CHAPTER 5
On the highest level of the Galactic Senate Hall, Supreme High Chancellor Antilles sat behind her desk reviewing one of her many in depth news feed transcripts from the past day's events as her personal communications device activated, projecting the voice of Juvas, her aide. "Forewoman Antilles." an audio voice chimed.
Majel Antilles pressed down on her comm. transceiver. "Yes Juvas?"
"Ambassador Amidala has arrived to meet with you Chancellor." The rough voice replied.
"Please see her in." Antilles ordered as she rose from her seat to welcome her guest into the royal office of deep purple walls and warm trim. The large oval shaped entry door parted half way to allow the entrance of the Nubian Ambassador and her handmaidens, accompanied by Jedi Oden who was wrapped in a large brown robe that signified his universal peacekeeper status. An offset compared to the extravagantly dressed Amidala who was now in a cream colored frock that was layered by several detailed scarves and ponchos, her hair held up into a bun with many looping tresses supported by a golden tiara. "Ambassador, I hope you slept well last night considering the evening's events?"
"Of course Madam Chancellor." Padme turned her gaze to Aled as she continued. ".with Jedi Oden at my guard how could I not?" she laughed lightly to the Chancellor's amusement as Aled maintained his composure but managing to share a small glow of pride by Padme's comment.
"I cannot argue that point, Noble Aled and his family have often proven to me that they are quite remarkable individuals. He has his mother's wisdom and his father's strengths" Antilles gestured her hand at the two plush seats situated next to each other in front of her large desk. "Please have a seat, both of you." Aled and Padme, still flanked by her loyal handmaidens, took their seats without much second thought as the Chancellor returned to her own much larger chair behind the muted purple desk. "Madam Ambassador, I'm quite positive that you are aware of the purpose of the Senate assembly in the next few days?" Antilles said in the clear tonality of a politician.
Padme swayed her head up and down in compliance as she spoke. "Yes Chancellor, we are finally adjoining to vote on whether or not the Unknown territory worlds should be further explored and any sovereign worlds we have already encountered should be allowed into the New Republic." Aled was focused on the Chancellor as he calmly awaited her next words.
"It is to the opinions of many that this action would create a new way to help combat the Sith threat which is opposed to our great society." Antilles said in a manner of heavy hearts. "What do you believe Ambassador?"
"My people feel it best that we welcome the Planets of the unknown territory into the Galactic assembly." Aled's eyes turned to the woman on his right not speaking out of turn but concerned by what he was hearing. ".Naboo has kept very close ties with a small system called Duconar and their leader who has been openly interested in long lasting relations between our worlds and seems to have much to offer the Republic itself." She concluded, still hovered by her four loyal bodyguards and servants.
"I see, in what way?" Antilles pressed.
Padme took in a small breath before continuing. "From what I have learned, Docunar's technology is highly integrated into their society, which means that they are subject to advancement and progress, especially in the scientific fields." she placed her hands into the lap of her dress, folded one over the other into the shimmering fabric of her garment.
Forewoman Antilles noted the Jedi's hidden look at the Ambassador's words. "Noble Aled, do you have any concerns you wish to express concerning this matter?" Padme turned her gaze at the Orveasian sitting next to her, his silver eyes dancing from her to the Chancellor as he answered.
"I don't believe it a wise course of action Chancellor." this was not what either of the two politicians expected to hear from the Jedi Knight. ".it has only been twenty one years since the war with the Sith started and while they have not striked recently I sense it unwise to welcome any new powers into the New Republic."
"But why should the Sith War hinder the entrance of any new worlds into the republic?" Padme questioned in a voice that did not belong to a woman of her position, but Aled welcomed it fully.
He turned his body to the left so he might better explain his opinion. "Over the past, the Jedi have tried to return to the Unknown Territories on sparse missions of exploration and investigation after the Battle at Umgul, but before our fleets could traverse beyond the outer rim, they were met with Sith counter forces." He saw Padme's attentive eyes looking to him as she listened closing. "My father was the first to be sent in and investigate the expanse beyond our boarders due to reports from an unidentified source of suspected Dark activities in the region." Aled bowed his head slightly in loss of the parent he never knew. ".He never returned from that mission." Padme felt the urge to place her hand on Aled's shoulder, but that would not fit her role as a dignitary. ".and so my mother, Master Skywalker, Master Chevacca and My former Master who was a Padawan at the time with his Master were part of an Investigation team to survey the Unknown territory to finish his mission and hopefully find my father." He looked to the Chancellor. "The events become too complicated to tell now, but the mission was successful in confirming that the Sith do exist now, and it also led to the discovery of what my former Master calls 'the Clones of Destiny.'" Antilles smiled as she peered to Padme by this remark.
