The Shadows Star: Book 2

20: Takeoff

As they made their way to the public transport that would take them to Naboo, Padmé had a tearful farewell with Captain Typho, who assured her of Dormé's protection. Anakin was deep in conversation with Obi-Wan, discussing their plan and their roles in keeping Padmé safe during their journey. Sombra observed the exchange from a distance, giving them their space.

"Young miss! Miss Sombra!" a mechanical voice yelled. Sombra's eyes immediately searched the crowd until they landed on her friend. "C-1? What are you doing here? Is everything okay?"

"Yes, young miss. Everything is more than fine. Master Plo Koon has asked me to accompany you on your mission. I, of course, accepted. After our conversation earlier, we thought it best that you have a familiar face along. Oh, Miss Sombra, it will be just like old times! I'm sure you remember that I can be quite helpful on these journeys, and you have fallen behind on your studies since your recent departure."

Som let out a wide grin at her master's support and the droid's enthusiasm. "I'm happy you're here C-1. I feel better already."

Once Anakin had finished talking with Obi-Wan, Sombra approached her friend. Obi-Wan's eyes twinkled as he took in her appearance. "That's quite a change in fashion, Sombra," he remarked with a warm smile. "But I must say, it suits you well."

Sombra's cheeks flushed at the compliment. "Thank you, Obi. Padmé insisted," she replied with a playful grin.

Obi-Wan chuckled softly and pulled her into a quick embrace. "You've grown into a remarkable young woman. I'm proud of how far you've come. May the force be with you."

Sombra's heart swelled with emotion, knowing that Obi-Wan's approval meant a lot to her. "Thank you. May the force be with you, Obi," she said sincerely.

As they parted, Sombra made her way toward the transport where Anakin and Padmé were waiting, along with R2-D2 and C-1. She could feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness in the air, but she was determined to do her part to keep Padmé safe and navigate the complexities of their mission.

Padmé is the first to speak, a hushed whisper escaping her lips, "Suddenly, I'm afraid..".

Anakin attempts to comfort her. "This is my first assignment on my own. I am too."

"Well, this is my 2nd assignment without my master and I'm just as nervous. But don't worry. We've got R2 and C-1 with us," Som says. The three look at eachother and let out a laugh.

"Speaking of, I'd like to introduce you all to C-1," Sombra began with a warm smile. "I've told you both about him. C-1, this is Senator Padmé Amidala, Padawan Anakin Skywalker, and R2-D2."

Padmé extended her hand to the droid. "It's a pleasure to meet you, C-1. Sombra has shared stories about her time with you. I've heard you have quite a knack for storytelling. Care to share any juicy, embarrassing tales from her younger years?"

C-1's photoreceptors twinkled with a mischievous glint as he responded to the senator, "Oh, Senator, you flatter me. Well, there was that one time when she—"

Sombra quickly interjected with a nervous laugh, "C-1, I think some stories are best left untold."

R2-D2 rolled closer to C-1, emitting a series of curious beeps and whistles. It seemed the astromech droid was sizing up the newcomer. C-1, ever the charmer, replied to R2, "Ah, R2, you're a marvel, aren't you? A true treasure trove of knowledge. You and I will get along just fine."

Turning his attention to Anakin, C-1's tone took on a teasing note. "And young Skywalker, I've heard quite a bit about you as well. Sombra often spoke of her days with you with great fondness. It's almost like you were her favorite topic."

Anakin flashed a playful grin in Sombra's direction. "Is that so? Well now I'm curious, what did she say about me C-1?"

"Oh, she'd go on and on about how—"

She panicked and slapped a hand over the droids mouth. "—how well we worked together when we podraced at the Boonta Eve Classic. That you were a good friend. That's all."

"Well, it's not every day you meet another human who could podrace. I hope I live up to your expectations, C-1."

"I'm sure you will young sir."

Sombra rolled her eyes, but there was an undeniable fondness in her voice as she replied, "Ok, now that I'm thoroughly embarrassed, we should probably board."

The freighter was packed with beings from all over the galaxy, refugees escaping various conflicts, all of them displaced. Sombra's heart ached at the sight of so many people forced from their homes, seeking safety elsewhere. She felt utterly helpless. All the work and missions she had done to help the galaxy had only made the smallest dent in the grand scheme of things.

A hand gently squeezed her shoulder, and when she looked up, she met Anakin's concerned eyes. She mustered a small smile, but he remained unconvinced.

'Our bond is healed, remember?' he whispered in her thoughts. 'I know what you're feeling. You can't hide that from me. I understand your desire to help, but for now, the mission must take priority.'

He discreetly intertwined his pinky with hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Sombra reciprocated, and together, they navigated through the crowd. Finally, they found a small table where the three humans settled in for the long journey.