"RIPPLES IN THE WATER" (PART II OF "The Will of the Force")
3 YEARS AFTER 'GLIMMERS OF DARKNESS'
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The doors to Darth Sideous' rooms opened. The Sith did not turn his face, but kept his back away from the entrant.
Finally Sideous was ready to address him: "Yes, young Skywalker?"
"Sir, we are coming upon Alderaan. I thought you'd like to know . . ."
"Yes, thank you," the genial man spun around and addressed Anakin Skywalker, "And I suppose this will be your last 'run' for me. Your commission will have come through by now."
"It has, Chancellor," Anakin said. "I just wanted to say what an honor it has been serving you and I will never forget the lessons you've taught me."
"Good. I should hope you would not forget. For I will rely on your using all that you know in our Republic's Fleet."
"I shall, sir. Thank you sir."
Palpatine smirked and watched the young man exit his chambers.
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"Cat got your tongue, Ani?" Bail Organa asked his companion.
Anakin did not answer. His friend and co-pilot reacted with a shrug and went back to his checklist.
Bail was used to such behavior from Anakin. Anakin had not changed much since they had met at the flight Academy where they had been roommates. There they had formed a sort of elite click: the rich and powerful, Bail from a rich family and Anakin from a rich sponsor. They enjoyed getting in and out of scrapes together . . . breaking all the girls' hearts.
And here they were together again, piloting the Chancellor across the galaxy. Though the boys were sometimes a little annoyed by Palpatine's 'caring and kindness,' they knew that the Chancellor would do anything for them if he were needed.
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A trio of wind instruments played light, airy tunes in the Crystal terrace of Organa Palace. Amidala was sitting with Prince Luke Organa's fiance, Micaeli. The music went well with the setting. Amidala was wearing a high-waisted pink dress with flowing chiffon and veils. Her companion was in royal blue, the skirt being fuller than the Queen's, her head-piece limited to some gold threaded throughout her braids.
Neither lady was particularily enjoying herself. Micaeli was at odds with the chilly Queen--thank goodness the House of Organa was not as stiff and formal--while Amidala was feeling out of place and awkward as usual. She also had the added strain of political stresses weighing her down. Though the Organa's royalty was inherited through family bonds, the political power was not demanded by the office. In contrast, Amidala was an elected sovereign, her power coming only from her political leadership.
She was worried. She could not say when it began, but over the last few years a subtle attitude change had occured in the Galactic Senate. People were a little more cold to her. Naboo's proposals were always voted down, the Supreme Chancellor bowing to the growing opposition created by those who strongly disliked the Queen of Naboo.
She had even noticed that reports in the holo-news were using words like 'rigid, cold, and unbending' when describing her. The Queen was 'only concerned about her own people and their thriving economy.' Whenever her Senator, Mon Mothma, voted 'nay,' even on things for which others had acted accordingly, her name was always cited as an example of the heartless ones who opposed Chancellor Palpatine's noble plans.
The latest report was a prime example: in conjuction with a 'yet again, trying to stop the Chancellor who has given us economic prosperity and a time of peace, the Queen of Naboo has voted against . . .' What the former had to do with pay increases of bureaucrats, she was sure she did not know. Palpatine refused to disuss it with her. As a matter of fact, while his correspondences continued, he grew more formal and brief.
She had wanted a strong leader, one to take action when needed. Was Palpatine what one got when they asked too much of a government?
Amidala did not know what she had done. She had not changed---she always kept to a rather isolationist policy. She'd allowed the sovereign systems to operate according to the Republic's Constitution and then only intervened when a system was grossly threatened. Yet she was called heartless despite the fact that she had wholeheartedly supported the Galactic Senate's bids condemning atrocities committed against life-forms. She had personally led the crack-down against slavery. The Republic's anti-slavery laws were no longer merely a formality on the books thanks to Amidala.
To make matters worse, her Senator, Mon Mothma, had sent word that they must meet to discuss a pressing issue. So instead of going home after the wedding, she was heading back into the fire. The thought made her want to be physically ill.
She was reaching the point of breaking just as the one man capable of helping her through the chaos was arriving: Anakin. But she wouldn't be able to spend a good deal of time with him. There was quite a bachelor's party planned that evening.
