Enemy Greetings
⌈ Catalea Adonis ⌋
Peace was a foreign concept to anyone who called themselves a woman. At least that was what Catalea Adonis had been exposed to the moment she had been anointed as the heir of her planet. In the beginning, she felt her childhood slipping away and manifesting itself in the form of distant memories. Now her future was set and as she stood in front of her mirror dripping in diamonds all she felt was the weight of her people. The weight of it all as she felt their cries for freedom ring in her ears.
The mirror reflected the feeling of luxury and privilege as the black gown shrouded in red contrasted beautifully against her pale complexion. The silk gown flowed gracefully about her feet as the kyber crystals refracted light in a ceremony of glamor. Her ears were adorned with the same crystals as they reflected the light in a blaze of glory. In the eyes of her people, it was a stunning vision of freedom and power, but to Catalea it felt like the weight of the world.
As she glanced up at the modest crown nestled into her dark locks, a knowing smile crept upon her lips. Despite her nerves, she focused her attention on meeting with the newly elected queen of Naboo. She had heard promising tales that the new monarch was young and still in need of counsel. This led Catalea to believe that the girl would be inexperienced and thus easy to persuade to her cause. Although she had no intention of using the girl for her gain, she did want to end a revolution that had spread like wildfire across her planet.
Catalea did her best to shake the weight off her shoulders as she readjusted her dress for the tenth time. Beside her stood her protocol droid, A-C4 or Ace, with its sleek white coat of paint and red stripe above its head. The sentient being had been a gift from her father and she had come to be quite fond of the little droid. She waited with bated breath to meet its approval or rather the High Counsel's approval as she was sure they had told it to keep a steady eye on her.
It was because of Baethea that Catalea was thrown into the mess of the republic. The high Counsel of Baethea had been quick to jump on the opportunity to better the planet's future. Her planet had been isolated and under strict laws set in place by the electoral monarchy of Naboo. In addition to profiting from the abundant kyber crystal mines on the bountiful planet, Naboo had also enacted laws relating to equality because of Baethea's extreme beliefs regarding women's supremacy.
Catalea knew that the harsh laws were preventing the planet from thriving as it should. She knew that Baethea's lush environment and abundance of caves filled with kyber crystals made it an ideal trading post for those who ventured into the Naboo system. It also provided a haven for the renowned Jedi Order, as she suspected some of their council members would be in attendance that afternoon.
Catalea swallowed all her fear and nerves as her companions, Keana and Erix Nyco, escorted her to the banquet with Ace whirring beside her. A normal occurrence, given the couple's unusual devotion to the young revolutionary. Catalea knew Keana and Erix were only loyal when it was convenient for them, but she had hoped that their years together in the Baethean Army had changed things for the better. The heir felt a sense of kinship with the newlyweds.
"I hope they serve stronger drinks than they did last time." Erix's mumbled to his wife, but Catalea rolled her eyes as Ace beeped in resentment.
"I don't want to clean up after you." The droid piped up.
"Hush Ace," Keana said. "That's the highlight of each banquet."
The droid said nothing more as it let out a soft beep in annoyance. Catalea giggled as she picked Ace up and place it on her shoulder. Erix made a face at the droid when Catalea's back was turned, but Keana was quick to smack the back of his head. Catalea sent a look of disapproval to her entourage as they came around the corner and onto a long corridor leading toward the entrance.
"If they don't serve strong drinks then I suspect multiple trips to the bar will be needed," Catalea replied, as she adjusted Ace on her shoulder. "Just try to behave."
Keana snorted at her mistress, "The last time he did that he came back with empty pockets and his ass on the couch."
Catalea turned to see Erix rolling his eyes. She could tell he had realized going against armed women was a lost cause, even if one was armed with a silver tongue and the other a sword. In the time she had known them she noticed that Erix was a jack of all trades while his wife preferred to leave sly innuendos. Their banter was always entertaining; however, the closer they got to the palace door, the more nervous she became.
After a long walk through the endless palace corridors, with the heir being inconveniently located as far from the throne room as humanly possible, the entourage finally arrived at the banquet. Catalea could feel her hands begin to shake as she situated herself and adjusted her clothes and Ace for the last time. Although she would like to believe that her room placement was a sign of poor arrangement, she couldn't help but put up her walls. She was here to negotiate, not start a war.
"Lady Catalea Adonis of Baethea!"
Catalea raised her head high as the doors swung open to reveal the large throne room. Throughout the large chamber, the marble floor and walls were covered with silks in shades of blues and greens with the Naboo crest flying above the large throne. It appeared as though she was the last to arrive and she took pride in knowing she had the attention of everyone in the room as she stepped forward and into the lion's den.
