Hello again! For reasons that you will soon discover, the beginning of this chapter is one of my favorites. To say I laughed is an understatement. You've been warned. Also, as always, thanks to julesley for your bomb editing skills and for entertaining all my future ideas for this story. Thank you to everyone who has supported this story so far with follows, faves, and your lovely reviews. You're the best!
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars.
I think I'm dreaming.
I have thought this many times over the course of my reincarnated life, but in this case it is a particularly strong feeling. Why do I feel so strongly about this, you ask? I'll tell you why.
I'm currently watching Qui-Gon in the midst of a concerning, yet quite skilled tap-dancing session. Not only are his feet moving at a rate that even the most talented of Jedi would fail to accomplish; he is also accompanied by Palpatine, who is reciting bad poetry while clutching a skull that looks like it's made of gelatin with his right hand.
"Roses are red, violets are blue, I shall conquer the galaxy, the Jedi say boo-hoo."
Qui-Gon spins on Palpatine, flourishing his arms over his head in an arch. "Do not interrupt my plethora of swift-footed dancing moves, fiend! I. Must. Dance!"
If only I had a camera. I couldn't even make this kriffing nonsense up if I tried.
"Roses are red, violets are blue, your dancing is abominable, compared to Count Dooku."
Obi-Wan appears in a burst of light, brandishing a lightsaber that shoots confetti out of the hilt. It pelts both dancer and poet in a shower of sparkles. "Palpatine! You foul potato-waffle! No one insults my Master's superior swift-footed dance moves!"
As the men begin an altercation by way of throwing their boots and tap shoes at each other, I am suddenly brought back to reality. I open one eye as the comlink by Eirtaé's bed blares at an ungodly rate.
Rabé throws a pillow in her direction. "Eirtaé, make it stop."
The girl in question remains buried underneath her covers. I will never understand how she is able to sleep through this noise. I roll out of bed, cursing when I lose my balance for a moment, and then snatch the comlink off of the nightstand. "Vena here."
"Sabé!" Padmé's hushed voice is enough to knock me out of my sleep-deprived stupor. "I'm sorry to call you so early but this is the only chance I have."
"It's fine, Padmé." I flop on Eirtaé's bed, startling her awake. Rabé sits up and rubs her eyes with the back of her hands. "Tell us what's happened."
The three of us listen as Padmé informs us about Qui-Gon's unorthodox methods, the kindness of Anakin and Shmi Skywalker, and her inability to speak up without giving away her identity. It would be amusing, if it weren't for the fact that she sounds genuinely distressed.
"Also, I overheard Master Jinn speaking to Jedi Kenobi about a blood sample he took from Ani ─ something about having a high midi-chlorian count. I had to leave before the conversation was finished since Jar Jar discovered me and asked, 'Miss Padmé, whata yousa doing in the doorway?'"
Eirtaé holds her hand out and I pass the comm over to her. "Did I misunderstand you when you said Master Jinn bet our ship, our only hope of getting to Coruscant, on a pilot who hasn't even won a race?"
"No, Eirtaé, you did not." Her weary sigh somehow manages to translate clearly over the comm's speaker. "I only hope he knows what he is doing. Poor Ani is risking his life for this… has anything happened on the ship since I left?"
We share a look before Eirtaé replies. "We received a message from Governor Bibble, claiming evil tidings back on Naboo. Jedi Kenobi advised us that the message was false and not to reply. Sabé handled the situation well." I feel my face turning red from the unexpected compliment.
"Yes." Rabé adds, offering a small smile to me. "I don't know how I would have managed to hold my composure if I were in Sabé's shoes."
"Good work, Sabé. I knew I could trust you."
I clear my throat and rub the back of my neck. "Well… you may not be so thrilled with me now. We have to call each other Handmaiden and only that for the foreseeable future."
"What?" they ask in unison, making me flinch.
I hope they don't kill me before I am able to use the, 'potato-waffle,' insult on someone.
"I may have run into Jedi Kenobi while on the way to the galley for a late night snack, and we might have had a slightly awkward conversation about the proper way to address a Handmaiden when he hinted about my name." I'm afraid to tell them anything further, especially about my climb to the top of the ship.
Eirtaé and Rabé stare at me in something akin to horror. I try not to wilt under their gazes.
"Do you think he suspects anything?" Padmé asks, after a long, uncomfortable silence.
"Well… it's possible. But I'm going to be extra cautious from now on. Maybe I can, while disguised as the Queen, enlist one of the pilots to distract him until you're back!"
