Palpatine felt a slight disturbance in the Force as he finished up the recent report that he had been assigned to accomplish. He paused before signing the document to concentrate on the disturbance. 'Ahhh it's the Corellian Knight.' He smirked as he then signed the document. 'He still is unsettled. Poor man…perhaps I should help unsettle him.' Palpatine resisted the chuckle that begged to be released.
He then got up from behind his desk and opened the doorway that led to the waiting room. At the same time, the caterer walked through the outer doorway bringing in a hover cart carrying several meals. The Bith nodded in greeting to the Senator and Knight. "Here is the food Senator Palpatine." The Bith's lidless black eyes sparkled as he pushed the hover cart further in for easier access.
"Thank you Riaoul. Just add it to my tab and don't forget to send me the cost total for this week." Palpatine said as he grabbed the end of the cart and began to push it toward his office.
Riaoul nodded once more to Palpatine then the Knight and left.
"Ahh Knight D'Lockens, I am glad you were able to come. Come on in. I wasn't sure as to what your food tastes were so I got a little variety."
Lindoro had been engrossed in his thoughts when Palpatine had come out of his office and when the Bith caterer had arrived. He nodded back at the Bith as he left then bowed in greeting to Palpatine. "Senator." Lindoro followed Palpatine in to his office. "I am not picky, sir. I eat just about everything there is."
Lindoro couldn't help but glance around at the office. It wasn't as elaborate as Organa's had been. There were only a couple of paintings on the walls, several shelves with books, and a few plants. One plant seemed almost sentient as its long greenish-red tinged leaves moved slightly at the Knight's passing. Lindoro kept a wary eye on that one. The other two plants were generic fern types.
"Please, take a seat. I'll get all this ready." Palpatine said as he took down a bottle of some drink off one of his shelves that had a few old books on it.
"Let me help, Senator." Lindoro took two glasses and held them while Palpatine poured the dark liquid.
"I am sure you are familiar with this, Corellian Ale. And almost a hundred years old I do believe. I have a few of these and only open them on special occasions." Palpatine smiled as he finished pouring. Putting the top back on the bottle he placed it on the hover cart. Taking a glass from Lindoro, Palpatine took a drink and sighed. "Great, just great." His light blue eyes shinning.
Lindoro smiled in return and brought the other glass to his lips and took a small whiff prior to tasting, he nearly sighed with bliss at the scent. Taking a drink he could not resist the sigh any longer. "Senator…this is indeed delicious." He said as he eyed the drink lovingly.
Palpatine chuckled. "I had hoped you would enjoy it. The last time I saw you, you looked like you needed a 'pick me up'." He eyed the Knight carefully.
Lindoro looked up from the drink and eyed the shorter man in return, guardedly. "I was lost in thought, yes."
Palpatine cocked an eyebrow. "Thoughts that troubled you?" He asked while he took another sip of his drink.
Lindoro clinched his jaw tightly causing his mustache to quiver slightly. "Possibly." He did not want to talk to him about it…or did he? Lindoro fought the urge too, it nearly screamed for him to speak.
Palpatine slowly nodded as if he understood the reluctance. "Well, let us eat then, shall we?"
He then placed his drink on the cart and grabbed a plate from the small holder on the side of the rectangular cart. It was a good 3 feet long by 2 feet wide. The food was still steaming hot. "It looks like he gave us a hefty collection of cuisine here. We have some from Corellia, Alderaan, Naboo, and a few others it appears." Palpatine smiled up at Lindoro as the Knight approached the small floating table.
Palpatine handed Lindoro a plate and a set of utensils. The Knight mumbled his thanks and awaited the Senator to get what he wanted first. Palpatine chuckled at the Knight's kindness and got a little of everything. "Definitely a wonderful selection, isn't it?"
Lindoro got a little of everything as well once Palpatine got his plate full. "Yes, sir it is. I did not expect such a fancy…" Lindoro strayed off as he chuckled. "I thank you for this chance to get to talk with you."
"Well if we are going to be working together I would think it would be in our best interest if we got to know one another somewhat, don't you?" Palpatine said as he took a seat behind his large desk.
"Yes, sir it makes sense." Lindoro answered as he took a seat at the chair in front of the desk. He put the plate in his lap and was about to eat when Palpatine motioned for him to put his plate on the desk.
