The great port city of Theed was only like Coruscant in one way.
Freighters and shuttles came down from the skies in lines.
That is where it began and ended.
Theed was soft in appearance.
The buildings were of stone, marble, granite, earth, and many other materials, with rounded roof lines and delicate colors. Long and wide archways and graceful curves went on for miles and miles. Vines and flowers of all sorts were everywhere, crawling up the sides of the buildings, adding vibrancy and scents.
There were canals and porticoes, some extending into colonnades with sweeping roofs and columns with equally bundling vines and flowers.
"I was here many times, but if I was a born native...I think I would be stubborn and not want to leave." Cadus mused.
Padme laughed. "I doubt that. You are the restless sort, in a way."
"When I started my training. I was everywhere. I went to many worlds and I got to meet different people and species. Did you know on some worlds there are insects twice the size of you? This world and Theed was one of things I would think about when I was away in the Outer Rim training on Hoth. Even when I would meditate."
Padme's expression turned to one of curiosity.
"The deeper into my meditations I would go...I would always see the waters, and hear the distant waterfalls. At times, the palace was in the sunlight. The air and the flowers. I was in the fields, and I was under the waterfalls. I was at the mountain peak and the vast swampland. It helped with certain exercises. If it wasn't Naboo, it would be Kashyyk, Endor, or Felucia."
"Kashyyk, Endor, and Felucia are all precious to me, but Naboo has a special place inside of me."
She could not deny the sincerity in Cadus's voice and in his words, and she found herself agreeing and embracing that truth of Naboo, despite her resolve to stay away from those feelings.
Naboo is one of a kind-it was a gem in the galaxy!
The same could be said for Endor, Kashyyk, and Felucia.
All natives of the three worlds cared deeply for and respected their land.
She smiled for a moment, moving a little closer to Cadus.
"The first time I saw the capital, I was very young. I'd never seen a waterfall before. I thought they were so beautiful. I ran right into it with my dress on. My parents weren't too happy, but my sister did it first and told me to do it. I never thought that one day I'd live in the palace. I wasn't even a teenager yet, it was surreal."
"Were power and politics ever on your mind?"
"That was the last thing I thought of. Even now, I don't think of my own glory. My dream was to work in the Refugee Relief Movement. I never thought of running for elected office. The more history I studied, the more I realized how much good politicians could do if given the chance. The House of Organa did write the Galactic Constitution, effectively founding the Core worlds. So when I was eight, I joined the Apprentice Legislators, which is like making a formal announcement that you're entering public service here on Naboo."
"Intense."
"From there, I went on to become a Senatorial Adviser one year later, and attacked my duties with such passion and ferocity, that before I knew it, I was elected Queen."
"Feigning modesty? I am certain there is a portrait of you."
"Of course there is. It is in my home, too, actually." Padme was not ashamed to admit it.
It was an excellent portrait.
"Anyways, it was partly because I scored so high on my education certificate. Tests and things like that. Being the first to try something. Being first in the class. But for the most part, my ascent was because of my conviction that reform was possible. There could be change and revolution, without violence. The people of Naboo embraced that dream wholeheartedly, they supported me, so much so that my age was hardly an issue in the campaign. I wasn't the youngest Queen ever elected, but now that I think back on it, I'm not sure I was old enough."
She paused and locked stares with Cadus.
"I'm not sure I was ready. I am sure you can relate. You are the youngest Knight in the Jedi Order's history."
Cadus raked a hand through his hair, squinting at the sun.
"I tend to forget that at times. I was not ready to take on Padawans at so young of an age myself, but my Master, and the Council believed I was ready. I didn't exactly agree, and tried to object, but...I went to the Council many times in those early days when my Padawan would not listen or be rebellious. Usually-their Master would be at least twenty years older than them. Some of my Padawans were older than I was at times."
"Well, you've done a great job."
"Humor?"
"No. I mean it. Your Padawans became splendid Jedi Knights. They fought for the greater good and all fell in love. You taught them to be good."
"That is true."
"Also imagining you as a little brat frowning at another little brat trying to boss them around just amuses me. I don't think I was take seriously if it were me."
"And, you would be a problematic Padawan,"
"Of course!" Padme grinned, proud of that fact.
Cadus grunted.
"The people you served thought you did an excellent job. They even tried to amend the constitution so that you could stay in office longer."
