Portrait of a Queen: Sabe's Story (pre, TPM, after)

..the one PB was talking about via email.

I have a funny feeling the dynamite kid might have been phase 1.

His IP: 12.23.144.2, from AT & T, canada.

 

That's our buddy Charlie Chan... don't do an IP ban, because that would knock Hathor out too.

I knew something was up... we need to close down those Chat threads... its trolling.

 

I wasn't planning on doing an IP ban. I know enough not to ban an AT&T domain

Why do we need to close down chat threads? That would include "Hello"s for 1 thing, and there are no problems there. I say move 'em to their own forum!

 

No, there are other means to chat like they, are... you are forgetting the purpose of the Jedi Council. Those threads are inviting problems, and making them. People are getting flamed, and porn was posted in there today. I would hate to see a innocent minor [Paradox ] have his purity destoryed.




<font size="1" face="Verdana">Disclaimer: All people mentioned in the post were used as examples. Do not take it seriously.</font></p>

 

CA, first of all, thanks for banning VINRA, he's been cruisin' for it for some time now.

Also, your Sid=Palpy thread was a hoot!

I agree that the old "Hello" threads were just chats, but they did no harm at all. They were fun. But with the recent influx of newbies, the chat threads have gone downhill and caused problems. I think a separate forum for those kinds of threads would be a good idea.

 

No seperate forum, that would be a pain in the ass to admin. We need to tell them to get ICQ and have their fun there.

 

But then we'd have to kill the good ones too, like the hellos, and (I guess) the cantinas, which other people seem to like, but cause no trouble.

 

Ummm... no, because these ones cause problems, and they are trolling. The cantina's aren't, because we don't multipost like they do.

 

PB, stop acting like your word is final. It isn't. All of these issues are subject to debate, and ultimately to a vote. Are you going to throw a tantrum if you don't get your way?

 

No, I am just pointing out the facts. And yes, I am gonna cry now.

 

don't cry

you both have good points. But creating a forum just for them would be terrible. Then they'd really blossom and I wouldn't want to admin it. I do feel that something should be done about them though.

I like this forum, takes 2 seconds to delete threads! whoo hoo!

 

What thread would that be?

 

one that you never saw

 

Hello fellow Fan-fic freaks! (no offense) Some of you may know me from the "Let's make some alternate universe scenes!" fic. Well, I've been mentioning for weeks about a fic I was working on. Here's the first chapter. I'll post it bit by bit so that cranky server doesn't lose it.

The first chapter begins during TPM, but will flash back. Have patience please!

******

Chapter One


The starship?s chamber was silent. None of it?s inhabitants said a word. Four. Three, absolutely silent and still, observing the fourth?s amazingly silent pacing. Back and forth, back and forth, not making a single sound, except for the slight whispering of robes. Two cloaked handmaidens, a Queen garbed in black, and a Jedi.

The silence pressed in and the Queen garbed in black shifted ever so slightly and the young Jedi glanced up, seeming to realized that his relentless pacing was disturbing the Queen and her handmaidens.

Indeed, the young man?s pacing was disturbing the handmaidens. Their faces were hidden by their hooded cloaks, but Sabe? had nothing to hide her face than the white paint that hid her features. Looking down at her white-painted nails, Sabe? realized that her delicate fingers had been kneading the beaded oversleeve of her black travel gown. Immediately, the fidgeting stopped. The Jedi?s pacing must not allow her apprehension show. She had a duty. If her true emotions arose, Rabe? and Eirtae? would lose composure and Amidala?s cover would be blown.

The Jedi sat down on the side benches protruding from the vessel?s wall. He began playing with the long, thin braid that was a sharp contrast to his short, cropped hair and short ponytail. His booted foot tapped silently as he stared thoughtfully across the Queen?s chamber room. The tapping stopped and the fidgeting with his braid ceased.

He must be meditating or something, Sabe? thought to herself. She knew the art of meditation well. It had been taught to her when she had come into the service of the Queen of the Naboo, Amidala. The reason she was in this predicament, masquerading as the Queen.

An air of calm began flowing through the chamber. Sabe? sensed the Jedi?s relaxation and peace. Rabe? and Eirtae? seemed to calm down, as well. The Jedi, what was his name? Obi-Wan, Sabe? remembered. The Jedi Knight?s eyes closed and he sent his peace out to the others.

