Hello there! As always, thank you to all of you who have supported this story so far. It makes me so happy that you're enjoying Sabé's antics. Many thanks to julesley for being a bombad editor and never judging me for finding out which enneagram type the characters are. (Sabé's a 2w3, if you're wondering.)

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars.

There truly is no place like home.

As soon as I step outside of the ship I feel much more peaceful; despite the oppressive humidity of the swamps and the battles ahead for us. I take a moment and breathe in deeply.

"Whoa, this place is so wizard…" I look over my shoulder and smile at Anakin, who is taking in our surroundings with wide-eyed awe. His posture over-corrects, chest slightly puffed out, when he notices my gaze. "I mean, Naboo is very, um─" He struggles for a moment as if he's searching for the right word.

"I agree with your assessment, Anakin. Naboo is, 'wizard,' indeed." His face lights up with a smile.

"Thank you, Your Highness." He looks at Padmé, who is standing to his right and directly behind me as planned, and nudges her side. "You never told me the Queen was so cool."

"Yes, she's the coolest." She shares a knowing look with me before we venture further into the swamps. Jar Jar, Panaka, and the Jedi lead the group until we reach an unassuming looking pond. I suppose it makes sense for Otoh Gunga to be seated here for their secrecy.

We all wait as Jar Jar disappears beneath the surface of the water. I stand aside with Rabé, Eirtaé, Anakin, and Padmé as we wait. Most conversations had near us are quiet as we watch the Jedi and Panaka at the shoreline.

I hear a quick slapping noise and grumbling from beside me. "I should've thought to bring insect repellant. These midges are going to eat me alive." I glance at Rabé, a true city-girl at heart, and place my hand on her shoulder.

"Even your planning skills couldn't have foreseen us in a swamp," I whisper. "Besides, maybe the midges will decide you don't taste good and leave you alone."

"They seem to be doing the exact opposite," her grumbling continues as she slaps another midge that lands on the back of her hand.

"We had a lot of sand-fleas back on Tattooine," Anakin speaks up, having overcome any and all shyness around us. "One time, Watto was attacked by a swarm of them."

"What did he do?" Eirtaé questions, tilting her head slightly.

"Well, the medic gave him thirteen hypo-injections and it knocked him out for a whole day. It was like my birthday came early." I cover my laugh with a cough.

"How unfortunate for him…"

We all quiet down as Jar Jar emerges from the pond, shaking off the excess water and slipping once as he steps towards Panaka and the Jedi. I lean forward, trying to catch their conversation.

"Desa nobody dare. The Gungan city is deserted. Some kinda' fight, mesa tinks."

"Do you think they've been taken to the camps?" Obi-Wan asks.

"More likely they were wiped out." Panaka answers.

I turn to Padmé and whisper: "When this is over with, are you going to award Panaka with the Medal of Positivity?"

Her lips press together as if she's fighting a smile.

"Do you know where they are, Jar Jar?" Qui-Gon's voice carries much further than the others. If I have the opportunity, I'll thank him for his projection skills. It's much easier to eavesdrop on him.

"When in trouble, Gungans go to sacred place. Mesa show you, come on! Mesa show you."

Rabé groans as we begin following Jar Jar further into the swamps. "Just when I thought this was almost over…"

Eirtaé lightly nudges her forward. "The sooner you move, the sooner it will be."

"I suppose you're right," Rabé sighs when her boots make a squelching sound. The mud around here is no joke. "It's not as if it can get much worse."

Somehow, I think she'll come to regret those words.

You know what's fun? Exchanging stories with your friends as you walk through a swamp towards uncertain diplomatic relations between two societies fraught with tension.

You know what's not fun? Nearly getting stabbed with an electropole wielded by an individual of one of those societies fraught with tension…

"Yousa be goin' no further!" I freeze as a Gungan glares down at us, holding the business end of his weapon inches away from my nose. Who decided to put the decoy in the front? I want a name!

"No-no-no! Captain Tarpals!" Jar Jar darts forward. "Wesa comin' here in peace. De Queen Amidala wants to speak with de Bosses."