Cadus took the focus off of himself.
"Popular rule is not democracy, Cadus. It gives the people what they want, not what they need."
"What if they needed you, though?" They need you now, they will always need you."
"But, I was elected. I served my two terms. It would have been a selfish choice. They continue to amend and amend the constitution until they keep me in their for life with no one else deemed worthy. They take away terms so I choose when I want to step down. It gives me power to make unilateral decisions and the people no power at all. Jamillia is regal and every bit of queen, even more than my self."
"I don't deny that. However...I know Naboo has something in its constitution about a dynasty."
Padme bristled just a little.
"We do have that, for dire times."
"So, then you can understand where I am coming from."
"But, we do not use that system and haven't for a very long time. The last dynasty came to an end because the heir fell in battle. When heirs die in battle, that leaves a gap. We decided to vote, and have two terms of four years total. More importantly that would mean I would have to give birth to children lots and lots-which means I must find a suitable husband. My husband will likely have to have other wives, as well, even if I am the first. They would make sure that if a dynasty were established now, the question of a heir and heiress, well...There would be no question. There would be many. And truthfully, I was relieved when my two terms were up. I am relieved I didn't have to do that, and I am relieved there is no dynasty, because that means Jamillia would share my husband."
Cadus absorbed her statement.
Padme cleared her throat gently. "But, that is a conversation for a different time."
"Of course. Of course."
"My parents were more relieved than I was." Padme tried to get back on track. "They worried about me during the blockade and couldn't wait for it all to be over. They're worried about me now. Actually, I was hoping to have a family by now or even grandchildren... "
"Really?"
She turned away a bit.
"Yes...But...That would complicate things."
She looked back at Cadus, and she felt so at ease, so comfortable with him, almost as if they had been friends for all their lives.
They were, actually...
Now that she thought about it.
From Naboo nearly two decades ago, all the way to this point, he had never been far.
"My sister has the most wonderful kids. The last time I seen them was a little over two years ago, I am sure they have grown more energetic since then."
She had often blinked away her personal desires for the sake of the greater good.
If only she could have little sons and daughters running around. Sola could come to visit, and she could visit Sola, and they could spend the night with each other...
A simple, but loving life.
Padme blinked again.
"But when the Queen asked me to serve as Senator of Naboo, I couldn't refuse her. And, I've been handling all outside politics while she handles the internal politics. It is a seamless relationship. I have been able to do a lot of good, and for that, I am thankful."
"I think the Queen and Naboo need you. The Republic needs Naboo more than Naboo needs the Republic. But, I still believe that you should be at the helm here."
"Why?"
"Things are going to happen soon that will change the foundation of the galaxy. Nothing will be the same, and just the very mention of something..."
"A Jedi premonition from you mumbling meditations?" Padme joked.
"A feeling."
"A feeling?" Padme asked.
"Indeed. It just seems to me like it is all about to come to a climax, and whatever this is all about is going to be exposed, and the galaxy itself will be changed. I think our answer is here on Naboo. We have to go into your planet's history, of course."
"I am not comfortable with this topic." Padme admitted.
Cadus took a deep breath. "I remember the previous King...Both of them who served before you."
Padme firmed her jaw, speaking with a fierce passion.
"We do not speak of those treacherous men that sold our resources and took away our world's independence for their own interests and greed with the armies of commerce."
Cadus knew it was a touchy subject-Padme was in the know, but they had to go back into Naboo's history.
Naboo becoming part of the Republic marked something special and pinnacle. Before that, the planet had been a very independent and proud power-not willing to join the Republic. Even when its city states were embroiled in wars one thousand years prior.
"I remember your Master, you, and Hugo Demask were seen speaking many times. Now that I think about, there is Qui Gon as well. He was always seen speaking with Hugo Demask at certain times."
"We have to go further back." Cadus stressed. "We can start with the last dynasty."
Padme only firmed her jaw.
She got the feeling she wasn't going to like what she found out from this-or this whole ordeal in general.
"Tell me, what were you guys searching for?"
Cadus caught Padme's gaze.
"No sense in keeping it from me. We are partners." Padme reasoned.
"We believed Hego Damask to be a Sith Lord. He was a Muun-his real name was Darth Plageuis and his apprentice was someone in the Royal Families of Naboo and he had a few under his control. That apprentice is who is now known as Darth Sidious."
