Disclaimer : see chapter 1
A/N: Guess who's back ??
Sorry, sorry, sorry, Sorry, sorry, sorry, Sorry, sorry, sorry, Sorry, sorry, sorry, Sorry, sorry, sorry, Sorry, sorry, sorry, Sorry, sorry, sorry, Sorry, sorry, sorry, Sorry, sorry, sorry, Sorry, sorry, sorry …. (kneels down, begs forgiveness)
I know, I promised to post sooner but … it took even longer !!
But … the good news is the story isn't dead, far from it actually ! I have found a whole new source of inspiration … and for those who think the updates take too long, there's my other story "Steps of Doom" (Lord of the Rings-fanfic). It would be great to know your thoughts about that one …
As always, thanks to Badia and Sofie …
And now, let's go on with the story …
Chapter 5
9 ABY
"And thus, my fellow-senators, I'm convinced this is the best solution."
Slowly, Mon Mothma regarded all those who were present.
Leia watched with fascination. Every time Leia was impressed at how this seemingly fragile woman was capable of captivating the senators.
"Of course, my will isn't law," Mon Mothma continued, "There will be a vote for this amendment. But allow me to stress the importance of your choice. It is you who decide here and now about the further development of this Republic. It could fail, but it could also be a success and in my opinion two head chancellors are a step closer to that success. We have all experienced what the madness of one head chancellor can do …"
**
32 BBY
(diary of Padmé)
The unimaginable has happened. Nute Gunray, Viceroy of the Trade Federation, has made our small planet the target of a blockade. He wants to force me to surrender but I will not submit.
But how can I prevent my people suffering ?
*
Queen Amidala stood solemnly before one of the many windows. The pale light of the morning sun shone softly on her silhouette veiled in black. She gazed at the early bustle in Theed: children walking to schools in small groups, people heading towards work. It was just an ordinary, everyday day, or so it would seem.
With stinging eyes, Amidala looked away. The faith of all these people was in her hands. The coming days would be crucial. Whatever she decided, her people would be to fall victim. For the first (but certainly not the last) time, she felt the harsh reality of her responsibility press heavily on her shoulders.
When she accepted the position as Queen a few months ago, she had never expected this. The situation in which they found themselves now, would have been unthinkable. The Naboo were a serene and peaceful people and hadn't been in a state of war for centuries. As a result, their army was rather insignificant. It would never be able to withstand a real invasion …
"Your majesty?"
Quickly, Amidala swallowed her gathering tears. For a moment, she clenched her fists and then she turned. Her face showed no single emotion and with a steady voice, she spoke:
"Yes, Sio Bibble?"
"Senator Palpatine wishes to speak to you, my Lady."
"Good."
Stately, she walked to her working table. She clapped her hands, and immediately, four servant girls entered from the neighboring room.
"Sabé, could you send for Captain Panaka? I think he will like to hear this too…"
"Yes, your Highness."
The girl had barely left the room or the familiar figure of senator Palpatine appeared in the communication device.
"Queen Amidala, I'm so happy to see you."
"Senator Palpatine," she acknowledged. "Have you yet informed the Senate about our current state of affairs?
"Of course, your highness. I have spoken to Chancellor Valorum personally and he has assured me he will undertake the necessary actions, although he did not specify. I also have presented our situation in the senate and very soon, a vote will determine whether or not this barricade is legal."
"You have my full confidence, Senator. I hope you will persuade the senators that this siege can't be justified in any way."
Senator Palpatine smiled sadly.
"I will try, your Highness, I will do my very best …" And with these words, he disappeared.
Silence fell and after a moment Captain Panaka, who had entered the room during the conversation, asked:
"What if the senate legalises this blockade? We do not have the strength to defend ourselves …"
"Let us trust in democracy," Amidala interrupted sharply. "The senate WILL NOT justify it because it simply CAN'T be justified. And I have faith in senator Palpatine. He has always defended are interests in the best way possible and I know he always will."
"But what if…"
"This will take us nowhere," the Queen spoke. "I am aware of our limited forces. That's why a war has to be prevented in any case. Let us rely on the power of dialogue. Only in this way, our people can be spared."
Suddenly, the communication device lit op as a sign of an incoming call. A few seconds later, the vague image of the Head Chancellor himself appeared.
"Your Highness," the grand, stern looking man nodded gently.
"Chancellor."
"Senator Palpatine has informed in full length on the urgent situation of your planet. There is however insufficient evidence to proceed to action. Therefore, I have, after a short council with some close staff members, come to the decision to sent two independent envoys to your planet." He paused a moment and continued: "They are Jedi."
His last words didn't miss their impact. Both Sio Bibble and Captain Panaka, jumped up startled. Amidala remained inexpressive as usual.
"You understand, your highness, that is advised that the Trade Federation does not know the identity of these envoys in advance. Present them in the most neutral way, for your safety, as well as theirs."