The Captain and his kaadu move backwards, bringing the less-than-appealing spike away from my face. I breathe a sigh of relief as he gestures with his arm. "Yousa droppin' all your weapons now."

After we are thoroughly searched, and all of our weapons are set aside, we are escorted into a heavily shaded area of the swamp. Ruins of their ancient society are visible with toppled statues overgrown by moss and vines. It reminds me that the Naboo were not the first inhabitants of our planet.

"Your Honor!" Captain Tarpals introduces us as we file in determinedly. "Queen Amidala of the Naboo."

I swallow the lump in my throat as we approach the assembly of Gungans. I swear if Padmé doesn't follow my signal ─ which we decided would be me tapping my right leg with my hand three times ─ I will kill her myself.

"Uh," Jar Jar greets hesitantly. "Hello dere Big Boss Nass, Your Honor."

"Jar Jar Binks," Boss Nass's voice puts Qui-Gon's projection skills to shame. Maybe I should compliment him, too? "Who's da usen others?"

"I am Queen Amidala of the Naboo," My voice deepens as I channel every bit of the lessons I've endured as Padmé's decoy. "I come before you in peace."

"Ah, Naboo biggen." Well, kriff. He seems just as unconvinced as he did in the movie. "Yousa bringen da Mackineeks. Yousa all bombad."

I begin lifting my hand to signal Padmé. "We have searched you out because we wish to form an alliance."

"Your Honor," I stare at her as she moves past me. For the galaxy's sake, she couldn't wait three seconds for me to finish the signal!? This is how plans go bad and people get their heads blasted off.

Boss Nass narrows his eyes at her in scrutiny and lifts his hands. "Whosa dis?"

"I am Queen Amidala." I attempt to remain calm as murmuring breaks out in the crowds around us, multiple pairs of eyes moving between Padmé and me. "This is my decoy, my protection, my loyal bodyguard." Her expression is apologetic when she looks at me before turning back to Boss Nass. I can feel Anakin's confusion as he stares up at me.

I never thought having my cover blown would feel like such a relief.

"I'm sorry for my deception, but it was necessary to protect myself." I stand back and listen as Padmé shows exactly why she was chosen to lead us. Despite my aggravation with her, I can't help but admire her determination. "Although we do not always agree, Your Honor, our two great societies have always lived in peace."

Boss Nass listens as she continues on: "The Trade Federation has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build. If we do not act quickly, all will be lost forever. I ask you to help us." She lowers to her knees. "No, I beg you to help us. We are your humble servants."

We all follow suit, though I can imagine Rabé's displeasure at getting more mud on her outfit. "Our fate is in your hands."

"Mmm," Boss Nass rubs his chin thoughtfully. The air is thick with tension as we wait for his response. The Gungans around us look back and forth between themselves until he begins laughing uproariously. "Yousa no tinken yousa greater den da Gungans? Mesa like-a dis."

My shoulders relax as his grin, somehow, grows even wider. "Maybe wesa… being friends."

The area begins to fill with cheers; Naboo and Gungan alike, and we rise to our feet. Padmé turns around and I reach out to hug her, and then step back and hold up three fingers. She winces.

"Sabé…"

"Three seconds, Padmé." For the first time, I let my Kaadarian accent loose while dressed as the Queen. "You couldn't wait three seconds for me to signal you!?"

"I'm very sorry! It seemed, despite your excellent performance as me, that I needed to step forward immediately─"

"Three. Seconds."

The crowd of the Naboo and Gungans begin to intertwine, many greeting each other as if they are long-lost friends. Boss Nass and the other leaders move to approach Padmé. She, once again, looks at me in apology. "We'll talk later, I promise."

"Oh, we definitely will." I respond as I move back, accidentally bumping into Jar Jar in the process.

"Mesa sorry, Your…" He scratches his head. "Whosa are yousa supposed to be if yousa not de Queen?"

"You've forgotten me already, Jar Jar? I see how it is." As I grin at him, his eyes widen comically. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan stand beside him, watching the exchange curiously.

"Missa Sabé? Is dat yousa?"

"Yes," Eirtaé steps forward, smiling brightly. Rabé follows after her. "This is Sabé; our foul-mouthed, biscuit-eating, Kaadarian that we love dearly."

