CHAPTER 2
The Tallamog district warehouse is old and unused, a home of darkness and emptiness which only welcomed the rodents and parasites that infest Coruscant's abandoned under-levels, and those who dared wander down to its deep recesses. A perfect seclusion for the Sith. The light that fell from the sky illuminated through the great constructs high above trickled into the building's dilapidated center, exposing every crack that scarred its walls, and the rust that consumed most of its ancient metallic flooring, evident by the crunching sounds that cracked underneath the steal enlaced boots of Gokas Sedig, as the bounty hunter approached his masked employer. "The droid failed." he rasped with disgust for the spoilers of his assignment. ".those pesky Jedi fodders were there, they destroyed the droid before it could even reach the landing port." The dark figure gave no response that Gokas could read, shadows encompassed most of his features and his black garments and hooded face did not help the bounty hunter's vision any better. Were it not for the tiny pools of light in the open room, he would surely have thought that he was talking to no one. "Good!" the voice still seemed to come from nowhere and this response did not help ease Gokas's confusion. "Excuse me?" "All is going as my master has foreseen." the unknown Sith elaborated.
"Does that mean I still get paid?" the befuddled bounty hunter questioned once more, his gloved hands making tight fists of annoyance. ".that depends how well you handle your next assignment." The cloaked being said, before disappearing into the darkness "I will contact you when I require your services next, don't leave the planet." He warned leaving Sedig alone in the barren structure.
High above the ruins of the under-levels, stands one of the single most impressive constructions to ever pierce through Coruscants great skies. The Jedi Temple, which towered over all other buildings in the New Ossus district, like a great guardian of peace, residing over the land. It was indeed an inspiring sight to every beholder, but to the few who were blessed with the gifts of the Force or those who just happen to believe in the universal bond, it was place of security, prosperity and compassion. The glistening towers alive with activity as it was a place of restlessness, within the tower of Council, where the some of the greatest Jedi Masters of the order gather to discuss business and assign duties to their knights and learners who follow under the disciplined guidance of the twelve beings who spent most of their time within its corner-less walls. Tonight seemed to be no different, as Jedi Kenobi and Jedi Oden stood in the center of the council room surrounded by their twelve respected elders, set above the temple in its highest tower, reporting on the events prior to this evening's arrival from the Ambassador of Naboo. Aled waited patiently while Obi-wan explained, to great detail what happened at the landing port, specifically to the three senior masters in front of them, with Master Yoda Skywalker, Kenobi's former master directly at center, Master Chevacca to his right, Mace's old teacher and to Skywalker's left Master Dorshe Oden, Aled's Mother. The Assassin droid, Aled's fall and lucky rescue all up to Mace's escorting of the Chancellor's transport to the Ambassador's plaza suit. All an all, a pretty uneventful night for the Jedi as a whole by Obi-wan's descriptions, but this only proved the Masters assumptions of a greater evil at hand. ".and that's how it all happened." Obi-wan concluded as Yoda Skywalker, scratched his beard attentively. "You acted wisely Jedi Oden." Skywalker said with a neutral tone that led into another point than his first observation. "But in allowing your cover to be revealed so soon, you have alerted the culprit that we are aware of their plans against the Ambassador's life." 'We are still unclear on the possibility of the Sith's involvement with this action.' Master Chevacca added using his mental Force abilities to communicate what his Wookiee vocal muscles were incapable of elaborating. 'And that possibility alone has led us to believe it wise to not let the Ambassador out of our protection until we believe her life to no longer be in danger.' "Noble Obi-wan." Master Oden now injected into the fluid conversation. ".you and Noble Mace will act as an investigation team for Ambassador Amidala, it will be your responsibility to identify this assassin and if at all possible their motives and questionable associates." Obi-wan nodded to his given orders as the Jedi Master turned her gaze over to the Jedi knight at his side, her son. "As for you Noble Aled." Dorshe gave a slight smirk as she displayed a slight emotion of pride slip as she referred to her son by his title. ".you will be assigned to be the Ambassador's personal bodyguard and to remain at her side at all times given." The young, dark haired man could only recall that little episode with Padme earlier in the night. "I don't sense that her handmaidens will take lightly to my intervention into their duties, they are quite adamant in the personal safety of their magistrate and might pose difficulty in my orders." "Then you will have to make them understand Jedi Oden." Master Amtlar a native of Mon Calamari expelled with his notably raspy voice powering his words with his wide eyes only helping to display his emotion on this subject. "I agree with Master Amtlar on this." Skywalker said his hands now folded properly in his lap. ".this matter is far too serious for personal objections to stand in the way when a life is at stake. Let alone this conference." The two knights shared a look between themselves silently affirming this conclusion. ".or is there more?" Yoda questioned having his mind open to the force sensing an eddy of emotional ties that seemed to be shared between Aled and the politician in question. "Pardon Master Skywalker?" Aled said with a cocked brow expressed above his left eye. Yoda simply changed the subject before he dismissed the two Knights. "Just keeping an open mind to the Force young Oden." He smirked. "May the Force be with you!" "May the Force be with you!" the two knights returned in unison as they bowed to their superiors and headed for the exit hatch. Off to fulfill their mandates and meet what the heavens have in store for them.
