Chapter 9 - To Convince the Senate

DISCLAIMER: We do not own Star Wars or any of the characters in it, though we wish we did. We only own Aniya Skywalker and Jaufre (pronounced Jaw-Free) Naberrie. =)

Padme Amidala

"The Republic is not what it once was," Senator Palpatine remarks, as he paces back and forth in his quarters where I, Captain Panaka, Jaufre, and my handmaids Eirtae and Rabe are gathered. I'm back in the Nubian queen dress, trying to focus on Palpatine's words. Believe me, I know.

"The Senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates who are only looking out for themselves and their home system. There is no interest in the common good. No civility. Only politics. It's disgusting. I must be frank, Your Majesty, there is little chance the Senate will act on the invasion," he insists.

"Chancellor Valorum seems to think there is hope," I reply. I hope he's right. We need to get this through. Naboo cannot wait for a long drawn out debate in the Senate. People are dying every day. I cannot continue to fail my people like this.

"If I may say so, Your Majesty, the Chancellor has little real power. He is mired down by baseless accusations of corruption. A manufactured scandal surrounds him. The bureaucrats are in charge now," Palpatine continues.

"What options do we have?" I inquire urgently, attempting not to fidget.

"Our best choice would be to push for the election of a stronger Supreme Chancellor," he suggests, pausing in pacing the floor. "One who will take control of the bureaucrats, enforce the laws, and give us justice. You can call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum."

I frown. I don't like that option. I don't want to do it, not unless we really don't have any other choice in the matter. "He has been our strongest supporter," I object, "Is there any other way?"

"Our only other choice would be to submit a plea to the courts," he informs me. I exhale slowly. I respect Palpatine's opinion; he knows far more about the Senate than I do, so I'm trusting on his judgement.

"There's no time for that," I reply immediately. "The courts take even longer to decide things than the Senate. Our people are dying, Senator, more and more each day. We must do something quickly to stop the Federation."

"To be realistic, Your Highness, I'd say we're going to have to accept Federation control for the time being," Palpatine asserts. No. That is not an option. Whatever it takes, we are not going to agree to their terms. I will find some other way.

"That is something I cannot do." That settles the discussion.

**w**

Aniya Skywalker

Late afternoon sunlight is streaming in the windows when Anakin and I decide that we better say goodbye to Padme and Jaufre. We have no idea what's will be happening, but we're supposed to be going to the Jedi Temple later today, hopefully to start training. I'm really excited, but I have no idea what it's will be like. I hope we can still stay around Qui-Gon. I'm fairly sure we will be able to, but I doubt we'll be able to see Padme and her brother anymore.

Anakin and I come to a stop at a door, the one where the queen is. They should be here also. Two guards are standing outside, with Jaufre right next to them. We both brighten at the sight of him.

"Hey Ani, what's up?" he greets us.

"We came here to say goodbye to you… and Padme," Anakin answers, eyes darting around nervously between him and the guards.

"Goodbye?" he frowns, disappointment clouding his face, "Already?"

"Is she here?" I ask, not answering his question. We may as well say goodbye to both of them at once.

"She was gonna be going on an errand. I'm not sure if she's left yet," he answers, glancing at the guards for a moment, "I just got here from being… otherwise occupied." I really, really hope that she hasn't already left. This might be the last time we ever get to see her.

"The children are here to see Padme," one of the guards says into a commlink.

"Send them in," commands someone from the other side.

The door opens to reveal one of the other handmaidens. I'm not sure what her name is. "I'd like to speak with Padme, if we can," Anakin tells her as the three of us step into the room.

"I'm sorry, Ani. Padme is not here right now," she replies apologetically.

"Who is it?" calls the queen from the next room.

"Anakin and Aniya Skywalker, to see Padme, Your Highness," she responds. Upon hearing this, the queen appears in the doorway. We both bow. I'm slightly surprised she came to talk to us, personally. She must be terribly busy.

"I've sent Padme on an errand," she explains. I feel a swell of disappointment. So, she's already left, then? I was really hoping we'd be able to see her at least one more time. I may not have known her long, but she's a friend I don't want to lose. Especially not without a goodbye.

"I'll tell her you were here," Jaufre assures us as we step back towards the door.

"We're going to the Jedi Temple to start our training, I hope," I blurt out.

"We may not see either of you again, and we just wanted to say goodbye," Anakin elaborates.

"Jaufre will tell her for you. We're sure her heart goes with you," Queen Amidala assures us.

We both bow again. "Thank you, Your Highness," we chorus.

"I'm sorry to have disturbed you," Anakin adds. She turns to go, so the two of us hesitantly leave the room as well, Jaufre close behind.

"Hopefully everything will work for you," Jaufre says, pulling us into one armed hugs, "Good luck." I hug him back. I'm definitely going to miss him as well. At least we were able to say goodbye to him, unlike Padme. She's been a good friend in the time I've known her. I'll definitely miss her; both of them actually.

"Bye Jaufre," we chorus as we head down the hall towards the exit. It's time to get back to the others. Our journey has a different path from theirs.