Padme blinked waiting for the punchline.
"You're not kidding."
"Why would I kid about that?"
"Impossible..." Padme said. "That is impossible."
The idea of Naboo being a trifling thing in a bigger power play didn't sit well with her.
That someone from her homeworld was a...
A...
A Sith Lord!
That the families were being manipulated or willingly playing a hand in it.
It made her angry!
"You are not going to like what I have to say next."
"Try me."
"Certain events and things were happening in the past. Key events. Always to move the Sith forward, through some means. With Dooku's help, we managed to chain it together. Darth Plagueis was the apprentice of Darth Tenebrous. We went further back. Darth Tenebrous had a master whom name is not recorded, but he was a Twi'lek and during his time-he opened a hole in the Force-"
"W-wait!? What?"
Cadus's small nod told her to relax.
Oddly enough, Padme did.
"It stopped there with the line of succession. But, we continued to search with the help of Tahl. Then we did some more digging. Tenebrous's Master's, Master, was Darth Ramage. Darth Gaen's Sith Apprentice was Darth Ramage's Master. Darth Gaen's Master was Darth Gravid. We found this man interesting because he tried to blend Jedi and Sith teachings."
"How does that even work?" Padme wondered aloud.
It doesn't.
"His Master was Darth Guile. And Darth Guile's Master was Darth Vectivus. Darth Vectivus's Master's name isn't recorded. His master was a male Devaronian who's name isn't recorded. This Devaronian's Master's name isn't recorded, but he was humanoid."
Padme tried not to roll her eyes because she knew this was serious.
It could sound like some Jedi wild goose chase for information pertaining to a long line of Sith Lords that go all the way to this present generation. But, she knew it wasn't a wild goose chase. They found the information they had been looking for.
"The Master of the male humanoid who's name is not recorded was Darth Millennial. Millennial's Master was Darth Cognus. And Cognus's Master was Darth Zannah. And, Zannah's Master was Darth Bane. Formerly known as Des. He was part of the Gloomwalkers before being recruited into the Brotherhood of Darkness."
"Darth Bane?" Padme asked, eyes wide.
She knew that name-everyone in the galaxy knew that name.
He who embraced the dark side with a fervent and rigid passion.
"That man has been dead for nearly a thousand years. What does he have to do with anything?"
"Everything." Cadus said, jaw firm.
"What is the grand plan?" Padme asked, knowing she wasn't going to like the answer.
"Darth Bane hated the Jedi. He hated the Republic. He hated what both stood for. He fully embraced the dark side and wiped out Kaan, Hoth, and their followers without ever lifting a finger. Kaan wanted to be rid of the Jedi, but he was weak, divided power, and Bane didn't believe in this. But, Kaan fought using armies."
"The goal is to exterminate the Jedi, destroy the Republic itself, and usher in an Sith Empire." Padme realized.
Politicians. Inventors. So on and so forth. The Sith were not the warriors of past-still killers, but they didn't do it without purpose or regard. They were not commanding armies.
They fought behind the scenes, while the Jedi were at the front lines. They were inventors and investors. Business and company owners. They were men and women of prestige. Of government. Most importantly, it kept them protected. If a brilliant star ship designer fell to Jedi-well, that wouldn't sit well with the Republic.
And, she realized, the Jedi never stood a chance.
Bane's system had them beat.
The only thing left to happen was for the pieces to fall into place.
"One thousand years, from Bane to Sidious-one thousand years, and it is all coming to a climax. There have been only several handfuls of these Sith Lords after Bane for the last one thousand years. While there have been hundreds of millions of Jedi. "
"If that is the case..." Padme trailed off, looking up at him. "The Jedi have already lost and are too weak."
Cadus nodded, just barely.
Padme furrowed her brows.
And only one person can pull the plug on them...
Maybe she would have to go into her planet's history, deep in the past.
Damask...
Constructing an effective Jedi trap.
Difficult.
A truly effective Jedi trap, as opposed to a trap that resulted in an embarrassingly brief entry in the Temple archives, or a skirmish here and there resulting in just a few deaths of said Jedi...
Had to have many features.
The first is bait.
The commanding general of an outlaw nation, personally responsible for billions of deaths across the galaxy, is ideal.
The second is a remote, nearly inaccessible location, one that is easily taken and easily fortified, with a sharply restricted field of action.
