**Chapter 11: A New Connection**

The sun was setting over Theed, casting a golden hue over the city. The canals sparkled under the fading light, and the streets buzzed with evening activity. Ajax, feeling somewhat out of his element, adjusted his cloak and made his way to the rendezvous point.

Sabine had chosen a quaint, tucked-away tavern known for its quiet ambiance and excellent drinks. The moment Ajax stepped in, he spotted her. She was sitting at a corner table, looking as radiant as ever, her smile lighting up the room.

"Ajax," she greeted, standing up to embrace him. "It's good to see you in a more...relaxed setting."

Ajax chuckled, a rare sound for him. "It's nice to have a change of pace. How have you been, Sabine?"

They settled into their seats, and a droid waiter approached, taking their orders. Sabine chose a local wine, while Ajax opted for a stronger, off-world brew.

"So, tell me," Sabine began, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, "how's the bounty hunting been?"

Ajax leaned back, considering his words. "Challenging as always. But it's the thrill of the hunt that keeps me going."

Sabine laughed softly. "Always the hunter. I guess some things never change."

Their drinks arrived, and they clinked glasses, enjoying the comfortable silence that settled between them.

After a few moments, Sabine's expression turned serious. "Ajax, there's something I need to talk to you about."

Ajax leaned in, his gaze intense. "What is it?"

"It's the Trade Federation," Sabine said, her voice hushed. "Ever since the treaty was signed, things have been...tense. There are rumors of blockades and increased droid activity. The Queen is worried, and so am I."

Ajax nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "I've heard whispers. They're not happy with the terms, and they're trying to find a way to renegotiate—or worse."

Sabine sighed, taking a sip of her wine. "I just don't understand why they can't honor the agreement. It's more than fair."

"Greed," Ajax said simply. "Power. They want control, and Naboo is a valuable asset."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on them.

Sabine reached out, placing her hand on Ajax's. "Promise me you'll be careful, Ajax. The Trade Federation is dangerous, and I don't want to lose you."

Ajax squeezed her hand, a rare softness in his eyes. "I promise, Sabine. I'll be careful. And I'll do whatever I can to help Naboo."

Their conversation shifted to lighter topics, and they spent the rest of the evening laughing and sharing stories. Despite the looming threat, they found solace in each other's company.

As they left the tavern, the night air cool against their skin, Sabine looked up at Ajax. "Thank you for tonight. It was...wonderful."

Ajax smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "It was. We'll do it again soon."

They parted ways, but the connection between them had grown stronger. And as Ajax walked back to his ship, he couldn't shake the feeling that their paths were more intertwined than he had ever imagined.

---

The following week, Ajax found himself thinking about Sabine more often than he anticipated. Her laughter, her concerns, and the way her hand felt in his replayed in his mind. Even in the midst of a bounty hunt, her presence lingered.

A few days later, during a quiet moment aboard his ship, Ajax received a holo call. Seeing Sabine's face brought an immediate smile to his lips.

"Sabine," he greeted, his tone warmer than usual. "I wasn't expecting your call."

Sabine's image flickered slightly as she smiled. "I just wanted to check in. How's everything going?"

"Busy," Ajax admitted. "But manageable. How about you? Any updates on the Trade Federation situation?"

Sabine sighed, her expression growing somber. "It's getting worse. There are more reports of droid sightings, and the Queen is trying to keep everything under control, but it's not easy."

Ajax frowned, his protective instincts kicking in. "If there's anything I can do, you know where to find me."

"Thank you, Ajax," Sabine said softly. "Your support means a lot."

They talked for a while longer, sharing stories and laughs, before Sabine had to go. As the holo call ended, Ajax couldn't help but feel a deepening connection with her.

---

Another week passed, and Ajax managed to secure a brief respite from his bounty hunting. He found himself back on Naboo, eager to see Sabine again. They had agreed to meet at the same tavern, and as Ajax approached, he felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

Sabine was already there, waiting for him with a bright smile. "Ajax! It's so good to see you."

"You too, Sabine," Ajax replied, feeling an unfamiliar warmth in his chest.

They ordered their drinks and settled into a comfortable conversation. The topics ranged from their daily lives to their pasts, and Ajax found himself opening up in a way he hadn't in years.

