Ambivalence (Star Wars)

Chapter II: A Rally for Democracy

Four years later...

Desires. Most beings have a desire that they crave more than any other.

Many yearn for wealth.

Others covet beauty.

Some strive for intelligence.

But there are beings that have aspirations for something more than wealth, beauty and intelligence. Those beings desire power.

Many of those, ambitious enough, obtain just what they seek.

Padmé had never desired power. But yet, she found herself in position that gave her power. Though limited, she was granted many things in life others so desperately wished to acquire.

However Padmé craved something more -blissful ignorance.

It was strange to think that beautiful, charismatic senator envied something, so common.

Her desire was to live in peace, perhaps someday marry, and start a family. But it was just a fruitless endeavor that perhaps, she'd never obtain. Her own desires were always put second to her career and her selflessness to help others.

After her term as Queen ended, she had hoped to finish her career in politics. Democracy had been dying even then. At the time Padmé had felt that there was no remedy for the Empire. But the new Queen, Jamilia, had asked her to represent Naboo as their senator.

Who was she to deny her Queen?

No, there had been more underlying to Jamillia's request.

The Emperor.

Somehow Padmé knew the Queen's request was tied to him. However, at the time, his intentions were unclear. Still to this day, whatever he hoped to gain from her were remiss to the young senator.

The Emperor seemed to be a dark omen that overshadowed her wherever she went. However she wasn't the only one. The entire galaxy within the Empire seemed to be overshadowed by his darkness. Under Palpatine's new Empire all life seemed to suffer. The Empire would take and take till there was nothing left to offer.

But Padmé knew she had to do something. Perhaps today would become a new turning point.
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Imperial Senate...

The raucous shouting of senators could be heard throughout the Senate as they discussed a newly proposed bill.

"This vote must pass!" Shouted some in defense.

"No, this bill will only lose the support of the people!" Others shouted in opposition.

Only a few of the senators remained silent on the matter.

"Order, we shall have order!" Boomed a voice from the center of the room belonging to Mas Amedda, a chagrian from the planet of Champala. As the newly appointed Grand Vizier, it became his position to oversee Senate debates when the Emperor wasn't present.

Finally, once the voices settled, Mas Amedda spoke once more, "The Senate would like to recognize Senator Amidala of Naboo." A few senators grumbled, but remained silent as the Naboo pod floated towards the center of the room and Padmé was granted permission to vocalize her opinion.