"You can eat off my desk; it isn't made of precious metal or anything special."
Lindoro nearly flushed with embarrassment but stopped himself as he mumbled his thanks and placed his plate on the desk. Scooting the chair closer he began to sample the food he had gotten. Raising his eyebrows in shock, Lindoro smiled widely. "This Riaoul made this himself?"
"Yes, I highly enjoy his cooking." Palpatine said as he also had begun to eat.
"He is an excellent chef. It has been quite some time since I've had exquisite food like this." His eyes shimmered with joy as eating this brought memories back of when he was a Padawan and traveled to distant worlds with his Master. "I used to judge worlds by their food when I was a Padawan." He chuckled and then stopped realizing he actually spoke that out loud.
Palpatine chuckled as well. "Really? How interesting! Oh don't be embarrassed about it! We all do things when we are young. I find that refreshing to hear that from you. It lets me know that not all Jedi are so biased and all the same." He nodded to Lindoro still smiling warmly.
Lindoro chewed his food and slowly nodded back in return. 'He thinks it is refreshing? Well I guess so…yeah most Jedi aren't like that or likely to ever be that way.'
Palpatine felt the Knight's uncertainty and smiled even more. "Well…what can we talk about that we both share a common ground on? Hrmmm. Would you like to talk about Nar Shaddaa? I haven't really looked at the recent year's information that you provided the Senate with. I would like to know how it turned out if you don't mind? Last I heard you had several of the slavers under wrap and ready to be hauled in."
Lindoro nearly choked on the bread that he had just taken a bite of. It took all his willpower to not choke. Swallowing quickly, he took a drink to wash it down. "I…well if you would like to, sir."
Palpatine eyed Lindoro as he finished his own bite of food. "Would you mind? To hear it from you would be better than reading what the administration might have fluffed up. They have a bad habit of doing that." He took a sip out of his glass. Noticing that Lindoro's was nearly empty he got up and passed the bottle to the Knight. "Here have some more. It's what I have it out for." He smiled warmly.
"Thank you." Lindoro took the bottle and poured him some more. 'He wants to talk about it. I…I don't know if I can.' "What would you like to know about the slavers?"
"Well I heard of the passing of Medias. His death was warranted and he deserved what he got. Terrible beast! I saw the reports you provided on what he had done in the past with killing his own slaves if he didn't get his way." Palpatine shook his head sadly.
Lindoro's breath caught at the mention of Medias' name. He had to use all his concentration to keep from sweating. His breaths tried to quicken but he called upon the Force to ease the feeling.
Palpatine saw the Knight's eyes darken slightly as the feeling of fear slip through the man's shielding. 'Ahhh so he is still troubled over the Wookie's demise.'
"What of Lastern? Did that Twi'lek get hauled in?" Palpatine asked as he took another bite of his meal.
Lindoro took another slow breath, "Yes sir. I got him about 8 months ago. His slavery days are over. I had only a little trouble from the Hutts, but as soon as I pointed out that he had been cheating them of their cut of his profits they went and nailed him." Lindoro was relieved that Palpatine did not want to discuss more on the Wookie slaver. Sipping some more of his drink he finished his plate.
Palpatine finished his as well. "That is good to hear. I know the Republic does not have jurisdiction on that Moon, but it is nice to be able to bring the end to slavery whenever it is possible. I have never liked it nor will ever support it. We have been following their trail for quite some time. I am especially thrilled to see that you were able to haul some of them in so they can pay for their illegal slavery acts that they have done in the Core Worlds." Palpatine sipped some more from his glass, which was still well over half full. He smiled inside as he watched Lindoro pour himself some more.
"Yes sir. I, as well as the Jedi in general, do not support slavery. Anything else?" Lindoro asked as he replaced the top on the bottle. He then stood up and purposely put the bottle on the hover cart and sat back down. 'That is just too tempting…I have to keep my wits about me.'
Palpatine watched the Knight put the drink out of his reach. 'Now that's interesting…does he have a drinking problem? Hrmmm.'
"I would like to ask…that is if it is all right…how did these missions affect you? I know it had to be really trying at times." Palpatine took one last sip from his drink and sat back comfortably in his chair, as he steepled his fingers.
