˗ˏˋ𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭ˊˎ˗
𝚒𝚟. 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚎
𝑳𝑰𝑨 stood behind Queen Amidala, as she was sitting in Senator Palpatine's quarters listening to what the Senator was saying.
"There is no civility, only politics. The Republic is not what it once was." Palpatine informed
He paced in front of Queen Amidala. Captain Panaka strolled in for the protection of the Queen, standing firmly behind the extravagant makeshift throne she sat on.
"The Senate is full of greedy, squabbling delegates. There is no interest in the common good. I must be frank, Your Majesty. There is little chance the Senate will act on the invasion." Palpatine said
Lia tried not to look worried as she glanced down at Queen Amidala.
"Chancellor Valorum seems to think there is hope." Queen Amidala replied
"If I may say so, Your Majesty, the Chancellor has little real power. He is mired by baseless accusations of corruption. The bureaucrats are in charge now." Palpatine said
"What options have we?" Queen Amidala asked
"Our best choice would be to push for the election of a stronger Supreme Chancellor, one who could control the bureaucrats and give us justice. You could call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum." Palpatine suggested
"He has been our strongest supporter." Queen Amidala argued
"Our only other choice would be to submit a plea to the courts." Palpatine said
"The courts take even longer to decide things than the Senate. Our people are dying, Senator. We must do something quickly to stop the Federation." Queen Amidala said
"To be realistic, Your Majesty, I think we're going to have to accept Federation control for the time being." Palpatine said
"That is something I cannot do." Queen Amidala replied
❤️
Anakin Skywalker eagerly waited outside the doors of Queen Amidala's private chambers while bouncing on the balls of his feet, hoping desperately to see Padmé, who he hadn't seen since they had gotten to Coruscant. The guard lifted up his comm and spoke into it.
"The boy's here to see Padmé." The guard said
"Let him in." Lia replied
The guard opened the door and the young boy walked into the chambers. Lia approached the boy and his smile grew.
"Padmé!" Anakin exclaimed
"I'm not Padmé. I'm her twin sister Malia, but everyone calls me Lia." Lia introduced
"Anakin Skywalker, pleased to meet you." Anakin introduced
Lia chuckled at the young boy's excitement before her face fell into a frown.
"I'm sorry, Anakin, I know you were looking for Padmé. But she's not here right now." Lia informed
"Who is it?" Queen Amidala asked
"Anakin Skywalker. He's here to see Padmé, Your Majesty." Lia informed
Queen Amidala gracefully moved further into the room, studying the young boy with watchful eyes. Anakin Skywalker's eyes widened and he quickly bowed.
"I've sent Padmé on an errand." Queen Amidala lied
"I'm on my way to the Jedi Temple to start my training, I hope." Anakin informed
Lia smiled slightly, having heard about the young boy from Padmé.
"I may not see her again, so I came to say goodbye." Anakin said
"We will tell her for you. We are sure her heart goes with you." Queen Amidala said
Anakin bowed once more.
"Thank you, your Highness." Anakin said
The Queen walked out of the room and Lia placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder.
"Come on, Anakin. I'll take you to the Temple." Lia said
Anakin smiled up at the older Naberrie twin.
❤️
Lia's eyes widened as she entered the Galactic Senate. It was gigantic. Thousands of Senators and their aides were sitting in the circular assembly area. Chancellor Valorum sat in an elevated area in the center. Lia and the other handmaidens followed Queen Amidala and Senator Palpatine into the Naboo congressional box.
"The Chair recognizes the Senator from the sovereign system of Naboo." Valorum said
Lia steadied herself as the Naboo congressional box floated into the center.
"Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the Senate, a tragedy has occurred which started right here with the taxation of trade routes, and has now engulfed our entire planet in the oppression of the Trade Federation." Palpatine informed
A second box rushed into the center of the Senate. It was filled with Federation trade barons led by Lott Dod, the Senator for the Federation.
"This is outrageous! I object to the Senator's statements!" Lott Dod exclaimed, angrily
"The Chair does not recognize the Senator from the Trade Federation at this time." Valorum said
Lia glared at Lott Dod as he reluctantly moved back to his place.
"To state our allegations, I present Queen Amidala, the recently elected ruler of the Naboo, who speaks on our behalf." Palpatine announced
Queen Amidala stood and moved to the front of the box.
"Honorable representatives of the Republic, I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. Naboo's system has been invaded by the droid armies of the Trade..." Queen Amidala started
"I object! There is no proof! This is incredible. We recommend a commission be sent to Naboo to ascertain the truth." Lott Dod interrupted
A third box, representing Malastare, moved into the center of the room. Lia recognized Aks Moe, the Ambassador.
"The Congress of Malastare concurs with the honorable delegate from the Trade Federation. A commission must be appointed." Aks Moe said
"The point..." Valorum started
Valorum conferred with several of his aids and vice chairman, Mas Amedda, while Senator Palpatine leaned closer to Queen Amidala.
"Enter the bureaucrat. The true rulers of the Republic. And on the payroll of the Trade Federation, I might add. This is where Chancellor Valorum's strength will disappear." Palpatine said
"The point is conceded. Will you defer your motion to allow a commission to explore the validity of your accusations?" Valorum asked
Lia could tell her twin was angry, she herself was furious. However, the Queen remained composed.
"I will not defer. I've come before you to resolve the attack on our sovereignty now. I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee. If this body is not capable of action, I suggest new leadership is needed. I move for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership." Queen Amidala announced
The Queen's words caused a great stir in the assembly. A loud murmur crescendoed into a roar of approval and jeers. Chancellor Valorum was stunned and sat down, speechless. His Vice Chair, Mas Amedda took over.
"Order!" Mas Amedda yelled
"Now they will elect a new Chancellor, a strong Chancellor, one who will not let our tragedy continue." Palpatine said