Chapter 2.2: Deceptions and Politics
(Naboo Royal Starship)
(Ayillh PoV)
Standing to the side of the small ceremony in front of me I leaned against the wall. I personally wasn't one to be so lax and laid back in such a situation, especially when I was being so disrespectful to everyone in the room.
It was never good to piss off everyone when infiltrating and creating a good impression, but I had a close friend who was a bounty hunter in his own right. The best in the galaxy actually. Right now though I was undercover as a bounty hunter, I had to act like one, I couldn't help the small smile on my face at the thought, I didn't mind it that much.
I kept my arms crossed and head tilted down as my eyes scanned the room. The fake queen, who I still didn't know the name of, was sitting on a throne already installed into the ship. It wasn't a coincidence that we boarded this ship; it was the queen's personal royal starship.
This fact gave it the slick design and the advanced systems and speed, but sadly it missed out on the weapons and practicality that would have been helpful in our current situation. Wearing a regal dress, she was facing both Jedi and her chief of security, Panaka, who had a small astromech droid next to him.
I was only slightly listening to the conversation for anything important as my eyes shifted over behind the fake queen. The real queen was of course behind her observing the scene, she wouldn't have been absent for the meeting.
I once again was thankful for the mask I wore, personally designed, no one could tell where my eyes were looking while also recording everything I saw, never know when that function would come in handy. It also had other functions that I had been able to fit into the small piece of technology, not one square of its mass was wasted.
While I was in a world of my own, the conversation continued as Panaka stood forwards. "An extremely well put together droid. It is without a doubt the reason we are still alive." The queen gave a nod of appreciation as I just caught the flicker of her eyes in my direction.
Like the rest of the people in the room, who were doing the same thing, everyone was still wary of my presence, something I would have to fix soon. The more comfortable they were with me the better. "It should be commended. Then… What is it's number?" Talking in a deep regal voice the queen continued.
Panaka stood forwards as he read the small droid identification tag. "R2-D2" Giving another nod the queen turned her full attention to the droid. "Thank you R2-D2." *Beep* *Boop* *Deet* The little blue droid beeped in what I would call excitement as the queen turned her head slightly.
"Padme, Clean this droid up as best you can. It deserves our gratitude." *Boop* *Deet* Beep*"Continue Captain." As the droid made some noise and Padme stepped forwards I smiled once again. I finally knew her name.
My eyes flickered to the fake queen for a second, she was trying to throw us off the fact Padme was the real queen. Making her clean a droid would be beneath what a queen should do. It might have actually worked, if I hadn't already made the connection, it just made my assumption more likely.
Next the Jedi, Qui-Gon Jinn stepped forwards. Unlike his Padawan, that I could tell was very distrustful of me, I could tell this Jedi was just curios. It was easy to tell who the master and padawan were between the two.
And it was also clear that Obi-Wan wasn't knight material yet. "With your permission your highness, we are heading for a remote planet called Tatooine. It is in a system far beyond the reach of the trade federation." Jinn spoke up as he tried to convince the queen to go to Tatooine.
'Conveniently not telling her the dangers the place contains.' Just as the thought passed through my head Panaka stood forwards, the queens safety at the forefront of his head. Ayillh appreciated such loyalty and conviction.
"I do not agree with the Jedi on this." Jinn shook his head. "You must trust my judgment, your highness." Starring between the two, the fake queen didn't look to Padme for confirmation before nodding at the Jedi's words.
Something that was still disconcerting. This fake queen would take the word of a Jedi over her own security detail head, without further questions. The blind trust was something I had to get to the bottom of.
Giving the go ahead to land on Tatooine the queen finally turned her attention towards me. "Now for the last order of business." It was time I got them to trust me. Pushing with me back I came off the wall without a noise. The rest of them were also now looking towards me.
It was almost funny the positioning in the room. I was closer to the two Jedi and Panaka now stood closer to the fake queen, finally Padme was behind them right at the back of the room. They were very defensive and it was easy to tell.
I would have to take out everyone before making it to the real queen, well thought out. Though if I wanted, I could make it to her. That just made the smile on my face wider as I walked in front of the group.
Skirting past the Jedi I stood before the fake queen and waited for her to speak. After a few seconds and a look at Panaka she spoke up. "You were hired to make sure that my person is safe?" Giving a mock bow that was suitable for a bounty hunter my distorted voice came out, I could tell it slightly put them on edge.
"Yes I'm being paid a high price to make sure you don't die. Though I guess you could lose a limb or two and I would still get paid, they might dock a bit of my pay though." I spoke with classic dry humor getting the reaction I wanted. Panaka was already frowning and reflexively reached towards his blaster.
I turned my head to him at the action, making sure my voice held a little humor. "A joke captain, a joke." He grunted as his hand moved back. "Not a funny one." Giving a light chuckle myself the queen leaned forwards. "Can you tell me who hired you and what they want to achieve?"
