Star Wars CLOSED Mercy Flight

Star Wars

EPISODE II.5
Mercy Flight


Turmoil! With the advent of the Clone Wars,
the planet of TEPASI finds itself in perilous
straights. The CONFEDERACY OF INDEPENDENT
STAR SYSTEMS has launched a daring assault to
consolidate its territory.

Baroness Sanya Tagge, in a plea to the GALACTIC
REPUBLIC, has asked for assistance. While the ARMY
OF THE REPUBLIC is currently tied up throughout
the galaxy, they have sent a lone representative of the
Galactic Senate.

Senator Amidala, upon recently returning from a small
‘vacation’ on Naboo, is sent to bring the local populace
medical supplies and humanitarian aid. But in truth, she has
been tasked by the Supreme Chancellor with contacting rebel
factions in an effort to begin throwing off the Separatist oppression...​

This game takes place in 22 BBY, just a month after the events of Attack of the Clones, and centers on the adventures of Padmé Naberrie-Skywalker (Amidala) and those who accompany her on occasion.

This is meant as a One-on-One game with @Kurisan as the Nubian Senator (and whom also creatively supplied the images in this Opening), but will allow and feature occasional cameo appearances from other players. Any character type will be available for those guest roles.



Character Sheet

Picture: [If you wish]

Name:
Species:
Gender:
Age:
Appearance: [If you do not use a picture above]
Weapons:
Bio:

The Rules

1) If you wish to take part in a guest role, please PM me and we can discuss the details.
2) Will be using a blend of Legends and Canon in this tale, ask me if you have any questions.
3) No god-modding, as usual. Or else…Force help you.
4) Obey the TOS. Always.
5) Lets have fun and get this show on the road!

CO Edit: Closed at GM request​

 

[Approved by GM. Thank you so much for this, @Darth_Elu ]

Padmé



Name: Padmé Naberrie-Skywalker (Amidala)
Species: human
Gender: female
Age: 24
Weapons: ELG-3A blaster pistol
Bio:
Padme was elected as Queen of her native Naboo at the age of 14. The tenure tested her to the limit with the crisis of the Trade Federation Invasion. She broke the hold of the Federation by gaining the support of the Gungans, who had for generations distrusted the Naboo, and foiled the plans of Nute Gunray.

After her term was completed, Padme took up service representing her planet in the Galactic Senate. She became the subject of assassination attempts; Gunray was obsessed with getting revenge. She was reunited with Anakin Skywalker, whom she had met as a boy. He was now grown up and a Padawan tasked with keeping her safe. They slowly began to fall in love, but Padme recognised this was forbidden for the Jedi, and would distract from her own duties.

However, after attempting a rescue of Obi-wan Kenobi on Geonosis and becoming involved in the opening battle of the Clone Wars, Padme secretly married Anakin.

They are now separated by the war, and Padme turns her efforts to supporting the failing Republic in any way she can – including travelling to dangerous warzones to seek out and negotiate the aid of factions loyal to the ideals of democracy and freedom...

 

Mercy Flight



In the darkness of space, the hum of engines sound for those close enough to hear as a CIS Providence-Class Carrier Destroyer came into view, escorted by two Munificent-Class Frigates.



Within moments of their arrival, a confederate shuttle departs from the carrier and begins to approach the planet just ahead, while the three larger ships begin to take up an ominous orbital position.



The shuttle flew on a calm, leisurely route until it came to a slow vertical landing on its designated landing pad on the outskirts of Unlos Tagge, capital city of the world of Tepasi.





About twenty battle droids and ten super battle droids all came to line up for the expected visitor, with a woman who was being both escorted and watched over like a prisoner by two more super battle droids; was marched up toward where the exit ramp was descending.

They came to a nice stop about thirty feet from the shuttle. The woman in question was Baroness Sanya Tagge.



And coming down the ramp to meet her, with more droid guards in tow, was none other than Separatist leader and head of the Techno Union:



Wat Tambor.

With a barely disguised look of disgust, the woman bowed her head to the skakoan approaching her as if he now ruled the planet. Which, by the looks of things, he basically did.

“Baroness Tagge. It is such a…wooorhoooreee…”a quick readjustment on his suit, “…pleasure to see you in person. I assume you have come to formally pledge your support to the Confederacy.”

Here the woman did not hide the narrowing of her eyes and the intake of breath that showed her displeasure before replying. If she could have just taken one swing at the man, just one, she would have done it in a heartbeat! If only they hadn't discovered her hidden vibroblade earlier...

“I have already made a public pledge of faith to the Galactic Republic, Minister Tambor. You will have no allegiance from me.”

Wat nodded, as if unsurprised, and began to move thereby forcing her to stroll alongside him, their guards also following with the mechanical sounds of their marching accompanying their strained exchange of words.

“That is unfortunate, but we will have Tepasi’s resources nonetheless. You are free to sign the declaration of surrender while I am present to smooth things.”

The Baroness shot him a glance as they moved, “You are sorely overestimating your chances of that.”

“It would seem you are the one sorely underestimating my chances. I have already captured your planet and yourself. Your people are held under restriction, which can be alleviated with the signing of the declaration, and your resources are already about to be mined for the uses of the Separatist cause.”

She was silent, her lips thinning at the skakoan’s words.

“At this point, this is all just formality. If you sign now, you will be allowed to retain your title as a sign of good faith.”

Her eyes glared daggers at the CEO of the Techno Union. “The Republic will come to Tepasi’s aid and then you will regret all this, Tambor.”

They paused outside the doors that separated them from the rest of the private spaceport facilities usually reserved for only the members of the noble House of Tagge.

“The Army of the Republic is currently stretched too thin to come to your aid, Baroness. Why do think we arrived now? I had been waiting for this…oroorrwwee…chance. Now come, we have much to discuss so that our increases in profit can begin swiftly.”

He turned to lead the way again, to which Sanya Tagge could only glare at his back and hesitate a few moments longer.

“We shall see who is stretched too thin in the end…” the woman whispered with barely restrained anger before being prodded by a blaster to the back to keep moving.

With great poise and great disdain, she did. Whether she liked it or not, the Separatists had full control of Tepasi.

For now.

Tag: None Yet (Formal Beginning Soon, Stay Tuned!)

 

Supreme Chancellor’s Office, Coruscant



It didn’t take long for Padmé Amidala to gain entry into the Supreme Chancellor’s Office, which was a sign in and of itself regarding the importance of the meeting.

