The Shadows Star: Book 2

6: Escapades

22 BBY

As the first light of dawn broke over the city, Sombra, a 19-year-old Jedi Padawan, moved with cautious steps through the awakening corridors of the royal palace. She navigated skillfully, utilizing the cover of shadows provided by the grand columns and statues that adorned the palace's interior. Her movements were fluid, honed by years of training. Having successfully eluded any prying eyes, she breathed a sigh of relief upon reaching her quarters. There, she slid down against the door, closing it behind her with a sense of accomplishment.

A familiar voice interrupted her moment of respite. "Good morning, little pup. I ventured in earlier to inquire about your interest in a morning meditation. Imagine my surprise when I couldn't find my pupil anywhere. Pray tell, where have your nocturnal escapades taken you this time?"

Som, still in the haze of early morning drowsiness, gazed up at her master. Her expression was a mixture of fatigue and a mischievous grin. "Good morning, Plo! Have I ever told you just how much I love being your Padawan? Your wisdom, strength, and all-around forgiving nature, truly set you apart. Perhaps you should remind yourself of that while fetching us some breakfast!"

Plo Koon chuckled warmly, his tall frame exuding an air of calm authority. He extended his arms under her and lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the bed. "I appreciate the kind words, pup. But first, rid yourself of that paint. You still have some explaining to do. Where were you?"

As she settled onto the bed, he handed her a blanket and a damp towel. She began to wipe off her makeup, her expression shifting between playfulness and contentment.

"By the gods, why do you insist on being such a good father? If you must know, I was merely exploring Theed. It's such a captivating city of art, music, and theater. Given our responsibility of safeguarding the senator, I thought it prudent to delve deeper into her home planet."

Plo Koon's skepticism was evident in the subtle furrow of his brow. "Exploring the planet during daylight hours or even learning directly from the senator herself would have sufficed, wouldn't it? Knowing how well you do in one night on Coruscant, I imagine you've won quite a bit."

She gasped in exaggerated astonishment. "Win? Oh, I'm a responsible Padawan, Master. Engaging in something as inappropriate as gambling at a pub, winning credits, all while enjoying free drinks from a handsome Mirialan? Unthinkable! Your imagination is running wild this morning."

"Free drinks?! You're still underage!" Plo's voice was a hushed whisper, but the reproach was clear.

She pulled the blanket over her face, playfully protesting. "Really? You're concerned about that? I managed to win 600 credits in one night, and that's what you're focusing on?"

He lifted the blanket with a mock sternness. "Sombra Vala Koon! By the Force, you could have been arrested!"

"Perhaps on Coruscant, Master. But here on Naboo, the legal drinking age is 16. I did my research."

"Of course, you did. Regardless, you should have rested. I'll be departing for a council meeting on Coruscant at midday, and you'll need to be ready to guard the senator when she returns to Coruscant tomorrow. Have you devised a plan?"

"Plo! You wound me. Of course, I've got a plan. Just give me a quick 2 or maybe 3 hours of sleep, and I'll be ready to take on a gundark. Promise," she reassured, her grin widening.

"Alright, I can grant you 2 hours, but I'll be back to wake you. I'd like to go over your plan before I leave. Sleep well, my child." With that, Plo Koon tucked the blanket around her and patted her head before leaving.

True to his word, he returned 2 hours later bearing a plate of five blossom bread slices and a cup of tea. Setting them down on a nearby table, he gently shook her shoulder. "Pup, it's time to rise. There's much to be done."

As Som stirred and mumbled, "Just one more hour, please?"

A rumbling chuckle emanated from his mask. "If you wanted more sleep, you should've stayed in last night instead of gallivanting around Theed like some sort of vagabond. Come now, I've even brought breakfast."

The mention of food propelled her upright. "Master Plo, you're an absolute saint and a gentleman." She promptly devoured the bread, scattering crumbs across her face.

Plo watched, amused by her sudden change in demeanor. "I do hope you don't display such enthusiasm in front of the senator. You eat like a ravenous Gamorrean. Now, get dressed. Captain Typho and I await your plan. You have 10 minutes."

After a brief pause, Sombra sprang from her bed and hastened to the fresher. She wasted no time in washing up, swiftly exiting the fresher. A flick of her wrist expelled any lingering water droplets from her hair. Hastily, she donned a simple dress and boots, preparing herself to assume her role as Nyraté, a handmaiden to the senator. Taking a moment to compose herself, she deftly braided her hair into twin sections, securing them into buns. Lastly, she applied a bold red stripe to her lips, just as Padme had taught her. With one last look in the mirror, she whispered, "Goodbye Som. Greetings Nyraté."

With purposeful steps, she approached her master and Captain Typho. Her posture straightened, her gait composed, projecting an air of stoic professionalism. Stepping into the room, she addressed the men with a posh Theed accent. "Good morning, Captain, Master Jedi. I've been informed of my requested assistance. How may I be of service?"

The Captain turned to see a handmaiden enter. "Good morning, Nyraté. Indeed, we wish to discuss some matters with you. Please, join us." The doors closed, and her body relaxed and she dropped her stoic expression. "All right, everyone, showtime. Captain, let's proceed. Did you receive the encoded message I sent last night?"

The Captain regarded the young woman with a kind smile. He had been working with her for the past two months, but he was always impressed by her ability to switch between her identities.

"Yes, I've reviewed it. Using a decoy while the senator poses as a pilot is clever. While I admire its thoroughness, I do have reservations. Senator Amidala is unlikely to consent. You're aware of her aversion to extra protection. The notion of employing a decoy will seem preposterous to her. She won't agree to place others in jeopardy for her sake. Unless she can be persuaded otherwise, we require an alternative strategy."

A sly grin crept onto her face. "Valid concern, Ty. I appreciate the input, but I've already accounted for it."

Plo stepped forward cautiously. "Sombra, precisely how have you addressed this? What have you done?"

"Nothing major, pops. Let's just say a certain Senator owes me a significant favor. She'll honor her word, or I'm not the chosen one."

"Well, it seems you've thought it through. I trust you, pup. I must depart if I'm to reach Coruscant as scheduled. Should all go well, I'll see you tomorrow. May the Force be with you all."

The Captain bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master Jedi. I will go ahead and inform the senator of the plan and begin preparations."

Plo approached and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Trust in the Force, young one."

Som lowered her head. "I will, Master."