Chapter 7: Bargains and Schemes

Coruscant: 32 BBY

Waiting was the hardest part of being Queen, and until she had taken up the position Padmé hadn't realized how much of it she would have to do. There was so much waiting and yet there was never enough time. She was always waiting for someone or something, and it made her want to pace back and forth and when that failed she wanted to crawl out of her skin.

This was one of those times, however, she remained seated in an empty room at the head of a long table, with Senator Palpatine sitting to her right. A floor-to-ceiling window stretched from one end of the room to the other, allowing her a clear view of the nighttime traffic that sped forward in a never ending blur of neon light. Only she remained still among the chaos, waiting.

As time passed, the weight of her responsibilities made Padmé feel as if she were trying to hold back a tidal wave on her own. The greed and selfishness of the Senate were threatening to crush her and her planet and sweep it into an ocean of war. How could she stop a war that seemed inevitable without sacrificing everything she believed in?

Naboo was under siege because the Trade Federation was in objection to the taxation of trade routes, causing a significant but not unreasonable loss of profit. The taxation act was something Senator Palpatine himself had been a major supporter of, as had she. The Republic had effectively gained the necessary funds for paying off the Republic's growing debt, as well as gain the money for support relief and development projects in outlining systems. Nor did she believe limiting the Federation's power and monopoly of the once free trade zones was wrong. They were not the only ones who had benefited from the free trade routes to the mid and outer rim but they had been the ones who'd benefited the most. So much commerce should never be pocketed for individual gain, forcing such a large strain on the galactic economy as less money was cycled through.

At first, she wondered if there was a way for both the Republic and the Trade Federation to get what they wanted, but deep down she knew that compromise was not always an option and a side must be chosen. As Queen, she knew what side she stood on. And only one thing could control the Trade Federation: money.

And the ones who controlled the most money, including that of the Trade Federation, were the Banking Clans.

After leaving Chancellor Valorem's offices, she had spent the remainder of the day holed up with Senator Palpatine learning what she could about the other Senator's and discussing their next moves. The more they talked, and the more Padmé learned, the more complicated things seemed to become. By the end of the evening, she had been so overwhelmed by the enormity of the task at hand she had wondered if she had been too arrogant in her abilities, and doubt had crept in.

During their discussion, Palpatine had looked at her with growing sympathy as her frustration grew. "Perhaps, my dear, we should consider another alternative."

Before she could reply he waved his hand defectively, a soft smile on his face, "I know, I know. You won't surrender, accept control of your planet or go to the courts. There is… another option. We could push for an election."

"An election?" Queried Padmé, unsure if her understanding of what the Senator was suggesting was correct.

Looking a bit sad, Palpatine nodded. "The Republic is not what it once was, as I'm sure you have come to realize. The Senate has become polluted with those who only seek to benefit themselves, and there are very few left with any interest in the common good. Even taxing the trade routes was only so popular because the system had become so full of loopholes that even those who wanted for nothing could have access to money meant for those in need. Too many know how to cheat the system now milady."

"Every system is flawed to some degree. But I fail to see what this has to do with pushing for an election now of all times." The Queen said stonily. "Chancellor Valorem has so far been our greatest supporter."

"That may be so your majesty, but the Chancellor's power has been strangled by a noose of baseless accusations of corruption. Unfortunately, rumour can be just as effective as any rope. The bureaucrats are in charge now and with them in control, there is little hope anyone in the Senate will act on the invasion. At least not in the time frame you are hoping for." The Senator began to pace across the floor, his expression regretful, as if somehow the poor condition they had found themselves in were his failure.

He continued speaking, "If a stronger Supreme Chancellor could instead take control of the bureaucrats perhaps he could give us justice." Senator Palpatine hesitated and looked back at the Queen of Naboo, "You…could call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorem's leadership."

"But who would be able to replace him? And how could we be sure whoever was elected in his stead would be supportive of us?" Padmé could see no benefit from an election now. Even an emergency vote would take time and taking control of not just the bureaucrats, but an entire galaxy was not something that could be done overnight.

