Navy Roses- Qui-Gon Jinn x OC

Chapter 1- Tense Introductions

        Adelaide stepped down onto the landing pad in Coruscant, flanked by two advisors and two guards. The Governor had insisted upon armed guards accompanying her to the Senate. This would be her first session as the newly-elected Senator from Dolomar. The first of that title.

        Chancellor Valorum stood, waiting for her. He was flanked by the Senators from Alderaan, Naboo, and the young Duchess of Mandalore. All three of whom shared her views of peace and neutrality. This only became increasingly difficult with the aggressions of the Trade Federation.

         "Welcome to Coruscant, Senator Augmentra. I hope you enjoy your stay," greets the Chancellor before walking away with his guards and right hands.

        Just by this greeting, it becomes obvious that the Chancellor does not hold power over the Senate. He is simply the face of the Republic.

        "The Chancellor is a very busy man, Senator. But it brings us joy to welcome you. Another neutral planet is another voice against senseless violence," says the Duchess Satine, who led Mandalore. It appeared that she was the least politically motivated person who often was at Senate meetings.

        With a strong look, displaying nothing but elegance, Adelaide says, "Thank you for the warm welcome. But I intend to do what's best for Dolomar. Regardless of if it lines with my personal views. Dolomar is not against violence. We simply wish to avoid unnecessary conflict."

        The three politicians stand before her, thinking that the newest Senator would be much more malleable to neutrality and the arguments against the rising Trade Federation. They were stunned that she was so prepared to hold her own. Satine smiled a little, loving another woman who was just as fiery as her. Senator Antilles admired the woman's honesty. Senator Palpatine, however, did not like this new Senator.

        "Senator, you will learn quickly that allies are better than neutral parties," says Senator Palpatine before stalking away.

        Adelaide regards the old man's retreating form with interest. That could easily be interpreted as a threat. But she simply spoke the truth. Something that could eventually get her killed.

        "I apologize for Senator Palpatine's behavior, Senator Augmentra. He seems to be worried with the election coming up. He may lose his seat," says Bail Antilles, the Senator from Alderaan.

        Adelaide simply smiles at the man and regards him and the young Duchess.

        "It's no matter, Senator. And please, both of you, call me Adelaide."

        The warm smiles that graced all three of their faces quickly disappeared. The landing pad shook as they heard an explosion, the three politicians being knocked to the ground.
        Guards ran to and fro, shouting orders and relaying information. They ushered the three onto Adelaide's ship, expecting that to be the safest place. But it wasn't. The ship began to shake, and a few blaster shots penetrated the ship, narrowly missing Senator Augmentra.

        When the dust cleared and the shouting stopped, the Duchess and Senator Antilles left Adelaide on her ship. And the bomb, that had gone off in her quarters. Someone had been trying to kill her. And she had no idea who.

*****

        Master Jinn and his Padawan moved quickly through the halls, the initial blast alerting the Jedi. Having already been in the Senate building briefing a security team, they were quick to respond. They moved through the halls, lightsabers ignited, looking for any idea of who had detonated the explosive. They knew it was pointless. Whoever did it was cunning, and that was worrisome. There was a target, the two Jedi just didn't know who.

        They moved through the halls with a presence that commanded respect. After the dust had settled, they had been summoned to the Chancellor's office. They had seen a startled Duchess Satine, but she barely paid the pair any attention.

        When they reached Chancellor Valorum's office, they were immediately allowed in. Master Yoda and Master Windu had been waiting for them, along with Chancellor Valorum and a woman he didn't recognize.

        "More Jedi? Chancellor, I can assure you I can handle myself," the woman says after seeing Qui-Gon and his Padawan enter. She is very annoyed, but Qui-Gon can also feel the fear and tension rolling off in waves from the woman.

        "Master Qui-Gon Jinn, Padawan Obi-wan Kenobi, this is newly-elected Senator Adelaide Augmentra from Dolomar," Master Windu says, introducing the Senator to the Jedi, "You two will be monitoring the Senator for the time being, making sure to protect her. The attack today was an attempt on her life."

        The woman huffed and rolls her eyes, letting her poise fall slightly. Her shoulders slouch a bit, and her eyes are filled with tears that she is determined to not let fall.

        "With all due respect Chancellor, Masters," she begins, before taking a moment to compose her thoughts," I've been raised on Dolomar. We are very strong willed. We have defeated entire invasions on our own, I can handle some mediocre bounty hunters," she says, trying to state her case to a council already decided.

        "Your new quarters have been prepared, Senator Augmentra. These two Jedi will escort you wherever you need to go. Make yourself comfortable. Enjoy your time in Coruscant," the Chancellor finishes, obviously having made the decision already.

        The Senator wishes to speak, but her poise and composure prevail. She simply turns on her heel and quickly walks away in a huff, the two Jedi looking to Yoda and Mace before following her. This was going to be so much fun.

        The Jedi follow the woman who is walking quickly, her heels clicking on the marble floor. She doesn't stop moving until she reaches the lift, waiting for it to open. The Jedi come to a stop behind her, and she turns around, seeming to study them. Qui-Gon simply notices the beauty and grace that the woman in front of him exudes. She seems to have learned how to mask her emotions quite well.

        "I will not have you two breathing down my neck, Master," she says, acknowledging the elder Jedi, "But I trust you, only because I know other Senators who trust you."

        "You needn't worry, Senator. You'll barely even notice our presence," Obi-Wan says, a light smile that exudes confidence on his face.

        The Senator looks to the young Padawan, something flashing through her eyes. Qui-Gon can't quite place what it is.

        "Young Kenobi, you are quite confident. Hopefully not arrogant."

        With that, the lift opens and the three step inside.