Chapter 19

Ah friendship, a peculiar idea of an attachment, common to both man and non-man. Most beings would sacrifice their lives for this sort of attachment, others would weigh their options based on the benefits of such an agreement between two parties, especially when it comes to the world of politics.

Supreme Chancellor's Office, Galactic Senate Building

"Assandra send me the next batch of documents please." said the over worked Chancellor. As the clock strikes noon, The Chancellor's paper work had continued to increase and increase by the hour. With no sign of it dwindling anytime soon. Although Chancellor Antilles' has built a sort of a tolerance to the amount time spent on these government documents, some of his staff question his sanity through his sluggish behavior as of late.

"I'm sending it right now sir." His secretary replied through the holo-transmitter.

Notifications of these new documents echoed across the room, as the ringing sounded like a Rancor's screech but pitched ten times higher. After a few seconds of taking a deep breath, Chancellor Antilles resumed focus to the task at hand. His quiet time though, was interrupted by his advisor, Suliman, who entered the office with his own holopad in hand. "Sir-"

"Suliman, I'm busy at the moment, unless it's an emergency, please do not disturb me."

Suliman dropped the holopad on the Chancellor's office and the screen reads "CHANCELLOR NEGLECTING CITIZEN SAFETY?! RECENT SPIKE IN SPICE OVERDOSES IN THE PAST WEEK, SAYS AUTHORTIES."

The Chancellor glanced over as he said; "What is this?"

"It's an article from the Galactic Post, detailing the rise of illegal spice possession and the spike in death rates because of it." Suliman explained.

"Suliman, we went over this-"

Suliman activated the holopad's hologram mode and swiped to the left to reveal statistics and other news articles. "According the Herald Of Galactic News, there has been a 15% increase in crime, 10% decrease in arrests made and a 20% increase in death rate amongst young adults due to the rise of spice trading in the working class areas of Coru City." He continued; "Also, according to the Coruscant Press, 'the lack of law enforcement in those areas will prove to be troublesome in the future as the criminal underworld travels far beyond the working class and into the more noble and wealthy class of people.' "

"Ok enough." Chancellor Antilles said, putting his holopad down. "Why have you come to my office with this again?"

"With all due respect sir, I am only trying to protect this administration from falling victim to the failures of it's predecessors." He replied; "With that said, I urge you to stop the Pykes and their dealings before it's too late."

"And go to war with the Pykes?" he said; "I refuse."

"Not exactly sir, more like we negotiate with them."

Antilles leaned on his chair with a curious look; "I'm listening."

"I suggest, we send someone to negotiate with the Pykes, offer something they can't refuse and in return they stay out of the surface world." Suliman explained.

Antilles nodded; "Seems like a reasonable plan, but who is going to go and negotiate?"

"I don't have a candidate in mind at the moment." he paused; "But we can form a list and-"

"How about you go and negotiate."

"Me?" Suliman said in a surprised tone.

"I'll send you to Level 1313 to go and negotiate with the Pykes, meanwhile I'll have Assandra handle the press in case more stories come up." The Chancellor explained.

"But I can't go there alone." he said.

"You'll be fine, I'll have the Jedi send you a bodyguard to accompany you on your mission." Antilles assured. "You will be escorted to Level 1313 tomorrow morning by Senate Security personal. But after that, your on your own."

"Very well, I'll will prepare my things shortly."

"Good, now leave my sight." Antilles said, fluttering his hand.

Suliman bowed and exited the office with holopad in hand, bracing himself for the task that he will face in the next 24 hours.

Plagueis' Laboratory, Mygeeto

Studying behind a one way glass, Dr. Tekra sits as he examines the month old child sleeping within its own specialized crib. Darth Plagueis enters the hallway and stands next to the Lurman, watching the child as he sleeps.

"Any reports on the boy?" The Sith Lord asked.

"Not quite, everything seems normal but-"

"But what?" Plagueis interjected.

"We're running out of human breast milk and switching to formula, this early in his development has a possiblity of causing some issues in the future." He explained.

"I'll have Maul fetch another vessel if necessary." Plagueis replied; "How is the child's midichlorian levels?"

"They are still teetering above average, although their hasn't been spike in numbers the last time I checked." Dr. Tekra said.

"Any signs of birth defects?"

"No sir."

"Good, just make sure the child stays alive." Plagueis said, turning towards the exit.

"Wait! My Lord." Tekra said, causing the old Muun to stop in his tracks. "I know the child's purpose it serve as a sort of vessel...but might I suggest giving him a name."

Plagueis stood and glared at the Lurman as if his eyes were about to cut through his soul. "I did not create this child to form an attachment. If you wish to name it then so be it, but don't let this distract you from the task at hand."

"Of course, sir." Dr. Tekra nodded.

Plagueis made his exit and left the Lurman to his duties, the Lurman continued to type out some more notes on his holopad, changing the project name from 'CHILD' to 'ANAKIN'.

RRM Headquarters, Naboo

The Refugee Relief Headquarters, located in the capital city of Naboo, stood not too tall but big enough to be a recognizable building amongst it's neighbors and visitors alike. This building is where all the operations are conducted and where the donations are managed. With over 300 shelters across the planet, the Refugee Relief Movement has become the biggest charity in Naboo and top three in the galaxy. Thanks to publicity by celebrities and high profile politcians such as the late Talus Manmara.

Sitting in his office, the RRM President, Ruwee Naberrie goes through a plethora of letters sent by his new found supporters of his senatorial campaign and by those who have supported the Refugee Relief Movement itself. As he reads the many messages on his holopad, his holo-transmitter suddenly beeps, making him answer the call: "What is it?" he asked.

His secretary, a beltorian named Gola replied, saying; "Sir, a visitor is here to see you."

"Who is it?"

"The Former Supreme Chancellor, sir."

Ruwee signed, "Of course." he muttered under his breath. "Bring him in."

After the hologram faded, a couple minutes pass until the door shifted open to reveal Finis Valorum, accompanied by his security as they enter the room. Finis signaled for the security guards to exit the room, leaving the two men to speak in private. After the door shut itself, Valorum turned to face his colleague; "I know you expected me to show up so I'm going to keep this simple."

"Simple as in? Convincing me to drop out?" Ruwee said in a spiteful tone.

"You don't know what your getting yourself into Ruwee."

"And you don't know how much I do know." Ruwee replied, folding his arms.

"I'm telling you, this is a losing battle."

"And I'm telling you, that what ever tricks you have up your sleeve, will not work against genuine public support." Ruwee said; "Not like you know anything about that."

"Insults? How juvenile." Valorum said, keeping his composure.

"It's fitting considering I'm speaking to one right now." Ruwee snapped back.

"I'm not here to fling insults Ruwee, I'm simply here to-"

"Change my mind? Well I'm afraid to say that my mind has already been made." Naberrie interjected. "Now will you please exit my office before I call security to drag you out."

"I only want to protect you Ruwee."

"I don't need your protection, your wasting my time and yours by entering my office like this, so I suggest you leave before I have to do it myself." Ruwee warned.

Finis signed, "Very well, it's your funeral." he said sarcastically. Valorum turned away and made his exit as the guards from the outside, follow him toward the entrance of the building and made their exit. As he marched down the street with his men, he yelled commands saying; "When we get on the ship, get me in contact with the President Of the GNN! Immediately!"