Rabe's Journal By Courtney Megaro Theed Palace It was the night of the election, the night I was looking forward to. The Naboo and Coruscant people will elect the new Queen or King of Naboo. I was dressed in a soft yellow and hooded robe of office. I prayed for Padme Amidala to win the election not only so I can be her handmaiden, but she is a great person who used to be the Princess of Theed. I arrived at the Naboo palace in Theed. Padme Amidala greeted me. She was wearing a black gown along with a feathered headdress. A gold chain hung across her forehead. I could not see her real face under her makeup, but I considered her beautiful. King Veruna, the current ruler of Naboo, was also there standing next to Governor Sio Bibble who gave him words of encouragement. I bowed and smiled. "Hello, Your Majesty," I greeted. A smiled appeared on his face. "Hello, young Rabe! I suppose you are thinking of trying out for Amidala's handmaiden, eh?" I did not know an answer to that question. I could not say that I wanted her to win the election in front of the person she is running against, but I nodded. "Yes, Sir. If she gets elected." I flew pass him to get back to Amidala. She was standing with my best friend, Eirtae, and a woman that I have not seen before. "Hello, Rabe. Were you speaking to His Majesty?" I nodded. Amidala smiled. "This is my friend, Corde," she continued. "She hopes to become a handmaiden someday." Corde stepped up to me. "Hello, Rabe. I am very pleased to meet you. Your family must be very proud of you." I stiffened in surprise. "My family died in Naboo's time of suffering when I was born," I whispered. Amidala put her white hand on my cheek as I began to cry. "I am so sorry to hear that," Corde apologized. I straightened and nodded. Eirtae smiled as another woman approached her. Amidala motioned for Corde, Eirtae, and I to follow her as she walked to the woman. The woman looked similar to Amidala. "Eirtae, Rabe, this is my decoy, Sabe." Amidala shifted her gaze to me. "I guess you noticed how much we look alike," she guessed. "Yes," I replied. I noticed the Governor was going to a high bench. Amidala nodded in his direction and smiled at Eirtae and me. "Thank you for you time, girls," she said. She followed Corde and Sabe to a throne across from Veruna's throne. Eirtae led me to a side bench that was close by Amidala's throne. The Governor began the election. "We will start out by our final speeches. We would like to start out with King Veruna. Veruna, please approach the bench." Veruna had a short conversation with the Governor as he approached the speaker's stand. "I just want to say that I made my first term through without an invasion," he announced. The Governor nodded. "Very well," he said. He turned to face Amidala. "Princess Padme Amidala, you now have the floor." Amidala nodded and stood to make her final speech. She walked up the stairway. Her voice sounded low. It was a voice I have never heard before. "Thank you, Governor," she replied. She turned to face the audience. "It is an honor that I have been nominated for the future ruler of Naboo. I promise that I will do the best I can to protect my people. The only person who will die will be me. I would do anything to protect my people." The audience clapped as Amidala sat back down in her throne. The Governor stood. "We will now begin voting," he announced. Eirtae and I stood to go to the voting poles. I met up with Amidala. "I loved your speech," I told her. "I know who my vote is going to." "Thank you," Amidala replied in her regular voice. "I will wait here until you get back." I went to the voting room where Veruna stood talking with the Governor and Senator Palpatine, the Naboo senator. I flew by them and voted for Padme Amidala. I walked out when Captain Panaka stood in front of me. "Excuse me," he apologized. "I must count the votes." I met up with Eirtae, Sabe, Corde, and Amidala at Amidala's throne. "Hello, Rabe," Amidala greeted. "I just talked with Captain Panaka. He is counting the votes. He is a nice man." "Yes," Amidala replied. "I know." The Governor walked back to his bench looking disappointed. "Good luck!" I whispered to Amidala. Eirtae and I returned to our seats as the Governor spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced. "Our new ruler is…Padme Amidala!" I could tell that the Governor tried to sound excited. Amidala accepted her award. "I promise to make Naboo a better place and keep democracy in the Republic!" Eirtae and I hugged her tightly. I could not help to notice that the young Queen started to cry. Theed Walkways "When did you change you name to Amidala?" I was walking with the Queen the morning after the election. "I've had the name "Padme Amidala" since I first went into public service. My real name is "Padme Leia Naberrie"." "Leia is a beautiful name!" I exclaimed. "I hope to name my child that name if I have a girl," Amidala replied. "I don't know what I will do with my life," I said. "I don't think highly of getting married or having children. I might even be in your service until I die." "You shouldn't do what is requested of you forever. Even if it is your destiny," Amidala told me. She turned to the direction of the palace. "It is almost time for the meeting. We'd best get ready." I nodded. Amidala and I entered the Theed palace. I carefully helped Amidala put on a red gown of embroidery and sequined jewels. Then I pulled her hair back and styled it with the headdress. I painted her face white with two dots on each cheek. I painted her upper lip red and painted the middle of her lower lip red. Amidala was ready. Throne Room Now it was time to get myself ready. I put my hair in a bun under my yellow and hooded robes. Eirtae, Sabe, and two other handmaidens named Sache and Yane dressed in the same type of dress as me. We walked with Amidala to the throne room. There were chairs all over the room for the handmaidens. Yane and I sat on each side of the Queen's throne. Sabe sat across from Amidala. Eirtae sat at the room's exit. Sache sat across from