Lindoro, sitting upright in his chair, sat up even further if it was at all possible. "It was not easy if you get my meaning." 'He's asking…he's actually asking…' His hands began to sweat and tremble just slightly. He was glad he had them in his lap out of sight. 'What is wrong with me? I have better control than this! I am not some initiate!' His fear was spiked by a slight rise of anger at his reaction to the Senator's question. 'You would think I was being interrogated or something…He is just asking a simple question.'
Palpatine felt the slight ripple through the Force and braved the next step. "I am not sure…what do you mean?"
Lindoro looked down for a split second as he tried to rein in the erupting emotions. Once more calling upon the Force to stabilize himself. "Some of the things I had to do were not quite sanctioned by the Code. You are familiar with the Jedi Code?"
Palpatine nodded. "I am vaguely aware of it. I know some things that Jedi can't do, like kill without a pretty good reason. I know that they usually abhor to killing in general."
Lindoro nodded and licked at his drying lips. "There were times I had to and it was not an easy thing to accomplish." He slowly wiped the moisture from the palms of his hands on his pants while taking his time in order not to give his discomfort away to the Senator.
"You had to kill people without a justifiable cause?" Palpatine allowed his eyes to widen slightly in shock. But then returned them to normal. "I see." He paused for dramatic purposes. "And of course this bothered you?"
Lindoro gulped quietly as he saw and felt the man's shock. 'Great…he is going to be repulsed by this…' But at the man's quick come back, a small light of hope glimmered in the Knight's heart. "Yes sir, I would think that it would bother most morally raised beings."
Palpatine nodded. "Yes, of course it would." He leaned forward placing his arms on the desk and observed Lindoro sympathetically. "How often… that is if you don't mind saying…" He trailed off.
Lindoro sighed slightly. "More than I would have liked, I'll tell you that much Senator."
The older man nodded with understanding. "It is sad that you had to bear that…and alone?" At the Knight's nod, Palpatine shook his head sadly once more. "Have you been able to talk with anyone about this? I know I'd go nuts if I wasn't able to." Palpatine sat back in his chair with a wave of his hand.
Lindoro couldn't speak for a few moments. The chance that he had clung to for so long - to be able to talk with someone had just been provided. Like a light at the end of a darken tunnel had just been turned on. Lindoro's breath quickened for a split second as his hope soared. He took a drink to cover his slight relapse of control.
Palpatine felt a twinge through the Force. He had obviously struck the right chord in the Knight by asking the question. 'I was right…he has not talked with anyone.' Inwardly his grin took an evil twist.
"No sir. I have not been able to discuss those events due to the classification." Lindoro struggled to keep his voice even.
"What? Not even with the Council? I would have thought you had talked to them about it." Palpatine sat forward taking on the part of being totally absorbed in the discussion.
Lindoro nearly flinched at the thought of talking to a Council member about his murders. "No…they would not understand and I can't because of what they are. One does not talk lightly around a Council member." He hated to admit this to the elderly man, but he had asked.
"Ahhh so true, there are things I do not like to discuss to my own fellow Senators, let alone the Chancellor himself." Palpatine nodded with understanding. He then got up from his desk taking his plate, utensils, and nearly empty glass and putting them in the slot where he originally got them from. He then in turn placed a hand on the Knight's shoulder and squeezed gently. Eyeing the man, Palpatine looked on him sincerely. "If you want to ever talk about them, I offer what time I have for you. I will gladly sit and talk with you. And if you are the only one that talks, then I will gladly just sit and listen. You can trust me in that." He smiled warmly down at the sitting Knight.
Palpatine then took the man's plate and utensils putting them in the slot as well. He slipped around his desk and sat back in his chair. "Would you like to talk about some of it now?"
Lindoro could feel the Senator's concern and warmth through the Force as it was also reflected in the man's light blue eyes. Lindoro's shoulders slumped slightly as he looked down at his hands. "I do not wish to bother you Senator with my…issues."
Palpatine allowed a sneer to cross his face before replacing it with a comforting smile, one that a loving father would give to his son, when the Knight's head looked back up. "Bother me? I would not have offered my time otherwise. Please, I don't have anything planned until three o'clock. I have the time if you do Knight D'Lockens."
