Sate Prestage proved to be a disagreeable man with a superiority complex large enough to swallow Corellia whole. After showing me to my room, he stood staring at me with those beady black eyes of his before a dung eating smirk slipped across his tight, lined mouth. He released a loud sniff and left me alone.

The chamber assigned to me was on the fortieth floor of the consulate which housed all guests of Naboo.

I was at the far end of the corridor facing east.

Though small, the room was surprisingly cozy and reminded me very much of the hotel I stayed in while visiting Naboo some years earlier. The colors of the chamber were soft pastel blues and pale grey; the fabrics and area rug plush. Simple yet sophisticated furniture dominated the space. The refresher was just as lovely and beautifully tiled.

One could not ask for a better sleep chamber.

The evening I arrived at the consulate I skipped dinner and turned in early. After the strained ending of my encounter with Senator Palpatine it seemed best to attain a fresh start in the morning.

Newly showered, I donned simple black leggings and a matching tunic of armorweave before pulling on my Mandalorian armor. No sooner did I finish tugging on my combat boots the door chime reverberated through the air.

I padded to the door and opened it.

Sly Moore stood smiling at me. She was lovely in her own way despite her strangely illuminated, nearly neon white-grey eyes. Today her robes were snow white silk as delicate as Chandrilan butterfly wings.

"Good morning, Miss Sotas. Are you hungry? I thought perhaps we could share breakfast before I brief you in regards to the assassination attempt." Sly's voice was soft, yet more masculine in tone than feminine.

I gave a sharp nod and grabbed my helmet.

"Are you certain the armor is necessary? We are in the consulate." The expression on the other woman's face changed from pleasant to tense in an instant.

For a moment I debated changing out of the armor. The thought was scattered as solar dust is across space. I needed to watch my words – Senator Palpatine was already aggrieved. To insult his aide would probably lead to my dismissal. Leaving Coruscant was a cheerful thought, gaining a bad reputation with both the Jedi Council and an influential politician was not.

No matter my personal feelings the business had to come first.

I managed to keep my voice soft, but firm. "I am a Mandalorian warrior, Miss Moore. The armor is a part of my cultural heritage. Not only would I feel out of place without it; the armor is extremely valuable. Murders have occurred to gain a set of Mandalorian armor."

Surprise briefly appeared on her powder white face. She blinked once and was again serene. "I had no idea. Please accept my apologies."

"There is no need to apologize," I assured her as I stepped into the corridor.

All the way to the lift, Sly Moore regaled me with Senator Palpatine's routine for the upcoming week. As though she sensed my confusion, she produced a data pad from the immense stack in her arms. "Please familiarize yourself with Senator Palpatine's schedule. I'm certain it will help you plan security measures for the Senator."

I toasted her with the data pad. "Thank you. I have a great deal of planning to do. Will Senator Palpatine be joining us?"

Sly glanced at me with surprise in her glowing eyes. "No," she turned her attention to the numeral pad on the lift as we stepped inside. "The Senator is following his normal morning routine. Did you have need to speak with him?"

"I will once I've studied his schedule and the layout of the consulate."

She nodded absently. "I believe I will be able to schedule an appointment with Senator Palpatine this evening after his dinner."

My eyebrows arched. "Is the Senator leaving the consulate today? If so, I should be with him until I can arrange appropriate security measures."

"Senator Palpatine will be working from his office here for the day. He anticipated you needed time to make arrangements." She smiled at me again. "The Senator is a thoughtful, compassionate man. This makes the attack all the worse. Who would think of murdering one of the few politicians in the Republic Senate free of corruption?"

My abruptness in dealing with Palpatine last night came back in massive waves. I blushed despite the fact he was nowhere to be seen. "Indeed," I murmured in agreement.

Breakfast was held in a small dining room more appropriate to a starship than the Consulate of Naboo. The chamber itself was small with a rectangular table with eight chairs, a sideboard for holding food sent up from the kitchen, and light fixtures dangling from the ceiling shaped like flowers. The room was windowless lending to a sense meals were meant to be quick.