Sabe? was grateful. She needed to calm herself until the Queen and the Jedi Master returned from the spaceport city of Mos Espa with hyperdrive parts for the damaged ship?s core. The Queen?s transport had sustained damage in their escape from the collapsed planet of Naboo.

The apprehension left her body as her mind began to wander, her thoughts drifting back to half a year ago, when the newly elected Queen of the Naboo began the search for her handmaidens. . .


Twelve young girls lined the perimeter of the Theed Palace garden. Twelve brown eyed, brown haired (except for one), and relatively short Naboo. Each wore a soft green tunic and rugged tactical boots. Their brown hair pulled tightly away from their young faces.

A dark man dressed in military garb gazed at every girl intently. These were the candidates for the newly elected Queen Amidala?s personal bodyguards. Each had been chosen to undergo extensive training. Each had left their homes and families to devote themselves to the young Queen. They all resembled Amidala and were worthy of the title of Handmaiden. Yet, only five would be chosen.

Captain Panaka had overseen the trial and training mostly, but the Queen had insisted on her assistance. The candidates had not known of her observations. Five young Naboo had drawn her attention, and Panaka agreed, for they were the strongest and most resourceful of the twelve.

Sabe? stood absolutely still as the Head of Naboo Royal Security eyed them. Her heart thumped in her chest and she struggled to appear calm and cool. This was the moment. It was a high honor to be chosen as a handmaiden to the Queen. Her mother and father would be proud of their ?little Sabe?. A sudden thought occurred

 

Would someone please read?

If you do read, please tell me your thoughts!

 

Oooo! Cool! I like it! Keep going!

 

Thanx Mekial! I'm so glad you like it!

Keep it up with Lightsabers and baby bottles!!

*******

Protection. That seemed to Panaka?s theme, Sabe? observed. As soon as the five handmaidens were picked and cloaked into their formal garb, she realized that there was much more to being a handmaiden than meets the eyes.

The girls were to be Amidala?s shadows, with her at all times. She was never to be left alone. They were her quiet bodyguards, appearing to be harmless servants and maids to the Queen. All five were trained in combat and self-defense. The Queen was yet to be trained in both aspects, for what little training she had needed to be patched up. That was Rabe?s and Sabe?s duty for the time being.

Queen Amidala expressed her opinion of doubt. She thought that the Captain was being overly cautious. Naboo was a peaceful planet. The Captain pointed out that there were other threats outside of Naboo that would not hesitate to do harm.

Another duty of a handmaiden, Sabe? soon discovered, was that Amidala?s exotic hairstyles and gowns were very articulate and one needed patience to prepare. Rabe? and Yane? proved to be quite gifted in and patient in that area. Sache? attended to the Queen?s make-up.

Sabe? and Eirtae?s political background proved helpful to the Queen and they often coached her at times when Amidala needed reminding. The Queen was very professional and took her duty to heart.

A few months after the coronation, the door buzzed to Amidala?s chamber. Rabe? and Yane? had been in the process of braiding Amidala?s long hair in long, little braids to wrap around the Queen?s jeweled headdress. Eirtae? was busy sorting through the Queen?s many gowns and complimenting handmaidens cloaks, while Sache? applied the make-up to Amidala?s face. Sabe? was bent over the Queen?s headdress, polishing the gems. They were preparing for the Queen?s public address.

Apparently, the Trade Federation was being taxed on it?s trade routes, which included Naboo. To show their displeasure to the Senate, the faction had surrounded Naboo with blockade ships. Queen Amidala would reveal to the citizens of their planets latest plight.

Sabe? placed the headdress down and went to the door. "Identity please," she said into the microphone.

"Captain Panaka to see the Queen," the voice answered. The small viewscreen revealed the dark- skinned man.

"Your Highness?" Sabe? inquired, turning to the Queen.

"Send him in, Sabe?," Amidala said. "He wants to discuss something with you."

Intrigued, all the handmaidens glanced up as the Head of Royal Security stepped in. "Excuse me, Your Highness," he began. "But now is the appropriate time to discuss the. . . protocol."

Amidala nodded and stood up. "Of course, Captain," her voice was authoritive. "Sabe?."

"Your Highness?"