"I have this name before. I believe your master must be referring to the Clones left behind from Kamino like the Ambassador here."
"Yes." Aled responded as he looked to the Ambassador. "It was the will of the Force that you and others like you were discovered M'lady."
"For this I' am forever grateful to the Jedi." She expelled in a voice not fitting to Amidala but rather as Padme.
"A feeling shared by many people in the New Republic." the Chancellor chimed. "Needles to say the matter of the Unknown territory worlds entering the Republic will not be resolved here, this is a problem for the Senate to fix."
"As it should." the Jedi complied.
"The Sessions will begin tomorrow afternoon." The Chancellor returned the conversation to its original point. "Tonight the Galactic Senate will be holding a gala here in the Senate Hall to honor the guest representatives from the unknown territory worlds who have come to witness the conferences. May I expect your attendance Lady Ambassador?" the Chancellor ended with a warm smile.
"I will be there tonight." Padme grinned as she gestured to Aled. ".and Noble Aled will be escorting me to the gala as well." This was news to the young Orveasian's ears, he was aware that the Ambassador was going to be at the Gala and now that he was her personal bodyguard he of course would be at her side, but in what way did she intend for him to be at her side? "Unless he would prefer I go by myself and have me at a set distance while he employs his mandate?"
Aled was put in an awkward position, one which no Jedi let alone any man is prepared for but he dared not turn away this opportunity. "It would be my pleasure M'lady."
She smiled, now light hearted by his response. "The feeling is mutual."
The Chancellor grinned, bowing her head looking down at her clasped hands on her desk, she was slightly embarrassed and felt out of place now. Not needing Jedi powers or magic to feel the chemistry between these two. "Well now that this has been settled. I must complete my work here before tonight." Antilles stood up from her imposing seat and gestured her two blue clad guards at the door to open the office hatch. "I believe you have arrangements of your own to make for this evening. Good day!" she smiled warmly once more as the two stood.
"Good day to you High Chancellor." Padme said as she moved for the doorway, flanked by her loyal group of handmaidens. Aled took this moment to reflect his farewells to the High Chancellor.
"The Force be with you, Chancellor Antilles."
"And may it also be with you Aled." She said before returning to her chair and her duties. Aled began to pace behind the Ambassador and her entourage, the door sealing behind them as they and the handmaidens exited the room. Padme smiled to herself as she quickly looked over Aled's robes.
Not turning to Aled she questioned. "You are not going to be wearing that to the Gala? Are you?" and the door sealed behind them.
Obi-wan Kenobi sat in the small meditation chamber high atop the main basin of the Jedi temple, legs crossed, hands on his knees and eyes closed focusing on the power of the Force, the river that runs through all creating an endless universe full of life surrounded by the glistening artificial lights of the uncountable buildings and towers that covered the horizon. His eyes twitching and fending off the wayward images that filled his mind, a mass bombardment of emotions, thoughts and feelings seemed to wash over the dreaming Kenobi as he searched for the one called Sedig. He had spent the past three hours in meditation, trying to find something that might lead him to the unknown Bounty hunter that Mace had informed him of only a few hours ago, but a dark presence always ended up clouding his perception. This was not new to any Jedi, the Sith had a reputation of hiding their true intentions from the Jedi but this only helped to prove the Darkside's involvement with the young Nubian Ambassador, no matter how oblivious it might be to everyone else.
After many futile efforts to see past the dark barriers of the Force Obi-wan broke his trance, seeking anything to help ease his mind besides mental meditative techniques. Obi-wan walked to the exit hatch of the chamber combing his hair with his left hand as he let his head hang limb on his neck.
'I wonder how Aled is doing?' he thought to himself as he strolled the hall of the Jedi temple which led to the hanger. Large steel pillars passing him like large trees through a well tended garden. The marble floor reflecting Obi-wan's cold, emotionless gaze right back at him until he came up to the Hanger entry hatch. Obi-wan waved his hand over the control panel and the door hissed open, gaining him access to the hanger deck.
