The Senate Building wasn't one of the tallest, grandest, most expensive, most affluent, nor widest buildings in the vast city-scape, nor within the wealthy Senate District.

It wasn't even the most noteworthy.

Domed and wider than it was tall, it remained relatively low resting in comparison to the rest of the city-scape. It did not soar up beyond the clouds, it did not catch the late afternoon sun, nor did it tower behind the sun like 500 Republica in a brilliant display.

Yet the magnificent structure was not dwarfed by the towering skyscrapers around it, including the various Senate Apartment complexes for only the wealthiest. Centrally located in the district, and with a design very different from the typical functional skyscrapers found on Coruscant, made it stand out almost as much as the Jedi Temple.

The smooth dome was a welcome relief in the planet that eschewed anything aesthetic in favor of being efficient.

A piece of art within a city-scape of drab redundancy.

The Grand Convocation Chamber was just as vast and impressive. Its gigantic interior encircled the vast expanse, row upon row forming the large dome-like arena within. There were floating platforms of the many former Senators of the Republic, at one point representing the great majority of the galaxy's inhabitable worlds.

Now it was just those closest to the Core and Colonies.

A significant number of the platforms were empty because of the Separatist Movement, different fights in the Clone Wars that drew beings from one world against one another, and the most recent banishment of anyone from the outlying systems and even remotely in league with the Council of the CIS thanks to Palpatine's explicit orders, and the fact the CIS, Outlying Systems, as well as Hutt Delegates caused riots.

More than eighty systems had joined in with the CIS recently to secede from the Republic that had grown too power hungry to be considered safe, a claim that even the staunchest supporters of the Republic could not completely dispute with recent amendments.

Still, with the most recent riots quelled, a plan to ensure it was quiet and remained quiet was paramount.

An emergency meeting had been called.

The walls of the massive arena echoed, hundreds and thousands of voices chattered all at once, expressing emotions from excitement, fear, anxiety, trepidation, caution, anger, regret, all the way to determination and everything in between.

In the middle of the main floor, standing at the stationary dais that lead into a massive suite, with the suite moving into part of the rotunda itself, the one solid speaking platform in the entire rotunda, Palpatine watched and listened.

With a steady gaze he took in the tumult and wore an expression that showed observation.

He was reaching senior years now, with silver hair and a face creased by deep lines of experience, caution and weariness. His term limit had ended several years ago, but a series of crises, most crucial the Clone Wars, had allowed him to stay in office well beyond the legal limit.

It had allowed him to make an amendment that ended term limits completely, among other amendments, bills, statutes, and policies just as outlandish.

From a distance, one might consider him to be weak, of a frail ego, and of an even more frail mind, but up close there could be no doubt of the strength and fortitude he possessed.

"They are afraid, Supreme Chancellor. Many have heard reports of the recent sieges by the CIS, and even the more recent violent activity near this very building. Nute Gunray, Poggle, and San Hill have successfully disrupted any semblance of order that we had on this world, and perhaps in the Core itself."

Palpatine nodded, expression remaining the same as he keened in on the arena of shouting matches, almost amused by it all. "They are a treacherous group, that is most certain. It would seem that Count Dooku has whipped them into a fanatic frenzy over taxes and cuts. Or perhaps..."

Mas Amedda looked over the rotunda, eyes narrowing as he caught curses being flung back and forth between everyone.

"The frustrations of the Delegation of 2000 are also mounting increasingly despite our best efforts to calm them. More are going to rally to their cause and support them, there could even be those supporting them from the shadows right now. They both must be taken seriously, Chancellor. We are moving to deal with the CIS Council, the Delgation could-"

Palpatine put a finger to his pursed lips to end it before it began, then nodded to the main podium, where Mas Amedda always called for order.

"The intentions of the Delegation of 2000 are clear and I know exactly what it is that they want. I will test them all, especially one Bail Organa...Please quiet things down, I intend to make this as quick as possible, and if all of these beings cannot obey...They will find themselves as mere spectators in this Grand Convocation Chamber."

"Order! We shall have order!" Mas Amedda yelled, his bluish skin brightening with agitation as he moved forward.

He had always been an imposing figure in the Senate Rotunda, but the chatter, the thousands of private conversations, and the private arguments continued on.

