Another day, another afternoon spent in peaceful meditation.

"Ugh..."

Well, almost peaceful.

Repressing a weary sigh, Qui-Gon spoke to his fidgeting Padawan without opening his eyes. "Anakin, indulge your old Master for a moment and relax."

As expected, the young teenager proclaimed earnestly, "But I can't Master! The Padawan tounerment is just in two hours. How am I suppose to relax until then?"

"By finding balance in the Force young one." Qui-Gon simply responded.

"Easy for you to say, you're obsessed with meditating, moreso than any Jedi I know!"

"A Jedi has no obsessions, Anakin, but I'm pleased, at the very least, you've taken notice of your teacher's activities. Now, sit down and relax."

The shuffled sound of feet, a somber mood in the Force. "Yes Master..." Qui-Gon internally smiled at the sour grumbling. To any other Jedi Master, Anakin would be lectured severely for such casual behaviour and disregard to achieving peace through the Force, but Qui-Gon was nothing if not patient and empathetic.

Besides, a part of him enjoyed the boy's unorthodox attitude within the Temple. It was a welcome change of fresh air. Obi-Wan would be scandilized to hear those very thoughts coming from his old stern Master.

Sensing a wave of unease on the thought of his previous pupil, Qui-Gon released such anxieties into the Force. Focus on the here and now, and right now, he was focused on calming his young overzealous Chosen One.

"I sense you're troubled, young one." Despite the impressive mental shields, the bond between apprentice and teacher was far stronger, to the point Qui-Gon can sense the turmoil festering in the young boy's heart. "And not just over the tournament."

A flash of unease boiled from the boy's presence-

Teenager. He's a teenager now, Qui-Gon. They do grow up ridiculously fast.

At his Padawan's reluctance, Qui-Gon sighed and opened his eyes, sitting cross-legged on the opposite side to his troubled young student. He was really beginning to feel old age catch up to him; Anakin always brought out the worst and best from him. "I can't help you unless you confide in me Anakin. I'm always here to help, you know that."

A twitch of the lips, the teenager staring hard at the floor. Qui-Gon wasn't surprised, he recognized the mood swings. Thus prompting the man to press.

"Is it about the attack in the Temple?" Silence. "Something else." Another flash in the Force. A positive. "Is it personal?" The flash grew brighter, and Qui-Gon was beginning to harzard a wearisome guess. "Is it about Obi-Wan?"

Anakin winced, confirming his suspicions.

Qui-Gon sighed again, feeling the grey hairs above him worsen. Reaching forward, the Jedi Master placed a firm hand on the reluctant Padawan's small but growing shoulder. "Anakin-"

But sometimes, the Will of the Force liked to play cruel tricks even on those devoted to it. Releasing his brief frustration into the Force, the Jedi Master pulled and rose, opting to answer the vocal comlink resting on the table to his right. Whoever it was better be brief, Qui-Gon prioritized tending to his Padawan's concerns than whatever nonsense the Council wished to throw at him this time.

"Master Jinn here."

"Qui-Gon." Despite the neutral tone from the Korun Jedi Master, Qui-Gon knew Mace long enough to recognize the layer of urgency beneath. "Your presence is needed in the communication room immediately."

Frowning worriedly, Qui-Gon sensed something in the Force. He moved the silver object closer to his lips. "I'm preparing for my Padawan for the tournament."

"The Padawan Tournament has been postponed for tomorrow. Your student can wait to show off until then, surely." Qui-Gon restrined expressing annoyance at the unsubtle jab. From the side, Anakin bowed his head. "Now Qui-Gon, this is an emergency."

Ah, no rest for the wicked.

"Understood." Deactivating the coms, the Jedi sighed once more and turned to his Padawan, speaking gently, "Meditate until I return. We will discuss this afterwards." Truthfully, the Jedi was reluctant to go and leave his own Padawan continously troubled. But, quite frankly, he was in no need to start another bickering with the Council today. "I'll be back soon." Before making a swift departure, wanting this summonings to be over with when possible.