The Young Jedi knight paced quickly down to the main floor, passing an old Corellian freighter which was currently receiving a long overdue check-up by a man by the name of Yoda Skywalker.
The Jedi Master sensed his former Padawan enter the large brightly lit room as he welded a new circuit conductor into the Millennium Falcon's engines atop the main hull. He removed his metal face shield and shouted towards his old daydreaming apprentice. "Obi-wan!"
The blue eyed knight searched to room a moment for the source of the voice which he quickly found on top of the ancient vessel in the center of the Bay deck. "Master!" He expelled with a jubilant tone as his former Master leaped off the over aged Falcon and onto the floor next to him, garbed in a dirty oil stained duty uniform. "Finally upgrading that old garbage heap of yours?" Obi-wan humored with a sly grimace.
"That ship." Skywalker waved his gloved hand at the Millennium Falcon, as Obi-wan secretly rolled his eyes as he received the old: ".has been in my family since the days of the Empire, it was present not only during the battle which destroyed the first Deathstar but it also helped to destroy the second one as well!"
"All the more reason I think it should be placed into the New Ossus Historical Artifacts Museum!" Obi-wan pointed out.
"She was made to last forever." Yoda argued.
"Forever was about two thousand years ago." Obi-wan injected before his Old Master could continue.
"It is obvious that this argument will not be solved right now." Skywalker concluded as he wiped smeared oil from his aged face onto his dirty tan sleeve. "How goes the investigation Obi-wan?"
"So far." the Jedi knight sighed as he tussled his hair. ".unsuccessful."
"You sound so sure of that conclusion." Skywalker began to remove his gloves as he spoke. "Have you already given up on your search?"
"No of course not." Obi-wan acquitted in his defense as the Jedi master slid his gloves into one of his large pockets.
"Then you cannot say it is unsuccessful." Yoda remarked. ".not until it's finished that is. Now it is simply more difficult than it may appear to be, perhaps there is more to it than you have prepared yourself to deal with?"
"I never thought of it that way?" Obi-wan Kenobi, now encouraged by the words he just shared with his old teacher, was ready to face his search with a new objective, not so much to seek the killer but to find the motivation. "Thank you Master."
"Don't thank me!" Skywalker retorted. "I'm too old to be thanked anymore! The Force merely gave insight that you needed." The old Jedi broke into a small smile before he threw himself back to his work. "Now good, do what you must, my former Padawan and May the Force be with you." They shook hands in a manner not becoming their true relationship as teacher and student, but none the less, Obi-wan could not be more thankful for the views of Yoda, his Master and only father figure
"And May it also be with you Master." The younger of the two broke the contact and ran to his speeder. Now with the drive he needed Obi-wan was ready to face the investigation with a new hope.
Gokas Sedig sat on the large couch of his hidden safe house, lights from the city littering the room with skinny sections of glow, parted by the small curtained windows. In the lap of a secret luxury with all the drinks his several livers could handle and he was bored as hell. "When is he going to get here?" he questioned to the empty bottle of Juri juice in his hand, a bit tipsy from drinking all of its contents.
"I'm already here?" a voice said from the darkness. Gokas snapped his head to the left where he heard the sound originate.
"Well?" he inquired in a light hearted but business mannered tone. "What does your boss want me to do now?"
A figure immerged from the shadows, with huge broad shoulders which were amplified by even larger layer of black armor, his cloak and suit as dark as the shadows he came from. Darth Vader stood before the lowly bounty hunter as a tyrant before his servant. "The plans for the Ambassador have changed." He dictated.
"How so?" Gokas said, cocking his purple haired brow with fear that this change would affect his pay more than anything else.
"We are to kidnap Ambassador Amidala as oppose to terminating her life." Vader made clear.
"Wait one minute! What's with this we business?" Gokas injected with a slight roar in his voice.
"You will be assisting me in this venture." Vader returned as he pulled a small text panel from his utility belt. "This touch screen contains all the details you will need to know. Study it well, we will take her tonight!"
"Fine, but the Ambassador has Jedi protection what are 'we' going to do about them?" The question was frightening enough but what Sedig heard Vader say next really rattled his nerves.
"Don't worry about the Jedi I can handle them!"