"Senators! Delegates!"

The room slowly went silent.

"We have much to discuss and they are all important issues. The motion before us at this time, to assemble a diplomatic party to speak with the CIS Council and sue for peace, in addition to no Senators of the Republic being allowed to speak with anyone from the CIS takes precedence. That is what we will speak on at this time, and that alone!"

A few complaints came back, and more conversations began to turn into loud echoes.

Then soon enough there was a resounding yell.

Palpatine stepped up to the podium, staring over the gathering, and the great hall went silent. Mas Amedda bowed in deference to the Chancellor, and stepped aside. Palpatine placed his hands on the rim of the podium, his shoulders straight, his head high.

The powerful posture only heightened the tension, making the cavernous room seem even more silent, if that was possible.

"My esteemed colleagues and delegates. I have received most disturbing news recently. Perhaps many of you have grown as weary as I, but there are some of you who have taken it a step further. There could be internal strife as we speak right now. "

A shock wave of silence rolled about the crowd.

Eyes went wide.

Mouths, for those who had mouths, hung open in disbelief.

"Understand this, all of you. Before I became Chancellor of the Republic, I was a Senator representing Naboo and I served Senator Amidala when she was Queen of Naboo. We both fought for justice. So beloved was she among her people that she could have been elected Queen for life!"

He gave a great sigh, and a helpless chuckle to all gathered, but for those who truly knew him, a derisive chuckle.

That notion had been received as purely preposterous by the idealistic Amidala, and it proved to be her biggest mistake.

"Senator Amidala believed in term limits, and she fervently believed in democracy to elect a new king or queen. It was a great loss to us all when our relentless champion of freedom turned down this post within Naboo. All of us were more than willing to establish a dynasty with her bloodline..."

The Supreme Chancellor tilted his head, his eyes lowering, and he sighed again.

"Naboo almost fell into the hands of the CIS once more, but it was thanks to the valorous efforts of Jedi Master Cadus that the invasion was routed. You ask yourselves what does the situation of Naboo, have to do with the situation within this rotunda? I will tell you...Ever since Senator Amidala stepped down from her post, Naboo has been faced with threat after threat, and it appears I am also facing a similar threat. We are facing a similar threat."

A few conversations began, but for the most part a fearful silence held strong, with many Senators nodding their heads not in agreement with Palpatine, but to avoid his focus.

Palpatine watched, without surprise, as the outspoken Fang Zar maneuvered his floating platform down from the infrastructure and into the center of the arena.

"How many more liberties and freedom must we lose? How many more amendments will you put into place that takes away our democracy!? We must sue the CIS Council for peace right now!"

That bold statement brought many shouts of agreement and disagreement from the huge gathering, and dozens of platforms began moving around all across the room. One, with Bail Organa swept down fast beside the platform of Fang Zar

"If you refuse Chancellor, it will be obvious to all of us that we are no longer safe under the protection of you and your dictator state!"

Another platform floated in fast on the heels of Organa's, Mon Mothma's. "We need to press them for peace, no matter the cost to us. We must end this before it turns into a cold war."

"Must I remind the three of you that I am agreeable with negotiations continuing with the CIS Council and wish to pursue this? Peace is our objective here. Not war. Unless you three have forgotten this in your spare time of fearing the power, that as part of the whole, you have given me."

"You say this while you ousted the outlying systems, not just the systems and sectors belonging to the CIS and the Hutts? What are worlds like Naboo supposed to do? What voice do they have? What of Mon Calamari? What of Utapau? What about the Independent Sectors?" Bail asked, his pointed expression turning into a face of incredulity.

"I second his notion. By silencing the outlying systems they can secede to the CIS. They could even be taken over by the CIS! They can't have a say against you either, or anyone within the Deep Core to Colonies because their voice has been shunned and silenced!" Fang remarked, tone a near snarl.

"By silencing those outlying systems order and stability have returned here. Having those endless rabble in these walls only caused riots and hindered things. The delegates of those filthy Hutt criminals, Poggle the Lesser, and San Hill...Nute Gunray...There is still damage from the riots they caused before, I don't believe I need to explain. And, I don't need to remind you Senator Organa that your outburst of calling my competency into question also caused a great deal of riots."

"The people have a right to protest!"