I could feel the intense stares the Jedi were giving from behind me but didn't mind them. Shaking my head I gave a helpless posture. "Sorry, my client paid for discretion. Just know I mean you no harm, I just want my paycheck when this whole situation is resolved." The queen sat back in her throne as she started to think.
"How long will you be protecting the queen?" Jinn's voice spoke from behind and I turned to look at him; that was a rather good question. I was hoping they would gloss over that fact, and then I wouldn't have to come up with an answer. Looking back at the queen though, I knew I would have to give them something.
"Let's just say that this is a long term contract. He's paying me a ridiculous amount each day to make sure you're safe. I don't care how long it lasts, honestly the longer the better. So until I hear otherwise I'm following your entourage around."
The frown on her face told me all I needed to know, they still didn't trust me. Padme who was hidden behind the throne had a scrunched up face, she was trying to figure out what angle I was playing. Well it was about time I went for the pitch.
Before anyone else could speak up I slowly started to raise my hands. Panaka got into position in front of the queen ready for anything as I reached up for my mask. If I couldn't convince them with words, I would convince them with 'sincerity'.
Reaching just to the side of the mask, I pressed on a small pressure pad that released the mask from my face. It was installed with a finger print scanner in case someone else tried to pry it off. *Puff* A small sound escaped the mask at I pulled it from my face.
A smile that was almost a smirk came to my face as I noticed the surprised expressions of all those before me. Panaka almost had a slack jaw, probably didn't think I was so beautiful. Lowering the mask down to my hip I clipped it to my belt as I then took down my hood.
My black hair flourished out as I stood a little straighter. *Gasp* I could hear the gasp of one or two of the handmaidens behind them. Even the Jedi had moved over so they could get a clear view of my face. Jinn had an interested expression while Obi-wan had a dumbfounded look.
I winked his way making him blush a little and turn away from me. Everyone was still stunned from my unique look, not that I could blame them, it was hard to ever meet someone like me, not many races had purple skin.
Seeing that they weren't going to speak first I spoke up. "I promise you your highness, all I want to do is make sure you are safe. I'm getting paid quite well to make sure this happens. I won't make things difficult and stick close to you at all times. I'll just help you when you need it…" I threw another look at the Jedi to the side.
"Besides with 2 Jedi here this'll be an easy pay day." My voice rang out like a bell without the mask changing it. I would almost say that this surprised them more, especially from the looks of surprise I was getting.
Padme, the fake queen and Jinn were the first ones to break out of their surprise. The fake queen looked at me for a long while as I gave them my most sincere look. Finally after a few minutes she nodded her head. "We will gladly take your assistance."
I gave her a bow and a thankful smile. Having the queen's approval was enough for the people in the room, Panaka after seeing my real looks even looked less wary. Sometimes good looks were the best weapon I had.
Just as I pulled my hood back up, Jinn spoke. "I don't wish to be rude. But are you a Mirialan?" I decided not to put my mask back on to garner more trust as I turned my eyes towards him. Before I could respond Obi-Wan spoke up in surprise.
"A Mirialan? But master their skin color is usually green or yellow, maybe a lighter color. But I've never heard of one with purple skin." I felt my eyes roll at the young man's words. I had heard them all too often.
"Yes. My species do usually have such a skin color; I'm something of a rarity." Adding a bit more force and sarcasm in my words, Obi-Wan was surprised for a second before he gave an apologetic look, he realized how rude he had just been. Jinn who stood next to him shook his head at the padawan turning back to me. "I'm very sorry about my Padawans words. I hope we haven't offended you."
Being diplomatic I nodded my head in acceptance as I turned back to the fake queen. She and Padme were watching the conversation closely. "Thank you for your highnesses trust, if that will be all, I would like to rest before we make it to Tatooine."
The queen gave me another nod as I made my way out of the room and headed towards the engine room. I had made that my make shift quarters on board. I was interested in the advances in hyperspace travel over the years.
Not much seems to have changed but they had been able to shrink the size of most components. If they could upgrade their tech for my Phantom, the engine efficiency would be enhanced by 15% by her calculations. Blizz would love to get his hands on some of this tech. It was a nice thought knowing that technology had progressed somewhat while they had been gone.
From what she had seen of the blaster, droids and holo net security, technology had regressed instead of advanced, this discovery gave her hope that there was something new that could enhance her performance and deadliness on the field. Though that was still to be seen.
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(Naboo royal Starship, later)
(3rd Person)
Ayillh gave it a few minutes before she walked into the room. With a crafty look in her eyes she pressed the button at the side of the door. *Beep* *Hiss* The door slide open as Ayillh stalked into the room. She didn't make noise as she surveyed who was inside.