After taking her month long ‘vacation’ on Naboo where she was officially recovering from the ordeal on Geonosis and plotting her political response, though in truth was undergoing her marriage to Anakin Skywalker and simply extending her stay to cover it up with something that seemed realistic to any onlookers; she had recently returned to Coruscant to renew her political work as the Clone Wars began to rage throughout the galaxy. Taking her husband away to fight in the process.

It had only been a few days before Palpatine summoned her and it was her duty to answer. She could scarcely imagine what must be going through the poor man’s head with all these dramatic events breaking out!

With R2-D2 and her handmaidens still left at her personal apartment and C-3PO told to wait outside the Supreme Chancellor’s Office with his receptionist (who seemed particularly thrilled to have the golden droid with her), she was only accompanied by her ever-present bodyguard Captain Gregar Typho.



As they strolled through the entrance, Palpatine was already swiftly moving toward them in greeting, a warm smile on his face as he held out his hands.

“Ah, Senator Amidala! Just the woman I was hoping to see. It is truly a pleasure to see you again,” he stated as he came to briefly embrace her before beckoning toward the seats and his desk.

“It is also nice to meet you again as well, Captain Typho. Diligent as ever.”

Typho smiled and inclined his head as he moved along with them, coming to a standing stop next to Padmé’s chosen seat.

“Thank you, Chancellor. It is always an honor to see you in person.”

“You are too kind and please, do send my warmest regards to your uncle.”

That of course being the one and only, Quarsh Panaka. Her old Head of Security and protector during the Battle of Naboo.

“I shall. Rest assured!”

With that nicety settled, the Supreme Chancellor motioned for the Senator to actually sit and did so himself behind his desk. The warmness remained in his countenance, but a somberness began to clearly settle itself. Already he looked worn and tired from the brewing chaos of the conflict.



“I do hope your time away found you well, milady. To be honest with you, I’m afraid I have a rather grim situation I need to discuss with you and I need to make sure you are well enough for it. You gave us all quite the scare back on Geonosis.”

One could only wonder what sort of scenario was about to play itself out, especially since the Chancellor’s words were accentuated by the seriousness of his expression. With the Clone Wars having started, who knows what he was about to speak with her about.

Tag: @Kurisan

 

Padme
Supreme Chancellor’s Office, Coruscant



Padme entered the Chancellor’s suite with a sense of so much having passed since she was last here. So much had changed.

The Chancellor embraced her and warmly greeted Gregar, before bidding her to sit. He seemed tired and sombre and she wondered at the burden of making decisions daily that had galaxy-wide repercussions. The war was quickly spiralling out of control, just as they had all feared it would.

Still, she almost began with a barb. Well, you got your grand army. Happy now?

It was not the first difference of opinion she had had with Palpatine, but it was such an important one she felt it had changed their relationship forever, despite the warmth with which they still greeted one another.

She held her tongue, knowing it would be churlish. The fact was, Geonosis would have been a disaster of even greater magnitude had the clone forces not arrived. She might not even be sitting here now.

And, something else…

Padme had always enjoyed clarity of moral purpose. When she knew she was right, she could fight relentlessly and without hesitation. She would batter her political opponents with righteousness. But she carried a secret now, and the guilt coiled inside her like a snake, strangling her confidence.

I married a Jedi.

How could she sit and judge any others now? She knew it would compromise her work, she knew it was forbidden for him. She had resisted for as long as possible, but in the end she had given in to her love.

Yes, I love him! How can something that feels so true and real be so wrong?

It was a fight she had with herself every night in those long sleepless hours. No matter how many times she justified it to herself, she felt like she had betrayed her office, her colleagues, her friends, her family, and the Republic in which she so faithfully believed.

But when he had held her, soothing her, the doubt all melted away. At that time, she knew it was right, that somehow they would make it work and still continue to do the things they were supposed to do, and be good people.

But he was gone now: To the war, every day throwing himself into danger. She missed him so much, she wished she could bring him back, and then hated herself for such selfishness. It was an endless loop of torment.

Palpatine spoke. “I do hope your time away found you well, milady. To be honest with you, I’m afraid I have a rather grim situation I need to discuss with you and I need to make sure you are well enough for it. You gave us all quite the scare back on Geonosis.”

The words and his expression suggested he needed to ask her to do something difficult, perhaps even dangerous. Padme saw an opportunity of redemption. Yes! she silently shouted. Give me your most arduous task! Let me serve my Republic, as I vowed to do!

At that moment, he could have sent her to the front lines of a warzone and she would have gladly accepted. Anything to prove to herself that she can reclaim that moral purpose. Further, she felt the need to sacrifice, to face danger, like Anakin did every day. It was not fair that he did so and she did not.

“I am fully recovered, thank you,” she said. “I am eager to serve the Republic in its hour of need. Your staff must be so stretched. So please, do not hesitate to use me in any way, no matter how grim the situation. I am ready.”

TAG: @Darth_Elu

 

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine IC:
~Supreme Chancellor’s Office, Coruscant~

The Supreme Chancellor watched and gauged Senator Amidala’s response carefully, noting how she seemed when she spoke.



“I am fully recovered, thank you. I am eager to serve the Republic in its hour of need. Your staff must be so stretched. So please, do not hesitate to use me in any way, no matter how grim the situation. I am ready.”

Palpatine seemed to eye her only a few seconds more before giving a small nod, a little smile once more settling easily onto his face.

“I am so glad to hear that, you were always one I could count on when I really needed someone I could trust. Thank you, Senator.”

With that he seemed to take in a breath as he composed his words, moving his hand to press a button on his desk that made a small holo of a planet appear hovering in the air for them to look at. Confederacy ships, also shown in the holo diagram, were also in evidence in orbit. At least five, but things could have changed since the data had been constructed.

“This is the planet of Tepasi. I am sure you have heard of it, also located here in the Core.”

Captain Typho even nodded that he had heard of the world when the Supreme Chancellor looked his way as well as Padmé’s.

“I am distressed to learn that it has suddenly come under Separatist occupation before they could amount much resistance. A good friend of mine, the Baroness Sanya Tagge has managed to sneak in a message pleading for our assistance recently. She has already pledged publicly her and her planet’s support for the Republic before they were attacked.”

Palpatine’s eyes reflected his deep and personal sorrow over the matter as he watched Padmé.

“Unfortunately, the Army of the Republic is too thinly stretched for us to even be able to send her reinforcements to come to her aid.”

“With all due respect, Supreme Chancellor,” Gregar cut in apologetically, “What then can we do?”



