I am NOT and Never Will Be A Jedi

Palo

"Hi, Palo," I answered flatly. He looked about twenty years old. Could have been older but then again, I had never been good with guessing ages. For instance, Principal Yoda is like 900 years old and I thought he was in his 60s!

Palo smiled politely and I almost felt bad about how much I instantly hated him. "Hi there little fella!" he said in an amused tone as he patted my head. He patted my head! Can you believe that? "Exactly how old is he?" he whispered to Padme as if I wouldn't know myself. I coughed loudly to remind him I was still there, "I'm twelve years-" Palo pushed me aside lightly, "That's nice kid. Now listen Padme, I was thinking, maybe you wanted to go on a date to the Republic Art Museum tomorrow night?" he asked, dismissing me from the conversation. Padme looked back at me, "Kevin, what was it you needed again?" she asked me. Apollo rolled his eyes before giving me a threatening glare that said "scram or I'll pound you into bantha fodder".

My heart thumped a little and swallowed down my nervousness, "Um, Ani-" I began, wondering how much I should say in front of Palo. Of course, after weighing my options, I decided that Palo would probably spend a week in a bacta tank if Anakin knew he was dating Padme and as much as I wanted to see that happen, I knew that Padme would not appreciate it. I felt the sweat on my forehead drip down my cheek, "Ya know, the Republic Art Museum was originally called the Fillorean Art Museum in honor of the first addressed Chancellor of the Republic, however, he was not actually the first Chancellor. The first Chancellor was called the First Supreme Chancellor and was recognized for always wearing blue robes..." I babbled rapidly. The information poured out of me like a landslide if nervous grief. Padme blinked once as I awaited to hear her response.

Just when I thought Palo was seriously going to ground me into finely powdered bantha fodder, Padme smiled, "Wow Kevin, you must know a lot about Repubic culture! You should come with us tomorrow!" she squealed merrily.

If I had been smart, I would have taken Palo's twitching eye as a hint that I should decline Padme's generous offer. Too bad I got nervous again.

"Chancellor Contispex the First oversaw the original construction of the museum but had to postpone completion due to the intensifying Pius Dea Crusades," I continued. Palo laughed mockingly, "Padme sweetheart, do you really want this walking encyclopedia to come with us on our date?" he asked.

Padme smacked his shoulder playfully, "Be nice!" she chastised. With that, she strutted off and left Palo staring me down like a Nexu stalking his prey. "Watch your back kid," he growled.

Suddenly, I realized that letting Anakin chop up Palo with his lightsaber was not such a bad idea.