Chapter 8: The Controversies of Coruscant
The sun had risen, and with it the beginning of her first day without Anakin. They had spent all day making love only stopping for the occasional nap and food. Their time together would have been even longer if it weren't for an early call from the council requesting Anakin to be packed, and ready for his mission with Obi-Wan later that evening. Padme clung to the pillow that still held his scent, and inhaled deeply. Unable to ignore the grumbling in her stomach any longer; she dragged herself out of bed to find Dorme sitting at the kitchen table reading the paper.
"Good Morning Dorme" Moments ticked by as her handmaiden seemed transfixed to the newspaper she was reading. "Dorme are you alright?"
Dorme looked up; there was an unmistakable blush of embarrassment that glowed from her cheeks. "Oh good morning sorry, I well." Dorme handed Padme the paper. "My lady I think you better take a look at this."
"What is it Dorme?" Padme asked as she reached for the paper.
Padme's eyes bulged out; her mouth flew open in shock at the sight before her. The Senator turned a deep shade of crimson, and swallowed the lump in her throat as she read the headline on the front page of The Coruscant Chronicle. There were several very intimate photos of her and Anakin. Some of the pictures were of them passionately kissing while others showed Anakin kissing her neck. Padme's eyes were closed; her head was tipped back in ecstasy, and her fingers were threaded through Anakin's hair. From the angles of some of the shots it looked like she was topless, which made it look even more scandalous. Padme realized in horror that these pictures were in fact taken from those pesky holocams. They were the infuriating contraptions that had interrupted them the other night while making out outside on the terrace during the cultural benefit they had attended.
A Senator and a Jedi
While Coruscant's most wealthy and well respected gathered to ensure culture and education Senator Amadala and her bodyguard Anakin Skywalker were busy with their own activities. The 24 year-old Senator, and the 20-year-old Jedi Padawan learner are carrying on a forbidden passionate affair; a coupling that must be a huge shock, and embarrassment for the Jedi Council and the Senate.
"Quite frankly I'm shocked at these photos. Senator Amadala has always been thought of as a class act. She should know better then this. Having an affair with a Jedi is wrong especially when separatists are dismantling the Republic. What type of message does this send about the state of our society?" said Orn Free Taa of Ryloth. Other senior members of the Senate refused to comment.
As we all know, Jedi are forbidden from attachment, and especially romantic love. Jedi are forbidden to fall in love. They are not allowed to marry or have children, and live a life of servitude almost like holy men. However, Jedi are not barred from the pleasures of flesh as long as there is no deep emotional attached to it. The Jedi believe that attachment and possession of any kind interferes with their responsibilities, and can hold them back from doing their duty.
Anakin Skywalker has been training as a Jedi Padawan learner since he was ten years old. Skywalker became a hero because of his cunning flying techniques. He blew up a droid control ship during the Trade Federation blockade on Naboo. Ten years ago, he was discovered by the Jedi on his home planet Tatooine. He was freed from slavery by winning a pod race. During this time, Skywalker also met the beautiful queen of Naboo.
Senator Padme Amadala of Naboo has been in politics since she was a young girl. She was elected Queen at 14 years old, and then years later, was asked to serve as Senator. Senator Amadala has spoken firmly against the war. She has been a well-respected member of the senate for many years.
But it was not until recently (as far as anyone knows) that Senator Amadala, and Anakin Skywalker met up again. A few weeks ago an assassination attempt was made on the Senator's life. Skywalker was assigned to protect her. No one knows where they went, or how long they were away from Coruscant. But as you can see from these candid steamy shots; they've become much closer. As the old saying goes "a picture says a thousand words." We'll let our readers use their imagination.
Over the duration of the week the gossip only increased and got worse. The talk of Anakin and Padme's relationship was everywhere: the holonet, newspapers, magazines, and on the street. People couldn't get enough; which only made Padme's situation more uncomfortable with Anakin away on his mission. The nastiest comments came from a popular gossip rag called The Controversies of Coruscant stating "Senator Amadala is a harlot. She should be ashamed and embarrassed for corrupting this impressionable young Padawan learner by seducing him with her beauty, charms, and position of power."