Quickly spotting her target, Padme crouched down cleaning R2-D2, she looked at the other person in the room. Still not having put her mask on, Ayillh had to control all her facial expression to make sure she gave nothing away, even though she wanted to show how much disgust she had towards the other person in the room.
Jar Jar Binks stood next to the queen as he spoke about something stupid. Ayillh didn't want to pay him any mind, She had run across the strange, dumb creature earlier when he waltzed into the engine room. After many stupid statements and seeing how clumsy he was, even Ayillh with her years of experience almost cracked and killed him on the spot.
She had met some of the most obnoxious, arrogant and sinister beings in the galaxy, but she had never met someone that could make her want to kill them so fast. It took all herself control to not pull one of her knives out and gut him right then and there.
After getting him out of the engine room thankfully he had not returned, or she might have given into her impulses. Not something that would have earned her their trust, seeing as the Jedi and queen seemed to like the stupid creature.
There was nothing she could do, but she hoped she could kill him at a later date. Plans had already started to appear in her head.
Padme looked up from what she was doing and stopped for a second as she watched the bounty hunter walk into the room. She hadn't given her name beforehand which meant everyone just referred to her as 'the bounty hunter' or as some of the pilots had been calling her 'the purple beauty or babe.' Though they made sure she wasn't around before saying that.
Padme's mind was still trying to figure out her angle. Even though she had no reason to question the bounty hunter, hell she was starting to trust her, something in the back of her mind made her stay weary.
Though she was weary she had to admit she was a beautiful woman. It had come as a huge surprise when she had voluntarily taken off her mask. It was expected that she wouldn't let them see her face, as they could identify her later. Most bounty hunters covered their faces if they wanted to stay anonymous.
Only the best would openly show who they were, announcing to the world that they were untouchable even if people knew what they looked like, or they were just stupid thugs. Sometimes it worked, seeing a famed bounty hunter coming after you like Aurra Sing would demoralize the person being hunted, or those that were hired to protect them.
Of course if everyone knew who you were, the law would always be after you on the more civilized planets. With piercing purple eyes and skin, the bounty hunter made her way closer. Jar Jar who she had just been talking to looked at the new comer and slowly stepped backwards.
There was a ting of fear in his voice as he quickly spoke to Padme. "Mesa have something to do. Mesa go this way. Yessss Mesa leaveanowsa."Saying that he almost sprinted out of the room. This reaction caused a small smile to form on Ayillh lips.
She may or may not have threatened him before when he was in the engine room, making him leave. After the encounter Jar Jar was deathly afraid of the beautiful looking woman. The purple eyes sending a shiver down his back.
Giving a small chuckle as she watched the Gungan leave Ayillh walked towards Padme and sat down at the small bench near her. 'May as well be diplomatic.' Thinking that Padme turned towards Ayillh who was inspecting one of her knives.
"I just wanted to say, thank you for looking after our queen. All of us handmaidens are deeply thankful." Ayillh looked at Padme before her and had to nod her head lightly. 'She's a good actor.' Waving off the comment she went back to her knife. "You don't have to thank me, I'm getting paid well to look after the queen. When I promise something, I don't break my promises."
Ayillh gave a smile as Padme looked up from what she was doing. "And I promise to keep the queen safe." Padme gave a nod as a smile came to her face. She was starting to trust the person before her. 'But I don't even know her name…'
"Sorry I don't think anyone has asked you your name, that was very disrespectful of us." Ayillh waved it off again as she looked at the girl in front of her and she really was a girl. She looked young even to her, though she could see the passion and determination in her eyes. 'If she had been born in the empire she would have made a wonderful operative.'
"You don't have to mind. The names Ayillh, I don't think you would have heard of me before." Padme shook her head as they started up a small conversation. Nothing personal or too abrasive, but the two became closer.
After a while though Padme got back to cleaning R2 and Ayillh went back to her knives. They both did their own thing for a while as Padme was now comfortable with the deadly woman sitting near her, pulling out knife after knife from all around her body.
Thinking that she had achieved what she had come to do after a while, Ayillh placed her last knife away and got to her feet starting one last conversation. "Can't be much fun cleaning a droid for so long." Padme looked up at Ayillh as she was about to leave.
She had a calm smile on as she responded. "Cleaning is one of the duties a handmaiden must accomplish. Her highness specifically asked me as well. Also…" Looking down at the droid a brighter smile appeared. "This droid saved everyone on the ship, he deserves such treatment."
Ayillh gave a laugh as she made her way to the door. "That he does…" *Beep* Giving one last look over her shoulder, the door opened. "He almost deserves the Queen personally cleaning him." At those words Padme froze.
Her head tilted slowly to look at Ayillh at the door. Her heart rate sped up as she caught sight of the knowing look in her eyes. With the hood up and at such a distance it was hard to see her mouth, but Padme was sure there was a knowing smirk on her lips.