Amidala nodded.
"Of course, chancellor." She smiled briefly. "I thank you."
"Let us hope this conflict will find a quick and peaceful solution. I will sent the Jedi immediately."
And the communication was ended.
Everybody let the words sink in. Then Sio Bibble said:
"Two Jedi Knights … The Trade Federation will have to heed them."
"But will they …?" Captain Panaka added doubtfully.
Queen Amidala was in deep thought. After some pondering, she spoke with a determined voice: "I will contact Nute Gunray."
**
9 ABY
Relentlessly, the lightsabers clashed. Blue and green sparks flew around.
The young Padawan felt he was cornered. He tried to change his ordeal by picking up the pace. The flashes succeeded each other even faster. For a moment he seemed to win but suddenly, he felt how his lightsaber slipped from his grasp and it fell with a thud on the floor. A split second later, two razor-sharp blades were pointed to his throat.
"Enough, Ashkon-ti."
Luke turned the two swords off and threw one back to the young Padawan.
"Do you know how I've defeated you?"
The boy, barely 15, nodded shyly.
"Yes, Master," and he went on, as Luke kept silent. "I lost my focus."
"Yes, you have. To often, it is forgotten that fighting with a lightsaber is more than mere hitting. It is not you who handles the weapon, it is the Force that lets you. It will give the necessary guidelines."
He stopped and then added with a smile: "You have made good progress. Keep practicing and you will become a great Jedi Knight. Now go to sleep. This lesson has go on for far too long and tomorrow is an early start. We will see each other here the day after tomorrow at the same hour."
Ashkon-ti nodded, bowed respectfully and left.
Smiling, Luke watched him leave. He was satisfied with the progress the many Padawans made. In a few years time, the Order would again be what she once was … .
He closed his eyes and enjoyed the overwhelming sensation of the Force searing through and all around him. He surrendered to the waves of calmness and tranquillity which seemed to sway him gently.
But unexpectedly he froze. He felt something changing. The Force became restless, almost as if …
He opened his eyes and before he could express his amazement, a soft voice spoke:
"I met your mother for the first time when I was only nine years old. I knew from that moment on that I would marry her …"
Luke gasped. "Father …?"
--
cliffhanger … :-) I'm wicked, I know … but …I'll try to post the next chapter in the near future ! ;) ;)
Please, let me know what you think so far !
Marajsky: As you see, the story isn't dead ! And I'll try to update sooner …
Linda & Tina's Friend (Cathy): Thank you, and I'll try to post sooner !
Tina's friend (Linda): Thank you !
K00lgirl1808: Thanks (for your two posts), I'll try !
Tina: hello, I hope you like this chapter too ! Thank you for sharing this link with your friends ! It's always great to get reviews ! It's the reviews that keep me writing …
DownDownDown: Yeah, I know, it really has been too long, but I'll really try to post sooner … I'm already working on the next chapter …
ChoChang: yep, de volgende is in de maak !
Spike_S Gal: hello, I hope you're still there ! Thank you for your very kind review, as always. It means a lot. I'll really try to post the next chapter sooner, I'm already working on it … and there still is my other story (if you happen to be a LOTR-fan …), if the wait becomes to long ;-) …
Ditto2001: Thanks ! I hope you liked this chapter too
Achterdemuur: hopelijk was je niet ontgoocheld, mercikes hé !
Beterlaatdannooit: mmmmmmm
TriGemini: Thanks ! I hope you liked this chapter too !
Dragonsdaughter1 : Yeah, it gets a little complicated that way, but I like it too :-)
Disney freak: hello ! ik hoop dat je er nog steeds bent. Nu dacht je zeker dat ik het had opgegeven, en ik moet toegeven dat ik er zelf ook even voor vreesde, maar gelukkig heeft mijn muze me niet helemaal verlaten … en voilà ! Ik hoop dat je dit hoofdstuk wat goed vond … en moest je tijd of zin hebben, ik ben eens benieuwd wat je vindt van mijn LOTR-verhaal … groetjes, en merci hé !
someoneusedmynickalready : thanks, hope you liked this chapter too
CocaCola: thanks ! I hope you liked this chapter !
Cinnamon: Thank you, as always ! I hope you didn't give up on me. I know, I promised to post sooner, but I seemed to have forgotten that promise. Anyway, I'm already working on the next one, so it shouldn't take 5 months this time ;-) ! I've found my muse again (and let's hope she stays :-)). There's also my LOTR-story, so if your interested, I'm very curious about your opinion about that one !
HermOIne Granger: hello ! thanks !! I hope you likes this chappie (isn't that dogfood??) too !
Ann: en weer eens een SW stukske (ja moest ook eens hé). Ik hoop dat je het wat goed vond !! Groetjes !!