Chapter 11: A Stirring of Distrust in Senator Bail Organa's Office

Setting to Chapter 11: Takes place on Coruscant in the Senate. Bail Organa and some others discuss about Chancellor Palpatine trying to take over everything and tearing the Constitution apart.

Bail Organa sat down beside Padme Amidala and said, "Now the Chancellor has control of the Jedi Council. He has appointed governor to oversee all star systems in the Republic."

"When did this happen?" Fang Zar asked as he scratched his topknot.

"Oh, that decree was posted this morning on the bulletin board," Bail replied in a slight sarcastic tone.

"Do you think he'll try and dismantle the Senate?" Padme asked.

"Why bother?" Mon Mothma said. "As a practical matter the Senate no longer exists."

"The Constitution is in shreds," Giddean Danu replied. "Amendment after amendment."

"We can't let a thousand years of democracy disappear without a fight," Bail answered.

"What are you suggesting?" Terr Taneel asked.

"Suggesting? I apologize I didn't mean to sound like a Separatist."

"We are not Separatists trying to leave the Republic," Mon Mothma said. "We are loyalists trying to preserve democracy in the Republic."

Padme shook her head and said, "I can't believe it has come down to this. Chancellor Palpatine is one my oldest advisor. He served as my ambassador when I was Queen."

Giddean looked at Padme and said, "Senator, I fear you underestimate the amount of corruption that has taken place in the Senate."

"The Chancellor has played the Senators well also," Mon Mothma said. "They know where the power lies and they'll do anything it takes to share in it. Even if it means allowing Palpatine to stay in office longer than his term has allowed him to."

"We can't continue debating about this any longer. We've decided to do what we can to stop. Senator Mon Mothma and I put together an organization---" but Padme cut Bail off and said, "Say no more, Senator. I understand. At this point some things are better left unsaid."

"Agreed," Bail said. "So we will not discuss this with anyone. Without everyone in this group agreeing."

"That means those closest to you," Mon Mothma said. "No one can be told."

Padme stiffened slightly knowing it would be hard to keep a secret from her husband, but she would do her best not to tell him anything.

"Agreed," Padme said as she thought, Oh, my love. Will you please find a way in your heart to forgive me?

(End Chapter 11)