"Captain Panaka and I have agreed on this course of procedure," she said, gazing straight into her handmaiden?s eyes. "You are to be entrusted with an old Royal Naboo scheme."

Panaka began explaining that in times of danger that the Queen would have a decoy, a handmaiden to be disguised as the Queen. Amidala would take the place of handmaiden. Her alias was Padme Naberrie.. Amidala and Sabe? would have to operate with codes when in a situation where Sabe? would have to make a decision.

"Your entrusting me to be the Queen?" Sabe? asked doubtfully.

The Captain?s stare was intent. "You have the most resemblance to the Queen. You understand the royal and governments protocol. You?re cool headed in tense situations. The Queen and I both agreed you were the first in-line choice for the decoy."

Sabe? tried to digest it all. She felt the other girls? stares at her back. This was huge.

The Captain continued. "The make-up will hide the differences in your features. But that won?t be enough to fool anyone long. You will have to adopt the Queen?s speech and accent. As well as her expressions and posture. You will be everything that the Queen is."

Sabe? turned to the Queen. Amidala and her were becoming close friends and gaining each other?s trust. But this?

 

Excellent.

More please.

 

More did you speak?

YES, MORE!!!

 

Yay!! Here's some more!

*******

Sabe? stared in disbelief at the figure in the mirror staring back at her. This was not the simple Naboo girl, but the Queen in the mirror. The girl was clothed in an elegant and flowing gown of blue and gold. Her smooth features were hidden under the white ceremonial paint and red dots on each cheek. Her bottom lip was slashed with the remembrance of Naboo?s suffering. An elaborate headpiece crowned her head, lending height and regal bearing. Sabe? was almost convinced that Queen Amidala was staring back at her.

A delighted laugh broke Sabe? out of her reverie. Amidala with her make-up on, but dressed fairly casual, grinned. "Sabe, I mean, Your Highness, I?d almost forgotten that I was looking at you and not me!" She walked up beside Sabe? and looked into the mirror to see two identical doll-like faces staring at the reflecting glass.

A slow smile crept onto Sabe?s lips. "Who am I again?"

"I think you?re the one in blue," Amidala said, her reflection pointing back. "Wait? Or is that me?" The two girls laughed at their reflections.

"Of course, Your Highness," Captain Panaka said, his tone serious. "There is more to the guise than mere make-up and costume."

"Of course, Captain," Amidala nodded. The professional tone replacing her playful mood. "Sabe? and I have been practicing speech and expression. We?ve also developed our own code."

Nodding his approval, the Captain gazed intently at the painted faces. If one was two study the two faces side-by-side, they would note subtle differences. Sabe? had a more oval face than Amidala. The decoy?s eyes were of a lighter shade of brown and her nose was of a different shape. The white make-up hid the feature differences well. Most only noticed the white face and red markings. The headdresses would hide face shape well. "Alright, Your Highness," Panaka said. "Show me what you?ve taught Sabe?."

Amidala nodded at Sabe?. "It?s all yours, Your Highness," she said, her voice soft and obedient, her native accent gone.

Gathering her thoughts, Sabe concentrated on her tone, forming Amidala?s native accent and authoritative speech. "Handmaiden," she spoke, pleased at how her speech was almost identical to Amidala?s. "Come forth."

Stepping forward, Amidala kept her eyes averted and bowed. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"What is the current status of my absent handmaidens, Padme??" Sabe? inquired. She already knew the answer, but it didn?t really matter.

"Your Highness, Rabe?, Yane?, and Sache? are currently attending Musical Director Hela Brandes? musical instructions. Eirtae? has been dismissed and I am currently aware that she is touring the south garden."

"That is all, Padme?." Sabe? said, almost saying ?thank you?, but realized in time that it wouldn?t seem right for a queen to thank a servant.

Amidala smiled. "Well done, Sabe," she praised.

Captain Panaka was a critic, though. "It will prove more difficult, Sabe?, to pull the guise when in company of others who will watch your decisions closely. You and Her Majesty must work seeminglessly."

After he left, Amidala smiled mischievously, her brown eyes lighting up. "Want to try it on the others? See how long it takes them to realize that it?s you?"

Sabe? grinned. It was refreshing to see the Queen in a good mood, her mind off her worries for a moment. "I?m ready to try," she said. "How many know of this rouse?" Sabe? inquired.

"Panaka."