Over a pot of caf and a berry biscuit, I listened intently as Sly took the time to explain Senator Palpatine's schedule. The data pad helped me understand where I needed to concentrate my efforts. She then went over the assassination attempt in graphic details – the Senate Guard assailed Palpatine just before the doors of the Senate building. He pummeled Senator Palpatine brutally before attempting to stab the older man with a vibro shiv. Only the quick actions of nearby Senate Guards prevented Palpatine's death. The beating was unnecessary and led me to believe whoever ordered the attack wanted Palpatine to suffer before he died.

Once Sly excused herself, I finished my cup of caf before deciding the time was right to explore the consulate.

I began in the substructure of the building and checked the service entrance along with access to the sewer. Security here proved adequate in that every entrance had three armed Naboo security guards along with ample locks and massive doors of durasteel so thick only a proton bomb would dislodge them.

By mid-day I worked up to the 41st floor and discovered a gym for consulate staff.

The door opened as I palmed the control and I walked inside staring not at where I was going but the data pad in my hand.

Slam!

A guttural sound escaped my throat as I toppled careened backward; landing on my rear in the least elegant manner possible. The air was momentarily driven from my lungs. Clattering sounded in my ears as the data pad and my helmet landed on the floor.

The helmet rolled gently before finally being stopped by a nearby wall.

"Stars above!" A familiar male voice exclaimed. "Please accept my apologies, Miss Sotas. I did not see you."

I looked up to find Sheev Palpatine standing over me with his hand extended. "It's my fault. I wasn't watching where I was going." The skin on my palm sang a melody as I rested my hand in his and allowed him to pull me up. "Are you hurt, Senator?"

Palpatine released me as soon as I stood upright. The expression on his face was mingled embarrassment and the dregs of good humor. "I'm fine. I confess you are the last person I thought to see here." Perspiration dotted his upper lip and temples; his grey leggings and tunic bore testament to his earlier work out with numerous sweat stains.

He carried the scent of a man who had engaged in a tough workout: the musk of heated skin and muted saltiness of sweat. The aroma was pleasant and clean. It did not escape my attention that for a man of middle years he possessed an excellent physique.

I stooped to pick up the data pad and helmet. Setting the helmet on my head, I felt a sense of relief in staring out the T-shaped visor at my patron. The tinted, reinforced transparisteel gave me a perceived sense of being isolated from those probing, intense eyes Palpatine possessed.

"I have spent the morning taking stock of the consulate's security measures. I thought to stop and see the gymnasium facilities before I continued on. I will need to take up my physical routine here." The helmet for Mandalorian armor had a voice dampener; dropping my natural tone a few octaves and adding a slight mechanical edge to the voice pattern. Most were intimidated by the effect.

Palpatine was not.

He cocked his head; his expression difficult to divine. "I have read that the symbols and colors on each set of Mandalorian armor carry history and meaning unique to the wearer. Scholars have had a difficult time over the years gaining insight into the culture of your people. It is said Mandalore is a closed society to outsiders."

The naked curiosity he expressed I had seen before. Beyond his words was a deeper hunger for knowledge.

I considered his interest before choosing a careful response. "You have heard correctly, Senator. My armor is green with the crescent moon of Tanar embossed in the iron along with a flame. I belong to Clan Sotas of House Kryze, a noble and ancient lineage of Mandalore. The green represents House Kryze and the flame is the meaning of my clan name in Mandalorian. As you are no doubt aware Tanar is a planet my people conquered and colonized millennia ago in Mandalorian space so the crescent moon represents the love of my homeworld."

Palpatine gazed steadily at me without comment for some time before finally nodding. "Thank you for sharing a piece of your culture with me, Miss Sotas."

Pressure, along with a sense of connection, swelled up within my chest. In response, I stepped back from the man. "I must finish my inspection of the consulate. Please excuse me, Senator Palpatine."

He called after me as I began walking away.

I never stopped or acknowledged him. My presence here was not for personal reasons but professional ones. Allowing any relationship beyond work was foolhardy.

The Naboo Consulate had three weaknesses: the main entrance, the sky landing platform, and personnel. If an incursion happened it would either be accomplished in league with a compromised official in residence or through a terrorist attack against the landing platform or public entrance.

Senator Palpatine's attack occurred just outside the Senate.

