. . . . . . . . . "When they arrived on Naboo, Nalanda removed the cloak she had worn on the freighter and assumed her senatorial garb. While it was merely an elaborate headpiece with matching shoulder pads, she looked entirely different even though she was wearing the same dress. As they crossed the plaza in front of the palace, Nalanda related her history. She had been raised in a prominent Naboo family, her father and mother in quite influential circles so going into public service was somewhat expected of her. Continuing it though wasn't, as most Naboo retired in their twenties. The food fight was on."@en . . . "When they arrived on Naboo, Nalanda removed the cloak she had worn on the freighter and assumed her senatorial garb. While it was merely an elaborate headpiece with matching shoulder pads, she looked entirely different even though she was wearing the same dress. As they crossed the plaza in front of the palace, Nalanda related her history. She had been raised in a prominent Naboo family, her father and mother in quite influential circles so going into public service was somewhat expected of her. Continuing it though wasn't, as most Naboo retired in their twenties. \u201CWhen the Queen asked me to serve as senator I couldn\u2019t refuse her,\u201D Nalanda told them. \u201CThough I did think that I would have a family of my own by now.\u201D \u201CThe Republic needs you, Senator,\u201D Padm\u00E9 said as they climbed the steps, \u201Cperhaps that\u2019s one of the reasons you\u2019ve been so popular with the wrong sort of people lately.\u201D \u201CPerhaps.\u201D Nalanda agreed with a grin. The Throne Room in the palace brought back memories for Padm\u00E9 as she watched Queen Jamilla hold court. Everywhere echoed instances of her last visit, particular when she had seen someone else sitting where Jamilla sat. Someone who had no place there at all. \u201CIt all depends if the Trade Federation has joined forces with the Separatists,\u201D Nalanda explained to the queen. \u201CAnd they have taken no steps to reduce their droid army?\u201D Jamilla inquired. \u201CThere are\u2026rumours suggesting that,\u201D Nalanda reluctantly replied. \u201CIf I may interject, your Highness,\u201D Padm\u00E9 said, \u201Cthe Jedi have not been permitted to make any investigations because it will affect the economy.\u201D \u201CIt is unthinkable,\u201D Sio Bibble declared, \u201Cthat after three trials in the Supreme Court Nute Gunray is still Viceroy of the Trade Federation. I fear the Senate will be powerless to stop him.\u201D \u201CWe must keep faith,\u201D Jamilla declared, serene in her black and white garments, \u201Cnot only in those attending the summit but in the Republic itself. The day that we do not believe in democracy is the day we lose it.\u201D \u201CLet\u2019s pray that day never comes,\u201D Nalanda returned, getting to her feet to fall in step behind the Queen. Later that afternoon they boarded a speeder bus that would taken them north, but not all the way. At their destination they took another bus and finally a boat that took them down a wide river shaded with trees. Anakin didn\u2019t mind, the more he saw of Naboo the more he liked. Ten years ago he never would have imagined this much water could be possible. As the sun was setting they rounded a headland and Nalanda\u2019s family villa came into view. It was right above the water with arching windows of multi-coloured glass, beyond were manicured gardens and beyond that dense forest. A kind, care-worn housekeeper met them at the dock. She smiled at Padm\u00E9 and Anakin as she collected the bags and took them inside. \u201CI used to come here every summer,\u201D Nalanda said, strolling along the deck and looking into the water. She wore her hair loose but for a band behind her ears and a free-flowing gown that changed from a cream to a beige. \u201CI don\u2019t come as often now of course, and mostly it\u2019s just to be alone.\u201D \u201CIt beautiful,\u201D Padm\u00E9 said, and she meant it. From where they were they could see the open ocean, and just to the left was a sandbar with an island at the end. \u201CI'm not sure if I like it best now or in the winter,\u201D Nalanda turned and smiled at them. \u201CYou can only get here by air then, the waves come up so high it covers the windows.\u201D Anakin didn\u2019t say anything, he stepped closer to Padm\u00E9 as she and Nalanda talked. The atmosphere, the surroundings\u2026it was affecting him more than he realised it would, particularly seeing the light of the setting sun on Padm\u00E9. The gold and red outlining her curves, highlighting her eyes and hair\u2026 \u201CThere!\u201D Nalanda pointed to the shadow of a large bird flying towards the setting sun. \u201CGoff birds, aren\u2019t they?\u201D Padm\u00E9 asked. \u201CYes.\u201D Nalanda gave Anakin a significant look. \u201CThe first time I saw your Master he was on the back of one of these.\u201D \u201CReally?\u201D Anakin's surprise seemed genuine. \u201CHe hasn\u2019t told you?\u201D Nalanda asked. \u201CNo,\u201D Anakin replied, then smiled. \u201COf course, it\u2019s not a story that Master Obi-Wan would choose to tell. He hates flying.\u201D They all laughed, watching the shadows get smaller. That evening they ate on the terrace with the doors open and the air with the smell of the sea. The food was heightened by the atmosphere, yet they could have been eating ration bars on an ice world for all Anakin cared. He was more interested in watching Padm\u00E9 as she talked to the senator. \u201CI have only the slightest of memories of my parents,\u201D she confessed, slicing the fruit they had been served for dessert. \u201CAll Jedi are identified at birth so I\u2019ve never known my family, and it\u2019s not encouraged.\u201D She glanced at Anakin with a smile. \u201CThere are exceptions of course.\u201D Yes, that\u2019s what I am,\u201D Anakin said sarcastically with a smile. \u201CAn exception.\u201D Then when Padm\u00E9 wasn\u2019t looking he used the Force to steal the fruit of her plate. \u201CAnakin!\u201D She tired to spear the fruit out of the air with her fork but it was too late, it was beyond her reach and sailing into Anakin\u2019s mouth. \u201CWhat would Obi-Wan be saying if he saw you do that?\u201D \u201CHe would be very grumpy,\u201D Anakin replied through his mouthful. \u201CAs he should be,\u201D Padm\u00E9 replied curtly. They stared at each other for a few moments and then broke into laughter. \u201CWhat was wrong with that anyway?\u201D Nalanda asked when it had subsided. \u201CThe Force is not a key you use to open every door you find,\u201D replied Padm\u00E9 seriously. \u201COr that is at least what Master Nju told me at least three times each lightsaber training class.\u201D She glanced sideways at Anakin. \u201CSomehow I think you missed that lesson, or else it went over your head.\u201D \u201CLike this?\u201D Anakin moved his fingers and aimed a piece of fruit at her. It was meant to sail over her head but when Padm\u00E9 stood up it hit her nose. \u201CRight,\u201D Padm\u00E9 picked up the rest of her dessert and aimed it at Anakin, who deflected it with the Force so it splattered Nalanda. \u201CYou asked for it,\u201D the senator laughed, picking up the rest of her dessert. The food fight was on."@en . . . . . . . . . . . . "Attack of the Clones (AU)/Chapter 10"@en . . . . .