"I don't eat that many biscuits," My fellow Handmaidens stare blankly at me, while the others near us listen with amused smiles. "Sometimes I change things up and eat sticky buns instead."

"Notice how she doesn't argue the swearing point," Eirtaé says, causing my expression to flatten while Rabé giggles. Anakin scrutinizes me, leaning slightly forward.

"Have you been decoying as the Queen this whole time?"

"Oh, Stars no." I point to my headdress. "Could you imagine being stuck with this all the time? Padmé and I switched back and forth when we needed to."

As Anakin nods understandingly, Qui-Gon joins the conversation. "There is something to be said about those who are willing to risk their lives for their leaders. Each of you Handmaidens have shown excellent strength of character during these circumstances, especially you." He nods to me and I feel my face turning red.

Being a Handmaiden is a rather thankless job, though I love it with all of my being. Padmé has always been kind to acknowledge us but to have my efforts noticed by someone outside of our circle? It's… nice.

"And," he continues on, "I assume your name is Sabé." I nod. "What might your names be?" As Rabé and Eirtaé introduce themselves, a thought occurs to me that has me turning towards an all-too-innocent looking Obi-Wan. I step towards him.

"Did you enlist Master Jinn to get all of our names so you wouldn't have to ask?" As I plant my hands on my hips, Obi-Wan maintains an air of innocence.

"Handmaiden Sabé, what makes you suspect that I would make such a request of my Master? Not only that, why would he agree to this request in the first place?"

"Because you're tired of saying Handmaiden and sounding like a complete ninny?"

His polite mask gives way as a surprised laugh escapes him. "A ninny? I don't think I've ever been called that before."

"Well, there's a first time for everything."

He opens his mouth to reply, a spark of challenge in his eyes, only to be interrupted when Panaka calls all Handmaidens over to him. I curtsy towards Obi-Wan. "Until later, Jedi Kenobi."

"Good luck, Sabé." For some, inexplicable reason, I rather like the way he says my name. As I walk away from him, I notice an odd, fluttering sensation in my stomach.

Huh, maybe I should find something to eat.

After hours of discussing plans with the Gungan leadership, the day gives way to night and multiple campfires are quickly built and surrounded by a mixture of groups.

I find myself sitting between Anakin and R2-D2, while snacking on provisions brought over from our ship. Let me tell you, provisions are great when you need sustenance but most of them taste like someone took a chip of drywall and stuck it inside a wrapper.

"And then," Eirtaé says with a hand flourish. "The man starts choking out of nowhere! My brother accidentally gave him the meal with nuts in it and he's, apparently, quite allergic."

"What happened?" Anakin asks, gnawing on a strip of jerky. After a few seconds of failure he looks at the food and scowls. I pass him a protein bar and shrug.

"Well, my parents had to step in before it became a diplomatic incident between Naboo and Eriadu." Eirtaé shrugs. "Neither my brother or I are made for politics. Also, my parents took twenty percent of my brother's allowance until the hospital bill was paid."

"Your parents sound worse than mine." Rabé sighs and rests her chin on her upturned palm. "Did they ever give you the speech about, 'upholding the family name?'"

"Only my entire life," Eirtaé sighs.

As they continue to discuss their, quite frankly, difficult sounding parental figures, I sneak away from the fire and head into the swamp. I don't stop moving until the sound of conversations fade but I can still see the light of the fires.

I haven't been in this area of Naboo before, but it has its own beauty, just like Theed's waterfalls and Kaadara's blue coastline. I lean against a tree and take in my surroundings.

"Hello there," I let out a yelp, spinning around until I spot Obi-Wan sitting at the edge of a small pond. My racing heartbeat pounds in my ears as I will it to calm down.

"Shavit! I didn't even see you there." I tilt my head, noting his cross-legged position on the ground. "Am I… interrupting your meditation?"

"No, at least, not this time anyways."

I think back on the last meditation session I witnessed and shake my head. "You seem to have a poor memory, Jedi Kenobi. You started meditating after you invaded my quiet time."

"This must be your polite way of phrasing your tendency to sneak around." I take a seat next to him and cross my arms.

