Disclaimer : see chapter one
Author's Note : from now on the storyline will be a bit more complicated. I used the time code of the Star Wars fact files (year 0= the Battle of Yavin). I hope this will make things a bit clearer.
So, for example, things that happen in Episode I :TPM, take place in 32 BBY (32 years before the Battle of Yavin).
And things that happen in Episodes IV, VI and after the fall of the Empire take place ABY (after the Battle of Yavin) (quite logically J )
Okay, and now, let's go on with the story …………
Chapter 3Theed, 32 BBY
Today they elected me, Padmé Naberrie, Queen of the Naboo. I won't betray the confidence my people trusted to me. I will not fail them. Their well-fare and prosperity will always be my greatest priority.
In this diary, I will try to give a faithful description of events during my period of government…
*
Padmé Naberrie, Queen Amidala of the Naboo, looked upon the great mass of people who were gathered on the central square of Theed in honour of her coronation.
On the first row, she saw the faces of her beloved family. As her parents looked at her full of pride, she noticed how her mother secretly brushed away a tear. Even her elder sister, Sola, cheered enthusiastically with the crowd.
Padmé knew that this moment wasn't just important for her, but also for her family who have been looking forward to it for a long time - ever since her talents in politics had been discovered.
And it hadn't been always that simple, especially for her parents. In order to provide a proper education for their daughter, they had to deny themselves many things, both financially and emotionally – it was anything but easy to give up your eight year old little girl to something as harsh and ruthless as politics.
Still, they had given her the opportunity and she was eternally grateful…
It became suddenly very quite when the newly crowned Queen rose and strode to the stand to address the crowd. The summer sun shone blindingly on her radiant garment and the wind played merrily with the many pieces of cloth that decorated her white cloak. The symbolic crown that her predecessor had placed on Padmé's head, sparkled brightly. For a second, she had to become used to its weight and out of fear it would tumble of her head, she stood bolt upright in front of the large amount of people.
She opened her mouth and suddenly felt how deep her voice was stuck in her throat, as if repressed by the fear that raged furiously inside of her.
This was it, her moment of truth. For a brief moment, she looked at Senator Palpatine, who gave her an encouraging smile. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and tried to settle down the chaos within her.
Surprisingly, se felt a strength rising – she didn't know from where – and it comforted her. She could do this. She had to do this. This was her destiny.
With a newfound confidence, she opened her eyes and spoke calmly:
"My fellow countrymen. I gratefully thank you for the faith you have placed in me. I'm very aware that it is not that obvious to appoint such a high and important position to a fourteen year old. I pledge to you now that I will not betray your trust. In the next four years I will do whatever I can to serve the people of the Naboo and to bring our planet more prosperity without diminishing it's breathtaking beauty."
A loud cheer erupted and Padmé beamed. This is were she belonged.
**
9 ABY
Leia startled when she heard a soft knock on the door. Quickly she shoved the diary under a stack of papers on her desk. Then she blushed – she acted like a teenager who had done something that mustn't be known.
Swiftly, she said:
"Yes ?"
Carefully, the door opened and the fragile silhouette of her handmaiden appeared.
"Yes, Keira?"
"Senator, Chancellor Mon Mothma requests a moment of your time."
Leia frowned. Mon Mothma? Why did the former leader of the Alliance pay her a visit at this unearthly hour?
Leia nodded and the young girl disappeared to make room for a middle-aged, stern looking woman. Full of confidence, Mon Mothma, the temporary Head Chancellor of the New Republic, entered the room.
"Good evening, Senator. I'm pleased you could see me at this time of night."
Confused but curious, Leia offered the Chancellor a seat.
"I assume your journeys went well?" the older woman began without hesitation.
Leia nodded.
"Indeed. Most planets wish to join the Republic once more. It feels good to see they haven't lost their confidence in democracy."
"And Naboo?" Mon Mothma asked.
Leia paused for a moment and then said:
"Even Naboo is willing to, with some conditions …"
"I suspected as much," the older woman sighed , "and that's the reason I wanted to talk to you. I'm considering to …"
She stopped and then said suddenly:
"How would you feel to become Head Chancellor of the New Republic?"
Stunned, Leia stared at Mon Mothma, while the words sank in. She? Head Chancellor of the New Republic? She couldn't, could she? Well, maybe she could, but was she willing to ? Would she sacrifice her life as she had done for the Alliance? Was it still worth it?
"But I …" she stammered.
"I didn't express myself accurately. You will not be THE Head Chancellor, but one of two."
"Two ?"
Mon Mothma nodded.
"That way, the power will be shared. Each resolution will need to be approved by both chancellors. This way, we can avoid a new dictatorship more effectively."
"It seems a good solution," Leia contemplated. "Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the Republic can become divided when the two chancellors disagree about a resolution …"
"There are going to be clear guidelines from the start. A new amendment will only be accepted when BOTH chancellors agree…"
"This of course can lead to bribery…"
Sighing Mon Mothma stood up and slowly paced the room with her hands folded on her back.
"That's why I propose that one of the chancellors shall not be appointed trough election. It must be an impartial person who can judge objectively beyond the sphere of influence. And that brought me to you …"
"I don't know if I …" Leia began softly.
The older woman looked at her seriously.
"Princess, I've known you for many years. I've seen what you're capable of. You have the leadership qualities, and people trust you…"
Leia was lost in thoughts. She didn't know what to think about all this. Oh, a part of her really wanted to seize this opportunity and proof that she could do it. But an other part just wanted to say goodbye to the political arena so she could finally build a life with Han…
"May I consider it?" she asked.
"Of course. Just let me know when you've reached your decision."
When Mon Mothma made ready to leave, Leia suddenly said:
"I still have one question. Who would be the other Chancellor?"
Mon Mothma smiled.
"Like I said, one chancellor will be elected by the Senators, according to the old system."
"It is very likely that you will be chosen."
For a moment, the older woman seemed to hesitate, but admitted:
"Yes, it is possible, IF I would run for chancellor…"
"Aren't you?"
"We'll see what the future brings. Senator, I bid you a good night. Please fill me in as soon as you've considered my proposition thoroughly."
With this, she left. For a while, Leia stood bewildered.
--
That night Leia had difficulties falling asleep. Maybe because she had to take such a severe decision that could change her and Han's future completely, or maybe because she wished she'd had the chance to read more in her mothers diary. Her mothers diary. Those words sounded beautiful. A diary which may contain all the answers to the questions that tormented her for so long. Maybe Mon Mothma was right, maybe she did have the qualities to be a great leader. Apparently, her mother too had had great talents in politics and even her father – Leia shuddered – had shown this ability, that couldn't be denied; he had perfect control over his Stormtroopers …
Leia turned over and nestled in her husbands arms. She realised she had to talk to Han about Mon Mothma's proposition; she couldn't possibly take this decision alone, because it affected them both. And she also knew she had to tell Luke about those diaries – after all, it was his mother too – but still, she wanted to keep them secret a little while longer. It just felt better that way. She needed to know how her mother could have fallen in love with Anakin Skywalker, the man who would have the whole galaxy in his grasp…
With this last thought, she finally fell in a restless sleep.
Poohke : en nu nog het tweede en derde hoofdstuk lezen hé J, merci voor uw tijd in ieder geval !!
Renee: mmmm as you may have read, Leia isn't gonna tell yet .. sorry …
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Altijd kritsich: tiens, gestalte achter de muur is van naam en identiteit veranderd. Merci voor uw review en al uw tijd om het na te lezen. Uw review komt me trouwens echt heel bekend voor …. Toedeloe !!!
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