Chapter Two
Disappointment and displeasure radiated from Padmé. I was doing everything I could to help but I held very little influence in the Senate. I listened, gave advice when required, and showed my support in any way possible. My main duty, however, wasn't to help her with her career but was to protect her. What surprised us both was the fact that no further attempts had been made to end her life. She may have been disappointed in her new career, but I was most pleased in the improvement of her safety. Perhaps Dooku was dead after all. I'd had my doubts, but the Force was silent in regards to any lurking danger.
After a couple of months of tranquility, she had insisted on going to work alone. I was against it at first, but the Senate Complex had its own security and we had our connection. If anything did happen, I was close enough to get to her quickly, and she could tell me exactly what was going on.
I had a feeling her main reason for me staying home was that she had sensed how bored I was while waiting in her office. I had learned to occupy my time and spent the majority of it ignoring looks of disdain and mistrust often cast my way from nearly every politician I came in contact with.
I don't know how it had come to this. Since nearly the beginning, the Jedi had worked side by side with the Core rulers to ensure justice and peace. At some point and for some unknown reason, opinions had changed and views had shifted. Where we once were praised, we were now patronized. When we were once cheered, we were now chastened. Now that I was considered somewhat of an outsider, I was able to see things from a different point of view.
I wasn't naïve. I hadn't been placed in the crèche yesterday. I realized the Jedi were far from perfect. We had those who had gone rogue and caused trouble – who used their powers for evil instead of good. Xanatos and Bruck were a couple who came to mind. But the Jedi had always dealt with their own issues. We had never burdened the Senate with our problems, nor had we asked for their help.
Perhaps that was the problem. We didn't need their help and therefore, were too self-reliant in their eyes. They didn't trust us because, frankly, we didn't trust them. We see things differently and act differently than they do. The Jedi are prone to act, not being bogged down in policies and procedures.
Even though the two seemed incompatible, I never would've believed the Chancellor would be so bold as to withdraw financial support of the Jedi. We were the Republic's backbone, the ones he called on when there was any sign of trouble.
It just didn't make sense.
When Padmé was received by the Chancellor, I chose to maintain focus while sitting out on the western veranda of the apartment. It was my preferred spot for meditation since it had an excellent view of the Jedi Temple.
I drew upon the Force and sought out the bond. Padmé was a bright presence inside of it, her aura a lighter blue than mine. Soon, voices were echoing through our connection and I was able to hear the Chancellor very clearly.
/What may I do for you today, my dear?/
/Straight to the point/ I coached Padmé. /Don't mince words./
/I've heard some disturbing news and need to know the truth of them. What is the Balance Initiative and what does it have to do with the Jedi?/
/It's such a fine day. Please, have a seat./
/Don't let him change the subject,/ I pressed her.
/I overheard some senators talking about a bill which, if passed, will lead to withdrawal of financial support of the Jedi. Is this true?/
/I realize your time here has been short, but surely you understand that not all ideas are approved, and even if they pass the Senate, I have the power to approve them or not. Don't worry your pretty head about it. I will not allow anything to happen that isn't for the good of the Republic./
/He's a slimy sort, isn't he?/
/I'm starting to believe so,/ Padmé responded to me. /And if he calls me 'dear' or 'pretty' one more time, I'm going to lose my temper!/
I knew her well enough to know that's exactly what would happen and that it wouldn't do either of us any good. /Stay calm, but don't back down. You've got this./
/I trust this issue will be brought into open session without delay or obstruction./
/I will not hinder free speech and have no control over a possible filibuster. You should know that by now./
Was he seriously lecturing her?
/What I know is that there are those within the Senate who will do just about anything to get their way, and that includes lie, cheat, and steal./
/Now, Mrs. Kenobi, do be reasonable. I will do what I can within the powers of my elected position, but I can offer you no further assurances./
/That's all I ask, Chancellor. If this bill does reach the Senate, you should realize that myself and several others will fight it to the end. We need the Jedi more than they need us./
/Of course we do, my dear. Try not to worry. I'm sure it will all come to nothing./
/Let us hope so, for the sake of the Republic./
I was proud of her and told her so. She was extremely irritated when she left his office, however.
/There was a time when I looked up to that man,/ she was explaining to me as she headed back to her own space. /I respected his position and his wisdom, but I don't any longer. What changed? He's the same man. His speech patterns, his mannerisms, his looks. The only obvious change is his age./
I wasn't sure I had the answers she needed, although I had my own suspicions. /Perhaps, he's been influenced over time by the corruption he's been subjected to. Or perhaps he's always been unscrupulous and we're just now able to see it./
/Why?/ she asked. /Why now? Unless you mean the bond. Do you think the bond is influencing or judgment and making us more capable of seeing through someone's guise?/
/It's possible,/ I replied. /Two heads are often better than one, so they say./
/He gives me the creeps,/ she admitted.
/I can tell. Do you need me to come be with you?/
I wasn't sure what her reply would be. We both struggled to maintain some sort of independence despite our sometimes overpowering need to be close. The only thing I had planned on doing today was meeting with Captain Typho, her Coruscant Security Chief, about possibly upgrading his unit's weaponry, but that could wait.
/If you wouldn't mind. I think it would help./
There was no shame in admitting how much we needed one another. We were both happiest and felt the most at peace when we didn't fight it.
/On my way./ I assured her as I grabbed my cloak and secured the apartment.