* * *
The high royalty suite of the Serenity Plaza was a lush home away from home, encompassing two levels of the great hotel and having more rooms than Mace thought an apartment could ever have. This wouldn't make it easy for Ambassador Amidala's security team to keep a watch out for more possible attempts on her life, but there was a sufficient number of guards paired at every entrance and alcove in the suite, excluding the Ambassador's chambers which were secured by her personal aides. Mace was more than thankful that he was not in such a position as the Ambassador's chief of security was now over her life, but Captain Umaka seemed to take on the task with a Jedi's efficiency. Something Mace could respect in the man's demeanor as he took a moment to reflect in the main, windowless lounge area, after the Ambassador retired to her cambers to change into another flamboyant dress for when Aled and Obi-wan returned. The dark skinned Jedi decided to take the opportunity for a time of self meditation. Jedi Windu was overcome by the memories of his life as his sprit began to flow in the great channel of the Force. Openly welcoming the reflections of his past Mace's mind was greeted by the more pleasant times in his life. From his time as a young Padawan in his learner clan with Obi-wan, Aled and all his other young Jedi hopefuls of the time, each one just beginning to fully grasp the true nature of the Force that now only seems like first nature to him. Another image began to seep into his mind it was when Mace was only twelve years of age. The day when he became the Padawan to Master Chevacca, and the time of celebration he and his two best friends shared as they both had received Masters for themselves, single handedly one of their most treasured of shared memories. Then there was the time Mace and his old Master were assigned to Naboo along with Aled and his former Master Venad, to investigate matters during the Asilon trials. He then recalled the looks often shared with Padawan Oden and a certain Senator's aid by the name of Amidala during their stay on the lush and beautifully aesthetic planet. A time the two would likely agree was far to short for their mutual tastes but one they were still grateful for so the Force could let them meet, and cross paths once again only six years later. That's when Mace sensed the Ambassador enter the room. Mace snapped his eyes open as he arose from his meditative state to face Ambassador Amidala. "M'lady." He bowed not taking much time to notice the flowing thin sleeping robe that most likely covered her night garments, now void of any ornaments that would cover her face, revealing her true self in almost every aspect including her now humble manner of speech which was more warm and friendly from the one Mitre used on the landing port while she was impersonating Amidala. "Jedi Windu you honor me with your presence alone, my handmaidens are busy with their errands and there is no need to be so formal now, not after all we have been through today and especially not at this hour." She said as she lifted him upright by his firm shoulders. Mace returned this gesture with a smile displaying his white teeth as he spoke. "Time should not matter to a Jedi's formalities, somewhere else in the universe it is still midday and Coruscant is known throughout the New Republic as the planet that is never at rest." He humored as the two sat down on the same firm couch that Mace was meditating on just a minute ago. Padme laughed at the Jedi next to her, coming to a realization of her own. "You haven't changed from what I remember of you Mace." She sighed. "From what little time you actually noticed me you mean to say." He returned in a hinting tone. This only led to confuse Padme. "What do you imply by that?" she inquired while still maintaining a friendly sound to her voice which only caused Mace to begin chucking. "My dear Ambassador either you are lying to me or you are lying to yourself when you refuse to acknowledge the feelings that dwell between you and." Mace was cut off by the sound of the living room access door hissing as it opened to reveal Captain Umaka accompanied by two familiar persons. "Jedis Kenobi and Oden to see you Ambassador Amidala." He announced in a dignified tone that drew from his southern nubian heritage as the two Jedi knights walked into the room, leaving Umaka to stand at attention near the door as it closed behind them. Padme lifted her slender frame from the couch as Mace stood up remaining by the couch while she moved closer to greet Obi-wan and Aled, she was pleased to see that