star_kingdom | 001 ☄ [Video; Action for Traverse]

[Padmé has listened to every word the moogles have told her, and it's long after they've left that she finally turns to the oddly-shaped communicator. She's wounded, but she turned down the creatures' offers of help. Whatever pain these wounds might cause her hasn't registered to her; a very large part of her is numb.

She knows the dangers of making a public call for help; if the bounty hunter that's after her made it here as well, she's little more than a sitting target for him without Anakin. But if she doesn't do something, her fears will never be put to rest--or confirmed.

So when she turns on the communicator, she's wearing a grim expression.]

I am Padmé Amidala, a Senator representing the thirty-sixth regional state space of the Galactic Senate. The planet I was on-- [she pauses for hardly a beat, but she can't bring herself to say its name;] --met with misfortune. Though it seems this isn't uncommon, it's imperative that I'm contacted by any Jedi that might have survived.

[She won't name Anakin by name; she can't even attempt it.]

If there are any others that can hear me... Please, tell me what I can do to return that world, and any others in the galaxy. I'd do anything to help them.

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M'lady.

I am sorry to have to tell you this, but... the entire galaxy is gone, not just one planet.

[Even after speaking to Qui-Gon this is still a surprise. It feels like he's stepped straight out of her memories and there's no way that this can be real. ~~At least he does look better without that beard of his.~~]

Obi-Wan... So many worlds couldn't have simply vanished overnight.

[That was... impossible.]

I was all the way out in Tatooine. Perhaps there's hope still for Coruscant. When the Senate and the Jedi Masters find out what's happened, they'll send help for us. I'm certain the Chancellor will see this wrong righted.

I... have felt the loss myself, through the Force. As much as I wish it were not so, our home has been lost to the Darkness. --But there's still hope. I've been told these lost worlds can be restored; they are not destroyed.

[She wants to argue with him, but she isn't attuned to the Force as he is so there's little she can say. But as those words sink in, she shrinks back a bit.]

They can't be lost, Obi-Wan. Anakin is still out there. [He may not understand how important that should be to him yet, but...] I won't believe it; I won't rest until I know he's safe.

Many refugees have been arriving at different times, M'lady. There may still be a chance he will arrive. I can assure you Master Qui-Gon and I will be doing everything in our power to help return these lost worlds.

[She's quiet for a moment, still internalizing the loss.]

...I would expect no less from the Jedi.

[She hesitates then, but knows she should disclose at least some of what was happening in case any of it is to follow her here.]

There's something I need to discuss with you, but I don't trust the security of these devices. Would you meet with me, Obi-Wan, and hear me out?

Of course. Can you tell me where you are now?

I haven't yet left Traverse Town, Master Kenobi. [Sorry, she's so used to calling him that...] I'm close to the fountain.

Obi-Wan, please. I will be there shortly.

I hope I did not keep you waiting long, M'lady.

Not at all.

[She nods to him when he bows, but does nothing more. She's trying to keep as far from the public as she can, just in case, so she leads him closer to the nearest building.]

I realize something has happened and time has passed differently for us. I can understand not wishing to know what the future might hold, and I do respect it. Still, Obi-Wan, I need your help.

[Her eyes scan her surroundings before she goes on; she's never been alone like this.]

Attempts were being made on my life. I lost a friend because of it, and the Jedi were tasked with my protection. There was reason to believe it was a bounty hunter. The Jedi protecting me has yet to appear, but if the bounty hunter has somehow managed it...

I fear more what might become of those around me.

I see... That is very grave news. The way this world brings refugees seems random at best; anything is possible. Perhaps if you were to ask Master Qui-Gon, we could provide you with protection.

Regardless of whether or not that comes to pass, I will do my best to keep an eye out for a possible threat. The number of Jedi is dramatically close to zero here, but if you are under the Order's protection, it is still our duty to see you safely, M'lady.

[Speaking to Qui-Gon is still strange for her, considering how long it's been since he died. And the reason that he died, to save her and her people... It's always bothered her.]

Of course. If he'll have me, I'll speak to him about this. At the very least, it's best that we're all informed.

[As to the rest, she nods.]

The Order was charged with my protection at the behest of Chancellor Palpatine; otherwise I would have never accepted. I do not like running and hiding, and I don't plan on doing it here. I plan on finding answers, even if I have to do it on my own.

[She drops her gaze, and it's probably the most resigned she's ever seemed to him.]

I can't leave him, Obi-Wan. I have to get him back.

I agree.

You know I cannot promise you anything, but if he is meant to be here, I believe the Force will bring him.

[It's actually more comforting than he realizes, considering the prophecy surrounding Anakin. The slope of her shoulders likely betrays her relief.]

The Force brought us all back together once, surely it will again.

[When she looks back up at Obi-Wan she smiles just slightly.]

When he does get here, he'll be surprised to see you.

[And the two of them being so close in age will be quite the handful.]

I'm sure it's been quite a while since we've seen one another in your time.

It's been about ten years since the Battle of Theed. You're looking more like Master Qui-Gon by the day. And Anakin is so determined to step out of your shadow.

[She laughs; with the beard and the hair, it was true. Plus, looking after Anakin had aged him.]

Ten years... I have no doubt he will. Anakin is a very talented boy; I can only imagine how he's grown with Jedi training.

[She smiles easily, no matter how much it pains her. If he knew the truth... But she wouldn't be the one who told him.]

Well-- [There's laughter in her voice again.] He's talented, yes, but... He's overconfident as a result. He actually tries to argue with me just so he can have his say. It's almost cute.

[She shakes her head; he lacks the humility his Master has always had.]

But he's becoming a good man and a strong Jedi. He's learning.

[She wishes she could talk to him about it more--about those things she's seen in him that worry her--but she can't. Not yet, and perhaps not ever.]

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