Crystal tea glasses tingled as the ladies continued sipping, watching the odd purple sunset peculiar to Alderaan. Micaeli saw the stress on the Queen's features. She hoped Luke would never end up like her. That . . . that . . . and she unconsciously called Amidala in her mind what the populace was dubbing her: Ice Queen.
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Amidala sat through the formal rehearsal dinner. Toasts went all around. The powerful House of Organa was having a marriage.
Amidala had a place of honor at the banquet. Her handmaidens as usual were seated around her, ready to do her bidding. Luke Organa, Prince and Senator, sat at one head of the table with Micaeli at the other. They accepted the praises and well wishes bestowed upon them gratefully. Finally the dinner was over and the couple went out to the balcony to wave at the throngs of people camped out by the palace. Amidala was going to stay inside, but Senator Luke, surprising everyone, walked over to her, pointing out that the celebrations weren't for them, but for the people.
"Make an appearance," he insisted, "it'll give the gossip columnists material to analyse for weeks. We need all fashions represented," Luke grinned. Amidala coldly stared at him, not responding to his warmth. He looked earnest then, "Please, your Highness," he pressed gently.
So Amidala complied. The only thing that made the exposure bearable was her sighting of Bail Organa's cruiser zooming into the Organa Palace hangar.
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Anakin all but ran from the hangar, ignoring the holo-news reporters that swarmed about him--every move of his was widely reported lately. Without knowing how, he had become a celebrity.
He barged into Amidala's quarters, caught her up in his arms, and swung her around and around ignoring the fact that he was crushing her carefully starched gown and getting it all out of shape.
He sensed her meloncholy mood, "What's wrong?" he asked, setting her down.
"Nothing new, Ani."
He opened his mouth, "But . . ."
"I don't wish to discuss it," she interrupted simply. "Let's enjoy the wedding celebrations."
"I can see how much of that you are already!" he said concerned, frowning. He knew about the beatings Amidala was taking, and he did not like to see her under such strain. But she had chosen the life of a politician, hadn't she?
"Just don't be too wild at the party tonight?" Amidala asked gently.
"Me?" he asked innocently, drawing a smile over her delicate features.
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Amidala was allowing her handmaidens to undress her. They were brushing long strands away from her face. Something made her freeze. The were streaks of gray in her hair.
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Nobody was having fun at the bachelor's party. It was hard to let loose when the groom was a Senator, and the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic was in attendance. Most men had settled at tables, playing cards.
Bail and Anakin were sitting with fellow pilots from the Academy, Li and Jokl. Luke joined them.
"This will probably be the only royal wedding we'll see for awhile," Anakin commented, throwing down a card.
"Don't be so sure," Bail answered, picking a new card from the deck.
"So, Bail," Luke smiled, "who have you been hiding from us?"
"Not me," Bail said grinning at Anakin.
"Cut it out, Bail!" Anakin said testily. Though many were gossiping, there wasn't anything even close to an understanding between himself and Amidala. It made things awkward to have Bail bring it up.
Jokl, however, picked up the topic, "You mean the Queen of Naboo?" He grinned as Anakin cringed. Jokl enjoyed this. He had never much liked the hot-shot Skywalker. Jokl had been next in line to pilot the Chancellor's ship when the Queen interfered. "Nope, I've seen a few rulers like her. They are strong, but only when alone. It's that Virgin-Queen thing."
The table fell silent. Anakin's fists clenched. "Watch what you say about Queen Amidala," he warned in a low, dangerous voice.
"Yeah, Jokl," Bail tried to lighten the mood, "how could she get married with a bunch of ugly losers like you around?"
But Jokl wouldn't let the moment pass. "Virgin Queen. Was that what disturbed you, Ani? Did I make a mistake? Do you know something that I don't kno--"
The sentence was choked off as Anakin seemed to fly from his seat and in one swift motion knocked over the table as he grabbed Jokl by the throat with one hand. "Your humor has disturbed me, Jokl. I can't imagine why!"
Jokl began to rise, one foot off the floor, two . . . It was not difficult for Anakin's tall frame to lift the smaller pilot.
