Star Wars: Heir of the Force
Episode 2: Chapter 1
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***HotF***
Padme let out an annoyed sigh as she scrolled through the various documents she had downloaded. She knew that the newest Senator on her list was corrupt, knew he was involved in some sort of illegal activity, and knew that the evidence was out there. What she didn't know was the specifics though.
Was it weapon smuggling?
Slavery?
Embezzlement?
The next digital piece of information was concerning the normal, aka tedious, amount of bureaucratic nonsense and after skimming it over the words seemed to merge together into one long wall of text. Closing her eyes, and rubbing wearily at the bridge of her nose, she took a short break to stand and pace around her shuttle.
No matter how hard she fought, how many corrupt pieces of garbage she exposed it never felt like she was doing any good. For every politician, banker, governor, or aid that was removed by her efforts another two seemed to take their place.
The former queen was trying to stop a room from flooding by scooping up the water and tossing it out, one cup at a time. "Maybe Dorme is right, I need a vacation." With a laugh she shook her head. At least she had been wise enough to refuse the request of the queen who followed her.
"Your highness" Padme greeted the newly elected queen Reillata. "I wish to congratulate you on your victory."
The younger woman smiled and nodded in gratitude, "Thank you Padme. I would not have been here if it had not been for your bravery during the invasion. You saved us all."
Shaking her head the older merely gestured towards the painting that now hung on the wall of the royal chamber, one of Boss Nass and herself sharing the ceremonial peace sphere. "It was more them than me. I was carried to my success by their victories."
"Regardless, you have become the symbol of hope for our people, of bravery and purity. I was hoping that I could convince you to continue being this and serving our people in the Senate."
Padme noticeably frowned, "With all due respect your highness, there are others far more qualified than me. A senator needs to have more than just fame, they need experience. Being a queen does not prepare you for such an undertaking."
"I disagree, there is no one I would trust more representing us."
"Only until I punch the first Trade Federation representative in the face and get escorted from the building."
Reillata laughed, Padme did not.
"I understand the situation you are in your highness," The former queen continued, "truly I do. With Palpatine now in the position of Chancellor you need someone to fill a great void... but it is not me. I lost my faith in that body when they stood by and chose politics over aiding us. I would never be able to do that or play their games. If you want my suggestion..." here the newly elected queen nodded and gestured for her to continue, "Choose one of the former diplomats and have Boss Nass send his own."
An uncharacteristic sigh escaped the seated monarch, "You know we cannot have a Gungan as the representative for Naboo Padme. It isn't that I don't trust them, far from it, it is simply the fact they do not have the experience with galactic politics."
"That is why I am suggesting them as an assistant Senator instead, to continue the unity between our people."
She nodded slowly, "If that is the case... what will you choose to do? You must know that someone of your passion cannot simply fade into the background."
"I do not plan to." Padme noted, "I am going to continue fighting for those who the galaxy has ignored and tearing down the corruption that consumes the politicians. I will help Naboo by removing those who would sell the delicate peace away if they thought it would make them a handful of credits."
And she had, a month later and she had begun her career as an independent reporter, exposing the crimes and sins of those with power. At first it had been inconsequential activities. Aides taking bribes under the table, communication officers recording and selling confidential information, and other lesser acts committed by those with no real power.
Through these small, but meaningful, exposures she became more and more well known. Politicians and commoners alike began to trust and even support her words and deeds.
It all changed when her first article was released detailing the secret life of a senator, of how they profited by selling their vote to corporations rather than the interests of the people. Of lavish spending, drugs, and other illicit activities.
To say it was a shock to her supporters was an understatement. Politicians began demanding her imprisonment but were forced to back down when the people's support rose. Those in power wanted to get rid of her because of their secrets, but it was those same secrets that kept her from retaliation by the citizens.
But there were some days she loathed this life, wanted something more, something peaceful, something...
Her thoughts were disturbed as she stumbled forward, the entire ship shaking violently as she steadied herself on the wall. Moments the pilots voice sounded over the intercom, "I need you at the cockpit and strapped in immediately, there's been an explosion and we are losing altitude fast."
***HotF***
Coruscant, a planet completely covered by a single city that stretched from the surface to miles into the sky. It was a steel jungle with vehicles, floating platforms, and towers blocking the very sky from all who may wish to gaze up at the stars and dream of escaping the poverty experienced at the lowest levels.
To Anakin it was a terrible place, with the only redeeming qualities being the diversity of life, and the excitement they brought. He had discovered a love for what others called 'thrill seeking' a few years after the events on Naboo and had since gone through greater lengths to attain that rush. Less than an hour prior he had overheard a group talking about the latest 'trend', scaling some of the larger buildings with nothing but a safety rope and trying not to get caught while doing so.
