Chapter 33
'Get Your House In Order'
'Method Acting'
'Neider, Neither, Nor'
'Radical Thinking'
A few months pass since the symposium and the subsequent 'reality check' courtesy of 'Plagueis the Wise' Dantius had plenty of time to reflect on his actions during this period.
One morning Dantius makes his way to the Student Center to pick up his mail. It is a bright, sunny day in Theed. Dantius is in need of some good news. He is hoping no one remembers his near-xenophobic rant at the symposium reception. Finis said people wanted to hear his views, but, as Finis later confided to Dantius, 'I thought you were going to give an upbeat view of the possibilities that might make government great, I didn't expect you to clear the room.'
Just days after the grand miss-step, Dantius sends a letter of apology for anything that might have offended anyone that evening. He betrayed the trust of someone who tried to reach out to him. He assured Finis that his poor choice of words did not reflect his true feelings and were fueled by his inexperience as a public speaker. He hoped that his mea culpa soothed feelings. Copies of the letter were sent to the heads of the political science and philosophy departments as well as Dean Kingsfield and Ranulph Tarkin.
The mailroom is quiet this morning. There is new staff working today. Dantius reaches inside his mailbox and pulls out a small parcel and an envelope. He tucks the parcel under his arm and examines a seal on the envelope. It is blue. He has never seen this design before. He breaks the seal and immediately reads the card inside:
Young Master Palpatine,
After reviewing applications from many deserving student applicants, and after careful consideration, the committee and I have decided to extend to you an invitation into the Galactic Senate Internship Program through your senior year with the possibility of fulltime employment post-graduation. The decision was based on your desire to make a considerable contribution as a future public servant as well as your impressive academic record.
It is hoped that you will accept this invitation with the seriousness of a scholar of the Political Arts.
Sincerely,
Finis Valorum, PhD.
Junior Senator, Lytton sector
Dantius finds a smaller envelope with a reply card inside the original envelope. He walks toward the exit as he reads the letter again and does not notice the person bumping into him. It is his arch nemesis Doug Cooha'ki. Doug sneers at Dantius and brushes pass him muttering a series of profanities as he enters the building. Dantius is too busy reading the good news to take much notice. No one can take this moment of elation away from him. He looks up at the sun and smiles.
His tearful plea for forgiveness and impassioned letter of contrition had the desired effect. A few days after the symposium, Dantius knew what he had to do. That afternoon he steps into Finis Valorum's small corner office appearing distraught. He told Finis that he feared he had disgraced the Palpatine name. The display of emotion was heart wrenching. Finis pitied the young man. After telling Dantius that he had been too hard on himself and giving him a few words of advice, Finis sends Dantius on his way.
That same day, Dantius returns to his dorm room, sits at his desk and composes his, now infamous, letter of apology. A few tear stains on the stationery made it a masterpiece. After making several copies for distribution, he kisses one of the envelopes, laughing as he wipes away his tears. That foolish Valorum bought the act! Dantius did not feel any remorse at all. Everything he said that evening was how he truly felt. He should try that 'vulnerable' act more often. It will help him get out of any compromising situations in the future.
Unfortunately, the decision to extend the internship invitation was not a unanimous vote. There was much debate involving the career office, the academic committee, and Valorum. Finis, also had reservations, however, he felt perhaps he owed it to the Dantius after putting the student in the awkward position to speak to such a high-ranking government official such as Ranulph Tarkin. The academic committee balked at the idea of sending Dantius to Coruscant over more deserving student. At the same time, some committee members cited the Palpatine name as a reason to okay invitation. It would surely garner a monetary donation to the school. But that would also mean naming a building on campus after the family. No one wanted that. Other members feared that any support for this student would surely come back to bite them down the road. Finis said that he would take that chance.
Dean Kingsfield stanchly opposed, considering it a grave mistake. He sent a copy of the proposal to Doctor Melfi. Melfi agrees with Dean Kingsfield but she is bound by doctor-patient confidentiality, and could not discuss the matter with Finis. Ultimately, it was Finis Valorum's choice and the committee reluctantly supported him.
Dantius makes his way across the campus. The envelope is tucked safely in his coat pocket. He opens the small parcel he had been holding under his arm the whole time and tears away the twine and wrapping. The familiar teal box with the burgundy grosgrain ribbon is a gift from his mother. This is such a glorious day!
Dantius pops a Paonga Delight into his mouth and continues on to his late morning class. The sweet fruity confection fills him with happiness.
Professor Guffin has a full class as usual. Eager students take their seats, ready to take on a changing galaxy once they leave Theed University. Dantius settles into his seat. Lots of familiar faces are in the room. Chip Neider is in attendance He sits midway up the Amphitheatre. Dantius does not notice him.
Guffin writes something on the holo-board. This is how he always starts his classes. No greeting or boring preamble. Whatever appears on the board is intended to get you thinking and prepare you for questions and debate. In large block letters he writes the following:
Interstellar Plasma Energy Market
He places emphasis on the four words by drawing a double line beneath them.
