posted 11-07-1999 10:56 AM            

Panaka finally decided to come in and talk to me. He sent the other two handmaidens out, so we could speak freely. He paced back and forth. I realized that I was the only one he felt he could talk to on the ship. We not only had a long standing relationship, but he could not unload on any of the men under his command present. If he did, he would risk appearing uncertain and weak.

"Sabé, the Jedi keeps coming up with crazy plans and putting us all in a situation that goes from bad to worse," he fumed. "Now he's bet the Queen's ship on the entry fee to enter some kid in a pod race! That apprentice didn't even tell me, I overheard it as they spoke on the comlink. It's an awful long shot that a human can pod race at all, much less win."

I let him go on, while I nodded sympathetically. All he really needed was to blow off steam. He hated having no control over the mess we were in. I knew Amidala was none too pleased either, but what else was to be done? If it all did work out, I wanted to meet this boy. If a droid could be rewarded for what it was programmed to do, how much more did a child who was not even of the Naboo deserve our gratitude?

When the Captain had finished and left me, I pulled some files from the small library on board. Rabé and Eirtaé came back in the small room. Rabé joined me by the console, Eiraté kept her distance, but looked on.

"Found anything useful?" Rabé asked.

"Checking out our protectors," I said, pointing at the screen. "I've located what little there is on the Jedi. I've finally found a reference for Qui-Gon Jinn."

As we skimmed over the information, Eiraté got a little closer. She was curious, but didn't want to admit it.

Rabé shook her head while she read Qui-Gon's information. "He's got a record of being a risk-taker."

"True," I agreed. " But I have to note, he's successful more often than not. I hope his trend works in our favor."

As the day wore on, I passed the time by doing some simple exercises and reading more from the library. Rabé was absent again for awhile. I was starting to wonder about that. I didn't want to be suspicious, but habitual disappearances would not look good right now.

Later, the Queen arrived, with the good news. The boy had won the race! We would soon be operational again. The Padawan was hard at work on our repairs, and we were waiting for the Jedi Master to finish some last errands.

Amidala was in and out of the chambers, and indicated she thought I should make an appearance soon, so I started to get the gown on before I called Rabé and Eirtaé to help. While doing this, I began trying to decide what to tell the Queen about my conversation with the young Jedi. Seeing her here made me realize how what had happened could be awkward for her. After all, what if Obi-Wan mentioned the meeting or tried to follow up on it, assuming this was the same person he had spoken to in such a familiar way?

I was almost ready, and I was waiting for the right moment to tell Amidala of last night's incident, when suddenly chaos broke out. I heard a scuffle, voices, someone shouted that we must take off. The ship rose and moved about, I almost lost my balance and fell down. I was about to go and see what the problem was, when Rabé and Eirtaé rushed in.

"There's a fight, we're trying to pick up the Master and get out of here," Rabé shouted to me. "Just find a seat and wait." I nodded to indicate that I understood.

The altercation passed quickly. Qui-Gon made it safely onboard. It was time for us to have another meeting and get our bearings.

When Amidala was ready to continue as Padmé in her flame gown, we went to the throne room to get a report. Panaka and the Jedi were waiting, along with a boy, the one who helped us. The Master gave me a brief summary of the events on the planet and then brought the boy forward to take his share of the credit.

Anakin was extremely charming and respectful. When I heard he was a slave, my heart went out to the child. It seemed only right that we were taking him to a life that had to be better than what he was leaving. He was still wearing his simple slave clothing, and since he had just traveled through some rough ground, he had the dirt of the road on him. I stifled an urge to humorously order Padmé to clean this boy up now. Even on a good day, I could only go so far. I thanked him on behalf of Naboo, and promised that when our crisis was past, I would find a way to reward him. Amidala was in a far corner, and I could see that she approved of the idea.

The general meeting over, I announced that I was ready to take Padmé's report, and everyone else could be dismissed. Panaka, Anakin and the Jedi bowed and left. I was relieved that Obi-Wan had done nothing to even hint at our aquaintance as yet. I felt I better cover myself as soon as possible anyway.

