Thank you gentlemen. We will meet back here next week, at the same time. Until then, I bid you all a goodnight. Padme nodded to the four men, as she stood up from behind her desk.
The four men bowed their heads and got up from their chairs. They walked out of the office and went their separate ways.
I have to put the committee group in the book for next week, at the same time. Padme looked at her Aide, as she came out of her office and came up to the Aides desk.
Ok. I will put it into my schedule book, before I leave here. I hope that you have a great evening. See you on Monday. the Aide looked up at Padme and gave her a nod.
Ok. Here are a couple of things that I dont think is important to look at, at the moment anyway. Could you please file them and I will look at them in a couple of weeks? Padme handed the Aide a couple of data chips.
Ok, I will do that. The Aide took the chips, opened up her desk drawer and found that weeks file. She put the chips into the file, before shutting the drawer and locking it back up.
The speeder is ready, Milady. Dorme stepped into the room.
Ok. Thank you, Dorme. Goodnight and you have a great weekend. Padme told her Aide, before she left the office. She followed Dorme to the where the speeder was waiting for them, with Captain Typho, who was standing next to the speeder.
Good evening, Milady. Hope that your day was good. Representative JarJar Binks. Typho held out his hand, so that way, he could help Padme into the speeder.
Good evening, Typho. Yes, the day has been very good. JarJar will be having dinner with me tonight. Oh and have you heard anything from Master Kenobi today? Padme sat down, as JarJar and Typho sat down across from her and Dorme.
Ok, as long as he does not touch anything. Yes, he did call me and said that he will be here, shortly after the sun begins to set. He wants to make sure that everyone was finished with dinner and relaxed for the night. Typho first looked over to JarJar and gave him a warning look, as to tell him that he would do what he promised he would do to the Gungan, if he messed with any of the security cameras that were up around the apartment. There was going to be bodily harm.
Ok. That is good. We are having fish tonight for dinner. Padme looked over to her head of security, as the speeder began to head off to the apartment.
That sounds good to me. I have to check on the security, before Master Obi-Wan shows up tonight. Typho nodded at the thought of tonights fish dinner.
Twenty minutes later, Padme was walking into the living area of her apartment. She went over to the privacy shades and opened them up, so that way, she can see the sun set.
I am going to get out of this dress. If you want to take off the dress, just let me know and I will help you get out of it. Dorme looked at her Mistress and saw that she was looking out towards the Jedi Temple.
Um. . . what? Oh, sorry. I was thinking. I will stay in this dress until after dinner, when I will go and soak in the hot tub. Padme turned away from the windows and looked at the two people standing behind her.
Ok. Well, I am going to get undressed and put something comfortable on. Dorme looked over to JarJar and saw him about to touch a statue on the table.
JarJar, please dont touch them and have a seat, please. They were a birthday present from my parents. Padme told the Gungan, just before he touched one of the statues.
JarJar went over to the couch and sat down, before he could get into any kind of trouble.
Dinner is ready, Milady. one of the service droids came out of the kitchen.
Thank you C-4. Well, it is time to eat. Padme looked at Dorme and Typho, as they both came back into the room.
Padme and her three guests went into the dining room, sat down at the table and began eating their dinner.
If you all will excuse me, I think I will get comfy, before Master Obi-Wan shows up. Padme gets up from the table and heads for bedroom. Dorme followed, so that way, she could help Padme get out of her Senatorial dress.
I cant wait to get out of this heavy dress. Padme kicked off her shoes and turned her back to Dorme, so that way, she could unzip the dress.
While she was getting comfy, Obi-Wan just showed up, but he was not alone.
Obi-Wan and Anakin Skywalker stood in the turbo lift of the Senate apartment complex. Anakin was about to see Padme again: the one woman, who had captured his heart and soul, when he was about ten years old and had never let it go.
You seem a little on the edge, Anakin. Obi-Wan noted, as the lift continued its climb.
Not at all. Anakin gave an unconvincing reply.
I have not seen you this nervous, since we fell into the nest of Gundarks. Obi-Wan smiled, as he remembered that day.
You fell into that nightmare, Master. I rescued you. Remember? Anakin turned to Obi-Wan and he saw a smile on his Masters face.
Obi-Wans little distraction seemed to have a the desired effect. The pair shared a much needed laugh. Coming out of it, Anakin still remained obviously on edge.
You are sweating. Just take a deep breath and relax. Obi-Wan noted.
I have not seen her in ten years. Anakin wiped his forehead.
Anakin, relax. She is not the Queen anymore. Obi-Wan reiterated.
