Disclaimer: I make no money out of this. Everything belongs to George Lucas or whoever has the right about this. But I wish I had his brains.

By DarkAngel-Jessie

Titel: Phoenix Chronicles: Episode 2 Attack of the Clones(Novel)

Genre: Romance, action, suspense and sci-fi.

Rating: Fiction rating T

Summary:It's ten years after the Phantom Menace and Hadrian still tries to change the course of the future, but doesn't go so easy... Will he succeed? And will some thing actually help him and will he keep Anakin away from the Dark Side. Will the Council even support him?

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..."

EPISODE 2

ATTACK OF THE CLONES


"There is unrest in the Galactic Senate several hundred
solar systems have declared their intentions to leave the
Republic.

This separatist movement, under the leadership of Count
Dooku, has made it difficult for the limited number of Jedi
Knights to maintain peace and order in the galaxy.

Senator Amidala, the 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..."

The amber planet of Coruscant loomed in the distance as two yellow Naboo Fighters flew toward it. They were followed by a large silver Naboo Cruiser and one more fighter. It rotated and entered the planet atmosphere. The city came into view as the ship and Fighters flew toward it. Inside the Naboo cruiser, a lieutenant and two security officers addressed Senator Amidala as the spacecraft nears the landing platform.

"Senator, we're making our final approach ." The Lt. said.

The Senator nodded. "Very good, Lieutenant." She headed for the main area. Some Security guards followed her.

The ship skimmed across the surface of the city landscape. The sun glinted off the chrome hulls of the sleek Naboo spacecraft as they navigate between the buildings of the capital city. Two Naboo Fighters landed on one leaf of a three-leaf-clover landing platform. The Naboo Cruiser landed on the central leaf and the third Fighter landed on the remaining platform.

A small group of dignitaries waited to welcome the Senator. One of the Fighter Pilots jumped from the wing of his ship and removed his helm. His name was Captain Typho, Senator Amidala's security officer. He moved over to a female pilot.

"We made it. I guess I was wrong, there was no danger at all." The dark skinned man said.

They saw the ramp lower. Two Naboo guards appeared. Senator Amidala, one handmaiden and four soldiers descended the ramp. Amidala was more beautiful now than she was ten years earlier when, as Queen she was freeing her people from the yoke of the Trade Federation. But… it was, as we knew, only a decoy.

The female pilot let out a sigh, things had gone well. Maybe they were wrong and there was no danger at all. But she trusted her feeling and she didn't like it. Hadrian always told her to trust her feelings, and she mostly listed to him. The dignitaries started to move forward. Senator Amidala or rather Cordé, reached the foot of the ramp, when suddenly there was a blinding flash and a huge explosion. Padmé heart stopped as she was hurled back.

She took in her surroundings and together with Typho, got up and ran to where Senator Amidala lay dying. Beyond, Artoo Detoo dropped down from the Naboo Fighter and rolled toward the wreckage. Padmé knelt by Amidala and took off her helmet. Her brown hair moved along with the wind.

"Cordé!" She said, sobbing. She gathered up her decoy in her arms. Cordé's eyes opened. She looked up at her.

"I'm so sorry, Milady… I'm…not sure I… I've …failed you, Senator." She tried to reply but her life left her. Padmé hugged her.

"NO!" She cried.

The Captain came to her. "Milady, you are still in danger here." Padmé lowered Cordé to the ground. She got up and looked around at the devastation. There were tears in her eyes. This wasn't happening.

"I shouldn't have come back." She stated.

The Capt. looked at her. "This vote is very important. You did your duty; Cordé did hers. Now come." She doesn't respond. How could he be so heartless? Now she really wished that Hadrian was here to comfort her. In his strong arms, were she felt safe. She turned. They walked away. Artoo let out a small whimper and rolled after them. Padmé looked down at the ground the whole way, never forgetting Cordé's face.

The massive Senate building glistered in the afternoon sun. Small patches of fog still have to burn off. On the ground level, a dark figure walked toward the building. His destination was to sit in on the Senate and to listen, even against his will, because he hated politics wherever he went, he agreed to do this because he wanted to chance to see Senator Amidala.

He entered the building and headed for the Senate chamber. The cloaked figure took the hover lift to get on the highest level. He entered a passageway where several podiums where attached to the rotunda. The figure pulled back his hood. Startling blue eyes looked down in the rotunda which was vast and was buzzing with chatter. Hadrian Phoenix waited until the Senate began their debate.