her. Governor Sio Bibble sat by Amidala and me with a Naboo guard at his side. "We would like to welcome our new ruler, Queen Padme Amidala!" he announced. Amidala rose to shake Senator Palpatine's hand. Palpatine turned to the other handmaidens and me to have us shake his hand. Then we heard a loud sound. The Naboo guards, including Captain Panaka, jumped and held their blasters at ready. Yane and I returned to our seats beside the Queen. Panaka searched the transmitter to find that the Queen had a new message. I turned to Amidala as we exchanged worried glances. Panaka pressed the "View Transmission" button. We saw three Neimoidians dressed in robes of office. "It's the Viceroy!" I gasped. Amidala nodded. Viceroy Nute Gunray stood with Rune Haako, Daultay Dofine, and his droid, TC-14. "It's time to strike the Naboo," the Viceroy was saying. "We can definitely force the Queen to sign the treaty," Daultay Dofine agreed. "But isn't it illegal?" Rune Haako asked. "I will make it legal," the Viceroy replied. He glanced at the transmitter that TC-14 was holding. "The transmitter is on!" he yelled. "The Queen will find out! Turn it off, you worthless droid!" Panaka looked pained as he turned the transmitter off. Palpatine stepped forward. "I will go back to Coruscant," he told Amidala. "Chancellor Valorum will send his ambassadors to reach a settlement with the Trade Federation." "Thank you, Senator," Amidala replied. The other handmaidens and I followed the Queen to her chambers. "Why would the Trade Federation want to attack such a peaceful planet?" I asked Sabe and Amidala. "We are a peaceful planet," Sabe replied. "We won't fight a war with them. It is easier to attack nonviolent people." "Oh please, Your Majesty!" I pleaded. "Don't get yourself in any danger!" "That will come later," Amidala replied. "I will do anything to protect my people. Even if I have to die." Theed Walkways I helped Amidala into her more comfortable clothes. Amidala then dismissed me. I decided to take a walk through Theed. I was glad that I could see that Yane wanted to join me. "What was your family like?" she asked me. "They were wonderful," I remembered. "I only new them until I was a year old. But I remember my cousin and her husband, my sister, my brother in-law, and my wealthy parents. They all died when the hunger breakout came through Naboo." "You must have had the perfect family," Yane offered. I nodded. Eirtae has met Yane some time ago, and she told me that Yane always comforted people. She was right. We left Theed and saw the Lake Country out in the distance. I remember what it was like when I would visit my aunts and uncles there. Yane snapped me awake. "I have to meet with Captain Panaka," she told me. We turned back to the palace. I put on my nightgown and robe and decided to talk to Amidala. I knocked on her door. "Come in," she called. I opened her door. "Rabe," she said. "Is everything all right? Are you sick? Is there an emergency?" "No," I answered. "I just want to talk to you." Amidala's Chambers Amidala motioned for me to sit next to her on her bed. "What is it like having parents?" I asked. Tears melted into my eyes. Amidala put her arm around me. "They are like angels," she replied. "They always know what you are doing. It is like they are watching you down from heaven." I moved closer to Amidala. "What will happen to us after the Trade Federation strikes?" I asked. Amidala shook her head. "I don't know." "I guess we will be ready?" "I hope so." "You don't deserve to die." "Why do you think that?" "You're a great person. A Princess and a Queen. You never give up." Amidala laughed softly. "I just don't want my people to suffer." "Sabe is your decoy. She can take the roll of Queen when you're in danger." "I believe she can." "What can Chancellor Valorum do? How can his ambassadors reach a settlement?" "The Chancellor commands them, I imagine." The Throne Room "Your Highness!" Panaka called from the doorway. "Your Highness, the Viceroy left another message!" Amidala and I scrambled to meet the Naboo court without changing into presentable clothes. Yane gave me a worried look as we sat down. Panaka turned on the transmitter. "Queen Amidala of the Naboo, I call in peace. The outer rim planets have destroyed our Trade Federation. We would like to sign a treaty to make us form a circle." "It's a trick!" I yelled. "Send no reply! I will. Do not worry, Your Highness. I will not have you get into any danger!" "Thank you, Rabe." Amidala motioned for me to follow her and Sabe back to the royal chambers. Theed Palace "Are you really going to reply?" Amidala asked me. I nodded. "I would do anything for you and Sabe." Eirtae met us at the third floor hallway. She looked worn out. I have never seen her look that tired for a long time. "Eirtae?" Amidala asked. "What are you doing here?" "The Trade Federation might strike the mountain villages first. I was looking out for them from here." Amidala froze. "Mom!" she exclaimed. She ran to the palace's public transmitter. Sabe lowered her head. "I have never seen Padme act like this," she said. "She is under a lot of pressure." She turned to me. "Are you going to reply to the Trade Federation now?" "I guess," I replied. "Why are you going to do it?" asked Eirtae. I smiled weakly. "I guess I don't have a choice." The Throne Room I changed into my yellow robes. I was ready to reply. I spoke with Amidala an hour ago. She said I could sit in her throne! I went to the throne room with Sache and Captain Panaka and sat down. Sache sat where Yane usually sits, and Captain Panaka stood at the side of me. I turned on the transmitter. The Viceroy's face appeared in hologram along with Rune Haako. "Who is that?" Rune Haako whispered pointing at me. I straightened. "I am Rabe. I serve Her Highness, Queen Amidala. The Queen requested that I would reply to your message." The Viceroy looked at me in a queer way. "Why can't the Queen reply yourself?" he asked. "I don't want to get her into any danger!" I snapped. "I know what you are planning! We all do! We