he was now wrapped in his customary Jedi robes, rather than the bulky armor he wore earlier that only served to disguise his true height which was still much larger than her own. "Noble Obi-wan, Noble Aled it is good to finally see you face- to-face when my life isn't being threatened." Obi-wan took Padme's raised hand and shook it lightly in and up and down fashion. "The feeling is mutual M'lady." He then released her hand after a few slow movements with Obi-wan's and motioned it towards Aled. "Anything for an old friend." rather than shaking her hand, Aled lowered his head, at the same time as he lifted her hand to his lips, lightly pecking her knuckles with his mouth, causing the politician to blush slightly at the act. He then removed his lips from her backhand to look her in the eyes for what seemed like a moment that would best be left in their own private company. His silver orbs burrowing into her brown pools which were embedded in her eyes, as an on looking Kenobi raised a brow of curiosity once again, feeling the same sensations he felt Aled share with the Handmaiden from before, that he now sent off to the Ambassador and she to him in return. The befuddled Kenobi managed to peer over to Mace who appeared to be fighting back a small outburst of laughter. "A lot has changed 'Noble' Oden." she gave a wirily smile as she dwelled on the Padawan he once was. "...I see you have reached Knighthood since I last saw you Aled." Padme gave up the formalities for a moment to say his simple but yet exotic name. "And you, an Ambassador M'lady. I believe it is safe to say that we have both gone far in our respective careers since in the past six years." He put poetically. ".but you are still as I remember you." Aled began to drift, as his eyes scanned Padme's beautiful features, her long endless tresses of dark brown hair, her deep brown eyes which could have eaten him alive without any retaliation, and her smile, so many different smiles but yet all the same to Aled. To him, she was a glimpse of the Force's perfection, something he never knew could exist on his plane, but Padme was, and she was standing there right now. "What has the Jedi High Council ordered of you?" she pulled the conversation back to the point of his and his other Jedi companion's presence in her suite. Obi-wan quickly took charge of the conversation in hopes to fully grab at Padme's attention. "The council has given us mandate over your protection Ambassador. I and Mace are ordered to head an investigation into the perpetrator of tonight's attack, and try to root out for their employer." "You believe this to be the work of bounty hunters?" Umaka inquired, still standing alert by the door. Obi-wan rotated his head slightly to acknowledge the soldier. "Possibly, we are not sure but it would not be unlike are suspect to carryout such actions in a second hand manner." He sighed as Padme asked the question that had been eating at her since Aled's warning on the landing port. "Who exactly is this 'suspect'?" Amidala said with her eyes tight and focused almost as if she could record her every sense. Obi-wan looked to Aled, who then looked to Mace behind her by glancing over Padme's shoulder. Aled interrupted feeling it best that he tell the Ambassador the answer to her question. "The Sith, M'lady." Padme's emotions began to swirl, ranging from fear to downright confusion. "The Sith? Why would the Sith have any animosity against me specifically?" Mace felt it was time he spoke up as he walked up to Obi-wan's side. "It's not just you Ambassador, you only happen to be the first of their known targets." "So others may be targeted as well?" concern rising from her vocal cords. "It is possible that other Ambassadors, Senators and dignitaries taking part in the Senate hearing could become targeted." Jedi Kenobi expelled with his own melody of compassion arising. "As for the Sith's involvement we are still unclear on the matter as of now but rest assured I and Jedi Windu will get to the bottom of this debacle." Padme smiled a bit at the Jedi's comforting words as she returned her gaze to Aled. "And what of you Jedi Oden?" she said in a softer tone than before when addressing Obi-wan and Mace. "Will you be assisting them in the search for this culprit?" "Actually Ambassador, I have been assigned as your personal bodyguard." This news wasn't unsettling to her, she was actually quite pleased to hear that her life was in such capable hands like Jedi Oden's, but she also feared how this would be taken with her head of security, as Umaka began to break from his position near the