Palpatine just gave him a curt look. “I had a little plan in mind actually, but only if the Senator agrees. From what I understand, Baroness Tagge has always been a bit of a fan of yours,” he nodded back toward Amidala with a light smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as if remembering an old memory, “And I thought the best we could do for now is send some humanitarian aid, perhaps open some initial negotiations with the Separatists to allow it.”



“They would never allow us to fly in and do that.”

“No, you’re quite right,” Palpatine admitted but with a coy expression coming over his face, “But that’s not the only reason I’m sending you two. Captain, I expect you to protect Senator Amidala carefully because I need her to quietly make contact with the various disgruntled populace on Tepasi as well as with Tagge herself while you’re there negotiating aid.”

Palpatine watched Padmé, gauging her reaction again, as he allowed his words to trail off a bit. Hoping she picked up on the unsaid.



In other words, he wanted them to help secretly organize a revolt against the occupiers until the Republic Army could assist.

If Amidala had wanted a dangerous mission to ‘redeem’ herself in her own eyes. She just found one in her lap.

Tag: @Kurisan

 

Padmé
~Supreme Chancellor’s Office, Coruscant~



Padmé waited while the Chancellor introduced his topic. She took in an involuntary gasp when she saw the Confederate ships blockading the planet.

Tepasi. Yes, she did know it. It was her calling to know all these places.

Palpatine explained the invasion and Padmé shuddered, remembering how her own people had become temporarily enslaved by the droid armies of Nute Gunray. Now Baroness Tagge was suffering the same way.

Padmé had met Baroness Tagge at several functions – twice on Coruscant. She remembered the older woman as elegant, intelligent and tenacious. She liked to believe they had much in common.

The mission was to bring humanitarian aid, to negotiate her way past the blockade on that basis. That supposes the Confederates are still playing by the rules, she thought. And that is not true.

The objection was made, and Palpatine’s expression became coy.

Then he described the real mission. He did not state it so plainly, of course, such as he was the master politician, but Padmé understood. He wanted her to use the humanitarian aid as a cover, to contact and organise the resisting factions, and lead a revolt.

It was a daring gambit. So, now the Republic is not playing by the rules either.

She was perhaps being harsh. If the Baroness had just declared for the Republic, not many could judge that Padmé would be sowing sedition against the will of the population or its rightful government.

Nevertheless, if they caught her doing this, the Confederates could lawfully execute her as a spy. She took a moment to consider this. Palpatine surely knew the danger in which he was placing her.

She nodded acceptance anyway. This was exactly what she had just asked him to do, what she had silently pleaded for, in order to assuage her guilt. It would be cowardly to baulk now.

And she had experience of this. Her greatest achievement as Queen of Naboo had been to unite the hostile Gungans with her people and end their long antagonistic relations. She was, she realised, the perfect choice for this mission.

She glanced up to Gregar, expecting an objection. Her heart went out to him. Palpatine had challenged him with an impossible task. She knew his devotion to her safety was more than just professional. They had talked about it after what happened to Cordé. She had been gentle and respectful, but made clear that she could not return those feelings, and had offered him an honourable resignation.

He had steadfastly refused, vowing that he could and would do his duty. And she had believed him. Their friendship had grown stronger for this openness, but she feared he might actually be a burden to this particular mission. If Gregar had been present when she took off to Geonosis to help Obi-wan, he would surely have tried to stop her. She had no doubts about his bravery, but she worried if he had the nerve and skill to maintain the façade of negotiation, while she was sneaking away on her own mission.

On the other hand, his military wisdom would be useful, to evaluate the forces available on Tepasi and how best for them to achieve their freedom.

She would make the choice with him, later. For now, she decided to overrule his objection before he could make it.

“I accept, Chancellor,” she said quickly. “I will take my Nubian yacht. It is a civilian vessel, not a warship, but with enough space to bring a useful amount of bacta. I have a feeling they will let me land if only for the chance to capture and ransom me.”

She glanced up at Gregar. “We will discuss security arrangements on the way.”

@Darth_Elu

 

Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Captain Typho, & C-3PO IC:
~Supreme Chancellor’s Office, Coruscant~

“I accept, Chancellor.”

Captain Typho merely looked incredulous at his Senator, his mouth opening in protest, as if instinct. By this point, it practically was given Amidala’s antics and track record.

How had his Uncle kept up during the Invasion of Naboo when she was Queen?

“Senator!”

It stopped there as he just closed his mouth and looked away for a small moment, knowing it was already too late, but refocusing back on the conversation. It was time to simply prepare for the next adventure he now found themselves in!

“I will take my Nubian yacht. It is a civilian vessel, not a warship, but with enough space to bring a useful amount of bacta. I have a feeling they will let me land if only for the chance to capture and ransom me.”

Padmé looked up to her bodyguard then. “We will discuss security arrangements on the way.”

“We will,” he agreed, trying not to betray his frustration too much. Knowing these two though? It might as well have been like a Wookiee trying to sneak through a pottery shop.

The Supreme Chancellor seemed to ignore the little interaction, nodding toward the woman’s words.

“Excellent, that was my idea as well. Just incase you accepted, I had already had the supplies set up. There is a little bit of food also added to it. I wish we could do more, but for now, this is a start.”

He seemed to press a button on the desk and the holo of Tepasi faded away and was replaced with that of a rodian worker, who glanced up mildly surprised.

“Chancellor?” He said in his native tongue.

“You may proceed with the shipment, Nuuro. The kind Senator has agreed to take them.”

“I’ll get right on it,” the rodian replied before the brief call was ended.

Palpatine settled his gaze back on Padmé, turning serious for a moment longer. “Unfortunately, I’m afraid you are right about the intentions of the Separatists when they let you land. And they will let you land, I assure you. And will likely play along with the idea of negotiations at first.”

“What should we do about that then?” came Typho's response.

“Why, that’s what you are for, Captain,” a little wry smile from the Leader of the Republic, “And these security arrangements you will discuss amongst yourselves, I trust.”



With that he stood up in a clear dismissal, now that matters had been discussed and agreed upon. “I do wish you both well in this endeavor and please be as careful as you can.”

As farewells were finished and the two made their way out, Typho had to allow himself one last moment of displeasure.



“I am not exactly pleased with this new mission of ours,” he stated quietly as they exited the Supreme Chancellor’s Office and into his receptionist’s area.

Before they could get much further though, a certain golden form began moving away from the center disk and toward them in its iconic shuffling movement. The receptionist herself seemed relieved just by having the droid turn away from her.



“Oh! Oh, Senator Padmé and Captain Typho! I am glad to see your meeting has adjourned! I hope it went well?”

“Well enough,” muttered Gregar before silencing from the look he was likely to receive.