On the highest level of the Galactic Senate Hall, Supreme High Chancellor Antilles sat behind her desk reviewing one of her many in depth news feed transcripts from the past day's events as her personal communications device activated, projecting the voice of Juvas, her aide. "Forewoman Antilles." an audio voice chimed.
Majel Antilles pressed down on her comm. transceiver. "Yes Juvas?"
"Ambassador Amidala has arrived to meet with you Chancellor." The rough voice replied.
"Please see her in." Antilles ordered as she rose from her seat to welcome her guest into the royal office of deep purple walls and warm trim. The large oval shaped entry door parted half way to allow the entrance of the Nubian Ambassador and her handmaidens, accompanied by Jedi Oden who was wrapped in a large brown robe that signified his universal peacekeeper status. An offset compared to the extravagantly dressed Amidala who was now in a cream colored frock that was layered by several detailed scarves and ponchos, her hair held up into a bun with many looping tresses supported by a golden tiara. "Ambassador, I hope you slept well last night considering the evening's events?"
"Of course Madam Chancellor." Padme turned her gaze to Aled as she continued. ".with Jedi Oden at my guard how could I not?" she laughed lightly to the Chancellor's amusement as Aled maintained his composure but managing to share a small glow of pride by Padme's comment.
"I cannot argue that point, Noble Aled and his family have often proven to me that they are quite remarkable individuals. He has his mother's wisdom and his father's strengths" Antilles gestured her hand at the two plush seats situated next to each other in front of her large desk. "Please have a seat, both of you." Aled and Padme, still flanked by her loyal handmaidens, took their seats without much second thought as the Chancellor returned to her own much larger chair behind the muted purple desk. "Madam Ambassador, I'm quite positive that you are aware of the purpose of the Senate assembly in the next few days?" Antilles said in the clear tonality of a politician.
Padme swayed her head up and down in compliance as she spoke. "Yes Chancellor, we are finally adjoining to vote on whether or not the Unknown territory worlds should be further explored and any sovereign worlds we have already encountered should be allowed into the New Republic." Aled was focused on the Chancellor as he calmly awaited her next words.
"It is to the opinions of many that this action would create a new way to help combat the Sith threat which is opposed to our great society." Antilles said in a manner of heavy hearts. "What do you believe Ambassador?"
"My people feel it best that we welcome the Planets of the unknown territory into the Galactic assembly." Aled's eyes turned to the woman on his right not speaking out of turn but concerned by what he was hearing. ".Naboo has kept very close ties with a small system called Duconar and their leader who has been openly interested in long lasting relations between our worlds and seems to have much to offer the Republic itself." She concluded, still hovered by her four loyal bodyguards and servants.
"I see, in what way?" Antilles pressed.
Padme took in a small breath before continuing. "From what I have learned, Docunar's technology is highly integrated into their society, which means that they are subject to advancement and progress, especially in the scientific fields." she placed her hands into the lap of her dress, folded one over the other into the shimmering fabric of her garment.
Forewoman Antilles noted the Jedi's hidden look at the Ambassador's words. "Noble Aled, do you have any concerns you wish to express concerning this matter?" Padme turned her gaze at the Orveasian sitting next to her, his silver eyes dancing from her to the Chancellor as he answered.
"I don't believe it a wise course of action Chancellor." this was not what either of the two politicians expected to hear from the Jedi Knight. ".it has only been twenty one years since the war with the Sith started and while they have not striked recently I sense it unwise to welcome any new powers into the New Republic."
"But why should the Sith War hinder the entrance of any new worlds into the republic?" Padme questioned in a voice that did not belong to a woman of her position, but Aled welcomed it fully.
He turned his body to the left so he might better explain his opinion. "Over the past, the Jedi have tried to return to the Unknown Territories on sparse missions of exploration and investigation after the Battle at Umgul, but before our fleets could traverse beyond the outer rim, they were met with Sith counter forces." He saw Padme's attentive eyes looking to him as she listened closing. "My father was the first to be sent in and investigate the expanse beyond our boarders due to reports from an unidentified source of suspected Dark activities in the region." Aled bowed his head slightly in loss of the parent he never knew. ".He never returned from that mission." Padme felt the urge to place her hand on Aled's shoulder, but that would not fit her role as a dignitary. ".and so my mother, Master Skywalker, Master Chevacca and My former Master who was a Padawan at the time with his Master were part of an Investigation team to survey the Unknown territory to finish his mission and hopefully find my father." He looked to the Chancellor. "The events become too complicated to tell now, but the mission was successful in confirming that the Sith do exist now, and it also led to the discovery of what my former Master calls 'the Clones of Destiny.'" Antilles smiled as she peered to Padme by this remark.
