EXTERIOR: EXECUTIVE QUARTERS BUILDING - DAY
The giant towers of the Republic Executive Building seem to reach the heavens. Traffic clogs the smoggy sky.
INTERIOR: CHANCELLOR'S OFFICE - DAY
Chancellor Palpatine sits behind his desk with two red-clad royal guards on either side of the door. Yoda, Plo Koon, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and Mace Windu sit across from him. Behind them stand the Jedi Luminara Unduli and her Padawan, Barriss Offee.
"I don't know how much longer I can hold off the vote, my friends. More and more star systems are joining the separatists." Chancellor Palpatine explains to the Jedi in his grandfatherly yet politician voice.
"If they do break away -", Mace Windu starts but gets interrupted by Palpatine, "I will not let this Republic that has stood for a thousand years be split in two. My negotiations will not fail!" The Chancellor exclaims in determination.
Mace Windu continues as if he weren't interrupted, "If they do, you must realize there aren't enough Jedi to protect the Republic. We are keepers of the peace, not soldiers."
"Master Yoda, do you think it will really come to war?" Palpatine asks the wise Grand Jedi Master of the Jedi Order. Master Yoda closes his eyes in concentration yet worry, "Worse than war, I fear... Much worse."
"What?" Palpatine asks in worry with his grandfatherly voice. Mace Windu leans forward in concern, "What do you sense, Master?". "The Dark Side clouds everything. Impossible to see, the future is. But this I am sure of -", opens his eyes to look at his companions, "Do their duty, the Jedi will." Master Yoda reassures the Chancellor.
A muted buzzer sounds. A hologram of an Aide, Dar Wac, appears on the Chancellor's desk. "The loyalist committee has arrived, my Lord." Dar Wac announces to Chancellor Palpatine in Huttese.
"Good. We will discuss this matter later. Send them in." Palpatine requests to the Jedi then commands his Aide to let in the Senators.
They all stand as Senator Amidala, Captain Typho, Mas Amedda, Dormé, and Senators (Bail Organa, Jar Jar Binks and Horox Ryyder) and their Attendants enter the office. Along with an unknown woman that stood on the right behind Senator Amidala, they knew she wasn't an attendant considering what she was wearing.
What intrigued them was the Jedi Masters, Jedi Padawan and hidden Sith Lord were able to feel how powerful this young woman was. Yoda and Mace made discreet eye-contact with hidden disbelief, wondering how they missed someone with untapped potenial just like a certain rebellious Jedi Padawan before. They decided to discuss it at a later time.
As Yoda and Mace Windu move to greet the Senator, Yoda taps Amidala with his cane.
"Padmé, your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. With you the force is strong... young Senator. Seeing you alive brings warm feeling to my heart." Yoda tells her as he places one of his three-fingered hand on his chest over his heart.
"Thank you, Master Yoda. It is nice to see a friendly face, especially after that Senators' meeting. Do you have any idea who was behind the attack?" Padmé asks, she was going to play along and act like Dyana had suggested beforehand.
Mace informs, "Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners, on the moons of Naboo."
"But I think that Count Dooku was behind it. He must've known about my whereabouts from an inside source." Padmé suggests to them with a disgruntled look. There is a stir of surprise as they look at one another.
"He is a political idealist, not a murderer." Ki-Adi-Mundi states to Senator Amidala. Mace Windu interjects, "You know, M'Lady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character."
Makes a confused face at that word, 'What the hell is a Jedi?' Dyana thought to herself. Didn't like how Padmé said Master to the little creature, even if it was a sign of respect. Knowing only two things that could make someone say Master, that is someone with a kink or a slave owner from WAY back then. Not sure if she could trust them just yet so she won't ask about it and decides to focus on the problem in front of her now.
Dyana can't help but speak up, "If I may, most powerful people tend to like others doing their dirty work for them. What makes you think Count Dooku can't do the same like many others did before..?" Knew she shouldn't have spoken unless she was asked to, but she didn't care in the slightest since Dyana knew no one in here. Senator Amidala looks at her new friend with appreciation and awe, because of her new mindset- she wouldn't have thought of asking that like earlier today.
The Jedi are shocked by the way the unknown woman speaks, as if suggesting that their may be a traitor amongst them. With the Force on their side however, they don't believe they couldn't've detected a betrayer. Wanted to protest against what the woman said till they felt her distrust towards them, concerning them immensely. While the Sith in disguise was suspicious yet impressed by this untapped power and declaration she stated. What made him ignore his suspicions was feeling the woman's distrust towards the Jedi, making him sadistically gleeful. Thinking that he could get her under his thumb easily enough. "In dark times nothing is what it appears to be, but the fact remains for certain," Master Yoda responds to the woman then turns to Senator Amidala, "Senator, in grave danger you are." He warns the Senator of Naboo.
Dyana raises an eyebrow at the small green creature when he said that and thinks 'Yeah, no shit Sherlock. Or "Master". She literally had an asassination attempt- not even two hours ago!'
