Interior: Coruscant, Senate building, Senate chamber.
Unconvincingly, Palpatine claimed, "Senators, please, this so-called Sith Empire is a mere fiction.
Fear mongering by the Jedi conspiring with Mandalorian terrorists.
It's a treasonous conspiracy against me."
"Liar! Slanderer! The Sith recently attacked my world, and it was the Mandalorians who came to our aid while you dismissed it." protested one of the Senators from the outer rim, "they were the only support we received because we weren't a priority!"
"Chancellor, we're at war! Such accusations will only cause tension between our alliances!
We can't afford to fight amongst ourselves." scolded Padme, "and it's no secret that you hate the Mandalorians.
Mand'alor himself vouches for the Mandalorians as Republic allies."
"Senator Amidala, please, the Mandalorians are a danger to us all." sneered Mas Amedda.
Newly appointed Senator Satine Kryze chimed in, "My people are loyal to the Republic.
We have done nothing but aid it in this war.
In the last few decades, upon Palpatine's insistence, the Republic has preemptively attacked Mandalore, massacred its people, unjustly executed an entire clan on Galidraan, murdered the previous Mand'alor, and tried setting up a puppet government.
And now it accuses us of being an enemy during a time of war, yet our commitment to protecting the Republic remains."
Palpatine snarled, "Need I remind you a Mandalorian child tried to kill me, around the time of the invasion of Naboo?"
"From that boy's point of view, you murdered his family!" called out one of the other Senators, "which you did by giving the order!"
Another Senator called out, "The same boy has publicly accused Supreme Chancellor Palpatine of being a Sith Lord on several occasions!"
Senator Burtoni interjected, "Need I remind the Senate that the template for the clone army is a Mandalorian?
For a people you claim are hostile against the Republic, they certainly go to great lengths to protect it."
Sheev began, "I-"
"Am suggesting the very army protecting you should be retired because of your trivial prejudices, leaving the Republic defenceless against the Sith Empire and CIS?"
Riyo chimed in, "Speaking of prejudices, Palpatine's revealed himself as a xenophobic creep with an appalling attitude towards our young." and produced a holo-recording, sparking mass outrage.
Later.
Exterior: Coruscant, city, evening.
Galen was surveying the cities of Coruscant from a rooftop when he heard blaster fire and a scream.
Using the Force to leap across a few rooftops, his attention was drawn by a pack of thugs advancing towards Riyo who'd tripped backwards, and was limping.
"You upset some very powerful people today, little schutta.
They want us to make an example of you," taunted one of the thugs as they advanced towards her, "now we're taking you somewhere a little more private to teach you a lesson.
Then we'll leave you somewhere public for everyone to see when we're finished with you.
You won't be needing those clothes."
"What!? Please don't!" panicked Riyo who screamed, "Someone help!"
Dropping down from the rooftop, between Riyo and the bastards, Galen ignited one of his black blades, "You have failed this city."
"A Mandalorian? Scrag! I'm not paid enough for this!" exclaimed one of the thugs, absolutely terrified.
As they opened fire upon him, he deflected each blaster bolt into their own guns and swiftly incapacitated them before extinguishing his blade, and cuffing them together.
Slowly turning to Riyo, Galen extended his hand and helped her to her feet, then she tightly hugged him whilst in tears.
He gently returned the embrace, "Hey, it's going to be ok. You're safe now."
"Thank you…" softly said Riyo.
"Are you hurt?" inquired the Mandalorian.
"I think so," admitted Chuchi who asked, "would you please be so kind as to escort and carry a fair lady to thy hospital?"
"Of course, milady." obliged Galen before the Coruscant Guard arrived on the scene and collected the scumbags.
Shortly thereafter.
Interior: Coruscant, Jedi temple, halls of healing, evening.
Carrying the Senator in bridal style, Galen gently set her down upon a medical bed, placed a rose in a nearby vase, and began tending to her injuries.
"The Jedi temple wasn't quite what I had in mind," chuckled Riyo, "however, I believe there's one thing missing from your daring rescue, which we've yet to indulge,"
Finishing her medical examination, Galen asked, "Oh?"
As she gestured for him to come closer, she embraced him whilst giving him a gentle kiss.
