decoy ❧

“My deepest gratitude is in order for your assistance. Without it, it’s likely everyone on board would have perished.”

When their ship had been attacked in deep space, they had only just managed to escape — their getaway had been imperative, with the queen aboard for a mission of diplomacy to another planet. However, their vessel had suffered irreparable damage, and the worst had been feared until the U.S.S. Enterprise had appeared.

Although the queen was certain that Captain Kirk and his crew meant her no harm, they were still left without protection and at the mercy of another. Thus, Sabé had donned Amidala’s gown and taken her place as the loyal decoy, in the unlikely case that anything might go awry.

It was a role she had inhabited so many times that it felt like slipping on a well-worn glove; yet, she found herself thoroughly on her guard. While there were moments when even the queen’s closest friends were fooled by her act, she was now in the presence of those who would likely be on high alert. It was best not to arouse their suspicions, as Sabé’s deception would harm no one so long as her queen remained safe.

The night was pitch-black, inky, and thick. Sabé could almost feel it physically around her, bearing down with an unrelenting weight as she picked her way silently through the trees and damp ground. In some places, the soil was damp and almost soupy, threatening to suck her into it if she wasn’t careful.

Staying out after the light had left the sky was not a natural occurrence for her, by any means. Evening walks Sabé quite enjoyed, however, and tonight’s had taken her far out of her way. She had harbored every intention of returning to the palace before nightfall — this had not been the plan.

Dark eyes searching for one of the many familiar landmarks she knew would guide her way, her keen gaze suddenly pulled from the shadows a dark shape. An animal, and not one Sabé was familiar with.

Early morning was the ideal time for practice on the shooting range — there was a soft light instead of the harsh glare that generally came as the day wore on. Certainly, the lack of company was also another additional incentive to early rising.

Sabé had never been one for long rests at night, however; thus, such routine was of little difficulty for her. During her initial training to become a handmaiden for the queen, she had been one of the few girls who made no complaint when expected to rise at what was deemed an unreasonable hour by many.

Now, with her ELG-3A blaster resting snugly in its holster on her hip, she turned the nearest corner on her way out of the palace — her shoulder clipping that of someone else unexpectedly as she did so.

❝ She’s my protection, my decoy — my loyal bodyguard. ❞

Indie Sabé RP Blog from Star Wars