He saw Mas Amedda, the Supreme chancellor's majordomo, trying to quiet things down as Palpatine conferred with Aide, Uv Gizen, riding a small One man floating scooter. After living in Coruscant for six years, Hadrian still didn't like the man. He spied on him as many times as possible and when he had free time. His Master, Yoda, kept him busy with training and sending him on missions. Now, he paid attention.

"Order! We shall have order! The motion for the Republic to commission an army takes precedent and that is what we will vote on at this time." Mas Amedda shouted. Everything quieted down. The Aide dispersed and Supreme Chancellor stepped to the podium.

"My esteemed colleagues excuse me... I have just received some tragic and disturbing news. Senator Amidala of the Naboo system has been assassinated!" Palpatine said gravely. Hadrian took a breath and searched with his Force. Then he smiled, finding the life signature of Padmé not far from him. He was still a bit skittish about certain future events. Many things could happen while he changed any of it… yet. There was a shock silence in the vast arena.

"This grievous blow is especially personal to me. Before I became Chancellor, I served Amidala when she was Queen. She was a great leader who fought for justice, not only here in this honorable assembly, but also on her home planet. She was so loved 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." The chancellor said. Hadrian wanted to vomit. First Palpatine wanted her dead and now he was bragging about their friendship.

There was a moment of silence. Ask Aak, the Senator of Malastare moved his pod into the center of the arena. "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 arena with Darsana, the Ambassador of Glee Anselm. "Why weren't the Jedi able to stop this assassination? We are no longer safe, under their protection."

Hadrian fumed, like the Jedi knew everything that was going on in the galaxy. There were simple people as well, not almighty. Senator Orn Free Taa swung forward in his pod.

"The Republic needs more security now! Before it comes to war."

Palpatine retorted. "Must I remind the Senator from Malastare that negotiations are continuing with the separatists. Peace is our objective here... not war." Okay, here the Senate was right, Hadrian admited. The Senators yelled pro and con. Mas Amedda tried to calm things down again. Then, like an angel, Senator Padmé Amidala together with Typho, Jar Jar and Dormé, maneuvered her pod into the center. Hadrian smiled. She looked more beautiful then the last time he saw her and that was almost six month ago. Oh, how he missed her.

"My noble colleagues, I concur with the Supreme Chancellor. At all costs, we do not want war!" She told the Senate. The room went quiet, then there was an outburst of cheering and applause. Palpatine looked stunned, but recovered.

"It is with great surprise and joy the chair recognizes the Senator from Naboo, Padmé Amidala." He said.

"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 its passage..." she explained them. Many of the Senators booed and yelled at her. Hadrian looked passive, alert.

"I warn you, if you vote to create this army, war will follow. I have experienced the misery of war firsthand; I do not wish to do it again." Padmé replied. There was sporadic yelling and against her statements. Hadrian remembered the events all to well; it was because of that he had met her. Padmé looked strong.

"Wake up, Senators... you must wake up! If we 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 to 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." Her speech earning some surprised looks. There was an undercurrent of booing… and groaning. Senator Orn Free Taa moved his pod next to Amidala.

"My motion to defer the vote must be dealt with first. That is the rule of law."

Padmé looked angry and frustrated. She wanted to shout back at him, but she was washed over by a soothing emotion, it was familiar, and it always happened to her when she got angry or frustrated and only happened when Hadrian was near. She smiled. He must be here somewhere then. Palpatine gave her a sympathetic look.

"Due to the lateness of the hour and the seriousness of this motion, we will take up these matters tomorrow. Until then, the Senate stands adjourned." Palpatine said, thus ending the debate. Hadrian stood up. There wasn't anything he didn't know already. But he was glad that Padmé was alright. She sensed him when he soothed her spirit. He walked away with a smile. He needed to join his Master who was on his way to the Chancellor's office.

Palpatine eyed Hadrian who stood behind his Master in his Office. He still couldn't figure out this boy. The Force was so strong in him, that scared him to death. He sat behind his desk with two red royal guards on either side of the door. Yoda, Plo Koon, Ki- Adi Mundi and Mace Windu sat across from him. Behind them stood, of course Hadrian Phoenix, Jedi Luminara Unduli and her Padawan, Barriss Offee. Hadrian would rather be anywhere else then here right now.

