|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Missing Scenes
Attack of the Clones: Finding the Missing Pieces of the Puzzle
Quietly she enters C and C or as it had come to be nicknamed due to heated debates pertaining to security from time to time; the “war” room. With a cup of hot tea in hand she tries to ignore the exhaustion that came from lack of sleep and the sudden arise of events of the previous night. Though she was pleased to learn the Jedi managed to capture one of the bounty hunters responsible for the midnight attack, it does little to erase her concerns.
There is no proof yet to point the bounty hunter to the incident on the hanger platform and as long as they are loose and about there would be no telling when they would strike again. The memory causes her thoughts to shift back to Corde and the sight of her lifeless form lying on the platform. Sighing softly she forces down the images knowing that there could be no time for mourning, for duty had to come first and this threat had to be eliminated.
Hiding a yawn as she moves to the center table she politely greets the familiar faces that make up the Senator’s security, before her eyes fall onto the Jedi who stand stoic across the table. She tries to hide her immense relief upon noting that Master Kenobi doesn’t seem injured by his hunt of the bounty hunter. After catching sight of the gaping hole in the glass window of Padmé’s room and having the information pertaining to the Jedi’s actions relayed to her, Sabé could only surmise the events that followed.
Her eyes then fall to the images on the table as a series of holographic images, notes and maps are scattered about, along with some smaller pieces of packaged sealed debris that contained information pertaining to the residue which would explain the type of explosive used on the ship. Passing yet another quick glance around the room Sabé then notices that everyone necessary for the briefing is here, save for Captain Typho and Senator Amidala herself.
Taking a sip of her tea she tries to resist the urge to glance over to the Jedi master as memories of their spar briefly enters her thoughts; revealing itself through the pensive smile that creeps into her features. But in the end even her sheer willpower doesn’t seem to work and soon she finds her eyes stubbornly casting another quick glance in his direction.
About to ponder whether or not she should approach him Sabé is soon distracted by the sound of the door sliding open as Senator Amidala and Dorme enter quietly. For a moment the room goes quiet but she soon politely tells them to continue as they were for they are still waiting on Captain Typho’s arrival.
“M’Lady any idea what could be keeping the Captain?”
She politely asks as Padmé offers her a concerned look.
“He’s still waiting on the results of the poison dart that Master Kenobi found on the bounty hunter he tried to capture last night.”
Sabé nods though she inwardly knows this is definitely not good news she inwardly frowns, knowing that it could only mean he had no luck of locating its origin. However feeling Padmé’s hand on her shoulder Sabé draws out of her thoughts as the Senator politely asks the former decoy to join her for a moment as she wished to speak to the Jedi before the Captain of the guard arrived. Nodding she follows inwardly grateful at the stroke of luck is the viable excuse to speak to an old friend.
If Typho was unable to find anything on the dart, Obi-Wan thought that he might be able to figure out its origin by running it through the Jedi archives. He was thankful Anakin was at a meeting with Palpatine because this mystery was enough without Anakin's overactive emotions on the matter.
In fact, his padawan had yet again failed to get much sleep even after the little adventure last night. He'd mentioned dreams about his mother and how he'd have preferred to be dreaming about Padmé and all of this was just lending to Obi-Wan's headache. Anakin's feelings for the senator were powerful.
Anakin had referred to her as intoxicating, a disconcerting term indeed. Attachment is forbidden, he reminded Anakin, but that conversation had been cut short by the assassination attempt.
It was then that Obi-Wan was drawn from his thoughts, feeling Sabé's eyes on him as the senator and she approached him. Sabé didn't look as though she'd gotten much sleep last night either. Though it wasn't his place, he was concerned for her and wanted to suggest she take a nap.
'If the captain hasn't any luck, I can run the dart through the Jedi archives which are quite extensive,' he offered to Padmé though, his eyes drifted to Sabé.
Obi-Wan caught himself and looked back at the senator.
If not the archives... I wonder... His mind went through a mental catelogue of the various beings he knew who might possibly recognise the dart.
It seemed as though nobody would be getting any proper sleep until this bounty hunter is brought to justice.
She remains silent as Padme politely discusses the matter of the poison dart, which for all intents and purposes appears to the be key that would link the incidents together, or so Sabe hopes. Though she does her best not to pay too much attention to the Jedi knight the former decoy can sense his exhaustion. He hides it well, she inwardly muses, and he's had an even worse night then I did. At the thought Sabe finds herself painfully aware of the fact that it may be many long hours before the Jedi would be permitted rest.