It should belong to someone else. An enemy. The locations used for Jedi traps never survive the operation unscathed, and many don't survive it at all.
An excellent choice would be an impoverished desert planet in the Outer Rim, with diplomatic natives, whose few cities are built in a cluster of sinkholes on a vast arid plateau.
A city in a sinkhole.
Once a Jedi flies in...
All one needed to do was seal the lid.
Third, since it always critical to remain out of reach when plotting against a Jedi's life, being on the far side of the galaxy is considered best.
In the Core.
One should also have a reliable proxy.
A reliable proxy like the most prolific living Jedi killer of the era, backed up by a squad of advanced combat droids designed, built, and armed specifically to fight Jedi.
Backed up by billions and hundreds of billions of more war droids, ready to lay waste.
Making the same Jedi Killer double as the bait is perfection, if it can be managed. It ensured that the Jedi will place themselves in contact with the Jedi killer, and will continue to do so even after they realize the extent of the trap, out of devotion alone and some arrogance.
In some Jedi's cases-the arrogance was well deserved.
The fourth element in an effective Jedi trap is a massively overwhelming force of soldiers who are willing to burn the whole planet, including themselves if necessary, to ensure that the Jedi in question does not escape.
It is even better if that army has no regard for their own lives.
Like droids.
A textbook example of the ideal Jedi trap is Utapau.
The sinkhole world.
In the Outer Rim.
Far from the Core.
Obi Wan was notorious for springing traps.
"I can keep them distracted for quite some time." Obi-Wan told Cody on the flight deck of the Vigilance. "Just don't take too long."
"Come on." Cody said, smiling a rugged smile. "Have I ever let you down?"
Cato Neimoidia."
"That was Anakin's fault; he was the one who was late and couldn't cover the flank."
"Oh? And Bespin. And, there was those four skirmishes on the trade routes. "
"That battle in the trade routes wasn't my doing. You went right into the trap."
"It is the most logical thing to do. I act as bait and you swoop in. It works every time."
"Got me there."
Obi-Wan chuckled as he climbed into his starfighter's cockpit and strapped himself in.
"Very well, then. I'll try not to destroy all the droids before you get there this time."
"Just worry about Grievous. The Droids are scrape."
Obi-Wan's fighter bucked through turbulence. The rim of the sinkhole caught enough of the surging winds above that he first few levels of city resided in a semi permanent hurricane.
Whirling blades of massive turbines stuck out from the sinkhole's sides on generator pods so scoured by the fierce winds that they might themselves have been molded of liquid sandstone.
He fought his fighter's yoke to bring it down level after level until the wind had become a mere harsh breeze, even after reaching the landing deck in the depths of the sinkhole, he had to extend the star fighter's docking claws to keep it from skidding right off.
He reviewed what he knew of the planet and its inhabitants.
There wasn't much.
He knew that despite its outward appearance, Utapau was not a true desert planet. There was water in an underground ocean that circled its globe.
The erosive action of this buried ocean had undermined vast areas of its surface, and frequent ground quakes and mudslides collapsed them into sinkholes large enough to land a Victory-class Star Destroyer.
Civilization thrived below the reach of the hurricane winds on the surface.
He knew that the planet had little in the way of high technology, and that their energy economy was based on wind power.
Efficient and pragmatic.
The planet's limited interstellar trade had begun only a few decades before, when off world water-mining companies had discovered that the waters of the world-ocean were rich in dissolved trace elements and minerals.
The inhabitants were humanoid.
Divided into two distinct species.
The tall, royal, slow-moving Utapauns, nicknamed Ancients for their astonishing longevity.
The stubby Utai, called Shorts, both for their stature and for their brief busy lives.
And he knew that Grievous was here.
His conviction had nothing to do with the Force.
But within seconds of the landing, he knew it.
This was it.
One way or another, this was the place his hunt for General Grievous would come to a close.
He felt it in his bones.
Utapau was a planet for endings.
He was going in alone.
Commander Cody and four battalions of troopers waited in rapid-deployment vehicles. LAAT/i's and Jadthu-class landers all just over the horizon. Two Star Destroyers were ready and waiting to make their descent when and if the time called for it.
The plan was simple in nature.
Pinpoint Grievous's location, then keep the bio-droid general busy until the Cody and his troopers could attack.
