The next morning, it was still dark outside, when Padme heard movement coming from her living room. The sound of footsteps stopped at her bedroom door.
Padme, it is time to get up and get dressed for your meeting with the Chancellor this morning. We have a busy day with our own meetings. Dorme tapped on the door, before stepping into the bedroom.
Ok. I will wear a black dress, and you can wear the same thing too. Padme looked up from the tablet that she was reading from, when Dorme came into the room.
Ok. I was planning on wearing back. When we get back here, we will have dinner and then a nice soak in a tub of hot water before bed. Oh, also, if you want me too, I can fix you something that will help you sleep too. Dorme went over to the closet and began looking for a black dress. When she did find one, it was just plain and very simple. She took it off its hanger and brought it into the bedroom. It is to show everyone that she is in mourning over her best friend, bodyguard and decoy Corde, and also for the other six members of her security staff who also died.
That sounds wonderful. That dress will be great, and I will war my hair down but just have two clips on the sides. Padme nodded at the dress that Dorme was holding up for her approval.
Padme got up from the bed and Dorme helped her get dressed. She put her hair up, just as Dorme was getting dressed for the day too.
Padme, your shuttle is here and it is ready. Also, the platform is clear from any news droids too. Typho came into the living room, where her and Dorme were sitting down on the couch, waiting for the all clear to get onto the shuttle.
Padme and Dorme stood up and followed Typho to the landing platform and to the waiting shuttle. Typho helped both Padme and Dorme onto the shuttle. Once everyone was on board, the driver took the small group to the Senate building. Once they had landed and got off the air shuttle, they all made their way inside the building and headed for the Supreme Chancellors office. Tapping on the door, it was opened by the office aide, who motioned for them to come inside the office. As the small group entered the room, they saw another small group of people standing around in the waiting area of the Chancellors office.
Padme, it is so great to see you. I was so sad when I heard about the assassination of your bodyguard. Bail Organa came up to Padme and gave her a welcoming hug.
Thank you, Bail and she will be dearly missed. Well, I see it is time. Hello, Horox. It is nice to see you too. Padme turned to see another Senator in the room with Bail.
It is great to see you as well. Am sorry for your lost. Horox Ryyder bowed his head to Padme.
They walked into the Chancellors office and were greeted by the small group of Jedi.
Yoda came up to Padme and tapped her with his small cane, as to get her attention.
With you, the Force is strong, young Senator. Your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. To see you alive, brings warm feelings to my heart. The Jedi Master told her.
Thank you, Master Yoda. Do you have any idea who was behind this attack? Padme replied to Master Yoda.
Her question had everyone in the room turning to regard her and Yoda directly.
Senator, we have nothing definitive. Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on the moons of Naboo. Mace Windu cleared his throat and stepped forward.
Padme looked to Captain Typho, who shook his head, having no answer. They had both witnessed the frustration of those spice miners back on Naboo. Those demonstrations seemed a long way from the tragedy that had occurred on the landing platform here on Coruscant. Then, she turned her attention to one of the Jedi Masters.
The Jedi Master she stared hard at was Mace Windu. She wondered if it would be wise to voice her hunch at this time. She also knew the controversy she might stir, knew the blatant illogical ring to her claim. But still . . . .
I do not wish to disagree, but I think that Count Dooku was behind it. Padme looked at Master Windu, before looking at the other three Jedi.
A stir of surprise rippled about the room. The four Jedi Masters exchanged looks that ranged from astonishment to disapproval.
You know, Milady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He wouldnt assassinate anyone. Its not in his character. Mace said in his resonant and calm voice.
He is a political idealist, not a murder. Ki-Adi-Mundi, the fourth of the Jedi contingent added.
Master Yoda tapped his cane, drawing attention to himself. That alone extorted a calming influence over the increasing tense mood.
In dark times, nothing is what it appears to be. The fact remains, Senator, in grave danger, you are. the small figure looked straight at Padme.
Master Jedi, may I suggest that the Senator be placed under the protection of your graces? Supreme Chancellor Palpatine gave a dramatic sigh and walked over to the window and stared out at the Coruscant Dawn.
Do you think that is a wise use of our limited resources at this stressful time? Thousands of systems have gone over fully to the separatists, and many more may soon join them. The Jedi our . . Senator Bail Organa was quickly to interject, stroking his well-trimmed black goatee.
Chancellor, if I may comment. I do not believe the . . . Padme interrupted the Senator.
Situation is that serious. No, but I do, Senator. Palpatine finished for her.
Chancellor, please! I do not want any more guards! She pleaded with the older man.
Palpatine stared at her, as would and overprotective father. A look that Padme might have viewed as condescending from any other man.
I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you are familiar with. Like an old friend. Master Kenobi? Palpatine began, and he paused. There was a look that came over him, as if he had just struck up a logical and acceptable compromise. Then smiling, he looked to Mace Windu and Yoda. He finished with a nod, and his smile only widened when Mace Windu nodded back.
That is possible. He has just returned from a border dispute on Ansion. the Jedi Master confirmed.
You must remember him, Milady. He watched over you during the blockade conflict. Palpatine grinning, as if it was a done deal.
This is not necessary, Chancellor. Padme determinedly told him. Palpatine did not relinquish his grin in the least, showing clearly that he knew well, how to defeat the independent Senators argument.
Do it for me, Milady. Please. I will rest easier. We had a big scare yesterday and the thought of losing you is unbearable. He begged her.
Finally, she gave a defeated sigh and the Jedi rose and turned to leave.
I will have Obi-Wan report to you immediately, Milady. Mace Windu informed her.
Too little about yourself, you worry, Senator. Too much about politics. Be mindful of your danger, Padme. Accept our help. Yoda leaned in close to Padme and whispered, so that only she could hear, as he was about to pass her.
They all left the room and Padme Amidala just stared at the door and the flanking guards for a long while. Behind her, at the back of his office, Chancellor Palpatine watched them all.
Padme got up and nodded her goodbye to the Chancellor, before she and her small party left the Chancellors office. They walked down to her office, only to see a couple of delegates sitting in her waiting room. She motioned for them to follow her into her office, so that way, they could began their meetings that was going to last until lunch.
She and Dorme headed down to the small restaurant and had lunch there. Afterwards, they headed to another meeting, before her conference meeting with Queen Jamilia and the Senate on Naboo.
After a long day, she headed home and watched a little bit of the holo-net before dinner. Two hours later, she went into her fresher and soaked in her tub, before going to bed and falling into a deep sleep.
Authors Note*(pages 56-59 Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones by R. A. Salvatore)