"I don't know how much longer I can hold off the vote, my friends. More and more star systems are joining the separatists." Palpatine said.

"If they do break away" Windu said but was cut off by Palpatine.

"I will not let this Republic that has stood for a thousand years be split in two. My negotiations will not fail!"

"If they do, you must realize there aren't enough Jedi to protect the Republic. We are keepers of the peace, not soldiers." Master Windu clarified. Palpatine looked at the green alien.

"Master Yoda, do you think it will really come to war?"

Yoda closed his eyes. Hadrian stood alert. "Worse than war, I fear… Much worse." Hadrian nodded. Palpatine saw this.

"What?"

"What do you sense, Master?" Mace asked next to him.

"The Dark Side clouds everything. Impossible to see, the future is. But I am sure of," Opened his eyes, "Do their duty, the Jedi will."

"The Republic can't lose fait in us. We will do our job." Hadrian replied. Palpatine looked stunned.

"Right my padawan is." Yoda replied. A muted buzzer sounded. A hologram of an Aide, Dar Wac appeared on the Chancellor's desk.

"The loyalist committee has arrived, my Lord."

"Good. We will discuss this matter later. Send them in." Palpatine said. They all stood as Amidala, Typho, Mas Amedda, Dormé and Senators and their attendants entered the office. Hadrian flashed a smile at her. Padmé looked relieved. She smiled. As Yoda and Mace moved to greet the Senator, the green Jedi tapped Amidala with his cane.

"Padmé, your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. With you the force is strong... young Senator. Seeing you alive brings warm feeling to my heart." Yoda said.

"Thank you, Master Yoda. Do you have any idea who was behind the attack?" She asked, but she looked at Hadrian. Hadrian sighed. He knew all too well.

"Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners, on the moons of Naboo." Windu assured her. Padmé didn't believe him.

"I think that Count Dooku was behind it." There was a stir of surprise. They looked at one another. Hadrian kept looking at her. Their connection was strong. And over the years they created a telepathic bond.

'I'll explain.'

Padmé nodded. Ki-Adi Mundi spoke up. "He is a political idealist, not a murderer."

"You would be surprised, Master." Hadrian said. The Jedi looked at him in disbelieve.

"You know, Milady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character." Master Windu explained. Hadrian snorted.

"Yeah, right."

"If I wanted your opinion, Phoenix. I would have asked." Mace said back sternly looking at him.

"In dark times nothing is what it appears to be, but the fact remains for certain, Senator, in grave danger you are." Yoda replied. Padmé sighed looking at the others in the room. Palpatine got up, walked to the window and looked out at the vast city.

"Master Jedi, my I suggest that the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces." He asked. One of the Senators stepped up.

"Do you think that is a wise decision during these stressful times?" Asked Bail Organa. Padmé looked in horror. She looked back at Palpatine.

"Chancellor, please! I don't want any more guards." She begged. Hadrian looked at her in confusion. She looked back. She gave him a 'I only want you' look.

"I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you are familiar with... an old friend like... Master Kenobi..." he looked at Hadrian, "And Phoenix." Palpatine said. Hadrian lighted up. The Chancellor and Mace Windu nodded.

"That's possible. Kenobi has just returned from a Border dispute on Ansion, and Phoenix." The Jedi Master looked at Hadrian. "He is available." Yoda nodded looking at his Padawan.

"You must remember him, M'Lady… He watched over you during the blockade, and Phoenix has shown some cooperation too." Palpatine said at her.

"It is not necessary, Chancellor."

"But it is, Senator Amidala. We can't bear to lose you." Hadrian stated.

"Do it for me, M'Lady, please. I will rest easier. We had a big scare today. The thought of losing you is unbearable." Palpatine pleaded. Amidala sighed as the Jedi got up to leave.

"I will have Obi-Wan report to you immediately, meanwhile Phoenix will escort you back to your apartment, M'Lady." Mace Windu said looking her in the eye. Yoda leaned into her ear.

"Too little about yourself you worry, Senator and too much about politics. Be mindful of your danger. Padmé. Accept help."

"Don't worry, Master. I will take care of her." Hadrian bowed. Yoda nodded and left with the remaining Jedi the office. Hadrian moved over to Padmé. He smiled and nodded for her to leave.

I know this is a very short chapter, but more is on his way. Review!!!!

Until then... With some shocking revelations for those who knows the real SW story line...

cheerio

Jessie