"I have this name before. I believe your master must be referring to the Clones left behind from Kamino like the Ambassador here."
"Yes." Aled responded as he looked to the Ambassador. "It was the will of the Force that you and others like you were discovered M'lady."
"For this I' am forever grateful to the Jedi." She expelled in a voice not fitting to Amidala but rather as Padme.
"A feeling shared by many people in the New Republic." the Chancellor chimed. "Needles to say the matter of the Unknown territory worlds entering the Republic will not be resolved here, this is a problem for the Senate to fix."
"As it should." the Jedi complied.
"The Sessions will begin tomorrow afternoon." The Chancellor returned the conversation to its original point. "Tonight the Galactic Senate will be holding a gala here in the Senate Hall to honor the guest representatives from the unknown territory worlds who have come to witness the conferences. May I expect your attendance Lady Ambassador?" the Chancellor ended with a warm smile.
"I will be there tonight." Padme grinned as she gestured to Aled. ".and Noble Aled will be escorting me to the gala as well." This was news to the young Orveasian's ears, he was aware that the Ambassador was going to be at the Gala and now that he was her personal bodyguard he of course would be at her side, but in what way did she intend for him to be at her side? "Unless he would prefer I go by myself and have me at a set distance while he employs his mandate?"
Aled was put in an awkward position, one which no Jedi let alone any man is prepared for but he dared not turn away this opportunity. "It would be my pleasure M'lady."
She smiled, now light hearted by his response. "The feeling is mutual."
The Chancellor grinned, bowing her head looking down at her clasped hands on her desk, she was slightly embarrassed and felt out of place now. Not needing Jedi powers or magic to feel the chemistry between these two. "Well now that this has been settled. I must complete my work here before tonight." Antilles stood up from her imposing seat and gestured her two blue clad guards at the door to open the office hatch. "I believe you have arrangements of your own to make for this evening. Good day!" she smiled warmly once more as the two stood.
"Good day to you High Chancellor." Padme said as she moved for the doorway, flanked by her loyal group of handmaidens. Aled took this moment to reflect his farewells to the High Chancellor.
"The Force be with you, Chancellor Antilles."
"And may it also be with you Aled." She said before returning to her chair and her duties. Aled began to pace behind the Ambassador and her entourage, the door sealing behind them as they and the handmaidens exited the room. Padme smiled to herself as she quickly looked over Aled's robes.
Not turning to Aled she questioned. "You are not going to be wearing that to the Gala? Are you?" and the door sealed behind them.
Obi-wan Kenobi sat in the small meditation chamber high atop the main basin of the Jedi temple, legs crossed, hands on his knees and eyes closed focusing on the power of the Force, the river that runs through all creating an endless universe full of life surrounded by the glistening artificial lights of the uncountable buildings and towers that covered the horizon. His eyes twitching and fending off the wayward images that filled his mind, a mass bombardment of emotions, thoughts and feelings seemed to wash over the dreaming Kenobi as he searched for the one called Sedig. He had spent the past three hours in meditation, trying to find something that might lead him to the unknown Bounty hunter that Mace had informed him of only a few hours ago, but a dark presence always ended up clouding his perception. This was not new to any Jedi, the Sith had a reputation of hiding their true intentions from the Jedi but this only helped to prove the Darkside's involvement with the young Nubian Ambassador, no matter how oblivious it might be to everyone else.
After many futile efforts to see past the dark barriers of the Force Obi-wan broke his trance, seeking anything to help ease his mind besides mental meditative techniques. Obi-wan walked to the exit hatch of the chamber combing his hair with his left hand as he let his head hang limb on his neck.
'I wonder how Aled is doing?' he thought to himself as he strolled the hall of the Jedi temple which led to the hanger. Large steel pillars passing him like large trees through a well tended garden. The marble floor reflecting Obi-wan's cold, emotionless gaze right back at him until he came up to the Hanger entry hatch. Obi-wan waved his hand over the control panel and the door hissed open, gaining him access to the hanger deck.