Foreign dignitaries began to flock to her as she greeted each one with elegance and grace. The trade federation in particular was especially interested in the Baethean Lady and what Baethea might have to offer them. The representative bowed in respect to the newly elected princess.
"It is wonderful to make your acquaintance, Lady Adonis." He greeted.
"Likewise." She replied as she bowed her head in greeting.
Catalea made pleasantries but kept her face void of emotion. She knew these men were looking for a new base to which to conduct their affairs and she would have none of their schemes on her planet. Baethea needed peace and prosperity, not corruption. Especially if they were to gain their independence without starting a war.
The dark-haired beauty was quick to move past them as she made her way toward the refreshment table. As she sipped on her glass of champagne she could feel a set of hostile eyes on her. When she turned her eyes met Senator Palpatine, an ambitious man who acted as if he had all the power in the world. Catalea had always been wary of his advances for power. She knew his plans would eventually include Baethea, and she was unsure of how to feel about it.
"Are all members of the republic so arrogant?" Ace asked quietly.
Erix heaved a sigh as his body blocked another dignitary from coming near Catalea, "I would expect nothing less."
"Try to play nice you two," Keana said as she held her arm out for Ace to climb in. "We are in the thick of it now."
Catalea couldn't agree more as she politely nodded her head in Palpatine's direction before steering her crew in a different direction. She eventually settled on the senator from Alderaan. A young man that had been recently married to his childhood sweetheart or so her sources had informed her. Senator Bail Organa had made himself an ally to the girl and she had to take her chances where she could.
"I take it your wedding provided a much-needed rest from your duties as a senator?" Catalea asked while sipping on her champagne.
"It most certainly was. My wife forbade me from doing any work while on our getaway. It was quite refreshing." The senator replied.
"I'm glad you were able to take a break," Catalea said. "I feel like all we've been doing is working toward a goal that seems years in the making."
"Perhaps it's closer than we like to admit."
Catalea smirked, "Do you think this new queen will adjust to our way of thinking?"
Senator Bail Organa looked down at her with a raised eyebrow, "Our way of thinking or yours?"
Catalea sent him a knowing look as she raised her eyebrow, "That doesn't answer my question senator."
"It wasn't one I had the answer to."
Catalea smirked at her ally as she replied, "Touche"
The party continued as Catalea enjoyed the company of her ally and friend. He was quick to banter and proposed many new trading routes between their planets. Catalea was beginning to think her task wasn't as impossible as it had once sounded, but she never grew too comfortable. Comfort was the enemy of change and her planet was ready for it. It was ready for a new dawn, which Catalea hoped to see as she scanned the room for her next target, Naboo's young queen.
⌈ Erix Nyco ⌋
Erix Nyco detested political banquets, particularly the ones hosted by foreign dignitaries. It was a show of power and wealth. A tactic used to establish dominance over guests in the room. A room filled with liars, thieves, and separatists, each with a score to settle with the other. It reminded the man of his days as a mercenary and he often wondered if any of his former employers were present.
His eyes scanned across the crowd at the mere thought of a threat to his queen as he straightened his black cloak over his broad shoulders. Erix shifted closer to Catalea and his wife, as an unsettling silence spread across the hall. He could feel various eyes upon them, as he placed his hand over his blaster, a weapon that was easily concealed given their predicament. Although it was a perfectly adequate substitute for a weapon he still much preferred his Baethean sword when creating chaos.
The silence gave way to a round of applause as the new Queen of Naboo made her debut. The first thing Erix noticed about the queen was that she was young and small, wearing an outrageous red outfit that appeared ridiculous to him. Overall, he didn't see the pomp and circumstance surrounding her entrance. Rather than being impressed, Erix found himself in desperate need of a drink.
He elbowed his wife next to him, in an attempt to get her attention, but in return received a slap on the ass. The sound caused the heads of guests to turn and for the couple to receive a warning glare from Catalea, but Erix paid no heed. He was more focused on what he had done to deserve the look Keana who now giving him.
"What was that for?"
"Be nice," Keana replied curtly.
"I wasn't going to say anything that you didn't already deduce." Erix shot back, feeling more than ever the desire for alcohol.
"We are here on a mission with Catalea, so try to show some restraint." Keana quipped, sending him a look.
"Well, when you look at me like that," Erix said, now focused on getting a rise out of his wife.
"This is not the time for your jokes." Ace whirred from his place on Keana's shoulder.