**w**

Padme Amidala

Before long, I find myself in the Senate pod with Palpatine and the others. As the pod floats higher up in the room, Palpatine leans over and speaks to me in a hushed tone. "If the Federation moves to defer the motion… Your Majesty, I beg of you to ask for a resolution to end this congressional session."

"I wish I had your confidence in this, Senator," I answer shortly.

"You must force a new election for Supreme Chancellor. I promise you there are many who will support us. It is our best chance, your Majesty, our only chance.," he presses.

"You truly believe Chancellor Valorum will not bring our motion to a vote?" I demand incredulously. He's supported us this whole time. I can't imagine he would stop now.

"He is distracted. He is afraid," insists the Senator, "He will be of no help." I'll keep his advice in mind, but I really, really hope things don't come to that. I do not want to take such extreme measures and betray one of our strongest supporters.

Before I have a chance to reply, Valorum speaks. "The Chair recognizes the Senator from the sovereign system of Naboo." Our box floats to the center allowing us to begin addressing the Senate.

"Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the Senate," begins Palpatine, "A tragedy had occurred on our peaceful system of Naboo. We have become caught in a dispute you're all well aware of, which began right here with the taxation of trade routes, and has now engulfed our entire planet in the oppression of the Trade Federation."

A second box floats forwards, containing a group of people from the Trade Federation. They're led by Lott Dod, who is the Federation Senator. "This is outrageous!" he cries, "I object to the Senator's statements!" I'm not surprised. Of course, he would instantly try to defend the actions of the Trade Federation.

"The Chair does not recognize the Senator from the Trade Federation at this time. Please return to your station," the Chancellor retorts firmly. I knew he supported us. It just remains to be seen how much he'll be able to do under these circumstances.

Lott Dod's pod floats back to where it was before, though he continues glowering at us.

"To state our allegations, I present Queen Amidala, the recently elected ruler of Naboo to speak on our behalf," Palpatine declares, motioning for me to step forwards. As I take his place at the front of the pod, the Senate cheers.

"Honorable representatives of the Republic, distinguished delegates, and Your Honor Supreme Chancellor Valorum," I begin authoritatively, "I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. The Naboo system has been invaded by force. Invaded… against all the laws of the Republic by the Droid Armies of the Trade –"

Lott Dod's pod zooms forwards again. "I object! There is no proof!" he shouts, "This is incredible. We recommend a commission be sent to Naboo to ascertain the truth." Irritation floods through me. Can't he be quiet until he's called on? Of course, they'll try and defend their actions, dragging out the Senate procedures until the situation on Naboo has deteriorated to the point where they hope I'll agree to whatever they demand.

"Overruled," Valorum asserts.

"Your Honor, you cannot allow us to be condemned without reasonable observation," argues the Senator, "It's against all the rules of procedure."

Malastare's pod moves to the center of the room along next to ours and the ambassador begins speaking. "The Congress of Malastare concurs with the honorable delegate from the Trade Federation. A commission must be appointed. This is the law."

"The point –" Volurum cuts himself off, turning to confer with the Vice Chairmen and some of his aids.

Palpatine leans over to me. "Enter the bureaucrats, the true rulers of the Republic, and on the payroll of the Trade Federation, I might add. This is where Chancellor Valorum's strength will disappear." Yes, it really does feel like they're the true rulers of the Republic now. The Republic has completely deteriorated from what it was supposed to be. Maybe Palpatine is right. Maybe I will have no choice but to demand that a new, stronger Chancellor be elected.

Valorum turns back to the assembly. "The point is conceded. Section 523A takes precedence here. Queen Amidala of the Naboo, will you defer your motion to allow a commission to explore the validity of your accusations?"

So, Palpatine was right. As much as I don't want to do this, it seems there is no other choice. I cannot just sit back and watch as the Trade Federation takes control of the planet. "I will not defer," I reply, controlling my anger, though I'm sure it's still audible. "I have come before you to resolve this attack on our sovereignty now. I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee. If this body is not capable of action, I suggest new leadership is needed. I move for a 'vote of no confidence' in Chancellor Valorum's leadership."

"What? No!" he protests in shock, sinking back into his chair as a ripple of agreement runs through the Senate building.

"Order! We shall have order!" Mas Amedda calls above the commotion.

The room quiets somewhat after the statement, and another box moves forwards. Bail Antilles of Alderaan. "Alderaan seconds the motion for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum,"

"The motion has been seconded by Bail Antilles of Alderaan," Mas Amedda reports.

"There must be no delays," Bail insists in my support, "The motion is on the floor and must be voted upon in this session." I am grateful to him for trying to help us. Maybe after this is over, we can look into forming a closer alliance with Alderaan if they are favorable to us.

"The Trade Federation moves the motion be sent to the procedures committee for study," retorts Lott Dod.

"Vote now! Vote now! Vote now!" people begin to chant across the Senate.

Palpatine steps closer to me. "You see, Your Majesty, the tide is with us. Valorum will be voted out, I assure you, and they will elect in a new Chancellor, a strong Chancellor, who will not let our tragedy continue." I hope so.