But even so, something amiss in the Force was urging Qui-Gon to quicken his pace. Whatever was happening, it must be related to the attack in the Temple Archieves, for no doubt all the Jedi currently residing within their home can feel the sensation.

A change was coming, and Qui-Gon could sense it. Odds are, perhaps, so could all Force Wielders.

A change was happening, and Dooku can sense it. Odds are, perhaps, so could his former Padawan and all Force Wielders.

This was it. The moment has come.

With the Grand Hall, various species and representatives alike stood and sat respectively in their rightful places. The podium looming over the gathered people of importance was attended by Dooku himself. Masters Sifo-Dyas and Ky Narec stood between the Count, their arms folded and expressions as serious as their dispositions. From the corner of the high-ranked booth, Asajj Ventress and Shmi Skywalker watched in growing anticipation.

And behind the two Jedi and one Sith Lord, stood the very people who will mostly tribute in making their shared vision a reality. Viceroy Gunray, Foreman Wat Tambor, Chairman San Hill, Magistrate Argente, Presidente Mai, Archduke Poggle, Mother Talzin, and recently entitled by the Jabiim Congress; Senator Stratus. Below and watching the Count expectantly, key figures new and old branded together to achieve a dream only the corrupt Republic and its dogmatic leaders couldn't possibly comprehend.

History repeats itself, Dooku mused wryly, gazing the hopeful and greedy figureheads all summoned to Raxus for this special declaration.

But this time, the future was well on his side. Dooku knew it, he was sent back to rectify an error made since his departure from the Jedi Order. With Sidious no longer required to educated him, direct his footsteps and bringing in certain individuals for their own ends, there was nothing Sidious could accomplish now to stop the rising ashes of a new order; an order the Force itself guided him towards. This time, he will make the galaxy safe and equal once more.

This time, he will make the Qui-Gon he knew proud.

The gathering in this Hall was announced the moment after Jango reported to the Count on Serenno, informing him the deed was done, alongside the assistance of a Duros bounty hunter whom demanded quadraple the cut in return. The price was hardly worrisome, the ends justified the means, and his criminal allies were reaping from the benefits.

"It's time, Count Dooku." Tambor stated from behind, and Dooku nodded, raising his head high and expressing a passionate conviction. The time has finally arrived. This time, Sidious, the Jedi, all those who try to oppose true Balance in the Force and the universe couldn't prevent the change of tides made today.

As the holo droids floated around him, Count Dooku spoke to all the masses. "Greetings, everything living in this galaxy..."

Qui-Gon was almost taken aback by the apprehension in the air. It was unbecoming of Jedi to feel so anxious, so you'll have to forgive the aging Master's surprise by the anxiousness radiating off the gathered Masters in the communication center. Arms folded in his sleeves, Qui-Gon walked down the steps to join the fellow Jedi, addressing the others focused on the projection of various worlds calmly. "My apologies for my tardiness, has anything transpired." The question was asked mostly out of politeness's sake.

It was Mace who answered, hazel eyes gazing intently on the table with a grim expression matching that dark tone. "The Hutt family has been wiped out."

Something akin to a shiver reached down Qui-Gon's spine, whether from the revelation or Mace's tone. The news had him immediately drop his own arms in puzzlement. "I'm sorry?"

Plo Koon happily clarified for the confused Jedi Master, the mask failing to cover up the solemnness in the Kel Dor's voice. "The entire Hutt clan was taken out, just the day before. It is all over the holonews."

The entire Hutt clan...? Qui-Gon was finding it skeptical to believe. "Are we sure about that?"

"Their bodies were discovered on Hutta." Jedi Master Shaak Ti responded, expression just as grim as everyone elses in the room. "All evidence points to an explosion, with the charred chambers and scorched remains. It appears someone has finally decided to declare war on the Hutt Cartel."

Qui-Gon was still reeling over this fatal news. "But, who would be so foolish...?"

"Whoever it was, they've already won." Kit Fisto answered with crossed arms, almost callously. "The Cartel's in disarry with all its leaders clearly assinated at the same time. We've already recieved reports that crime syndicates such as Black Sun and the Pykes are already claiming the Hutt's territories ass their own, moving in to take everything for themselves."