The Young Jedi knight paced quickly down to the main floor, passing an old Corellian freighter which was currently receiving a long overdue check-up by a man by the name of Yoda Skywalker.
The Jedi Master sensed his former Padawan enter the large brightly lit room as he welded a new circuit conductor into the Millennium Falcon's engines atop the main hull. He removed his metal face shield and shouted towards his old daydreaming apprentice. "Obi-wan!"
The blue eyed knight searched to room a moment for the source of the voice which he quickly found on top of the ancient vessel in the center of the Bay deck. "Master!" He expelled with a jubilant tone as his former Master leaped off the over aged Falcon and onto the floor next to him, garbed in a dirty oil stained duty uniform. "Finally upgrading that old garbage heap of yours?" Obi-wan humored with a sly grimace.
"That ship." Skywalker waved his gloved hand at the Millennium Falcon, as Obi-wan secretly rolled his eyes as he received the old: ".has been in my family since the days of the Empire, it was present not only during the battle which destroyed the first Deathstar but it also helped to destroy the second one as well!"
"All the more reason I think it should be placed into the New Ossus Historical Artifacts Museum!" Obi-wan pointed out.
"She was made to last forever." Yoda argued.
"Forever was about two thousand years ago." Obi-wan injected before his Old Master could continue.
"It is obvious that this argument will not be solved right now." Skywalker concluded as he wiped smeared oil from his aged face onto his dirty tan sleeve. "How goes the investigation Obi-wan?"
"So far." the Jedi knight sighed as he tussled his hair. ".unsuccessful."
"You sound so sure of that conclusion." Skywalker began to remove his gloves as he spoke. "Have you already given up on your search?"
"No of course not." Obi-wan acquitted in his defense as the Jedi master slid his gloves into one of his large pockets.
"Then you cannot say it is unsuccessful." Yoda remarked. ".not until it's finished that is. Now it is simply more difficult than it may appear to be, perhaps there is more to it than you have prepared yourself to deal with?"
"I never thought of it that way?" Obi-wan Kenobi, now encouraged by the words he just shared with his old teacher, was ready to face his search with a new objective, not so much to seek the killer but to find the motivation. "Thank you Master."
"Don't thank me!" Skywalker retorted. "I'm too old to be thanked anymore! The Force merely gave insight that you needed." The old Jedi broke into a small smile before he threw himself back to his work. "Now good, do what you must, my former Padawan and May the Force be with you." They shook hands in a manner not becoming their true relationship as teacher and student, but none the less, Obi-wan could not be more thankful for the views of Yoda, his Master and only father figure
"And May it also be with you Master." The younger of the two broke the contact and ran to his speeder. Now with the drive he needed Obi-wan was ready to face the investigation with a new hope.
Gokas Sedig sat on the large couch of his hidden safe house, lights from the city littering the room with skinny sections of glow, parted by the small curtained windows. In the lap of a secret luxury with all the drinks his several livers could handle and he was bored as hell. "When is he going to get here?" he questioned to the empty bottle of Juri juice in his hand, a bit tipsy from drinking all of its contents.
"I'm already here?" a voice said from the darkness. Gokas snapped his head to the left where he heard the sound originate.
"Well?" he inquired in a light hearted but business mannered tone. "What does your boss want me to do now?"
A figure immerged from the shadows, with huge broad shoulders which were amplified by even larger layer of black armor, his cloak and suit as dark as the shadows he came from. Darth Vader stood before the lowly bounty hunter as a tyrant before his servant. "The plans for the Ambassador have changed." He dictated.
"How so?" Gokas said, cocking his purple haired brow with fear that this change would affect his pay more than anything else.
"We are to kidnap Ambassador Amidala as oppose to terminating her life." Vader made clear.
"Wait one minute! What's with this we business?" Gokas injected with a slight roar in his voice.
"You will be assisting me in this venture." Vader returned as he pulled a small text panel from his utility belt. "This touch screen contains all the details you will need to know. Study it well, we will take her tonight!"
"Fine, but the Ambassador has Jedi protection what are 'we' going to do about them?" The question was frightening enough but what Sedig heard Vader say next really rattled his nerves.
"Don't worry about the Jedi I can handle them!"