"Why is this an issue today?" Guffin taps the tip of the liquid chalk stylus against the board.
Chip Neider volunteers an answer.
"Conflict with the Trade Federation."
Mr. Neider, you're actually paying attention. This is a step in the right direction. I see your cohort Mr. Cooha'ki is no longer taking class with you.
"He's taking general studies this year, sir."
"I'll let you in on a little secret Mr. Neider, there is no such thing as general studies. General studies is a waste of time. Knowledge is not general. It is specific. If you are still a good friend to Mr. Cooha'ki, you may wish to share this bit of information with him as he will rise to a rude awakening come graduation time."
"Yes, sir."
Chip had done some serious soul-searching after that encounter with Dantius a few semesters ago. It is the brawl that he barely remembers. It resulted in serious injuries that benched him for a season and put his athletic scholarship in jeopardy. His coach was furious that he almost cost the championship. Chip's parents wanted the campus partying and the fights to end. This meant limiting his social time with Doug Cooha'ki and the other mischief makers. The coach and the dean agreed that the players should not be taking every class together. It was time to hit the books. If he loses the sport scholarship, then so be it. He could make it through without this financial aid.
Chip made the long "walk of shame" from the frat house back to Narmlè Hall. He was still on the water polo team but members of Magnum Ro Tau took the loss hard. It was like a funeral the day that Chip left the house.
This change of living quarters actually turned out better than expected for the young Mr. Neider. He makes friends with some members of the Theed University rowing team. They were a close-knit group that managed to balance sports and academics. The rowing team is the pride of Theed University with an untarnished record. They also socialized well so there was no trouble from them which pleases Dean Kingsfield. This was one less group of athletes for him to be concerned about this semester.
So now, before the crack of dawn, Chip takes the school shuttle to the boathouse and starts practice. The rhythmic rowing on the peaceful waters of the Solleu River and strict teamwork has been therapeutic both mentally and physically for Chip. The 8-man hull is a beautiful specimen, one of the finest in the Nor sculling line. These boats are built to last forever. Chip has no idea what the next 10, 20 or thirty light-years will bring, but he looks forward to a peaceful life, buying a boat of his own and taking it out on the tranquil waters of Lir Lake on Alderaan.
Guffin continues.
"So why, over the past few years has this been a concern? Anyone? We touched on this last year in my Galactic Trade Policy course. "
A different student calls out an answer.
"The Trade Federation is poised to retaliate; Naboo has increased the military budget."
"True, however, that's only part of it...We've got construction going on due east of the Royal Palace, thousands of acres of parkland has been destroyed a stone's throw from this university! We are in a very bad state of affairs, my friends!"
Someone shouts in the middle of the dialogue.
"Aww man! There's gonna be a war!"
The class erupts in chaos.
Grav Ball Jock Gianpaolo Zapalo throws up his arms.
"What the 'eff!' I can't go to war, I'm on a sports scholarship; I'm planning to go pro, man."
Another student speaks and comments on this revelation.
"They're building up the military, of course there's going to be a draft."
"Weesa gonna die?"
The room goes silent and everyone turns towards the back row of the amphitheatre. Sitting three rows from the back toward the left of the room is Chaz Darklighter and Adso Bar Binks.
Dantius rolls his eyes and mutters to himself but his voice still carries in this room built to hear everything.
"Shut up, you moron."
Professor Guffin folds his arms and stares up towards the back of the ampitheatre.
"Mr. Palpatine, there is no need for insults." Guffin continues to look towards the back of the room. He raises his voice. "Excuse me, who are you?"
"Whoosa, meesa?"
Chaz speaks as he points with his thumb at Adso.
"Oh, he just wanted to tell me something, Professor." Chaz whispers to Adso. "Did you make enough copies?"
"Meesa make 500 copies to give out to lunch crowd."
Guffin clears his voice.
"Mr. Darklighter, is my teaching interfering with your talking?"
The students in the class giggle.
"Oh! No sir…sorry." He turns to Adso and whispers, "Dude, you should leave now. We'll talk later."
Adso makes a commotion as he leaves the class carrying his bundle of flyers. A few of the flyers spill onto the steps of the ampitheatre.
"Oopala! Meesa soo sorry. Hey, anyone going to muy big protest rally next week? Big concert too! 'Tawa Jawa' and 'Rishi Tide of Destruction' beesa performing!"
One of the flyers floats across the aisle and settles near Chip Neider's foot. He scoops up the paper and reads it.
"What is this crap?"
Adso finally leaves the room. Professor Guffin waits a moment as the commotion dies down.
"Okay…as we were about to discuss, why this issue is such a hot topic today? There is growing concern that the corrupt Trade Federation is positioning for assault on Naboo. Some say this is just a lot of national paranoia, but mark my words; something is fanning the waves of battle against Naboo. It won't happen tomorrow or next year, but something is looming over the horizon and there is chatter from high up that we had better get our house in order."