"And the Senate?"

"The Senate is in its own emergency session regarding this." Mace continued for the Nautolan, glancing over to Qui-Gon with a heavy frown, typical of his posture. "Such a bold move by the ones responsible has already impacted the galaxy at large. Without the Hutts, there's a significant power vacuum waiting to be filled in."

That was putting it mildly. The Hutts had former control over many trade routes and resources obtained through illegal means, not to mention various systems in the Outer Rim. With the Hutt family dead, that section of the galaxy will be in utter chaos. This was what the Force was warning him about, warning them all about.

But a warning... Or a message?

"And it seems their criminal rivals are all too happy to fill that vacuum." Adi Gallia added somberly.

"We can't rule the possibility that the Temple intrusion not long ago has come connection." Mace calimed strongly. "The Force is telling me that much." He added before anyone could express doubt to that.

Master Tiin nodded, the Ikotchi looking more troubled than most despite his natural hardened features. "Yes, the Force has been in disarray for a while now, almost as if it's been anticipating this very event for a long time..."

"Something is happening in the Force." Master Unduli agreed wholeheatedly, Mirialan features pacifistic. "It has happened ever since the trade blockade on Naboo all those years ago. Our next direction would be locating the mysterious assilants of the Hutts and uncovering their intentions." Qui-Gon agreed, it was best to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. Events were occuring too much it was starting to get to even him.

Having kept quiet for the whole conversation, the Grand Master of the Order opening his wise eyes and directed focus solely on the projection table. "Hm, answer that already, the galaxy will." Beofre anyone could ask, all Jedi Masters were snapped their heads to the sudden blue figure emerging atop the table, a figure with a neat beard and blazing determined eyes. The Force radiating off his man like an inferno, and everyone recognized him on the spot, his cultuered voice like a leaf against the razor wind.

Qui-Gon repressed a shudder. The answer was already clear now.

"Greetings, everything living in this galaxy. I am Dooku, formerly Master Dooku of the apathetic Jedi Order..."

"-Now known by many in the political world as noble Count Dooku of Serenno. No doubt some of you have heard of my exploits against the Republic Senate, a reputation I hold no shame in bearing-"

The call for order by the Vice Chairman standing beside Palpatine became pointless, the sudden blue figure overtaking the podiums and whole rotunda quieting the stunned senators and representatives alike. The recent new regarding the genocide of the entire Hutt clan had caused an emergency session the following day afterwards, Palpatine opting to appeal to the masses as Sidious pondered these recent events, having a sneaky suspicion to the one responsible,

And now, the idea was proving very substantial.

"- But this galaxy-wide broadcast isn't about me. It is an announcement bearing the survival of you all-"

With a curious young Lux watching in blissful ignorance, Mina Bonteri observed the hologram in faint fasicination. Better to hear what this man has to say, to have gone through all the troubles to borrowing the Grand Hall on her home world.

"- For I speak for not solely myself, but for every man, woman, child, species, world, all who have been forgotten or brushed aside by greed and inefficiency by the instable government we find ourselves once forced to rely upon-"

From her quarters, Komari glared at the holoscreen in her own anticipation, having initially refused to accompany her former Master and his cronies to Raxus. Dooku had warned her she wouldn't want to miss this broadcast, despite her own indifference on the matter.

"- I ask you, my friends, have we, perhaps, been relying on the this self-proclaimed strong Republic for too long? Have we become too lenient with allowing this self-serving 'democracy' to handle affairs for us, uncaring for the consequences?"

The screen of a straightened elderly man adorned in noble attire radiating power and conviction spread all across Coruscant. The sudden hijack of the Senate footage attracted the attention of all beings watching, and many more gathered in curiosity and worry, from the high building to the deepest underworld. Workers and security forces alike paused in their work to watch, people in the seediest cantinas glanced in wary caution at the brown eyes seemingly penetrating into the souls of all living in the galaxy.

