Coruscant
"We have been debating who gets seated on the Palpatine Committee for days," Bail Organa said with a sigh. "I fear that the Loyalist Committee is winning out sometimes."
"That's why we put you on the committee," Padme responded, offering a reassuring grin. "There's nobody who will fight harder for the Jedi that we could put on there, you'd do the work of any two Senators."
"I can think of someone," Bail said, nodding at her. "But she's about to go on leave."
Padme demurred. "I couldn't, not as well as you."
The office space they sat in offered a wonderful view of the Coruscant skyline, and between the skyscrapers Padme could make out two of the spires of the Jedi Temple if she looked over Senator Organa's shoulder. Bail sat behind his desk, reclining in his chair. They were joined by a selection of other leading lights of the Delegation of 2000, specifically Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila, Fang Zar of Sern Prime, and Garm Bel Iblis of Corellia. Present as well, but standing behind Padme, was her chosen replacement- Jar Jar Binks, on Coruscant representing the Gungans.
Padme had thought more about letting Jar Jar stand in for her. Despite his motion to grant emergency powers to then-Chancellor Palpatine in the weeks before the Battle of Geonosis, she had spoken at some length with Senators Organa and Mon Mothma who had convinced her that his replacement was unnecessary. Bail, specifically, had said that he would keep Jar Jar close- he had been in the room when Mas Amedda and Palpatine had manipulated Jar Jar into making that proposal. There would be no repeat of that incident, least of all with Amedda under suspicion and Palpatine dead.
"Put me on the Committee," Bel Iblis suggested. "I've never blinked in the face of those Palpatine supporters, I won't do it now that the man's dead and gone."
"You would make a formidable addition," Padme agreed, looking from Bel Iblis to Bail. "I think it's a good idea."
"I will make the motion," Bail said, nodding. "Tomorrow is the next opportunity, we will see by then."
The group remained silent for a moment, sipping at drinks and thinking. Bail broke the silence. "We have to address the bigger issue at hand, I think. Who does our delegation support for Chancellor?"
"I move we put forward Senator Mon Mothma," Padme said, looking to her Chandrilan colleague. "There is no more passionate advocate for democracy, if the Republic is to be repaired it should be by her."
"Padme-" Mon Mothma began, looking around the room. Bail Organa nodded at the choice, though Bel Iblis remained stoic and unreadable. Addressing all of them, she said, "If it is your decision."
"We need a Chancellor who will shift power back to the Senate, to individual systems," Padme said. "Things are too centralized now. Palpatine amassed too much power. We have to elect someone who will disperse it, not attempt to capitalize on it."
Bel Iblis shook his head. "Palpatine may be dead, but the war is still being fought. There is no point in 'repairing' the Republic if a droid army can descend on this system or that one and break it again. What we need is to bring a swift end to the war, then begin reconstructing the Republic. A wartime chancellor will also, potentially, bring some support from the loyalists."
The room remained silent for a moment. Bel Iblis spoke again. "I propose an agreement. I will put forward my own name for Chancellor for the duration of the war with the explicit goal of ending it as soon as possible and on a victorious note, and in the aftermath I will step down and throw my support behind Senator Mon Mothma."
Bail exchanged a look with Padme. Neither of them loved the idea, but Bel Iblis' logic was sound. "What do you say, Senator?" he asked, looking across the room to his Chandrilan colleague.
"I cannot fault Senator Bel Iblis' reasoning," Mon Mothma replied. "I have no great ambition to serve as Chancellor, and what is more is the undeniable truth that Corellia has more to contribute to a war than Chandrila, and more at risk being closer to the Outer Rim. I can serve to reassemble the Republic, and would do so with pleasure."
Next to speak was Padme. "I... do not oppose this deal."
Bel Iblis did not grin or really show any outward signs of celebrating this victory. In fact, he looked grim. "I will prosecute this war to its end, I promise you that. You will not regret this."
"I did not think I would," Bail responded. "You will be inheriting a military in a bit of turmoil, it must be said. We are spread out besieging half of the Outer Rim, and High Command is a shambles with the sudden removal of the Jedi."
"Senator, I have fought the Separatists multiple times across the Mid Rim," he responded. "I know how to organize a fleet, and will apply that to reorganizing the military. The amount of times I have had to rescue Jedi who were in over their heads leaves me with the thought that perhaps this is a change for the good. Where able clone commanders exist, I will promote them into positions of leadership. Clone generals will serve alongside the Republic's High Command, and with their field experience should be better able to direct the war. The goal will be to end it as swiftly and decisively as possible, and with that clout we will turn over the postwar effort of reconstruction to Senator Mon Mothma."
"I do not envy your task," the Chandrilan replied.
Bel Iblis smirked. "Nor I, yours."
"Put it to a vote, then," Bail said after a few moments of silence. "All in favor of Senator Bel Iblis' proposal?"
They all raised their hands.
"The motion is carried, then. I will begin to rally the support of the other delegates," Mon Mothma announced.
Padme made to stand, with no small effort. "I will help you."
Mon Mothma grinned, nodding at her pregnant stomach. "You cannot," she said.
"I can still talk," Padme objected.
"But can you walk circles around the Senate building?" Mon Mothma countered. "I won't have you put the strain on yourself. Let Representative Binks join me, if you wish, but you ought to retire until your child is born."
"Meesa ready, Senator Padme," Jar Jar said solemnly. "Meesa won't be makin' the same mistakes as before."
"I didn't think you would, Jar Jar," Padme replied. "Go with Senator Mon Mothma, do Naboo proud."
"Yousa won't be regrettin' this!" Jar Jar replied happily. He stepped around the couch and stood behind Mon Mothma.
Bail stood, himself, and made for the door. "I think this meeting is adjourned."
Bel Iblis and Fang Zar nodded their agreement, also standing. "We have work to do."
"That we do," Bail agreed.