Rabé and Eirtaé didn't move. I cleared my throat. "Um, you both may go," I said. Reluctantly they left, their eyes telling me that they expected to hear all about the meeting with Obi-Wan sometime soon.

Amidala noticed the looks they gave me. She stood there, confused. I stepped down off the throne, and in the heavy black gown, bended on one knee to her. "Your Highness, there's something I must tell you. While in your identity, a certain incident took place. I apologize for any problems this may cause."

Her expression changed instantly. She did not need the white face now, there was no doubt as to who was the Queen. She stepped up and sat on the throne. In her court voice, she said," Handmaiden, explain the nature of this incident."

I looked her straight in the eye. "Your Highness, last night in this throne room, the young Jedi Padawan and I were together. We talked, we worked out, and then there was a strong attraction between us. He did excuse himself before anything more happened. He thought I was you, and I did not correct him."

The Queen was silent, deep in thought for what seemed like a long time. At last, she spoke, "We believe that there will be no serious consequences from your actions. This seems to be the nature of the Jedi. Last night, the Master engaged in similar behavior with the boy's mother." Almost breaking character, she speculated, "We wonder if they use the Force in these matters."

"Most certainly, Your Highness," I affirmed. We both nearly laughed at that. I could tell that I was close to being off the hook.

Amidala straightened back up and finished her hearing. "Handmaiden, we do expect you to behave in a responsible manner while on duty. You will take care with your passions and avoid compromising activities while acting on my behalf or in my identity. In your own identity and off duty, your business is your own. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Your Highness. Thank you for your leniency." I bowed low, knowing that I caught a break with having a young Queen to work for.

She stepped off the throne, and then my friend was back at my side, with wide curious eyes and an impish grin. "So, Sabé-you're going to tell me about it, of course."

After I related what I could explain in words to Amidala, we walked back to join the other handmaidens in the bedchamber. We were very silent, and could hear a portion of the Jedi's conversation.

The deeper voice of the Master was colored with a tone I could almost call amused. "She's fourteen, you know."

There was a sound like an expelling of a mouthful of liquid, followed by the choking voice of the padawan. "Master?"

We covered our mouths to quiet our laughter, and moved on.

TBC

[This message has been edited by CrescentJedi (edited 01-18-2000).]

posted 11-08-1999 08:31 PM            

"Eirtaé, grip the pistol and aim it firmly. Stop wincing and shrinking back," I ordered.

She looked exasperated. "I'm trying," she wailed.

Rabé looked on, studying the tension between us. She served as hairdresser to the Queen, but she was also a master at psychology. Good thing she was, too. If she couldn't explain Eirtaé's behavior to me later, I was going to have to throttle the rich kid.

Eirtaé's frustration was getting the better of her. "I shouldn't have to do this! I could have volunteered for the army if I wanted to do this! I'm just supposed to have a nice job worthy of my station."

I stopped trying to teach, and took deep breaths. "Eirtaé, you signed the same contract as the rest of us. This is something we all have to do."

"Sabé, I read the contract, but Naboo had been at been at peace forever before this. I had no idea I'd actually have to operate one of these things." She thrust the pistol toward me like it was something vile.

I took it from her. "Perhaps when we get to a proper firing range, you'll find it easier to practice. For now, if anything happens, stay behind me and Rabé."

She scowled at me. "I'll get the hang of it. Just let me have a break, alright?" I nodded.

Eirtaé stalked off darkly, while Rabé remained, still sitting on a side area of the throne room.

"What's wrong here, Rabé? I've been able to teach almost anybody, even Yané, who's had almost no confidence. But she just won't learn, she fights me every step of the way," said, sitting next to my cohort.

"She really is uncomfortable with the idea, but there's something else, Sabé. No one has mentioned it to you yet, but she almost didn't get this job. She somehow believes that you had something to do with that. Remember how there were two votes against you in the hearing?" I nodded. "One of those votes came from a representative of her region. They feared that voting you in would reduce her chances of success. That's only one of the reasons that she's quite jealous of you."