"- How many worlds have suffered because of the Senate's favouritism, for whoever's pockets contain the most credits? Gold and resources have all become the main priority of the government we are demanded to obey. Rest assured, I am far from the only being who suffers from what the diseased Senate inflicts."

And as the galaxy watched, many people of various species blinked at the sudden appearance of another man replacing Dooku, a strong-built human with features and expression containing the scars of war. His voice was more powerful, holding nothing back from the sheer iron will he possessed.

"The Republic is filled with lies and ignorance!" The man roared, startling even patrons from the cantinas of Tatooine to the casinos of Nar Shaddaa. "My world has suffered because we apperently held nothing of subtance for them to obtain. Jabiim had endured multiple raids and invasions by pirates, mercenaries and countless more creatures without the Republic's assistance. Time and time again, we pleaded, we begged for the Republic's help, but they turned a blind eye, simply because we had nothing to fill up their pockets! Enough is enough, it is time we wake up and face the truth: the Republic is a self-serving tyranny that only helps itself and those when it benefits the corrupt Senate!"

And as the people of Jabiim cheered for their recent new Senator, roaring in agreement and slander against the failed Republic, Dooku took the projections and screen again, nodding in seeming exhaustion. His voice was wry and empathetic, "And yet, Jabiim is not the first to suffer from wounds the Republic neglected to heal."

And this time, it was the inhabitants of Kalee and all star systems neiboured to it who snarled and roared triumphantly, a new figure revealing himself to the galaxy after Dooku. Knowledge of Kalee cutlture would have anyone recognize the bony mask and yellow eyes typical of the Kaleesh. The warrior spoke his own piece with a growl, far deeper yet resonating with power just like his other allies.

"My world was plagued by scum who allied with this very Republic, taking advantage in order to subjagate my people. The Kaleesh are a proud race, we answer to no one! The Huk were wise to have faith in a system who only serves its own needs, yet foolish enough to try enslaving their betters! Our people repelled our invaders and won the war, no thanks to the Republic, but to a man who believe sin true equality and freedom for the galaxy at large! Count Dooku is a warrior of words, and Kalee will express gratitude as everlasting allies! The Republic. Is. Inept!"

Meanwhile, in the rotunda on Coruscant, yells of anger and disbelief echoed across at the various people scolding the Republic and placing doubt in their citizens. While many were protesting, shouting for them to switch off the broadcasts, other Senators were laid back, observing the show in intrigue, doubt... And agreement.

The Kaleesh Warlord was replaced, once again, by the Count responsible for it all. "In my eighty years of life, serving as a Jedi and protector of the Republic, I held on for a long time, in vain hope I could, potentially, restore the Republic to its former glory, ensuring the safety and peace of all living things in the galaxy we love... I was a fool."

Dooku sighed, looking completely sincere, before those eyes glazed in determination, even to the ones watching the holographic broadcast.

"Which is why I gathered all these like-minded people, today, who have been wronged, their cries for help ignored, their resources and people taken advanatage of; worlds, groups and corporations alike, all exasperated over the corruption of the Republic. Today, I, Count Dooku, declare no more. All worlds and citizens watching, leave this wretched goverment, and join our new order."

Mutters of outrage and concerns vibrated among the Senate, but no one pried their eyes away even once from the standing tall Count.

"An order of peace, freedom and security. Of equality and free will. One untouched by greed and deception. Today, I speak on behalf of many representatives who stand with me against this diseased sorry state of a democracy, and form a new government. Today marks the beginning, and everlasting, Confederate Alliance of Equal Systems!"

"Order! Order!" Vice Chariman Amedda called in futilety, attempting to quell the fury and objections spewing from the mouths of greedy and doubtful Senators alike. Palpatine only kept quiet, observing the holo-projection contemplatively. Whatever he was thinking was beyond the understanding of the gathered Senate.

Replacing the Count next was the lean, formally dressed form of a male Muun, nasal voice radiating smugness and pride. "I, Chairman San Hill, of the Intergalactic Banking Clan, ally with the Confederate Alliance in the name of cleansing the corruption from the banks and frail Republic alike."