I wondered if the perpetrator had an accomplice. The thought tormented me throughout the remainder of the day into the evening. My workout in the gym was brief but satisfying and left me winded in a good way.

Emerging from the shower, I had just toweled off and wrapped up in a robe when my comm unit trilled.

"Answer," I muttered while pulling the robe tighter and firmly cinching the belt.

To my relief, Sly Moore's pale, intractable features appeared. "Senator Palpatine is currently free and has asked to see you. Are you available, Miss Sotas?"

"I need ten minutes to dress. Where are we to meet?"

The personal aide answered, "Senator Palpatine will be waiting for you in his personal office."

"Thank you," I replied.

Sly simply bobbed her head before the holo disappeared.

The moment she disappeared, I pulled on the plain black garments I normally wore beneath my armor before stepping into my boots. Next the Mandalorian armor was donned before I cleansed my mouth and briefly finger-dried my short locks. Last the helmet was pulled into place.

I gathered up the data pad Sly Moore had given me earlier and rushed from my room.

Keeping the Senator waiting would be rude after all.

Two Naboo security guards stood on either side of the door leading into Palpatine's reception area. If the pair was surprised to see a Mandalorian in full armor approaching – neither man betrayed such an emotion. The pair each held exquisite, finely wrought Naboo blaster rifles and kept their gazes pinned firmly ahead.

My boots echoed against the marble floor.

One guard held out a hand to stop me. "I will need your name."

"Indu Sotas," I answered in a quiet voice.

He nodded as he touched the small comm pin on his shoulder. "Senator Palpatine, Indu Sotas is here to see you."

The response was immediate. "Send her in."

I was flagged ahead. The moment I stepped inside the reception room a delicious aroma assailed my senses. Keeping busy, I'd managed to not eat since breakfast. Roasted meat and spices filled the air along with vague traces of a fruity odor.

Saliva filled my mouth and I swallowed thickly.

Senator Palpatine appeared in his office door holding a glass in one hand and a data pad in the other. "Please come in and make yourself comfortable. We have much to discuss."

I followed him inside and blinked at the scene that waited.

A small oval table held several domed platters, a carafe filled with a deep purple liquid, plates, utensils, and a crystal goblet. Two chairs had been positioned across the table from one another. The recessed lights were dimmed just enough to allow the windows to reflect the nightscape of Coruscant.

He released a soft sigh and shook his head as he studied the data pad in his hand. "Foul news greets me at every turn." Palpatine flicked off the pad and placed it on the edge of his desk. "I fear I risk becoming desensitized."

I barely held back a snort. "Considering your many years in the senate, I am shocked you are not as corrupt as the rest of the delegates." As soon as the words escaped my mouth, I blushed fiercely beneath my helmet as Palpatine's eyebrows arched. "I mean no insult."

Palpatine studied me for a moment and I was deeply happy to have shielded my face. He took a long sip from his goblet before addressing me. "You speak an unhappy truth about Republic representatives, I'm sorry to say. There are some serving for the greater good: Bail Antilles of Alderaan and Chancellor Valorum are prime examples. I have heard Senator Sax Clasto of Mandalore is honest."

My face twisted at Clasto's name and I remained silent out of fear of lodging my boot deep in my mouth.

He wandered to the table and sat in one of the chairs. "You are not a fan of Senator Clasto."

"No," I responded in a tight voice. "I do not think highly of the man."

Palpatine gestured to the empty chair across from him with a free hand. "Please be seated."

My hands gripped the data pad I held so forcefully I feared the display might crack. "I prefer to stand for our meeting."

The piercing intensity of Palpatine's aquamarine eyes stabbed me straight through – as though the man could see beyond my helmet deep inside my very soul. As quickly as the expression raged, it disappeared leaving the man with a bewildered look.

"Miss Sotas, have I insulted or upset you in some way?"

I remained stock still. "No."

He set his glass on the table before rising gracefully. "I fear I may have proved too eager in my effort to gain your confidence when we first met. The Naboo are far different culturally from Mandalorians. We tend to extend friendship and seek the society of others freely. I know your people are more reserved."