It sounded fun, really fun, which meant that the older teen was more than a little interested in it. The only problem he had initially encountered was that he didn't actually own a safety cable. On the other hand he didn't really need one.
About halfway up on side of the building he paused to consider that he was supposed to be trying to find out more about some group called 'The Separatists' but shrugged the notion off. Research and information gathering was always so boring to him, and he usually found out more from those he met during his adventures anyway.
Just as he reached a point to take a short break a loud noise from above him drew his attention. In the sky he could just make out a ship crashing towards the surface, smoke pouring from its engines.
"Well that isn't good..." Anakin muttered, before extending his arm towards the shining object and reaching out with The Force.
***HotF***
Her knuckles paled as she gripped the chair that she had strapped herself into. In the next chair Dorme looked equally as distressed, her eyes closed as she gripped a small religious trinket, muttering prayers as their ship continued to spiral downwards. From the pilot's seat the man that had volunteered to stay with them after her tenure as queen ended was busy desperately trying to slow their crash, to try and keep the ship together and their lives intact.
Both of them had chosen to remain by her side, to help her in the self-appointed quest to purge the galaxy of scum, putting their own careers on hold to help hers. Now it seemed as though she was going to be the death of them.
Padme had never been a religious person, not since the invasion of Naboo, but for once she muttered a silent prayer to whomever might be listening. 'Just let them survive, take me but not them...'
Through the view-screen the former monarch watched as ships hurriedly zoomed out of the way, and as the platforms that they would inevitably be unable to avoid continued to enlarge as their fall became inevitable.
Should she close her eyes and wait for the end or keep them over and see it coming?
Thoughts flickering once more towards her family that she would be leaving behind she opted for the former, and held her breath as it became clear they were moments away from impact.
Then she waited, and waited, and waited for a few more seconds before hesitantly peeking out from under one eyelid. The platform was still before them, but it was frozen in place, or perhaps...
"I..." the pilot began, "I think we... stopped?"
***HotF***
Palpatine frowned at the report that had just flashed across the screen on his desk. Yet another 'victim' of Amidala's 'crusade' had been removed from his position. At first her actions had been rather adorable. A child playing in politics with the adults made for a decent news story and having her chase down 'corrupt' individuals while being from his own home planet made for great publicity.
At least it had at first, now that her efforts had expanded to more powerful politicians it was beginning to have an impact on his own control over the Senate and the courts.
Just recently a surprise reveal had forced one of his arms-dealers out of business, thus slowing down the process of attaining supplies for his future Clone army. Something would need to be done to occupy her, or else the brat would need to be dealt with in a more permanent manner. As he was preparing to contact one of his agents a call rang in on the communicator in his desk.
"Chancellor" the aid interrupted, "There has been an incident involving Padme Amidala."
Perhaps he wouldn't need to interfere after all. "Oh dear, I do hope everything is okay." He didn't, naturally, and if she were dead, especially by assassination, he could turn her into a martyr and a weapon for his cause in one way or another.
"It... seems like it sir. We are still getting in reports but there was damage done to her ship, enough to cause a major malfunction and a crash. It seems as though this was prevented though. Eyewitnesses says her ship 'just stopped falling'."
That drew the Sith Lord's attention. It sounded like the use of The Force but the odds of a Jedi of sufficient skill being in just the right place at the right time? Unlikely.
"Stopped falling?" He repeated in his 'kind old man' persona. "It sounds like we have a Jedi to give several awards to."
"I'm not sure yet sir. No one has come forward to claim responsibility yet and from what I have heard the Order has begun a rather thorough investigation."
If the Jedi were putting in effort for something that didn't involve a politician or one of their own it meant something major. Could it be? Had the disturbance reemerged after all these years? Sidious had long since theorized that his former apprentice had met his untimely end due in part to outside interference, a mysterious Force user that had never been identified, whether it was a Jedi or something else entirely.
The fact that Maul had been killed on Naboo during Amidala's fight to retake the planet and that she had just been saved again by use of The Force was not missed by the aged Master.
"Prepare my shuttle, I will visit miss Amidala immediately."
***HotF***
The young girl patrolled the craft for what felt like the tenth time. At a glance it would seem as though she were searching for details overlooked by the other investigators. In reality the young Togruta was just trying to avoid all of the tension currently surrounding those nearby. Despite what her master thought of her she was rather sensitive to that sort of thing, and although the Jedi were beacons of calm determination the young woman by the name of Padme was most certainly not.
"I do not need protection," she seethed, "especially from one of you again."
"Padme we..."