"The Supreme Chancellor requests a recess. Tomorrow we will begin the vote," declares Mas Amedda. Lott Dod looks enraged. Tomorrow. There is no time for this. We have to do something differently. We cannot wait another day. Another day means another day for my people to suffer. I will not stand by and let that happen. They trusted me with their planet. I must repay that trust.

**w**

Jaufre and I stand side by side, staring out into the night. Darkness is settling over the planet and artificial lights are beginning to dot the surface. What can we do? That's the real question. Getting a new Chancellor may hasten a resolution, but we can't wait. My people are dying by each passing moment. I can't just stand by and watch. I have to act, whatever it takes.

"What are we going to do?" Jaufre asks finally, worry lacing his tone.

"We cannot let others decide our fate," I reply, eyes fixed on the lighted buildings of Coruscant. As much as I hate to admit it, the Republic is no longer functioning like it should be. There's no reason for it to be so reluctant to help its own people. Innocent civilians are dying while the Republic is too stuck on its own rules and keeps trying to wait just one more day. Even if they do select a new Chancellor right away, there is no way to know who it could be, or if that person will act quickly enough.

"What do you suppose we do?" my brother asks finally, voice strained. "I don't think we should wait but going back would be stupid. There wouldn't be anything we could do anyway."

Going back? Alone? I turn the thought over in my mind, considering. There might be a way to do this, but I'm not sure what it is. Whatever happens, we can't just sit by and keep watching our people die. I cast a sideways glance at my brother. He's staring out the window, looking far older than he should. He's only thirteen. He shouldn't have been pulled into this, but then again, it was him who chose to come along. I should have refused.

"Mesa wonder why da guds invent pain?" Jar Jar speaks up finally, moving closer to us.

"To motivate us, I imagine," I reply quietly.

"Yousa tinken yousa people gonna die?"

"I don't know," I state simply. I'm afraid so, but there's no need to make him worry.

"Gungans gonna get pasted too, eh?"

"I hope not." They live underwater, and the Trade Federation may not know where they live. If they survive, we might have a better chance of fighting back.

"Gungans no dien without a fight," Jar Jar declares firmly. "Wesa warriors. Wesa gotta grand army. Dat why you no liken us, metinks."

Wait – a grand army? That's exactly what we need. If we can somehow get the Gungans to help us, there might be a chance. The door opens and I turn around, Jaufre simultaneously moving away from my side. We slip back to our 'just friends' show we have to put on around the public.

Palpatine and Captain Panaka rush into the room, bowing briefly before Panaka speaks up. "Your Highness, Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as Supreme Chancellor." I can hardly believe my ears at the declaration.

"A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one," Palpatine says with a smile, "I promise, Your Majesty, if I am elected, I will bring democracy back to the Republic. I will put an end to corruption. The Trade Federation will lose its influence over the bureaucrats, and our people will be freed."

That's wonderful news, but we don't have any guarantee that he will be elected. "Who else has be nominated?" I question.

"Bail Antilles of Alderaan and Ainlee Teem of Malastare," Panaka relates.

"I feel confident our 'situation' will create a strong sympathy vote for us. I will be Chancellor, I promise you," Palpatine insists.

I walk past them, turning back to the window to calm myself. "I fear by the time you have control of the bureaucrats, Senator, there will be nothing left of our cities, our people, our way of life…" It will take far too long. I'm must take a different approach.

"I understand your concern, Your Majesty. Unfortunately, the Federation has possession of our planet. The law is in their favor," the Senator replies.

I stare out the window for another moment, taking a deep breath. There isn't any other choice, even if it will put me in grave danger. "With the Senate in transition, there is nothing more I can do here. Senator, this is your arena. I feel I must return to mine. I have decided to return to Naboo. My place is with my people." From Jaufre's expression, he looks like he's about to throw a full-out temper tantrum, but the glare I give him is severe enough to make him stay quiet.

"Go back? But, your Majesty, be realistic!" protests Palpatine, "You would be in danger. They would force you to sign the treaty."

"I will sign no treaty, Senator," I retort.

"Your Majesty, I must protest," interjects Jaufre, frowning, "It's way too dangerous –"

"My fate will be no different from that of our people," I retort, maintaining my calm. Somehow, it seems no matter how old I get, my younger brother will never decide I'm old enough to take care of myself. He's overprotective, which I would appreciate more if many others lives – including those of our sister and parents – weren't at stake. "Captain?"

"Yes, Your Highness?" he replies.

"Ready my ship," I order.

"Please, Your Majesty, stay here where it's safe," Palpatine protests. Safety. It's all a relative term. Why I am so much more different than my people that I should hide from suffering and leave them to their fate? No. I will not change my mind.

"No place is safe if the Senate doesn't condemn this invasion. It is clear to me now that the Republic no longer functions as a democracy." I walk over to the door, turning back to Palpatine. "If you win the election, Senator, I know you will do everything possible to stop the Federation. I pray you will bring sanity and compassion back to the Senate." With that, I turn and stride from the room, Jaufre and the others right behind me.