a.n. I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in so long. I was busy with school and work. I hope to have at least 2 more chapters up before I go back to school at the end of the month. I just want you all to know that I haven't abandoned this story and that I will finish it. I have other projects I want to work on when I finish this story so I really want to finish this.
Chapter 18: What Next?
Luca entered the bedroom and noticed Dormé sitting on the bed trying to comfort the Senator, who wore a shocked expression on her face. Captain Typho had called some of his men up to inspect the room for any more hidden dangers. Luca looked towards the window and saw the damage done by Obi-Wan when he jumped through after the droid. A flash of yellow went streaming by from the direction of the building's hangar and he knew that Anakin was on his way to catch up to Obi-Wan.
So far so good, Luca thought to himself, everything is working out just the way I remember.
Luca turned as he heard Captain Typho speaking to some more of his men through his comlink. He looked back towards the Senator whose shock seemed to have worn off and was now trying to reassure Dormé that she was fine.
"Are you alright, milady?" Dormé asked anxiously.
"I'm fine Dormé, really" Padmé tried reassuring her handmaiden though it was clear to all in the room that she was still slightly shaken up over her experience. Captain Typho deposited his comlink into the pocket of his uniform and walked over towards Luca, a serious look upon his face.
"The rest of the building is secure, Mr. Redenov. Not one of the security officers has reported seeing anything suspicious and no one noticed anything outside the Senator's window. As an extra precaution, however, I have doubled the guard at the main entrance and the entrance to the Senator's apartment. I have also posted extra security outside around the perimeter and on the roof."
Luca nodded his head in appreciation. "Lucky for us that Knight Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker were able to sense the danger."
Luca and Typho were quiet for a moment as they watched the exchange between Dormé and the Senator. "Well, if everything seems to be all right for the moment Captain, I will excuse myself. I need to inform the Council of everything that has transpired. Good evening, Captain." Typho tipped his head in acknowledgement and watched as Luca went into the next room to make his call.
Luca went to the comstation and quickly dialed the Jedi Temple. He was put through almost immediately to the Jedi Council. He bowed his head in respect as the Council members appeared before him. "Masters, a situation has arisen that I need to make you aware of." Luca watched as the Jedi all looked seriously at one another before he continued. "Not long ago, another attempt was made on Senator Amidala's life, though she seems to be fine for now. Some kind of droid released two poisonous kouhuns into the Senator's bedchamber. They would have killed her if Knight Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker hadn't sensed the danger and rushed in before they had a chance to attack. Padawan Skywalker disposed of the creatures while Knight Kenobi
apparently jumped out of the bedroom window to grab onto the droid. Padawan Skywalker has gone after him. Nothing else seems amiss here, though Captain Typho has increased the security in and around the building as an extra security precaution."
Master Windu stared at Luca, a serious expression on his face. "Very disturbing this attack is, Mister Redenov. Even with Jedi protection the Senator was in danger. We need to formulate a new plan."
"I have a suggestion Masters. I propose that the Senator be relocated somewhere more secure, some place where it is easier for security to protect her. Even if Knight Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker do manage to capture this assassin, who knows how many more attempts will be made on her life. The only way we can guarantee the Senator's safety is by making sure that she will be in a position that is easily protected. It is too hard to do that on Coruscant." Luca watched as the Council members communicated silently with one another before Yoda turned to address him.
"Hmm…has merit, your idea does. Moving the Senator, a possibility it is. Discuss this further we will once return Kenobi and Skywalker do and their report we hear."
"As you wish Masters. I will remain here to continue keeping an eye on Senator Amidala. I will wait for you to contact me with your decision." Luca once again bowed to the Jedi Council before switching the com off. He walked back into the bedroom and noticed that the Senator had relaxed considerably, though Dormé and Captain Typho were still in the room with her. Padmé noticed his entrance and turned to look at him.
"Mister Redenov, I am sure you just finished talking with the Jedi Council. I hope you told them that everything was all right?"
"I told the Council that it was a good thing that Padawan Skywalker and Knight Kenobi were here to stop the danger and that no harm came to you. I also told them that additional security has been placed around in case anything else should happen. The Council still has some concerns about your safety, as do we all, I am sure, so I have suggested to them that we move you someplace more secure where your safety and well-being can be more easily protected." Padmé visibly balked at the idea.
"Mister Redenov, I do not believe that is necessary. I should be perfectly safe here with Captain Typho and the rest of my security. Isn't that right, Captain?"
"With all due respect Senator, I believe that the idea that Mister Redenov has proposed should be taken into consideration. We do not know how many more attempts will be made on your life and until we unravel this mystery, your life is in danger. I think we should consider the possibility that you may need to be moved to a more secure location." Typho managed to remain stoic and still as Padmé flashed him a harsh glare.
"Senator, we are all concerned for your safety and we only want to make sure the assassins don't succeed. It will be much easier to do that if you were somewhere more secure."
"I understand that Mister Redenov. And while I appreciate your concerns, I assure you that I will be fine remaining here on Coruscant with my security."
"But milady…"
"I am sorry, Mister Redenov," Padmé interrupted fiercely, "but I must insist on this matter. I haven't worked for a year to defeat the Military Creation Act not to be here when its fate is decided."
Luca sighed heavily, knowing how stubborn Padmé could be and that she wouldn't change her mind. I knew that Padmé would fight me on this issue but I know that she will eventually go to Naboo. I know that the past will come to pass and I need to ensure that everything will happen the way it's supposed to.
"As you wish milady. You must know that I am only concerned for you and your safety. But I will trust your opinion in this matter. Though you must realize that the Jedi Council may not be of the same opinion as you are."
"If the Council has the same concerns you have shown, I will tell them the same things I have told you. Surely they will agree with me."
"If you say so milady. I will be awaiting the Council's reply and I will inform you of their decision. Until then, I'll leave you in Captain Typho's and Dormé's capable hands. Goodnight Senator, Dormé, Captain." Luca bowed his head respectfully towards each one of them and headed back out into the sitting room to await news from the Council and plan his next move.