Especially if nothing is found on the poison dart. She sighs softly at the thought, wishing in this early hour for nothing more then a nice warm bed to sleep in. But this train of thought soon passes as she catches Obi-Wan's offer to check the dart's origins in the Jedi archives. Though it isn't his words that causes her thoughts to scatter but rather the feeling that he was watching her. However despite her intentions to remain focussed on her cup of tea, her eyes seem to once more move of their own accord. Glancing back to him misses his gaze but is just in time to catch him returning his attentions to the Senator once more.
For some reason even with the lack of sleep, the stress of the situation and the frustration that comes from not knowing what they are dealing with, Sabe can't help but smile a little to herself. Slipping her thoughts back onto the topic again she hears Padme thanking him for the offer and saying she will bring it up at the meeting once Captain Typho arrives.
Once more the door parts and the Captain himself arrives. Sabe though inwardly wishing she could remain for a bit longer, politely excuses herself for a moment as duty always comes first. Approaching the Captain of security she can already tell the poison dart came up negative for the dissipointment though well hidden is evident in his eyes.
"No luck with the sample I take it?"
She remarks softly as he frowns sighing deeply.
"Nothing. Any luck with your contacts M'lady?"
He asks in reply as Sabe shakes her head slightly.
"Not even close I'm sorry to say. However I do believe you may wish to speak to Ob- Jedi Kenobi about this matter."
She suggests quietly as he turns pensive. Even with the Jedi's assistance in the Trade Federation threat, it is still hard for some to break out of the habit of viewing Jedi wuth distrust.
"We'll see."
He says finally as Sabe inwardly feels her patience wearing thin. Though she knows it is mostly due to lack of sleep she can't help but feel a little aggitated by his hesistance.
"Captain with all due respect, what other options do we really have left?"
She says softly as others noting his presence start to go silent in anticipation of his words. He casts her a sharp glance reminding her that ultimately he is her superior.
"We'll see, Lady Sabe."
She nods slightly reply as she tries not to sigh or reveal her annoyance.
"Yes, sir."
Normally the Captain of the gaurd was easy to get along with, but even he was losing his patience a trait Sabe has begun to notice more often now. No doubt the end results of lack of sleep, the stressful situation and the fact they still have no answers. Upon rejoining the Senator and Obi-Wan she casts them both an apologetic look.
"It would seem we may have to take you up on your offer about the poison dart after all. As the Captain has informed me that the results came out negative."
She whispers softly before falling silent as the Captain addresses the group.
It was clear to Obi-Wan that Captain Typho would always hold onto his opinion of distrust for Jedi, but he didn't let it bother him. The important thing was getting to the bottom of Senator Amidala's attacker.
He waited patiently with the senator as Sabé went over to speak with the captain. He mentioned a few other options should the archives not pan out, assuring her that he would use every means necessary. He also told her he would be meeting with the Jedi Council in a few hours, but didn't tell her that the Council had suggested she ought to go into hiding on Naboo. He had a feeling she wouldn't take kindly to that and Obi-Wan wanted to speak with Windu and Yoda about his padawan's assignment. He didn't feel Anakin was ready for such a task, nor did he feel it was a wise decision for him to accompany the senator alone. He decided it was best not to speak of this until after he met with them.
Amidala relayed her gratitude that the Jedi were assisting her security in this matter and her confidence that they would soon find the bounty hunter. Obi-Wan could sense her slight hesitation, annoyance, and eagerness when she crossed her arms, before moving on to a bit of small talk while they waited. Obi-Wan didn't sense any abnormal feelings from her.
Sabé returned and he was yet again grateful for her presence. At the same time, he wished Amidala would dismiss her so she could get some rest. He offered her a sympathetic look, though he really wanted to give her shoulder a squeeze.
Already quite aware of the inability to find the source of the dart, Obi-Wan looked as though he were listening to the captain intently when in actuality, his thoughts were drifting to other things. He was mentally making a list of the things he needed to do that day, one of which was a few minutes of meditation to reaffirm his centre so he could process information more clearly though he was tired, both mentally and physically. Being thrown up against sides of buildings, hurled around, free-falling through Coruscant air space...
Once the captain concluded relaying his failed attempt to figure out the source of the dart, Obi-Wan felt waves of distrust and frustration from Typho as he handed the dart over to Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan thought briefly that it would have saved quite a bit of time if he had just went straight to the Jedi archives... That was what Anakin had suggested, but there's a proper order to things and it was our duty to report back to her security. The thought didn't even enter his mind that it was in any way due to the fact he wanted to see Sabé again.
