Chapter Text
There is unrest in the Galactic Senate. Several thousand star systems have declared their intention to leave the Republic.
This Seperatist movement, under the leadership of the mysterous Count Dooku, has made it difficult for the limited number of Jedi Knights to maintain peace and order in the galaxy.
Senator Amidala, former Queen of Naboo, is returning to the Galactic Senate to vote on the critical issue of creating an army of the Republic to assist the overwhelmed Jedi...
A chrome Naboo cruiser approached Coruscant, escorted by three yellow Naboo N-1 starfighters. The four ships entered the planet's atmosphere and skimmed across the surface of the city landscape, the morning sun glinting off the chrome hull of the cruiser as the procession navigated between the tall buildings of the capital planet. Soon, a three-lead-clover landing platform came into view and two of the fighters landed on one leaf, the cruiser on the central leaf and the third fighter on the remaining leaf. The female pilot of one of the fighters disembarked from their ship, accompanied by their blue & white Astromech droid, R2-D2, and the pilot approached a male pilot, who removed his helmet to reveal Captain Gregar Typho, Senator Amidala's security officer. "We made it." Typho said as they watched the cruiser's boarding ramp lower and Senator Amidala began to disembark. "I guess I was wrong, there was no danger at all."
No sooner had those words left Typho's mouth when there was a blinding flash and a huge explosion. The escort pilots were thrown to the platform as the cruiser exploded in a ball of flames. Klaxons blared as flaming debris flew everywhere. When the dust settled, Typho and the escort pilots picked themselves up and ran over to where Senator Amidala lay mortally wounded. The female pilot knelt by the senator and removed their helmet to reveal that they were Senator Padme Amidala "Corde..." she gasped as she gathered up her decoy in her arms.
Corde's eyes fluttered open and she looked up at the Senator. "M'lady, I'm so sorry..." she managed to breathe out weakly. "I've failed you, Senator." And she succumbed to her injuries.
"No!" Padme cried in despair, lowering Corde to the floor. She stood up and looked at the devastation around her with tears in her eyes.
"M'lady, you're still in danger in here." Typho told her.
"I shouldn't have come back." Padme breathed sadly.
"This vote is very important." Typho said. "You did your duty, and Corde did hers. Now come." But Padme didn't move. "Senator Amidala, please." Typho implored, and Padme reluctantly let Typho lead her away to safety.
~8~
At the Senate Chambers, a very heated session was in progress. Mas Amedda, the Supreme Chancellor's major domo, tried to quite things down as Chancellor Sheev Palpatine conferred with an aide. "Order! We shall have order!" Amedda ordered. "The motion for the Republic to commission an army takes precedent, and that is what we will vote on this time."
The rabble quietened down and Chancellor Palpatine stepped up to the podium. "My esteemed colleagues, excuse me..." he began, "I have just received some tragic and disturbing news. Senator Amidala of the Naboo system... has been assassinated!" There was a shocked silence in the rotunda. "This grievous blow is especially personal to me." Palpatine continued. "Before I became Chancelllor, I served Amidala when she was Queen. She was a great leader who fought for justice, not only in this honourable assembly, but also on her home planet. She was so beloved she could have been elected Queen for life. She believed in public service, and she fervently believed in democracy. Her death is a great loss to us all. We will all mourn her as a relentless champion of freedom... and as a dear friend."
There was a moment of silence, then Ask Aak, the Senator of Malastare, moved his pod into the centre of the rotunda. "How many more senators will die before this civil strife ends?! We must confront these rebels now, and we need an army to do it!"
A second pod moved into the centre of the rotunda, carrying Senator Darsana of Glee Anselm. "Why weren't the Jedi able to stop this assassination? We are no longer safe under their protection."
Senator Orn Free Taa of Ryloth swung forward in his pod. "The Republic needs more security now! Before it comes to war."
"Must I remind the Senator from Malastare that negotiations with the Separatists." Palpatine tried to calm things down. "Peace is our objective here... not war."
"My noble colleagues, I concur with the Supreme Chancellor." a familiar voice said. "At all costs, we do not want war!" The Senate went quiet as a pod carrying Padme Amidala, her handmaiden Dorme, her aide Jar Jar Binks and Captain Typho maneuverer into the centre of the rotunda. Then there was an outburst of cheering and applause.
"It is with great surprise and joy the chair recognises the Senator of Naboo, Padme Amidala." Palpatine announced.
Padme began her speech, "Less than an hour ago, an assassination attempt was made against my life. One of my bodyguards and six others were ruthlessly and senselessly murdered. I was the target but, more importantly, I believe this security measure before you, was the target. I have led the opposition to build an army... but there is someone in this body who will stop at nothing to assure it's passage." Many Senators began to boo and yell at Padme, but she carried on regardless. "I warn you, if you vote to create this army, war will follow. I have experienced the misery of war first-hand; I do not wish to do it again."