Palpatine didn't look amused. "They certainly do, peacefully. Staging out of the certain buildings with signs, starting fires, shouting, shooting blasters, robbing Coruscant citizens who have no ties to the war, and lastly the causing of the massive riots isn't protesting peacefully. That is an act of terrorism and nothing less than that."

"I want an explanation." Mon Mothma nearly demanded.

Palpatine remained calm through it all and kept his calm gaze pointed on Bail rather than Mon. "An explanation? Do you want peace or do you want war?"

"I want democracy to return! Enough of this police state, enough of the sector governors, and enough of you infringing on our rights and freedom as a sovereign Republic!" Fang Zar screamed.

Palpatine continued to stare at the man, he was the only one calm in the eye of the storm that was raging all about him.

Mas Amedda rushed to the podium, Palpatine was to always remain above such petulant squabbling.

He was to be the voice of reason throughout this ferocious debate.

"Order! There will be order!" Mas Amedda yelled.

There was no silence.

The yells went on and on.

The screaming, the shouting, and the fist waving continued as senators showed mock ferocity.

Unnoticed through it all, yet another platform, bearing five people, approached the Senate shouting match from the side, moving slowly but deliberately. Aboard the approaching platform, Padme shook her head with disappointment at the shouting matches and the lack of civility rotting through the huge gallery before them.

"This is exactly why the CIS is still able to gather so many systems to their cause in the first place even if they are rotten capitalists. This back and forth arguing among the esteemed bureaucracy of the Republic is going to rush liberty and freedom into flames with a roar of applause."

Padme spoke in a strong tone, turning to her handmaiden Dorme, who stood beside her, and Sio Bibble, who was on her other side as the representative of Naboo.

Captain Typho and Jar Jar Binks were in front of them, the loyal captain driving the platform, while the Gungan remained oddly quiet and absorbed the situation intensifying around him.

"There are many who believe that the Republic has become too worried about controlling systems and sectors through military force instead of helping them recover. There is also fear that the outlying systems being ousted in a broad stroke will have dangerous consequences in the near future." Dorme noted.

"Meaning?" Padme ventured, brow arched.

"I don't wish to speak of such things, M'lady." Dorme said, looking visibly uneasy.

"What is your opinion, Jar Jar?" Sio asked, looking to the Gungan with his hard and weathered expression.

"Too much talking between too many people to settle one thing. They argue a lot recently, more than they agree on things." The goofy Gungan replied.

"He has a point. We didn't get any help when Ventress came to our world with that war machine outside of Jedi Master Cadus. Even when I brought it up before it was brushed aside since Bail Organa is now trying to get Palpatine removed from his seat of power just to put himself in that very same seat." Sio remarked, looking at Padme with a severe expression.

"Now Naboo has been put on the outs thanks to the recent amendments and riots, M'lady. I fear that things are becoming dire before our very eyes. It's been coming close to one thousand years since we became a part of the Republic, and I fear what it will mean if we continue to be a part of it." Dorme added, tone filled with sorrow.

"Typho, what's your take on it?" Padme asked, looking to the grizzled veteran.

"I don't believe it is my place to speak on politics, M'lady."

Padme's expression became stern. "Tell me your opinion concerning Naboo. Do not think of this as a conversation of politics; think of this as a conversation of Naboo's future."

Typho wasn't a man of many words. He spoke even less on topics like this, but since Padme ordered him to speak on his world's future, he would do just that.

"Given recent events it would be wise if we withdraw from the Republic and Senate as a whole, but the only problem is we don't have an actual military to streamline the process or protect our world from wrongdoing. Palpatine wouldn't allow us to leave so easily, and the CIS will always be a threat to our freedom. We also must discuss it with Queen Jamillia."

"And, she may not agree." Sio Bibble remarked.

"Big bosses will agree with leaving Republic...Big Bosses say Republic too big for its neck...Mesa think." Jar Jar said, gently clearing his throat.

Padme hummed softly, nodding slowly as she conceded with something. Her mother and sister were right, and they had always been right. What she should have done all along is focus on Naboo, the well being of Naboo, and her own happiness.

But, like so many others, she had been manipulated by Palpatine.

Thanks to Cadus and his training, she broke free from the hypnotic rhythm Palpatine put the rest of the galaxy into.