"That would be an abuse of the Queen's authority…"
"But is it truly when we have so many pilots willing to help the Queen in dire circumstances such as these?"
"Only you would call an awkward encounter with a Jedi, 'dire circumstances,' Sabé."
Our heads whip to the right when we hear three distinct raps against our chamber door. Rabé sighs heavily, allowing her posture to slump. We all know that security knock. "If we pretend we can't hear Panaka, will he go away?"
"You know, Saché tried that once and failed miserably." Eirtaé points out as I move to my feet. "We'd better let him join in the conversation with Her Majesty."
I arrive at the door, dragging my feet in the process, and tap the unlocking code into the keypad. Panaka wastes no time entering the chamber as soon as the door slides open. "Handmaiden Vena, have you had any contact from the Queen since she left?"
I pass the comm link to him. "Funny you should mention that, Captain."
As he begins a discussion with Padmé about his growing concerns over the Jedis' decision making skills, and her following hearty agreement over said growing concerns, I allow myself to flop on Eirtaé's bed. I am mid-yawn as she elbows me in the side. "I take it you're not going to tell the Captain about your run-in last night?"
"Kriff, no! I'll take suspicious Jedi over another Panaka lecture any day!"
I shudder to think what would happen if they discovered I snuck out of the ship.
Have I mentioned how much I love feathered headdresses? In fact, I love them so much that I decided this morning I shall wear them day after day. (By decided, I mean we realized that there are no other options set aside in the wardrobe, so guess who gets to wear the same outfit indefinitely!)
Forgive my sarcasm. I'm a little grumpy at the moment.
Our return to the throne room for another long, exciting session of waiting is soon interrupted by the appearance of Obi-Wan. I notice his eyes narrowing on Rabé and Eirtaé behind me as I greet him. "Good morning, Jedi Kenobi."
"Good morning, Your Highness." I'm thankful for my heavily applied makeup as he turns to the girls behind me. "Good morning to you as well, Handmaiden and Handmaiden."
Oh for crying out loud. He just has to be an instigator this morning, doesn't he?
"Good morning, Jedi Kenobi." They both respond in neutral, even tones. I know I'm going to be teased by the both of them about this once we're alone. He on the other hand is looking far too pleased with himself.
"Have you any news of Master Jinn's progress in the acquisition of repair parts?" I ask, turning his attention back on me. I'll wipe that smirk off his face if it's the last thing I do.
"He is in the process of purchasing a T-14 hyperdrive generator by participating in a local event to generate income." He answers smoothly. I fight the urge to roll my eyes at the skimming over of details.
"I see. I assume the local event you're referring to is the Boonta Eve podrace occurring this morning?" I feel a slight rush of victory when Obi-Wan's posture adjusts ever-so-slightly. "In which not only has Master Jinn placed our ship as gambling collateral, he has also enlisted a pilot who has not managed to successfully win a podrace. Did I leave anything out?"
I hear Rabé cough behind me as Obi-Wan's mouth twitches. "Jar Jar Binks experienced an episode of facial numbness by accidentally getting caught in a plasma energy binder. I'm assuming Handmaiden Padmé did not inform you of that occurrence."
"No, she did not. Nor should she be the only source of information if we are to work together harmoniously." I stand up, thankful for the added height from the step below the throne. "I understand Master Jinn's methods might be unorthodox but I do believe he is working towards the success of our mission. I ask for further elaboration from you, Jedi Kenobi, concerning future events. Do I make myself clear?"
Obi-Wan inclines his head slightly. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
"Thank you. That will be all."
He seems surprised at my sudden dismissal but wastes no time in exiting the throne room. Once a suitable amount of time has passed, I sit back down and heave a sigh of relief. "What a kriffing mess."
"I'm impressed." I can hear the grin in Eirtaé's voice. "That speech sounded as if it came straight from Padmé's mouth. Handmaiden, indeed."
"He seems to be an incorrigible one." Rabé adds. "I imagine the shuura fruit doesn't fall far from Master Jinn's tree."
"Perhaps your plan to distract the Jedi isn't a completely horrible one…" I turn to Eirtaé with an offended look.
"I know you're not implying that my plans are horrible." A wicked grin crosses my face before I can stop it. "I wonder what dear old Pilot Var is up to…"
Within five minutes, Pilot Var stands before us. He manages to appear much more apologetic than he did the previous evening. "Your Highness, I was completely out of line last night. If you are planning on demoting me, I would like to humbly ask your forgiveness ─"
"Apology accepted, Pilot Var." He blinks in surprise at my interruption. "I am, however, in need of your assistance in a matter of great urgency." He bows on one knee, the picture of proprietary etiquette.