Erix ignored the droid as he leaned over and whispered lowly to Keana, "Even you must admit I am the most entertaining thing you'll find this evening, love."
Erix received another slap from Keana for his inappropriate comment and the violent gesture was met with another disapproving look from Catalea. He chuckled to himself but said, antagonizing his wife no further as he waited for an opening to escape for the bar. His opening came when Catalea became trapped in a discussion about oil and he was able to slip away from the group.
As he weaved in and out of the crowd, Erix changed his overbearing demeanor to that of a drunk guard. A shift that often caused people to slip up around him, giving him the upper hand in obtaining vital information. He quickly ordered the most alcoholic beverages on the menu before moving aside to watch as his wife and charge mingle from afar. Erix could tell Catalea was getting frustrated with the number of people between her and the queen, but he knew firsthand it wouldn't stop her. She was very good at getting what she wanted.
He swigged the drink back and delighted in the burning sensation that erupted within him. He placed his empty chalice on a nearby platter, before ordering another drink from the alien bartender. When he moved back toward his original spot he noticed a man in Jedi robes leaning against the large marble pillar. A sight that sobered his act slightly from that of a drunk guard to that of a slightly tipsy one as he joined the Jedi in watching Catalea from afar.
"Like the view?" Erix asked as he watched for signs that the man was a threat.
The Jedi looked in his direction and raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by Erix's guarded behavior, "It's better than being in the crowd."
"I'll drink to that," Erix said, taking a swig of his second chalice. The Jedi did the same and waited in silence for Erix to ask his next question. "Who are you?"
The man bowed his head in greeting, "Master Mace Windu."
"Erix Nyco." The guard replied. "Master huh? Must be nice getting to boss somebody else around."
Master Windu looked over at the Erix with a sense of curiosity, "I take it you're from Baethea? The beautiful planet with the radical ideas."
"That I am," Erix replied as he let out a rehearsed chuckle. "Although I wouldn't say our way of life is completely idealistic. We just found a system that works for us. I can't imagine what it must be like to order my wife around. Granted if she doesn't skewer me first."
"I believe it." Windu agreed. "Is it true you gave up your last name when you married her?"
Erix smiled at the memory of marrying Keana. It had been an intimate affair between the bride and groom with Keana getting a special license from the high council to wed in solitude. The ceremony itself was short with Keana playing the role of both bride and bishop, but Erix hadn't minded. He had married his partner in crime and the love of his life.
"I did. Best decision I ever made." Erix answered.
An awkward silence befell the two as Erix resumed his duties of protecting Catalea. As far as he could tell, she was conversing with a Coruscant dignitary and she looked less than pleased with the way it was going. He let out a sigh as he played up his act once more to retrieve his third drink of the evening. When he returned he found Master Windu staring at the Heir of Baethea and Erix was more than a little on edge by his stance.
"What is it that your charge is looking to do while here on Naboo?" Master Windu asked.
Erix sobered up at the question, as he replied lowly, "That's on a need-to-know basis."
Windu nodded done with pleasantries as he turned, "I would very much like to meet her, given her planet's direct access to Kyber Crystals. I assume she is the newly elected heir to Baethea's throne, given the current queen's ailing condition."
Erix kept a stoic expression as he reiterated, "As I said before I can not divulge my lady's private information."
Windu eyed the man before stating, "I understand. Perhaps you could extend my wishes for her to come to the Jedi temple for a meeting? If she is indeed Baethea's new heir the Jedi council would very much like to meet her."
"I will pass on the invitation."
"Thank you, Sir Erix," Windu said, with a bow. "I shall take my leave."
Erix watched as the Jedi slipped back into the crowd, making his way toward the exit. He found the encounter with the Jedi odd, but he also found their entire order to be odd. They believed in a balance of power and Erix had been conditioned that power was meant to be wielded by the elite.
He continued to watch his girls from afar downing a drink every so often. Giving the illusion of being drunk while keeping his wife and Baethea's hope safe. If anything he was waiting for someone to challenge her. He was waiting for someone to present him with an opportunity to leave the banquet he had come to loath as each hour continued to pass.
⌈ Padme Amidala ⌋
Padme Amidala remained motionless and ridged upon her throne as foreign dignitaries from across the galaxy came to greet her. One after another they received her with relatively open arms, but she knew better than to take the bait. They were looking for weakness. A weakness that she hid well as she put her skills to the test.