door to approach Aled. "Is that wise?" he suggested in a calm tonality which clung to his words. "Wouldn't your presence alone be inviting danger if the Sith should become aware of you?" the Captain questioned. "Would you rather the Ambassador not have my protection Captain?" Aled remarked. "A Jedi's methods are not unknown to me Noble Aled, but when it comes to the situation of how a certain Jedi carries them out that makes me worry." The armor clad nubian elaborated. "I can assure captain when dealing with the Sith the Ambassador would be far safer in the protection of a Jedi knight than with her handmaidens alone." Aled defended making his point clear and just to the Captain. ".despite the individual that Jedi might be." Padme could understand Aled's defense for the lashing against his character. "Perhaps this would best be settled in the morning after we have all had our rest." Padme injected using her diplomatic expertise to end this tiny dispute and return her to her bed chambers. ".Captain since Jedi Oden will be staying with us, why don't you show him to one of the spare rooms?" she hinted in small displeased tone. "That will not be necessary M'lady." Aled refused her kind offer. "I wouldn't wish to be a burden. All I require is a small space to meditate during the night and I will be fine." Padme shook off his rebuttal, not being one to except defeat, even by her own bodyguard. "No, I insist Aled it is the least I can do in thanks of your services." Aled stood down, not wishing to fight with a politician over such a simple matter, let alone with one so pretty. "Good, then I will expect to see you at breakfast tomorrow in the mean time I wish to get to bed and fall asleep." Padme turned to Mace and Obi-wan. "Goodnight to you Obi-wan, Mace, I hope you find the answers needed to solve this mystery as quickly as possible." The two bowed once more. "Good night to you Ambassador." said Obi-wan.
".and May the Force be with you!" Mace finished as Aled followed them to the door and left the living area. "We will report anything we find to you and the council once done so." He continued as the three made their way to the primary exit door. "Mace will leave you the 'nires' if you should need private transport. If you should need to contact us then contact the temple first I wish to search through the Temple archives to see if I can find anything relating to the designs of that suicide droid." "While he does that I will investigate the landing port again to see if I can find anything peculiar." "Good." Aled nodded having felt a tremor in the force of the trials they must overcome to this search for this villain. ".be safe my friends and go with the Force." "As well too you Aled." Mace returned as Obi-wan gave a smile agreement and the two exited the suite to leave Aled with his duties, and go to accomplish their own efforts.
The Tallamog district warehouse is old and unused, a home of darkness and emptiness which only welcomed the rodents and parasites that infest Coruscant's abandoned under-levels, and those who dared wander down to its deep recesses. A perfect seclusion for the Sith. The light that fell from the sky illuminated through the great constructs high above trickled into the building's dilapidated center, exposing every crack that scarred its walls, and the rust that consumed most of its ancient metallic flooring, evident by the crunching sounds that cracked underneath the steal enlaced boots of Gokas Sedig, as the bounty hunter approached his masked employer. "The droid failed." he rasped with disgust for the spoilers of his assignment. ".those pesky Jedi fodders were there, they destroyed the droid before it could even reach the landing port." The dark figure gave no response that Gokas could read, shadows encompassed most of his features and his black garments and hooded face did not help the bounty hunter's vision any better. Were it not for the tiny pools of light in the open room, he would surely have thought that he was talking to no one. "Good!" the voice still seemed to come from nowhere and this response did not help ease Gokas's confusion. "Excuse me?" "All is going as my master has foreseen." the unknown Sith elaborated.
"Does that mean I still get paid?" the befuddled bounty hunter questioned once more, his gloved hands making tight fists of annoyance. ".that depends how well you handle your next assignment." The cloaked being said, before disappearing into the darkness "I will contact you when I require your services next, don't leave the planet." He warned leaving Sedig alone in the barren structure.