"How may I be of service, Queen Amidala?"
I resist the urge to smile as I say: "It has come to my attention that Jedi Kenobi is in need of a sort of right-hand man to assist him with repairs and communication with our team on the planet. He is far too humble to ask for support and it worries me to think he might be overwhelmed. I suspect you will be the perfect man for the job."
Pilot Var stands up quickly, managing to bow and nod his head in unison. "You can count on me, Your Highness!"
"Thank you. I believe he is in the engine room waiting for your assistance."
Within seconds, Pilot Var marches out of the throne room with full intention of completing his assigned mission. My shoulders begin to shake from laughter as I picture the look on Obi-Wan's face once he realizes he has a pilot-shaped shadow.
"That… was very sneaky of you, Sabé Vena." I stand up and grin at my fellow Handmaidens. Their expressions match mine.
Obi-Wan Kenobi messed with the wrong Handmaidens.
"Stop biting your nails, Sabé. You'll mess up the polish."
"I'm sorry, Rabé, watching this is just a little stressful!"
"Would you both be quiet? I'm trying to hear what the announcers are saying!"
The three of us are crowded together in our chamber, sharing Eirtaé's datapad as we watch the live feed of the podrace. It's one thing to watch this event in a movie. It's another thing entirely when your life depends on the success of little Ani Skywalker.
Hence my nail biting ─ apparently I haven't fully broken that habit.
"Which one is he?" Rabé asks and I point to the smallest podracer in the lineup. He waves to the crowd and receives an uproarious response. "Stars… he's so adorable."
"Really?" Eirtaé asks in disbelief. "That's what you're going to focus on right now?" She pauses as Anakin's face fills the tiny screen. Apparently the recorder droids love him. "Aww… he is rather cute, isn't he?"
I snicker. "You two are an absolute mess."
They both shush me as the flag procession crosses in front of the podracers. When I narrow my eyes, I can just make out the unfinished form of C-3PO. The sand must be wreaking havoc on his circuit board.
We remain silent as the countdown begins. I can only imagine what it would be like to be physically present for the race, judging by the excitement of the crowd. Padmé, knowing her, has likely morphed into a 5'3" ball of worry.
I'm not that far behind her.
"What!?" Rabé exclaims when Anakin's podracer stalls on the track. "What's going on!? Why is it doing that!?"
"I don't know! I'm not a podracer mechanic." I grumble as she leans further forward.
"Oh, look. There he goes!" Eirtaé points to the screen as he takes off down the track. "Goodness, these ships do move fast."
"Hence the racing, so I'm told…" I receive an elbow to the ribs for my trouble and swear viciously. "How are you so frakking strong?"
She ignores my question ─ I've asked this particular one on multiple occasions ─ and we quiet down once more to watch the feed. I raise my hand towards my mouth. Rabé swats it down without even looking.
It's no wonder Anakin becomes such a powerful Jedi: seeing him accomplish this race is enough to prove that he has superhuman reflexes. I swear once again as Tusken Raiders appear on the screen and begin shooting at the racers.
"Who are they!?" Once again, Rabé questions us. This time I actually know the answer.
"They're Tusken Raiders, or Sand People if you ask the locals. You don't want to be caught up in a fight with them."
"For our sake, I hope we never will be." Eirtaé murmurs as Anakin clears the area where the Tusken Raiders are situated. Our relief is short lived when one of the cables connected to his ion engines comes loose and the cockpit spins out of control.
"Oh no!" Rabé grabs my arm tightly enough to cut off blood circulation. I watch Anakin spin and my stomach churns. I know I would have gotten sick if I were in his position. "There's no way he's going to reco─" Her jaw drops when he extends a mag stick to catch the loose cable, while piloting with one hand, and reconnects the cable with the other. He takes off once more. "Are we sure this boy is only human?"
No, he's just the Chosen One, according to Jedi prophecy. No big deal or anything.
"He's catching up to that Dug, Sebulbous."
"It's Sebulba, Eirtaé." She rolls her eyes at me.
"I came close enough!"
We watch in tense silence as Anakin is forced onto a service ramp, soaring high over Sebulba's head. Rabé squeals in excitement when he arcs downward and claims the first place position in a masterful move. "Look at him go! I can't believe he did that!"
"Maybe Master Jinn knows what he's doing…" Eirtaé looks at the both of us. "Don't tell Padmé I said that, or at least wait until after she's done being mad at him."
"Your secret's safe with me." I smile back at her.