The Senator had coughed politely and gave her an awkward smile. "While it was never my intention to cause Chancellor Valorem any grief for I consider him to be a friend, I would be willing to take up the responsibility of Chancellor. But please allow me to clarify, I have no desire to take the place of such a great man. Unfortunately, these are the times we live in." He sighed heavily.

Padmé had to restrain herself from chewing on her lip, and replied slowly, "That is something I will take into consideration, but I do not wish to give up on our current course of action so easily."

Palpatine gave her another sympathetic smile and bowed, "I understand my lady. Then shall we continue our prior discussion?"

"No, we have discussed enough. Please invite the representatives of the Banking Clans here at their earliest convenience. The sooner we act on our plan the better. If this fails there will be more time for alternative measures."

Senator Palpatine bowed to her. "You continue to impress, my lady. Perhaps one day when you no longer serve as Queen you may take up my position."

"Thank you for the confidence Senator and your hard work."

Since then she had sat with her thoughts for what felt like a long time. Even Palpatine himself was quiet and seemed just as lost in thought as she. Perhaps wondering if there was a way to sway either her mind or that of those of the senate. Because of her stubbornness, she'd put him in a difficult situation and she felt slightly guilty for it.

But it was clear something needed to change, and for something to change something had to give. But what? The Chancellor's power hung by a thread and it would be the easiest thing to cut. No doubt that would get fast results, but just thinking about it made the young woman feel deep shame. Such a betrayal of trust would surely haunt her for a long time. But what if her people? They trusted her as well, and already too many had sacrificed for her sake. Qui Gon Jinn's apprentice was just the last in a growing line.

First, Padmé would have to speak to the representatives of the Banking Clan and hope she could convince them to help her. She hoped her offer would be enough.

No sooner than the thought had crossed her mind when a hologram of one of her handmaids flickered over the table and informed her guests had arrived.

"The Representatives of the Banking Clans have arrived, your majesty," the handmaiden said.

Padmé nodded and donned the calm, collected face of the Queen, before replying. "Send them in."

"Yes, your majesty."

The door slid open and two tall Munn figures swept into the room. Both wore dull coloured robes in an almost militant style, with cropped vests lined in black and something like a skirt hung around their waists although it was open in the front revealing the one piece unitard that fit them like a second skin. The only difference between the two was the older of them also wore a respirator and leaned slightly on a walking stick.

"Greetings, Queen Amidala, and respected Senator Palpatine of Naboo." Greeted the younger of the duo, before sweeping into an elegant bow. "I am Chairman San Hill at your disposal."

His companion bowed as well although less deeply. "I am Senior Magister Hego Damask and it is my honour to be here, my lady, senator," he said nodding to them each in turn. "Forgive my lack of courtesy, but age has rendered me weak."

Queen Amidala nodded politely back careful to keep her face barren of any emotion. It wasn't hard with the amount of ceremonial makeup she wore. "Of course. Thank you for coming."

Senator Palpatine stood and crosses the room to shake each munn's hand. "Ah… greetings Chairman, Senior Magister. It has been too long."

Chairman San Hill gave a thin lipped smile. "Yes, the last time I believe we saw each other was the vote for Senate Resolution BR-0372, the taxation of trade routes. Was it not?"

Outwardly, the Queen appeared unperturbed by the comment, but inside Padmé felt her nervousness turn her blood cold. The Intergalactic Banking clans and the Trade Federation had been against the proposal. They had suffered financially as well. The Munns before her now had every reason to side with the Federation rather than her. If they hadn't already. And they wanted her to know. They had the power here.

However, Palpatine was quick to reply, saying, "Indeed it was," he said with a smile. "We both represent the will of our people and though we did not see eye to eye then, perhaps we can find this as an opportunity to find ourselves in a mutually beneficial partnership. Please, both of you, take a seat."

Hego Damask shook his long head emphatically. "There is no need to stand on unnecessary formalities, Senator. The past is the past. We understand you and your planet are undergoing some very trying times. You have our deepest sympathies."