Sporadic yelling for and against Padme's statements filled the rotunda.
"Wake up, Senators... you must wake up!" Padme continued passionately. "If we only offer the Separatists violence, they can only show us violence in return! Many will lose their lives. All will lose their freedom. This decision could very well destroy the very foundation of our great Republic. I pray you do not let fear push you into a disastrous decision. Vote down this security measure, which is nothing less than a declaration of war! Does anyone here want that? I cannot believe they do."
An uproar came from the delegation, some in support of Padme, others in disagreement with her. Palpatine decided to cool things down. "Due to the lateness of the hour and the seriousness of this motion, we will take up these matters tomorrow." he announced. "Until then, the Senate stands adjourned."
~8~
Later that day, Palpatine was in his office, meeting with the Jedi Council. "I don't know how much longer I can hold off the vote, my friends." he told them. "More and more star systems are joining the Separatists."
"If they do break away..."Jedi Master Mace Windu began.
"I will not allow this Republic that has stood for a thousand years be split in two." Palpatine said firmly. "My negotiations will not fail!"
"If they do, you must realise there aren't enough Jedi to protect the Republic." Windu told him adamantly. "We're keepers of the peace, not soldiers."
"Master Yoda, do you think it will really come to war?" Palpatine asked Grand Master Yoda.
Yoda closed his eyes, reaching out through the Force. "Hmm, the Dark Side clouds everything." He opened his eyes. "Impossible to see the future is."
Just then, a buzzer sounded on Palpatine's desk. "The Loyalist Committee has arrived, your honour." the voice of Palpatine's aide, Dar Wac, announced over the intercom.
"Good." Palpatine acknowledged. "Send them in." He turned back to the Jedi. "We will discuss this matter later."
Everyone stood as Padme, Typho, Jar Jar, Dorme, Orn Free Taa, Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan, Senator Mon Motha of Chandrila and Senator Onaconda Farr of Rodia entered the room. Yoda approached Padme. "Senator Amidala, your tragedy on the landing platform- terrible. Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart."
"You have our deepest sympathies, m'lady." Plo Koon added.
"Thank you, Master Jedi." Padme acknowledged. "Do you have any idea who's behind this attack?"
"Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on the moons of Naboo." Windu answered.
"I don't wish to disagree, but I think that Count Dooku was behind it." Padme ventured.
There was a stir of surpise among the Jedi. They all exchanged looks at each other. "He is a political idealist, not a murderer." Ki-Adi Mundi objected.
"You know, m'lady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn't assassinate anyone; it's not in his character." Windu told Padme.
"Count Dooku has always avoided any kind of conflict." Plo added. "It appears he has no desire to start a war. Why would he want to kill you? To what end?"
"I don't know, but everything in my being tells me he was behind it." Padme replied.
"In dark times, nothing is what it appears to be." Yoda said wisely. "But for certain, Senator... in grave danger you are."
"Master Jedi, may I suggest the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces?" Palpatine ventured.
"Do you really think that's a wise decision under these stressful times?" Organa questioned.
Padme wasn't too keen on the idea either. "Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe..."
"'the situation is that serious?'" Palpatine finished for her. "No, but I do, Senator."
"Chancellor, please, I don't want anyone guards!" Padme said in exasperation.
"I realise all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you," Palpatine said, "but perhaps someone you're familiar with. An old friend like... Master Kenobi."
"That's possible." Windu nodded. "He's just returned from a border dispute on Ansion."
"I would also recommend Master Sacul." Plo said. "Perhaps the presence of a female protector would help to comfort the Senator."
But Padme still had reservations. "This is not necessary, Chancellor." she said to Palpatine.
But Palpatine had other ideas. "Do it me, m'lady, please?" he said, sounding almost pleading. "The thought of losing you... is unbearable."
Padme gave a sigh, reluctantly conceding. "I will have Obi-Wan and Master Sacul report to you immediately, m'lady." Windu told her.
"Thank you, Master Windu." Padme nodded begrudgingly.
~8~
That afternoon, four Jedi were traveling aboard a lift to Padme's penthouse; Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, and Tey Sacul and her apprentice, Livia Bescot. "You seem a little on edge." Obi-Wan remarked to Anakin, who was shifting nervously beside him.
"Not at all." Anakin denied.
"I haven't seen you this tense since we fell into that nest of Gundarks." Obi-Wan continued.
Anakin scoffed. "You fell into that nightmare, Master, and I rescued you, remember?"
"Oh, yes." Obi-Wan chuckled.
"Hey, try being inside the gullet of an Exogorth." Tey remarked, she and Livia standing behind them.
Livia then noticed that Anakin was still fidgeting. "Anakin, will you relax?" she said to him. "She's not a Queen now, ya know."
Just then, the lift doors opened and the four Jedi stepped out into Padme's penthouse, where Jar Jar Binks was waiting for them. "Obi? Obi!" the Gungan cheered excitedly. "Mesa so smilen to seein yousa!"