Lindoro allowed a weak smile, as some of the past years' weight seemed to lift from his shoulders. Relief flooded through him and caused his slightly dulled eyes to shine. "I appreciate this Senator, you have no idea how much." 'I won't tell him everything…but at least I can talk about some of the events with him…anything better than not being able to talk at all.'
For the next hour Lindoro poured most of his heart out to the Senator from Naboo. Only once did he nearly break down and was comforted when Palpatine came to his side and draped an arm around the tall Knight talking soothingly.
By the time it was nearly three in the afternoon, Palpatine knew he had the Knight's confidence. "Remember, if you ever need to talk…my door is open. Just give me a call. I enjoyed our lunch and would love to set up another one if you don't mind? I would have to get back with you sometime tomorrow about when to schedule it."
Lindoro nodded. "Thank you Senator, I just hope I have not appalled you or took too much of your time. I, too, would like to have lunch again." Lindoro felt better than he had in months, a smile played at his lips and his eyes glowed nearly with the slight reprieve he had been given.
"Nonsense! You did not appall me in any way let alone took too much of my time. I shouldn't have to remind you that this time was set aside for us to get to know one another." He smiled and patted the Knight on the shoulder. "I'll get with you tomorrow to set up another time for lunch. Have a good day Knight D'Lockens. I hope I was able to be of some help." He offered his hand, which was taken by Lindoro.
"Thank you Senator, you helped more than you will ever know." He bowed and wished the Senator good day. He then left the room and bid Sherina good day as well.
'I am glad to have been able to talk with him. I believe we could become good friends. He was shocked at what I have done, but not repulsed with it.' Lindoro sighed once more with contentment. 'I have someone I can talk to now… Between him and Menaria I can work out this rising darkness that threatens to engulf me. Yes he can help by listening.'
Lindoro made his way back to his speeder and headed back to the Temple. For the first time that day, he was able to maintain the happiness of the moment. Even though Knight Ris had joined the line of traffic that he had just entered, he did not let that bother him for long. He allowed the anger to enter and then leave him as he once again grasped the emotions of relief and happiness. Singing one of the famous drinking songs he had picked up from one of the many cantinas on Nar Shaddaa, Lindoro felt young and alive.
He then got up from behind his desk and opened the doorway that led to the waiting room. At the same time, the caterer walked through the outer doorway bringing in a hover cart carrying several meals. The Bith nodded in greeting to the Senator and Knight. "Here is the food Senator Palpatine." The Bith's lidless black eyes sparkled as he pushed the hover cart further in for easier access.
"Thank you Riaoul. Just add it to my tab and don't forget to send me the cost total for this week." Palpatine said as he grabbed the end of the cart and began to push it toward his office.
Riaoul nodded once more to Palpatine then the Knight and left.
"Ahh Knight D'Lockens, I am glad you were able to come. Come on in. I wasn't sure as to what your food tastes were so I got a little variety."
Lindoro had been engrossed in his thoughts when Palpatine had come out of his office and when the Bith caterer had arrived. He nodded back at the Bith as he left then bowed in greeting to Palpatine. "Senator." Lindoro followed Palpatine in to his office. "I am not picky, sir. I eat just about everything there is."
Lindoro couldn't help but glance around at the office. It wasn't as elaborate as Organa's had been. There were only a couple of paintings on the walls, several shelves with books, and a few plants. One plant seemed almost sentient as its long greenish-red tinged leaves moved slightly at the Knight's passing. Lindoro kept a wary eye on that one. The other two plants were generic fern types.
"Please, take a seat. I'll get all this ready." Palpatine said as he took down a bottle of some drink off one of his shelves that had a few old books on it.
"Let me help, Senator." Lindoro took two glasses and held them while Palpatine poured the dark liquid.
"I am sure you are familiar with this, Corellian Ale. And almost a hundred years old I do believe. I have a few of these and only open them on special occasions." Palpatine smiled as he finished pouring. Putting the top back on the bottle he placed it on the hover cart. Taking a glass from Lindoro, Palpatine took a drink and sighed. "Great, just great." His light blue eyes shinning.