C-3PO looked between the two of them for a moment, adding in a little extra before his current master could reply.

“Also, we received a message from Representative Binks while you were in the meeting. It appears he wished to speak with you regarding something urgent.”

What could Jar Jar possibly have that was urgent this time?

Tag: Padmé @Kurisan

 

Padmé
~Supreme Chancellor’s Office, Coruscant~



Padmé winced as Gregar made his objection known, just too late. She had known it was coming. She would deal with it later, in private, as she indicated to him.

“We will,” he confirmed, his tone sour.

Palpatine seemed almost amused by all this. He certainly warmed to her idea of using the yacht.

The Chancellor said, “Excellent, that was my idea as well. Just in case you accepted, I had already had the supplies set up. There is a little bit of food also added to it. I wish we could do more, but for now, this is a start.”

Padmé was just a little disconcerted at how predictable she must have been to the senior politician. Sometimes, she felt like there was more going on behind those eyes… that he knew all her secrets…

Still, a combined food and bacta package would serve the purpose. It was just a token really, a screen for the true mission, but it had to be convincing. Palpatine ordered the arrangements with his Rodian man, then his expression became serious as he scrutinized Padmé.

“Unfortunately, I’m afraid you are right about the intentions of the Separatists when they let you land. And they will let you land, I assure you. And will likely play along with the idea of negotiations at first.”

Gregar made his concerns known about that, and again Palpatine challenged the security captain with dealing with it. Padmé frowned. Why was the chancellor goading Gregar like that? She decided a neutral declaration was needed to diffuse the tension.

“We are brave, Chancellor Palpatine, and we are glad to serve the Republic.”

Palpatine dismissed them then, and she rose to leave.

“I do wish you both well in this endeavour and please be as careful as you can,” said the chancellor.

Padmé curtsied in response and they made their farewells and left. In the corridor outside, she could sense Gregar swelling like a volcano about to blow.

Sure enough, he snapped, “I am not exactly pleased with this new mission of ours!”

Before she could give him a reply, C-3PO waddled towards them from the receptionist’s desk.

“Oh! Oh, Senator Padmé and Captain Typho! I am glad to see your meeting has adjourned! I hope it went well?”

“Well enough,” muttered Gregar. Padmé took a deep breath and prepared to make her representations to him, when C-3PO cut her off with another announcement.

The droid said, “Also, we received a message from Representative Binks while you were in the meeting. It appears he wished to speak with you regarding something urgent!”

Padmé sighed. There was always something else urgent to deal with. She could not let this go with Gregar, to simmer unresolved all the way to Tepasi, or it would endanger the mission. It would be better to leave him behind – but that would communicate mistrust in him, which was furthest from the truth. She was worried his complete dedication to his role as her guardian would interfere with her… creative diplomacy. She had to get him on side with this.

One thing at a time, she decided. Political triage. She turned to the golden droid.

“Threepio, please arrange a conference call with Representative Binks now.”

She turned to Captain Typho and gave him a meaningful look. I have heard your objection, and I will answer it, in time.


TAG: @Darth_Elu @galactic-vagabond422

 

Captain Typho, C-3PO, & Jar Jar Binks IC:
~Chancellor’s Suite, Coruscant~

Padmé’s request for Threepio to set up the conference call seemed to surprise him. But then, what with the golden droid’s personality, it certainly seemed that feat wasn’t exactly very hard to accomplish.

“Oh. Me? Why, yes, yes of course, Miss Padmé! One moment, please.”

From there the droid shuffled further away to do this, thereby giving them the chance to have a bit more privacy in the call instead of right in front of Palpatine’s receptionist. Captain Typho walked with the Senator after him, noticing her look and understanding it completely.

He still wasn’t the happiest of people at the moment, but he nodded that he understood all the same. The man would listen at the very least, he always did. As Padmé well knew, his objections always came with the best of intentions. Straight from the heart as it were. Perhaps a little too straight from the heart even. Though he never overstepped his bounds, which was a blessing.

The moment they had an alcove in the Chancellor’s building that they could communicate more securely, Threepio initiated the call.



“Hello? Yes, Jar Jar, it’s me. C-3PO! I am returning your mes—“

The droid seemed to straighten a bit, confused. “Oh.”

He tilted his head as he brought the comlink closer again. “Is everything quite alright over there? Are you there? Sometimes I can’t understand that gungan…”

Suddenly the comlink, an advanced variety that had the capability of holographic conference calls, seemed to switch on displaying the blue miniature image of Representative Jar Jar Binks. He seemed to be just standing up for some reason and brushing himself off, shaking his head as if he had been surprised.

Given the situation, he had likely fallen over somehow. Again.

“Oi! Oi! Mesa so clumsy sometimes…Oi! Threedio!”

“It’s Threepio!”

“That is wat I’s said. Threedio! Oh! Looky looky! The blue picture call working again!”

It was likely that he had probably turned it on purely by accident. Threepio sighed, shaking his head as he moved to hold the comlink in a better way so the image was displayed better for Padmé and Gregar.

“This is why I called the other way first. He’s lucky he managed to activate the conference function without breaking anything…” the droid paused as if remembering himself, “Oh! My apologies Miss Padmé! Here is Representative Binks for you.”

“Hello dere, Miss Padmé! I mean, uhhhh….Your Senatoryness. I jus want to see if you could come to your loverly office. I has someone I am eager to show you here, right now!”

If nothing else, the gungan’s enthusiasm still remained despite everything and it clearly showed. The Head of the Senator’s Security was unamused however, like most who spent too much time with the gungan.

“I’m afraid we’re currently in the middle of preparing for something important, Jar Jar. Can this friend of yours wait?”

“Oh no, no, no! It no wait! He is here now! And uhhh…”

There was that hesitation that showed he had probably bungled up another thing that he had been trying not to mention before. Sometimes Captain Typho privately wondered how Binks hadn’t managed to get himself killed or in serious trouble by now.

“…Well. It kinda embarrassing. I just need a teensy weensy favorah!”

Threepio shook his head again and Typho merely turned away and slid an annoyed hand over his face where Jar Jar couldn’t see.



In any event, if the Senator wanted to learn more about what he wanted, she’d have to get to her personal offices.

What did Binks do this time!?

Tag: Padmé @Kurisan

 

Padmé
~Supreme Chancellor’s Office, Coruscant~

Padmé sighed again. Threepio and Gregar were understandably annoyed by the Gungan's antics. But she had learned as a politician to accept different species. Sometimes what appeared as clumsy or gregarious to humans, was just normal to others. She certainly was a clumsy fool when swimming in the water, compared to a Gungan.