"Good to see you again, Jar Jar." Obi-Wan smiled, shaking Jar Jar's hand.
Jar Jar then saw Anakin. "And thisa, I take it, is your apprentice... noooo! Ani? Little bity Ani? Nooo! Yousa so biggen, Ani! Mesea no beliven!"
"Hi, Jar Jar." Anakin smiled, a little embarrassed at the use of his childhood nickname.
Jar Jar grabbed hold of Anakin and enveloped him in a big hug. "Ani! Ani!" He then let Anakin go and led the Jedi over to where Padme was talking to Dorme and Typho. "Senator Padme." Jar Jar called. "Mesa palos here! Lookie, lookie, Senator. Disa Jedi arriven."
Padme and Typho rose as the four Jedi stopped before the Senator. "It's a great pleasure to see you again, m'lady." Obi-Wan greeted.
"It has been far too long, Master Kenobi." Padme reciprocated, then her eyes shifted over to Anakin. "Ani?" she stared in surprise. "My goodness, you've grown." When she'd last seen Anakin 10 years ago, he was just a nine-year-old boy; now he was a strikingly handsome 19-year-old young man who towered over Obi-Wan.
"So have you." Anakin said to Padme, trying to be smooth. "Grown more beautiful, I mean. Well, f-for a Senator, I mean." he blustered. Beside him, Obi-Wan looked at him disapprovingly, while Livia had to supress a snigger and Tey simply raised an eyebrow in amusement.
Padme took it all in good stride. "Ani, you'll always be that little boy I know on Tatooine." she said, and turned away, not seeing the crestfallen look on Anakin's face.
"Real smooth, Anakin. Real smooth." Livia said quietly to Anakin, who blushed in embarrassment.
Padme then turned to the two remaining Jedi. "And you must be Master Sacul." she said to Tey.
"Well, I wouldn't call myself 'master' yet," Tey said, "but it's a pleasure to meet you, m'lady. This is my apprentice, Livia Bescot."
"M'lady." Livia curtseyed.
"Our presence here will be invisible, m'lady, I assure you." Obi-Wan reassured Padme, who moved to sit down on one of the settees.
Typho then stepped forward to introduce himself. "I'm Captain Typho of Her Majesty's security service. Queen Jamila has been informed of your assignment. I am grateful you're both here, Master Kenobi, Master Sacul. The situation is more dangerous than the Senator will admit."
"I don't need more security, I need answers." Padme huffed. "I want to know who's trying to kill me."
"We're here to protect you, Senator, not to start an investigation." Obi-Wan insisted as he and Anakin sat down on the settee opposite Padme, while Tey and Livia stood behind them.
"We will find out who's tryin' to kill, Padme, I promise you." Anakin said, having other ideas to his master's.
Obi-Wan turned to him sharply. "We will not exceed our mandate, my young Padawan learner." he said firmly.
"I meant that in the interest of protecting her, Master, of course." Anakin tried to amend.
"We will not go through this exercise again, Anakin," Obi-Wan told him sternly, "and you will pay attention to my lead."
"For what it's worth, Obi-Wan, I agree with Anakin." Tey spoke up.
"What?!" Obi-Wan swung round to stare at her.
"I do not believe the Chancellor would have requested the Jedi's services if not to find the killer." Tey pressed. "Protection is the job of local security, not Jedi. No disrespect, Captain." she said hastily to Typho.
"It's overkill, Master. Investigation is implied in our mandate." Anakin added, happy that Tey agreed with him.
"We will do exactly as the Council has instructed us." Obi-Wan insisted, earning an eyeroll from Tey. She believed in a more relaxed approach to following the Jedi Code than Obi-Wan, who had become something of an overzealous stickler in his adult years.
Padme sensed the awkwardness between the Jedi, so she decided to put the matter to rest for now. "Perhaps with merely your presence, the mystery surrounding this threat will be revealed. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll retire."
Everyone gave Padme a bow as she got to her feet and headed off to the bedroom with Dorme. Typho then turned to the two senior Jedi. "I know I'll feel better for having you here. I'll have an officer stationed on every floor, and I'll be in the control centre downstairs."
"Right." Tey nodded. "Have you checked out the help? Are they clean?"
While the two masters were talking, Jar Jar turned to Anakin. "Mesa busten wit happiness seein yousa again, Ani."
"She hardly even recognised me, Jar Jar." Anakin whined. "I've thought about her every day since we've parted and she's forgotten me completely."
"Oh, don't be so negative, 'Ani'." Livia snorted.
"Shesa happy. Happier den mesa seein her in a logo time." Jar Jar added.
"Well, there ya are, Ani." Livia said.
"Don't call me that." Anakin grunted.
Just then, Obi-Wan re-joined them "Come, you two. Let's check the security." he said, and the four Jedi began their protection duty.