"Sneaking around and deception tends to come with the decoy job." It's hard for me to discern his expression, as my eyes are still adjusting to the darkness, but I think he's smiling. "I'm curious about something…" He nods for me to continue. "... Were you actually fooled by the disguise? Or did you suspect us from the beginning?"

He's quiet for a moment, long enough for the sounds of wildlife to thrum in my ears. "At first, no, I didn't suspect a thing. When I encountered you in the hall, and you refused to give your name, I believed that the Queen of Naboo simply liked to pretend to be a Handmaiden."

My eyebrows shoot into my hairline. "Even after the incident with the Tusken Raiders?"

"I thought that you had received training in the event you had to defend yourself."

I can't help but grin. "So, I didn't give myself away."

Now that my vision has cleared, I can see Obi-Wan's raised eyebrow. "Don't sound too excited. I at least figured out your name when Jar Jar mentioned it back on the ship."

"Ah, so you did actually hear that."

"Yes, and might I mention the fact that you were willing to give him your name, but you weren't willing to do so with me?"

My grin turns sly. "Yes, well, Jar Jar's actually polite."

Obi-Wan laughs once as he shakes his head. "First, I'm a ninny ─ as you so cleverly phrased it ─ and now I'm impolite?"

"I never said you weren't polite."

"But you implied it." He continues shaking his head. "That would explain the frustration I've sensed from you, frequently."

Well, kriff. "If it makes you feel any better, I get frustrated with multiple people. You just have an unfair advantage of noticing it with all of your Force-y ways."

"Force-y ways?" He echoes, in slight disbelief.

While he ponders my choice of words, I turn more towards him. "Perhaps we should start over." I extend my hand towards him, which he grasps with his after a moment of deliberation. "I'm Sabé Vena, Handmaiden to the Queen, and you are?"

"Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Padawan to Master Jinn. You seem like an excellent shot with a blaster and good at impersonating others."

"Thank you. You seem like an extremely well-mannered Padawan and never once have you been called a ninny."

We're both grinning at each other before I realize I'm still shaking his hand. I let go and stand up quickly. "I better be getting back before someone misses me."

Obi-Wan stands up as well, brushing off the leaves and moisture clinging to his robes. "I should return to my Master. It was nice meeting you, Sabé Vena."

"You as well, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

We share another smile before going our separate ways. I return to the campfire and see that Anakin has drifted to sleep, leaning against R2-D2. The droid spins towards me as I sit down.

"Are you taking good care of him, Artoo?"

"This unit will watch over small boy-unit."

I place my hand on the top of Artoo's dome shaped head and smile. "I know you will."

I've never been so grateful to see a communication device in my lifetime.

Not only have we escaped the swamps, ("I'm never entering that black hole again without insect repellant!") we've managed to establish contact with some of the resistance fighters within the capital.

The gratitude I feel quickly morphs into joy when a certain, small figure appears via holoprojection. Yané waves to us as we rush towards her image. "It is so good to see you all."

"It is good to see you too, Yané," Padmé answers. I hear Rabé sniffling beside me and I place my arm over her shoulders. "What do you have to report?"

"The Trade Federation has taken complete control of the planet. I wouldn't be surprised if they haven't noticed your arrival already. We've managed to build a force to resist the Federation's efforts, but our attempts have been more like aggravations than anything else. If we're going to end their reign here, I hope you have a plan."

"We do. We've sent Panaka in to assess what we're about to face. Can you relay that to the resistance fighters?"

"Yes, Your Highness." Her image wavers, as if she's noticing something for the first time. "Wait, why are you giving orders as yourself and not dressed as the Queen? Do you know what could happen if they discover─"

"We'll explain everything later. For now, once we arrive at Theed, we will continue with the decoy plan as usual."

"As you wish, my Queen. Please be careful."

"You as well, Yané."

Her image cuts off, leaving all of us slightly teary-eyed. I've missed her and Saché just as much as Halleth. When I was chosen as a Handmaiden, I never realized I'd wind up with more sisters.

"I'm glad she's alright," Rabé murmurs, having regained some of her composure. "I was worried about her the most."