are not going to sign any treaty!" I quickly shut my mouth before I could say anymore. I think I have told them enough. I turned off the transmitter. Sache turned her attention to the entrance where Amidala stood with Sabe. "May I come in?" she asked. I nodded. "Oh, Rabe," she said. "I wish I could give you more opportunities in life. But I will have to do this myself." The transmitter turned on, and we saw Palpatine's face in hologram. Amidala motioned for me to let her sit down. "Supreme Chancellor Valorum has sent his ambassadors to reach a settlement will Viceroy Gunray," Palpatine told us. "Thank you, Senator," Amidala said in her low voice. "We will win this battle once and for all!" The transmitter turned off. Amidala turned in Sabe's direction. "This is not a battle." She turned to me. "Will you help me get ready?" she asked me. "The ambassadors should be there by now. I would like to get the results." I followed her to the chambers to dress her in her red gown. The Throne Room Sabe, Eirtae, Sache, Yane, and I were sitting in our chairs with the rest of the Naboo court. I was surprised that the Queen wanted to do this at night. Again, we saw Viceroy Nute Gunray in hologram next to Rune Haako. "It's Queen Amidala herself!" I heard Rune Haako whisper. "At last we are getting results," answered the Viceroy. "Okay. You have come before us, Your Highness." "You will not be so pleased when you hear what I have to say, Viceroy," Amidala said in her court voice. "Your Trade boycott of our planet has ended." The Viceroy hesitated for a moment. "Really, Your Highness?" he asked. "I do not recall the Chancellor saying…" "I have word that the Chancellor's ambassadors are with you now, and you have been commanded to reach a settlement." "I know nothing of any ambassadors. You must be…mistaken." "Beware, Viceroy. The Federation has gone too far this time." "We would never do anything without the approval of the Senate. You assume too much." Amidala studied him carefully. "We will see," she said quietly. I turned off the transmitter and looked in the Queen's direction. "We will see," she said again. I sighed quietly. Sabe was right. She was under a lot of pressure. I left the room crying. The Throne Room I was the morning after the long night. We were in the same places and talking to Palpatine. "Negotiations haven't started because the ambassadors aren't there," Palpatine was saying. "How could that be true? I got assurances from the Chancellor. His ambassadors did arrive." Palpatine was speaking nonsense until his hologram disappeared. "Senator Palpatine!" Amidala exclaimed. She turned to Panaka. "What's happening?" "Check the transmitter," Panaka told a guard. "A communication's disruption could mean only one thing…invasion," the Governor told us. "Federation would not dare go that far. We must continue to rely on negotiations." "Negotiations!" the Governor exclaimed. "We lost all communications! And where are the Chancellor's ambassadors?" "This is a dangerous situation, Your Highness," said Panaka. "Our security volunteers are no match for the Trade Federation." Amidala cast her eyes forward. "I will not condone a course of action that will lead us to war." Sabe's Room I found myself in Sabe's room a few moments later. Amidala was going to call us to discuss the security if the Trade Federation attacks. "Are you afraid of being the "Decoy Queen"?" I asked. "Not really," Sabe answered. "Padme taught me everything. I just wish I could keep the invasion from coming." I nodded. I felt the same way. A knock came at the doors. "We're coming!" Sabe called. "Eirtae, Sache, Yane! We have to meet with the Queen and Captain Panaka!" We were still dressed in our robes. Amidala was too. "We have to use your decoy, Your Highness," Panaka said. "I don't want to give her such risk," Amidala replied. She closed her eyes and looked toward the window. When she opened her eyes, I thought they were going to pop out of their sockets! Theed Palace Amidala rushed toward the window. The rest of us looked in her direction at the same time. We all rushed to another window. I could now see what she was looking at. The droid army! The Trade Federation has attacked! They were shooting the people of Theed! I looked at Amidala. Her head was lowered, and a tear slipped down her cheek. I walked over to her. She motioned for me to get Sabe dressed. Amidala's Chambers "This one should do," I told Sabe. I pulled out the gown that Amidala wore at the election. I dressed her and did her makeup. "How should I treat you, Your Highness?" I asked Amidala. "You have to call me Padme," she told me. "You can't get me dressed unless I am changing into royal robes. You have to pretend that Sabe is me." I nodded. I could do that. Amidala and I changed into orange cloaks that looked kind of like the ones that we wear at court. I left Amidala and Sabe alone so they could practice. I met up with Eirtae, Sache and Yane. Eirtae gave me a worried look. "I'm worried about Her Highness. She might do something to get herself killed," she told me. It was not long when 24 battle droids came with Amidala, Sabe, the Governor, Panaka, and 4 guards. Sache, Yane, Eirtae, and I joined them. We met up with the Viceroy and Rune Haako in the throne room. Theed Palace "Welcome, Your Highness," the Viceroy said to Sabe. "We know this is a surprise. We are so very sorry." The Viceroy looked at Amidala dressed as a handmaiden and noticed the angry look that she gave him. "How are you going to explain this invasion to the Senate?" the Governor asked. "The Queen and I will sign a treaty," the Viceroy replied. "I hope that we can…" "I will not cooperate!" Sabe interrupted. "Now, now, Your Highness," the Viceroy coaxed. "In time the suffering of your people will surely make you see our point of view. Commander!" A battle droid stepped up. "Yes, Sir?" "Process them." "Captain, take them to Camp 4." "Roger, Roger!" Theed I explored Theed. I saw people held by droids at gunpoint. I looked at Amidala. She was walking briskly. "What will we do?" I