"That?s all? Not even the Governor Bibble?" Sabe? was surprised that the Governor on Theed wouldn?t know.

Shrugging, Amidala explained. "The Captain wants to ensure absolute secrecy. Only you and the handmaidens know."

"I understand now," Sabe? nodded. "Do you trust me to do the right thing, though, Your Highness? Do you really believe that I can in a complex situation?"

The brown eyes were serious as they stared into Sabe?s. "Sabe?, your honesty, cool-head, and trust ensure me that you?ll do what is right. I?ll be there to guide you, but there may come a time when I am not at your side and you must decide on your own. That is why I picke

 

Very good. You are going to post this on the mailing list, right?

Amy

 

Um, CrescentJedi, I forgot how to do that. I'm afraid I deleted that confirmation thingy.

I'm glad people like this! The first four chapters are going to be posted at JediAngel's Fan-fiction at http://www.geocities.com/kenobijedione/.www.geocities.com/kenobijedione/. Somewhere along the transfering of documents the formating got a little skrewd up, but it's more there.

On here it gets directly pasted, so the format isn't bad. I'm only posting bit by bit here cause you know how the JC loses long stuff.

on with the story

********

Sitting upright and silent in her throne chair, Sabe? fought back an annoying itch underneath her gold cloak. The Advisory Council was reporting to Queen Amidala of the diminishing essential Naboo supplies. Amidala was expressionless, but Sabe? knew her well enough, now, to know that the Queen was fighting back her emotions. The day before there had been an uprising in the city of Theed, Naboo protesters had begun blaming the Queen for their suffering.

In her red Throne gown, trimmed with black fur and golden embroidery, she appeared aloof and professional. Her dark hair had been combed over a crescent-shaped pad, and a gold headpiece framed her white-painted face. The Queen suddenly looked young to Sabe?.

Captain Panaka stood up. "We?re receiving a transmission from Coruscant, Your Highness," he announced. "From Chancellor Valorum."

Queen Amidala nodded, and suddenly a holo-projection of the Supreme Chancellor Valorum of the Galactic Senate ?stood? before the Advisory Council. Sabe? studied the Chancellor, the head of the Republic Senate, the man who could solve their problems with a single vote. He was balding, which surprised Sabe?, for the chancellor was not of an old age. His features were drawn and worn. Valorum had the look of a man under great stress, which Sabe? knew heading a squabbling government could stress out any being.

"Queen Amidala of the Naboo," Valorum greeted with a small bow.

"Chancellor," Amidala returned. She waited for his message.

"Your Highness," Valorum began. "I have made contact with you to inform you that I have sent two Ambassadors to the head command of the Trade Federation, Viceroy Nute Gunray. They should be arriving presently, and the matter settled quickly. I apologize for the slowness of the Senate?s response to Naboo?s predicament."

"I trust the Ambassadors will restore the Naboo?s freedom," Queen Amidala stated. "We thank you for support, Chancellor."

The holo-projection switched off. The Queen stared silently at the circle where the Chancellor had once ?stood.? The Advisory sat quietly, awaiting the Queen?s response.

Captain Panaka looked doubtful. Shifting slightly in his chair, clearing his throat, the captain drew Amidala?s eyes to him.

"Captain?" Amidala turned to him.

The dark-skinned man stood up. "Your Highness, the Senate?s slow response has only encouraged the Trade Federation?s Viceroy. I don?t believe that these Ambassadors will be able to negotiate to our benefit. The bureaucrats are on the Federation?s payroll, need I remind you, Your Highness."

"Do you not have faith in the Ambassadors, Captain?" Amidala inquired. "I am willing to trust the Chancellor?s actions. He is our biggest supporter."

"If the Ambassadors prove unsuccessful, Your Highness," Panaka insisted, firmly. "I advise that the Naboo take action. This situation has gotten out of hand."

Queen Amidala?s eyes narrowed. "I will not condone a course of action that will lead us to war." Her voice was deep, authoritative, and icy. "The Naboo are a peaceful people, need I remind you, Captain?" The captain seemed ready to reply, when the Queen cut him off. "I want to make communication with the Federation?s Viceroy."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Leaning forward slightly, Sabe? was intrigued. Clearly, the Queen had something contemplating her mind. The image of Viceroy Nute Gunray appeared before the Advisory and Queen Amidala. Sabe? contained a hiss of disdain as she gazed at the Neimiodian. The amphibious-like creature made her blood curdle. Nute

 

Woow. This is so good. Keep it up!

