The Phantom Menace (AU)/Chapter 20

On Coruscant, the capital world of the Galactic Republic, Senator Palpatine of Naboo alighted a turbolift in a senatorial apartment building accompanied by his aide, Dar Wac.

He was paying a social call to a friend and ally Chiron Dunai, the Senator for Mamphra. Yet even the words ‘social call’ and ‘friend’ were not as innocent as the sounded, for what seemed to be a courteous visit would prove to be much more.

“Senator Palpatine,” Dunai’s administrative assistant greeted him, a young woman by the name of Litany Nira with white blonde hair in a distinctive Mamphran coiffure. “Senator Dunai is expecting you. This way please.”

“I trust the appointment was not too short notice?” Palpatine asked diplomatically as he followed her.

“Of course not,” Litany replied, extending a mauve draped arm to show him into the reception room. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll inform the Senator you are here.”

On one of the circular low couches Palpatine observed the room, Dunai’s reception room was noted mainly for the fact that one entire wall was transparasteel. Yet this was the most striking aspect of it, everything else was almost austere. White columns supported the ceiling, elaborate tapestries draped over doorways gave some colour, but there was nothing about the décor that suggested the senator’s influence or even prominence; both of which were considerable in the Senate.

Impressive, Palpatine noted, but it does no one any good to cling to the past. He himself was a man of today.

“Thank you, no,” Palpatine said, waving away a protocol droid offered refreshments. With another gesture his dismissed Dar Wac; the aide had his points but normally were confined to his own office.

“Palpatine,” Chiron Dunai entered the room and Palpatine got to his feet to greet him. The two clasped hands firmly before sitting down with the low table between them.

Like his dwelling, Dunai was unpretentious in his dress; his clothes might have been worn by a freighter pilot or mercenary. The only sign of his station was the elaborately patterned, pleated robe.

In a way they both signified the changing face of the Republic. Dunai chose to adhere to tradition, Palpatine adopting more practical methods.

“I suppose you know why I have called on such short notice,” Palpatine said.

“I keep my ears open,” Chiron offered. “I would like to offer my concerns and hope that there is a quick and peaceful resolution.”

“Your concerns are well met, my friend,” Palpatine replied, edging slowly towards the object of this interview. “Have you has any recent news?” Chiron asked. The real question: Have you had any news you wish to tell?

“As a matter of fact, I have,” Palpatine said, allowing a smile to emerge on his lips. “I received a transmission…of sorts, from Governor Sio Bibble asking for the whereabouts of Queen Nalanda.”

“She is missing?” Chiron asked, his hand resting on his short, pointed beard.

“It appears so,” Palpatine said with a nod. “Naturally I told him that I knew nothing about it. However,” he paused purposely, “if she is not on Naboo, my guess would be she is on her way here. After all, she was relying on a Senate solution during the blockade when our communications were severed.”

“A fair assumption,” Dunai agreed with a nod. “Might I inquire what your plans are once she arrives?”

Palpatine hesitated, her he had to step carefully. Chiron was not to be easily swayed as other senators were—such as Aks Moe of Malastare—any mistakes and it could all be for naught.

“That is why I came here today,” Palpatine said evenly, choosing his words very carefully, “I need to be assured of your continued support, Chiron.”

Chiron looked thoughtful; he and Palpatine had formed this—somewhat odd—alliance against the taxing of trade routes that had started all the trouble on Naboo in the first place.

But this…this was different. This was like making a claw viper promise it wouldn’t kill you without taking away its venom, any moment it chose it could strike.

“If I did guarantee you my continued support,” Chiron said slowly, “what would that entail? What consequences would there be?”

“My friend, you are as aware as I am the way situations change actions,” Palpatine told him. “How I would act would depend on the circumstances. If the conflict is resolved you need not worry about anything. But that we both know will not happen, considering the pressure on Chancellor Valorum.”

“That is unfortunate,” Chiron commented, “have you spoken with him?”

“Yes, I saw him earlier today,” Palpatine answered. “He expressed his deepest concern. At least, that is what he said.”

“Ah,” Chiron nodded, this intrigued him.

“You must admit,” Palpatine said, “the Chancellor’s influence has dropped fairly recently.”

“But there was the assassination attempt—” Chiron protested.

“He could have risen from it!” Palpatine interrupted sharply. “We need to keep the bureaucracy in check so events such as this do not happen.” Palpatine paused and a quite different expression emerged on his face. He placed a hand to his forehead and chuckled slightly. “You must excuse me, my friend, I tend to digress on matters such as this.”

“No need to apologise,” Chiron said amiably, “don’t we all have our own ideas on how things should be run? Sometimes it is good that they are never put into practice. As for your answer,” Chiron paused, considering for a moment. “It would help if you would define what exactly you are asking.”

“I am asking you to trust me,” Palpatine replied, “trust that I will act in the best interests of the Republic.”

“Surely there cannot be any question of that,” Chiron said, knowing that it could be a blatant lie. “But isn’t using a tragedy as what is facing Naboo for political advantage a bit…questionable? You don’t need to hide it, that is what you are doing, isn’t it?”

“Should not we use the tools we have?” Palpatine defended. “Should we not adapt to the changing times and use what situations present themselves?”

“Adapt, yes,” Chiron admitted, “but use, we are talking about the lives of innocent people here. Your people.”

“I am no less happy about what the Federation have done than you are,” Palpatine said dryly. “Surely you can understand what I am asking you and how much it means.”

“You are asking me to trust you,” Chiron said slowly, “and I admit you have not lost my trust, my answer to your offer will have to be no.”

“No?” Palpatine repeated. “Are you sure about this?”

“I am certain,” Chiron replied, “it seems as if yours and my paths have diverted. For this will not be an isolated event if what you say does happen.”

“I am sure it will—” Palpatine said, he was interrupted by Dar Wac entering the room. “Yes? What is it?”

“Senator,” said Dar Wac with a bow, “Coruscant Air Control has confirmed that Queen Nalanda’s starship is in orbit.”

“Yes, thank you.” Palpatine dismissed his aide with a nod and made an apologetic smile to Chiron. “I am afraid I must leave you now.” As he stood he tried one final stab. “So you are definite on this?”

“Yes,” Chiron said as he stood, his tone was firm and unshakeable, “I wish you luck my friend, but I am sorry I cannot be of help.”

“Pleasure to see you again,” Palpatine said, Chiron summoned Litany and the Naboo senator left.

She returned to deposit some documents on the table, Chiron gave her barely more than a nod, considering what had happened. Perhaps it was time to leave politics, he had been there long enough and the Senate had changed considerably in his time there.

He instead examined the blue-pink senesce blossoms in the vase on the table. They were imported of course, he had tried to grow them on Coruscant but while the plant would grow it would not flower. Some things never adapted.

It’s so delicate, Chiron mused as he cupped his hand around the flower, I can crush it with barely a gesture. He shuddered for a moment, wondering if that is what Palpatine planned to do in the end.