'I will run this through the archives,' he informed them. 'In the meantime, I suggest everyone get some rest. I will let you know as soon as I find out anything.' He bowed to the group before moving to leave.
She quietly returns catching the tail end of Senator Amidala and Jedi Kenobi as her expression turns apologetic. Catching Obi-Wan's sympathic expression she offers an understanding smile. Though she doesn't say a word her expression seems to say you're the one who needs some sympathy after all you've seen all the action not me. But now is not the time or place for such things and soon she turns to matters of business as the Captain speaks.
Sabe's thoughts too turn elsewhere as she grows pensive. Her contacts weren't nearly as extensive she imagines as the Jedi but perhaps they may have some more details pertaining to the other attacks on some of the other senators as of late. They all seem to bear simularities of one sort or another, though nothing quite as drastic as the what occured to Senator Amidala. There was definately more to this then just frustrated tradesmen. If only she knew what that was.
Stirring from her thoughts she catches the Captain offering the dart back to Obi-Wan and inwardly sighs in relief. Well thats half the battle down she surmises grateful that she wouldn't have to fight him on the matter later.
"Anything else you'd care to add Lady Sabe?"
She shakes her head slightly at the Captain's question before taking a sip of her tea as she smiles slightly to Obi-Wan's closing remarks as the meeting draws to a close.
As she parts ways with the Senator and Dorme as well as the Captain she quietly slips away herself to do some further study of her own. However not before casting the Jedi a wry smile as she too prepares to exit.
"Before you begin your search, I suggest that you take some of your own advice Master Kenobi. After all you're the one who was at the front lines last night.
She remarks, careful to use his proper title lest anyone is listening, before pausing as her expression turns sincere.
Thank you again for your help in this matter. I wish you the best of luck."
Then departing her own way the former decoy forces herself not to look back her lest she steal another glance in his direction.
Obi-Wan returned to the Jedi Temple, to speak with Master Yoda and Master Windu about Anakin's new assignment. Master Yoda repeated that the Council confident in this decision and that Obi-Wan ought to focus on his own task: finding out the mystery of this assassin.
He placed the toxic dart on a sensor tray in the analysis chamber, but unfortunately, the Jedi Archives contained no data on the toxic dart, nor was it associated with any known culture. The droid concluded that it must have been fashioned by the assassin personally.
This information certainly put him out. He took a few deep breaths, centering himself so he could focus on what to do. There were certainly other people on Coruscant, of scum and villainy, who might be able to be more helpful than the Archives. He wracked his brain for the names he had brainstormed earlier, but he was exhausted.
Giving in to his body, Obi-Wan went back to his quarters to take a short nap.
Once he awoke, a scant hour and a half later feeling refreshed, though sore in his left shoulder. It was enough rest to think more clearly on possible contacts to find out the origin of the dart. He recalled Sabé had her own sources which didn't pan out and decided to ask her who she'd been in contact with. He didn't want to waste time by asking the same people.
He didn't think it odd by any means that he didn't have to look up her current location. After being around her again twice in the past two days, he could feel her easily. He went down a turbolift to the floor he sensed her on and strode down the hallway with purposeful steps.
Sabe sighs deeply as she sends through yet another scan of the poison's ingrediants through the computers archives. It is a long shot she knows but she hopes with any luck perhaps the one in question has used this particular toxin before. But it would seem they were careful to either limit it's use or ensure that no authorities learnt of it.
As always the answer is negative.
She tries to ignore the fact her eyes feel like a hundred pounds each or that the information before her is starting to look the same; one big blank screen. She knows she should have taken heed to the Jedi's suggestion at the meeting and get some rest, but she didn't want to leave the brunt of the work on the Captain who is just as sleep deprived. He needed it just as much as she did yet he was insistant that they continue to try and find some answers. If he was going to stay up and work she thought at teh time, then so am I.
Now she wishes she would have swallowed her pride and taken a nap. But with the bounty hunter still at large and the Senator's life in danger she knew she wouldn't be able to get much sleep anyways.
Rising to her feet Sabe begins to pace, if not for anything then to keep her somewhat alert. With folded arms she begins to list the pieces of evidence outloud to herself before adding the possible locations where it may have come from. However the hunter was no fool and ensured that all weapons save for the dart used was too common to narrow the search.