Sympathy, Naboo had enough of. It was help it needed. And yet there was no offer from anyone. Queen Amidala swallowed the bitter remark and remained the passive negotiator she had to be. Making enemies would not help her now. Instead, she said, "I'm sure those left on Naboo would appreciate your sentiments, as do I. Our trouble with the Trade Federation is something that came as a surprise to us all."

"Yes, it truly is an unprecedented turn of events. Viceroy Gunray is had always been close with the Banking Clans, as an excellent business partner and client. Very careful with money." San Hill eyed the queen, considering. "Surely they must know that to invade your planet without sanction would mean the Senate would revoke their trade franchise. I am sure Viceroy Gunray would not do something so foolish."

"And yet, here we are." Queen Amidala cooly. Her frosty demeanour masked the fire of frustration and rage she felt. Why would no one listen? If any other planet had been under blockade she would have done her utmost to help, so why would no one do the same for her?

"What the Chairman says is logical," Hego Damask continued. "While I understand you to be an upstanding character and principled monarch who would not throw baseless accusations, the Banking Clans are a business. After calculating risks and profits we feel it best to maintain our current relationships as they are. I am afraid there is nothing we can do to assist you."

Of course, Padmé had known bargaining with the Banking Clan would be a difficult if not impossible endeavour. They were too close to the Trade Federation and profited too much to risk losing money if the occupation of Naboo were to become legal. Yes, she had expected this, and yet she was angry. Furious at herself for being so powerless, furious and the greed of those with the power to make the Republic a better place but hoarded money and resources for themselves. But this was reality. And she had been elected not just because of her liberal ideals, but because she was also a politician.

And like holochess, a game which Padmé hated, she how it was played.

"Do you mean," asked Queen Amidala slowly, "that if the risks outweighed the profits of maintaining current relationships you would find yourself of a changed mind?"

San Hill laughed. It was the kind of laugh that was more condescending than a laugh of true mirth. It was loud and each 'ha' was exaggerated. When he finished he looked at Senator Palpatine with a serious face. "Is this a threat? If so, it is in poor taste. Let me be equally blunt as well then. Let us consider for a futile moment that we did find ourselves at a loss if maintain the status quo. Rather than simply cut our losses and seek out a new, reliable, and profitable ally, what then would you offer us for our assistance, whether it be financial, political, or even military?" He leaned back in his chair, hairless eyebrows raised.

Palpatine's face was rigid as he replied smoothly, "Forgive my Queen's brash words, she meant no threat by them. Merely theoretical. Forgive the insult. Naboo as you know practices theory in debates and I'm afraid it comes out in our way of politics as well."
Smiling smugly, San Hill said, "As I thought. You have nothing, no power or leverage or anything of value to us. We have nothing to gain."

Annoyed by her Senator undermining her words, and the belittling attitude of the Munn Chairman, Padmé had to refrain from showing her feelings once more.

To her surprise, Hego Damask spoke up. He leaned forward across the table and looked hard at her. Calmly and showing a very different attitude than his companion, he said to her, "Then let us debate theoretically. What would you have us do, if we were to find ourselves in a…what was it the Senator said?…mutually beneficial relationship?"

There was a long pause in the room. San Hill blinked a few times as if he could not understand their meaning and was trying to remember what the words meant. To her side, Senator Palpatine worked at the Senior Magister as if he had just struck him in the face. The Queen herself was taken aback and had to struggle to find her words.

"A blockade of our own," she said finally. "Albeit, one of a different form. I propose we freeze the accounts of the Trade Federation, until, at the very least proof of the invasion of Naboo can be obtained."

Hego Damask laughed, but unlike the laugh of San Hill moments ago, this one was genuine. A static-like rasping filtered out of the older Munn's breathing mask as he shook with amusement.

"Very clever. That would certainly put pressure on the Neomoidians as well as the Senate." He looked at her considering. "I am not opposed to this course of action."

"Magister?" The Chairman questioned. "You can't be serious?"