That only provoked further outrage. Next was the appearance of an aged Geonosian gripping a cane, translator droids speaking for those ignorant to his native language. "I, Archduke Poggle the Lesser, of Geonosis, ally with the Confederate Alliance for the rights of freedom and equality to all Geonosians, and the galaxy."

The Kaleesh warrior returned, his mask hiding the triumphant features, but his serpatine eyes were smiling. "I, Qymaen Jai Sheelal, representing the people of Kalee, ally with the Confederate Alliiance for the right of freedom and equality to all my people."

Next came the muscled man of conviction from before, voice remaining tall and strong. "I, Alto Stratus, representing the people of Jabiim and the Jabiim Congress, ally with the Confederate Alliance for the right of freedom and equality to all my people, along those within the galaxy suffering from the arrogance of the Republic."

Followed by an appearance shocking those familiar with the Jedi. A well-built robed figure with heavily bearded features and determined eyes. "I, Master Sifo-Dyas, Jedi Master, ally with the Confederate Alliance in the name of freedom and equality to all living things, and end this corruption which plagues the Senate."

But he wasn't the only Jedi. A more intimidating man appeared next with folded arms, hardened eyes enduring no nonsense. "I, Master Ky Narec, Jedi Master, ally with the Confederate Alliance in the name of freedom and equality to all living things, for the peace in the galaxy and the Force."

The list of representatives only increased from there. Senators, citizens and criminal scum all watched in surprise, wonder and shock at the many people speaking for this newly-enstated government seperating all ties from the Repiblic, rebelling against a system which stood strong and proud for over ten thousand behalf of this Confederacy spoke people of worlds, corporations and even, to the biggest surprise of them all, slaves.

Dooku had to clarify there. "As you no doubt have heard, the Hutt Empire has been demolished in one day. Who is there to take credit for such? No one else but yours truly." Multiple gasps echoed across the stunned Senators, but the Count kept spoking with open ease, as if simply stating the facts. "The Republic turned a blined eyes to the people and systems suffering from the Hutt Cartal and many vast criminal organizations alike. To repent for their crimes, I hav tasked the more... Trustworthy syndicates to sieze all assets the Hutts had previously possessed, tying up all loose ends. Such as, say, erasing all debts expected of poor families, alongside ending the slave trade permanently."

And from the woman now taking up the holo, Qui-Gon showed the faintest of grimaces, noticed by none of the skeptical Jedi but one small green troll.

From the other side of the Temple, Anakin's Force signature flared up in shock.

"I was born into slavery." The middle-aged woman began, clearly unuse to being the center of attention, putting it mildly. "I was forced to the whims and expectations of several masters, whom sought only to amuse themselves and dispose of anyone they declared no loner servicable. It was... Awful. Purely and utterly awful..." The person closed her eyes, taking a shuddering breath, and the audience leaned in curiously, sensing something was about to happen.

They were right.

Something glinteed in her eyes, a newfound determination not shown since she gave up her one and only son long ago. "Count Dooku has given me a home, a place to belong, work with fair pay and no shock collars to keep me in check. And now... Now he has done the same to all former slaves. Everyone is free to return to their families, or make a new home for themselves. To all who have suffered this tragic fate, like I, you are all free! I, Shmi Skywalker, will never stop expressing gratitude to the one man who has given me a chance, and now has gifted that chance to everyone who suffered under those thugs. I will follow his cause until the very end."

For the final time, the confident face of the elderly Count revealed itself once more, a tiny smile gracing his noble lips. "I might be old by human standards, but my resolve carries me forward. To everyone who wishes for a new, better democracy for our shared galaxy, one of the freedom to act, to choose, to help and be helped when needed, leave that decaying hush of a government, and join the Alliance. To the Galactic Senate, I pity your stance; you have only destroyed yourselves, and young self-conceited shall only drag you down further."

"To the Jedi Order, consider carefully whom your true enemies are." All the Council Members frowned heavily.