"Jealous? Of me?" I have to admit, this came as a surprise.

"Yes, that you can do some things better than she can is taking her some getting used to. She'll realize that her talents are different than yours and just as valuable. For all her talk of her position, she's insecure. Just keep teaching her, she'll find her role." Rabé continued, "And there's the matter of your encounter with the Jedi." At this , she grinned. "Trust me, she's very jealous of that. At the moment she's the only one of us without at least a minor relationship."

I laughed. "Minor isn't the word for mine, try non-existant. All we did was chat and experience a strong attraction. I wouldn't call that a relationship. Very nice, but there's nothing there that will last. Not that I wouldn't wish otherwise, but the reality is, I probably won't ever see him again after we land on Coruscant. I can't get attached." Rabé just smiled, like she had some delicious secret.

"So you say, Sabé. But Eirtaé doesn't know that. And she wouldn't mind even a 'meaningless' encounter right now," Rabé replied.

For some reason, this line of conversation made me squirm. I changed the subject. "But there's obviously a lot you know that I don't. Like your own relationship- I've been wondering where you were sneaking off to. One of the guards that escaped with us?"

She nodded, "I had my eye on him before we left Naboo, I just hadn't figured out how to break the ice. Being thrown together on the ship made things much easier. Wish me luck, my friend."

Besides my relief that the disappearences turned out to be harmless, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased for Rabé. "You've got it. So it seems that you are the only one really doing well, but she doesn't pick on you. Why antagonize me?"

"Precisely because I am doing well. I have a better chance at a stable future with a Naboo guard than you do with a wandering Jedi. She can use that to her advantage. Don't let her play you, Sabé. Just remember, it's a phase she's going through."

I sighed. "Alright, but that doesn't make it less difficult sometimes. Thanks, as always, for your gracious advice. I can see why the Queen needs you around to stay sane."

The Queen entered, with Eirtaé in tow. "I think this handmaiden is ready to continue her lesson. Shall we work together now, Eirtaé?"

She must have had some words with Amidala. She respectfully answered, "Yes, Your Highness," and went to pick up the blaster.

After a much more successful session, I called it off for the day. We packed the blasters in the case and started conversing.

"Your Highness, how is young Anakin doing? I hope the boy is settling in well after leaving Tatooine. About his reward- what about setting him up a home on Naboo? It seems to me that's what he needs more than anything, and it would be very easy to arrange, what do you think?" I asked.

Amidala looked distant. She was growing cooler the closer we got to Coruscant. I sensed that this was the way she felt she needed to prepare in order to present our case to the Senate. I didn't agree, but I was not going to be able to influence her about that.

"There is one need greater than a home for him. That's his mother. I'm not sure what we're going to do about that. I'll have to speak to my advisors when our trouble is past. Getting involved in a slavery issue could be touchy for us," the Queen said.

I was disgusted by the politics of it all. I didn't blame Amidala, all this was set up long before she came into power. That didn't mean I had to like it.

Then something seemed to bring her back out of her distant mood. "Oh, but you asked how he is settling in. He's been cold since he left the planet," the Queen told us. "I hope that he's not ill. I'll go check on him again soon."

A chime let us know that someone was requesting entrance to the room. I sat back on the throne in my disguise and let Rabé see who it was.

Panaka entered. He was here to tell us we were almost to Coruscant.

TBC

[This message has been edited by CrescentJedi (edited 01-18-2000).]

posted 11-08-1999 10:24 PM            

I wandered over to the window and studied the view of Coruscant. Some considered it a lovely place, full of interesting buildings, streets, levels and lights. It made me cringe. I longed for the green of the meadows, forests and swamps of Naboo. I was so glad that we had kept most of the land as it was, even if it meant that we had to depend on other worlds for some of our necessities.