High above the ruins of the under-levels, stands one of the single most impressive constructions to ever pierce through Coruscants great skies. The Jedi Temple, which towered over all other buildings in the New Ossus district, like a great guardian of peace, residing over the land. It was indeed an inspiring sight to every beholder, but to the few who were blessed with the gifts of the Force or those who just happen to believe in the universal bond, it was place of security, prosperity and compassion. The glistening towers alive with activity as it was a place of restlessness, within the tower of Council, where the some of the greatest Jedi Masters of the order gather to discuss business and assign duties to their knights and learners who follow under the disciplined guidance of the twelve beings who spent most of their time within its corner-less walls. Tonight seemed to be no different, as Jedi Kenobi and Jedi Oden stood in the center of the council room surrounded by their twelve respected elders, set above the temple in its highest tower, reporting on the events prior to this evening's arrival from the Ambassador of Naboo. Aled waited patiently while Obi-wan explained, to great detail what happened at the landing port, specifically to the three senior masters in front of them, with Master Yoda Skywalker, Kenobi's former master directly at center, Master Chevacca to his right, Mace's old teacher and to Skywalker's left Master Dorshe Oden, Aled's Mother. The Assassin droid, Aled's fall and lucky rescue all up to Mace's escorting of the Chancellor's transport to the Ambassador's plaza suit. All an all, a pretty uneventful night for the Jedi as a whole by Obi-wan's descriptions, but this only proved the Masters assumptions of a greater evil at hand. ".and that's how it all happened." Obi-wan concluded as Yoda Skywalker, scratched his beard attentively. "You acted wisely Jedi Oden." Skywalker said with a neutral tone that led into another point than his first observation. "But in allowing your cover to be revealed so soon, you have alerted the culprit that we are aware of their plans against the Ambassador's life." 'We are still unclear on the possibility of the Sith's involvement with this action.' Master Chevacca added using his mental Force abilities to communicate what his Wookiee vocal muscles were incapable of elaborating. 'And that possibility alone has led us to believe it wise to not let the Ambassador out of our protection until we believe her life to no longer be in danger.' "Noble Obi-wan." Master Oden now injected into the fluid conversation. ".you and Noble Mace will act as an investigation team for Ambassador Amidala, it will be your responsibility to identify this assassin and if at all possible their motives and questionable associates." Obi-wan nodded to his given orders as the Jedi Master turned her gaze over to the Jedi knight at his side, her son. "As for you Noble Aled." Dorshe gave a slight smirk as she displayed a slight emotion of pride slip as she referred to her son by his title. ".you will be assigned to be the Ambassador's personal bodyguard and to remain at her side at all times given." The young, dark haired man could only recall that little episode with Padme earlier in the night. "I don't sense that her handmaidens will take lightly to my intervention into their duties, they are quite adamant in the personal safety of their magistrate and might pose difficulty in my orders." "Then you will have to make them understand Jedi Oden." Master Amtlar a native of Mon Calamari expelled with his notably raspy voice powering his words with his wide eyes only helping to display his emotion on this subject. "I agree with Master Amtlar on this." Skywalker said his hands now folded properly in his lap. ".this matter is far too serious for personal objections to stand in the way when a life is at stake. Let alone this conference." The two knights shared a look between themselves silently affirming this conclusion. ".or is there more?" Yoda questioned having his mind open to the force sensing an eddy of emotional ties that seemed to be shared between Aled and the politician in question. "Pardon Master Skywalker?" Aled said with a cocked brow expressed above his left eye. Yoda simply changed the subject before he dismissed the two Knights. "Just keeping an open mind to the Force young Oden." He smirked. "May the Force be with you!" "May the Force be with you!" the two knights returned in unison as they bowed to their superiors and headed for the exit hatch. Off to fulfill their mandates and meet what the heavens have in store for them.