"I understand where all of you are coming from and I know what must be done. I thank you for your honesty and bluntness in regards to this matter. If Palpatine won't stop this change that we can all feel coming, we will withdraw ourselves."

Padme turned her gaze onto Jar Jar.

"Senator Binks, are you in agreement?"

Jar Jar nodded, appearing a little hesitant. "Gungan bosses are weary. Too many outsiders have been coming to Naboo seeking to harm or oppress. Too many Republic people demand our resources and plasma, we no like their demands."

Padme looked at Sio Bibble.

Her one true confidant.

"You already know my answer." Sio said, voice not wavering.

Padme nodded, catching Dorme's nod of agreement out the corner of her eye.

They silenced themselves as they came into the shouting arena, moving slowly onto the main, central arena, but the Senators on all levels of the rotunda, even the esteemed Bail Organa, were too involved with their shouting and arguing to even notice their quiet approach.

Standing at the stationary podium, though, Palpatine could see Padme. His expression was slight surprise, some shock, but it was just for a moment.

Padme looked down at the arena, eyes scanning the chaos and turmoil that went from one pod to the next, a fist flew every so often, just like the issues only got thrown around. As much as it pained her, the Republic was dead, and what the Naboo had been proud to become a part of, was no longer existent.

It was gone...

"Noble colleagues, have we all forgotten to be civilized and not resort to petty shouting matches!? What of the greater good over our own needs and ourselves!?" Padme projected her voice, and the sound of her most familiar voice quieted many of the Senators.

They turned to regard her.

"I concur with the Supreme Chancellor. At all costs, we do not want war! We do not want a cold war on our hands, that is a mock peace!"

Gradually at first, but then more quickly, the Senate Hall went quiet, and then came a thunderous outburst of cheering and applause.

"It is with great joy that the chair recognizes the Senator from Naboo, Padme Amidala!" Palpatine declared.

Padme felt the emotions causing many to clap and applaud, she felt the warm bubble of hope and admiration.

She began to speak slowly and deliberately to ride the current.

"For nearly four years we have been at war, and we have only focused on furthering the war effort. So many people have been ruthlessly and senselessly murdered on all sides of the war, but it is the innocent who are caught in between that suffer the most. How many refuse to fight but their world is reduced to rubble because of our war? Because of the biological or chemical weapons that both the Republic and CIS have created for the war effort! Because they won't pick the Republic or the CIS? I have always been a target since my days as Queen of Naboo, but more importantly, I believe the security of Coruscant was the target here. I was the one that led the opposition to building an army for the Republic, I have opposed a great many things, but there are beings who will stop at nothing to bring strife into the galaxy. Now is the time where we can press for peace, but not anyone or any being can be put in the place for these negotiations. There is too much depending on these ceasefire talks to let prideful, hot headed, and motor mouthed delegates to even get near."

Cheers and boos echoed while both became a merging from many areas of the rotunda as those words registered, and many others shook their heads in confusion.

Bail stared at Padme with an arched brow

Had she just accused the Senate of being too cumbersome?

More importantly, was she implying Palpatine should pick and choose who spoke in the peace talks?

As she stood there, her gaze moving about the vast, circular room, Padme knew that her words, on the surface, could be seen as an insult to many, and dangerous to even more because it seemed she was supporting strong arm tactics.

She remembered Panaka's warning about the Trade Federation joining hands with the Separatists long ago, what inevitably led to most of the most powerful companies and richest beings in the galaxy joining hands and funding a military.

Padme took a deep breath, steeling herself against the growing turmoil in the audience, and steadfastly went on.

"I warn you, if the wrong people are selected to lead these peace talks something worse than this war could grow from the distrust that will be bred from the ill thought. Only the Separatist Council and these carefully selected ambassadors may speak of cooperation and peace in meetings. Everyone else should be kept away from the situation."

The cheering began to outweigh the booing.

"This is insanity, I say! As a senate we should decide who is sent to speak, not leave it to just a few elitists." Bail yelled.

"I believe the Senate should go through a selection process for these ambassadors immediately! It should come down to our discretion as a whole." Mon Mothma said.

This suggestion only led to more yelling.

Padme looked at the Chandrila Senator, understanding her sudden desire to rely on the senate for support meant that her intentions had been cast into doubt.