Rabé's grip on my arm, by some manner of Force-craft, tightens further when one of Anakin's engines catches on fire. Sebulba speeds by him and I quickly remember that the Dug cheated at the beginning of the race by breaking one of the regulators while no one was watching. What a kriffing nerf-herder.
The tension worsens when Anakin manages to recover the engine and catch up to Sebulba, only for their cables to get locked together. Whoever wrote this race sequence had no compassion for a person's nerves whatsoever.
Rabé and Eirtaé gasp when Anakin breaks away, causing Sebulba's podracer to fly apart. We all jump up, screaming in joy as he makes the last turn and crosses the finish line. Eirtaé even joins in on our hug in a rare display of affection.
"He did it! He did it!" Rabé's singing voice carries through the chamber. "I don't know how, but he did it!"
"You know what this means, right?" I laugh. "I won't have to wear this stupid outfit much longer!"
A knock on the door startles us apart. We regain our composure as Eirtaé opens the door, revealing Obi-Wan and Pilot Var standing behind him. I bite my lip to keep from giggling.
"Good afternoon, Your Majesty. I have just been informed that the pilot my Master sponsored has won the podrace." His neutral expression brightens as he grins. "As I'm sure you're completely unaware of these events, I thought I'd be quick to pass on the message."
He must have heard our squealing. I'm too excited to care. "Thank you, Jedi Kenobi. Your swiftness in delivering this news is appreciated."
"They will return first thing in the morning with the repair parts. I have it under good authority that Pilot Var here is an excellent mechanic and will have the new hyperdrive installed quickly."
Pilot Var manages to look embarrassed. "I wouldn't say excellent…"
"I have every faith in your capabilities, Jedi Kenobi and Pilot Var." The pilot in question turns a bright shade of red. "Please keep us informed of any updates."
"Certainly, Your Highness." Obi-Wan's grin turns devious. "If you can save some of the highlights from the race, I'd like to watch it myself."
Eirtaé closes the door in his face.
From meangreenmachineataverna to SVRHMatRNSF 0517 GST
Subject: [no subject]
"I have to hurry. We're moving to another hideout. We took out the garrison at the plasma refinery but they've dropped in more AATs. The Fountain of the Founders has been destroyed.
If I don't make it, please know that I-"
- Message from civilian contact Halleth Averna to Royal Handmaiden Sabé Vena
Sometimes, I question my own decision making skills.
However, as I lie back and stare at the three moons hovering in the Tatooine sky, I feel too peaceful to consider how dangerous it is that I snuck out again. This alone time is helping me to stay sane.
Also, being back in Handmaiden robes is a plus.
The rest of the day went by uneventfully but I can sense a growing dread as we approach our departure time. Darth Maul, if I remember correctly, has landed on the planet somewhere and he is actively looking for us. I brought my blaster with me this time around, just in case.
If I focus hard enough, I can barely make out the lights of Mos Espa in the distance, where Padmé is resting safe for the evening. She did manage to contact us this afternoon and sounded in a much better mood than this morning, but her heart is breaking for Shmi Skywalker. Qui-Gon won her son's freedom but not hers.
I sit up quickly, an idea forming in my head that I simply can't ignore. Maybe we can't free Shmi this time… but what if we track her down after this and buy her freedom then?
What if Shmi is the key to saving Anakin from turning to the dark side?
"Ah, I wondered who was hiding out up here." I jump and nearly slide down the side of the ship when Obi-Wan's head pops up through the astromech shaft. The rest of him follows shortly afterwards as he jumps through the shaft with ease. "How did you manage to climb up here?"
Why couldn't I have been caught by Panaka or one of the pilots? Why did it have to be him?
The universe must be laughing at me again.
I pull the pilot's jacket closer around me ─ yes, I borrowed another one! ─ and clear my throat. "Is it supposed to be difficult?"
He surprises me once again by taking a seat beside me on my right. "Perhaps to some." He crosses his legs and rests the back of his hands on his knees.
"What are you doing?"
"Meditating." is his easy response. I blink once, twice, before opening my mouth again.
"Don't Jedi like to meditate alone?"
"It does prevent the event of Handmaidens asking questions, yes."
My eyes narrow into slits. Fine! If he's going to invade my quiet time, I'm just going to ignore him.
We remain silent for quite a while. In fact, I nearly forget his presence as I try to focus on my own peace of mind. It will be unlikely that I can reach the calmness I had previously, especially with thoughts of freeing Shmi swirling in my mind like a cauldron.
