the planet Geonosis. The Confederacy of Independent States, as the Separatists refer to themselves, has been making preparations for war."
"For war?" Zade asked, finally breaking his uncharacteristic silence in the face of new information.
"Yes, young one. What is your name?"
"Zade Kype, miss." Naia elbowed him. "Majesty," he corrected himself quickly.
The queen smiled and continued. "Yes, and it has been revealed that the Trade Federation was behind the attempt on Senator Amidala's life. It is an act of war, and one of your Jedi Council masters has brought an assault team to Geonosis to rescue the Jedi and the senator."
"Master Windu," interjected Arin, as Sairdé and Kloré reentered the room quietly.
"That was his name, yes," said Jamillia. "And now you know as much as I do, younglings. I'd like to ask you all a favor."
Arin looked to Halyon. He was silent, staring beyond the queen out the window. Arin wondered what he was thinking about.
The handmaidens took their places standing silently behind the queen. Jamillia gestured to Sairdé. "Sairdé will serve as my decoy for the festivities." Arin noted the resemblance between the two. When they stood next to each other, she could see it was uncanny.
"What will you do, Highness?" asked Naia.
"Senator Amidala was known during her reign for posing as one of her own handmaidens. As I fear this will be too familiar a tactic, I will be posing as a palace guard. I'll have plenty of protection. It's Sairdé that I'm more concerned about, so I'd like to ask you all to serve as her bodyguards." She looked at them all gravely. "It's a heavy burden I'm asking of you, but I beg that you consider."
The younglings looked at each other, except Halyon, who stared pointedly out the window, still. Arin dug her heel into his toes. He winced and returned his attention to the queen.
"We're inspired by your handmaidens' loyalty," said Naia diplomatically.
Zade added, "and we'd be honored to serve them in return."
Jamillia smiled sincerely. "Then it is settled. You are all very mature for your age. No doubt your Jedi mentors have trained you well."
The younglings bowed and were escorted with Sairdé and Kloré from the room.
"I have a matter to discuss briefly with security," said Sairdé to Kloré quietly, but Arin overheard.
"We'll meet you in the courtyard," said Kloré, and she led them outside into the cool night air.
It was time for yet more waiting.