* * *
The high royalty suite of the Serenity Plaza was a lush home away from home, encompassing two levels of the great hotel and having more rooms than Mace thought an apartment could ever have. This wouldn't make it easy for Ambassador Amidala's security team to keep a watch out for more possible attempts on her life, but there was a sufficient number of guards paired at every entrance and alcove in the suite, excluding the Ambassador's chambers which were secured by her personal aides. Mace was more than thankful that he was not in such a position as the Ambassador's chief of security was now over her life, but Captain Umaka seemed to take on the task with a Jedi's efficiency. Something Mace could respect in the man's demeanor as he took a moment to reflect in the main, windowless lounge area, after the Ambassador retired to her cambers to change into another flamboyant dress for when Aled and Obi-wan returned. The dark skinned Jedi decided to take the opportunity for a time of self meditation. Jedi Windu was overcome by the memories of his life as his sprit began to flow in the great channel of the Force. Openly welcoming the reflections of his past Mace's mind was greeted by the more pleasant times in his life. From his time as a young Padawan in his learner clan with Obi-wan, Aled and all his other young Jedi hopefuls of the time, each one just beginning to fully grasp the true nature of the Force that now only seems like first nature to him. Another image began to seep into his mind it was when Mace was only twelve years of age. The day when he became the Padawan to Master Chevacca, and the time of celebration he and his two best friends shared as they both had received Masters for themselves, single handedly one of their most treasured of shared memories. Then there was the time Mace and his old Master were assigned to Naboo along with Aled and his former Master Venad, to investigate matters during the Asilon trials. He then recalled the looks often shared with Padawan Oden and a certain Senator's aid by the name of Amidala during their stay on the lush and beautifully aesthetic planet. A time the two would likely agree was far to short for their mutual tastes but one they were still grateful for so the Force could let them meet, and cross paths once again only six years later. That's when Mace sensed the Ambassador enter the room. Mace snapped his eyes open as he arose from his meditative state to face Ambassador Amidala. "M'lady." He bowed not taking much time to notice the flowing thin sleeping robe that most likely covered her night garments, now void of any ornaments that would cover her face, revealing her true self in almost every aspect including her now humble manner of speech which was more warm and friendly from the one Mitre used on the landing port while she was impersonating Amidala. "Jedi Windu you honor me with your presence alone, my handmaidens are busy with their errands and there is no need to be so formal now, not after all we have been through today and especially not at this hour." She said as she lifted him upright by his firm shoulders. Mace returned this gesture with a smile displaying his white teeth as he spoke. "Time should not matter to a Jedi's formalities, somewhere else in the universe it is still midday and Coruscant is known throughout the New Republic as the planet that is never at rest." He humored as the two sat down on the same firm couch that Mace was meditating on just a minute ago. Padme laughed at the Jedi next to her, coming to a realization of her own. "You haven't changed from what I remember of you Mace." She sighed. "From what little time you actually noticed me you mean to say." He returned in a hinting tone. This only led to confuse Padme. "What do you imply by that?" she inquired while still maintaining a friendly sound to her voice which only caused Mace to begin chucking. "My dear Ambassador either you are lying to me or you are lying to yourself when you refuse to acknowledge the feelings that dwell between you and." Mace was cut off by the sound of the living room access door hissing as it opened to reveal Captain Umaka accompanied by two familiar persons. "Jedis Kenobi and Oden to see you Ambassador Amidala." He announced in a dignified tone that drew from his southern nubian heritage as the two Jedi knights walked into the room, leaving Umaka to stand at attention near the door as it closed behind them. Padme lifted her slender frame from the couch as Mace stood up remaining by the couch while she moved closer to greet Obi-wan and Aled, she was pleased to see that he was now wrapped in his customary Jedi robes, rather than the bulky armor he wore earlier that only served to disguise his true height which was still much larger than her own. "Noble Obi-wan, Noble Aled it is good to finally see you face- to-face when my life isn't being threatened." Obi-wan took Padme's raised hand and shook it lightly in and up and down fashion. "The feeling is mutual M'lady." He then released her hand after a few slow movements with Obi-wan's and motioned it towards Aled. "Anything for an old friend." rather than shaking her hand, Aled lowered his head, at the same time as he lifted her hand to his lips, lightly pecking her knuckles with his mouth, causing the politician to blush slightly at the act. He then removed his lips from her backhand to look her in the eyes for what seemed like a moment that would best be left in their own private company. His silver orbs burrowing into her brown pools which were embedded in her eyes, as an on looking Kenobi raised a brow of curiosity once again, feeling the same sensations he felt Aled share with the Handmaiden from before, that he now sent off to the Ambassador and she to him in return. The befuddled Kenobi managed to peer over to Mace who appeared to be fighting back a small outburst of laughter. "A lot has changed 'Noble' Oden." she gave a wirily smile as she dwelled on the Padawan he once was. "...I see you have reached Knighthood since I last