whispered. A droid turned around to see who was whispering. Amidala shook her head. She was speechless since we were arrested. We were by the camp when 2 Jedi Knights jumped out of nowhere and started to destroy the droids. The taller one had his hair long. The shorter one had his haircut short except for a ponytail and a long braided pigtail. A frightened Gungan accompanied them. "We're ambassadors for the Supreme Chancellor," the taller one said. "I am Qui Gon Jinn and this is Obi Wan Kenobi and Jar Jar Binks." Obi Wan smiled. "Hello," he said while Qui Gon shared a secret conversation with the Governor. "I am Qui Gon's Padawawn Apprentice. I am honored to protect you, Your Highness. "Thank you, Ambassador," Sabe said. "I am Queen Amidala. These are my handmaidens, Sache, Yane, Eirtae, Rabe, and Padme." Amidala stepped next to Sabe. "Hello, Ambassador," she said. The Main Hangar Qui Gon beckoned for us to follow him to the Main Hangar. "We'll have to free those pilots," Panaka pointed out. "We'll take care of that," Qui Gon assured him. "Your Highness, under the circumstances, I suggest you come to Coruscant with us." Sabe hesitated. "Thank you, Ambassador," she said. "But my place is with my people." "It will kill you if you stay," said Qui Gon. "They wouldn't dare!" the Governor disagreed. "They need her to sign a treaty to make this invasion of theirs legal," Panaka told Qui Gon. "They can't afford to kill her!" "There is something else behind this, Your Highness," Qui Gon said. "Senator Palpatine will need your help!" added the Governor. "Either choice follows great danger…to us all." Sabe looked over her shoulder at Amidala. "We are brave, Your Highness," she said firmly. "If you are to leave, Your Highness, it must be now," Qui Gon pressed. "Then I will plead our case to the Senate," Sabe agreed. "Be careful, Governor." She beckoned for Amidala, Eirtae, and me to follow her. Panaka chose two of the four Naboo guards to come with us. I was glad that the Jedi were not looking when Yane and Sache hugged Amidala instead of Sabe. Then they would get suspicious. Obi Wan took out his lightsaber and began killing the droids. "Go!" he called to the pilots. Amidala led us to the Royal Star Cruiser. My Room "Court will begin in an hour," Sabe told Eirtae and me. "You can relax." "Where is Her Highness?" I asked. "Talking to Obi Wan," groaned Sabe. "I'm not getting annoyed or anything. I just don't want her to feel distracted." Sabe left us. "Isn't he cute?" Eirtae asked. "Who?" I asked. "Obi Wan." "Oh. I guess." "He's beautiful." "Yes, he is handsome," I corrected her. "I'm going to marry him." "Good luck!" I laughed. "I'm going to talk to him," Eirtae told me. She ran out the door. That is when I began to think about my parents. I cried myself to sleep. The Court Room "Rabe!" a soft voice whispered. I opened my eyes. Amidala was standing over me. "Your Highness!" I cried. "Where are we? Are you okay?" Amidala sat down on my bed. "I'm fine. We are on our way to Coruscant." "Oh, yeah," I remembered. "Court will begin in a few minutes. A little R2 unit just saved the ship." "I slept through all that?" "Yes, you did," said another voice. Sabe stood at the doorway. "You should have seen Eirtae when she kissed Obi Wan!" She burst out laughing. I didn't know a disguised handmaiden would do that. Eirtae stood behind her with her face glowing red. "Sabe!" Amidala exclaimed in a sharp voice. She put her hand on Eirtae's shoulder. "You will have your time," she assured her. She beckoned for us to follow her to the spare room where the throne was set up. Amidala and I stood at the sides of Sabe. Eirtae stood behind the throne. Sabe sat down. "What is your report, Captain?" she asked. She tried to keep her voice as low as possible. A cute little R2 unit rolled into the room followed by Qui Gon and a Naboo guard. Obi Wan and the other Naboo guard were in the control room with Ric Ollie, the pilot. "This is the droid that survived. We are lucky to have this one in our service. It is extremely well put together in a droid. Without a doubt, it saved the ship, as well as our lives." "It is to be commended," Sabe decided. "What is its number?" Panaka checked the side of the droid. "R2D2, Your Highness," he smiled. "Thank you, R2D2," Sabe said. She touched its shell and looked over her shoulder. "Padme!" she called. Amidala came forward. "See to cleaning up this droid. It deserves our gratitude." Her smile faded. "Continue, Captain." Qui Gon came forward. "Your Highness, with your permission, we are heading to a remote planet called Tatooine. We can find the parts that we need to repair our ship. It is far beyond the reach of the Trade Federation." "I do not agree with the Jedi on this!" Panaka burst out. "You must trust my judgment," Qui Gon assured Sabe. "Must I?" Sabe asked. Her eyes cast forward to Amidala who was listening attentively. She remembered to clean up R2, and nodded briefly. "We are in your hands," Sabe announced. The Star Cruiser I was exploring the ship when I came across Sabe. "Don't know how to get through the ship yet?" she teased. I smiled. "I was looking for Eirtae," I told her. "Talking to Obi Wan," Sabe sighed. "Oh, I have to see this!" Sabe and I tiptoed to where Eirtae was sitting next to Obi Wan on a bench. "Do you miss home?" Obi Wan asked Eirtae. "Yes," Eirtae whispered. "Don't worry," Obi Wan assured her. "You'll see your family again." He gave her a kiss and left. My Room I was in the room that I shared with Eirtae and Sabe when Eirtae appeared. She went to her drawers and took out a picture of her children and her husband. Her husband was killed when he helped Coruscant fight against an outer rim planet called Geonosis. She looked at me and gave me a helpless smile. "Obi Wan," I whispered. She nodded. "I'll tell him that…" She trailed off. "Tell him what?" asked a voice. Sabe stood behind me. "I agree that he is cute," she said. "Just tell him. Oh yeah, dinner's ready." Court Room We had dinner in the throne room. I sat on a bench beside the throne with Amidala