"It's Yané. She likely had a contingency plan for invasions long before she became a Handmaiden." I shrug one shoulder. "Did she ever tell you her ten-step plan in the event of mass hypnosis, making everything believe that they're Kowakian monkey-lizards?"

"Such a thing could happen?"

"According to Yané, anything is possible."

A few hours later, multiple speeders arrive, bearing guards and Captain Panaka along with them. To the right, I see Jar Jar waver and faint at Boss Nass's feet. I guess he's just been given the news he's been promoted to General.

As Padmé, the Jedi, Panaka, and Boss Nass discuss the final plan of action, I feel anxiety building. Before we go anywhere, I need to talk to Qui-Gon. It seems like hours before their discussion ends.

I watch as Qui-Gon moves to the side and take that opportunity to slip away from everyone. He turns as I approach him, as if he knew I was coming.

Have I mentioned Force-Sensitives can be slightly unnerving?

"Master Jinn, I need to discuss the plan of attack with you before we leave."

"Certainly, Sabé. I sense a great amount of concern from you."

I bite my lip, looking behind me to see if anyone is listening. Thankfully, everyone seems preoccupied with our departure. "Can we move a little further out?"

His brow furrows, but he does as I ask. We move out of earshot. Before I continue, I take a deep breath. "Master Jinn, this might seem very strange to you, but do you believe that the future is predetermined?"

"That is an excellent question. One that is difficult to answer; I believe in never forsaking the present for the sake of what could happen." He regards me carefully. "May I ask what this has to do with the plan your Queen has forged?"

My hands begin to shake. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I can't just sit by and allow something horrible to happen. "I… I can't explain how I know this, but I do know some things about the future ─ your future, specifically. When we reach Theed, we will be able to enter the main hangar like Padmé planned and someone will be waiting for us there─"

"What do you mean, Sabé?"

"Please," My voice comes out in a much more desperate tone than I intended. "Just listen carefully. A Sith Lord will be waiting for you and it will lead to a battle in the generator complex. If you get separated from Obi-Wan," A lump forms in my throat and tears blur my vision. "You'll… you'll die."

Qui-Gon stares at me. He must think I'm insane. I certainly would think that if I heard someone predicting my death. "I know this sounds crazy and you probably think I should be fired because I'm definitely not mentally stable enough to protect a Queen, let alone pretend to be her, but you need to know the truth before we─"

"Sabé!" We turn at the sound of Padmé's voice. "We need to go."

"I'll be right there!" I look at Qui-Gon one last time. "Please, don't say anything about this to anyone. Just, don't get separated from Obi-Wan." He nods solemnly and I turn to leave.

"Sabé," I freeze, looking at him with no small amount of fear. "If… what you're saying is true, then you have knowledge of things that are extremely difficult to bear. You do not have to carry this burden alone."

"I… thank you, Master Jinn." Impulsively, I reach out and hug him before running towards Padmé. She looks at me, confusion evidenced by her frown.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing, it's nothing, Padmé." I fake a smile and take the seat next to her. "Where are we going first?"

She doesn't appear convinced by my dismissal but she answers me with: "We're meeting with a group of resistance fighters after we take the passageway through the waterfalls. Some of them are guards and police officers and some, amazingly enough, are students from the Royal House of Learning that have been fighting with them."

For the second time in a few short minutes, I freeze. "You're sure of this?"

"Panaka confirmed it himself." I rest my hands in my lap, hope beginning to fill my heart. If it's the same group that I think it is…

I'm going to see my sister very soon.

To Mari: I'm so glad you consider this a "happy" fic! It makes me happy to write it, and even more excited that others are enjoying it. That's so cool that you're from Italy! :) I agree with your opinion about Sabé, she's only one girl in a rather messed up galaxy. She's got a lot on her plate. As always, thank you for your lovely reviews!

A/N: So... is anyone else excited for the family/Handmaiden reunion? I know I am. Also, Sabé's identity has finally been revealed and ninny's have been called out. (Poor Obi-Wan.) Thank you all for reading, and please feel free to leave a review. I'm off to watch Attack of the Clones for the umpteenth time.