"Which means one of two things."
She murmurs to herself.
"Either the dart is new on the market or created by the hunter themselves. Which could mean it's used to throw us off the trail or..."
Or what? Obviously the one who killed the hunter the Jedi captured could have been back-up. Then again to create such a poison thats bears no history is a sign of skill, which could spell to an older more skilled hunter she thinks tiredly. Perhaps the more skilled hunter was the woman's master or teacher.
Do Bounty hunters have such things? She moves to grab her tea, grateful to the Captain who was here earlier for bringing it over. He too was struggling to find any connection and had actually left to speak to one of his contacts who had at one time served in a simular career before 'retiring'.
Hope he has better luck then I'm having she tiredly surmises before her thoughts turn to the Jedi master as she furrows her brow. Perhaps he's found something in the archives. She sighs wondering if he would bother reporting the discovery to them or just go off and tend to the matter directly.
Knowing the Jedi anything is possible she surmises though a dark smile plays on her features. He better report to us, or I'm going to have a fine time trying to calm down a furious Captain! He's already on edge about having the Jedi involved with this investigation Sabe muses sipping on her tea.
The computer chimes once more and she moves quickly to check the results. But lost in her work and due to exhaustion Sabe doesn't register the Jedi's presence, despite her mind's subtle hints as he nears the forensics room.
When Obi-Wan entered the forensics area, he found Sabé bustling from one end of the room to the other, engrossed in her work. 'Pardon me, my lady,' he said upon approaching, 'but I was wondering if you had a few minutes to spare.'
Seeing that the room was empty, save the droids, he allowed himself to really look at her as he hadn't been able to earlier. He saw the dark circles under her eyes when she finally faced him. He knew she hadn't got any rest since this morning and was concerned. He prayed it wasn't Captain Typho or Senator Amidala's bidding that she remain on active duty, but didn't feel it was his place to pry as much as he truthfully wanted to. He just hoped she wasn't pushing herself too hard.
The computer chimed and she quickly scans the result and sighs in relief at the sight before her.
Finally.
She mutters before reading further as she groans softly rubbing her hand over her face as she sighs deeply.
...Damn...So close, so far.
She murmurs before rising from her seat once more as she commands the computer to print what little was found on the the dart, which was literally nothing to begin with.
Impatiently she taps her hand on the table unable to sit still lest she close her eyes and drift off. In the back of her mind she feels the familar buzz but before she can registers it she hears Obi'Wan's voice and almost jumps out of her skin.
Promptly she turns to face him as she feels her cheeks light on fire. Thats twice now he's caught me unawares I'm obviously more exhausted then I thought she chastizes inwardly.
"Do you always make it a habit to sneak up on people like that?"
She remarks as goodnaturedly as she can in her tired state hoping against hope that he is here because he found something on the dart.
"Not that it would have made a difference at this point. I think a bomb could go off and I'd be oblivious to it.
But thats what you get for listening to one's pride, instead of common sense. Though I trust you weren't so foolish and did pay heed to your own advice?"
She adds with a wry smile noting the subtle concern that lingers in his expression. Taking a moment she goes to grab the information printed out on the dart before offering the little bit of data she manage to locate to him.
"I wasn't able to find anything on the dart myself except this little bit which only reveals that forensics had seen one before; a little over ten years ago. Of course nothing inclusive was found on it and seeing the victim was another bounty hunter and the fact it hasn't been seen since till yesterday, well they saw no purpose in pursuing its history."
She explains with obvious frustration in her voice before turning apologetic as she realizes she is rambling.
"Sorry...I don't mean to ramble...It's just..."
She sighs shaking her head before offering a hopeful smile.
"Please tell me you had some better luck then we have been?"
Though Obi-Wan knew she meant the words good naturedly, he felt the weight of them just the same. It was safe for her to work herself to the bone and not be able to notice things going on around her. That was partially why he ended up having to give in to what his body was telling him and slept for about an hour.
He listened to what information she provided, not expecting much let alone that there had been something similiar a few years back. His expression turned to a slight grimace as she asked about his findings, the ache in his shoulder where he'd been slammed up against the side of a building began bothering him again. 'The Archives provided little information, merely that it was fashioned by the bounty hunter himself. That's actually why I'm here.
'I was hoping to go over a list of sources with you before going off to do a bit of hands on questioning myself. I thought perhaps we might have similiar contacts and I wasn't sure who you have spoken to already.'