On this occasion, however, she had to admit the interruption was untimely and aggravating. And he had not even said what he wanted.

She was about to dismiss him when she paused. Why did he hesitate to say who was with him? Was it because Threepio and Gregar were also listening? He said he had someone he was eager to show her.

Padmé bit her lip. Her union with Anakin was a secret, she was sure of it. But Jar Jar had been a part of both their lives for so long - he had been there when they first met on Tatooine. And he was more perceptive than people gave him credit for. The antics were a perfect cover in that respect. Did he somehow know that she would not want Gregar and Threepio to overhear if Anakin had come to visit her?

Or maybe it was her desire getting the better of her imagination. She would have to look out for that: If she was constantly pining for him it may affect her focus on missions.

She could not risk missing the opportunity if it was him. She looked at Gregar. He had turned away in despair for a moment. Threepio was just shaking his head.

Padmé snatched the comlink from the droid. She said, "Excuse me a moment, Threepio."

She retreated a few steps then switched off the hologram feature of the comlink. She whispered, "Jar Jar, it's just me now. Who's there with you?"

She hoped she could find out now, before making the journey.

TAG: @Darth_Elu

 

Jar Jar Binks IC:
~Chancellor’s Suite, Coruscant~

C-3PO could only watch Padmé confused for a moment, but said nothing to impede her actions. To do so would be unthinkable in his position after all! He waited calmly where he stood while Captain Typho managed to glance over to see that his ward was now in possession of the comlink and switched to a more private mode.

His brow furrowed for a moment, wondering what that was about. While it certainly felt notable, he decided it was unlikely to be cause for any major concern and so decided to wait patiently, just like the droid.

Jar Jar on the other end of the call seemed to let out one of his exaggerated sighs of relief.

“Oi! For a minute dere, I thought yousa gone from da call, mesa no seeing you!” There was a pause as he listened to a voice just out of range of being detected for familiarity, “Oh! Right. Ummmm.”

There was another long pause as Binks seemed to debate whether he should say or not for some reason.

“Mesa wanted it to be a surprise! But uh…yousa real busy, sooo…” the Representative was certainly dragging it out though, that was for sure, “It be a friend of mine. Cousin actually! But mesa wanted you meetin’ him! He had a teensy request to ask yousa in person. That was the favor mesa was mentioning.”

She could hear the sudden uncertainty and doubt eating up Jar Jar crawling into his voice more and more as he spoke, likely unsure if he had overstepped his bounds in some way.

“If yousa don’t mind.”

Tag: Padmé @Kurisan

 

Padmé
~Supreme Chancellor’s Office, Coruscant~



Padmé bit her lip. Not Ani, then. The Gungan was being infuriatingly vague, but something did seem very important to him. She glanced at Gregar and Threepio. She knew they needed to prioritise the mission to Tepasi but... no good decisions were ever made in haste. Surely it could wait just a little longer?

She owed a debt of gratitude to the Gungans, and had vowed to respect them as full representatives of Naboo. This was one of those times she had to do her duty. However, she thought of a way to minimise the delay and perhaps reassure Gregar at the same time.

"Alright, I'm coming over now, Jar Jar. See you soon," Padmé said into the comlink.

She switched it off and faced the others. "Captain Typho, I need to attend to this matter. Please can you prepare the yacht? It is civilian, but as you know it is equipped with enhanced shields and blaster cannons. I would be grateful for your personal review of its capabilities and readiness. Also, if you could put together a small selection of... equipment and weapons that may be useful to me while on Tepasi, it would be most useful."

Then she turned to the golden droid. "Threepio, if you could accompany Captain Typho and ensure the yacht is ready for immediate take-off on my return? I would also like you to put together a datafile for our destination; geography, peoples, lifeforms, and so on. I will return soon. Thank you."

She turned before they could object. She would use one of the courtesy skycars and jet straight there. Maybe she could pick up some things while she was there, too.

As she hurried along, she wondered what Jar Jar could possibly really want...

TAG: @Darth_Elu

 

Captain Typho, C-3PO, & Jar Jar Binks IC:
~Chancellor’s Suite, Coruscant~

When Padmé finally returned to the others after finishing her call with Jar Jar, they watched her carefully. Most especially her bodyguard, Captain Gregar Typho.

It was all over her face, she was going to get rid of him again. Even if temporarily. He always knew when she was about to undertake something on her own. It was a certain look she got right before speaking up or abruptly acting. It annoyed him to no end.

He also loved her for it.

As she told him to prepare the yacht and a review of their readiness, in addition to a selection of weapons for potential use on Tepasi, he nearly scowled. Right now, he decided, it just annoyed him.

“I will, my lady. But you do know that—“

She had already turned and began speaking her instructions to Threepio, who nodded happily. He had no issues whatsoever with what was going on. She was merely being decisive and rather efficient with spreading out their duties for a coming trip after all. Sometimes he had no idea what got other humans so worked up. Despite his primary functions!

“Of course, Senator. I shall see to it immediately! Rest assured, I’ll have the information ready for you upon your return!”

It was at that point that Padmé turned and headed off to get a skycar and fly toward her Senatorial Office. Threepio merely turned to the man staring after her.

“Well, I am ready when you are, Captain! This will be so exciting, don’t you think?”

Typho just looked at the droid for the briefest of moments before turning away and sighing.

“Come on.”



******
~Senator Amidala's Office, Coruscant~

It didn’t take too long, all told, for her to reach her personal office here on Coruscant. It wasn’t located far from the Supreme Chancellor’s Suite due to her position’s need to deal with the highest ranking official in the Republic so often. About twenty minutes at the most.

As she easily breezed into her office, she was greeted by its usual appearance.



Sitting off to the side at one of the casual chairs, was Jar Jar Binks. The moment she entered, he set down a drink of his and got up excitedly, turning to face her.

“Senator Padmé! Senator Padmé! Here wesa are!”

The way he was practically dancing, you’d think they were in the middle of a crowded bazaar and trying to desperately to locate each other amongst the diverse throng of peddlers and potential customers. Yet there they were, not but twenty feet from each other initially, with no one in between.

As he turned, he also knocked over the glass he was drinking from without even realizing it, but before it could completely topple over and make a mess, a different gungan hand shot out to catch it.

It belonged to the individual that had been sitting right next to Jar Jar, off to the Representative’s right. A cousin if Binks was to be believed earlier. After righting the glass, he stood up respectfully and faced the Senator as well. The moment her eyes fell on him, he would bow low to show his sincerity. From these simple movements it was clear. He was nothing like the gungan she was more used to.