"Miss Amidala, you lost any right to use my first name all those years ago Jedi Kenobi."
A sigh escaped her master's lips, "Of course, Miss Amidala. We are simply concerned about your well being and the safety of those around you. While we investigate the cause of..."
"I can tell you what the cause was, sabotage." the female interrupted, agitation clearly rising. "And I assure you that I will be finding out who soon enough."
Palpatine shook his head, "Now now my dear we've gone over this, I don't want you involved in the investigation. Not only is it dangerous but you are clearly the target."
"Chancellor, with all due respect, this is what I do. What kind of message would I be saying if I stepped away and didn't investigate my own attack?"
"Someone who understands how serious this clearly was." Windu chimed in, earning a glare from the woman.
The older man present immediately interrupted any building argument, "I have personally requested a Jedi escort for you my dear, and I expect you will treat them respectfully and give them your cooperation." Raising his hand, he stopped any further protest. "Consider it an order from the Chancellor."
With a grumble Amidala stormed off, and Ahsoka rejoined the other Jedi alongside her master. "Rest assured Chancellor, the safety of Miss Amidala is our primary concern. We will be having Knight Kenobi and his padawan escort her to a safe location until the danger has passed. Obi-Wan has history with her and it should ease the transition into protective custody."
"Good, I will sleep better tonight knowing she is in capable hands while the enforcement officers proceed with the investigation. I'm sure you understand how delicate this situation could become."
Mace nodded, "Of course, with the Separatist movement still ongoing and her own investigations into them this could very well be the link into their activities we have been searching for."
The young girl wasn't quite sure about it though. Their 'target' didn't seem to be interested in the least bit in their protection, especially from her master whom everyone seemed to think was the best candidate for the job.
She could only hope that this mission would go smoothly, she could tell that the man had been having second doubts about training her ever since they had first met. Perhaps this would give her the chance to finally prove herself.
***HotF***
Obi-Wan Kenobi rubbed wearily at his eyes as he went over the report concerning the ships crash once more. If he would have had a more reliable apprentice perhaps this part of the mission would be easier, but he had learned the hard way that Ahsoka wasn't suited for such tasks. She had trouble focusing when the situation required research and was more action oriented than any Jedi should be.
Not only that but she was stubborn and acted recklessly when he needed her to simply follow the Code.
Leaning back in his chair the knight wondered, not for the first time, why he allowed his own master to talk him into taking her as an apprentice.
"She will be good for you Obi-Wan, a balance to what you are. No master should ever teach a mirror copy, instead they should help balance out someone different from themselves and be balanced by their apprentice as well."
And he had tried, tried to show the teen the importance of patience, of following the Jedi Code, of waiting and planning rather than rushing in head first and hoping for the best. He had even required her to focus on his own saber style of Soresu rather than any of the more aggressive forms, knowing that it might even become dangerous for her to learn any too combative.
This mission, he felt himself falling back on his old habits of reaching out rather than focusing on the 'here and now'. Something did not feel right, there was more to the situation than just a simple assassination because of something she reported.
Even stranger was the council's actions during the investigation. Amidala was not a Senator, politician, or leader of any sort and yet the attempt on her life had seemingly brought the attention of the highest ranking Jedi Masters onto the scene.
But why? Why did Master Windu insist on being present at the crash site? Why had Master PLO Soon offered his own assistance should it be required? Why had the report been been completed so quickly, and yet his own access had been delayed until the council had reviewed and released it?
Something wasn't quite right, and he secretly longed to speak with Que-Gon about the entire situation. Unfortunately the man had departed months prior on a 'personal mission' and had not reported in since then.
He needed more time to sort things out, unfortunately time seemed to be the one thing he was reluctant to allow them any more than they had been gifted. Coruscant was far too dangerous for the woman who had made enemies of hundreds, which meant retreating to a safer location was the only practical solution. This presented its own problems, and he would need to tread carefully before making any rash decisions.
***HotF***
Great
Just freaking great.
Not only had her ship been damaged enough that it would likely cost just as much to repair as buy a new one, but the Chancellor had insisted that she take the Jedi as escorts.
Frankly there was a part of her that would agree to anything so long as she didn't need to spend any more time with the old man than necessary. Everyone else, from Senator to Jedi, seemed to be enamored by the man but he had always made her feel uncomfortable, even when she was the monarch. It had only gotten worse once she had taken on her new role. Like the other high ranking politicians she had spent a good amount of time and effort investigating Palpatine.
What she found had sent shivers through her body.
Nothing, absolutely nothing. No criminal record, no hints of dishonesty or corruption, hell he didn't even drink!