He grinned slightly, adding, 'Wouldn't want to go tearing around Coruscant asking the same people the same questions.' He considered asking her to join him on this quest, but as she was already stretched to the limit and it wasn't close to being proper, he let the thought go as he awaited her response.
She nods slightly to his grimace as she folds her arms glancing away. She tries hide her annoyance knowing it's not his fault that he wasn't able to locate anything. But it did seem to confirm the Captains thoughts that it was a personal weapon of the hunter in question.
"Captain Typho suspects the same thing. But now I'm wondering if that is indeed the case. I mean with this dart having shown up once before."
She frowns slightly trying to clear her thoughts as she turns pensive.
"I know this probably sounds silly, but do you suppose the hunter you captured was a student of the one who left the dart? It would certainly explain the different forms of attacks.
I mean the attack on Senator Amidala's ship appeared amateur for a professional bounty hunter. Normally they stay behind to ensure their prey has been removed. This just seems a bit sloppy. But the attack on the girl was very precise and exact. Meaning they were being watched, closely."
She remarks thoughtfully, before waving a hand as she shakes her head.
"Nevermind, my mind is all over the place right now."
She admits sheepishly before turning back to business as he explains why he is here.
"Good idea. I'll give you the names of the Captain's contacts as well just to make sure we have all bases covered."
She grins at his final remarks, as she realizes how grateful she is that he did come by. Even with the lack of answers, his presense has served to lighten her d a little.
"Agreed, I can only imagine you did already done enough of that last night."
She says before going serious as her eyes flicker in concern.
"I hope you didn't suffer too many injuries from the ordeal. If what I saw from the broken window is any testament, I can only imagine what else transpired."
'That would seem to explain a few things,' he remarked at her thought of the bounty hunter who had perished the night before being the student of the other with a jetpack. 'When we asked,' Anakin insisted, 'the Clawdite said "it was just a job".' Obi-Wan shrugged.
'Thank you,' he said when she mentioned gathering all the contacts. 'It would certainly make things a bit easier.'
Both seeing and feeling the concern from her, he appreciated it though he didn't want to bother her with any of that. He swore she was using the Force again without even knowing it, either that or he was moving his shoulder a bit awkwardly, he wasn't sure as his thoughts were elsewhere. 'I'll leave that up to your imagination,' he said as lightheartedly as he could manage.
It was then he noticed he was probably standing a bit closer to her than was necessary for this conversation, but he didn't move away because he felt the proximity soothing and as it was there was no one here to witness their exchange anyway. Even if there was, they would most likely assume it was to keep the conversation private.
She frowns slightly.
"That doesn't give us too much does it? Well it's only a theory, although a bit of a useless one at that..."
She says before his thanks causes her to grin.
"I'm the one who should be thanking you Obi-Wan. After all if it wasn't for your quick response last night we wouldn't have this new puzzle piece to work with."
Sabe studies him for a moment as he tries to make light of his wounds. Though she isnt aware to what extent the damages recieved were, her imagination suffices enough and she furrows a brow turning thoughtful.
"I don't wish to intrude, but there is a healer at the Dojo we sparred at who is good with such things. If time permits you should pay her a visit I know Sache swears by her, as does Yane."
She offers kindly though almost as soon as the words fall out of her mouth she realizes he probably has plenty of healers back at the Jedi temple to tend to his wounds already. She is about to backtrack but her thoughts scatter as her mental walls already weakened by the exhaustion threaten to fall. It is only then that she realizes the close proximity of his presence.
Though she too knows that the proper reaction would be to put some space between them, Sabe finds herself hesitant to do so. His presence is comforting and does much to take the edge off her irritated nerves. The thought causes her to smile once more as she glances back to her tea, finding that focusing her thoughts suddenly isn't as easy as she'd like to believe.
"I'm not sure if Captain Typho has heard word back from all his contacts,but I know he is currently speaking to one of them at the moment. However these are the ones that I've spoken to myself and have gotten back to me about their findings or lack thereof."
She explains before mentioning a few names and what they're assumptions were on the matter at hand.
"They all seem to say that it is handcrafted by the hunter himself. But I have a feeling there is more to this then what we're seeing."
Sabe admits quietly.
...if it wasn't for your quick response last night we wouldn't have this new puzzle piece to work with
'Well, I don't normally jump out of windows for just anybody,' Obi-Wan replied with a slight smile, as if to say he would do it for her any day.