Classic bait.
He would essentially be bait, holding the attention of what was sure to be thousands or tens of thousands of combat droids directed inward toward him and Grievous, firing all at once, to cover the approach of the clones.
Three battalions would strike full-force, while the other one remained in reserve, both to provide reinforcements and to cover possible escape routes.
And either he or Grievous would leave alive.
Obi Wan knew one of them would be leaving alive.
They had arrived at the great doors of the palace in silence.
Unlike most of Coruscant's buildings, which seemed to WERE designed with efficiency, economy, and space in mind, this structure was made with an understanding that aesthetics were important, that form went with purpose.
Padme knew her way about the place, and she was well known by almost all of the people within. The two walked along easily to the throne room, where they were announced at once.
Jamillia looked every bit the part of Queen. She wore a great headdress and flowing embroidered robes. Handmaidens, advisers, and guards were all about, and Padme reflected that one of the negatives of being Queen, was that one was never allowed to be alone.
Queen Jamillia, sitting perfectly straight so that her headdress did not topple, rose, and walked over to take Padme's hand.
"We've been worried. I'm so glad you're here, Padme." Jamillia said.
Her voice was rich and with a southeastern accent that made her enunciate the consonants powerfully.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I only wish I could have served you better by staying on Coruscant for the votes coming up."
"Things have happened here."
Padme gave her a nod. "I understand, but important votes are coming up. I feel like the Republic is on the brink.''
"What is the state of the Senate?" Queen Jamillia asked bluntly.
She had never been one for small talk.
"Bad. More and more systems are leaving the Republic every day. More Join the Confederacy. If the Senate votes to give Palpatine any more power they will legalize his ascension to a total dictator, and his majority, can enshrine him with a new constitution. Nute Gunray holds more and more power thanks to Count Dooku. But, the state of things here are more important..."
"Do you see any way, through negotiations, to end what is happening here?" Jamillia asked.
"I am not so sure. I do not know why Gunray would be here. He is violating what we have in writing, and Rune Hakko should know better than anyone."
"They do seem a little wary, Ventress is more confident. Nonetheless, they have an army, If they are provoked, they will move to attack us. I'm sure of that. The eight most powerful businessmen and businesswomen have allied with them. Palpatine has instated Moffs and Grand Moffs, another control and fear tactic, but they do nothing now. Naboo is being..."
All on Naboo knew well the problems associated with such rabble. The Trade Federation had nearly brought Naboo to its knees, and would have had it not been for the heroics of Amidala, Cadus, Obi Wan, Qui Gon, a young Anakin, and the brave flying of the dedicated Naboo pilots.
Even that would not have been enough, had not Queen Amidala forged an unexpected alliance with the heroic Gungan.
Palpatine's regime-as many were calling it, did not help things.
Naboo was suffering again, and this time they had no help.
"Why has nothing been done in the Senate to stop this injustice? Naboo has suffered enough."
"I'm afraid that everything is clogged down with procedures and of the like with the upcoming votes. There is even a vote coming up for another amendment to be added to the constitution."
"Another one?" Jamillia asked, brows furrowed.
She didn't like it.
"The senators are arguing among themselves and there is the Delegation of 2000. There is a vote concerning the Jedi. There are still many bureaucrats, judges, and even Senators on the payrolls of Nute or one of his cronies. It is a full scale war in that place, just not with blasters and explosions." Padme admitted.
"Is it that bad?"
"I will say that if certain things are said or objections are made, Palpatine can make that person disappear. Nute, just the same."
Jamillia took a deep breath.
"It is almost as if they are forcing our hand. And, if one of these votes concerns the ability to vote...Or, the power of the vote itself..."
Those Outer Rim worlds would fall or join the Confederacy without fail at that point.
Nonsense!
The Republic would be assimilated into the Deep Core, Core, Colonies, Expansion, and finally, Inner Rim.
Nonsense!
The Mid Rim and Outer Rim would be...
Naboo...
"Oh, Padme..."
"Let's not lose hope, Your Highness." Padme said quickly.
Jamillia pieced it together.
"Shall we press our case?" Jamillia kept herself calm.
"I am not sure...We may be better off just handling this ourselves." Padme trailed off.
Something stunk with Bail and Palpatine.
Power hungry. Bail sits plotting and Palpatine basks in his power.
