The Shadows Star: Book 2

17: Details

The next morning, the sounds of grunts, heavy breathing and the clashing of weapons filled the apartment as Sombra and Captain Typho engaged in a heated sparring session. Sombra had volunteered to stay behind and keep watch while Obi and Anakin have their testimony to the council.

The noise of their battle, however, was replaced quite suddenly when they heard Padmé's frustrated cries. "This is ridiculous! Preposterous! Can you believe that they would do this?"

Sombra and Captain Typho paused their sparring session as Padmé stomped onto the balcony with them.  They turned to face her, concern evident in their expressions. Sombra was glistening with sweat from the intense training, her braids held in place by beads that clicked softly as she moved. The captain stood with a sheen of sweat on his forehead, his demeanor serious.

"What's wrong, Senator?" Sombra asked, her tone gentle.

Padmé let out a heavy sigh, frustration etched on her face. "The Chancellor and the Jedi Council have decided that I should flee to Naboo until they can ensure my safety, and apparently I have no choice in the matter," she said, her voice tinged with irritation.

Sombra exchanged a glance with Captain Typho before responding. "I understand your frustration, Padmé. But sometimes, we have to put our pride aside and do what is asked of us. Your life matters, even if you don't think it does."

Padmé's eyes softened as she looked at Sombra. "You're right, Sombra. I just can't believe they're asking me to leave right before the vote on the Military Creation Act. I've worked so hard to defeat it."

Sombra stepped closer to Padmé, a hint of a smile on her lips. "I know it's difficult, but your safety comes first. Besides, if something happened to you, who would scold me and make sure I'm dressed properly?" She teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Padmé chuckled, despite her frustration. "You have a point there. I'll go to Naboo, but I won't be happy about it."

Captain Typho joined the conversation, his tone serious. "We'll ensure your safety, Senator. Your well-being is of utmost importance."

Sombra nodded in agreement. "Ty is right. We'll do everything we can to keep you safe."

Padmé looked between them, a mix of gratitude and determination in her eyes. "Thank you both. I appreciate your concern. I just hope this situation is resolved soon."

As they stood on the balcony, united in their commitment to Padmé's safety, Sombra's mind couldn't help but wander to Anakin. With a sigh, she hoped that they could all navigate the challenges ahead and emerge stronger on the other side.

The two Jedi swiftly arrived, silently approaching the pair engaged in their playful duel on the balcony. Sombra had just gained the upper hand, leaving Captain Typho pinned to the ground. A triumphant smirk graced her lips as she climbed off him. "Sorry, Ty, I win," she teased.

Captain Typho shook his head, his cheeks a deep red and clearly amused by the bout. "That was pure luck, and you know it!"

"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck," mused Obi-Wan, his Jedi wisdom shining through. Sombra wiped her face with a towel, about to respond, but sensed that the Jedi had something important to discuss.

"What happened with the council? What's the plan?" she inquired, her curiosity and concern intertwining.

Anakin opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, Obi-Wan stepped forward, taking charge of the conversation. "The council has decided that I will lead the investigation to uncover the plot against the senator. In the meantime, the senator will return to Naboo discreetly. Captain Typho and a handmaiden will remain behind to maintain the illusion of normalcy," he explained, though his pause hinted at more unsaid words.

Sombra nodded, processing the information. "Alright, so you and Anakin will investigate, and I will accompany Padmé to protect her. It sounds like a solid plan," she agreed, trying to maintain her composure, though a growing unease gnawed at her.

Obi-Wan's sigh drew her attention, and she felt a lingering weight in his words. "Actually," he continued, "I will undertake the investigation on my own. The council has decided that you and Anakin should handle this task together. It will serve as an opportunity to test your abilities without the constant guidance of your Masters. This mission offers a unique chance to demonstrate your growth and maturity. It seems the council is interested to see how well the Chosen Ones can work together."

The realization that she and Anakin were assigned to work together left Sombra in a state of inner conflict. She cast a glance at Anakin, who appeared genuinely thrilled by the prospect. However, her worries deepened, overshadowing the excitement that her fellow Jedi felt.

As the conversation continued, Sombra's unease grew more pronounced, and she couldn't help but wonder about the challenges and trials that lay ahead for them. Anakin, on the other hand, seemed eager to embrace the mission, his excitement evident in his every word and gesture. He was seemingly oblivious to the tension that loomed between them, focused entirely on the idea of getting time together.

As the conversation drifted into logistical details and planning, Sombra found herself torn between addressing their unspoken conflict or burying it further beneath the surface. She knew that their mission's success depended on their ability to work together as a team, and the unresolved tension could become a significant hindrance.

The thought continued to swirl in her mind as Obi finished by saying, "You leave in a few hours. Your master asked to see you before you left Sombra. He said that C-1 was worried."

Her head popped up at the mention of her droid. She excused herself, and made her way to her speeder. It was a blue and yellow bike that she had modified over the years and had become her prized possession. When she arrived outside the temple, she parked haphazardly and ran inside, already imagining the scolding C-1 had prepared.