While considering this, the comlink I was wearing chimed. One of our guards announced, "Handmaiden, a meal has arrived for you."

I sighed. It had to be Rabé was playing mother hen again. My appetite was lighter than it had been at home, true, but I did not need her to be so overprotective. "Alright send it in," I responded. I was still only going to pick at it.

I heard the door slide open. Still looking out the window, I directed, "Just put it anywhere." Then I turned around to deal with it. My heart lept with joy.

Instead of the delivery droid I was expecting, Obi-Wan was holding a tray containing one of the most elaborate dishes I have seen in a long time. He had a slightly puzzled look on his face, as if he really didn't know quite why he was here.

I swallowed hard, and steadied myself. I pushed the hood back to reveal my face and greet my unexpected guest. He looked me in the eyes and suddenly the expression changed to one of relief and delight. I liked that.

"I didn't know that Jedi's duties included providing nutrition to handmaidens," I smiled.

"For today, this Jedi's duties do," he quipped back, not missing a beat. He sat the tray down on the table in the outer room, setting up the utensils and beverages. "And really, I'm due a cushy assignment for a change. Sharing a gourmet meal with a beautiful woman should be on the roster more often." I was very pleased with the compliment, but tried not to blush about him again.

"You mean that you and Master Qui-Gon don't do that every week? I'm surprised, it's certainly not due to lack of interest," I stated, with a sly grin. "The two of you make quite a handsome pair. You must have many candidates for such an honor."

He put his hand on his chin and looked up in mock seriousness. "Ah yes, well, let's see...Master and I had a most interesting dinner a few weeks back with synthorations and a swarm of stinging Corellian mosquitos. On Kubindi, we scavenged for moss and leaves while evading some vicious little razorback creatures. And how could I forget that wonderful breakfast of purple flavorless goo that the Eurturpeans offered as their finest delicacy?"

I giggled warmly, and he faced me, hands in the air, pretending to concede my point. "You're right, Lady. We float along from one feast to another, such is a Jedi's lot." His smile let me know that he felt comfortable with me.

"Please, call me Sabé. And I always suspected as much. Now let's partake of your latest repast. I hope this will be a more pleasant experience for you than the ones you just spoke of," I said, seating myself at the table as he did.

His eyes met mine. Softly this time, he replied, "It already is, but not because of the food." A thrill ran through me.

Regaining my composure, I began eating, as did he. The dish was truly delectable, a Calamarian fish with a spicy sweet sauce. Fresh vegetables on the side cut into sticks and a bread of exotic brown color accented the meal. There was a Naboo wine, one of our rare crops and this was an especially good vintage. But seeing the bottle reminded me of home, and a wave of sadness washed over me.

Obi-Wan looked concerned. He reached out and touched my hand. "Don't let it sadden you. It's meant to remind you of the good things about your home and give you courage." He offered one of the extra napkins to me, so I could dab at the tears threatening to flow.

I sniffed, dabbed and nodded. Taking the glass into hand, I raised it to him. "Thank you, Jedi," I said as I raised the glass to my lips and sipped. I let my eyes meet his again.

His hand that had touched mine now clasped it. "Obi-Wan," he said.

"Yes," I smiled. "Thank you, Obi-Wan." At that moment somehow I knew that he realized I was the one who had impersonated the Queen with him. I couldn't yet say so, but I was glad he knew. It made me feel more free.

"There, do you feel better now?" he asked.

"Mostly. I'm going to worry until this is all over," I replied.

"I'll just have to give you something else to think about," he said. And with that, he kissed me.
It was a soft, comforting kiss, my first. The warmth it generated made me want more. I returned it, matching and then exceeding the desire he opened with.

That's when something unexpected happened. I felt a brush of another mind opening to me- his mind. I broke contact and gasped. "What was that?" I asked.

He pulled away for a moment and gave me a look of surprise. " A link!" Then, in a flash, he pulled me into his lap. With the other hand, he clasped the back of my head, and guided me to his open mouth. We almost could have swallowed each other in that kiss, it was so deep. I was surprised that I could have that effect on anyone, much less a Jedi.