"I believe that to be the case." Cadus gently cleared his throat.
"What do you think, Master Jedi?"
"Your Highness. The Jedi have not been allowed to capture Nute Gunray or any of the Separatist Council. It would be too dangerous for the overall galactic economy. We were moving in on someone from the Banking Clans and Techno Union, and we had San Hill in custody, but we had to stop after Dooku used sophistry to sway the Senate. That is what Windu and Yoda believe. The Chancellor has also said this numerous times."
Queen Jamillia looked to Cadus and nodded.
She looked back to Padme, squared her shoulders and firmed her jawline, looking regal in the ornate raiments-very much the planetary ruler obedient to the Republic.
Padme admired Jamillia.
A true queen.
"The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it. I hope that day never comes."
"Of course, your Highness. You are right." Padme quietly answered.
She could not tell her it was all for naught.
Not yet.
Sidious had all the power.
There was no more democracy.
There was no Republic.
"In the meantime, we must find a way to move forward with Ventress and Nute Gunray, regardless of their reasons for doing this. Your safety must also be taken into account." Queen Jamillia said.
Everyone except for the trio bowed and quickly left the room.
"What is your suggestion, Master Jedi? How should we proceed?"
"Does Nute Gunray want to negotiate or is it Ventress that wants to?"
"Nute wants to lead, obviously. Ventress is Dooku's Second in Command however. I do not want to get into technicalities and semantics, and Nute uses his wiles and sophistry far too much. One thing may not pertain to one of them and they may find a loophole."
"We should pull up a view port from here and get into contact with them. Once we know they really want to talk and all of these warships are just for dramatic effect, we can allow them access, but just them."
"And, what of Rune. Certainly he will go barking to his greedy cronies about this and the other."
Cadus smiled curtly. "You are Queen Jamillia, a gracious host and regal queen of Naboo. Certainly species and things of that nature do not affect or effect your decisions, you are as generous as you are bold."
Jamillia smiled, keeping her head high as she faced forward. "I will be stretching my generosity as a Naboo to its limit, but if you insist."
"I do."
"Very well, then I would like you present at my side. I will need your Jedi Perception to scout any deception. I will not be forced into anything."
"I will be there-.
Padme interrupted.
"I was thinking-"
"Padme, I was not finished. Nute being here is a serious problem. It is a problem and it needs to be taken care of. It is even worse that Ventress is here. Do I need to remind you what she is capable of?" Cadus cut her short.
Despite looking calm, he was obviously agitated.
"Excuse me, Master Cadus! I am well aware, but Nute is an uncouth rabble. Ventress is just a bloodthirsty killer. I was thinking I would stay in the Lake Country. There are some places up there that are very isolated."
"Hold on." Cadus said. "What about the negotiations?"
"Nute and Ventress can wait, this is more important."
"Padme."
"We are going to the Lake Country."
"I believe we should go to Gallo Mountains if you want to be so stubborn."
"Why?"
"If they are listening, the winds will cut out their transmission. We can go to the peak."
"Master Cadus, with all due respect. You don't even sound convinced."
"We can go to Solleu River."
"Hold on, wait! When did you start deciding everything?"
"From the beginning. Now. Later."
Padme blinked.
Cadus just told her to suck it up and deal with it.
"We are going to the Lake Country and that is final!"
Padme was fighting back, her voice pitched, but she noted the gentle smile of Queen Jamillia.
Yes, levity.
She and Cadus should not be fighting in this manner in public, she realized, not without making others believe that something might be going on between them.
Cadus didn't seem to care.
Jamillia didn't seem to mind, yet, at least.
Padme calmed down.
"My life could be at risk and this is my home. I think it would be wise for you to take advantage of my knowledge in this instance. We will deal with Nute Gunray and Ventress, in due time. They do not control me or Naboo. I will not buck and kick to their schedule nor their demands."
"The longer those ships remain here, the longer they are an eyesore."
"Ignore them."
Cadus tried not to grunt.
"I am here to get rid of them."
"We are going to the Lake Country. That is the best place for us. No more discussion."
"She is right, Master Cadus. The Lake Country is the most remote part of Naboo. Gallo Mountains are remote, but not quite like the Lake Country. Not many people are up there, and you have a clear view of the surrounding terrain. It would be an excellent choice, a place where you would have a much easier time protecting Senator Amidala if it comes to that."
