Chapter Fourteen
Attack of the Clones
A Naboo cruiser and three fighters landed on a platform on Coruscant. The three pilots of the fighters got out of their ships and walked over to meet the Senator and her entourage as they disembarked. One of them, the tallest by far, took off his helmet, revealing a thirty year old face with a missing eye. "We made it," he said, looking at the other two.
The shortest pilot took off their helmet revealing a half-Cathar face with hair pulled back into a practical style. Her ears slowed unflattened and her feline eyes dilated to accommodate the new light spectrum. "Do not count this a success until we are inside," she, Sarali Linat, said warningly. She had heard enough about assassination attempts to be wary even now.
"I guess I was wrong. There was no danger at all," the man, Captain Typho, said gladly.
Suddenly, the ship burst into a fireball, sending shrapnel and people flying. The three pilots were far enough away that they were merely thrown off their feet. The group that had been walking down the ramp was not so lucky.
The pilot that had not taken off their helmet ran to the Senator, closely followed by the other two pilots.
The third pilot pulled off their helmet as they knelt beside the senator. The beautiful, feminine, young face of the senator was revealed. "Corde," the Senator said, rolling over the 'senator'.
"My Lady," the woman said weakly, looking up into the face of the woman she had been impersonating. "I'm so sorry. I failed you, Senator."
"No," the Senator said disbelievingly as the woman before her died.
Captain Typho knelt beside the Senator and said urgently, "My lady, you're still in danger here."
The Senator rose slowly, but she continued to stare at the dead woman on the ground. "I shouldn't have come back," she said sadly.
"This vote is very important. You did your duty. Corde did hers. Come," Captain Typho said. Still the Senator stood.
"Sarali," Captain Typho said, calling to the other pilot who had been searching amongst the bodies for anyone still alive.
Instantly, the demi-human looked up. Upon seeing the look upon the senator's physiognomy, she hurried over and said, "Senator, come." Still, she did not move. "Padme!" Sarali said sharply. Finally, the Senator reacted, snapping her head over to look at the shorter woman.
As soon as her attention was away from Corde, Typho led the Senator and Sarali away from the landing pad.
oooooooooooooo
Later that same day, Senator Amidala, now suitably attired, and her entourage entered the High Chancelor's office. "Senator Amidala, your tragedy on the landing platform terrible. Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart," Jedi Master Yoda said sincerely to her.
"Do you have any idea who's behind this attack?" the Senator asked right after.
"Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on moon of Naboo," Master Windu said, walking toward her.
"I think that Count Dooku was behind it," she said in return.
"He's a political idealist, not a murderer," Master Ki Adi Mundi said, waving away the speculation.
"You know, My Lady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi," Windu said. "I couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character." So sure of yourself. When people start to assume things, the feces hits the fan.
"But, for certain, Senator, in grave danger you are," Yoda said with certainty in his voce. That much is true.
"Master Jedi, may I suggest the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces," Palpatine suggested.
"Do you really think that would be a wise decision under these stressful times?" Senator Bail Organa said, stepping forward. Ah, the voice of reason speaks once more. Why couldn't he have been made Chancellor?
"Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe the situation-" Amidala tried to say.
"Is that serious? Oh, but I do, Senator. I realize all too well additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you're familiar with. An old friend, like...Master Kenobi," Palpatine suggested. Obi-Wan...I wonder how he and Anakin have been.
"That's possible. He's just returned from a border dispute on Ansion," Windu said.
"Do it for me, My Lady, please. The thought of losing you...is unbearable," Palpatine said. He sounded and looked sincere enough, but there was just something about him that made Sarali not quite trust him.
"I will have Obi-Wan report to you immediately, My Lady," Windu said to the Senator.
"Thank you, Master Windu," she said before turning and walking out the door.
As she and the rest of her entourage left, Palpatine watched one person in particular: Sarali. She had certainly changed since last he'd seen her. Her eyes were less troubled, but at the same time more wise.