Tears gushed from Padme's eyes and she fought terrible headaches. There was even a few times where she had vomited from the unbearable churning in her stomach. The week had been nauseating as it came to a close. Senator Amadala sat patiently with captain Typho as the rest of the Senate awaited the arrival of Chancellor Palphetine.
Chancellor Palphetine finally entered a room full of worried faces. "My friends we are at war and with it the evolution of our society. I have begun my plan that will restore piece and sanity back to the galaxy. As we speak, the Jedi are on a new mission with orders by me to capture and kill Jango Fett and Count Dooku. " Chancellor Palphetine informed his attentive audience.
Padme's heart grew heavy knowing exactly who the Chancellor was referring to.
"But until these two traitors are caught; we must use every resource we have to cut off Count Dooku, and the separatists from growing more powerful. As we speak a team of Jedi, and Republic Troops have begun to battle the Inter Galactic Banking Clan at Muunilinst. It will be a tough battle. Muunilinst is one of the wealthiest worlds in the galaxy. The Confederacy will not want to lose the great deal of money, and resources supplied there. Our enemy's threats are increasing rapidly even hitting as close to home right here on Coruscant. I receive countless warnings everyday. The senate building and Jedi Temple of course is the two most sort after targets for the Confederacy. They want to decapitate our entire democratic peaceful structure. Therefore, I would like to propose a new security plan that would place military staging areas to protect specific locations that I believe are high risk targets. Republic Troops would patrol these areas and report to me. We must do what we can to protect society and fight for democracy. "
Cheers of approval spread throughout the amphitheater at the Chancellors new proposal. Senator Amadala on the other hand was one of the members of the Senate who was not as pleased with these new plans of action.
"If you please Chancellor, don't you think this proposal is a little quick and to the extreme? I think we should continue negotiations with the Intergalactic Banking Clan. I don't see why there has to be such an increase in military presence here on Coruscant. This war has already begun to unravel the fiber and morals of the Republic it's… "
"Senator Amadala, who are you to talk about the morals of the Republic; when you are in fact desecrating it with your behavior?" Darsana the ambassador of Glee Anselm shouted the harsh words.
"Pardon me Senator what exactly…" But Senator Amadala was cut off again.
"Yes, yes it's absolutely disgraceful. The Senate does not need this type of controversy at such a crucial time. We could lose credibility because of this." Replied Ask Aak, Senator of Malastare with a shaky angry voice.
Senator Amadala broke in again. "What may I ask are you referring to Senators?"
"You know exactly what this is about Senator; your affair with this Anakin Skywalker a Padawan learner." Orn Free Taa of Ryloth practically spat the nasty accusation back at Senator Amadala.
"This is absolutely insane. What does my relationship with Padawan Skywalker have to do with my degree of prominence as a Senator?" Senator Amadala asked in exasperation.
"So you admit you are having an affair with a member of the order?" Orn Free Taa of Ryloth asked with out abandon.
Senator Amadala shook her head. "I am not admitting anything and I do not appreciate this harassment. Instead of focusing on my personal life, we should be concentrating on how to end this war."
"How do we know Naboo is not trying to get on the Orders good side to possibly form an alliance to save their own skin? Maybe all it takes is to bed the Jedi to get what you want?" Orn Free Taa of Ryloth yelled back and pounded his fists into the floating platform.
The entire room erupted. Heated arguments were exchanged back and forth, and nasty malicious names were directed towards Senator Amadala. Padme sat silent, outraged, shocked, and hurt. She simply could not believe how out of hand this whole thing had become, and was tempted to get up and leave in protest. At that moment Padme wished more then anything that Anakin was there with her. She knew he would stand up for her. But he had no clue what she had battled through this past week; he was far away probably moving through hyperspace focused on his mission with Obi-Wan.