and Eirtae. Sabe sat on the throne. Qui Gon, Obi Wan, Ric Ollie, the two Naboo guards, Panaka, and Jar Jar sat on the bench on the other side of the throne. It was a fine dinner with big platters of Amidala's favorite food (Even though Sabe was the Queen for now.). Sabe was the first to speak. "Who is going to Tatooine?" she asked. Obi Wan, Qui Gon, and Panaka looked at each other. "I will go alone," spoke up Qui Gon. Amidala looked questionly at Sabe. It wasn't a surprise that they were talking together after dinner. Panaka had also joined them. I was poking around the control room when I heard someone called, "Heydeho!" I jumped. Jar Jar was standing with R2D2. "Sorry," he apologized. "That's okay," I assured him. "My name is Rabe. I serve Queen Amidala." That was the end of our conversation. The Queen's Wardrobe Later that night Sabe and I were soon looking through the Queen's wardrobe to see what gowns that Amidala was going to wear on Coruscant. Sabe pulled out a velvet gown with a fan-like headdress. "I think this will be for when she can talk privately to the Senator." I pulled out a fancier gown of gold velvet with a fancier headdress. "This will be for when she speaks before the Senate," I added. There was a black dress with a comfortable headdress shoved in the back. "This can be for the rest of the time," Sabe decided. We finished going through the dresses so we can get some sleep. Eirtae and I had beds that were on one side of the room. Sabe's bed was on the other side of the room. We tiptoed to get to our beds. Eirtae was already asleep. The Star Cruiser I slept peacefully that night. It was soon morning. Qui Gon appeared at breakfast in a tunic, leggings, and a poncho. Amidala eyed him every minute. It wasn't long until Amidala decided that she would go with Qui Gon. Jar Jar and R2D2 were going too. I was soon getting out rough peasant's clothing for Amidala to wear. I had to braid her hair, and there was no makeup to do. She left with Captain Panaka to find Qui Gon after our final hug. I decided to look after the ship until she gets back. I found Eirtae with a cloth. She was cleaning up the ship. Sabe was sitting on the throne as she practiced her Queen speech. I went back to my room to find a picture that Yane and Sache gave me when we first met. They are probably being tortured. They are so much younger that I am, and they have to be facing the Viceroy who was probably planning to kill them. I just wish that they could be here. I just wish that they wouldn't be killed or hurt. The Court Room Eirtae shook me. I didn't hear her coming in. I guess I fell asleep as I was thinking about Sache and Yane. "Court is beginning," she told me. I wondered what was happening. Sabe was sitting on the throne. Obi Wan and Captain Panaka were there (Eirtae blushed when she saw Obi Wan.). Sabe had the transmitter on. Sio Bibble's face appeared in hologram. "The death toll is catastrophic," the message said. "We must bow to their wishes! You must contact me!" "It's a trick!" Obi Wan stated. "Send no reply. Send no transmissions of any kind!" He walked away with a hand held transmitter. Eirtae and Sabe went back to our room as I repaired all the machines that the Naboo were going to sell to Coruscant. The Star Cruiser Obi Wan came in the room with Sabe and Eirtae. "Padme would like to speak to all of you," he told me. He left us. Sabe held the transmitter in her hand. "Padme!" she whispered. "Did you find a solution yet?" "Qui Gon did," Amidala's voice said. "What is going on?" asked Eirtae. "We went to a shop where a nine-year-old slave named Anakin Skywalker serves his master. We fell into a conversation. He let us stay at his house. Qui Gon is going to tell Watto, his master, that he would like to enter Anakin in a pod race. The prize money is more than enough to pay for the parts that we need. Oh, it's time for dinner." "Good luck, Your Highness," I said softly. My Room It was nighttime, but I couldn't sleep. Sabe was making coffee to keep her awake. She was waiting to see if Amidala will call. I soon fell asleep. The Star Cruiser It was the day of the pod race. Qui Gon, Anakin, Amidala, Jar Jar, R2, Anakin's mother Shmi, Anakin's droid C-3PO, and Anakin's friends Kitster and Wald were going to the pod race. Sabe was watching the transmitter to see what was happening. Obi Wan sat with her. Sabe had a fearful look on her face. I knelt by them to see a little boy in 2nd place, He seemed to be in trouble. The 1st place racer soon crashed. Anakin won! It wasn't long until Jar Jar, Qui Gon, and Amidala came back to the outskirts. I took Amidala's hand and led her into the ship. Eirtae met us there. "Where's Sabe?" Amidala asked us. "She's in the throne room," I told her. "She wants to speak with you." "See that Qui Gon is comfortable," Amidala told us. Eirtae and I went back outside. Qui Gon was on a camel and talking to Obi Wan. "I'm going to finish business," he whispered. "I won't be long." "Why do I have a feeling that we've picked up another pathetic life form?" Obi Wan asked. "It's the boy who is responsible for getting us these parts," Qui Gon replied in a harsh voice. "Connect this to the hyper drive generator." "Yes, Master," Obi Wan nodded. "It won't take long." Qui Gon left. Eirtae and I looked at each other questionly. We ran to the throne room and pushed open the doors. "Your Highness!" we exclaimed at the same time. Amidala got off the throne. Sabe took off the feathered headdress. "What is it?" Amidala asked. "Did you know that Qui Gon is going back to Mos Espa?" Eirtae cried. "No!" Amidala exclaimed. "Sabe, come with Rabe, Eirtae, and me and ask where Qui Gon is." We followed Sabe to the storage room. "Ahem," Sabe coughed. Obi Wan jumped. "I'm so sorry, Your Highness," he apologized. "That is okay, Ambassador," Sabe said in her low voice. "I just wanted to know where Qui Gon is." "Oh…um…umm…" he stammered. Amidala whispered something to Sabe. She put her hand on Obi Wan's shoulder. "Where is Qui Gon?" she asked in a soft voice. "Returning camels," Obi Wan