a.n. Well, I did upload another chapter, just like I said I would. I do hope I will be able to get at least one more uploaded within the next two weeks. Thank you to all of you who reviewed the last chapter; I really appreciate it. So please Read, Review, and Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Any recognizable characters, places, etc. are the property of George Lucas and company. I only own the name Luca Redenov and the basic premise of this story.
Chapter 19: A Decision is Made
An hour and a half later, Luca was standing in front of the comstation, talking with the Jedi Council. After Anakin and Obi-Wan had returned and made their report, the Council had told them of Luca's suggestion. Now, the Council, along with Obi-Wan and Anakin, were informing Luca of their decision.
"We have discussed your suggestion, Mister Redenov," Master Windu began, "and we believe that it would indeed be in the Senator's best interest to be relocated to a more secure location."
"I am glad that the Council agrees with me. But I fear that Senator Amidala will present an obstacle. She is quite insistent that she remain here and I do not believe she will back down from her firm stance, even if the Council were to talk to her."
"Quite stubborn, Senator Amidala tends to be," Yoda mused. "If to us she will not listen, perhaps to Chancellor Palpatine, she will."
The rest of the Council conferred silently with one another before Master Mundi spoke up. "An executive order is probably the only thing that will work. We will talk to her first, though, to let her know our feelings on the matter and if she still refuses, we will have to ask the Chancellor to intervene."
"Mister Redenov," Master Windu addressed Luca, "please escort the Senator to the Council chambers at 0800 so we can discuss this matter with her."
"As you wish Masters. I will inform Captain Typho and the Senator of your wishes. Good evening Masters, Knight Kenobi, Padawan Skywalker. I will see you in the morning." Luca turned off the comstation and went to find Padmé and Captain Typho to let them know of their early morning plans.
At 0800, Luca and Captain Typho stood with Senator Amidala in front of the Council.
"Welcome Senator Amidala. Good to see you safe and well we are," Yoda stated, true relief in his voice. "Know why here you are?"
"I do indeed Master Yoda. Mister Redenov has told me that he believes that I would be safer somewhere else, somewhere off of Coruscant. I know he has told you of his plan and I'm sure he has informed you that I have objected to such a plan."
"Mister Redenov has indeed told us that you object to his proposal, Senator. But the Council believes that relocation would be in your best interest and we wish you would consider it as a viable option."
"I'm sorry, Master Windu, but I cannot and will not change my mind on this matter. I must remain here to vote on the Military Creation Act. Perhaps when voting has finished I will consider your proposal. But I cannot do that now."
"Senator, we believe the assassination attempts are the result of someone trying to prevent you voting on that particular proposition. Until voting has finished, the attempts will likely continue. You will continue to be in danger unless you relocate. We know how dedicated you are to defeating the Military Creation Act. But you are a valuable member of the Senate and we cannot allow you to knowingly put your life in danger…"
"Master Mundi," Padmé interrupted, "I appreciate your concern. But my security forces have proven to be quite dependable when it comes to my safety and thwarting the recent assassination attempts. I assure you that I will be fine with my own security forces as well as the additional protection you have assigned me with Mister Redenov, Knight Kenobi, and Padawan Skywalker."
"We are not doubting the competence of your security, Senator. We are just concerned that the one responsible for these attempts will grow bolder and that your security may not be able to keep up with the continuing threats. The last attempt almost succeeded and likely would have if it wasn't for the quick reflexes and danger sense of Knight Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker. We do not wish to find you in such a position again."
"I must agree with the Council, milady," Typho stated. "Your safety is my primary concern and we do not know how many more attempts will be made. We may not be so lucky next time. I do not want you to take that risk with your life."
"I know Captain," Padmé insisted, "but I still must insist that I remain here for the vote. I do not want to compromise it and I will not be swayed, no matter how strong your arguments are. I know you are concerned for me, but I assure you I will be fine." Everyone in the room let out a resigned sigh, knowing that nothing short of an order from Palpatine would get her to accept the proposal.
"Very well, Senator," Master Windu acquiesced. "You have presented you case quite persuasively and have made your point. But you must know that we still believe you would be safer somewhere other than Coruscant."
"I understand that, Master Windu. And I appreciate the fact that you are so concerned about me. But you must trust me when I say that I will be perfectly fine. Now if you'll excuse me, I really must be heading to the Senate." Padmé bowed respectfully to the Council before turning around and heading out of the Council chamber, Captain Typho right by hear side. Once the two of them were gone, Luca addressed the Council.