Queen Jamillia ever the regal and dignified queen, spoke amicably.
"I guess I will concede in that case."
"Perfect!" Queen Jamillia clapped, smiling at Cadus. "It's settled then."
Padme could tell from the way Cadus was looking at her that he wasn't pleased.
She offered an innocent shrug and smug smile in response.
She hated Gunray.
He could wait.
"Padme. I had an audience with your father and sister this morning. He knows what is happening. He hopes you will visit your mother before you leave. Your sister said everyone is very worried about you. They are worried they are here for you."
"I understand."
How could they not be?
It pained her to know that the dangers her strong position and ideals were bringing to her were affecting other people whom she loved.
How could they not be affected?
It was a perfect reminder of why family and public service don't mix.
She made a conscious and definitive choice public service or family.
She chose public service.
Some on Naboo juggled the two, somehow, but Padme had always known that such a dual role as wife, perhaps even mother, and Senator would not do well for family, herself, or state.
She hadn't been worried about her own safety at all through any of this chaos, willing to make whatever sacrifices were necessary. Now she had to remember that her choices and positions could affect others on a very personal level, as well.
And, if she ever were to try the dual role life, she would only bring herself pain.
Suffering.
She wore no smile as she walked with Cadus and Queen Jamillia out of the throne room and down the palace's main staircase.
The thoughts of suffering fresh in her mind.
"Master Cadus, if you do not mind. Would you tell me what is it Nute Gunray is after? He has brought Ventress, so there is more to all of this than what meets the eye."
Jamillia was perfectly composed as she spoke.
"Without any investigating?" Padme asked, cutting her eyes a little.
"It can only be a few things." Jamillia said.
Cadus just nodded.
"I can't be too sure. One would think resources, or something like that, but I feel there is a deeper motive here with these negotiations. They are fishing. They are trying to tip the scales, and in which direction, I cannot know. It is about Naboo, but whether for greed, or for a symbol...With Ventress I am willing to bet it is about Naboo itself, the world, its symbol, but only negotiations will tell."
Padme realized she may not have a choice in the matter of living a dual role life, if it came to that.
Jamillia may not either.
None of the women on Naboo.
Nute Gunray...
Padme held onto venom, uttering his name in her mind.
A ribbed transparent canopy swung out to enfold the landing deck. It settled in around the star fighter, the howl of winds dropped to silence and Obi Wan popped the cockpit open.
A pack of Utai were already scampering and jumping toward the starfighter speaking their native tongue.
They carried a variety of tools and dragged equipment behind them.
Obi-Wan assumed they were some sort of ground crew.
Behind them glided the royal form of an Utapaun in a heavy body length robe of deep scarlet that had a lapel collar so tall it concealed his vestigial ear-disks.
The Utapaun's scalp glistened with a sheen of moisture.
That was quick. Obi-Wan thought, smiling wistfully. I guess this would be the invitation. Quaint.
"Greetings, young Jedi."
the Utapaun's tone was thick and gravely, rumbling in accented Basic.
His facial expression was grim.
"I am Tion Medon. The master of port administration for this far away place of peace. What brings a Jedi to our remote sanctuary?"
Obi-Wan sensed no malice in this being.
The Utapaun radiated an aura of fear.
Undying dread.
Obi-Wan decided to tell the truth.
"My business is the war."
"There is no war this far. Not unless you have brought it with you. "
There was a mask of serenity concealing what the Force told Obi-Wan was anxiety verging on panic.
The sheen of moisture grew, Obi Wan noted.
"Very well, then. Please permit me to refuel here, and to use your city as a base to search the surrounding systems."
"For what do you search way out here?"
"In the Outer Rim, you know of General Grievous. I am searching for him and his army of droids."
Tion Medon took another step closer and leaned down to bring his face near Obi-Wan's ear.
"He is here..."
"I understand."
"We are hostages. We are being watched!"
Obi-Wan nodded, perfectly unassuming.
"Thank you, Master Medon. I am grateful for your hospitality, and will depart as soon as your crew refuels my star fighter."
"You must depart as fast as you can."
"Of course."
"This is a trap, young Jedi!"
"Of course it is. Tell them I promised to file a report with Republic Intelligence concerning your water minerals and recent taxes. Tell them I really only wanted fuel enough to leave immediately."
