Chapter 17

Chapter 17

In-route to Coruscant

"Senator I am sure the Chancellor will understand our sudden departure. We were not equipped to deal with the conditions encountered." Palpatine said.

"It is a lot more than that. It started with the briefing materials we received. I intend to address all my concerns in the report."

"I assume we will be working on that all the way back."

"We will be relaxing on the way back. We have our daily notes to help write the report. I intend to relax as much as I can. When something pops into my mind I will add it to the supplemental notes. Right now I am much too close to the events to write a coherent, objective report. Arrival at Coruscant will start a whirlwind of activity for us. The report will give us a reason to miss any activities we chose."

"Very good Senator."

"I thought you might like that idea. How about a nice game of Sabacc to pass the time?"

"I didn't know you played."

"I don't for money. We can set the computer to simulate three other hands. It should be relaxing."

"Sounds like fun."

Coruscant

"Approach does not appear to be directing us towards any Landing pads around Republic Center." Cayer said to no one in particular.

"Why doesn't that surprise me." Senator Freey said.

Palpatine remained silent while he tentatively probed with the Dark Force. Trying to assess the danger awaiting them. After a few minutes he decided either there was no danger or it was being masked. Cayer had spent those minutes navigating closer to their landing pad. Which turned out to be a small private pad on top of a nondescript building.

"That's one of the Chancellor's aides waiting for us. This might not be as bad as I thought." Freey said.

"Senator Freey I'm glad to see you are well. The Chancellor was worried after receiving your message he will be relieved." The aide said as they walked down the ramp.

"Good when will we be able to see him?" Senator Freey asked.

"That is a touchy problem. As a result of activities on Maridia since your departure. It would be best if you didn't make a report."

"What activities?"

"What your daily notes describe as the insurgents have taken over and are requesting recognition as the proper government of Maridia. Unlike previous governments they are sending a Senator here to address the issue directly." The aide continued.

"Do you know the Senator's name?"

"A Mr. Matsic if I remember correctly."

"Mastic of Vehicles. We called that one right." Palpatine said more to himself than anyone.

"Yes we did. If you would be so kind could you please get a release from the Chancellor relieving us of the requirement for a final report."

"I think that can be arranged. Where will you be staying."

"I assumed We would have rooms at the Senator's lodging."

"Of course your release will be sent to you there." The aide said turning and leaving them standing on the platform.

"Cayer where is your registered landing area?" Palpatine asked.

"Over that direction."

"After you move the ship come over to this Tavern. I will be waiting for you." Palpatine said.

"I assume you are going over to the tavern." Senator Freey said to Palpatine.

"Yes sir."

"I'll see you there latter." Senator Freey said walking away.

Chapter 18

At Palpatine's Tavern.

Palpatine enjoyed the walk up to his tavern. He'd inherited it when it's previous owner lost his life in a light-saber duel to decide who was going to be Darth Black's new apprentice. Sidious had won the duel and as his alter ego Palpatine enjoyed the spoils. He had promoted ,Sellan, a dancer to run the place during his absence and they had become very close. He was looking forward to seeing her. The alley to the door was dark as always. Lit only by the light over the Tavern door. Palpatine opened the door and proceed to his corner booth. This time he was recognized and shortly Sellan appeared from her office. Palpatine watched her cross the tavern and his first thought was she had gained a lot of weight. Then his mind registered what he was seeing and a smile spread across his face.

"You look awfully pleased with yourself." She said sliding into the booth beside him.

"What can I say."

"There is a lot you can say." she replied then after she noticed he was still distracted by her revised appearance she continued. "Yes, you are going to be a father." Then watched as the smile spread even further across his face. "You don't have to be so smug. I've been the one with morning sickness and all the other ailments while you were out gallivanting across the galaxy."

"I'm sorry."

"No your not, your pleased as punch."

"Guilty as charged. But you can't blame me totally. You never said a word in any of your messages."

"Didn't want to worry you."

"You still should have let me know. But that's gone by and we have something to celebrate. What would you like to do?" Palpatine asked smiling.

"Nothing, Let's just eat here and then we can relax. unless you have some place to go?"

"No, Senator Freey and I are between assignments."

"Then we should have a while to relax and you can get used to being an expectant father." Sellan said snuggling up beside Palpatine.

Mara, her sister, brought supper over to the two of them. "How did he take the news?" She asked Sellan.

"Very well, I was a little surprised."

"Good, when are you two registering?"

"Mara!" Sellan said in shock.

"Not sure, We haven't discussed that yet. I was going to wait until we were relaxing to bring it up." Palpatine replied without missing a beat.

"You were thinking about it?" Sellan asked suddenly demure.

"Of course I was. In fact during the quiet times of this last assignment I thought about asking you when I got back. Nothing has happened to change my mind on that."

"Good I will tell the family." Mara said.

"Wait Mara, wait until we can tell them a little more." Sellan asked.

"Ok." she replied walking away leaving the two of them together.