Once we free Naboo from the Federation, maybe we can send agents out this way to find her and free her. We have enough money in the budget, I would imagine, to accomplish this. Kriff, maybe we could come back and free more than just her. Or would that cause a diplomatic incident since this is Hutt territory ─
"You have a lot on your mind." I glance at Obi-Wan, whose eyes are still closed. I cross my eyes at him from underneath the covering of my hood.
"I'm not certain what gave you that impression." His mouth twitches. "I thought meditation involved silence."
"You are correct, but someone keeps interrupting me."
"I'm interrupting ─" I exhale slowly before I let my Kaadarian accent slip through, along with a plethora of impolite words. "I see what you're doing."
"Pray tell." His eyes are open now, sparkling with a challenge I will refuse to meet. I am calm. I am mature. "Or would you like to make another face at me?"
I am not mature. "Is this a Jedi trait? Antagonizing defenseless Handmaidens?"
"Why do you ask? I see no defenseless Handmaidens here."
Ooo how I'd like to put him in his place, with a blunt object to the skull. Or, failing that, drop kicking him off the ship… "I will take that as a compliment."
He smiles. "It was intended as one."
I shake my head in exasperation as his eyes close once more. If I'd known I'd be discovered up here by perpetually difficult Jedi, I would've stayed in the chamber. At least my blood pressure would've stayed relatively normal.
Any agitated thoughts towards Obi-Wan are interrupted by a guttural bellow in the distance. I look over my shoulder and feel the blood drain from my face.
You've got to be kidding me.
Tusken Raiders, just like last night, but the distance between us and this group is much shorter. In fact, it looks like they're heading towards us.
Before I can say anything Obi-Wan is on his feet. "You should go inside, Handmaiden." He ignites his lightsaber as the Tusken Raiders draw closer. I flatten myself against the ship when one fires their rifle at us and a bolt soars over my head.
Obi-Wan moves into action, jumping the great distance between the ship and the Tusken Raiders. He brings his lightsaber down in an arch, severing the head of a Raider from his shoulders.
I slide down the side of the ship, wincing at the impact once I land. My ankles are going to feel that later. I dart behind one of the landing mechanisms and use it as a cover spot. After taking a second to control my breathing, I glance around the side, blaster raised.
The group of Raiders is much larger than I anticipated. Obi-Wan is handling himself well but there's no way he can make it out of this without an injury.
Panaka's going to kill me.
I lean out of my cover, take aim with my blaster, and fire. The shot hits a Raider in the chest. He falls to the ground. Another takes his place, firing back at me as I move behind the landing gear again. The fight continues in the same manner. Move, aim, fire, and hide. Move, aim, fire, and hide. The amount of Raiders falling grows.
As the number of Raiders continues to dwindle, I notice one sneaking up behind Obi-Wan with a gaffi stick. "Behind you!"
He whirls around, cutting the Raider in half. The others around him begin to panic as Obi-Wan resumes his stance, one arm extended forward while the other hand holds his weapon parallel to the ground.
I breathe a sigh of relief as the Tusken Raiders return to their bantha and turn in the other direction. The last one Obi-Wan took out must have been their leader.
Stepping out from behind the landing gear, I wave to Obi-Wan as he walks back toward the ship. "You're welcome, by the way." I jump when the ramp begins to open. Kriff! Now everyone is going to know I was outside.
"You need to get back inside." Obi-Wan states and I raise my hands in frustration.
"How exactly am I supposed to do that!? I might be able to climb up a shaft but ─" I pause in my tirade as a strange pressure surrounds me, followed by a quick change in height. Obi-Wan moves his hand upwards as I ascend towards the top of the ship.
Huh, so this is what the Force feels like. Why do I have the sudden urge to lose my dinner?
Once my feet touch the ship the pressure fades. Ignoring the churning in my stomach, I look down at Obi-Wan. He wipes sweat from his forehead and waves in a manner like I did moments ago. "You're welcome, by the way."
Panaka's voice cuts through the air. "What happened out here!?"
I take this as my cue to sneak back inside. Once I land inside the astromech bay I place my hand over my mouth. Why do I feel so sick?
After waiting a few minutes for my stomach to settle, I tiptoe back towards my room. Thankfully, most of the pilots and security force are all outside which makes it easier to return unnoticed.
My relief fades when I open the door and see an irate Eirtaé waiting for me. "Just where have you been!?"
I just can't catch a break, can I?
To Mari: I like all of your theories about what Sabé may or may not do. Keep them coming! Thanks, as always, for your kind review. :)
A/N: Yay, they're almost on the way to Coruscant again! Sabé can finally change her outfit! As always, thank you for reading and if you guys have any theories about the hints I've placed in this chapter, let me know!