Love In A Faraway Galaxy-AnakinxOC

Chapter 33-Obi-Wan's Closure

The instant the Coronet docked at the Senate's landing pad, Obi-Wan exhaled a sigh of relief. As diplomatic missions went, this had been more excitement than he preferred. Chancellor Palpatine and his cohort greeted their party with gracious smiles.

Obi-Wan bowed before the Chancellor. "Your Excellency."

A gentle smile curved Palpatine's thin lips. "Master Kenobi, as always thank you for your excellent service to the Republic."

"I just wish the mission had gone more smoothly." He said ruefully.

Palpatine clucked his tongue sympathetically. "Ah, yes. The misfortune that befell Master Pierce. We truly must make every effort to discover who is trying to kill the poor child. She is a citizen of the Republic now. We can't have her thinking this behavior is tolerated."

"I quite agree." Obi-Wan conceded warily, wondering at the Chancellor's fascination with Cassandra Pierce. Unlike Anakin, he had never completely trusted Palpatine. "Anakin has discovered evidence in that regard."

Orn Free Taa and the other Senators who traveled with them stood nearby talking amongst themselves.

"I see." Palpatine took Obi-Wan by the arm leading him away a short distance. "Tell me, General Kenobi. What has your pupil discovered?"

"Anakin searched the quarters of the senators and discovered damning evidence." Obi-wan said quietly. "Orn Free Taa has been in league with the Czerka Corporation. Anakin found a vial of Red Pox with their label on it in the Senator's safe. Senator Free Taa is behind the assassination attempt on Master Pierce."

"Indeed, that is troubling." The Chancellor agreed, clasping his hands behind his back. "Unfortunately, I require more proof before I can act. Free Taa is a Senator and has powerful connections. The Jedi may conduct an investigate but it must be handled discreetly."

"The situation is complicated because of the Senator's standing." Obi-Wan said mildly.

A shuttle parked nearby and a man and woman in lab coats exited with a medical capsule. They were here from the Medical Facility to take Cassandra in for further treatment. The virus had been contained to her. Everyone else on board tested negative for the Red Pox.

"I'm confident the Jedi will get to the bottom of this unfortunate matter." Palpatine said, expression benign.

The doctors boarded the Coronet to collect their patient.

Satine glided forward, and Palpatine's attention shifted to her. "Welcome to Coruscant, Duchess Satine."

"Thank you, Chancellor. I am pleased to be here." She murmured demurely.

Palpatine offered his arm to the duchess. "Come, I'll escort you to my office. We have much to discuss."

Satine smiled coolly at the Chancellor, placing her hand delicately on the crook of his elbow. "I agree. I am here to affirm Mandalore's neutrality in your war."

"We look forward to hearing your position on this matter." Palpatine glanced at Obi-Wan. "Will you be accompanying us?"

Obi-Wan hated to depart from the duchess before discussing their exchange on the Coronet but his duty lay elsewhere as did hers. He tucked his hands in his sleeves at his waist. "I'm afraid I must report to the Council immediately."

The Chancellor and the duchess left, trailed by the Senators who'd traveled with them from Mandalore. Orn Free Taa waddled after the group; his pair of concubines tucked up on either side of his bulky body.

The corners of Obi-Wan's mouth dipped in a frown. The war was stripping away the hidden corruption in the Senate. The depth of that corruption was deeply concerning especially with the Jedi thrust in the middle.