Remaining in place, I fought the urge to flee as he approached. For the evening Palpatine had chosen rich yet surprisingly casual clothes – cobalt blue breeches, a high-neck black tunic with matching blue embroidery, and black boots. There was no overcoat or vest as was considered proper. He smelled pleasantly of clean, crisp water with undertones of something mossy and green.

He was a few inches taller and gazed down at me with solemn eyes. "All I wish is to develop a congenial working relationship with you. I expect we are going to be together for several weeks at least. Am I correct?"

Swallowing, I gave a sharp nod. "I will remain until the architect of the assassination plot is in custody."

"Allow me to extend my hand in kindness." Palpatine held out his hand; the appendage was strong with deep lines on his palm with long, dexterous fingers kept beautifully manicured. "Please."

I stared at his hand through my visor. "I am not good with people, Senator."

He moved his hand closer. "You need not be. I simply ask you to operate with an open mind."

Instinctively, I stepped backward. "It is best I not engage with my clients personally beyond the matter at hand… I'm certain you understand. The Senate is rife with all manner of unsavory accusations against members." The entire galaxy heard reports various senators engaged in debauchery and some in harassment of underlings. "You have a sterling reputation. We need to keep it that way."

Palpatine's expression changed from serene and friendly to concerned; his eyes stormy. He allowed his hand to drop back to his side. "You believe the culprit attempting my murder may engage in character assassination if killing me is not possible."

"It is a distinct possibility," I replied as I passed him and went to stand beside the window. "A highly intelligent man such as you must have considered a foul tactic of slander being employed if outright murder failed."

He returned to his chair and sat heavily. "I am more than aware of how dirty politics work, Miss Sotas."

"You are angry."

Palpatine arched one eyebrow before picking up his goblet and staring morosely at the deep purple contents. "Yes, but I am not angry with you. I feel the snare closing in around me and the sensation is disconcerting at best." He drained the goblet before setting it on the table. "The investigation division of the Senate Guard is looking into the attack. I can only pray the offender is discovered with haste."

Surprise startled me. "The Senate Guard is looking into an attack committed by one of their own?"

A smirk of disgust broke across his mouth; one lip curling. "My reaction was much the same as yours. I feel such a state of affairs is a bit like leaving the Alderaanian panther guarding the bird coop."

I moved toward him and stood behind the empty chair. "I should think it prudent the Coruscant Security Forces investigate. The attacker – Gorga – was killed, yes?"

"He was," Palpatine confirmed. "Another of the Senate Guards was forced to use his blaster. I am eternally grateful for his bravery."

Something stunk to the stratosphere.

My brow furrowed. "I have a connection among the CSF. Please excuse me, Senator. If I hurry I may be able to reach her before she retires." I was nearly at the door when his voice reached me.

"Miss Sotas…"

I turned to regard him.

Palpatine wore an expression of deep concern. The deep bruises covering the side of his face resembled shadows making his eyes all the brighter. "I hope my offer of friendship was not interpreted as anything seedy."

"No," I responded with as much kindness as I could muster. "I appreciate the gesture. Enjoy your dinner, Senator."

A rueful smile spread over his mouth. "Thank you."

I gave him a respectful nod before leaving the office and Senator Palpatine far behind.

The dark features of Lieutenant Ayesa Reen stared at me as I explained the situation facing Senator Palpatine. The hologram flickered as I paced back and forth in front of the comm. Frustration made it seem as though the walls of my room shrank. Lights gleamed in the night beyond my window and I briefly regretted not ordering the windows to grow opaque.

I finally fell silent.

Lieutenant Reen heaved a sigh. "The attack on Palpatine is all over the Coruscant news feed. We were all surprised here that the CSF was not asked to investigate."

"Is such a move unusual?"

The other woman gave a lazy shrug. "This is the first time I've heard that a member of the Senate Guard has attempted to assassinate a member of the Senate. To not hand off the investigation to another law enforcement agency is not necessarily a concern but…"

I seized on Reen's clear discomfort. "Yes?"

She frowned. "The move smacks of self-preservation. Even if that is not what the leadership of the Senate Guard intends it certainly comes off that way."

"Can you open an investigation?"