Jar Jar finally moved toward her meanwhile and shook her hand, enthusiastically as always.

“I so glad you could make it! Dis means much to me!”

“A pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Senator Amidala. I have heard much about yousa,” spoke up the other causing Jar Jar to look at him as if he had momentarily forgotten.

“Oi! Right, right! Let me introduce you! Senator Padmé, dis is my cousin! Fann-Fann Naldiem! Fann-Fann, dis is da Senator!”



The gungan bowed once more, with a small smile though with a quick side glance to Jar Jar. “Just Fann, please. It is an honor.”

Tag: Padmé @Kurisan

 

Padmé
~Naboo Senatorial Office, Coruscant~

Padmé smiled at Jar Jar's noisy and clumsy greeting. She knew it annoyed others, but she found his enthusiasm and genuine affection endearing. There was precious little of that in the life of a senator, constantly playing word games with politicians who only pretended to be her friends.

Then she noticed the other individual - another Gungan, but nothing like Jar Jar. He had rescued that falling glass with impressive reflexes.

Jar Jar introduced him, and he in turn greeted her with serious decorum. Fann, he called himself. The voice was gruff, almost like a growl compared to Jar Jar's squeaks. The voice reminded her of the loyal kiba guard dogs of Naboo.

While he was an interesting individual, to meet him alone seemed a poor reason to call her away from her duties. She thought of angry Gregar, even now muttering and cursing her name in her absence.

She curtsied to show the proper respect to a co-habitant of her homeworld, then said, "I am pleased to meet you, Fann. I understand there is something urgent you wanted to ask me?"

TAG: @Darth_Elu

 

Jar Jar Binks & Fann Naldiem IC:
~Senator Amidala’s Office, Coruscant~

Fann smiled and nodded as the Senator curtsied respectfully in return to his own bow. Despite her lofty position and past heroics, she was humble and courteous. He decided he liked her after all.

“Yes, actually. Mesa unfortunately in a bit of a bind at the moment.”

Jar Jar nodded emphatically from where he stood next to his cousin and cut in her, trying to be helpful as usual.

“Yes! You see, Fann-Fann came all dis way to visit mesa, but now it’s time for him to go back! But uhh…well…”

Fann sighed and put a hand on Jar Jar’s shoulder to halt him from explaining further, so he could take over instead.

“Unfortunately, mesa no good at handling moola or directions. I have no way to return home without help.”

“Mesa thought yousa could help him!”

Fann smiled again and nodded in agreement before letting his expression turn more somber. “That is right, however, I hear you are in the middle of something important and I do not wish to trouble.”

Jar Jar looked at his cousin then back at Padmé realizing that there was a chance his friend might not be able to help due to her duties. “What are yousa be doing, Padmé?”

Tag: Padmé @Kurisan

 

Padmé
~Naboo Senatorial Office, Coruscant~

Padmé frowned. This was not good timing for such a problem. For an instant she wondered if she should take him with her, but Tepasi was in the Core. Naboo was Mid Rim and virtually on the border with Outer. There was no way it would help him, and she could not possibly risk taking him into a warzone! No, stupid. She told herself. She thought about it some more.

She said, "Jar Jar, you can use the Sundries petty cash account. Can you buy a steerage ticket of passage for Fann?"

It was not good for her to lavish executive travel arrangements using the senatorial purse, particularly on cousins of representatives, but a cheap spot in steerage would require no name to be entered and would go completely unnoticed. She had used it once herself. That had been quite a refreshing experience, almost liberating after spending so long traveling with a dozen handmaidens and stifling security. But then again, the company on the way was someone special. She stopped herself before she started wandering down that little memory lane again.

She knew the Gungans were not good with money, but she hoped this task was not beyond Jar Jar, and Fann seemed a practical individual who would enjoy steerage.

"Or," she continued, "Fann, if you do not mind staying in the capital a bit longer, you can travel on the next attaché flight to Naboo - they go regularly with important documents that need to be couriered."

Remembering this, Padmé made a mental note to record a secret message for Queen Jamillia to go on that next flight, to let her know what she was doing, in case anything happened to her...

Should I send one to Ani, too? No, he always seems to know where I am and how I am feeling.

She smiled at Fann and Jar Jar. An idea had come to her. "The Mon Calamari aqua-ballet season has begun again. This office has received two complimentary tickets. I am told it is quite the unique experience. I am sure you would appreciate the underwater artistry? Why don't you go while you are waiting?"

She turned to leave for her personal quarters; she needed to change and pack quickly. Every moment wasted here was more time for the Confederates to do damage to Tepasi.

She paused. Jar Jar had asked a question. As Representative in her absence, he would need to know some details anyway. But not all of them.

"Forgive me Jar Jar, I have an urgent errand to run on behalf of the Chancellor. It is sensitive and I will be incommunicado. I may be away for some time, so you will need to attend the Senate meetings for now. Please report back to Queen Jamillia and do not vote or propose motions without first checking her position."

She curtsied again to Fann. "It was nice meeting you, Fann. I trust you will enjoy your stay here, however long it may be, and I hope you have a safe passage back to Naboo."

TAG @Darth_Elu

 

Jar Jar Binks & Fann Naldiem IC:
~Senator Amidala’s Office, Coruscant~

The Senator’s reaction was not an unexpected one, even if the Representative had been hoping otherwise. As she frowned at first, Jar Jar gave a little gulp.

“Jar Jar, you can use the Sundries petty cash account. Can you buy a steerage ticket of passage for Fann?”

“Mesa could be doin’ that…” Jar Jar allowed hesitatingly, his deflated hopes rather visible. Fann himself seem unperturbed, as if accepting something he had fully anticipated.

“Or, Fann, if you do not mind staying in the capital a bit longer, you can travel on the next attaché flight to Naboo - they go regularly with important documents that need to be couriered.”

Fann seemed to nod at this, considering it carefully while Jar Jar seemed to still sulk quietly. Though he would not disobey Padmé’s wishes.

“The Mon Calamari aqua-ballet season has begun again. This office has received two complimentary tickets. I am told it is quite the unique experience. I am sure you would appreciate the underwater artistry? Why don’t you go while you are waiting?”

“That sounds lovely, thank you, Senator,” Fann replied, “I think mesa will wait a bit longer than and take the attaché flight. Mesa could use my skills to guard over the documents and make sure nothing is amiss during their transport.”

The gungan seemed to nod satisfactorily at this, glad to be of some sort of use while settling his personal problem. A little longer stay was not an issue, plus his cousin could probably use the help anyway…Always clumsy, that one.