"Ani, stop it!" Bail cried out, alarmed.
"Let him go!" Luke ordered. But Anakin didn't seem to hear them. There was a glint in his eyes that made every man back off, afraid perhaps that the iron grip would be on their necks if they intervened. "You didn't perchance say something disrespectful about the Queen of Naboo, did you?" Anakin's grip tightened, he could feel the bones beneath his hands, one movement would snap Jokl's neck like a twig.
"Enough!" A voice commanded. The men turned around to see who had spoken. It was General Tarkin, and standing beside him was the Supreme Chancellor! Anakin let Jokl drop with a thud, thinking how incredible it was that his illustrious carreer had ended in just a few seconds. Strangling a pilot of the Republic was surely grounds for demotion.
"Oh my, such a display Anakin Skywalker! You must learn to stay a little more calm," the Chancellor commented as he and the General moved serenely away.
All men stayed frozen and silent, watching the powerful pair disappear, not quite knowing what to say. Li finally ventured, "I'll say this for you, Ani: you sure know how to put the damper on a party."
Nobody laughed.
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Neither Luke nor Bail could sleep. The brothers sat up in Luke's quarters. The combination of wedding stress, and then the scene at the party combined to give them a case of killer insomnia.
"I can't think of what disturbs me more about the whole thing, Luke," Bail was saying, "Anakin's actions or . . ."
"The Chancellor's?"
"Yeah. His indifference. No indifference was not the word. It . . . What was it?" Bail put his hands to his temples, trying to bring the image back.
Luke found the word first. "Approval," he said softly.
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The morning after the wedding, Amidala walked alone to the beach surrounding her quarters. She waded into the water, letting the waves lap at her feet. The wind blew her long hair all about her, like a natural cloak. She sat down then in the shallow water, running sand through her hands, digging her toes in. If only life could be this relaxing all the time! A larger wave came right over her face soaking her entirely.
"Uggh," she said aloud and wipped her face, getting the saltiness out of her eyes. When she opened them, she saw Anakin standing over her.
"Ani!" she exclaimed, surprised, getting up. She sensed that something was wrong. There had been a good deal of tension between he and Bail since the bachelor party. She had been expecting them to come back wild as banthas drunk on sherry. But they were sober, and remained so throughout the wedding festivities.
Well, if he wants to speak of it, he will. "What brings you out here?" she asked.
"You," he replied.
She blushed. He was always direct with his feelings about her.
"I thought you were going back to Coruscant?"
"I am. I was thinking . . ."
"What?"
"That you may consider taking a more leisurely mode of transportation."
She raised her eyebrows in response.
"Come along with me in Bail's cruiser and send Sabe in your transport," he said cautiously. "We could have fun. Uh, I don't know. Have a few days of peace at least."
Amidala did not know what to say. Was he suggesting that they be alone?
Anakin used the Force to glean her worries. "Bail is coming with us, ok? I know how strict you are about the chaperone thing."
She was relieved and smiled, "Alright, then!" She should have known better than to think that Anakin would try to get her into a compromising position. Despite everything, she knew that he respected everything for which she stood.
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The three spent a good deal of time in the cockpit of the crusier, laughing and having fun, as all young people should. Amidala had not spent much time with Bail before, and she was enjoying his company. The new circle of friends stayed up late watching holo-vids, or playing cards. Once the boys showed off for her by navigating through an asteroid field.
But all fun has to come to an end.
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Amidala was relaxing in her chamber on Bail's cruiser with a blindfold over her eyes. The door opened and Anakin entered. It was the first time they had been alone since Alderaan. He sat by her, picked up her hand, and kissed it, silently. He did not want to disturb her peace. She smiled gratefully. After several minutes of this, Anakin ventured to speak, "We're coming upon Coruscant. I report to the Fleet."
"And I meet with my Senator. We go back to our responsibilities," Amidala stated. She sat up and took off her blindfold. Anakin winced. Pain and fatigue were clearly written on her face. The calm that had crept into her on their journey had ebbed away the closer they got to Coruscant. It was difficult for Anakin because he always shared her feelings.
