Chapter 11 - Coruscant

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Author's Note: This is the first chapter in the second half of this fic! I cannot believe we're so far already. Lol. I know there have been concerns about this following canon too closely, but just be patient, okay? Din doesn't really know much, or anything, about what's happening, and there's little he can change drastically without knowledge, okay? But his and Grogu's presences are already making a difference... just a little bit down the road. ;)

PS. There is Mando'a in here, and I put all the translations at the end. Let me know if I missed anything! ^-^

~ Amina Gila

Senate guards are patrolling the sides of the landing platform as the two Jetii disembark first, bowing to the Chancellor – and Senator, presumably. Din can't really see much from his place in the back, but Queen Amidala descends next, accompanied by her security captain, her handmaids following her. All four are, of course, wearing the same robes, hoods raised, partially concealing their features. Din, Shmi, and Anakin descend last, standing behind the group of teens. It makes them less conspicuous, especially since all eyes are on the Queen, but Din knows that his presence will only remain unnoticed for so long.

"It is a great gift to see you alive, Your Majesty," Senator Palpatine says as he formally greets the Queen. "With the communications breakdown, we've been very concerned. I'm anxious to hear your report on the situation."

Din decides, instantly, that he doesn't like him. It's not only because of his name. Din doesn't really like politicians, in general, because they're so crafty and manipulative and false. Besides, the way that Grogu buries himself into the satchel with a quiet whimper, only the tips of his ears sticking out, when Palpatine begins speaking, sets off alarm bells. Din moves his arm to shield the satchel – and his kid – from sight, and Anakin seems to take a hint from his vod, ducking back to hide behind Din. Good. The less people that see them, the better. If Din could have safely left his aliit on the starship, he would have.

"May I present Supreme Chancellor Valorum," Palpatine continues, turning to the tall, gray-haired man at his side. Valorum does not outwardly appear to be dangerous, but Din is still wary. He's a politician, too, after all.

"Welcome, Your Highness," Valorum greets her with a smile. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person."

"Thank you, Supreme Chancellor," the Queen replies, aloof and distant as always.

"I must relay to you how distressed everyone is over the current situation," the Chancellor offers. "I've called for a special session of the Senate to hear your position."

That sounds like a good step forward, but Din doesn't really know. Politics have never interested him, and it's not something which has ever concerned him in the past.

"I'm grateful for your concern, Chancellor," the Queen replies politely. Din is careful to listen to the conversation, silently storing everything away for later analysis. If he's going to help the Queen, he needs to understand the situation, even if it all is going over his head right now.

Palpatine steps forwards, gesturing to a speeder which will presumably take them to their destination, wherever that is. "There is a question of procedure but I'm confident we can overcome it," he tells the Queen as they begin walking.

Her handmaids and guards follow, along with Jar Jar, and Din leads his own aliit behind them. He could swear that the Senator gave him a brief, lingering, thoughtful look, but perhaps it was nothing more than his imagination. When he spoke with the Jetii, Qui-Gon told him that he would come to pick up Anakin and take him to the Temple after speaking with the Jetii Council. Din is somewhat relieved at that, because it means that he won't have to be separated from his foundling so soon. Shmi, he suspects, is sharing the same sentiments.

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