A familiar voice, from nearby, asked, "Having a little chat, are we?" causing them to part lips and retreat from their embrace.
As he slowly turned, he greeted, "Ner cyare Luminara, gar look quite lovely bal especially radiant this evening.
How can I help one of the most beautiful women in the galaxy?"
The Mirialan smiled in amusement, "You're not getting out of it that easily, you charming flatterer.
But I'll give you points for and admire the effort.
Now, please explain why I walked in on you two kissing, in the halls of healing where anyone could catch you."
Chuchi explained, "He rescued me so I felt it proper to show my gratitude in a rather traditional way."
"I see…" said Unduli with a smirk, "well, it's a relief that I was the one to walk in on this quite adorable moment.
Thank the Force it wasn't Master Windu."
Riyo sighed in relief, "Agreed. He's quite frightening," before Ahsoka ran in and hugged her.
"You ok, Chuchi?" asked a worried Ahsoka.
"I am, thanks to my Mandalorian Knight in shining armour."
"You kissed him, didn't you?" inquired a grinning Ahsoka.
"Yes, and it was quite nice."
"Been there, done that, a lot, no regrets." said Tano who received a grin from Riyo.
With an amused chuckle, Unduli asked, "Who has he kissed or been kissed by, over the years? And I don't just mean in romantic ways."
Surprised at Luminara's interest, Galen admitted, "Ahsoka, Riyo, Barriss, Asajj, Maris, Fennec, Juno, Iden, Shaak, Aayla, Aurra, Meetra's ghost, and you."
"Oh my, aren't we popular with the ladies?" teasingly asked Unduli as she grinned at him.
As his eyes briefly glanced down at Luminara's stomach, he countered, "So, have you told Ben he's gonna be a daddy?" making the Master Jedi deeply blush.
"I- I'm not pregnant." stammered Luminara before Ahsoka cheekily hugged her from behind, slipped her hands under her shirt, and tickled her midriff, making her innocently laugh and squirm whilst failing to get free from Tano's embrace.
As she paused after a few minutes and her hands retreated, Tano cheekily mentioned, "If I knew you had such a beautiful laugh, I'd have done that, years ago."
Turning to the teenage Togruta, Unduli was met with an adorably innocent expression.
She tried to glare but her expression immediately softened as she looked into Ahsoka's eyes, and hugged her.
"That was a cheap move, Ahsoka." sighed the Mirialan Jedi, "you know I can't even pretend to be the slightest bit annoyed with you when you're being so cute."
"If me being cute was a hand in Sabacc, it'd be a pure sabacc."
"Then what's the idiot's array?"
"Artoo voting with you," answered Ahsoka.
"Did you make that rhyme on purpose?"
"Nope, and you have a really nice smile and a beautiful laugh.
You seemed so happy, relaxed and innocent."
"Thank you, Ahsoka." appreciated Luminara, "here's hoping we'll all soon have reasons to be relaxed and happy."
As he marched in, stood at attention, and saluted, Fox greeted, "Good evening, Senator, Generals, Commander."
"At ease, vod." said Galen, "You know you can take the helmet off too.
The temple security needs faces. That actually goes double for clones.
Only exceptions are the Temple Guards, Sentinels, and species who can't breathe oxygen."
Fox slowly took off his helmet, either reluctantly or dramatically, and turned to the Senator, "are you alright, ma'am?"
"I'm a bit shaken, but I'm ok thanks to Galen.
Thank you for checking up on me, Fox."
"Permission to act freely?"
"Granted." approved Riyo before Fox warmly hugged her.
Ahsoka grinned adoringly, "Awww."
Luminara chuckled, "It seems almost all of the troopers have inherited being a ladies man from Jango.
I've noticed a few are very close to their clone Captains and Commanders."
"Who?" asked Tano, curious to know if there were any she didn't know of.
"It's not my place to say."
Fox mentioned, "If I may: I noticed General Skywalker seems especially fond of Senator Amidala.
I believe they're secretly in a romantic relationship."
Collectively, Ahsoka, Riyo, Galen and Luminara quietly replied, "We know."
"Right… shouldn't the Council know?"
"No!"