Mon Mothma, like Bail, wanted to take the power for herself, and replace Palpatine in no uncertain terms.

Now she could understand why Cadus had been so furious when he found out she threw in her lot with them, but now she could see that using them would be beneficial in skirting around Palpatine while she completed her own ends.

"You all must wake up, stop thinking about yourselves, and stop deluding yourselves into believing you have or are gaining glory! If we offer the Separatists strong arm peace, they will only react violently in return! Many will lose their lives in the ensuing chaos of the peace talks falling apart, before they could ever begin, and people on both sides will lose their freedom. This decision could very well destroy the very foundation of our galaxy as a whole, never mind a single organization or government! Every world and system could be obliterated beyond any repair or helping. I pray none of you let fear push you to make disastrous decisions, that could lead to the death of every single living thing in the galaxy!"

Bail Organa, Fang Zar, and Mon Mothma looked at Padme from their floating platforms down by the podium, and exchanged nervous glances as a combination of cheers and boos echoed through the rotunda at Padme's sincere declaration.

At Bail's nod, Fang Zar demanded the floor, and was given it promptly by Palpatine.

"By precedence of order, Mon Mothma's motion to defer a vote regarding ambassadors for these talks of peace with the CIS Council must be dealt with first! That is the rule of law!"

Padme glanced at the the trio, her expression both blank and calm, not at all angry or upset by the obvious delaying tactics.

Wrestling for power.

She turned to Palpatine.

He moved to the podium and held up his hands for order, and when the room was quiet enough, he spoke.

"We will move forward from that discussion, Fang Zar. In view of the lateness of the hour and the seriousness of this motion, I will only add a couple of more things before we take up more of these and different matters at a later time."

Bail stared up at Palpatine. "And, what would those couple of things be?"

"As of this day the Reflex Amendment-Emergency Amendment 121b is passed. The Republic Senate Non Communication Bill is passed. The Confederate-Republic Peace Initiative is passed. The Enhanced Security and Enforcement act is passed. The Enhanced Privacy Invasion Bill is passed. The Judicial Locum Tenens Bill is passed. The Outlying Systems Abjure and Recant Bill is passed. The Sector Governance Decree has gone into effect. The Transportation Act is in effect, and after careful observation, and consideration, we will bring certain non sentient creatures into Coruscant so we can make provisions for the worst case scenario. The Executive Military Surplus Bill has gone into effect. The Biological and Chemical Expeditiously Bill has gone into effect. There will be information available to everyone about these amendments and everything they entail through the holo-net, the holo-boards, and the holo-net news itself. You may read them all at your leisure as they will be accessible on any and all data-pads, holo-transmitters, and com-links. The Senate is adjourned and will not be rejoined for two standard months."

Padme smiled for a moment, carefully gauging the energy of the room, which was ranging from outright anger and anxiety, to sweltering admiration and pugnacious boldness. Soon enough arguments were filtering through the pods, and like some switch had been flipped, the whole rotunda erupted in shouts.

Even Bail and Fang looked furious and were clenching their teeth so hard she could see their jawlines getting thicker.

"M'lady?" Dorme inquired, noting the smile.

"It is time we return home. Sio Bibble I will need you to inform Queen Jamillia. Jar Jar, you must inform the Gungan Leaders of this development and work on getting a public meeting worked out between our people, there is much to discuss of our world, and we should all be present when the discussion happens."

Typho looked at Padme, eyes narrowing after a moment. "Is there something you're not telling us?"

Padme didn't answer. For now it would be enough that they believe she was doing all of this for Naboo, it made things much easier when it came time to really catch her stride. I hope things don't get too complicated on your end, Master...

"I will explain the Transportation Act as well as the Chemical and Biological Expeditiously Bill. After careful consideration, and because the economy is so fragile it has been decided that certain non sentient creatures will be brought to this world, so we can farm them, and sustain ourselves for a certain amount of time until the economy elevates again. They will also be located to certain Core and Deep Core worlds. The Separatist forces and our own still have trade points clogged, and we are all suffering because of it. There is a clamor for stability, and this is one of the first of many implements I intend to follow through on to ensure there is always order."

Palpatine wore the expression of weariness, but inside he was grinning wickedly.

