Padmé sat at her desk, tapping her fingernail on her comm unit. Dormé had left her office just a few minutes ago and the senator sat quietly afterward contemplating her situation, her insides churning.
Her bodyguard's investigations were generally thorough and her sources reliable, but still, she had to check and make sure. She didn't want to walk into the Republic Ball blinded.
With a click of her finger, Padmé contacted the personal secretary of Chancellor Palpatine, a plump humanoid female with piles of dark purple hair by the name of Tharma. The woman's bubbly voice exploded when she recognized Padmé's holographic face.
"Senator Amidala my dear! How are you?"
"I'm fine, Tharma." Padmé answered softly.
"And how's that ornery little bodyguard of yours?"
"Dormé's fine too. Tharma?" Padmé hurried to her point before the older woman began asking her typical much-too-personal questions or launch into the latest malicious senatorial gossip. "I was doing some research on the Outer Colonies and was wondering if you could give me the status of the planet Alta."
"Hold on just a minute, honey." The woman said as the sound of a series of clicks transmitted. "Alta's in good standing with the Republic. A team of Jedi just returned from investigating a mining dispute, but the complaint was unfounded and no negotiations took place."
"Exactly which team was assigned?" Padmé asked as nonchalantly as possible.
"Kenobi and Skywalker."
The senator expressed a watery smile. That still didn't prove anything, she argued with herself.
"Thank you Tharma." She attempted to sign off.
"Wait honey. Here's some interesting information…"
Padmé held her breath.
"Apparently, the Jedi were called into the Council when they returned. A shipment of Altarian crystals were delivered to the Temple and since Jedi aren't allowed to accept gifts – especially of such frivolity," the older woman whispered conspiratorially.
"What happened?" Padmé couldn't help but ask, her voice suddenly constricting.
"Speak up dearie. Can't hear you!"
"What happened?" Padmé repeated.
"No charges were brought forward. The plump female clasped a hand to the side of her mouth and checked the room. "Apparently, the crystals weren't a gift after all, but were actually purchased! How Jedi Knights afford such extravagances, I'll never know."
"Thank you Tharma. Senator Amidala out." Padmé cut the communication short before the woman could divulge any further unwanted information, but the bad news had already been delivered.
Anakin Skywalker. Of all people!
What was she going to do?