Riyo authoritatively said, "As Senator, I forbid you from telling anyone of your suspicion… especially the Chancellor and the Jedi Council."
Luminara added, "The trouble that would follow wouldn't benefit anyone.
And it's Skywalker's private business, not ours."
"Understood, ma'ams."
As if on cue, Anakin walked in, "Did I hear my name?"
Luminara casually elaborated, "We were discussing your relationship with Senator Amidala."
Anakin's eyes widened as he tried to hide his nervousness, "Come again?"
"Any time she needs a Jedi bodyguard, it's always you specifically.
And there's that cute nickname she has for you. Ani," replied Riyo.
Anakin explained, "It's my mother's endearing nickname for me, and it was later used by my friends too."
"It's still adorable."
"Adorable is also Galen's description of you, Senator." mentioned Skywalker, making the Pantoran blush.
"If, hypothetically, you were in a relationship with Padme, I'd support you all the way, Skywalker." assured Luminara, "and stand by you if you face judgement for it."
Skyguy sighed in relief, "Likewise regarding you and Obi-Wan."
Fox looked at each of the present company before Ahsoka tightly hugged him, "Nice to see you too, Commander Ahsoka."
"Snips, are you giving away free hugs? Or did Fox have to bribe you?"
"No, sir, she didn't need to bribe me into a hug.
She just does it, and for some reason, I let her." interjected Fox.
Ahsoka chuckled, "You know you like hugs, Foxy."
"Captain Rex says it's become your little tradition to hug people, after battles."
"Every battle I fight in, and every assignment I go on, could be my last.
So I like to let my family and friends know I've made it home safely." explained Ahsoka.
Heart warmed, Luminara closely embraced Tano, "You precious, sentimental, darling, treasure of a child.
The Force blessed us all the day you were born."
As much as she didn't like being called a child or youngling, Ahsoka couldn't help smiling ever so adorably at the kind words of the Mirialan Jedi Master.
A day later.
Interior: Coruscant, Senate building, daytime.
Whilst listening to the senators squabbling, talking over each other, and dodging questions, Galen turned to Obi-Wan, "Mas Amedda is intentionally sabotaging and slowing down the process.
And I don't need the Force to see the corporate alliance and commerce guilds are desperate to stop this bill.
All they're doing is getting in the way, and interrupting people when they're trying to speak."
"Indeed."
"Also, they should at least wait for people to finish speaking before they chime in.
It's a common courtesy.
And these people really need to pay closer attention to detail."
Later.
Interior: Coruscant, Senatorial apartment, daytime.
Entering to see Senator Chuchi with Ahsoka, Chairman Papanoida and Ion, Galen greeted, "Su'cuy, Riyo."
Chairman Papanoida turned to Chuchi, "You know this Mandalorian?"
Riyo explained, "This is Galen Marek, Mand'alor, an old friend of mine.
He recently saved me from some hired thugs, and I trust him."
"Any help is welcome help."
Galen mentioned, "I have a lead on one of your daughters, Chairman.
An informant pointed me towards a Rodian on Tatooine, who works for Jabba the Hutt, named Greedo."
"And your source is reliable?"
"He's never been wrong before.
It's no coincidence that Riyo was attacked in the same week as the blockade, revealing that footage to the Senate, and your daughters being taken."
Ahsoka chimed in, "They're likely holding your daughters on the Trade Federation ship blockading Pantora."
Papanoida said, "Perhaps the three of you can pay a diplomatic visit."
Marek nodded, "I'll let the Senator handle the peaceful diplomacy, while I handle any aggressive negotiations."
"Aggressive negotiations?"
"Negotiating with weapons drawn."
"Ah, I should have assumed as much."
"Since Pantora is a major export of crops, medicinal flora, and fresh produce, Mandalore could provide your supply ships with starfighter escorts."
"In exchange for a protection fee?" accusingly asked Ion.
Offended, Galen replied, "I am Mand'alor, not some common swoop gang thug.
Family means everything to my people, so I offer my aid in the rescue of yours."
"Sorry, I'm just a bit on edge."
"Understandable."
Later.
Interior: Trade Federation command ship.
Disembarking from a shuttle with Ahsoka, Riyo was met by the TF.