This was the final act, once this happened, it would only be a matter of getting the Jedi Order under his command.

He wouldn't need to wait to found his Empire, he'd be able to do it...

Soon.

"The creatures I am now designating for transportation to the Core, and to Coruscant are the standard. But, they are not the only ones that will be brought here into the Core and Deep Core. The list at this moment is as follows. Bantha. Wampa. Nerf. Tauntaun. Ewok. Snow Bear. Ice Cat. Akul. Rancor. Ackly. Anakkonas. Arrawtha-dyr. Shriek-hawks. Thrantas. Manka Cat. Tee-muss. Krayt Dragon. Dragonsnake. Sha'rellian Toops. Gizka. Swamp Gators. Hoth Hogs. Icetromper. Dagobah Pythons. Dragonsnakes. There will be larger or similar creatures in the near future."

Bail Organa, Fang Zar, and Mon Mothma exchanged nervous glances as the cheers and boos echoed about the great hall.

At Mon's nod, Bail Organa pressed ahead with his question.

"What is the Chemical and Biological Expeditiously Bill?"

Palpatine looked perfectly calm as he spoke, despite the raucous atmosphere that sweltered around him and through the room.

"What is it, you ask? Without getting too long winded due to the late hour, there are many diseases and viruses. In this war both the Republic and the CIS created diseases and viruses to use in chemical and biological warfare. There have even been mutations of lethal viruses. Many have suffered and are suffering from the effects of the biological and chemical weapons. Many have been affected as well. It is my intention with this bill, to find cures for every disease, virus, and sickness that ails everyone, through rigorous experimenting and testing. The Ewoks and only the Ewoks will be the test subjects for the diseases, viruses, and through using them, we will find cures for every virus and disease that is plaguing us right now. I will oversee everything myself."


Sio Bibble and Jar Jar rushed around the apartment, throwing their luggage together, and from Jar Jar's clumsy movements, and Sio's quick, but hasty movements, both Padme and Dorme knew that they would do well to keep a fair distance from the mature, but still goofy Gungan, and elder Sio.

As she had requested, Sio and Jar Jar were returning to Naboo. Sio was complying, but that did not mean that the older man was thrilled about it.

With a sigh, Padme stood straighter, one hand on her forehead, blocking the rays of sunlight, and moved to address everyone once more.

"Jar Jar you are taking an extended leave of absence. No one should question you or prod too much, unless it is Bail Organa or one of his associates. Avoid him by all means. Avoid Mon Mothma as well, she can't be trusted. Palpatine's personal army isn't acting as security yet, so you don't have to worry about those red coats." Padme said, her voice thick, hoping the goofy Gungan understood the severity of the situation.

Jar Jar nodded.

"It will be your responsibility to set up a meeting on our home-world. I trust that you will not speak to anyone but the Gungan bosses of this, and I know I can trust you in carrying out this task."

"Mesa honored by yousa thinking mesa trustworthy. Mesa set up meeting as yousa request, and Mesa tell no one about it but Gungan bosses." Jar Jar replied curtly, struggling to organize his travel luggage, his head wagged, and his ears flopped with each word spoken.

Jar Jar could dress up like a dignitary, but his nature would never really change.

"Thank you, Jar Jar." Padme's voice was stern.

She was entrusting something important to Jar Jar, and it was only natural that she was concerned about certain details not being brought out in the open.

Sensing the severity of the situation more than before, Jar Jar cleared his throat and stood a bit straighter.

"Mesa honored to be taken on dissa heavy burden. Mesa accept this with severity and humility."

"Jar Jar, I don't wish to hold you up with stiff conversation. Depart when you are ready. Remember to travel as a refugee, so no one bothers you or takes notice."

"Of course, M'Lady. Yousa can count on me." With a great bow to cover up the fact that he was blushing, the Gungan turned and left, flashing a bright smile Sio's way as he passed.

Sio's weathered eyes followed the retreating Gungan, but any levity or sense of calm he felt from that last exchange with the goofy Gungan was washed away a moment later.

"I hope the Gungan bosses will agree with our separation from the Republic. That is really half the battle there." Padme said in a soft voice.

