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Kindred Spirits

Yennaj Monvé followed Mon Mothma and the other Senators as they arrived at the Senatorial apartment of Padmé Amidala of Naboo. Yennaj had not met Padmé officially and she was looking forward to making the acquaintance.

As the group of senators exited the lift and entered the sitting room of the plush, but simply stated apartment, Yennaj noticed Senator Organa and Padmé were already speaking, both seated on one of the two matching sofa's. Bail had Padmé's hands in his own, and the tone in the room was hushed.

When the duo noticed the group of Senators arriving, they broke apart, and both stood, greeting Mon Mothma and the others with smiles.

After initial greetings were made, Mon Mothma introduced Yennaj to the other two senators.

"Bail, Padmé, this is Yennaj Monvé. She is new to the Capital, and part of the Senate Delegation from Corellia. She has expressed interest in becoming involved in our discussions," Mon Mothma indicated towards a beautiful, young, blond woman.

"Welcome Senator Monvé," Padmé offered her hand. The young woman smiled.

"Please, call me Yennaj,"she insisted as she shook first Padmé's, then Bail Organa's outstretched hands.

"Welcome, Yennaj," Padmé corrected herself. "Please, everyone sit down. I will have Seethreepio bring out the refreshments."

As the gathering of Senators arranged themselves on the two facing sofas, Padmé excused herself to see that C-3PO attended to the guests. She then made way to her bedchamber and changed into a more formal gown, one more appropriate for the discussions they were about to hold.

A few minutes later, Padmé rejoined the group, now dressed in a very modest gown of deep burgundy, with gold thread inlaid on the bodice in the design of the Téili Flower from her native Naboo.

"Chancellor Palpatine plans on submitting a resolution in the Senate increasing the aggressive attacks on the Seperatist leaders. This can only lead to more deaths, innocent and otherwise," Mon Mothma began after the room settled down.

"If we are to make a stand against this aggression, in the name of peace and diplomacy, it must be soon," she stated, her quiet voice filling the room. The other senators nodded in agreement.

"I think we all agree with what needs to be done. But what remains to be decided is how to do it?" Bail Organa spoke out to the group. The senator's faces turned to Bail, a few with looks of mistrust. Bail had always been the voice of reason, while certain other senators had grand ideas and dreams of a free and democratic galaxy, Bail was always the one to call reality to the suggestions. A few senators were less than pleased with his involvement, but Mon Mothma depended on Bail. They were the spearheads of this small group of rebel senators.

Yennaj listened with sincere interest; her mind racing for an idea; something that would be effective and impress this group of senators. Then it came to her. It was so simple. She wondered if the idea had been explored before. Yennaj tentatively cleared her throat. Padmé, who was seated next to her, turned her attention. The other Senators continued talking loudly over one another.

Yennaj felt Padmé's stare, just as the seasoned politician spoke on her behalf.

"Please, I think Senator Monvé has something to say," Padmé spoke over the other voices. The other senators gathered had quieted within minutes. All faces were turned to Yennaj in expectation.

"Well, this may have been suggested already. But what about a petition?" She raised her eyebrows in question, looking from one Senator to the next. But when nothing but blank stares met her, she lowered her head in defeat.

"We have tried a petition. The Senate wouldn't acknowledge it. I fear by now, we will have lost the support of many of the star systems that previously had signed the petition," Bail Organa finally spoke, sadly.

"What if the petition was presented to the Chancellor directly, and not through the Senate?" Yennaj offered.

Mon Mothma slowly nodded her head. This might work.

"Senator Monvé, I think you may have a wonderful idea. We will have to talk about this more. We will meet in one week and discuss this further," Mon Mothma stood, and the other senators followed. She nodded to the group and made her way to the door. "I must think about this idea, and how we can protect those who would side with us. Please excuse me," her soft voice, always calm and collected, communicated to the group as she made her way around the corner and onto the lift.

Soon thereafter, the other senators began to leave as well. Senator Organa, and Senator Monvé were the last to remain with Padmé. Bail took Padmé's hands as he walked to the lift. His goodbye betraying no confidence as the two senators shared a look of truth. Bail then nodded to Yennaj, and left the apartment. Padmé watched Bail leave, than turned to face Yennaj, a friendly smile on her face.

"Senator Amidala," Yennaj smiled, "I hope you don't mind but I wished to speak with you about something. I feel I can speak openly with you, I feel we are kindred spirits."

"Of course, but please call me Padmé."

The two women walked back into the sitting area and sat down. Padmé excused C-3PO from the room.

Yennaj hesitated for a moment, and Padmé could sense the conflicting emotions this young woman felt within.

"Whatever you tell me, will stay between us," Padmé reassured Yennaj. Yennaj slightly smiled, and nodded in acceptance of this promise of confidentiality.

"I'm new to this political arena, and really only got into this position because of my late-husband's father. He was a Senator many years ago. In fact he and his wife are currently taking care of my young son while I am here," Yennaj paused, taking a deep breath.

Padmé sat silently, offering her support non-verbally.

"Before I arrived here, I was working in the senate support office on Corellia. The Separatist's had arrived with the intention of invasion. Soon after the Separatists came, many Jedi Knights arrived with Republic Troops. And long story short-Corellia was saved from invasion. While the Jedi were present on Corellia, I became good friends with one young Jedi," Yennaj paused here, her hands working the fabric of her simple gold colored gown.

Padmé suddenly came to a realization, one that drove feelings of frustration through her entire being. Without betraying her feelings of frustration, she looked upon Yennaj and her nervous reactions.

"You've become good friends with a Jedi?" Padmé repeated, than tried to ask the next question as innocently as she could. "How good of friends are you?"

Yennaj looked at Padmé, the torture of her situation evident on her face and Padmé knew the answer.