“Forgive me Jar Jar, I have an urgent errand to run on behalf of the Chancellor. It is sensitive and I will be incommunicado. I may be away for some time, so you will need to attend the Senate meetings for now. Please report back to Queen Jamillia and do not vote or propose motions without first checking her position.”

Jar Jar bowed low to Padmé as usual. “Of course, Padmé. Mesa will make sure everything is okey-day!”

“It was nice meeting you, Fann. I trust you will enjoy your stay here, however long it may be, and I hope you have a safe passage back to Naboo.”

“Same to you, Senator. Mesa sorry to trouble yousa—“

And that was about as far as the three of them got. Any further action or conversation was cut abruptly short as the shot struck the glass looking out to the busy sky-lanes and partially shattered off to the left hand side.

Jar Jar instinctively dropped to the ground. “Oh no!”

A second blaster bolt, its glaring red beam of death, came in only a second after from the outside somewhere. But it was just long enough for Fann to jump into action. Old instincts kicked in and he had also immediately moved; carefully tackling Senator Amidala to the ground and rolling to position them behind a side table that held some pottery and potted plants she liked to keep on occasion.

Fann quickly yelled out to his cousin, “Move! Get to cover, Jar Jar!”

He turned his attention back to the human woman he had just saved, concern etched all over his gungan features. “Are you alright, Senator?”

They were pinned down due to their current position in relation to wherever the mysterious assailant was striking from, but safe.

For now.

Tag: Padmé @Kurisan

 

Padmé
~Naboo Senatorial Office, Coruscant~

Padmé needed a moment to register what was happening. The glass had shattered. Something had struck it? What could that be? Jar Jar had dived down with an exclamation of fear. By the time she had processed these thoughts, the second crimson arrow was burning into the room through the broken window. Attack! We are under attack!

Padmé would have dropped to the floor, but was surprised to find herself bundled down by Fann. The Gungan had moved quickly and effectively, tackling her without causing injury.

"Are you alright, Senator?" he said.

She nodded, recovering, and took a moment to note his reflexes and honour - he had instantly thought of her safety before his own.

Then her mind began working. This was not the first time her private quarters had been attacked. In fact, it was becoming chillingly usual. This time she had two Gungans instead of two Jedi. But she did not dismiss their worth. Fann had demonstrated his. And when attacked, Padmé was known as one to fight back...



"Jar Jar?" she called. "Are you alright? Can you get to the alert switch? Keep below the window line!"

Gregar had a squad of his best men downstairs, who would scramble on scene in moments upon the alarm being sounded. She wondered if they had already noticed something was wrong. She silently cringed at the rebuke from Gregar for her continued refusal to have them all over her quarters. She mentally retorted to the image of his scowling face; I need my privacy!

Then she looked at Fann. "My pistol is in my bedroom. Stay here, stay low."

She kept her ELG-3A in a locked compartment beside her pillow - a precaution after one nasty awakening. It would instantly spring open at a touch from her finger on its DNA scanner. She began to crawl on her elbows and knees, commando style, to keep as flat to the lush carpet as possible.

She hoped she could get there in time, before whoever was out there, tried to get in.

TAG: @Darth_Elu

 

Jar Jar Binks & Fann Naldiem IC:
~Senator Amidala’s Office, Coruscant~

With the destruction of the window, many alerts had already been tripped throughout the building. It was only a matter of time before reinforcements arrived, but one could never be too sure. And they had to survive long enough for them to get there.

“Jar Jar? Are you alright? Can you get to the alert switch? Keep below the window line!”

Jar Jar Binks, who had crawled over to behind one of the many seats in the room, gave a frightened thumbs up before ducking under some more blaster fire.

“Mesa okey-day, Padmé! I get the switch now!”

The gungan began to very cautiously move about, seemingly in roundabout fashion, to where the switch was located. Blaster fire being poured into the room for wherever the enemy’s location was, at rapid pace. They knew they didn’t have much time left to finish their deed.


My pistol is in my bedroom. Stay here, stay low.”

Fann nodded. “Mesa a warrior, I understand. If yousa have another blaster, wesa can mount a counter attack!”

But for the time being, he stayed low and exactly where he was, just as she insisted. His eyes clearly showed his concern, but the gungan understood well that she knew the room better than he and would have a good idea of what to do. Plus everyone knew how she had been part of both the Battle of Naboo and the Battle of Geonosis by now. For a politician, she was battle hardened.

As the blaster fire scorched the carpet around her, so long as she went nice and slow, she would get to her concealed weapon without issue. From there, well, who knew what would happen.

So far the assailant hadn’t attempted to press into the office. A sniper then?

Jar Jar meanwhile was just about to reach the switch, but there was a good possibility he would need some cover to actually be able to press it.

Tag: Padmé @Kurisan

 

Padmé
~Naboo Senatorial Office, Coruscant~



Padmé made her way to the doorway of her bedroom and looked back. Fann was sensibly keeping low and in cover, just as she had asked. He had said he was a warrior, and he acted like it. She wondered if he had been at the Battle of Naboo, and was ashamed to know that she did not recognise him if so.

Jar Jar was at the switch, but it was the moment of truth. If he went for it now, the trajectory of the blasts peppering the room told her he might be hit. Jar Jar was loyal and brave, and he was preparing to try anyway. Padmé bit her lip.

Then she paused and considered the trajectory of bolts coming in through the window again. The last time she had been assaulted here, a droid had been hovering right at the window. For some reason, she had flashed back on this experience and assumed someone, or something, was going to break in that way. But now the thought occurred; a sniper?

The smashing of the window would automatically alert her security downstairs anyway. Where would the sniper be? There were several tall buildings - and many potential windows - facing her suite, if one considered range to not be a factor. That is not even considering a mobile gun-platform such as a hover car in stationary mode. The accuracy of the enemy fire made her believe they were close enough to see into the room.

It was too risky for the Gungan Representative.

"Jar Jar!" she called across the room. "Stay down until I give you covering fire!"

She continued her crawl into the bedroom and located the lockbox, pressing her thumb against the sensor-jewel. It scanned her DNA and the drawer popped open. She grabbed the ELG...

[Padmé's intention was to return, then use the outer wall as cover for her head and body and keep her head below the window line. She would spray several shots in the direction of the enemy fire through the gaping wound of the window. She would fire blind, the intention to just surprise and suppress her unknown enemy long enough for the Gungan to open a com-line to her security so she could talk to them.]

TAG: @Darth_Elu

 

Jar Jar Binks & Fann Naldiem IC:
~Senator Amidala’s Office, Coruscant~

“Jar Jar! Stay down until I give you covering fire!”