The lift doors opened up and Obi-Wan stepped off before Anakin.
That is not why I am nervous. Anakin muttered under his breath, as he followed slowly behind his Master.
They stopped at the double doors of the Senators apartment. When the doors opened up, they were greeted by a well-dressed Gungan.
After Dorme left the her room, Padme sat down on her bed, so that way, she could read some of the bills that were coming up in the Senate. Then, she heard JarJars voice talking to someone in the foyer.
Obi! Obi! Obi! Mesa so smilen to seeen yousa! Wahoooo. JarJar Binks cried, tongue and ears flapping.
It is good to see you too, JarJar. Obi-Wan smiled politely, trying to calm the excitable fellow.
And this mesa guessen, issen yousa apprentice, Noooooooo! Annie? Noooooooo! Little bitty Annie? Nooooooooo! Yousa so biggen! Yiyiyiyi! Annie! Mesa no believen! it took JarJar a moment, until he took a good look at the young Padawan.
arJar grabbed Anakin and pulled him forcefully to arms length, and studied him from head to toe.
Hi, JarJar. Anakin managed to say.
We have come to speak with Senator Amidala. Could you show us to her? Obi-Wan gently, but firmly grabbed JarJar by the arm.
Shesa expection yousa, Annie! Mesa no believen! his head bobbled a bit more. Then, he grabbed Anakin by the hand and pulled him along.
Padme stepped out of her bedroom and came up between Dorme and Typho, when JarJar came into the living room. With him, was the most handsome person. The only thing she could do at the moment, was just stare at the most beautiful shade of blue eyes.
Mesa here. Lookie! Lookie! Desa Jedi arriven. JarJar came over to the three humans.
It is a pleasure to see you again, Milady. Obi-Wan moved to stand before the beautiful young Senator.
It has been far too long, Master Kenobi. I am so glad our paths have crossed again. I must warn you, that I think your presence here is unnecessary. Padme took Obi-Wans hand in her own. She glanced at the person behind Obi-Wan, but for some reason she could not recognize him.
I am sure that members of the Jedi Council have their reasons. Obi-Wan only replied.
Padme took a step to the side, so that she was directly in front of Anakin.
Ani? Padme asked, as a huge smile and a flash in her eyes showed, that needed no answers from him.
Anakin looked at her and could see that her spirit lit up.
Ani, can it be? My goodness, how you have grown! Padme looked down and then followed the line of his lean body. Tilting her head back to emphasize his height, she realized that he now towered over her.
Anakin noticed that Padmes smile widened and it was a very clear sign that she was glad to see him.
So have you. Grown more beautiful, I mean. Much shorter for a Senator, I mean. Anakin answered awkwardly, before he cleared his throat and stood taller. Anakin did look over to Obi-Wan and saw a disapproving scowl on his Masters face. Then, he heard Padme laugh and shook her head, as the tension went away.
Oh Ani, you will always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine. She smiled, before they walked further into the room, where Captain Typho and Obi-Wan began talking to one another.
Our presence will be invisible, Milady. Obi-Wan assured Padme, as he turned his head towards her.
I am very grateful that you are here, Master Kenobi. The situation is more dangerous than the Senator will admit. Captain Typho put in.
I do not need any more security. I need answers. I want to know who is trying to kill me. I believe that it might lie on issue of the utmost importance to the Senate. There is something more here . . . Padme addressed Typho initially, but turned to regard Obi-Wan. As she continued, she stopped, as she saw a frown cross Obi-Wans face.
We are here to protect you, Senator. Not to start an investigation. Obi-Wan said, but Anakin contradicted him.
We will find out whos trying to kill you, Padme, I promise you. Anakin insisted. As he finished, Anakin recognized his error.
We are not going to exceed our mandate, my young Padawan Learner! Obi-Wan sharply told Anakin.
The two began to have a debate, on what they should be doing for the Senator.
Perhaps, with merely your presence about me, the mysteries surrounding this threat will be revealed. Now, if you will excuse me, I will retire. Padme smiled alternately at Anakin and then at Obi-Wan, as an invitation for civility. When both leaned back, their shoulders visibly relaxing.
They all bowed, as Padme and Dorme exited the room. Obi-Wan stared hard at his young Padawan again, and neither one seemed overly pleased with the other.
Dorme, you can leave me. I think I will soak in the tub now. Padme dismissed Dorme, as they entered her room.
Dorme bowed her head, said goodnight and left the room, heading for her room. Padme went into the refresher to start the water for her soaking time in the tub.
Authors Note *(pages 62-68 Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones by R. A. Salvatore)