replied brightly. "Thank you," Amidala smiled. "Do you need him, Padme?" Obi asked with a concerned look on his face. "Oh no!" Amidala exclaimed. "I'm so sorry to disturb you!" "Thank you, Obi Wan," Sabe replied trying to act like the Queen. "I heard Qui Gon said that he is going to finish business," I blurted out when we got to Amidala's room. "We will wait till he gets home," Amidala smiled. The Star Cruiser Amidala and I were talking to Captain Panaka about a half an hour later when a little boy came running in. "Qui Gon is in trouble!" he yelled. Amidala and I exchanged nervous glances. Panaka rushed toward the control room. "Qui Gon is in trouble!" he announced. Obi Wan looked at Anakin then saw Qui Gon fighting with a hooded creature. "Over there!" he ordered Ric Ollie. "Fly low!" Anakin and Obi Wan rushed to where Qui Gon ended up. Amidala motioned for me to come with her. "I can't believe this is happening!" she exclaimed. "Somebody discovered us! Our people will be killed!" She changed into her orange dress. "I never expected somebody to find us! I never planned for somebody to see Sabe and kill her instead of me!" A little knock came at the door. "Oh, come in!" Amidala called. Anakin came in. "Hi, Padme," he said. "Eirtae told me that you'd be here." "Hello, Ani," she said. "Are you all right?" "Yes," he said. "I just wanted to see you." Amidala hugged him. "This is Rabe, Ani. We are handmaidens for Queen Amidala." I guess Anakin didn't know that she was the Queen yet! Anakin's smile went wide. "What do you do?" he asked me. "I do Queen Amidala's hair. I am second in line to be her royal decoy." "Decoy?" Anakin asked. "A disguise," Amidala explained. "If Amidala is in danger then one of us will dress up as her so she won't be killed." Eirtae opened the door. "Dinner," she whispered. Anakin sat in between Amidala and me. We soon finished and went to bed. I left the door open. I soon woke up at midnight when I heard a door shut. Amidala came out of the room in her orange dress. I wondered what was happening. I went back to sleep. The Landing Dock It was morning when we returned to Coruscant. Sabe was still the Decoy Queen. Senator Palpatine stood with a silver haired man that was introduced to us as Chancellor Valorum. "Please meet me at my office," he whispered to Sabe. "What are you going to do?" I asked Amidala as I got out the velvet dress from her wardrobe container. "I don't know," she said. "I haven't been the Queen since the morning that the communications broke down." I nodded. Amidala was always brave. "Padme?" a voice asked. A woman was standing in the doorway. "Dorme!" Amidala exclaimed. "I can't believe it!" She turned to me. "Rabe, this is Corde's cousin, Dorme." Dorme and I shook hands. "I'm now a handmaiden in Coruscant," she told me. "I help Senator Palpatine when I am needed. Come, Padme. The meeting is now beginning." Palpatine's Office Eirtae and I were dressed in velvet maroon hooded cloaks. We stood behind a couch where Amidala was sitting. Sabe was sent to get Jar Jar and Anakin's room ready. "The Republic is full of greedy delicates. I doubt they will listen to our plea." "Chancellor Valorum seems to think there is hope," Amidala pointed out. "Chancellor Valorum has little real power. There are two options to make this work." "What options have we?" Amidala asked. "As I said Chancellor Valorum has little real power. You could call a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum." "He's been our strongest supporter," Amidala pointed out. "Our only other choice is to submit a plea to the courts," Palpatine said. "The courts take even longer to decide things than the Senate!" Amidala exclaimed. She stood and locked her eyes onto Palpatine. I thought she was going to kill him. "Our people are dying, Senator. We must do something quickly to stop the Federation!" "I understand your concern, Your Majesty," Palpatine agreed. "But we must accept Federation control for the time being." "That is something I cannot do," Amidala murmured. "Go ask Anakin if he would like to come with us to the Senate," Amidala told me. Anakin had been watching us from behind the door. "Why don't you come with us?" I asked Anakin. "And this time you don't have to watch from behind the door." The Chambers I followed Amidala into her chambers. "What's going on?" Sabe asked. "We're going to the Senate now," I said as I gave Amidala a red dress to put on. Amidala put her robes over the dress. I did her hair for about an hour. Eirtae did the makeup for me. We had to put on these black cloaks. They looked kind of pretty. "I'm going to fetch Anakin," Sabe said. "I'll go with you," Eirtae called. "I have to go see Dorme," Amidala told me. I was left alone. I saw a transmitter in the corner of the room. I thought to call Sache and Yane, but that will put us in danger. "Padme?" asked an unfamiliar voice that had a south-eastern accent. A woman was standing in the doorway. "This isn't Padme," I told her. "I'm Rabe. Padme left to see Dorme." "I am Dorme's friend Verse," the woman told me. "I was looking for Padme and Dorme." "I think they are in the lounge," I said. "I'll show you." We walked to where Amidala was sitting with Dorme. I left them all alone. Eirtae and Sabe were back with Anakin. "What do you actually do?" Anakin was asking Eirtae. "I help the Queen with protocol," Eirtae told him. "What does Padme do?" Anakin wondered. I sat down next to Anakin. "She goes to places where the Queen can't go," I replied. "Then she gives Her Highness a report." Amidala tapped our door. "Time to go," she told us. Jar Jar was at her heels. I held Anakin's hand as we walked to the starship. Sabe sat in the front with Amidala. Eirtae and I sat in the back with Anakin and Jar Jar. Amidala lifted a black cloak to put over her robes. "I never really have been to the Senate as a Queen," Amidala told us in her low voice. "I have been here millions of times." She told us stories that kept us all cheerful until we arrived. Amidala's face looked serious and sad. We stepped onto the Naboo box