Lindoro smiled in return and brought the other glass to his lips and took a small whiff prior to tasting, he nearly sighed with bliss at the scent. Taking a drink he could not resist the sigh any longer. "Senator…this is indeed delicious." He said as he eyed the drink lovingly.
Palpatine chuckled. "I had hoped you would enjoy it. The last time I saw you, you looked like you needed a 'pick me up'." He eyed the Knight carefully.
Lindoro looked up from the drink and eyed the shorter man in return, guardedly. "I was lost in thought, yes."
Palpatine cocked an eyebrow. "Thoughts that troubled you?" He asked while he took another sip of his drink.
Lindoro clinched his jaw tightly causing his mustache to quiver slightly. "Possibly." He did not want to talk to him about it…or did he? Lindoro fought the urge too, it nearly screamed for him to speak.
Palpatine slowly nodded as if he understood the reluctance. "Well, let us eat then, shall we?"
He then placed his drink on the cart and grabbed a plate from the small holder on the side of the rectangular cart. It was a good 3 feet long by 2 feet wide. The food was still steaming hot. "It looks like he gave us a hefty collection of cuisine here. We have some from Corellia, Alderaan, Naboo, and a few others it appears." Palpatine smiled up at Lindoro as the Knight approached the small floating table.
Palpatine handed Lindoro a plate and a set of utensils. The Knight mumbled his thanks and awaited the Senator to get what he wanted first. Palpatine chuckled at the Knight's kindness and got a little of everything. "Definitely a wonderful selection, isn't it?"
Lindoro got a little of everything as well once Palpatine got his plate full. "Yes, sir it is. I did not expect such a fancy…" Lindoro strayed off as he chuckled. "I thank you for this chance to get to talk with you."
"Well if we are going to be working together I would think it would be in our best interest if we got to know one another somewhat, don't you?" Palpatine said as he took a seat behind his large desk.
"Yes, sir it makes sense." Lindoro answered as he took a seat at the chair in front of the desk. He put the plate in his lap and was about to eat when Palpatine motioned for him to put his plate on the desk.
"You can eat off my desk; it isn't made of precious metal or anything special."
Lindoro nearly flushed with embarrassment but stopped himself as he mumbled his thanks and placed his plate on the desk. Scooting the chair closer he began to sample the food he had gotten. Raising his eyebrows in shock, Lindoro smiled widely. "This Riaoul made this himself?"
"Yes, I highly enjoy his cooking." Palpatine said as he also had begun to eat.
"He is an excellent chef. It has been quite some time since I've had exquisite food like this." His eyes shimmered with joy as eating this brought memories back of when he was a Padawan and traveled to distant worlds with his Master. "I used to judge worlds by their food when I was a Padawan." He chuckled and then stopped realizing he actually spoke that out loud.
Palpatine chuckled as well. "Really? How interesting! Oh don't be embarrassed about it! We all do things when we are young. I find that refreshing to hear that from you. It lets me know that not all Jedi are so biased and all the same." He nodded to Lindoro still smiling warmly.
Lindoro chewed his food and slowly nodded back in return. 'He thinks it is refreshing? Well I guess so…yeah most Jedi aren't like that or likely to ever be that way.'
Palpatine felt the Knight's uncertainty and smiled even more. "Well…what can we talk about that we both share a common ground on? Hrmmm. Would you like to talk about Nar Shaddaa? I haven't really looked at the recent year's information that you provided the Senate with. I would like to know how it turned out if you don't mind? Last I heard you had several of the slavers under wrap and ready to be hauled in."
Lindoro nearly choked on the bread that he had just taken a bite of. It took all his willpower to not choke. Swallowing quickly, he took a drink to wash it down. "I…well if you would like to, sir."
Palpatine eyed Lindoro as he finished his own bite of food. "Would you mind? To hear it from you would be better than reading what the administration might have fluffed up. They have a bad habit of doing that." He took a sip out of his glass. Noticing that Lindoro's was nearly empty he got up and passed the bottle to the Knight. "Here have some more. It's what I have it out for." He smiled warmly.
"Thank you." Lindoro took the bottle and poured him some more. 'He wants to talk about it. I…I don't know if I can.' "What would you like to know about the slavers?"
