Fic Update: Gone in 60 Threads

[Mamorien]

A Young Girl's War Between the Stars (SW/YjS).

"Tanya? What are you doing here?!" the small brunette asked, pulling me from my observations.

Resisting the urge to sigh, I forced a smile onto my face. "Padme. It's good to see you again. I'm here on Jedi business, actually. What about you? I didn't expect to see you here."

I hadn't expected to see her at all outside of Naboo, really—let alone in Hutt space. She was exactly the sort of pretty little thing that looked like she, or rather her parents, had money and she would make a good kidnapping target for ransom.

Alternately, it was Hutt space. That hypothetical kidnapping could lead directly to child sex slavery instead.

And just like that, I couldn't leave her and her red haired friend with just the pathetic security force they had brought with them, in good conscience. I would have to remain near them for most of the night, simply so Aylin's highly visible and very threatening presence would deter any would-be ne'er-do-ells.

There is an upside to having them around though. I'm a Jedi. It's my responsibility to ensure nothing bad happens to them. They are the perfect alibi, even beyond the other attendees. After all, Padme is just so earnest that any Jedi questioning her will immediately be able to tell she's telling the truth when she says I've been by her side for nearly the entire evening.

"It's uh, it's a 'field trip,'" she explained, looking a little embarrassed. "We were allowed to go off-world for a social function to gauge how we're progressing in being able to gather information, make friends, and influence people. There's a proctor hidden here somewhere watching and recording everything I do to be graded later. Also, a lot of the Republic's senators either come for it or they send a representative, so it's a good opportunity for networking."

That was true. I had recognized a few familiar faces. Familiar mostly because they were on my list.

"Oh! Speaking of making friends!" Padme turned and grabbed the slightly older redhead by the arm, pulling her closer with a smile. "This is Mon Mothma! She's a friend from Chandrila I met through the contact exchange program. Mon, this is Tanya Mereel. She's the Jedi Padawan I told you about, who came and spoke in our class."

"Knight now, actually," I corrected.

"Congratulations!" Padme beamed.

I offered a hand to the redhead. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

https://forums.spacebattles.com/threads/...-117706394