"Tell me more about your time as a bounty hunter," Sabine urged, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Ajax chuckled. "It's not as glamorous as it sounds. There's a lot of danger, a lot of close calls. But it's the thrill of the hunt that keeps me going."

"And the trophies?" Sabine asked, leaning forward. "Do you keep them all?"

"Most of them," Ajax admitted. "Each one tells a story. A reminder of what I've overcome."

Sabine smiled, her admiration clear. "You're amazing, Ajax. The things you've done, the way you handle yourself...it's impressive."

Ajax felt a flush of pride at her words. "Thank you, Sabine. That means a lot."

Their conversation flowed easily, and as the night wore on, they found themselves walking along the canals, the moon casting a soft glow over the water.

"Sabine," Ajax began, his tone serious, "I need you to promise me something."

"What is it?" Sabine asked, her curiosity piqued.

"If things get worse with the Trade Federation, if you find yourself in danger...call me. I'll come back. I'll protect you and the Queen."

Sabine's eyes softened, and she reached out to take his hand. "I promise, Ajax. But please, be careful out there too. I don't want to lose you either."

They shared a quiet moment, the connection between them palpable. As they said their goodbyes, Ajax felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would continue his hunts, but now, he had someone to protect, someone who mattered more than he ever expected.

---

The weeks that followed were filled with a delicate balance of bounty hunting and maintaining contact with Sabine. They continued to exchange holo calls, each one strengthening their bond.

One evening, after a particularly grueling hunt, Ajax received a message from Sabine. Her face appeared on the screen, her expression serious.

"Ajax, I need to talk to you," she said, her voice urgent.

Ajax's heart skipped a beat. "What's wrong?"

"It's the Trade Federation," Sabine explained. "They're ramping up their activities. The Queen is worried, and so am I. We need your help."

"I'll be there as soon as I can," Ajax promised without hesitation.

---

Upon his arrival on Naboo, Ajax was briefed on the escalating situation. The Trade Federation's presence was becoming more aggressive, and tensions were running high. The Queen had called for a meeting, and Ajax was determined to be there.

As he entered the palace, he was greeted by Sabine. She looked relieved to see him, and they shared a brief, but heartfelt, embrace.

"Thank you for coming, Ajax," she said softly.

"I'll always come when you need me," Ajax replied, his voice firm.

The meeting was intense, with the Queen and her advisors discussing the best course of action. Ajax provided his insights, drawing from his extensive experience in dealing with threats.

"We need to be prepared for anything," Ajax advised. "The Trade Federation won't back down easily."

The Queen nodded, her expression resolute. "We appreciate your counsel, Ajax. Your presence here is a great comfort."

After the meeting, Sabine and Ajax found a quiet moment alone. They stood on a balcony overlooking the city, the night air cool and refreshing.

"Sabine," Ajax began, his tone serious, "I want you to know that I'll do everything in my power to protect you and the Queen. No matter what happens."

Sabine looked up at him, her eyes filled with emotion. "I know, Ajax. And I trust you completely."

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. But despite the uncertainty, they found strength in each other.

As the days went by, Ajax's presence became a reassuring constant for Sabine. They spent their time preparing for the potential conflict, but also shared moments of levity and connection.

One evening, as they walked through the palace gardens, Sabine turned to Ajax with a smile. "You know, despite everything, I'm glad you're here."

Ajax smiled back, his heart warming at her words. "Me too, Sabine. Me too."

Their relationship continued to grow, each passing day bringing them closer. And as the tension with the Trade Federation reached its peak, Ajax knew that he would stand by Sabine and the Queen, no matter the cost.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

The days turned into weeks, and the tension with the Trade Federation continued to mount. The people of Naboo were on edge, and the palace was a hive of activity as preparations were made for any eventuality. Ajax, ever the hunter and protector, kept a watchful eye over Sabine and the Queen.

One evening, Sabine and Ajax found themselves once again in the palace gardens. The moonlight bathed the flowers in a silvery glow, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasted starkly with the turmoil outside.

"Ajax," Sabine began, her voice soft, "I've been thinking a lot about us. About what we've been through and what's to come."

Ajax turned to her, his eyes reflecting the same seriousness. "So have I, Sabine. I never expected to find something like this amidst all the chaos."

Sabine took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I know that our lives are dangerous, especially now. But I want you to know that I care about you deeply. More than I've cared about anyone in a long time."