He tried to speak, but felt he would choke. He cared for her so much that it was painful.
"I'll miss you, Ami," Anakin finally managed a farewell. She smiled sadly, but did not return his expression of affection. She never seemed to.
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Amidala was shown into Senator Mon Mothma's quarters. Unlike the former Senator's these had an airy, light, feminine feel to them. Very like the Classical style of Mon Monthma's homeworld, Chandrila. Mon Mothma also dressed to reflect her style, adopting the method Amidala often did when she was younger: use clothes to mask youth. At 20, Mon Mothma was one of the youngest Senators ever, but she was proving herself quite a formidable representative.
Amidala was wearing a heavy, cream and yellow gown which stuck out like boxes from her hips. Her wardrobe was crowned with thick hair twisted into braids, piled high on her head, bright yellow ribbons shimmering throughout. She was using her Queen's voice and was seated on a wide settee which accomodated her clothing.
Mon Mothma was saying, "I want us to be clear yet again about our positions on slavery."
"Slavery? We settled that over a year ago."
"Yes, but lately the issue has come up again in lieu of the Trade Federation's fall. Many saw it as a result of their depending upon droids for defense. Slavery has been suggested as an alternative, but since that's forbidden, some factions, including the Mandolorians--that warrior race recently admitted into the Republic--are toying with the idea of an alternate form of slavery. It would not require droids or life-forms, but rather clones."
"Cloning?" Amidala's chilly visage showed surprise, "But the process is only used to replace a lost limb, or eyes. Not a . . ."
"Whole being," Mon Mothma's voice was quiet.
"But the Republic's laws have forbidden it!"
"Until now. A proposal is in the making to make that law null and void by declaring clones are not truly life-forms."
Amidala could not believe it, "So we're changing the definiton of life now?"
"Yes," Mon Mothma stated simply. "Never underestimate the power that rhetoric has to change people's views of truth."
A silence. This was a lot to digest.
"Your Highness," Mon Mothma ventured quietly, "we have to decide where we stand."
"Decide? Decide what? Absolutely not! We cannot play games with life, especially for the purpose of servitude. And who is to say that as soon as we cheapen life, even cloned, we won't begin to lose the sacredness of all life-forms?"
"I agree. However, some are saying that because we use droids we've already admitted a gray definition of life."
"Droids are artificial, they are machines, created by us."
"The Mandolorians say that the same is true for the clones."
Amidala was exasperated, "You see what they are doing? They cannot win the argument head-on, so they skirt the issue by changing the focus to droids!"
"Not having resolved either question," Mon Mothma finished. "It is a common tactic used by the majority in the Senate these days. And imitated by the holo-news."
Amidala sighed, "Well at least we can stay focused. Let's keep the focus on cloning--we'll discuss the droids another time. What do the cloning factions say?"
"That the life of clones belongs to them and therefore nobody can argue for what purpose they are used."
"No, the Force does not permit that kind of choosing. It states objectively: 'Respect all life, in any form.' Case closed."
"Not all are followers of that religion."
"But we have a preference for it. The Jedi have an official place in our Republic!"
"Which brings me to my next point. The Jedi have also become under attack as well."
"Ah." The puzzle pieces were coming into place.
"You know how highly the people regard Palpatine, and all the good he's done. Our economies have never been stronger, quality of living is improving for the majority, and," she swallowed, "you know how the people love Anakin Skywalker. He is a handsome hero and Palpatine's right-hand man in many ways."
Amidala was surprised, "Really? I've never seen it."
"Well, the holo-news seems to be playing it up."
"Why?"
"His popularity has been used to attack the Jedi. It is common knowledge now that the Council rejected him, and the people reason that they did so because of their love of power. The Jedi Masters were afraid of him, and therefore deprived the galaxy of a great good. 'Who is it for they to decide who is to be trained' has become the slogan."
The argument was familiar. Anakin had been tempted by such a rationalization. Amidala sighed, "So the authority of the Jedi is now in question and they have lost status in the eyes of the people?"
"Yes."
"And so, if the Jedi lose their credibility, so does the Code." Mon Mothma nodded. "That is frightening."
