"So... I could potentially be assassinated here, huh?" Padmé said with remarkable calm. "What a delightful surprise."
"Given what we just told you, you don't seem particularly shocked," Hope observed. "Is that a politician thing or...?"
"Let's just say this isn't the first time in the past decade that someone's tried to eliminate me," Padmé replied dryly. "I've been targeted numerous times throughout my career, and unfortunately, I've grown accustomed to it."
"Honestly, you've just earned more respect from me," Natasha said with an appreciative smile.
"I'm not sure whether hearing that from you is good or bad."
"Looks like we're going to have our work cut out for us here," Natasha pointed out.
"You mentioned the Banking Clan and the Separatists' plan to construct a droid factory on Geonosis," Hope said, and Padmé nodded confirmation.
"It's impossible to determine the exact location without speaking directly to Archduke Poggle. But we need those factory schematics so the Republic can mount a precise strike."
"Can't we just grab whatever's on that holo-table in the library and get out of here?" Hope asked.
"I know them well enough to be certain everything is password-protected. Without the correct access codes, retrieving that data won't be simple."
"It's never that easy, Hope."
"Right."
"So what's our play?"
Padmé frowned thoughtfully, considering their current predicament.
"Hope, I think you should join me for dinner tonight."
"Uh, Padmé, what if someone asks questions? You arrived with Natasha, not me, remember?"
"That's what 3PO is for," Padmé said, gesturing toward the protocol droid, who waved cheerfully at the two Avengers.
"You stay close while I dine with the others so you can figure out the access code. If you think you have the right opportunity, you can head directly to the library and extract the data without anyone knowing until we're off this planet."
"Sounds like a workable plan."
"While you two handle that, I'll be monitoring this apprentice."
"Are you certain about this, Natasha?" Hope asked with concern.
"I wouldn't suggest it if I weren't prepared," Natasha said, rolling up her sleeves to reveal the distinctive Widow's Bite devices on her wrists.
"Alright, just be careful," Hope cautioned.
"Now we have a plan that needs execution," Padmé declared. "Let's get started."
That evening, the dinner commenced.
Hidden inside C-3PO, Hope carefully monitored the conversation, paying particular attention to any details from the more significant figures at the table—namely Senators Clovis and Dod.
Either of them could have accessed the plans on the holo-table in the library. Either of them possessed the password necessary to retrieve the required data.
At a strategic moment during the meal, when Hope decided to test her luck, she carefully exited Padmé's protocol droid, flew out of the dining hall, and headed toward the library as quickly as possible.
Once there, she returned to normal size and attempted to access the holo-table's contents.
"Password required."
"Of course," Hope muttered, adopting a thinking pose. "Let's try 'Clovis Scipio' first."
"Access denied."
"Banking Clan."
"Access denied."
"Senator Rush Clovis."
"Access denied."
Hope racked her brain for other possible passwords. However, one particular option gave her pause. She took a breath and entered what seemed like the most likely candidate.
"Padmé."
"Access granted."
"God, he's really got it bad," Hope muttered, examining the holographic display of a massive droid foundry already under construction.
Before she could begin extracting the data, she heard approaching footsteps and quickly glanced around.
At the worst possible moment, Padmé and Clovis suddenly entered the library, forcing Hope to shrink and hide until the two senators—or rather, one senator and one apparent Separatist sympathizer—departed.
"I wanted to show you where my business ventures are heading," Clovis said as he escorted Padmé into the library. "I'm developing some private investments with guaranteed returns."
Padmé nodded, then suddenly groaned and held her head, saying with apparent difficulty, "Could you get me something to drink? I'm feeling quite parched and I have a terrible headache."
Clovis approached her with obvious concern. "Oh, this must be from the atmospheric change. I'm certain of it. I'll be right back."
Rush hurried out of the room, leaving Padmé seemingly alone.
Hope returned to full size, startling Padmé momentarily before she quickly composed herself.
"I've accessed the droid factory data, Padmé," Hope reported. "We need to download it now."
"That's exactly why I'm here," Padmé said, producing a small data chip.
"I think you'll find the password quite... endearing," Hope said with a knowing smile.
"What was the password?"
"Your name, naturally. Quite romantic, isn't it?"
"...Oh."
"You're not even slightly flattered?"
"If this were a few years ago, I probably would have been."
"Ah," Hope said with a grin as Padmé approached the holo-table and began downloading the factory plans and schematics.
Just then, Clovis returned.
Hope quickly shrank down, secured the data file from Padmé, and retreated to the shadows to avoid detection.
"I'll return to 3PO and store these plans with him for safekeeping," Hope whispered through the Naboo Senator's earpiece. "Good luck, Padmé."
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