He tried sending me his thought. //Can you hear me this way?//

I attempted a response. //Yes, we can communicate like this?//

//Now we can. Let me try sending you a more complex thought// What he sent was on the verge of naughty. I felt the warmth of my cheeks as they burned with my mixed emotions.

Through the connection I told him, //The young men on Naboo never seemed to find me attractive, not like you do, anyway//

//Then the young men of Naboo are idiots, and don't deserve such as you,// he replied, his fingers caressing my cheek.

He pulled me closer for the next kiss, then his face suddenly fell into a disappointed look. "Oh no," he moaned.

"What's wrong," I asked, concerned.

"My master's calling me. Says the Council will be ready to see us soon," he said, somewhat embarrassed.

"So you have to go now?" I whined in dissapointment.

He rose, lifting me up with him, then gave me a hug and small quick kiss. "I'm sorry, I must go. Take care of your Queen, and take care of yourself, Sabé."

I let him out and watched him hurry down the hall. I hoped it wouldn't be the last time I'd ever see him.

Then I noticed our guard. He was Rabé's sweetheart. He smiled slightly, but not too much. He would be discreet, much to my relief. "Can I tell her it's alright to come back now?"

I rubbed my forehead, half embarressed, half amused. "Yes, you may. Thank you."

A few hours after Obi-Wan's visit, the Queen was readying for her Senate appearance. She had selected her most elaborate robe, thinking that it would impress everyone with the majesty of Naboo.

My orders were to continue to remain in the Senator's guest quarters. I would monitor what was going on, and staying out of sight would ensure that I could resume the Queen's position later.

When Amidala was almost ready, a signal sounded on the comlink. The guard outside recognized Anakin and announced him. Rabé was closest to the door, and decided to allow him in. I could view the door from where I was in the next room. I liked Ani and I was hoping the Queen would agree to see him.

When he entered and asked for Padmé, I could see the worry in his eyes. He was putting on a brave face, but he needed to speak to his friend before his test, the one he trusted most with his heart and soul-the girl he already loved.

I glanced up at Amidala when she looked through the doorway to see who had arrived. I met her eyes and with my expressions tried to convince her.

::Tell him the truth, Your Highness. He has earned the right to know. He will not betray you!:: I wanted to shout it out, but I could not.

She turned away from me. Her eyes, her expression, remained cool. My effort had failed. Only her voice softened slightly, as she told Anakin that she would relay his message to Padmé. She returned to the inner chamber. It's the only time I've ever been angry with her.

The boy, looking as though he felt hollow, turned to go. Rabé seemed as dissapointed as I was. I nodded at her, and walked over to the boy before he left the room.

"Ani," I said, kneeling so I could look at his face. I put a hand on his shoulder. Slowly, I spoke. "You must know that I cannot promise this, but if it is possible, I will send Padmé to see you."

He gave me that intense look. "You understand."

"Yes Ani, I understand. I too, am away from home, far from family who love me and there is someone I care for who is near, but has duties to perform."

He grabbed my hand, we gave each other a quick clasp of support. Then he left for his test.

TBC

[This message has been edited by CrescentJedi (edited 01-18-2000).]

posted 11-10-1999 01:58 AM            

I still haven't finished reading it all yet, but you have a great vibe going, identifying with Sabé.

I knew that they all just didn't sit around and do nothing when the ship was stranded on Tatooine!

MTFBWY. Hmmmmmm....what's next?

posted 11-10-1999 02:13 AM            

You know, in the mad scroll of textual tonnage that Crescent Jedi so eloquently bestowed upon us, I admit I had missed your gem of an entry on the previous page!

And oy, how concentrated a dosage it is! What a heartrending thought. The end of a culture. The Last Handmaiden is symbolic. Who is she...?