"To everyone else, I leave you to choose, but I implore you; select wisely. If we work together, we can bring down this sorry state of a Republic and restore it from the root up. No more wars, no more deaths, no more greed." Brown eyes unblinking, the voice raised in passion and conviction alike, concluding this galaxy-wide broadcast. "We can have others continue to suffer with their children, and their children's children starting tomorrow. Or, in a few years time, we can achieve the peace we have all truly sought for thousands of years. We will fight in your name... And we shall win. The choice is yours."

And with that, the screens and holoprojections died out without delay, leaving only stunned silence of countless worlds... Followed by cries, loud vocal heavily-opinionated cries. Cries of contempt, of disagreement from the Senate and the people of Corsucant... And the countless cries of adoration and approval by the worlds continuing to suffer by the Senate's own incompetence.

From both sides of the Force, Sidious internally seethed behind the calm mask and request for peace among the rotunda, whereas Yoda maintained a composed outlook with an internal struggle of wonder and concern.

The Alliance had basically declared war.

As the holo spectacle was finally over, silence befell the room among the Jedi Masters, some trading wary glances than others. Qui-Gon bowed his head, Yoda tapped his wooden cane on the ground thoughtfully, Mace looked stern as ever, with a few other Masters looking decidedly uncertain.

It was Kit Fisto who broke the tension. "Well, we certainly can't deny he hasn't lost his touch."

After the announcement, among the applause of the gathered members on Raxus, a reception party we held in honour of Dooku and newly-found alliance. The Count found himself, though not unexpectedly, surrounded by senators representatives wishing to extend congratulations and discuss ways to improve their ecomony and people. Dooku maintained a kind smile and conversed with the many people over wine and laughter, slipping into the politician role with open ease.

Meanwhile, observing by the side, the two Jedi Masters watched the Count handle the eager people of power with relative ease. Sifo-Dyas struggled not to smile, imagining how Dooku was practically born into the role of politician, perhaps moreso than Jedi. His wordplay was that of a viper, slithering and twisting the mood around to match his whims. If they were to become more involved with the political play behind the Alliance, maybe Sifo-Dyas should ask for notes.

"You trust him, then?"

Master Narec stood tall and stoic as ever, impassive expression betraying nothing. None have yet to approach the two Jedi - perhaps out of nervousness or repulsion - giving them ample time to talk without being overheard. Sifo-Dyas glanced at his fellow Master from the corner of his eyes, befroe switcing his gaze back to Dooku, answering calmly, "I like to believe he does have the best intentions at heart." Before commenting in faint humour, "His speech was certainly an uplifting one for those suffering terribly within the galaxy. Although, I was moreso surprised by your willing open alliance to the Count by announcing it."

Ky raised a brow. "I too share the belief that Dooku holds good will to everyone. His arguments regarding the leniency and corruption spreading to the Jedi Order was strong and with pure conviction. I have no reason to doubt his own passions."

"But you doubt the means in reaching those goals." Sifo-Dyas pointed out sagely.

"...I tolerated the plan to execute the Hutt family out of necessity, rather than tolerance. As a Jedi, it is sworn duty to preserve all life. But perhaps..." Those wise eyes stared over to a certain Dathomirian Padawan conversing with Miss Skywalker. "For the protection of others, we should be more open-minded."

Sifo-Dyas stayed quiet, mulling over those words. Over years working with the Jedi Master, Sifo-Dyas knew Ky enough to know the real connection between the Jedi and young Ventress. The two possessed a bond unbecoming of a Jedi, a bond which Dooku himself knew and often encouraged. Perhaps it was love for whom Ky considered a daughter in all but love which led him to aiding Dooku's cause. Compassion, but not a selfish desire, although Sifo-Dyas couldn't often resist reminding his fellow Jedi the dangers of attachment.

"And what about you, old friend?" Ky turned the conversation around, looking over to him. "Do you trust Dooku?"

A good question, one Sifo-Dyas was careful to answer. "Like you said, I believe he holds no dark intentions, despite his... Current alligience to the Force."

