Chapter I

This was definitively not his understanding of a relaxed and pleasurable evening. Absolutely not!

Normally he asked his aides to only set informal meetings for the late evenings, but this time someone in his staff had not seen the importance of the subjects he and the Senators were about to decide. These subjects needed a clear head, and not one that just was about to call his ride to get home!

Well, but now there was no way out; he was stuck here in his office and the delegation was just waiting outside to get the allowance to enter his rooms.

This would cost him at last another hour, probably even two before he was able to quit work. Exercising in Sith Technique would not stand his time schedule today he presumed sighing. He was really looking for some time off, unnoticed of course, so he could make it to the Works for training with his lightsaber or at last his condition.

He had not been in the Works since his last meeting with Count Dooku; but he had at least worked out in his private training room at night, after days of hard, stressy work when he should catch some sleep. So he had been very tired in his office the days after working out; in a bad mood he was forced to do not show anyone at all.

He never showed his real feelings to an audience. If he showed feelings they were faked in most cases. He was always well prepared for official shows that included any audience.

Cos Palpatine would have made a good actor if he would not have chosen the opportunity to become a politician in his early years of life. Sometimes he was really frustrated about the decisions he had taken, but it had been his duty as Sith Lord to fulfil his destiny. And his destiny was to throw the Jedi Order apart. The Sith had waited for this very moment hundreds and hundreds of years, and this moment of overthrowing and revenge was coming nearer and nearer. Indeed it was very close,…if telling from all the decades of waiting.

Pestage, his aide, secretary and friend led the delegation in. It was much to his surprise a very small one, just including Bail Organa of Alderaan and newly elected Mon Mothma of Chandrila.

He got up from his seat to welcome them openly.

"Welcome, my fellow senators. I must say I'm surprised it is just you who are coming from your delegation."

Bail Organa and Mon Mothma bowed greeting.

"Well, I must excuse my fellow companions for not accompanying us to this appointment, but I assure you, your Excellency, we're trusted by them to speak for them."

"Very well then. I'd been reading through the texts you'd sent me already, and,…well I agree we need to help…"

His comlink gave a warning sound and disturbed the meeting. Palpatine gave the senators an excusing look and answered the comlink at once. Indeed it was an urgent matter he had to deal with.

"I sadly must quit this appointment, Senators, but I got message that two worlds have also split from the republic and openly joined the Separatists."

"Which worlds?" Mothma asked alarmed.

"The message isn't classified yet so I can't tell you more than this simple information, I beg your pardon. As soon as I learn more about it I'll convoke the senate immediately.

Palpatine sighed deeply after Mothma and Organa had already left his office. Surely both would head for their homes now while he was still forced to not leave the office.

"Perhaps a stimtea will lighten up your mood, eh?" Pestage poured him a cup of the hot stimulating liquid, but Palpatine refused to take just one sip.

"Appearingly not."

"I could arrange some…companionship…for the night for you."

Again Palpatine sighed. Pestage was always caring for him, but this matter was even yet too personal for his most trusted aide and friend. Pestage had often offered him a prostitute from a quiet brothel. Palpatine had always refused, but one time. It had ended in a disaster. The poor girl was now one with the Works. Sadly.

"No, I don't need companionship in any kind tonight. I suppose I won't leave the building either, but stay here in my rooms and work."

"I'll ready the bedroom for you then."

"You can leave then. I won't need your services tonight. Good night."

"Good night, Chancellor."

Pestage bowed and left the office to ready the bedroom in the private quarters that were also a part of Palpatines office rooms in the senate and left afterwards for the night.

The Chancellor had matters to attend to, but kept not moving in his chair. He loved this silence when everyone except him,…and his lifeguards, had left the building. It was peaceful.

This peace was a lie.

He was a lie.