A TF representative, Sib-canay greeted, "Senator Chuchi, to what do we owe this pleasure?"
"Your trade boycott of my planet is at an end." authoritatively said Riyo.
"I would not be so sure of that," began the representative as dozens of battle droids surrounded the two emissaries, "you will be signing a treaty agreeing to our terms, or you will die."
As an explosion rocked the ship, Starkiller and several Mandos charged in and took out the clankers with a little help from Ahsoka.
At the same time.
Interior: TF command ship, detention block.
After infiltrating the ship and opening a cell to find one of Chairman Papanoida's daughters on her knees with a few battle droids standing over her, a handful of Shocktroopers led by Commander Fox, all of whom wore Mando armour, swiftly gunned down the clankers.
"Ma'am, we're here to rescue you," informed Fox.
"How did you find me?" asked Che Amanwe before a platoon of B2 clankers marched down both sides of the corridor, only to be destroyed.
Interior: TF command ship, hangar.
As they rushed over to see what the commotion was about, an ambassador, with a handful of Neimoidian guards, asked, "What is the meaning of this?"
Starkiller answered, "Your associate just tried to kill the Senator of Pantora."
The ambassador gasped, "What?" then looked to his colleague, "Sib-Canay, what is he talking about?"
"I want my litigator," said Sib before Fox's squad and the Chairman's daughter appeared.
"Sib-Canay! What have you done!?" demanded the TF ambassador, furious and outraged.
Later.
Interior: Coruscant, Senate building, meeting room.
As his hologram appeared to the Senate, Dooku bowed his head in respect, "Greetings, Senators and representatives of the Galactic Republic."
"Count Dooku, to what do we owe the, to be determined, pleasure of your call?" asked Padme, with a hint of sarcasm.
"On behalf of the Confederacy Parliament, I formally extend my sincerest apologies for Grievous's assault on your medical base in the Naboo system." answered the Count, "his actions do not speak for the Confederacy or its people, and we denounce his atrocious actions."
Mon Mothma's pod floated forward, "Count, since you're here, would you be open to discussing peace between the Republic and Confederacy?"
"My lady, with the return of the ancient Sith Empire endangering us all, we cannot afford to do anything less than put aside our differences and unite against it.
Surely we can come to a mutually and equally beneficial arrangement."
Palpatine chuckled, "Sith Empire, what an imagination you have."
"I assure you I speak only the truth.
This is not a matter to remain ignorant of. The threat is real."
"And we're to believe the word of someone treasonous?"
"Treason is not a word to be used so lightly.
I merely wished to support the outer rim which was quite neglected.
At the mercy of tyrants, pirates, and corporate oppressors while the Senate was unable to help them.
Tyrants like my late brother."
"And you decided the best course of action was forming a government?"
"Are you saying the Confederacy is a legitimate government?" inquired Dooku.
"Of course it is, and I-" blurted Palpatine who stopped mid-sentence, "fell for the oldest trick in the book." much to the amusement and mixed reactions of the rest of the Senate.
"We'll need to discuss the finer details, of course."
Later.
Interior: Coruscant, Palpatine's apartment.
Shutting the blinds, Palpatine answered his holotable to see the red holograms of the Dark Council.
"The Emperor is most displeased with your failure on this day, Sidious.
Your silver tongue we hear has turned to lead."
"I've had a minor set-" began Sidious before his throat constricted.
Choking Sidious with the Force, one of the Council members sneered, "A minor setback, my former Apprentice? Your attempts to sway the Republic Senate against the Mandalorians was pitifully clumsy and pathetic."
As he was dropped to the floor, Sidious caught his breath, "I will not allow this to hinder my plans."
"Your plans? You are being outwitted by children!
You dare call yourself a Dark Lord?" mocked a Dark Council member with silver bones visible outside of his red flesh, wearing a menacing silver mask with a red visor.
"Ironic coming from the one resembling a comic book villain," countered Sidious.
"Enough bickering," hissed Plagueis, "your worthiness to sit upon the council is in question, Sidious."
Mando'a translations.
Mand'alor - Sole ruler of the Mandalorians.
Ner - my.
Cyare - beloved.
Gar - You.
Bal - and.
Vod - brother.