"Well I heard of the passing of Medias. His death was warranted and he deserved what he got. Terrible beast! I saw the reports you provided on what he had done in the past with killing his own slaves if he didn't get his way." Palpatine shook his head sadly.
Lindoro's breath caught at the mention of Medias' name. He had to use all his concentration to keep from sweating. His breaths tried to quicken but he called upon the Force to ease the feeling.
Palpatine saw the Knight's eyes darken slightly as the feeling of fear slip through the man's shielding. 'Ahhh so he is still troubled over the Wookie's demise.'
"What of Lastern? Did that Twi'lek get hauled in?" Palpatine asked as he took another bite of his meal.
Lindoro took another slow breath, "Yes sir. I got him about 8 months ago. His slavery days are over. I had only a little trouble from the Hutts, but as soon as I pointed out that he had been cheating them of their cut of his profits they went and nailed him." Lindoro was relieved that Palpatine did not want to discuss more on the Wookie slaver. Sipping some more of his drink he finished his plate.
Palpatine finished his as well. "That is good to hear. I know the Republic does not have jurisdiction on that Moon, but it is nice to be able to bring the end to slavery whenever it is possible. I have never liked it nor will ever support it. We have been following their trail for quite some time. I am especially thrilled to see that you were able to haul some of them in so they can pay for their illegal slavery acts that they have done in the Core Worlds." Palpatine sipped some more from his glass, which was still well over half full. He smiled inside as he watched Lindoro pour himself some more.
"Yes sir. I, as well as the Jedi in general, do not support slavery. Anything else?" Lindoro asked as he replaced the top on the bottle. He then stood up and purposely put the bottle on the hover cart and sat back down. 'That is just too tempting…I have to keep my wits about me.'
Palpatine watched the Knight put the drink out of his reach. 'Now that's interesting…does he have a drinking problem? Hrmmm.'
"I would like to ask…that is if it is all right…how did these missions affect you? I know it had to be really trying at times." Palpatine took one last sip from his drink and sat back comfortably in his chair, as he steepled his fingers.
Lindoro, sitting upright in his chair, sat up even further if it was at all possible. "It was not easy if you get my meaning." 'He's asking…he's actually asking…' His hands began to sweat and tremble just slightly. He was glad he had them in his lap out of sight. 'What is wrong with me? I have better control than this! I am not some initiate!' His fear was spiked by a slight rise of anger at his reaction to the Senator's question. 'You would think I was being interrogated or something…He is just asking a simple question.'
Palpatine felt the slight ripple through the Force and braved the next step. "I am not sure…what do you mean?"
Lindoro looked down for a split second as he tried to rein in the erupting emotions. Once more calling upon the Force to stabilize himself. "Some of the things I had to do were not quite sanctioned by the Code. You are familiar with the Jedi Code?"
Palpatine nodded. "I am vaguely aware of it. I know some things that Jedi can't do, like kill without a pretty good reason. I know that they usually abhor to killing in general."
Lindoro nodded and licked at his drying lips. "There were times I had to and it was not an easy thing to accomplish." He slowly wiped the moisture from the palms of his hands on his pants while taking his time in order not to give his discomfort away to the Senator.
"You had to kill people without a justifiable cause?" Palpatine allowed his eyes to widen slightly in shock. But then returned them to normal. "I see." He paused for dramatic purposes. "And of course this bothered you?"
Lindoro gulped quietly as he saw and felt the man's shock. 'Great…he is going to be repulsed by this…' But at the man's quick come back, a small light of hope glimmered in the Knight's heart. "Yes sir, I would think that it would bother most morally raised beings."
Palpatine nodded. "Yes, of course it would." He leaned forward placing his arms on the desk and observed Lindoro sympathetically. "How often… that is if you don't mind saying…" He trailed off.
Lindoro sighed slightly. "More than I would have liked, I'll tell you that much Senator."
The older man nodded with understanding. "It is sad that you had to bear that…and alone?" At the Knight's nod, Palpatine shook his head sadly once more. "Have you been able to talk with anyone about this? I know I'd go nuts if I wasn't able to." Palpatine sat back in his chair with a wave of his hand.
