a.n. It's been quite a long time since I last updated this story, a few months at least. I am really sorry. I have been both busy and uninspired but I really want to continue writing this. If you've noticed, I have written a few oneshots since I last updated this and that has gotten me reinspired. Anyways, I hope none of you have lost any interest in this story and I hope to get up a few more chapters this weekend. As always, George Lucas owns all recognizable characters, places, dialogue, etc. Not me. All else is mine and I'm not making any money off of it. Please Read, Review, and Enjoy!
Chapter 11: Decisions Are Made
Yoda was the first to break the extended silence.
"In dark times nothing is what it appears to be, but the fact remains Senator, in grave danger you are."
Every being in the room, particularly the members of the Jedi Council, turned to face the ancient Master before letting their eyes drift to Senator Amidala. They all knew that something would have to be done, precautions would have to be taken, to ensure the safety of the Nabooan Senator, one of the greatest and most firm believers in democracy, in the Republic and one of the Jedi's greatest supporters.
"Master Jedi, may I suggest that the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces."
All those present turned to face the Chancellor at his suggestion. Every one there felt it was the best way to protect Senator Amidala, providing her with the protection of the Jedi would help ensure her safety even more. All there were in favor of the idea.
Well, all there except for one.
"Chancellor," Padmé started, not liking the idea at all, "if I may comment, I do not believe the..."
"'…situation is that serious'? No, but I do, Senator," Palpatine interrupted, insistent on getting Jedi protection for her. "I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you are familiar with... an old friend like... Master Kenobi…" With this statement, Palpatine looked towards the Jedi, Master Windu in particular, as if questioning whether or not it was possible for Master Kenobi to be her guardian.
Mace nodded in acknowledgement of the Chancellor's query. "That's possible. He has just returned from a border dispute on Ansion."
Padmé still objected to the idea, hoping to find another solution. "This is not necessary, Chancellor."
"Do it for me, milady, please," the Chancellor pleaded with her, "I will rest easier. The thought of losing you is unbearable."
Padmé sighed, knowing she had no choice but to listen to the Chancellor's recommendation, especially if it had the backing of the Jedi.
"If I may offer a suggestion Chancellor?"
Everyone turned to face Luca, who had remained silent during the whole exchange, to hear what he had to say.
The Chancellor nodded and Luca stepped forward to stand within view of everyone in the room, looking directly at each person before turning to the Chancellor to offer his suggestion.
"If the Jedi Council and the good Senator would allow me, I will happily assist Master Kenobi in his protection duties."
Palpatine stared at the young man silently for a moment, trying to read his emotions and discern Luca's reasons for offering himself as a bodyguard to Senator Amidala.
Padmé, too, was silently contemplating the reasons why Luca, a young man she had never even heard of, was willingly offering himself to assist the Jedi in protecting her. It was curious indeed and, although she wasn't too thrilled with the idea of having Jedi protection, she was anxious to see whether or not the Council would allow him to be part of her guard, as she wanted to find out more about the mysterious stranger.
"What makes you so sure that you are capable of protecting the Senator?" Captain Typho questioned Luca, unwilling to let some stranger, of whom he knew nothing about, protect the Senator. He had absolute faith and trust in the Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi in particular, but was wary as to be trusting the Senator's safety to someone unfamiliar.
Luca turned to face the cautious man who had addressed him. "I do have some experience in protective services," Luca informed Typho. Well, that's not too far from the truth, Luca thought to himself. "Though I may not be a Jedi, I assure you that I am quite able to perform this duty expertly. I will also be able to remain as inconspicuous as needed, so as not to draw any unwanted attention to the Senator, the Jedi, or myself."
Typho stared at him for a moment, trying to sense any duplicity or anything untruthful in what Luca said. He turned to face the members of the Jedi Council, hoping to make a decision on based on their reactions.
The members of the Council mulled over Luca's suggestion silently. Though all were indeed wary of this young man, he had given them no reason to deem him untrustworthy or to have any ulterior motives. All their eyes turned towards Yoda, allowing him to make the final decision in the matter.
"Hmm…Unneeded the extra protection is, I feel. But necessary, it may prove yet to be. No malice or ill intent in you, I sense. Truthfully, you have spoken. No harm, I feel, in letting you provide extra security to the Senator. Trust you, I do."
Luca sighed in relief that he would be allowed to provide security to Padmé. Though he still harbored some of the same feelings towards her that he had so long ago when he was put in the same situation as her bodyguard, enough feeling to warrant his extra protective behavior, he did indeed have another reason for wanting to be included in her security detail. He knew how things were going to turn out and he wanted to be able to keep an eye on Anakin, wherever he would be. He knew that shortly, Anakin would be charged with Padmé's security and he wanted to make sure that Anakin didn't make the same mistakes that he had when he was in Anakin's boots.
Luca threw a grateful glance in Yoda's direction, thankful for the trust the old Master had in him and glad that Yoda felt that there may be something he could do. He knew that Yoda was putting a lot of faith in him, and he hoped greatly that that faith would not prove to be misplaced.
Palpatine stared quietly at the scene before him, unsure of what to think. The mysterious man known as Luca Redenov was to be part of the Senator's security. He didn't know how, but he knew that it would prove even harder to continue with his plans with this new element thrown into the mix. He would have to proceed with extreme caution if he hoped to see his plans to fruition.
With Yoda's opinion heard, the decision was final. Everyone respected the venerable Master enough to not question him and felt that Yoda knew what he was talking about. The members of the Jedi Council turned to leave, with Master Windu bowing to Padmé.
"I will have Obi-Wan report to you immediately, milady."
He turned to look at Luca, a critical look in his eye. "I expect you, Luca, to help escort the Senator back to her quarters. We will brief Master Kenobi on this latest development and when he arrives, he will inform you about what we expect your duties to be."
Luca nodded in acquiescence to Windu's request and watched as the Council filed out of the room. Not long after, the rest of the room's occupants decided it was time to leave, and Luca took a position within Padmé's security detail flanking her as he headed out of the room and to the Senator's apartment.
Palpatine watched the rest leave, never taking his eyes off Luca. He would soon find out everything he could of this young man, then dispose of him immediately so he could continue on with his plans.