She placed her hands delicately in her lap, lacing her fingers together in an attempt to keep them from shaking. She could feel the watchful eyes of her enemies as she made a show of strength among the den of hungry senators and rulers. The moment she spotted her counselor and good friend Senator Palpatine making his way to her side, she felt relieved.
She motioned for the procession to stop and turned to listen to his news. The man leaned forward and whisper darkly, "The new heir to Baethea is here your majesty."
Padme felt her poised manner shatter for an instant, before building her facade once more. She knew her allies, as well as her enemies, would be here, but she didn't expect the Baethean heir to attend. Her last communication from the planet was that the current queen was dying, and the council was deciding who would succeed her. She didn't know they have already chosen.
"Where is she?" She asked.
Palpatine was all too happy to oblige as he pointed Padme in the direction of her rival. At first glance, she seemed rather plain, but many would miss the true beauty that hid behind the girl's eyes. Baethea's next ruler to be of Asian descent with a dark crimson robe flowing about her shoulder and creating a river of silk behind her. Her ebony hair reflected the light and created an ethereal glow that Padme found captivating. She had a fire about her. A fire that could probably rival Padme's if she wasn't careful.
The queen stood from her throne surprising not only her adviser but the entire party as she made her way down the steps. Her steps echoed on the tile as she proceeded to leave her throne in favor of a new mission. Padme's path was revealed by the crowds separating, along with her destination as she came to a steady halt in front of the party from Baethea.
Padme sent the stoic-looking emissary a smile and bowed her head, "Welcome to Naboo. I trust your stay is comfortable?"
The heir looked shocked for a moment before composing herself and bowing back, "I am. The planet is beautiful and reminds me of the rolling hills back home."
Padme nodded, "It must be hard being so far away from home. Especially at such a critical time for your planet."
"If it keeps Baethea thriving then it is a sacrifice I am willing to make." The girl replied, making Padme surprised to see her rival conceding that her planet was not doing well so openly.
Padme motioned for the lady to join her in a turn about the room, "I apologize, but I don't believe we have been introduced. I am Queen Amidala of Naboo."
The heir smiled coyly as she replied, "Lady Catalea Adonis of Baethea."
The two walked in silence as Padme motioned for the music to resume. She could tell that all eyes were on her and her motives, but she paid them no mind. She focused on the task in front of her as she laced her arm in Catalea's steering her towards a private balcony on the right side of the throne.
Once they were away from prying eyes, Padme turned and let out a small breath before stating, "I know what it is you are here to achieve, and I want you to know I support you."
Padme watched as Catalea's facade crumbled as she faltered at her openness. She knew her words were the last thing Catalea was expecting and she hoped it proved a hint of honesty. Padme had done her studying and she believed that the continued suffering of the Baethean people would do nothing to benefit Naboo's future.
Catalea eyed her warily as she said, "I don't mean to be blunt, but I doubt you know what it is my people seek. We have been doing Naboo's bidding longer than you've been alive."
"I understand the plight because it was my main focus while studying in the Legislative Youth Program," Padme confessed. "I wanted to come up with a solution that would give Baethea her freedom and Naboo a piece of the profit. When I was elected queen it was one of the first things I had drawn besides my agreements to meet with the Trade Federation."
Catalea still looked on guard as she said, "May I see this treaty you have drawn up?"
Padme nodded, "Of course. Take as long as you like to look over the details, before giving your answers. Should it meet your approval I would be willing to sign at your earliest convenience."
Catalea nodded, "We shall see."
Padme knew she wouldn't get anything more from her as she motioned the way back to the party, "I wish to extend an invitation to sit by me at the banquet. So we can better discuss the details over some refreshments."
The heir let out a gentle smile that Padme was glad to see. It meant progress as she accepted with the grace Baethean women were renowned for, "I would like nothing more."
Padme returned the sentiment as she said, "I look forward to it. If you will excuse me."
The two powerful women exchanged some more pleasantries before going their separate ways with Padme thrilled with how her plan had worked out. She truly wanted Baethea to have freedom and she wanted Naboo to benefit from it. She believed fervently in the power of democracy and she would utilize that to her advantage when beginning her friendship. As long as they came on equal terms, Padme was willing to try for peace after years of war.
The queen of Naboo made her way back to her throne, where Senator Palpatine was waiting for her progress. He bowed as she took her seat before leaning forward with an eagerness she hadn't expected, "How did they take your proposal?"
"I think it went rather well, thank you, Senator," Padme replied, before focusing once more on maintaining an air of grace. This was only the beginning and Padme could only hope that the dinner continued to be as successful as her entrance into the republic as Naboo's new queen.