At her suggestion of a healer, he thought it was very sweet of her though they had plenty of Force-trained healers in the Temple. 'I will keep that in mind, time permitting,' he said politely. Either way, it was more about finding a spare moment to see a healer that was difficult. Though he had a feeling he may as well wait until after finding this bounty hunter...
I have a feeling there is more to this then what we're seeing
'As do I,' he surmised, looking over the intimidatingly short list of names. 'I have a few in mind that aren't here, but I'm afraid my list is short as well.' His brow furrowed slightly in concentration, but he was confident it would pan out by the end of the day.
He was about to add that he had a feeling one of his sources would prove useful when he felt another wave of exhaustion encompass her. Now that he had looked over the list of names, there was nothing further to discuss with her and he had a job to do. It pained him to have to leave like this, but knew he must. Perhaps there would be time for them to have a real conversation after all of this was over.
As he did the day before in the dojo, he reached out to touch her cheek thoughtfully, saying, 'You owe yourself to get some rest, Sabé. Can't have the senator's best intelligence and security officer falling over with exhaustion, now can we?' If not for you, he thought, do it for me. One of us should be able to get some proper rest.
There will be time for us later, he assured himself as he looked into her eyes. He would make time.
She grins at his lighthearted words rather grateful for his humor as it lightens her d considerably.
"Thats good to know. I hate to think the kind of damage you'd sustain from that little display!"
She jokes before turning serious as he politely dissuades her offer.
"I'm sorry the list isn't much to work with. But considering how unique this item is, its a surprise that anything at all came up on it.
I hope your contacts prove more successful then ours."
She adds with a smile trying to ignore the wave of exhaustion that seems to roll over her. Furrowing her brow she briefly glances away as though willing the weight of her eyes to lighten. It is only when she feels his hand gently touching her cheek does she return her attentions to him.
It takes all of her control not to lean into his palm to absorb the gentle peace that it offers. She wishes there was a way to prolong this meeting but his words serve as a hard reminder that if she didn't get rest soon she will be useless.
Offering a wry smile she sighs deeply before nodding slightly.
"Very well, but only if you promise me that you'll try to get some rest too at some point. You don't look much better then you did this morning."
She says as her smile widens slightly marking she is both joking and yet serious. In his line of work lack of sleep can mean the difference between life and death; literally.
Her eyes then fall onto his and for a moment she goes silent noting the seriousness that weighs in them. Though filled with determination there lingers an air of mystery in them. For a moment Sabe studies them not realizing the fact that the mystery she sees in his blue orbs is reflected from the intrigue she always seems to feel when he is near.
Her dark eyes seem to envelop his own gaze as if he were able to communicate a multitude of things he both felt and longed to say. He noted and read each and every slight change in her expression as well as the amalgamation of emotions she radiated.
He wanted to do something rash like Anakin so often did, like swoop her up into his arms and tuck her into bed to see for certain she would get the rest she needed, however, not only was that inappropriate, it was not his call. They both had their own duties to attend to and people they served.
'Agreed,' he said, matching her smile. He resisted the urge to kiss her brow and removed his hand, pausing a moment before heading out of the forensics chamber.
Again, he couldn't resist taking one look back. It was a compulsion really. He wanted to take another look because he never knew if that glance would be his last.
Once more the strange sensation that time was standing still envelops Sabe as she stares at the Jedi knight before her. The rush of emotions both confuses and unsettles her. I'm obviously more tired then I thought she says forcing herself not to become completely lost in the serene ocean that is his eyes.
A fleeting thought enters her mind but promptly she buries it as she glances away grateful as he pulls his hand away, lest he feel her cheeks flushing. It was bad enough that her mental walls are hard to keep up at the best of times in his presence, nevermind the fact he could pick up on surface thoughts.
Nodding to him the former decoy watches as he departs hoping that he would cast her one last glance. A silent memory to put to thought, perhaps to carry with her into sleep later. As though sensing her thoughts he does glance back and she smiles kindly to him feeling oddly at ease as she softly speaks.
"Good luck to you my friend, may your journeys be safe and prosperous."
It is an blessing from the days of the old guard, when war still raged on Naboo and peace was only a dream. It was said that these words carried harmony within, so that during times of chaos a soldier could find peace. For the gods would keep an eye on them on behalf of the one who spoke the blessing. She hopes inwardly that this simple statement still carries the same weight that it once did.
And force willing, may our paths cross again my friend she inwardly adds to herself as she watches him slip out the door.