Padme tried to control her expression but knew she was failing. 'She knows! She Knows!' The thought raced through her mind over and over as she started to slowly continue to wipe R2 down. Ayillh said nothing else as she walked out the door not even waiting for a response. The message she wanted to get across was delivered.
Hearing the door close Padme felt her shoulders slump. 'How did she find out?' Padme would ponder that question for the next hour.
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(Tatooine)
(Naboo Royal Starship)
Obi-Wan looked up from where he was working as his master stepped into the room. "The hyperdrive generator is gone Master. We'll need a new one." Jinn stopped for a second as he shifted the cloak over his body. "That'll complicate things. Be wary, that dark disturbance in the force seems to be following us."
Moving his eyes to stare into the distance Jinn was lost in thought as he felt the force. "Not just that, there is another disturbance making its way towards us, something more….primal." Obi-Wan looked at his master in worry as he replied. "I feel it also master."
Jinn nodded as he was planning to leave the room, but Obi-wan spoke up just before he left. "There was something else master, its about the bounty hunter. There is something weird about her, the way the force moves around her." His voice was unsure as he spoke his worries, something his master instantly picked up on.
Turning back to look at his padawan he reassured him. "I have felt it to, be careful around her. About the force…" Jinn stopped as he thought over his next words. "Mirialans usually have a strong connection to the force, which could be what we are feeling. But keep your guard up."
Saying those words Jinn moved out of the room and made his way to the landing ramp. Jar Jar was already waiting for him with R2 at his feet. "Ready to go Jar Jar?" The Gungan nodded his head excitedly as he moved the small bag on his shoulder. "Mesaaa So Excited!" Jinn just shook his head as he walked down the ramp and they made their way towards the closest settlement.
Just as Jinn was walking away from the ship Padme and her captain, Panaka, were closing in on the ramp. "Are you sure this is the best idea your highness?" Panaka spoke in a whisper just in case anyone heard, but his anxiety was clear.
Padme shook her head as she checked the gear she was taking out. Nothing too flashy and it would hide her identity well. She was excited to see the world they had landed on. She had been stuck on Naboo for so many years, she had never been to such a faraway place. To say that she wanted to see everything was an understatement.
"It'll be fine. They don't know it's me and the Jedi will be the best protection." Panaka wanted to protest again but he saw the determined glint in her eyes, he knew that he wasn't going to convince her otherwise.
Just as he had resigned himself to the inevitable a new presence made itself known. "You guys are also tagging along?" The synthesized voice spoke up from behind them, making Padme freeze and putting Panaka on edge. They both turned around in surprise as they looked at Ayillh behind them.
With her sniper rifle and armour on, the mask was once again on her face making a menacing appearance. "Y-Y-you are going with them as well." Padme stuttered the words from her surprise before calming herself down. But one thought ran through her mind multiple times. 'How long was she behind us! I didn't hear a thing!'
Ayillh turned her expressionless metal mask towards the Queen as her eyes bore into her. "Well I have some business to take care of here." Panaka raised an eyebrow at the news, not having heard this before. While Padme knew exactly why she was coming with her.
Seeing that his charge was getting a bit uncomfortable Panaka spoke up. "Are you not going to stay and protect the queen?" Ayillh turned her head to the man and brushed off the question, having thought of an answer before talking to them.
"She is being protected by a Jedi as well as your security forces. And I truly have to go out this time. While I'm at it I'll protect this handmaiden for the queen." Panaka didn't have to ponder much as hearing that Padme was going to get more protection was all he needed to know. Giving a nod the group walked out from the ship, ready to catch up to the Jedi master.
"The sun is doing murda to messa skin." Jinn and his group had only made it to the second sand dune when a voice spoke behind him. "Wait, wait." Walking closer, Panaka, Ayillh and Padme walked up to the group. Jar Jar seeing Ayillh shivered for a second and backed up a step or two.
Panaka spoke first as they got close. "Her highness commands you to take this handmaiden with you." Jinn shook his head, he didn't have time to look after someone else. "No more commands from her highness today captain, the space port isn't going to be pleasant. And what about her?"
Pointing to Ayillh who was standing next to the two, she turned to the Jedi and talked slowly. "I'll go anywhere I want. And I have a contract I need to finish here." Jinn raised a suspicious eyebrow at the words but didn't say anything else.
If he was going to say anything he didn't get a chance as Panaka cut in forcefully. "The queen wishes it, she's curious about the planet." Jinn thought about it for a little while as his eyes roamed the group, landing on Ayillh last. 'It would be a good chance to learn more about this woman.' Leaving his eyes on her for a few more seconds he finally nodded his head. "This is not a good idea. Stay close to me Handmaiden."
As the group made their way out Panaka looked on with a worried look, the safety of his queen ever present in his mind.