"Be careful, Sifo-Dyas, I understand you two grew up together as friends, but you mustn't allow that to blind from any actions we shouldn't agree with." Ky said, rather sternly.

Sifo-Dyas nodded. "I understand Ky. But I won't be turning a blind eye anytime soon, like you. Dooku allowed us to monitor a close eye on his activities to make certain he's staying true to his word. Should anything we find problematic arises, we'll be there to set the Count straight."

"Be it by words or lightsabers."

Sifo-Dyas looked over to the cheerfully conversing Count, baring a small smile. "If so, the latter will give us a run for our credits."

For the first time amongst her career as a Senator, Padmé Amidala was struggling to contain a major headache. It didn't help with her guards and handmaidens fluttering around in worry and determination. But the real source of the migraine originated from the hologram sat opposite her desk, regarding the young woman with open patience.

"You must understand, Customs Vizier, with recent events and allegations made against the Republic, Naboo is struggling more to calm its citizens. Our renegotiations will have to be postponed to a later date."

The Neimoidian sneered ahutily, clearly unimpressed. The formal-dressed business man raised his head. "I trust it will not take too long then, Senator. You understand the importance of maintatining a healthy relationship between our neibouring worlds, no?"

More than you know, Padmé thought wryly, outwardly attempting to pacify the Enarc representative further. "When possible, the Queen will contact you after the unrest has deserted. You have my word."

A pleased smile which radiated with smugness. "I should hope so, Senator. So far, I have yet to be impressed with both Naboo's new monrachy and representative in the Senate." And like that the hologram deactivated, leaving Padmé to exhale a fuming breath, forcing herself to calm down.

Unfortunately, true to her word, any negotiations to settle the tension between Naboo and Enarc following the Trade Blockade years back was distracted by civil unrest. Ever since yesterday's announcement of a goverment formed by neutral systems, the Republic was plagued by uncertainty and worry, affecting even the citizens of Padmé's home world. Just one year into her new job as a Senator, and Padmé was already biting more than she can chew.

Well, no one ever said it would be easy.

Pushing back against her desk, Padmé looked over to a handmaiden at work. "Sabé, please inform the guards for no one else to enter my office. I have a lot to think about."

"Of course your Maj- Senator."

Padmé couldn't resist smiling at the flustered slip, grateful for the loyalty of her handmaidens/friends. A reminder that even in trying times, there were other she can rely upon, and for them to rely upon her. Befriending equally-minded people in the Senate was a challenge in itself with small victories; many dismissed or outright laughed at her idealistic approach to settling matters, but Padmé wasn't deterred. Now, though, with recent formation of an opposing democracy, no one bother to approach nor request Padmé for assistance or advice, worrying about their own worlds and profit.

Which she could sympathize with. This Confederate Alliance led by Count Dooku was bad news and bad news alone. Ever since the braodcast, the young Senator objected vehemently against it. The answer to fixing the Republic wasn't starting a new government all together, but banding together all the Senators and discussing methods in repairing the damages and helping the poor people enduring through their mistakes! And yet, not many shared that approach to things.

For following the announcement, in just one day, over three hundred systems disbanded from the Republic openly to join the new Confederacy. Already the Senate declared the newly formed government a 'seperatist movement,' but not many shared that opinion; instead agreeing that severe change was needed, and the Republic relies only on the wealthy and all-powerful. Even Chancellor Palpatine was finding it hard to maintain peace in the government, vowing to discuss terms with the Count of Serenno in order to sort this all out.

Will that work? Padmé certainly hoped so. War was never the answer to peace, despite all that happened on Naboo over six years ago. Things were getting out of hand too rapidly, a galaxy-wide battle on the horizon.

And the worse has yet to come.

"Mi'lady!"

What? Padmé looked up from her thoughts, startled by the interruption of Captain Panaka's sudden barging into the office, looking terribly urgent with those firm features. "Captain, what is it?"

Panaka looked absolutely grim, and his voice carried that forward. "It's the Queen, mi'lady, she's announcing Naboo's secession from the Republic."