Four starships skimmed past the greatest skyscrapers of Coruscant. The pilots were weaving in and out of the high amber structures, artificial stalagmites rising higher and higher over the years, and now obscuring the natural formations of the planets, unlike anywhere else in the known galaxy.
The ships landed on the platform and two pilots got out of the ships and began walking towards the larger cruiser that they hand been protection.
“ We made it. I guess I was wrong. There was no danger at all.” Captain Typho said, as his fellow pilot walked up next to him.
“ There is always danger, Captain, sometimes we’re just lucky enough to avoid it.” The pilot responded.
As the two pilots came closer to the cruiser, the Captain of security noticed that the ramp was down and two Naboo guards came down the ramp, with blasters in their hands.
The next person to come down the ramp was the new Senator’s aide, and behind him was the new personal assinoate, who started coming down the ramp and before anyone knew it, chaos erupted.
Typho found himself laying face down on the platform. He had been thrown to the ground by a tremendous blast. The other pilot found himself down on the permacrete. He raised to head up and looked around. Shockingly, he saw everyone laying on the ground. He slowly got up, looked over to the cruiser and noticed that his best friend and cousin was laying at the bottom of the ramp.
The fighter pilot dropped to one knee beside the fallen man. He pulled off his helmet from his head and let the dying person see his face.
“ Senator, come!The danger has not passed!” Typho yelled.
Anakin waved the Captain back furiously, as he lowered himself closer to his fallen friend.
“ Ritchyrd.” he said quietly, his voice breaking. Anakin gathered Ritchyrd up in his arms, hugging him gently.
“ I’m sorry, Ani. I’m . . . not sure.. I . . . I ‘ve failed you.” he gasped, struggling for air with every word, as he laid there staring at Anakin.
“ No! No, no, no!” Anakin insisted.
Anakin felt Ritchyrd relax suddenly, as he died in Anakin’s arms.
“ Ritchyrd!” Anakin cried, as he hugged his friend close rocking back and forth, denying this awful reality.
“ Sir, you are still in danger!” Typho declared, trying to sound sympathetic, but with a clear sense of urgency in his voice.
After a few moments of arguing with the thoughts of leaving his cousin laying there, he realized that what the Captain was saying was correct. He must do his duty, and that was to stop the new act that was up to be voted on in the Senate.
They went into the building and needed to know where the late Senator’s office was located.
“ Good afternoon, may I help you?” the security guard came running into the room.
“ I’m the new Senator, who is taking over for the late Senator from Naboo.” Anakin said, as he could see shock on the man’s face.
“ Um . . . yes, sir. But, the new Senator is . . . “ the guard began to say.
“ Dead? No, I assure you am very much alive. The people, who are laying all over the platform are my staff members.” Anakin said, as he saw a few more members of Security team rushed out to the platform.
“ Thank goodness. I was told to show you to your office.” the young guard reached down and took the key card from the office box slot.
“ Ok . . . um . . . I will need to hire a whole new staff.” Anakin mumbled to himself, as the guard headed for the turbo-lift.
“ I know. The late Senator’s aide is here, but at the moment, he is in the Senate meeting, recording it for you.” the guard motioned for Anakin and Typho to get onto the lift, then he gets on.
“ I see, but the personal assistant that was traveling with me, was the late Senator’s. He was killed, along with my personal aide.” Anakin said, as the doors closed.
“ I’m sorry to hear about their deaths. Am sure Douglys would not mind doing both jobs, until you can get a new aide. Ok, well, your office is on the second floor and it is down the hall from the Chancellor’s office. You are in the luck, to be one of a few Senators that have windows.” the guard said, as the lift stopped and the doors opened up.
They stepped off the lift,turned to the right and began heading down the hallway.
“ Ok, here we are. If you go down six more doors, you will come to the Chancellor’s office.” the guard stopped in front of the door and slid the key card through the lock.
They walked into the room and the first thing they heard was the sound of water.
Anakin looked over to the right side of the receiving room and there was a small waterfall.
“ That is beautiful, reminds of home.” Anakin walked over to the small pond and the waterfall.