Lindoro couldn't speak for a few moments. The chance that he had clung to for so long - to be able to talk with someone had just been provided. Like a light at the end of a darken tunnel had just been turned on. Lindoro's breath quickened for a split second as his hope soared. He took a drink to cover his slight relapse of control.
Palpatine felt a twinge through the Force. He had obviously struck the right chord in the Knight by asking the question. 'I was right…he has not talked with anyone.' Inwardly his grin took an evil twist.
"No sir. I have not been able to discuss those events due to the classification." Lindoro struggled to keep his voice even.
"What? Not even with the Council? I would have thought you had talked to them about it." Palpatine sat forward taking on the part of being totally absorbed in the discussion.
Lindoro nearly flinched at the thought of talking to a Council member about his murders. "No…they would not understand and I can't because of what they are. One does not talk lightly around a Council member." He hated to admit this to the elderly man, but he had asked.
"Ahhh so true, there are things I do not like to discuss to my own fellow Senators, let alone the Chancellor himself." Palpatine nodded with understanding. He then got up from his desk taking his plate, utensils, and nearly empty glass and putting them in the slot where he originally got them from. He then in turn placed a hand on the Knight's shoulder and squeezed gently. Eyeing the man, Palpatine looked on him sincerely. "If you want to ever talk about them, I offer what time I have for you. I will gladly sit and talk with you. And if you are the only one that talks, then I will gladly just sit and listen. You can trust me in that." He smiled warmly down at the sitting Knight.
Palpatine then took the man's plate and utensils putting them in the slot as well. He slipped around his desk and sat back in his chair. "Would you like to talk about some of it now?"
Lindoro could feel the Senator's concern and warmth through the Force as it was also reflected in the man's light blue eyes. Lindoro's shoulders slumped slightly as he looked down at his hands. "I do not wish to bother you Senator with my…issues."
Palpatine allowed a sneer to cross his face before replacing it with a comforting smile, one that a loving father would give to his son, when the Knight's head looked back up. "Bother me? I would not have offered my time otherwise. Please, I don't have anything planned until three o'clock. I have the time if you do Knight D'Lockens."
Lindoro allowed a weak smile, as some of the past years' weight seemed to lift from his shoulders. Relief flooded through him and caused his slightly dulled eyes to shine. "I appreciate this Senator, you have no idea how much." 'I won't tell him everything…but at least I can talk about some of the events with him…anything better than not being able to talk at all.'
For the next hour Lindoro poured most of his heart out to the Senator from Naboo. Only once did he nearly break down and was comforted when Palpatine came to his side and draped an arm around the tall Knight talking soothingly.
By the time it was nearly three in the afternoon, Palpatine knew he had the Knight's confidence. "Remember, if you ever need to talk…my door is open. Just give me a call. I enjoyed our lunch and would love to set up another one if you don't mind? I would have to get back with you sometime tomorrow about when to schedule it."
Lindoro nodded. "Thank you Senator, I just hope I have not appalled you or took too much of your time. I, too, would like to have lunch again." Lindoro felt better than he had in months, a smile played at his lips and his eyes glowed nearly with the slight reprieve he had been given.
"Nonsense! You did not appall me in any way let alone took too much of my time. I shouldn't have to remind you that this time was set aside for us to get to know one another." He smiled and patted the Knight on the shoulder. "I'll get with you tomorrow to set up another time for lunch. Have a good day Knight D'Lockens. I hope I was able to be of some help." He offered his hand, which was taken by Lindoro.
"Thank you Senator, you helped more than you will ever know." He bowed and wished the Senator good day. He then left the room and bid Sherina good day as well.
'I am glad to have been able to talk with him. I believe we could become good friends. He was shocked at what I have done, but not repulsed with it.' Lindoro sighed once more with contentment. 'I have someone I can talk to now… Between him and Menaria I can work out this rising darkness that threatens to engulf me. Yes he can help by listening.'
Lindoro made his way back to his speeder and headed back to the Temple. For the first time that day, he was able to maintain the happiness of the moment. Even though Knight Ris had joined the line of traffic that he had just entered, he did not let that bother him for long. He allowed the anger to enter and then leave him as he once again grasped the emotions of relief and happiness. Singing one of the famous drinking songs he had picked up from one of the many cantinas on Nar Shaddaa, Lindoro felt young and alive.