My words seemed to startle Reen. She blinked and her mouth fell open before she composed herself. "Indu, I can't just open an investigation at the behest of security personnel. I need a directive from either Senator Palpatine or Chancellor Valorum – preferably Valorum."

We had known one another for nearly a decade. Our relationship forged in the fire of battle when Reen was a member of her home world's military. I had just started Solaris Security when the leader of Shem'zar requested my company protect his only child. The Prime Minister assigned an untested commando to assist me in this task.

Ayesa Reen proved a powerful warrior –and a loyal confidante.

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I'll try to get a meeting with the Supreme Chancellor as soon as possible."

Reen nodded. "In the meantime, I'll make a few discreet inquiries."

The next morning after my workout I found Sly Moore in her smaller office down the hall from Senator Palpatine's more spacious digs. She stood upon my arrival and indicated I take the chair across from her before sitting down once more.

"What can I do for you, Miss Sotas?"

I stared at her through my helmet visor. "I need two favors."

Her neon white eyes fairly glowed. "What sort of favors?"

"First I need to have a meeting with Lieutenant Dallan." This was essential – Dallan was the head of the Naboo Security Forces guarding Senator Palpatine at the consulate. "I also need a meeting with Supreme Chancellor Valorum."

Sly's bare brow rose. "May I ask why you need a meeting with the Supreme Chancellor?"

I nodded. "I believe it important to have the investigation of Senator Palpatine's attack removed from the Senate Guard and assigned to the Coruscant Security Forces. Impartiality in this case would be best."

"It is difficult to schedule time with Valorum but under the circumstances I believe it can be arranged. I will see to it Lieutenant Dallan clears his schedule at 1600 for your meeting."

"Thank you," I rose and offered her a deferential nod. "I appreciate your assistance."

Sly watched me with a smirk. "You are most welcome."

No sooner did I leave Sly Moore's office my name was called by a familiar voice.

I turned in place to find Senator Palpatine just outside the door to his office suite; guards flanking the glass door. "Senator Palpatine."

"May I have a word with you?"

Reluctantly, I strode down the hall until I stood toe to toe with the man. My heart fluttered briefly as he smiled down at me. "How can I help you, Senator?"

Palpatine gestured for me to follow him inside the reception room of his office. He closed the door and regarded me for a moment before the smile slowly faded. "I have received news I thought best to share with you. King Veruna of Naboo has recalled me to the planet to discuss the attack. His Majesty is not to be denied." At fifty, Senator Sheev Palpatine boasted a relatively youthful face though heavy lines appeared around his eyes as he winced. "I fear that your presence will be necessary."

I felt nauseous as I contemplated the news. A firm plan of attack to guard Palpatine here on Coruscant had formed and I was loath to change it. "When will we be leaving?"

"King Veruna sent his ship. Barring any mishaps it should arrive by this evening. I deem it best we leave swiftly so as to avoid my departure becoming public."

"I need to speak with Lieutenant Dallan before we leave. After our interview I'll pack."

He seemed relieved. "Thank you, Miss Sotas."

I nodded and turned to open the door when his voice poured through my helmet's audio receivers like warm, fragrant spice honey. "We will be staying at my family estate in the Lake Country. I have an apartment in Theed but I have not been in the countryside for some time. The area is very beautiful… not in the fashion of Tanar of course yet beautiful nonetheless."

Many years earlier, while my mother still lived, I spent time with her on Naboo.

Turning, I met his gaze. "I visited Naboo once."

"Yes," he allowed in a neutral tone. "I remember you said as much."

"The Lake Country was not on my itinerary on the trip." Discomfort settled over my shoulders like a cloak. I rarely discussed personal matters and I was not the best conversationalist unless business was involved. "Perhaps your apartment in Theed might best serve for security purposes."

Palpatine leveled a measured gaze in my direction. "Forgive me for asking, Miss Sotas, but do I make you nervous? Surely an experienced security expert such as you would be able to assure my safety in Theed or the Lake Country."

The blow to my professional pride caused me to retreat further within even as my face burned under my helmet. Humiliated, I stepped back toward the door. "No, Senator Palpatine, you do not. I just feel it may be best to keep you close to Naboo Security Forces."

Before he could utter another word I left the room with as much dignity as I could muster.