No one was that good, everyone had secrets, had something to hide, had a dark side and this was far more true for those in power. No one could become Chancellor so easily without skeletons in their closet or connections to the lower parts of society. The fact that she couldn't find anything on someone who had been a career politician for so long meant that he was very talented at burying the truth.
Any truth worth that much effort had to be terrible by definition.
Still, Padme didn't think he personally had anything to do with her attempted murder, there just wasn't anything he would gain by doing so. She was no longer investigating him and even if she was, insisting that she be placed under Jedi protection would make no logical sense if that were the case.
Why make it harder for himself?
Unless of course the Chancellor thought she would intentionally try to escape her protectors, something she was sorely tempted to try at this point. As if having to deal with the insufferably fanatical Kenobi, who seemed to have become worse in the years since Naboo, wasn't bad enough she also had a teenage girl following her.
Speaking of said girl, a knock gently sounded from her door, "Excuse me, Miss Amidala? Everything okay in there?"
"Yes, just getting ready for bed." she almost snapped back, earning an almost defeated whisper in response before the padawan continued making her rounds. For a moment Padme did feel bad, it wasn't the teen's fault and taking it out on her wasn't fair. But then she remembered the message from Kenobi stating that she would be required to return to Naboo for her own safety, putting her even further from any potential investigation.
She already had a list of suspects prepared in her mind, those she had most recently been investigating or had brought down. But most of these were at the capital and it would be difficult to confront them or any other source if she was dragged back to her home world.
A yawn escaped her lips and with a great reluctance she did as previously claimed and slipped under the covers of her bed. There was no sense in worrying tonight.
***HotF***
Anakin was feeling rather... uncertain at the moment. He had never sensed such a connection with another living being before but there was something about the woman who had emerged from the ship he had helped earlier in the day that called to him. It wasn't just The Force either, no this was different and yet at the same time so very familiar,
Looking to his 'mentor' for guidance he could sense the connection with the woman and the one he had helped so many years prior, the queen who had valiantly put herself in danger for others.
She had, after all, been one of the first living things he had ever admired.
And now? Now there were other feelings swirling inside his chest when he looked at her, from a distance of course he didn't want to deal with the Jedi or the Sith that had spoken to her on the platform. Still, he could feel as though she were important and decided to follow her and make sure she remained safe.
Definitely not to figure out why his heart beat just a bit faster when he saw her smile at her handmaiden.
Now it was evening, with darkness consuming the planet, and he had yet to move from his spot across from the building she was staying at. He had contemplated just crossing the distance, slipping in through her window, and talking to her but from what he had gathered people generally didn't like that sort of thing.
Perhaps he should ask the man in the funny armor what the best course of action would be.
Leaping down to the same level the Force wielder called out to the stranger, "Excuse me, how would you suggest going about talking to someone who makes strange fluttering in your chest?"
The man spun, clearly surprised despite the helmet shielding his face, and brought up a pistol, or at least he tried to before it was torn from his hand by the younger boy. "Hey now that wasn't nice, I just asked a question..."
"Jedi..." the digital sounding voice seethed, before extending his arm, a wire firing from it quickly wrapping around his target before a burst of flames sent him into the air, attempting to drag the teen off the ledge and into the traffic below. Instead, he was jerked to a halt, Anakin looking almost confused as he maintained his position.
"You need to be careful! You could really hurt yourself if you fall from that far up." With a slight gesture Anakin tried to pull the man back in... which resulted in the armored soldier being tossed around mid-air, changing directions in such a way that his jet pack sent him slamming into the wall behind them.
Flinching at the sound the teen untangled himself before rubbing at his head in embarrassment, "Uh... oops? I'll just uhm... leave you up here and figure things out on my own, thanks anyway though!"
***HotF***
"So it is decided then, Obi-Wan and his padawan will continue looking after Amidala while we conduct a close surveillance."
Most of the council nodded, Yoda, on the other hand, frowned. "To a dark place this will take us, betraying trust we are."
Windu let out a weary sigh, not wanting to go over this argument with the Grand Master yet again. "I understand how it looks but the situation calls for it. This is the second time now and we can no longer consider it a coincidence. Whether Amidala is intentionally keeping secrets or is unaware isn't important. What is important is how dangerous it could become if we stand by and do nothing."
"Clearly she does not trust us," Mundi noted with sadness in his voice, "though I can see her logic it is disappointing for her to be unable to let go of the past. I sense this is the only option we have available to unravel the mystery."
The elder master merely sighed and shook his head, wondering what had happened to the Order he had helped to create over the past several hundred years.
***HotF***
Like Anakin said, Ahsoka would never make it as Obi-Wan's padawan and I want to emphasize this conflict throughout Episode II.