Chapter 27
Sometimes those you try to save, will end up walking into their own demise.
Naboo
"...We must strive not just for order but for transparency from our government!" Ruwee Naberrie said, standing before his podium. The Senatorial Candidate, stood before the crowd of thousands as they gathered to hear what the beloved philanthropist had to say. "The Galactic Republic cannot strive if we continue to let such corruption affect its citizens and their loved ones. Through my work in philanthropy, I have encountered many politicians, including ones with names that are respected by those within and outside those Senate walls." He continued; "One of those men was Talus Manmara, a man with a vision, a purpose and the drive to bring about true democracy. He lived long enough to lay out the pieces but passed before he could complete the puzzle that is democracy. But I, his closest confidant and student of his teaching shall complete that puzzle, by cleaning up the corruption within in the Senate and soon the entire the Republic."
The entire crowd cheered as he continued; "But all it takes is your vote, citizens of Naboo. Your contribution will not only end this corrupt system but it will bring about a leadership that cares more about their people and not their pockets. Thank You." Ruwee waved, leaving the stage as the crowd cheers 'Naberrie' in unison.
Once the outdoor event came to a close, Naberrie went around taking pictures and shaking hands as people came up to him, offering their full support to his campaign. The last person in line however, had a bodyguard with him and a recognizable voice that could heard kilometers away.
"Ruwee Naberrie." The husky-sized Tw'lek said.
"Senator Free Taa." Ruwee replied; "I didn't expect you to come to an event like this."
"Oh, don't be surprised, I came to Naboo for a nice quiet vacation and wanted to stop by to witness your speech and my what a speech it was!" Senator Free Taa said.
"Well I appreciate the kind words."
"Also, I would like to talk to you alone if you don't mind." Free Taa said with a grin.
"Of course." Ruwee obliged.
The two men and the bodyguard walked way from the event site, toward a more distant location where less buildings were seen and more flora and fauna became more apparent. "Ah, such a beautiful planet, isn't it?" The blue Tw'lek commented.
"Quite a sight indeed." Ruwee replied.
"Ryloth is quite vapid when it came to agriculture, which is why going to planets with an abundance of planet life is fascinating." Free Taa said; "But I'm not here to watch the grass grow any further."
The two stood in a open area nearby a lake, where trees covered the line of vision from anything outside of that area. "What is it that you want?" Ruwee said, crossing his arms.
"I know that your Rim Faction opponent has no chance of winning the election." Orn Free Taa said; "But I also know that the Core Faction has no interest in you winning either."
"What do you mean?"
"The Supreme Chancellor just endorsed a newly-elected Senator from Corellia, about a week ago." He said; "Which puzzles me considering your the most talked about Core Faction candidate at the moment." He continued; "Also, the Galactic News Network has been running more slander campaigns against you, than they have towards your opponent and considering the constant bias they have against my Faction, it's quite strange to say the least."
"What is your point?" Ruwee asked, in an annoyed tone.
"My point is, that your treading dangerous territory." Free Taa assured.
"Did Valorum send you?" Ruwee questioned.
"No, Valorum has nothing to do with what I am about to offer you." Free Taa said.
"What are you offering exactly?"
"I will pay you a million credits if you forfeit the election." Free Taa offered.
"You've got to be kidding." Ruwee said; "Forefit the election? For what? So your candidate can win?"
"This is not just about me, but about you as well." Free Taa replied; "The Core Faction has no faith in you and if you win, you will just be another body in the Senate that will follow the 'corruption' you preach about in your speech." Free Taa said.
"I'm not forfeiting the election for Valorum and I'm certainly not doing for you!" Ruwee said as he walked passed the Senator. Before he could leave the area, he was blocked by Free Taa's bodyguard, as he sees him gripping a blaster around his waist.
"I'm giving you a way out, Naberrie." Senator Free Taa said; "As I said, the Core Faction has no faith in you, why not forfeit and retire with your family?"
Ruwee turned and said; "No matter how many threats or times you politicians try to sabotage me, I will not let myself fall into your hands!" He continued; "The Republic has been in disarray for far too long, it's time for men like Finis Valorum and men like you to be thrown into the pit where you belong!"
"Fine, if you wish to continue, then so be it." Senator Free Taa said. He motioned for his bodyguard to let him ago and when he did, the philanthropist stormed off, rejecting the Senator's offer.
"Sir, are you sure It was a good idea to let him go?" The bodyguard questioned.
"The fool will get himself killed, might as well let him go than put his blood in our hands."
A/N: sorry for the long hiatus, I'vebeen on vacation and trying to fit in time for writing in my schedule. More chapters coming soon.