"Yes," the quiet Senator commented.
"Is . . . how is Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi handling it?"
"He is taking a good many hits presently. For he is notorious for being a supporter of the Council and the Code."
"And this is building towards what?"
"That the public sentiment seems to go with the cloning factions. We are voting on it soon. How should Naboo go?"
"There is no question. I have already said it!"
"Even if we stand alone?"
"Stand alone, yes. Stand up for what is right!" She was on her feet, her Queen's stature gone, her 'Padme voice' at full decible, "I don't give a rodian's green a--" Amidala just stopped herself from saying something very earthy. Anikan would have grinned had he been present.
She counted to ten. "I mean, if the whole worlds lose their minds, that does not mean that we must go along too."
"And the Naboo?"
"They have continually elected me, knowing that I will always uphold our laws. Remember, we have specific legislation against cloning. I will not betray my people by breaking that law."
"And if your peoples' sentiment goes against you?"
"They have a right to remove me. I believe in the system. It will work."
Admiration was in Mon Mothma's eyes. "The Naboo chose well."
The women were quiet with their thoughts for a few minutes. "So that is resolved," Mon Mothma spoke up, "I know what to do." Sadness enveloped her clear eyes.
"There's something else?" Amidala asked.
"Well, this is such a powerful question, people see it so passionately, and it is a divisive issue. One cannot go half-way on it."
"Yes."
"The factions may be willing to go to war over it."
"War? Civil War?"
"Yes."
"Chancellor Palpatine will never permit it!"
Mon Mothma sighed, "I think he will."
Amidala stopped, "There is something that I don't know."
"Your Highness, he is the one pushing for the legislation, more than anyone. There has been a campaign to say that all who oppose this 'compassionate' way to solve the slavery issue are traitors."
"This is insanity! The Chancellor would never do something so out of character!"
"For whatever reasons, he is, Your Highness. And somehow people are just taking it in stride. They've become so sick of the political process that they choose to ignore it. It's easier just to have Palpatine take care of it all than to actually . . ."
"Think?"
Mon Mothma nodded, "As you say. You Highness. If the Republic demands that cloning for slavery become legal, would you sanction it on Naboo?"
Amidala paused before answering evenly, "No, my conscience will not permit it."
"Very well. Then the Naboo will be forced to make a new election, and chose a leader who will go with the Republic's laws or . . ."
"Elect me again, and therefore declare ourselves in contempt of the Republic."
"Then Palpatine would be justified in ordering force against the Naboo to ensure that they comply with the law."
"And make me a puppet?"
"Yes. Or, if you still fail to comply, replace you. The Republic's Constitution permits it."
Amidala was seeing something she hadn't seen before. The subtle atrtacks against her, public sentiment, Chancellor Palpatine's distance. It was to discredit her so that when she made a stand against the greatest threat, she would be disregarded. Her head began to ache and not because of her tight braids.
"I will fight. There is a higher law than the Republic's."
"Yes, your Highness."
"Is there anyone who stands with us?" Amidala asked, afraid of the answer.
"Yes. Senator Luke Organa of Alderaan.
She breathed a sigh of relief, "A planet like our own, of course."
"He has also expressed a willingness to go to war, if necessary."
Amidala was sad. To have to resort to force again.
"As have the Jedi," Mon Mothma added.
This truly surprised Amidala, "They will not fight!"
Quietly, "Yes, they will." Startled eyes from Amidala. Mon Mothma explained, "It is not against the Code for them to fight in what is declared a just war. True followers of the Force will join us."
True followers. "We must meet with the Jedi Council."
"Not yet," Mon Mothma insisted. "The first battle will occur in the Senate with the debate and the vote. The holo-news will report that we are just being bureaucrats again, trying to waste the people's money and time on the debate. Be prepared for the attacks."
"I have never given into pressure from the holo-news."
"Good. I will invite Luke Organa for a special dinner, you will attend, and we will discuss our battle strategy."
"And I will meet with Jedi Kenobi."
"I'm not certain . . ."
"I trust him more than anyone. I need to ask his advice."
"Very well."
Amidala had a nagging thought: Where does Anakin stand in all this?
