The Shadows Star: Book 2

7: Swear It

Just an hour later, Som was in her room training her mind, she reached out to the minds of those in the castle, taking in their feelings and thoughts. Her meditation was barely deepening when a screech turned her senses to 100.

Padmés voice roared through the hallway, "She WHAT?!"

Som sighed as she realized that someone must have finally informed the senator of the plan. She mentally prepared for the coming confrontation, knowing it would be a battle fiercer than any.

"Nyraté, the senator requests your presence in her office," Cordé's voice echoes through Som's commlink.

"I'll be there shortly," Som responds with care. The closer she draws to Padmé's office, the more palpable the aura of Padmé's anger becomes. There are few things in the galaxy capable of unnerving Som. She's infiltrated syndicates, battled various kinds of monsters, and even endured a month of training under Mace Windu. However, nothing in the entire galaxy can send a chill down her spine and make her sweat like Padmé's anger. 'For someone so delicate and beautiful,' she muses, 'she possesses the temper of a rancor.'

Som reaches the door and knocks gently. "Senator, I was informed of your request for my presence. How may I be of assistance?"

"Ah, Nyraté! Please, come in and close the door behind you," Padmé's fakest gentle voice invites. Taking a deep breath and mustering all her courage, Som enters, making her way toward the desk.

She gathers a semblance of innocence, albeit sheepishly, and offers, "Hey Padmé. How've you been? You look stunning, by the way. Lavender suits you perfectly."

"Sombra."

"Isn't it funny how time flies? I was just reminiscing about that moment years ago when you mentioned we would be like sisters. And look at us now, practically family, sharing dresses, exchanging gossip."

"Sombra," Padmé's voice carries a warning edge.

"Oh, and you know what else sisters do? They forgive each other. Especially when the younger one gets the older one a bit tipsy on Blossom Wine, convinces her to play Sabacc, bets that the loser will be in debt, and then proceeds to win time and time again," Som mutters, just as Padmé's eyes narrow dangerously. "Just a thought for the future."

Padmé falls silent, taking a deep breath and rubbing her temples, attempting to quell her stress. "Som, you're aware of my feelings about this, and yet you went ahead with it. Why?"

Som straightens up, her demeanor growing more serious. "Padmé, my duty is to safeguard you on your journey back to the capital. I'm bound by my Jedi code to do everything in my power to fulfill that mission. But beyond that, you're my friend, my sister. I won't follow a plan that I believe isn't in your best interest. I understand you'll probably hate every moment, but I promise I'll owe you a favor when this is over. Anything you desire."

Padmé stands and walks closer. Her eyebrow raises, and a smirk forms on her lips. "Anything, you say? Do you swear it?"

"Do I need to?" Som rolls her eyes in exasperation at Padme's nod. "Fine, you royals and your peculiar ways." She bends a knee, draws a blade from her boot, and slices her palm. "Milady Senator Padmé Amidala. I, Padawan Sombra Vala Koon, stand before you. With unwavering determination, I pledge my word to you. If you honor your commitment and follow my plan, you're welcome to request anything from me. Should I fail to uphold my word, let my blood be the price, my name forgotten, and my legacy tarnished. This I swear on my honor, my life, and my soul," Som rises, allowing the blood to drip down on the marble floor and smirks. "Satisfied, Milady?"

Padmé rolls her eyes. "You have a flair for the dramatic, Som. That's quite enough. I'll follow your plan. Now, could you please heal yourself and stop bleeding on my floor?"

Som laughs heartily, channels the Force to mend her palm, and secures the blade back in her boot.

The following morning, Som emerges from her quarters wearing the standard Naboo starfighter uniform. The maroon jumpsuit hugs her form, complemented by a leather vest. Her durable boots and utility belt complete the look, concealing her lightsabers. She dons a matching helmet before proceeding to the hangar. Her nerves churn within her, yet she maintains an unyielding façade. She silently repeats her mantra, hoping it will offer solace.

'I am Sombra Vala Koon. Daughter of Sith Lord Darth Maul and Jedi Master Plo Koon. Chosen by the Force to bring balance. May my actions reflect its will and illuminate my path. May the Force guide me.'

As her mental recitation concludes, she arrives at the hangar. Standing beside Captain Typho and a disguised Padmé, she salutes. Together, they all stand at attention as a disguised Cordé boards a Naboo Cruiser. Climbing into their Naboo Fighters, they launch into space.

Exiting hyperspace, the trio's ships appear before the city-planet. With dawn breaking, they descend through the atmosphere, shrouded in the morning mist. Navigating between skyscrapers and vessels, they find a landing pad amid the clouds. As they touch down, a sense of unease persists, growing with each passing moment. Som rushes out of the cockpit and approaches Captain Typho and Padmé.

"We've made it. I guess I was wrong; there was no danger after all," the captain remarks.

The cruiser's ramp lowers, revealing Cordé, surrounded by handmaidens and guards. Som's instincts scream at her, prompting her to shield Padmé just as an explosion engulfs the cruiser, claiming the lives of all on board and sending Som tumbling back, landing atop Padmé.

Som's head throbs as she sits up, witnessing Padmé kneeling beside Cordé. The alarms blare, and Padmé's cries pierce the air. Acting swiftly, Som leaps to her feet, realizing Padmé's vulnerability. "Padmé, you're still in danger! We need to go!"

In shock, Padmé whispers, "No... I shouldn't have returned."

Captain Typho grips her arm, urging her forward. "This vote is crucial. You've done your part—Cordé did hers. Now, let's go, Senator Amidala!"

With reluctance, Padmé relents, and the two guide her into the Senate building. Tears stream down her face, and Cordé's name echoes in her mourning heart.