where Palpatine was waiting for us. The Senate Valorum announced that Palpatine can speak. Lott Dod, the Senator from the Trade Federation, kept interrupting. Palpatine soon explained why Amidala was here and asked her to speak. "Honorable representatives of the Repuplic," she said in a loud and clear voice. "I come to you under the greatest of circumstances. Naboo's system had been invaded by the droid armies of the Trade…" Lott Dod interrupted again. He told Valorum that the Senate would have to search Naboo. Valorum agreed and asked Amidala if she would differ her to allow the Senate to search Naboo. "I will not differ!" Amidala yelled across the room. "I've come before you to resolve this attack for our sovereignty now! I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee! If the Supreme Chancellor is not capable of action then I suggest new leadership is needed…I move for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership." Voices rose. We soon left. The Chambers The transmitter in the chambers clicked on. "The boy is here to see Padme," an officer told me. "Let him in," I commanded. Anakin came in. "I'm sorry," I told him. "But Padme is not here right now." "Who is it?" Amidala asked. Uh-oh! Will Anakin know the truth? "Anakin Skywalker, to see Padme, Your Highness." Amidala talked with Anakin. Then he left. It wasn't long when I had changed into my velvet cloak. Eirtae and I dressed the Queen and did her hair and makeup. The dress showed how small she really was. The dress was pretty black color. Everybody loved it. The Lounge Amidala sat on the lounge couch when we heard a knock on the door. I opened the door a crack. "It is Jar Jar Binks, Your Highness," I told Amidala. "Come in, Jar Jar!" the Queen called. She walked to the window as the Gungan joined her. "Your Highness!" a voice called after a while. It was Captain Panaka. "Your Highness! Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as Supreme Chancellor!" Palpatine made a few promises. "Senator," I heard Amidala whisper. "This is your arena. I fear I must return to mine. I have decided to go back to Naboo." "Go back?" Palpatine asked. He gave reasons why she should stay. "It is clear to me now that the Republic no longer functions. I pray you will bring sanity back to the Senate." We were going back to Naboo! I couldn't wait! The Chambers Amidala decided to leave that night. Eirtae and I dressed Amidala in a purple gown with a purple veil and tiara. We were dressed in our comfortable flame dresses. I flopped onto the bed. Amidala left to visit Verse and would be back in an hour. Eirtae went to find Obi Wan and Qui Gon. Sabe was still here. She sat on my bed. "Nothing good to do?" she asked. I nodded. "Why aren't you being the decoy tonight?" I asked. Sabe shrugged. "I don't know," she said. "Padme felt good when she was Queen again." Eirtae came in. "Time to go!" she exclaimed. Finally! Landing Dock We got off the public star ship to the landing dock. It was nice to return home. I would soon see my friends, the Governor, and Sache and Yane. I felt good. Anakin was with R2D2 (The council refused to make Anakin a Jedi.). Qui Gon was waiting for us with Obi Wan and Jar Jar. We soon got on the Star Cruiser. The Court Room Eirtae and I stood by the doorway of the court room. Sabe stood with Amidala. Jar Jar stood next to me hugging the wall. "When we land, Your Highness, the Federation will arrest you and force you to sign the treaty!" Panaka pointed out. "I agree," Qui Gon agreed calmly. "I don't know what you wish to accomplish by this." "I will take back what is ours," Amidala declared. "We have no army!" Panaka reminded Amidala. "And I could only protect you," Qui Gon said. "I can't fight a war for you." Amidala remembered that Jar Jar told her about the Gungan army earlier that night. "Jar Jar Binks!" she called. Jar Jar came forward. "Mesa, Your Highness?" he asked. "Yes," Amidala nodded. "I need your help." The Star Cruiser Eirtae and I were measuring Sabe while Amidala was resting. Obi Wan knocked on the opened door. "Excuse me, Your Highness," he apologized to Sabe (He recognized that Eirtae and I were both handmaidens and he thought that we were making new dresses for Amidala.). I smiled. "We're just fixing a hem," I assured him. "We're almost done." Sabe got off the stool she was standing on. "Are you sure about trusting the Gungans?" Obi Wan asked her. Sabe nodded. "I'm more sure than ever." Eirtae talked to Obi Wan for a while. I decided to go to sleep. The Naboo Swamps We were at the swamps. Sabe was again taking Amidala's place as Queen. She wore comfortable robes and a battle dress. Us handmaidens would finally get to wear something other than cloaks. We wore trousers, tunics, boots, and long wasted overcoats with blasters strapped to our waists. Anakin still didn't know about Amidala, but at least he would get to talk to her as Padme. Amidala joined Anakin while Sabe talked to Jar Jar, Panaka, Qui Gon, and Obi Wan. It turned out that the Gungan city was deserted. We were all wondering why they weren't there. "They could be at the sacred place," spoke up Jar Jar. He led us to a secret place of Naboo. Sure enough, the Gungans were there. "I am Queen Amidala of the Naboo," Amidala announced to Boss Nass, their leader. "I come before you in peace." Boss Nass complained that we were here. "We have searched you out," Sabe insisted. "Because we wish to form an alliance…" Amidala came in front and said, "You did well, Sabe. But I must do this myself." She turned to face Boss Nass. "Your Honor," she called. "Whos dis?" Boss Nass roared. "I am Queen Amidala," Amidala announced. "This is my decoy, my protection, my loyal body guard. I am sorry for my deception, but it was necessary to protect myself. Although our people do not always agree, Your Honor, we had always lived in peace. The Trade Federation has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build. If we do not act quickly, all will be lost forever. I ask you to help us. No, I beg you to help us." She fell to one knee. "We