One of the female students smirks as she glances up at the jocks in the class but mentions only one.
"Hear that? Better get your house in order…Zapo!"
Gianpaolo Zapalo shouts back.
"You're just jealous that no one wants to date you."
"I've improved my standards and I can kick your ass." She is a tall redhead with a fiery personality to match. She has enchanting emerald green eyes. Contrary to Zapalo's insult, she is a striking beauty who has no trouble attracting men but disposes of them like a broken podracer. She can outdrink anyone at a frat house party and still keep her wits about her. Her name is Dona Margarita Cansino Rossabundi.
Dona remembers that Professor Guffin is waiting for the class to calm down. "Oh, sorry, Professor. I'm done."
"Thank you, Miss Rossabundi."
"You're welcome." She smiles and winks at him. She senses someone staring at her and whips her head around to face the person. It is Dantius. He thinks she is amazing. She is tough, beautiful, and Force-sensitive with a bit of a dark side. He loves the way her gorgeous red hair falls across her shoulders as she turns. Dantius cracks a crooked smile until she squints suspiciously at him. "What are you looking at?"
Her response catches Dantius by off-guard. He blinks nervously and the smile disappears. His reaction elicits hushed giggles from some of the students. Dantius quickly looks his plasma note pad and tries to avoid eye contact with her for the remainder of the class. He is embarrassed.
Guffin continues his rant.
"Naboo, despite its size, is of great interest to outsiders. Can anyone explain why the Naboo government hasn't pushed back on the Trade Federation effort to make large plasma acquisitions?"
A different female student offers to answer. Her name is Francey Shif. She is a studious in appearance with blond wavy hair. Francey is from a prominent academic family known across Naboo for advising the Naboo Royal House and other high-ranking officials and business leaders. Professor Guffin, never falling into the trappings of fame and notoriety, glances at the attendance holo-pad on his lectern. He presses the touch-screen and a name appears next to her image.
"Miss Shif, please, what have you to say?"
"There is concern that Naboo will further isolate itself and lose out on important revenue from plasma resources due to decades of an unstable monarchy and internal as well as external warring factions."
Francey smiles proudly and folds her hands.
Guffin looks down at the floor. He takes a few steps across the room stopping in front of the board where he had just written the four words.
"Is she right? 'Cause I know that's the 'popular' version of what all the Galactic media is putting out across the galaxy. And a lot of people like to believe that. I wish I could, but I was 'there' working the mines during my gap year before university. I wasn't here in a class room, hoping I was right, thinking about it. I saw first-hand, business executives arriving from all across the galaxy on junkets to view the vast resources to plunder later…leaving Naboo stripped to the core with job erosion and the economy in ruins. If you, as members of this Galactic community, turn a blind eye to the corruption that is about to happen, it will be too late. Mark my words, the Trade Federation is going to pillage and plunder our resources and destroy life on Naboo as we know it. Not even the revered Jedi Order will be able to save us from imminent disaster."
The classroom is quiet. There are no wisecracks from the jocks in the back of the room. This is the first time that they gave some serious thought to what Guffin had to say. His sobering message concludes with a warning to get involved in the political process.
"Before you leave, I have the papers from last week. If you are a senior and received a 'C' or lower, I would suggest that you see your advisor as soon as possible."
Dantius had admired this teacher for his superior scholarship, innovative teaching methods and, of course, his acerbic humor, but now he sees Guffin as a hard-core, fear-mongering radical who despises the military and is anti-government and anti-progressive. Someone with such strong views is influencing young minds. He could prove dangerous to a changing regime.
By the end of class, Dantius gathers his belongings. He watches as Guffin erases the holo-board. Dantius walks down the steps to receive his graded paper. The last thing Dantius wanted to do was see his advisor.
Guffin walks over to the lectern and hands Dantius his paper. Their eyes meet. Guffin hesitates for a moment before letting go of the paper. He sees something dark in Dantius. He releases the paper. Guffin speaks but his voice is quiet and solemn.
"Excellent work as usual, Mr. Palpatine."
Dantius nods respectfully. "Thank you, Professor."
Dantius turns and climbs the steps towards the exit. There is a strong wind blowing through the trees. He is still wearing his crimson academic robe as he walks across the campus. The velvet fabric flows behinds him like a sea of blood. Despite the 'A-Plus' on his paper, Dantius sees a small note attached. The writing on the note advises him to see his advisor immediately.
Dantius arrives at the Philosophy Department. He is surprised to find another note; this time on the closed door of the Muun professor. Dantius opens the envelope and reads it:
'See me this evening'
After attending all of his classes, he boards the Naboo Metro. It is a rare occasion but the tram is almost full.
It was still daylight when Dantius arrives at Bassa Ridge. He hopes that this meeting does not last long because he is feeling hunger pangs and he will miss dinner at the campus dining hall. This meeting had better be worth it.