The Shadows Star: Book 2

8: Failure

Inside the Chancellors office on Coruscant, the Jedi Council was in session with Chancellor Palpatine to address the pressing matter of the escalating tension between the Galactic Republic and the separatist movement. The discussions about the increasing number of star systems aligning with the separatists and the potential ramifications were heavy in the air.

As the meeting progressed, a sudden interruption came in the form of a droid rushing into the room. It conveyed urgent news—an assassination attempt had been made on Senator Padmé Amidala. The ship she was on had been destroyed, but she had miraculously survived. This sent a shockwave through Plo Koons heart. He reached out in the force and was comforted to feel his padawan alive, but he could feel her conflicted emotions. He felt shame, frustration, and pain flowing through her, and his worry returned.

Then, as if a beacon of hope had walked into the room, Padmé Amidala herself entered alongside other senators. But to Plo's dismay, his pup was nowhere to be seen.

Master Yoda stands to greet her, compassion flowing from his voice. "Senator Amidala, your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. Seeing you alive brings warm feeling to my heart."

"Thank you, Master Yoda. Do you have any idea who was behind the attack?"

Master Windu stands to address her. "Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners, on the moons of Naboo."

"I think that Count Dooku was behind it," Padme shoots back.

Ki Adi Mundi takes the opportunity to speak, "He is a political idealist, not a murderer."

"You know, M'Lady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character," Windu muses.

"But for certain, Senator, in grave danger you are."

While they speak, Plo walks up next to a handmaiden. Dormé nods and whispers, "She is alive, but she hit her head quite hard and was unable to heal herself. She is in the med bay downstairs, Captain Typho is with her. She will be fine."

"Thank you, Dormé." He says and turns back to the conversation as the Chancellor addresses the situation. "Master Jedi, may I suggest that the Senator be placed under continued protection of your graces. Master Koon will be unable to continue this mission while in Coruscant, perhaps we could assign another Jedi."

Padme, frustration bubbling over, refuses. "Chancellor, if I may comment, I do not believe the..."

"...situation is that serious?" he interrupts. "No, but I do, Senator. I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you are familiar with... an old friend like... Master Kenobi."

"That's possible. He is returning from a border dispute on Ansion."

"Do it for me, M'Lady, please. I will rest easier. We had a big scare today. The thought of losing you is unbearable."

Plo Koon, known for his tranquil and kind demeanor, offered his suggestion. "If I may, my Padawan, Sombra, can continue to accompany Senator Amidala as an additional guardian when Master Kenobi arrives. She has displayed exceptional growth in her training and will require an assignment while I tend to my council duties."

"That is indeed a splendid idea. Are there any objections?" The prospect of reuniting the chosen ones after such a lengthy separation caused several masters to tense, but Yoda's words brought a modicum of reassurance. "Hold objections, I do not. Allow Padawan Sombra, I will."

Down the hall, Sombra found herself racing to the Chancellor's office, trying and failing to remove the bandage from her head and extracting a needle from her arm. The Captain followed closely behind, his tone imploring, "Sombra, please. The medical droid has advised rest. I am certain your master would want you to adhere to that instruction," seeing her determination and unwillingness he made one last attempt, "At the very least, slow down!"