Stars Within Galaxies ━ star wars [2]

𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑟

CHAPTER FOUR
Headaches Are A Pain

The ship finally landed on the planet of Coruscant. Tavia looked around the minute her boots touched the platform. They were met by Senator Palpatine, whom Tavia was still weary about.

"It is a great gift to see you alive, Your Majesty. With the communications breakdown, we've been very concerned. I'm anxious to hear your report on the situation. May I present Supreme Chancellor Valorum." Palpatine introduced.

"Welcome, Your Highness. It's an honour to finally meet you in person."

"Thank you, Supreme Chancellor." The 'Queen' thanked.

"I must relay to you how distressed everyone is over the current situation. I've called for a special session of the senate to hear your position." Valorum explained.

"I'm grateful for your concern, Chancellor."

"There is a question of procedure, but I'm confident we can overcome it." Palpatine explained.

Anakin and Lennox had turned their heads in confusion, waiting for Scar, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gonn to follow. Tavia continued walking, gesturing to the brothers to follow with the group.

"Ani, come on." Padmé told Anakin.

They stepped into the pod and took off. Tavia sat in the second row, beside Padmé.

—

Tavia sat in the room with Padmé, who was in her royal attire, Palpatine was talking away, possibly causing a minor headache to form in Tavia's mind. "There is no civility, only politics. The Republic is not what it once was. 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 explained to Padmé.

"Chancellor Valorum seems to think there is hope."

"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 told her.

"What options have we?" Padmé questioned.

"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 tried to persuade her.

"He has been our strongest supporter." Padmé argued.

"Our only other choice would be to submit a plea to the courts." Palpatine continued.

"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."

"To be realistic, Your Majesty, I think we're going to have to accept Federation control for the time being." Palpatine told her.

Tavia scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief.

"That is something I cannot do." Padmé responded.