Jar Jar immediately dropped and gave Padmé a thumbs up as she made her way into the bedroom successfully and retrieved her weapon. Fann remained where he was, though he was itching to find a way to get into the fight.

When the Senator appeared at the outer wall and then began firing blindly, Jar Jar gulped again and then continued on his way over the final stretch to the emergency switch. Whereas Fann’s eyes widened and he allowed himself to poke his head out a little bit more from his corner of the room.

Padmé would find she was getting the bulk of the shots unsurprisingly guaranteeing she was indeed the main target. How typical these days. The gungan warrior’s voice would yell out to break her out of her thoughts.

“More to the left, Senator Amidala!”

Fann could not actively fight in his position and without a weapon, but he could peek out and gauge the enemy’s location judging from their line of fire and relay that to one on their side with a blaster.

“Up just a bit more! That’s it! Now hurry up Jar Jar!”

“Okey, almost dere, Fann-Fann!”

Fann would continue to help aim Padmé’s shot from his vantage point while Jar Jar, after a few agonizing moments, finally managed to hit the switch.

"Mesa got it!"

“Senator Amidala!” rushed out a man’s voice immediately from her security team over the com channel and into the room. “Your guards should be there any second now as we have been alerted to the situation! Hang in there!!!”

Right after that, Fann would direct another shot of hers which seemed to bring about a sudden pause in the firing. The gungan’s eyes widened on their stalks.

“Attacker is makin’ their escape! I cannot see them well, but they are dropping into a ship across the way! I think yousa managed to hit them!”

And that was when the six guards rushed into the room, weapons drawn and ready for a shoot-out defense of their beloved Senator and Former Queen. Fashionably late as always however.

“Senator! We’re here!”

Tag: Padmé @Kurisan

 

Padmé
~Naboo Senatorial Office, Coruscant~

Padmé fired blind as Jar Jar headed for the alarm. She was impressed when Fann started giving adjustments, and followed his prompts carefully.

When the unknown assailant’s shooting stopped and Fann reported a hit, she was amazed. That was quick thinking and effective action from the Gungan. I wonder... she thought.

She had been discussing a potential new official role for a Gungan with Queen Jamillia, something to further ensure representation for the people with whom they share their planet.

Knowing their reluctance towards diplomacy, the role was to be an official Guard - along the lines of Gregar’s current role, but reserved for a Gungan Brave. A personal bodyguard and scout for the senator.

The Queen had reported that Boss Nass was pleased with the idea - and it commemorated his people’s role in the battle to free the planet from Trade Federation enslavement.

She shook her head. Now was not the moment. The Naboo security men burst into the quarters. She did not blame them for the delay; it was her own decision to keep them at a distance.

With the enemy shooting halted and Fann’s report on the escaping ship, Padmé looked out of the shattered window.

There was no Jedi here this time to leap out and grab their enemy. She needed to assess the possibility of pursuit - perhaps get an identity number for the transport mentioned by Fann - so that she could issue immediate orders to her security.

Maybe their only option was to try and blast the ship before it zoomed away...

TAG: @Darth_Elu

 

Fann Naldiem & Jar Jar Binks IC:
~Senator Amidala’s Office, Coruscant~

In the end, it didn’t matter as to the Senator’s quickly formulating plans. Not this time. The ship the assailant had jumped into blasted away, obscured by buildings and other ships going to and fro across the Coruscanti skyline, it made a clean get away.

Mere seconds after it left, law enforcement vehicles flooded the area outside and re-directed traffic so they could try to contain and capture the criminal.

Just slightly too late.

Meanwhile, Padme’s personal security detail took careful stock of her office and made sure there were no further threats, which they managed to confirm were nonexistent by this point. They then proceeded to make sure she was indeed alright.

Jar Jar heaved a great sigh nearby. “Mesa never gettin’ used to dis, Padmé!”

It was likely that Captain Typho and possibly some of her handmaidens, secretly trained as they were for protection as well, would not be very happy upon learning of her recent danger, but that would come in short order.

For now, she instead only really had Fann to deal with. The self-claimed gungan warrior walking over to her calmly, now that things had calmed down again.

“Yousa did well,” he commented, “The stories of yousa bravery did not lie. Mesa only wish I could have been able to fight back.”

Not long after their little exchange, one of the guards would flag Padmé over, stating grimly.

“We’ve relayed a report to the Captain, milady. He’s…uh…asking for you.”

Tag: Padmé @Kurisan

 

Padmé
~Naboo Senatorial Office, Coruscant~

Padmé sighed, watching her mysterious assailant disappear into the Coruscant megalopolis. She breathed in and out, the adrenalin rush of the combat starting to subside.

Jar Jar was moaning again. That was a good sign he was alright and unhurt.

Fann came to her side and said, “Yousa did well. The stories of yousa bravery did not lie. Mesa only wish I could have been able to fight back.”

Padmé bowed her head in response. "Your calm head and quick thinking surely helped us fight them off, Fann. I never would have hit anything without your directions."

She hesitated a few moments, biting her lip. "Are you in a great hurry to return to Naboo, Fann? Would you be interested in an official appointment, working for me? I am afraid it may involve some danger."

Her security squad ensured the room was secure, while the patrol vehicles arrived outside to pursue. They were all too late, she knew instinctively. Whomever had attacked her would be long gone now. Only a Jedi could have tracked them.

Padmé tried not to guess who it could have been. Her list of enemies was extensive, and lengthening. To start imagining all the people that would like to harm her would send her into a crisis of paranoia.

Before Fann could answer, one of her guards interrupted, advising Gregar wanted to speak. She sighed again.

"I'll take it in my room," she said.

Padmé went into her private room and sealed the door. She looked down at her senatorial robe, ripped and ruffled from her combat and crawl across the floor. She needed to change into something more practical, immediately. She flung open her wardrobe and saw mostly long gowns. A drawer held her neutral whites from Geonosis. Perfect.

She clicked a comlink and put on speaker while she changed. "I'm okay, Gregar, believe me. It was a speculative long shot, security was up here instantly, they never stood a chance..."

She realised that while her white outfit was laundered, the rips from the Geonosis arena had not been repaired. Ugh, did I not make that clear to Threepio? she scowled. Nevermind, it was the best she had right now, it would have to do.

Actually, it sort of felt like a trophy of battle. She remembered the confrontation with the Nexu and shivered, just allowing herself a little bit of pride at the memory of defeating that beast.

As she listened to Gregar's response, she felt better already, like she was suited up and ready for a fight at last...


TAG: @Darth_Elu