Hego Damask turned to him, "Whyever not? We have nothing to lose, and very possibly much to gain." He paused to observe the other Munn who still wore an expression of confusion. Sighing in exasperation, Hego Damask shook his head. "Really now. I thought you were smarter than this, my dear friend. Then let me speak bluntly.

"We all know that the Trade Federation means to invade Naboo. Their actions are evidence enough of their intentions, even if we have no concrete evidence. They have been toeing a very fine line between what is legal and what is not. And if what the lovely Queen says is indeed true, then the Federation has already crossed it. It will only be a matter of time before the Senate finds the proof they need. At which time what will become of the money in the Federation's frozen accounts?"

Chairman Hill's confused expression turned into one of understanding, and his thin, almost lipless mouth stretched into a smile. "I see." He barked a laugh and looked at the Nubian Representatives. "You mean to win us to your side by using the Trade Federation's money."

Padmé felt dirty, even as she nodded her agreement. She hated having to resort to such underhanded tactics, but it was the lesser of many evils. Mere ideals would not save her people. She had to have real power to make the changes she wanted, and maybe she would with time. But that was something she did not have.

This was real politics, and she had to give something up to get something she wanted. If it meant giving up her pride, to help remove the blockade of her planet, as Queen, Padmé would gladly do it.

Clapping his hands together, and giving the group a pleased look, the Senior Magister said, "It seems we have come to an understanding. It will be my pleasure to help Naboo overcome this crisis, and help serve justice."

San Hill nodded as well. "Yes, I will present the support of the Banking Clans and the proposal to freeze the Trade Federations assets in the Senate as soon as the emergency meeting is held."

"You…will?"

To her side, as he had been this whole time, Senator Palpatine was looking at Hego Damask with a look of mild surprise. Padmé couldn't blame him. The Senior Magister had been more cooperative than she had thought.

"Indeed," replied the older Munn, looking back at the Senator with a pleasant face. "But of course, if think you cannot trust us and would like to confer with your Queen, we will understand. You may accept this or not. It is your decision."

To Padmé, Hego Damask still seemed pleasant but the atmosphere in the room seemed to get heavier for a moment as the two men eyed each other intensely. But the sensation passed so quickly, she doubted it had ever been there and decided the feeling was imagined.

Then, Palpatine returned to his familiar, amiable and charming self, and shook his head. "There is no need for that. Forgive my behaviour and allow an old man the excuse of being too overwhelmed by shocking events to hide his relief and appreciation of your goodwill." The Senator got up from his seat and bowed. "My lady and I are of one mind and I humbly thank you for coming to our aid in a time of need."

Padmé herself rose from her seat as gracefully as she could and ignored the aches and stiffness that had set in. She was tired and had not had time to rest since even before her arrival on Coruscant, but she could not allow herself to show it. Not now, when she was still so far away from her goals. She bowed ad well, or as well as she could in her heavy garments. In the end, it was more of a bending of knees and a nod. "You have my gratitude, as well, honourable representatives."

"Well then," said San Hill rising, "we will take our leave. This has been a most… enlightening meeting. We will meet again in the Senate."

The Senior Magister leveraged himself up with the help of his walking stick and came forward to take the Nubian Queen's hand in his. It was cool and dry and reminded Padmé of old leaves.

"I hope peace returns to your people on swift wings, My Lady," he said gently. "It has been an honour to meet you."

Watching her new allies leave, she couldn't help but wonder if she had just fallen prey to some kind of scheme. She couldn't help but feel this meeting had gone too easily.

Palpatine seemed to feel the same and came up to her side. He looked after the Munns with an unreadable expression before asking, "Are you sure this scheme of ours will work, my liege?"

"I hope so."

Holy hell. This chapter took forever, and I fought tooth and nail for every word. I had a goal, which was for Padmé not to be manipulated into the Sith's scheme, but the politics of Star Wars are solid. Trying to keep things realistic and understandable was way harder than I thought. I hope this makes sense, but I don't know how politics or banks work.

In the end all I can say is this: Work hard and be a Queen/King. (All gender/pronouns included.)