Ajax felt a surge of emotion. He reached out, gently taking her hand. "I care about you too, Sabine. And I promise to do everything in my power to keep you safe."

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world around them faded away. It was just the two of them, standing together against the encroaching darkness.

Suddenly, the peaceful moment was shattered by the sound of alarms. Ajax's instincts kicked in immediately, and he tightened his grip on Sabine's hand. "Stay close," he urged, his voice a mix of calm and urgency.

They rushed back into the palace, where the Queen and her advisors were already mobilizing. The Trade Federation had made their move, and a blockade was forming around Naboo.

"We need to act quickly," the Queen said, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "Ajax, your expertise is invaluable to us now."

Ajax nodded, his mind racing as he formulated a plan. "We need to secure the palace and ensure the safety of everyone here. I'll coordinate with the security forces and set up defenses."

The Queen gave a curt nod. "Do what you must. Sabine, stay with Ajax and assist him in any way you can."

Sabine nodded, her resolve clear. "Of course, Your Majesty."

As the palace prepared for the imminent threat, Ajax and Sabine worked side by side, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment. They coordinated with the security teams, setting up strategic points and ensuring that every possible entry was guarded.

"Sabine," Ajax said during a brief moment of respite, "I need you to be extra careful. The Trade Federation won't hesitate to use any means necessary to achieve their goals."

"I know," Sabine replied, her eyes filled with determination. "But I trust you, Ajax. Together, we can get through this."

---

The blockade continued to tighten, and the people of Naboo grew increasingly anxious. The Trade Federation's presence was a looming shadow, and the palace was under constant threat. Despite the tension, Ajax and Sabine found solace in their moments together, even if they were fleeting.

One night, as they patrolled the palace grounds, Sabine turned to Ajax with a serious expression. "Ajax, do you ever wonder what the future holds for us? For Naboo?"

Ajax paused, considering her question. "I do. But I've learned that the future is never certain. All we can do is fight for what we believe in and protect those we care about."

Sabine smiled, her admiration for him evident. "You're right. And no matter what happens, I'm glad to have you by my side."

---

The final confrontation with the Trade Federation came sooner than anyone had anticipated. The palace was under siege, and the droids were closing in. Ajax, Sabine, and the security forces fought valiantly, their resolve unwavering.

In the heat of battle, Ajax's skills and technology were put to the test. He moved with precision and deadly efficiency, his cloaking tech allowing him to strike from the shadows. His wrist blades and plasma caster cut through the droid ranks, and his vibroblade was a blur of motion.

Sabine stayed close, providing support and covering his back. Their teamwork was seamless, a testament to their growing bond.

As the battle raged on, the Queen and her advisors coordinated a counterattack. Ajax and Sabine fought their way to the main hall, where the final push was being made.

The droids pressed in, but Ajax's ferocity and Sabine's determination turned the tide. They fought side by side, their movements synchronized and their resolve unbreakable.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the droids began to retreat. The Trade Federation's forces were pushed back, and the palace was secured.

As the dust settled, Ajax and Sabine stood together, their breaths heavy but their spirits high. They had faced the darkness and emerged victorious.

The Queen approached them, her expression one of gratitude. "Thank you, Ajax. Thank you, Sabine. Your bravery and skill have saved us all."

Sabine smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "We did it together, Your Majesty."

Ajax nodded, a rare smile on his face. "Indeed. But the fight isn't over. The Trade Federation will regroup, and we must be ready."

The Queen nodded, her resolve clear. "We will be. And with allies like you, I have no doubt that Naboo will prevail."

---

In the days that followed, the palace returned to a semblance of normalcy. The people of Naboo began to rebuild, their spirits lifted by the victory. Ajax and Sabine continued to work together, their bond stronger than ever.

One evening, as they stood on the balcony overlooking the city, Sabine turned to Ajax with a soft smile. "Thank you, Ajax. For everything."

Ajax looked at her, his expression tender. "No, Sabine. Thank you. For giving me something worth fighting for."

They stood together, watching the sunset over Theed, their hearts full of hope and determination. No matter what the future held, they knew they would face it together.

And in that moment, amidst the beauty and tranquility of Naboo, Ajax and Sabine found a new connection—one that would guide them through the challenges ahead and light their path in the darkness.