“ The late Senator had that put in, the first week of his first term. There is another one in his office, which is right through those double doors.” the guard motioned to the doors.
Anakin went to the doors, opened them up and walked into the office.
“ Wow, this room is beautiful. I like how the light and dark woods go together so well. There is the Jedi Temple.” Anakin said, going over to the window. Looking out, he noticed that he could see the Jedi Temple.
“Yes, sir. When Douglys comes back, he can give you the keys to your apartments. If you need anything ,just give me a buzz.” the guard said.
“Um . . . sure . . . what is your name?” Anakin asked, as he turned away from the window.
“ Oh, sorry. My name is Quin.” the young guard said.
“ I will, Quin. I have a couple of things that I need to finish going over.” Anakin said, as he sat down behind his new desk.
Quin nodded his head, before he turned, walked out of the offices and went back to his station.
“ I will wait in the other room, if you need anything.” Typho said, as he watched Anakin turn on his holo-screen.
“ Ok, thanks. Oh, would you see about me seeing the Chancellor, as soon as possible?” Anakin said, as he looked up at the Security officer.
“ Yes, sir.” Typho nodded, before leaving the room and going across the receiving office to another room, which turned out to be his office.
Two hours later, Anakin and Typho and a couple of security officers that survived the explosion, showed up to the Chancellor’s office.
Anakin came into the room, as the meeting with the Jedi was breaking up. It was then, Anakin saw two of the Jedi Masters that he remember from ten years ago.
“ With you, the Force is strong, young Senator. Your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. To see you alive, brings warm feeling to my heart.” the Jedi Master Yoda told him.
“ Thank you, Master Yoda. Do you have any idea who was behind these attacks?” Anakin asked his question, and had everyone in the room turning to regard him and Yoda directly.
“ Senator, we have nothing definitive, but our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on the moons of Naboo.” Mace Windu cleared his throat and stepped forward.
“ I do not wish to disagree, but I think that Count Dooku was behind it.” Anakin said.
This statement caused a stir of surprise that ripped about the room. The four Jedi Masters exchanged looks that ranged from astonishment to disapprovement.
“ You know, sir Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He wouldn’t assassinate anyone. It’s not in his character.” Mace said in his resonant calm voice.
“ In dark times, nothing is what is appears to be. The fact remains, Senator, in grave danger, you are.” Master Yoda remarked.
“ Master Jedi, may I suggest that the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces?” Supreme Chancellor Palpatine said, as he walked over to the window, and staring out at the Coruscant sunset.
“ Chancellor, if I may comment. I do not believe the . . . “ Anakin started to say.
“ The situation is very serious. No, but I do Senator.” Palpatine turned and looked at Anakin.
“ Chancellor, please! I do not want any more guards!” Anakin pleaded with the Chancellor.
“ I realize all too well, that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps, someone you are familiar with, an old friend. “ Palpatine began and he had idea that could be and acceptable compromise.
“ Ok, fine.” Anakin gave in.
The Jedi Master told him that he would send him the Jedi Master, who had he had in mind, to him in the morning.
Anakin nodded and the meeting ended. Everyone left the office and went their separate ways.
“ Well, it is time to see your new place.” Typho said, as they headed down the hallway to Anakin’s office.
“ That sounds great. Am so ready to get some sleep.” Anakin said, as they walked into the office and saw Douglys waiting for them.
“ Good evening, sir. Am Douglys. I’m sorry to hear about your staff, and am here for you, if you need stuff to get done.” the Aide said, getting up from his desk.
“ Hello, Douglys. Please call me, Anakin. Thank you. What I would like now, is the keys to my apartments.” Anakin said.
“ Sure and if you like, I can take you there.” Douglys said grabbing the key.
Anakin nodded, the Aide led them out of the office and they headed off to 500 Republica.
Once at the building, the Aide takes them to the penthouse apartments.
An hour later, after looking around the apartment, Anakin finally headed for the bedroom. He went over to the bed, climbed into it, and after he laid down, he fell sound asleep.