Chancellor Palpatine gets up, walks to the window, and looks out at the vast city. He then suggests, "Master Jedi, may I suggest that the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces."
Both Padmé and Dyana squint their eyes discreetly towards the Chancellor at his suggestion, unknowningly thinking in unison 'He is coddling me/her...and not in an overprotective way.'
"Do you think that is a wise decision during these stressful times?" Bail Organa, Senator of Alderaan, questions the Chancellor.
"Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe the...", Padmé starts only to be cut-off by Chancellor Palpatine "..."situation is that serious." No, but I do, Senator." Padmé retorts passionately towards her mentor, "Chancellor, please! I don't want any more guards!". "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..." Palpatine says gently yet in reassurance.
'Again, with the 'Master's! And what is a Jedi? A freaking cult?!', thinks to herself as Dyana tries not to show her frustration or confusion, physically or emotionally.
Palpatine nods to Jedi Master Mace Windu, who nods back. Mace Windu informs Palpatine "That's possible. He has just returned from a Border dispute on Ansion." The Chancellor turns towards Senator Amidala, "You must remember him, M'Lady... he watched over you during the blockade conflict."
Senator Amidala states "This is not necessary, Chancellor." Only for the Chancellor to guilt trip her, which doesn't go unoticed by Dyana, Dormé- Padmé's servant/bodyguard and herself. "Do it for me, M'Lady, please. I will rest easier. We had a big scare today. The thought of losing you is unbearable." Palpatine tells her with a pleading look.
'Clever, very clever. By acting like he is worried about Padmé's protection, yet not questioning who did it. Gives her guards that won't think one of their own would do it- retired or had quit or is a plain bad guy. He is doing an excellent magic trick of misdirection. Focus on this while the real thing is happening somewhere else.' Dyana thinks to herself, notices how Palpatine is focusing on her security but not on who did it. 'This Dooku might react and make another asassination attempt soon.'
Amidala sighs as the Jedi get up to leave. "I will have Obi-Wan report to you immediately, M'Lady." Master Windu tells the Senator of Naboo.
Master Yoda leans into her ear. "Too little about yourself you worry, Senator, and too much about politics. Be mindful of your danger, Padmé. Accept our help." He requests, then the Jedi leave the office- following their GrandMaster of the Order.
••••••
After they had gone, the entourage of Senators and their followers left as well.
When Dyana saw they were all splitting up and got to Padmé's apartment, she lets out a deep breath. "You saw what he was doing, right?" Dyana asks Padmé directly.
"Unfortunately yes, I did. He was coddling me- he knew about the corruption. I just don't know why he doesn't do anything about it." The Senator of Naboo states as she paces upsettingly as she thinks about why he hasn't.
"Don't you see?! It is a perfect plan! He is a Chancellor with a corruptive system, that is demanding an army. If he "plays into their hands" then he will have- probably- most of them in his backpocket. This is why I said, you need to talk to the people." Dyana states passionately to Senator Amidala.
The Senator notices how her Captain, her handmaiden/friend and Representative Binks for whenever she is needed elsewhere- are watching Dyana and her. Looks at Dyana then nudges her head towards her discussion chamber. Dyana took notice of the glances, nods her head and heads to the chamber with Senator Amidala following behind her.
Padmé felt somewhat persuaded by what she said but wants to deny that her Democracy is corrupt. "Dya, I believe what you say but it sounds as if you want me to-... to rebel." Padmé whispers the last part to her with caution as she sits in her chair, Dyana follows her example and sits on the right side of the Senator. Knows that if she were to rebel, it would be considered treason.
"Maybe I am but it would be worth it. You saw for yourself, Padmé, that the Democracy you believe in doesn't exist." Dyana states yet whispers back to her, not wanting the others to hear them- even though the walls may be soundproof or thick.
The Senator looks down with doubtful eyes but knows she is right. "Perhaps you are right, however, we need proof. If there is a necessary need to form a rebellion, we'll need evidence to convince others to join us.", she points out to her friend who nods in agreement. "But I want us to be better than the CIS- The Confederacy of Independent Systems." Padmé explains when she saw Dyana's confused face, had almost forgotten she wasn't from around here.
Dyana gets into a thinking position as she crosses her legs over the other, trying to figure out how they could possibly prove the corruption in the Senate. "What are the CIS fighting for exactly?" "They are fighting for their independence that they say no longer exists in the Republic, which could possibly be true now. Which makes it even a more reason to vote for no security." Padmé states then comments at the end of that.
Heard Padmé's statement about the CIS and is immediately reminded of her home. How they have their own voting rights of who gets to have a term for two years- either Democratic or Republican. The Republic is obviously in the obvious political title so the CIS is Democratic. She is- or was- friends with some people who were Republican but she was a Democrat. Realizes that if she were to stay in the Republic, she would be arguing or fighting with people that want to be ruling themselves instead of being ruled.
Dyana sighs in frustration, sees how big of a mess she was in. "I see some reason in that comment. Senator Amidala, are you sure that you aren't fighting for the wrong side? From what you told me to the speeches in the Senate and the political arguements I know enough from my home... I think that-", looks towards the door to make sure it was closed so the others don't hear her, not wanting to be taken away for what she says next, "..the CIS may be right."