saw you Aled." Padme gave up the formalities for a moment to say his simple but yet exotic name. "And you, an Ambassador M'lady. I believe it is safe to say that we have both gone far in our respective careers since in the past six years." He put poetically. ".but you are still as I remember you." Aled began to drift, as his eyes scanned Padme's beautiful features, her long endless tresses of dark brown hair, her deep brown eyes which could have eaten him alive without any retaliation, and her smile, so many different smiles but yet all the same to Aled. To him, she was a glimpse of the Force's perfection, something he never knew could exist on his plane, but Padme was, and she was standing there right now. "What has the Jedi High Council ordered of you?" she pulled the conversation back to the point of his and his other Jedi companion's presence in her suite. Obi-wan quickly took charge of the conversation in hopes to fully grab at Padme's attention. "The council has given us mandate over your protection Ambassador. I and Mace are ordered to head an investigation into the perpetrator of tonight's attack, and try to root out for their employer." "You believe this to be the work of bounty hunters?" Umaka inquired, still standing alert by the door. Obi-wan rotated his head slightly to acknowledge the soldier. "Possibly, we are not sure but it would not be unlike are suspect to carryout such actions in a second hand manner." He sighed as Padme asked the question that had been eating at her since Aled's warning on the landing port. "Who exactly is this 'suspect'?" Amidala said with her eyes tight and focused almost as if she could record her every sense. Obi-wan looked to Aled, who then looked to Mace behind her by glancing over Padme's shoulder. Aled interrupted feeling it best that he tell the Ambassador the answer to her question. "The Sith, M'lady." Padme's emotions began to swirl, ranging from fear to downright confusion. "The Sith? Why would the Sith have any animosity against me specifically?" Mace felt it was time he spoke up as he walked up to Obi-wan's side. "It's not just you Ambassador, you only happen to be the first of their known targets." "So others may be targeted as well?" concern rising from her vocal cords. "It is possible that other Ambassadors, Senators and dignitaries taking part in the Senate hearing could become targeted." Jedi Kenobi expelled with his own melody of compassion arising. "As for the Sith's involvement we are still unclear on the matter as of now but rest assured I and Jedi Windu will get to the bottom of this debacle." Padme smiled a bit at the Jedi's comforting words as she returned her gaze to Aled. "And what of you Jedi Oden?" she said in a softer tone than before when addressing Obi-wan and Mace. "Will you be assisting them in the search for this culprit?" "Actually Ambassador, I have been assigned as your personal bodyguard." This news wasn't unsettling to her, she was actually quite pleased to hear that her life was in such capable hands like Jedi Oden's, but she also feared how this would be taken with her head of security, as Umaka began to break from his position near the door to approach Aled. "Is that wise?" he suggested in a calm tonality which clung to his words. "Wouldn't your presence alone be inviting danger if the Sith should become aware of you?" the Captain questioned. "Would you rather the Ambassador not have my protection Captain?" Aled remarked. "A Jedi's methods are not unknown to me Noble Aled, but when it comes to the situation of how a certain Jedi carries them out that makes me worry." The armor clad nubian elaborated. "I can assure captain when dealing with the Sith the Ambassador would be far safer in the protection of a Jedi knight than with her handmaidens alone." Aled defended making his point clear and just to the Captain. ".despite the individual that Jedi might be." Padme could understand Aled's defense for the lashing against his character. "Perhaps this would best be settled in the morning after we have all had our rest." Padme injected using her diplomatic expertise to end this tiny dispute and return her to her bed chambers. ".Captain since Jedi Oden will be staying with us, why don't you show him to one of the spare rooms?" she hinted in small displeased tone. "That will not be necessary M'lady." Aled refused her kind offer. "I wouldn't wish to be a burden. All I require is a small space to meditate during the night and I will be fine." Padme shook off his rebuttal, not being one to except defeat, even by her own bodyguard. "No, I insist Aled it is the least I can do in thanks of your services." Aled stood down, not wishing to fight with a politician over such a simple matter, let alone with one so pretty. "Good, then I will expect to see you at breakfast tomorrow in the mean time I wish to get to bed and fall asleep." Padme turned to Mace and Obi-wan. "Goodnight to you Obi-wan, Mace, I hope you find the answers needed to solve this mystery as quickly as possible." The two bowed once more. "Good night to you Ambassador." said Obi-wan.
".and May the Force be with you!" Mace finished as Aled followed them to the door and left the living area. "We will report anything we find to you and the council once done so." He continued as the three made their way to the primary exit door. "Mace will leave you the 'nires' if you should need private transport. If you should need to contact us then contact the temple first I wish to search through the Temple archives to see if I can find anything relating to the designs of that suicide droid." "While he does that I will investigate the landing port again to see if I can find anything peculiar." "Good." Aled nodded having felt a tremor in the force of the trials they must overcome to this search for this villain. ".be safe my friends and go with the Force." "As well too you Aled." Mace returned as Obi-wan gave a smile agreement and the two exited the suite to leave Aled with his duties, and go to accomplish their own efforts.