Shadows of Tomorrow

Chapter 28 - A Friend In Need

Theseus can hardly believe that this is really happening. It's strange being back on Mandalore again, in the throne room itself. Somehow, it seems, he always ends up back here. But at least this time it's not to investigate fraud or the like, but rather for the ongoing peace talks between the Republic and the Separatists. The discussions have been going on for a while now, and while it doesn't sound like they've made a whole lot of progress, he supposes it's actually progress that they're sitting in the same room with each other without anyone trying to kill anyone else. Well, at least not yet.

He wishes he and Ahsoka could have brought their lightsabers with them, but he supposes announcing themselves as Jedi might not be the best of ideas anyway. It's just that the last time he was on Mandalore without his lightsaber, things didn't go very well. Shaking the thoughts from mind, he turns his attention back to the meeting. And now they're back to arguing about the legitimacy of the Separatist movement, which Theseus really doesn't get how it's so important right now. Shouldn't they be focusing on trying to end the war? Ugh, this stuff all flies way over his head.

"I have something to say about the legitimacy of the Separatists," an unfamiliar voice calls out. Theseus turns to see an older teenage boy with dark hair striding into the room. He walks between the assembled Senators, heading for the front of the room.

Ahsoka's eyes widen in surprise at the sight of him. What? Does she know who this is? "Why is Lux Bonteri here? What could he possibly have to say?" murmurs one of the Separatist senators, "He was not invited."

"Wait, that's Lux?" Theseus whispers to Ahsoka, from where the two of them are standing on either side of Padme's chair. He doesn't really know what he was picturing. Of course, he's just an ordinary boy if Ahsoka befriended him. He knows the Separatists aren't evil, at least the common people aren't, but still.

She nods, then leans closer to Padme. "You didn't mention that Lux Bonteri would be here."

"I didn't know," Padme replies, obviously as confused as everyone else.

Lux steps up to one of the stands at the front of the room, after sharing a glance with Satine, as if asking silent permission to speak here. The Duchess only nods, her expression remaining otherwise neutral as it has throughout the entire debate. Honestly, Theseus is surprised she can even stand listening to all the arguing that's been going on, considering how much she hates fighting.

"I stand before you, son of Mina Bonteri," Lux begins, "Loyal Separatist, a patriot, a friend." He throws a glance at Ahsoka at that word, and she returns the gaze with a small smile. Theseus isn't quite sure what to make of it. "It has come to my attention," he continues, "That my mother was murdered by Count Dooku in cold blood." The words have barely left his mouth and had time to register in Theseus' mind when all out chaos erupts.

"That is a lie!" shouts the green skinned Separatist Senator, leaping to her feet.

"Remove this traitor immediately!" another yells furiously.

Ahsoka moves forwards, but Padme holds up a hand, pushing her back.

Two assassin droids stride into view, grabbing Lux by the arms and dragging him away from the stand. Ahsoka's eyes widen in alarm as she watches. No, this isn't going to end well. Speaking out against Dooku like that is suicide. "I will not be silenced!" Lux protests as they continue to pull him away.

"Stop this!" Satine orders, standing up as she glares at the droids.

"We would ask you to respect that we deal with this matter ourselves," the green skinned Senator says, looking to the Duchess. After a moment, she nods in acquiescence.

"No! Dooku is deceiving you!" Lux protests frantically, "You will all be betrayed, just like my mother!" The droid's shove him out a side door, ignoring any further protests.