"Order, order now Senators." Mas Ameda screamed attempting to quiet the angry panicked crowd.
"That's enough." The heckling and arguing stopped immediately as Chancellor Palphetine raised his voice and stood up from his seat.
The Chancellor paused for a moment, and took a deep breath. "This incident involving Senator Amadala and a member of the Jedi Order is no one's business. I am sure this week has been unbearable for her. I apologize for any grief she or anyone else has been through because of the tactless display of images, and words from the press. I will not put up with unfair treatment towards her not one more word will be uttered about it in this dwelling. And after witnessing the madness in this room; I have decided due to the inexcusable, inconsiderate, and intrusive behavior from the press there will no longer be anything reported, posted, printed, or said that is not approved by me first. A new department will be set up immediately. The press and media will be monitored constantly to ensure that nothing like this will ever happen again. And may I warn that whomever attempts to break these new rules I set will indeed pay a price. I am also requesting a written apology to Senator Amadala that will be signed by every single Senator in this building. And I will not hold another meeting until this task is performed. That is all, may we all meet again soon on a better outlook towards our work together."
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They were on their way to another planet the tracking device had indicated Jango Fett had visited. Anakin and Obi-Wan both sat in the pilot seats in front of the controls of their ship. For the past week he had been putting it off. This was not a conversation with his Padawan learner he was looking forward to.
"Anakin, I know that you escorted Senator Amadala to the benefit the other night, and that you didn't return to the temple until late the next evening. Where were you all that time in between?"
Anakin sat frozen in his seat and avoided Obi-Wan's stern stare. Here we go, Anakin thought on edge to himself. "I had some things I had to take care of before our mission Master."
"What things Anakin?" Obi-Wan refused to loosen his glare off Anakin.
Anakin finally turned to look at Obi-Wan. "That's my business Obi-Wan."
"You mean your business with your…" Obi-Wan paused for a few moments and sighed. "Girlfriend."
"I guess this means Master Windu shared with you what went on in the Tusken Raider Camp?"
"Yes, and I was shocked; however I'm proud of you for making the right decision, and grateful to him for being there. I must confess my heart is very troubled over you."
"You don't have to be worried about me Master; I can take care of myself. I can handle my own life. I'm not a child."
"I know you're not and this is why I must say this to you." Obi-Wan took a deep breath to calm his growing nerves. "Look Anakin, I know at your age there are urges even I go through it. But you've known for years that you're not allowed to fall in love. Your just going to have to do what we all do, get through it if you get my drift."
Anakin looked at Obi-Wan as if he had grown another head. "You think I don't know what goes on. I was the only male Padawan learner at my age that hadn't visited a cathouse, or the other places men go to find those types of females. I have no desire to go to one. I never have and never will."
"Going to these places is not exactly something we're proud of; its sort of excepted and understood. You go in, you leave, go on with your life, meditate, try your best to not think about it until you absolutely can't wait any longer."
Anakin shook his head and crossed his arms. "Let me get this straight. The code forbids what Padme and I have; a monogamous, loving relationship. But if I leave money on her night table then that's an excepted coupling by the Jedi Order."
"An emotional relationship is too binding, and confusing to a Jedi's duties and responsibilities.
"But meaningless sex is ok. The morals or lack of from the Jedi Order is totally backwards. I'm sorry Obi-Wan, but when I met Padme that was it for me."
"You can't have both; no member of the Order can be married, or have a family.
Sooner or later you're going to have to make a choice. I've told you before, and I'll say it again. You've made a commitment to the Jedi Order a commitment that is not easily broken."
"The commitment Padme and I have together is unbreakable, and I'm not going to say another word about it. This is between me and her." Anakin got out of his seat, and angrily walked to the back of the ship to take a cold shower.
Obi-Wan watched him go, but not before he yelled back. "You'll be expelled Anakin."
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I think it has some really fun details and explores some interesting concepts about the Jedi Order. Please keep reviewing. I'm working on chapter 9 now, thanks everyone.