"As I told you Masters, she is quite stubborn on the matter. I don't think anything short of an order from the Chancellor will get her away from Coruscant. And even then she will likely protest it."
"I agree with Mister Luca, Masters," Obi-Wan began. "Senator Amidala is quite strong-willed and stubborn and she will only begrudgingly go with the Chancellor's order. But I do believe it is in her best interest to be away from Coruscant while we investigate the assassination attempts."
"Agree we do, Obi-Wan. Safe, protected the Senator must be until uncover the assassin we do. Send her away we must."
"We will have the Chancellor talk to her. She won't refuse an executive order."
"Wherever we send her, though, she should have some security."
"But we can't send her security team. They should remain here to keep up pretenses. We cannot let anyone know that the Senator has left."
"Excuse me Masters, but might I make a suggestion?" The Council turned to look at Luca. "I agree that the Senator should have some sort of protection wherever she is sent. And it's true that her security team should remain on Coruscant so no one suspects that she has left. I also think that whatever security goes with her is small so as not to arouse any suspicions."
"Agreed. What do you have in mind, Mister Redenov?"
"Why not send a Jedi to protect the Senator? One Jedi would hardly be noticeable, especially a Jedi in disguise. The less security we send, the better chance the Senator has of remaining undetected."
"Do you have any particular Jedi in mind, Mister Redenov?"
"I was thinking it may be best to send either Knight Kenobi or Padawan Skywalker as they have both proven to be valuable assets where the Senator's safety is concerned." Luca could see Anakin out of the corner of his eye and noticed him perk up and fidget nervously.
"Do you have any objections, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "No Masters. Though I do think that I should remain here on Coruscant to continue the investigation."
"Well, if Knight Kenobi is going to remain here and work on the investigation, perhaps Padawan Skywalker could accompany the Senator. He has certainly proven himself in that area." Anakin looked at Luca, visibly pleased at the compliment he had just been given and thrilled at the possibility of getting this assignment. Luca saw that the Council didn't look entirely convinced. They silently conferred with one another before they looked at Anakin.
"Padawan Skywalker." Anakin stood up straight, anxious to hear what the Council had to say. "This will be an important assignment. No one must suspect who she is and no one must know where she is. Her safety and security will be your top priority. Do you understand?"
Anakin nodded. "I do, Masters. I know how much the Senator means to the Republic and I assure you that I will do my duty and keep her safe." The Council looked seriously at Anakin, trying to gauge his feelings. Luca knew that they had nothing to worry about and that Anakin's feelings for Padmé would be an asset in this mission. He knew that Anakin would die before he let anything happen to her.
"Proven yourself on missions in the past you have Padawan Skywalker. No reason we see why the same should not prove true on this mission. We grant you this mission, Padawan Skywalker." Luca noticed the happiness in Anakin's countenance, though he did a good job of hiding it.
"Thank you for entrusting me with this mission Masters. I will not disappoint you." Luca could see that the Council still had some misgivings about giving Anakin this assignment. They still don't seem to trust Anakin with this assignment. Perhaps with my next suggestion, they will be a little more at ease.
"May I say something, Masters?" Luca watched as everyone in the room looked at him. "While Senator Amidala may be perfectly safe under the protection of Padawan Skywalker, perhaps one additional bodyguard be sent with them as a backup? I am not doubting Padawan Skywalker's abilities, but an additional guard may prove to be helpful."
"Are you suggesting, Mister Redenov, that you be the additional security?"
Luca nodded. "I told the Council that I had experience in bodyguard work and that I am able to keep a low profile. I will be able to stay under the radar. Of course, I know that this is a Jedi matter and that your authority over this mission comes first. But as a more private citizen with no Jedi or Senate ties, I may be an asset on this mission." Luca ignored the glare Anakin was giving him. I know you want to do this on your own Anakin, but if things go as I think they will, you will be glad for my presence. I do trust your abilities, but I need to make sure that you do the right thing.
"The Council agrees with your thinking, Mister Redenov. We approve your presence on this mission." Master Windu turned to face Obi-Wan and Anakin. "Knight Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker, you need to remain here so we can brief you on the mission and figure out the next step in the investigation. Mister Redenov, you are free to go. May the Force be with you."
"And with you, Masters." Luca turned around and headed back to the Senator's apartment to get ready for his mission. You may be angry with me now Anakin, but one day you will thank me.