"I don't think you have to worry about them agreeing to it, now that Naboo has been invaded more than once. It won't take them long to decide their safety is paramount. I am just not so sure Queen Jamillia will be so agreeable or quick to go with this course of action as the Gungan bosses. It is better to take the offensive against threats, to find out the source, and to consolidate our power, but she may not agree."

He meant to go on, to speak of Jamillia's admiration of the Republic, to let Padme know that the woman was just as devout to democracy as she was. But, he could see her eyes were already narrowing as she ran something over in her head.

"Queen Jamillia will not agree, even with the recent ousting of our voice and power from the Senate?"

"That is possible. Her Highness may stress to be patient."

Padme thought it over. "I hope Queen Jamillia is not so naïve as to do something like that. The fate of Naboo has long been decided, ever since the Trade Federation chose to blockade our planet and steal our resources more than a decade ago..."

"But, what can we do ourselves? If we have a majority on our side, even if the new amendment in place has taken away our voice and power...They can't shut us out or contest what we have to say..." Sio trailed off, not quite sure why he chose to say such an unconvincing statement.

"Sio Bibble, you are old and wise, and you have a very firm grip on politics. But, I also know like all of us Naboo, you are proud that we are part of the Republic. To that end, you remain to have faith, am I wrong?"

"Sorry, M'Lady."

"No, don't apologize."

Padme looked him over, head to toe, and nodded as she could see sincerity on his face.

"It's impossible to deny that we have admired the Republic...But, sometimes it is that very admiration that blinds us to pitfalls and shortcomings of what has our admiration in the first place."

There was something in the way Padme said the words so simply. Sio sensed, some suggestion, some recognition from Padme that the Republic was no longer helping them, and had become a cumbersome threat to the very fate of Naboo.

That simple statement, combined with the secretive smile she flashed him, made him stop and think. He carefully folded his robe, more ornament than practical, and moved towards a shelf on the side, and began to gather some of his data-pads and holo-transmitters he used to communicate with Naboo.

Still, he cleared his throat, and steeled himself so that voice would not break apart.

"You are right."

Across the room, Dorme looked at him with worry.

"I am merely thinking of what direction this is going in for us, as people of Naboo. It is clear to me that Bail Organa and other members of the Delegation of 2000 will have sufficient power to give Palpatine a hard time without my extreme backing." Padme explained.

Sio took a deep breath, then blew it all out, his shoulders visibly relaxing. "You have always been able to read the times well. Even more, you've been able to read the political tides during this time...Perhaps I am just getting too old, too old to worry like this."

Sio looked old, weathered, and grizzled. It was not a pitiful sight by any means, but it brought Padme a measure of pain to see him in such a state.

"Sio Bibble, I have always valued your opinion, and it is thanks to you being at my side that I've been able to discern these chaotic times we live in."

For the first time since their conversation started, Padme looked into the ancient eyes of the older man, she could see beneath his weathered surface, and peered into his genuine heart. It was a fleeting moment, of course, as such moments were fleeting.

"Don't go feeling your years on me yet, Sio. I need you for the discussions that are to come on Naboo, and that is where I need you to be."

"As you will it, M'lady." Sio replied.

"I would like you to travel undercover, as a refugee. Jar Jar is going through a similar measure of caution so he isn't hassled unnecessarily." Padme said, turning towards 500 Republica.

"Why go through such a measure?"

"Because, I can see what many are thinking about us right now and I can feel their intentions. We are going to have a lot of enemies when the time comes. We Naboo have always fought for our sovereignty, and that will not change. If the Republic and CIS wish to bully us, we will go back to our old ways...And no one will ever tread on us again."

"Are you saying...To found a dynasty and have a military force on our world?"

Padme looked past Sio, and looked into Dorme's eyes.

She watched with obvious concern and didn't bother to hide her anxiousness anymore.

"That is exactly what I am saying, and if it comes down to founding a dynasty or suffering at the whims of the CIS and the Republic...That is exactly what we are going to do. We will found a dynasty!"

Sio relented and looked away.

Dorme could only look on with more concern.

"I will not allow our world that has been stable and prospering long before joining the Republic to fall into the hands of tyranny. I will not allow our people to endure another time like that Time of Great Suffering, I refuse."

"I understand, M'lady. I just believe I am getting too old for this." Sio said, half amused, half exasperated, and he stepped back to resume his packing.