And for Theed's sake no, your presence is NOT intrusive; indeed it is most welcome. Please do feel free to add more.
I'd look forward to it.

posted 11-10-1999 10:25 AM            

quote:

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And oy, how concentrated a dosage it is! What a heartrending thought. The end of a culture. The Last Handmaiden is symbolic. Who is she...?

---

The one that would know best exactly what Leia's mother would Leia's mother would want or not want... and who would know that angry look anywhere.

I did just lift the scene from my stories down at "Behind the Mask" (sorry; it just seemed like it had been awhile since there was fiction, and I meant it as a humble application to the RHS), so that makes more sense in context. The particular story that scene came from is the fourth of the "Father's Heart" stories, "Imperial Entanglements." I'm glad you liked it. Maybe I'll write some Sache stories. When I actually do the papers I'm supposed to be doing! Grrr...

(And thanks for the welcome.)

posted 11-10-1999 08:39 PM            

And welcome to JediGaladriel.

posted 11-23-1999 06:48 PM            

quote:

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The deeper voice of the Master was colored with a tone I could almost call amused. "She's fourteen, you know."

There was a sound like an expelling of a mouthful of liquid, followed by the choking voice of the Padawan. "Master?"

---

This was absolutely priceless! I happened to be taking a drink as I read this and I very nearly emulated Obi-Wan! Good fic, very interesting take on the characters. I'm looking forward to reading more.

posted 11-29-1999 05:15 PM            

Hey, this is good!

_____________________________________________

Hi there, Lost In Coruscant. Do you mean my stories, someone else's, or the thread in general? I just want the gory details of what you like exactly.

And Yorshi, I'm looking forward to your contributions here.

Everybody, hang tight... Sabe's next installment as soon as it's beta'd

Amy

posted 12-02-1999 09:30 PM            

I haven't been to this thread in a long time and I really hadn't realized that all this activity was going on here!

posted 12-07-1999 10:58 PM            

Thank you, Yoshi! I have the basics of the story down, and I post as I have the sections finished to my satisfaction.

Look for more later this week.

posted 12-10-1999 04:50 PM            

Hey, Lost In Coruscant, that's good enough for me!

posted 12-14-1999 11:11 PM            

BTW, great story, CrescentJedi!

posted 12-14-1999 11:18 PM            

quote:

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You rock

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=

quote:

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without the spaces

---

posted 12-22-1999 02:47 PM            

I need to check what I post.

posted 12-25-1999 08:10 PM            

Amy

posted 01-10-2000 12:44 AM            

and

from

and

and

and

and

Yeah!!!

RHS Royal Crest

Red One out

This tribute just needed to be posted again. Red One lifts his glass and tilts it to Eirtaé/Friday Wilson:

quote:

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To Eirtaé

---

Entrapment at Caveat
By Red One
Please note: This supercedes the previous Entrapment at Caveat as it contains some editing and alterations. Enjoy

Captain Panaka stepped out of his speeder. It had been a long trip. Far too long for his taste. He was standing in a remote river valley village called Caveat. The rugged mountains were covered with trees and the river meandered through the valley off in the distance. The wind shear through the mountain passes made travel by air extremely difficult and quite a bit risky. Captain Panaka did not take unnecessary risks and there were no time constraints to counter the risk of traveling here by air. The speeder route, although safe enough, had seemed more strenuous than what he had remembered from his earlier trips around the area, however.

His datapad chirped at him and he jumped. Yes, he was nervous. It had been three years since working with the operative that he was about to meet. He looked down at the screen. Eirtaé. The name called to him, called up distant memories of secret missions and subterfuge at court in the name of Royal Protocol performed by a fourteen year old delicate girl who had been trained for over ten years by the Royal Intelligence Matrix, RIM for short, for royal court operations. Her profile had not changed much. It was still practically blank. He was unsure of his gut feeling to be here. Analytically speaking, Eirtaé did not match up at all with the template he was using for the Queen's duly appointed Handmaidens. Her complexion was fair and her hair was golden yellow. Her high cheekbones and poise spoke of a past dignity that could not be dismissed. It was there. She was regal. The queen would notice and most likely not approve, people would notice, and Captain Panaka's gut told him, potential assassins would notice. She would provide an unstable and unaccountable factor to critical situations. That is what he needed to round out his selections.