 

_____________________________________________
Um, CrescentJedi, I forgot how to do that. I'm afraid I deleted that confirmation thingy.
_____________________________________________

It's very simple Dear Heart. I just checked and you're still a member of the list, so all you have to do is copy and past the sections you already have posted into an email addressed to TheFabFive@onelist.com. An added benefit to you for doing this is your story will probably also get archived at "The Place Of Our Legacy" webpage which will put you in very good company. I'm looking forward to seeing you there!

Thanks,

Amy

 

The following moments were hectic for the Queen and her handmaidens preparing for the Federation?s evasion. Sabe? found herself wearing a black traveling gown interlaced with gold fabric. A feathered headdress framed her white-painted face, lending height and stature. The handmaidens and Amidala wore crimson hooded cloaks that faded into a gold at the hem. Their hoods were drawn to hide their faces and features.

Sabe? fought the impulse to shiver and shake nervously. She knew that once she started, that she wouldn?t be able to stop. Amidala was giving her last minute instructions and encouragement before they returned to the Throne room. The Federation tanks had seized the city of Theed, including the palace, and Viceroy Nute Gunray would be occupying the palace shortly. Sabe? had just gotten herself settled into the Queen?s throne, her face set impassive and expressionless, when the Viceroy and his battledroids stormed in. The Naboo guards had been stripped of their weapons.

Governor Sio Bibble began a heated speech against the Neimiodians actions, but the Viceroy seemed bored by the man?s stand. Instead, his attention was trained on the ?Queen? dressed in black, aloof and detached.

"Viceroy, I ask you point-blank," Bibble raged, his speech beginning to wind down. "How do you intend to explain this unlawful invasion to the Senate?"

Sabe? listened, managing not to show her rage at the Neimiodian?s easy confidence. "The Naboo and Trade Federation will forge a treaty that will legitimize our ?occupation? of Theed. I have been assured that such a treaty, once produced, will be quickly ratified by the Senate."

"A treaty?" Bibble snapped. "In the face of this unlawful action?"

Anger arose in Sabe? and she rose from the throne, feeling the handmaidens close around her protectively. "I will not cooperate."

Viceroy Gunray?s orange eyes flickered to the Neimiodian beside him, Rune Haako. Then he gazed at the Queen. "Now, now," he purred. Sabe? fought revulsion at the amphibian?s tone. "Don?t be to hasty, Your Highness. You are not going to like what I have in store for your beloved people. Their suffering, in time, will persuade you to see our way of viewing things."

Sabe?s eyes narrowed and the Viceroy turned away. Her anger boiled and she silently cursed the Viceroy, wishing that she had a vibroblade to casually drive into his gut . . . The presence of Amidala and the handmaidens calmed her enough to banish those dark thoughts.

A battledroid, clearly of official status, began herding its prisoners with the help of his droid command. Each droid held a deadly blaster rifle pointed at each prisoner. Sabe? heard Nute Gunray order his droid to take them to ?Camp Four?. Hope was quickly lost as she, Amidala and the handmaidens, Panaka, Bible, and the royal guards were ushered down the grand palace?s halls. She didn?t know where and what ?Camp Four? was, but Sabe? had the distinct feeling that being disguised as Queen Amidala meant that she wouldn?t be receiving the royal treatment.

The battledroid command marched their prisoners out of the palace and out onto the wide, lavish streets of Theed. It made Sabe? uneasy as they marched through the deathly quiet and empty streets. The only sound was of the occasional whine of a STAP and tanks buzzing around Theed. She realized that they were the only life-forms walking about the city. The only thing close was the battledroids, and they hardly counted.

No one spoke, but Sabe? felt the other?s desperation and her own clenching at her heart. They turned down a quieter street, more of an alley, and Sabe? noted had no other battledroids or tanks. Her senses were suddenly on full alert, a tingling in her mind warning her, and she knew not why until they had rounded a bend in the street when two men dropped from an archway. The prisoners and droids stopped in surprise. Another creature dropped clumsily and landed awkwardly compared to the two cloaked men?s graceful drop. The men seemed to take no notice of the awkward creature. The two groups stared at each other silently.