are your humble servants. Our fate is in your hands." We all fell to one knee. Boss Nass laughed and asked Amidala to talk to him. We were going to win this battle once and for all! Camp 4 The Queen sent Panaka and me to get the pilots and officers that we held prison at Camp 4. I would finally get to see Sache and Yane. There they were. Sache was crying about her mother who died during the crisis. Yane hugged me hard. I hugged Sache and conforted her. Panaka walked over to us. "You two will be safe in the Lake Country," he told Sache and Yane. "We'll have a transport ready for you. Rabe, come with me. We have to meet with Padme." Theed Amidala smiled when she saw us. I stayed with Eirtae until Amidala motioned for us to follow her to Theed. Panaka, Sabe, a few officers, and I stayed crouched at one side. Eirtae, Amidala, Anakin, Qui Gon, and Obi Wan stayed crouched at the other side. The palace was a few blocks away from us. Panaka signaled for Amidala's group to join us. A droid turned and saw us. "There they are!" it shouted. We all ran for the main hangar. The Main Hangar Pilots were waiting for us at the main hangar. We killed all of the droids (Thank the Lord!). "Get to your ships!" Amidala instructed the pilots. Not knowing what to do, Anakin and R2 hid in an unused starship. Qui Gon led us to the door of the palace when the door opened. The figure that fought Qui Gon in Tatooine was standing there. Amidala ran to the front of the line with her jaw hanging open. "We'll handle this," Qui Gon assured us. "We'll take the long way," Amidala nodded. I followed Sabe and a few officers to a corner where we hid. "Droidekas!" I shouted. Sabe ran next to Amidala and tried to shoot them down. Anakin started to destroy them too! Amidala watched him breathlessly. "Let's go!" she ordered. Theed Palace Sabe, Eirtae, a few officers, and I took a longer route than Amidala, Panaka, and Amidala's personal guards took the shorter route. We ran to a corner where we could shoot down battle droids easily. I bent low and tried to avoid the bullets when I ran to the other side of the room. We heard glass break (Oh my gosh!). Sabe bent close to me. "Padme must be on her way to the throne room!" she whispered loudly. I nodded. "We better get arrested and follow her group," Sabe continued. "We'll destroy the droids when we have the throne room in view." Sabe whistled when droids approached us. "Put down your weapons!" she called. Sabe showed me a miniature blaster that she held in her hand. The droids took us towards the throne room. "Viceroy!" Sabe called when she saw Nute Gunray. "Your occupation here has ended!" She killed the droids with her blaster. I took a droid blaster and did the same thing. "After her!" the Viceroy yelled. "The real one! Not some decoy!" We destroyed all the droids. Naboo Fields Anakin had knocked out the droid control ship. Now the Gungans did not have to fight the droid armies. Eirtae and I had to nurse the wounded Gungans. Even though we had captured the Viceroy, we were not happy. Qui Gon was killed by Darth Maul. Anakin was crying all day. The Jedi Council will come to his funeral. Theed Eirtae and I dressed Amidala in her black dress that she wore on Coruscant. We were all happy to see Corde again. I dressed in my throne room cloak. There were 2 Standmaidens who helped the Queen. A ship approached and Dorme and Verse came out. We were smiling until the Viceroy came with Panaka. The Queen stepped up to him. "Now, Viceroy," she reminded him. "You are going to have to go back to the Senate and explain all this." Panaka nodded. "You will have to kiss your Trade franchise good bye." He lead the Viceroy and Rune Haako into a ship. Panaka came back out when the ship was taking off. Another ship approached and Palpatine and the Jedi Council got out. Palpatine was elected Supreme Chancellor. He had a short conversation with Obi Wan. Then he turned to us. "Congratulations on your election, Chancellor," Amidala smiled. "Your bonus have saved our people, Your Majesty. It's you who should be congratulated," he told her. "Together, we will bring peace to the Republic." Sache's Room The Standmaidens redecorated my room. It looked beautiful! I could hear crying. I knew it was Sache. I opened her door. "I know how you feel about your mother," I told her. "My mother died too." Sache nodded. "I thought she would never die," she cied. Naboo Temple I was at Qui Gon's funeral. I dressed in a green cloak with a purple hood. I dressed Amidala in her purple gown with her veil and tiara. I grew sad to see Anakin cryng. Eirtae was sad to see Obi Wan cry. It was a dreadful night as Qui Gon turned into ashes. Theed Roads It was our victory parade. I dressed in a white gown with a green hooded cloak. I dressed Amidala in a white gown with a petaled cape. She wore a circle fan instead of a headdress. The Govornor handed Amidala the peace globe. Amidala handed Boss Nass the peace globe. We were all together now! Amidala's Courtyard Amidala, Anakin, and I were in the courtyard. Amidala sat Anakin in her lap on the courtyard swing. I sat next to her. We talked for a while. Obi Wan, who is now a Jedi Master to Anakin, went with Eirtae to play volley ball. They soon returned with Yoda and Mace Windu. "Come, come," Yoda told us. Mace Windu pulled a lawn chair by the swing. "I know that Miss Eirtae has children but no husband," Mace told us. "And we all know that Jedi aren't supposed to marry anybody. But we know that the Jedi would soon be out numbered, and the knights have to find their own lives. Obi Wan may find Eirtae and be her husband. If you want to, you could get married right now." Obi Wan and Eirtae were breathless. "YES!" they exclaimed at the same time. Outside Theed Palace "I'm too nervous," Eirtae complained. "Don't worry," I assured her. "Come on," Amidala said. We lead Eirtae to Obi Wan to say their vows. Then they were done. They held hands…and kissed! I just loved to see my best friend happy. I really did. The End Coming Soon! Faithful Friend: A sequel to Rabe's Journal.