Padmé's eyes widen in shock and wants to gasp at her friends words but holds it in. Wants to argue with Dyana's statement yet sees the truth in them, can tell that she was right. The only problem would be that even if she wanted to join the CIS, one of their leaders- Nute Gunray, who had invaded her home planet ten years ago- would be one of the people she wouldn't be looking forward to speaking to. Then an idea pops into her head, "What if you were to be our Neutral Negotiator? See both sides of the political stand point and peoples' view. We will need to forge some documents for you since you don't exist here but I can deal with that later. No offense." Padme explains then apologizes immediately at her somewhat rude yet honest words.
Dyana just shrugs off the apology since she knows it's the truth. "It's fine but we will deal with that when the time comes. Until then I'm nothing more than Dyana Rossingol, the Advisor of the Senator of Naboo and newly oppointed Neutral Negotiator for all planets and people." Dyana states to Senator Amidala. Then comments about a possible outcome and starts explaining her reason to the Naboolian Senator, "Unless there is some type of conflict then I will get involved when I have to. I want to be on the frontlines so I can- at least- get many soldiers or innocents out of the crossfire. If the Senate succeed on getting the "security" they "need" then I wish to speak to whoever will be fighting for the Republic. They deserve not to be blinded on what they will be defending."
The Naboolian Senator hadn't even considered the possiblitity of losing the vote. Much less the possible chance of War coming upon them and severe casualties of innocents mixed with the soldiers. Didn't want to think of the horrors that she might find out about through the Galaxywide NewsNets. "Yes...I'l-I'll see if I can do something about talking to the future Captains or Commanders. ONLY if it comes to it." Padmé tells Dyana firmly with a stubborn look, hoping that it won't. "You mean WHEN it comes to it.", Dya(na) says as a matter of fact with a serious expression.
Senator Amidala couldn't help but feel dread at her words, knowing that after everything that happened in less than two hours since meeting this young woman in front of her, Dyana has been nothing but right. She felt terrified at the realization of War happening. Padmé could only hope that any higher being would empathize with them and grant them good fortune for the beginning to the rest of their endeavors coming towards them. Stood from her seat then walks up to the door of the discussion chamber and opens it, Dya(na) stood up with her.
"Until both such things happen, I must discuss with everyone about the vote. Along with how we can find the person who aligned themselves with Dooku- to kill me." Senator Amidala tells yet slightly announces to the room. Captain Typho, Dormé and Jar Jar Binks heard her and rise as Dyana walks out of the room. "You may rest in one of the guest rooms if you'd like though Dya. Master Kenobi will be here in an hour or so, possibly." Padmé suggests to her friend, notices how tired she looked. Not dead tired but enough to show that her eyes were starting to droop.
'I should ask her about that before I go rest up.', she thinks to herself. "Padmé, I need to ask you something related to Master Kenobi." Dyana says the unknown man's title mockingly. "Of course, what is it?" Padmé asks in slight confusion at her friend's mocking tone. "What is a Jedi? I never heard of that before.", she asks her- wondering what Jedi meant. Senator Amidala is shocked by her statement then decides to answer her, "A Jedi are people that have this power called the Force. I don't know the extent of their power, but they are basically nomads. They consider themselves- the peacemakers of the galaxy, who help the people."
"Well I can definitely say that they are not nomads. As Nomads are a group of people or just one person- who don't stay in one place for too long. Also if they are peacemakers then why are they doing that through politics, and not actually talking. To. The. People?!" Dyana felt so frustrated and annoyed at how the Jedi were doing their jobs at Peacemakers of the Galaxy. 'It happened again..', Padmé thought to herself. She knew Dyana had the right of saying their titles in a mocking tone since she was right- again! Wonders why the Jedi did involve themselves into politics as if they became Senators or pets to the Senate.
"I'll probably have to rethink my life decisions because of you Rossingol." Padmé says to Dyana playfully yet seriously, had a feeling that she will be doing that a lot. Dyana laughs a little at her comment, smirks at her teasingly as she responds "I have no doubt about that Amidala. Have fun in your thoughts."
About to walk away when Dyana turns back around and calls out to her. "Thank you, Padmé, for your kind hospitality. Please come get me or send someone to wake me. I would like to meet these Jedi when they arrive." Dyana tells her new friend- from this universe. Still surprised by all of the futuristic stuff but not enough to freak her out. "I surely will." Padmé smiles a bit as she watches her friend find the door to the bedrooms in this apartment.
As Dyana was walking in the hallway and chose a room to sleep in- that was near Senator Amidala's bedroom, she felt as if something was about to happen. Hopes that it was something good and not bad, didn't want to wake up to any commotion half-asleep. Walks towards the silky covered bed, slips off her ankle boots and jumps on the bed that felt like soft clouds.
The Hispanic woman knocks out like a light, not knowing or feeling her mark tingle at the unknown distance of her other half- branded with a mark of his own.