Ambivalence (Star Wars)

Chapter III: The Emperor's Shadow

Imperial Senate...

The sense of victory was so close, yet so very distant.

Today the Senate's decision on the bill for citizen's rights would be decided. For the last three days Padmé and a few of her closest colleagues had been preparing a rebuttal, for they were sure to be met with disagreement on the Senate Floor. They had been meet with a disagreement indeed. But each side held their own, remarkably well so. Though met with a tough debate, Bail, Mon and Padmé had made valid counter arguments that those in opposition could not deny were valid points. In all, they could not have hoped for a better debate.

From her senate pod, Padmé glanced toward her friend, Bail Organa. In return she was met with a small nod. Bail's face remained neutral, mirroring that of her own face. Earlier, Bail had seemed rather confident that they would succeed. However, Padmé could only remain optimistic.

Once more she glanced around at the other senators, all remained silent. The final vote had just been cast and all the senators were patiently awaiting the results that the bill would be passed.

Padmé held her breath in anticipation, willing for Mas Amedda to speak.

Finally, much to the relief of everyone present, the chagrian Grand Vizier spoke, "There has majority ruling." He stated, looking once more at the results. "With a resounding in favor, the bill shall be passed." With that being said, he slammed his staff down, making the decision conclusive.

Loud chatter resounded throughout the senate as representatives left the Senate Floor. However Padmé remained floored to her seat. Though she should have been shocked, she felt more numb than disappointed.

The bill would now be sent the Emperor; he could either accept or veto the bill. She knew however it would be the latter.

Finally she willed herself to stand; from across the senate she was met with a pair of icy eyes.

Senator Deechi gave her wry smirk.

Padmé's jaw clenched. She willed herself not to give Deechi the satisfaction that he had won. Pads looked to face him with her head high.

Deechi acknowledged her once more with a slight nod of his head, before disappearing amongst the mass of other senators.

"Padmé." Came a soft voice from behind her.

Padmé turned; Bail and Mon were waiting silently behind her. No other words were exchanged between the trio as they walked through a corridor. When the reached the end, each senator halted.

"It must be important for him to have come today." Mon whispered.

At the mention of him, all eyes fell upon the elderly man across the Senate Hall.

Palpatine.

"You don't think... the bill?" Padmé questioned.

"The Emperor will be in favor of the bill," answered Bail. "It is critical to his rule to have those loyal to him in the Senate. And those who aren't..." Bail trailed off, they all know what the Empire did with known traitors.

"Perhaps we can reason with him." suggested Mon.

Mon's suggestion made Padmé want to laugh; they all knew it would be useless.

Bail moved to position himself so that his back was turned to the Emperor. Thus giving Padmé and Mon a better view of the man in question.

"That would be a fool's errand. We all know that."

From over Bail's shoulder Padmé watched Palpatine as he spoke with other members of the Senate and his advisors.

"I cannot help but fear the day that we won't comeback. Soon or later he will dissolve the Senate completely."