Ch. 5 Power and Passion
A/N: Now things REALLY start heating up!
Jacen sensed the disturbance in the Force as if he had been struck by lightning. Something was terribly wrong. He walked out of the meditation chamber and down a hall to the nearest Holonet terminal. He pressed a button and activated the screen. He keyed another command and the screen transitioned to a list of all the latest news. There was a huge headline that he immediately saw: KUATI SENATOR VINEESA OCT, GENERAL ARIEN YAGE, AND ROGUE LEADER XAN LANTOS ASSASSINATED!!!!
Jacen closed his eyes and shook his head heavily. Then he looked back at the screen for the details. The screen read: Galactic Alliance General Arien Yage (former Imperial officer), Kuati Senator Vineesa Oct and famous pilot Xan Lantos of Rogue Squadron were killed today while visiting Theed University on Naboo. The trio was on a tour of the galaxy, attending numerous rallies in support of the Galactic Alliance military. Senator Oct and Xan Lantos were long suspected by the entertainment gossip vids of having a secret relationship. Arien Yage has been a prominent figure in the Alliance military ever since assisting the Skywalkers in their search for Zonama Sekot over two decades ago. When they were taken to Theed University Hospital for autopsy and reporters began asking questions, authorities refused to comment on the weapons used to kill them. These famous figures are not alone. Two days ago, Senator Brist Fultrex of Corellia was also assassinated. Interestingly, he'd just returned from a vacation on Naboo. And several local officials on this backwater planet have also been assassinated. There are numerous rumors now circulating over this, most of which are certainly not credible. (PLAY TRANSMISSION OF THIS). Jacen clicked the bold icon and a window appeared on the screen showing a video of a very deranged-looking lady shrieking "It's the return of the Emperor!!!! Prepare for the New Rise of Palpatine!!!!!!!!!"
Jacen shook his head and turned the screen off. He had a very horrible hunch on what kind of weapons were used to kill the three famous figures. He immediately took out a special comlink that automatically called Chief Triebakk. "Hello, Triebakk," said Jacen. "Have they told you what killed them?" The Chief of State's response confirmed Jacen's suspicions. They had been killed with thud bugs and razor bugs. Jacen breathed in at the Chief's next words. He was calling a special session of the Senate, Advisory Council, and High Council.
***
Ben and Vix set in front of the campfire. R2 tweedled cheerfully as he scanned the area to see what kind of lifeforms were around here. Ben glanced nervously at Vix every few seconds. This couldn't be happening. She was his best friend. He finally asked her a question. "Vix," he said, "we've been friends for a long time, right?" Vix slowly nodded her head, her face as red as a tap beet. Ben swallowed the lump in his throat and continued. "You…you'd never want to lose that, would you?" Vix whispered, "No, Ben. I wouldn't." Ben finally got up his courage. "Well ever since we were in transit to this place, and now especially in this place, I've been thinking about, well…us in a different way. I'm not even sure I want to. But I think I'm starting to feel a lot more strongly about you."
To his surprise, she turned around and looked into his blue eyes with her own brown ones. "Ben…I think I've been feeling the same way. " Ben looked at her for a few more seconds before leaning in for the kiss. Vix didn't resist. She wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders and drew him closer. Then they finally locked lips and kissed, entwined in each other's arms.
***
Jacen stormed down the hall after Triebakk. "Triebakk, you can't do this! Who knows if these assassins will strike again during this meeting! I mean, with so many important people gathered in one place, the odds for an attempt are unbelievably high!!!!!" The Wookiee turned around and looked wearily at Jacen before roaring something that translated to: I have no choice, Master Solo. The Advisory Council is pushing for this. I don't know why they would if their own lives are on the line, but they are.
Jacen said, "The Jedi will be there, but we can't protect everyone all at once. These assassins might attack in large numbers. Who knows what they're capable of if they've got Yuuzhan Vong biotech on their side?! Triebakk replied, "It's too late to call the meeting off now, my friend. Everyone has already gathered in the Grand Convocation Chamber and they're waiting for us to come out. Don't worry, though. I have ordered t that this meeting will not have any coverage from the media. Whatever is revealed in the Chamber stays in the Chamber.
Jacen shook his head. He had a strong feeling that something terrible was about to happen. If only he hadn't been informed about this meeting on such short notice! Even now, he and Chief Triebakk were walking down a hallway towards the Grand Convocation Chamber, where the Senate was now convened. But he had no choice now. He breathed in, steeled himself, and walked through the doors leading into the chamber.
