Chapter Eight
Many hours ago, Anakin had left for the Jedi Temple. That left Jar Jar and Sarali to tag along with the Queen and her attendants. Subsequently, they waited through the time it took for the handmaidens to help their queen change into a different ensemble to speak in the Seante. After that, they were led through corridor after corridor of opulence to reach the Seante chamber, a fast amphitheatre that housed the representatives, their aids, consorts, assistants, etc, the Chancellor, and his retinue during the meetings of the Galactic Senate.
The two unofficial observers did not enter the round Naboo platform. Instead, they stayed behind in the little tunnel which served as the entrance to that platform. They both intended to observe the proceedings from there, for both were at the very least curious of what the Senate would say.
Soon, the Naboo platform floated out into the open air of the amphitheatre. It was accompanied by the Supreme Chancellor's introductory statement for them, "The Chair recognizes the representative from the Sovereign System of Naboo."
The Senator stood and said, "Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the Senate, a tragedy has occurred, which started right here with the taxation of the trade routes and has now engulfed our entire planet in the oppression of the Trade Federation."
A different voice interrupted Palpatine saying, "This is outrageous!" Sarali quickly looked out and saw the Trade Federation's platform floating out into the centre. "I object to the Senator's statement."
"The Chair does not recognize the Senator from the Trade Federation at this time," Valorum said calmly.
With that, Palpatine continued. "To state our allegations I present Queen Amidala, recently elected ruler of the Naboo, who speaks on our behalf."
Palpatine stepped back, allowing the Queen to step forward and address the Senate. "Honourable representatives of the Republic, I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. The Naboo system has been invaded by the droid armies of the Trade-"
"I object! There is no proof!" the delegate from the Trade Federation interrupted angrily. Sarali looked over at him, suspicion whirling through her mind. He was lying. She could sense it. "This is incredible. We recommend a commission be sent to Naboo to ascertain the truth." They want a delay so that they can completely control Naboo before the officials from the Senate arrive.
"The congress of Malastair concurs with the honourable delegates from the Trade Federation. A commission must be appointed," the Malastair representative said quickly.
"The point," Valorum said before his aids leaned in to confer with him. Seconds later, they separated and the Chancellor said, "The point is conceded. Will you defer your motion in order to allow a commission to explore the truth of your accusations?" Protocol gets in the way of action yet again.
"I will not defer," the Queen said. Her voice was raised. "I have come before you to resolve this attack on our sovereignty now. I was not elected to watch our people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee! If this body is not capable of action, I suggest new leadership is needed." She paused her, and when she began to speak again, Sarali could hear the hesitance and regret in her tone. "I move for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership."
The response amongst the representatives was an uproar. Many of the senators began to shout as one, "Vote now! Vote now!"
One of Valorum's aids shouted over them, "Order!" That did not stop the delegates.
Sarali did not listen to any more of the Senate session.
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Long into the evening hours, Jar Jar stared out the window of Palpatine's quarters. This room, along with several others, had been generously provided by the senator for the Queen for the length of her stay. Sarali had long ago succumbed to weariness and presently slept curled in a chair near the window. The Queen, her handmaidens, and security personnel had been here for the same amount of time, waiting and hoping. During this time, the Queen had changed into a black gown with a more simple headdress and beaded designs in places.
Finally, Jar Jar broke the silence and asked, "Yousa tinken yousa people ganna die?"
"I don't know," Amidala answered sorrowfully.
"Gungans ganna get pasted too, eh?" he continued.
"I hope not," the Queen returned. That's all it was, a hope. More likely than not, they would die.
Jar Jar tried to reassure her by saying proudly, "Gugans no die'n without a fight. Wesa warriors! Wesa gotta grande army!" He looked back at the Queen and said speculatively, "Dat why you no liken us, metinks."
Before the Queen could say a single word more, the senator and Captain Panaka, chief of the Queen's defence, came into the room. Panaka bowed and said, "Your Highness, Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as Supreme Chancellor, along with Bail Antilles of Aldaraan and Ailee Teem of Malastair."
"A surprise, to be sure," Palpatine said jovially, looking at the Queen. For just a second, she could have sworn his eyes had flicked down to look at Sarali, who still slumbered in the chair. "But a welcome one. I promise, Your Majesty, if I am elected, I will bring democracy back to the Republic, and put an end to corruption."
The Queen said more gravely, "Senator, I fear that by the time you have control of the bureaucrats, there will be nothing left of our cities, our people, our way of life."
Palpatine looked more sombre at that. He said, "I understand your concern, but the law is in their favour."
Amidala turned back to the window and said, "There is nothing more I can do here. Senator, this is your arena, and I fear I must now return to mine. I have decided to go back to Naboo. My place is with my people."
"Go back!" Palpatine said more loudly. That woke Sarali, but only Jar Jar noticed. The Gungan motioned her over and told her what had just happened.
"But your Majesty, be realistic! They will force you to sign the treaty!" Palpatine said urgently.
Calmly, Amidala said, "I will sign no treaty, Senator. My fate will be no different from that of my people." She then turned to Panaka. "Captain, ready my ship."
"Please, Your Majesty. Stay here, here it is safe."
"It is clear to me now that the Republic no longer functions. If you win the election, Senator, I pray you will restore sanity and compassion to he Republic," the Queen said, walking past him swiftly. Her handmaidens, the security personnel, Panaka, Jar Jar, and Sarali followed quickly.
As Sarali walked out, she looked back at Palpatine. He was smiling right to her. Inwardly, Sarali was both confused and scared at that, but she showed none of it and merely turned back to follow the handmaidens.