":Panaka" a voice said behind him. He jumped again. "I should kill you where you stand."

"Now now, Eirtaé, what kind of greeting would that be for your old, uh...Boss." Panaka replied uneasily.

"An appropriate one." She replied with ice in her voice. "But I said that I should kill you, not that I will. What on Naboo brings you up to Caveat?"

Captain Panaka breathed a visible sigh of relief. "I have a need for your special talents. The newly elected Queen of Naboo needs Royal Handmaidens to complete her ima.." Captain Panaka exhaled, never completing the sentence as Eirtae's foot connected with his mid torso and ribs, knocking him off his feet and on the Giam speeder. He made a move for his hold out blaster but it was to late. Eirtaé had followed her roundhouse kick to his chest with a draw and activation of her vibroblade and plunged the point through Panaka's hand and holster into the speeder's smooth metallic skin pinning them together. Panaka screamed.

Eirtaé stood up from her attack crouch to her full height. Panaka was panting as he looked up at her. The late afternoon sun was behind her silhouette blinding him. "Choose your next words carefully, Panaka, you stunted gungan slime; I do not like being called upon to attend to a naïve young girl's desire to find a suitor. Handmaiden indeed" she hissed.

"Damn you,… You know that I would not be here unless I felt you and your special talents were needed he heaved, Now take this damn vibroblade out of my hand!" He gasped as she reached down stealthily and pulled the blade out with the precision that she had put it in with. He stood, panting, and was surprised to see the blade no where in sight. He ripped a strip of cloth from his field coat and wrapped his hand. He noted that the wound was strategically placed so as to miss the bones and essential muscles and tendons of his hand. A small treatment of bacta would eradicate any scar. He cursed as it continued to throb, however.

"By all means, continue" Eirtaé sighed, still standing rock still with no movement coming from her at all.

Captain Panaka was rubbing his wrist as he replied "I am the Captain of the Royal Security Forces now. I have the capability to erase the blemish on your RIM career. You could start from scratch. If you help me now, that is. Otherwise, you can continue your bleak existence here, far away from the royal court; an exile in your own world and the opportunity to redeem yourself will be gone. I am giving you a chance to restore honor to you and your family."

"I am listening" Eirtaé replied. And with that, Panaka knew that he had her.

"The newly elected Queen is young but not naïve. She is strong, wise, and courageous. However, RIM believes that she will be tested. The thought of a brave and brilliant ruler of Naboo does not sit well with some neighboring systems. RIM also thinks there may be assassination attempts. I need you to spot any potential approaches as well as any holes or deficiencies in the Queens security arrangements and protocol. Your training and background in Royal Protocol makes you the perfect choice to alter situations to our benefit. I do not need you to be her direct bodyguard; there is another who will be sufficient for that role, but I want you to be an independent troubleshooter always on the look out. Sort of a last invisible line of defense" Captain Panaka said with a twinge of a grin.

Eirtaé wanted very much to have the honor restored to her family. She had known for as long as she could remember, that honor was above all else. Without honor, there was nothing. She had hoped that the election of Amidala would restore honor to Naboo. Panaka seemed to think it would. She was simple and the decision was simple. Her upbringing in the regional Royal Court and her background training as a RIM operative did make her the perfect candidate for the job. She was as versed as any could be on Royal Protocol and would be able to use that experience to change potential dangerous situations into survivable ones. She too had felt the rising winds of rebellion on her last off planet missions, the ones not even Panaka knew about, and had deduced that change was in the air for the Republic. The Queen would need to be strong and she would need strong supporters. Eirtaé was strong, but could she trust Panaka, after what he pulled… "Okay" was all she said

posted 01-21-2000 02:14 AM         

quote:

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"There is a lot of fan fic here to read."

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