Padmé Amidala - her perspective

Chapter 5 - the twothousand petition

The next day The Two Thousand Petition gathered at the home of Bail Organa, as he was one of the founders. Right now Senator Mon Mothma, the other founder, was speaking. I arrived a little late, and the group of politicians were already in a deep discussion. I discreetly sat down and listened.

"The Chancellor has made indications of wanting a new vote for even more power additions from the Senate," said Mon Mothma. "Even though he has not yet made any direct action to end the war since he brought in the clones."

She looked as if she wanted to continue but stopped and looked at Bail as an indication to continue. Bail straightened up in his chair.

"Now that he controls the Jedi Council the Chancellor has appointed governors to oversee all star systems in the Republic."

I forced my reaction back. If the Chancellor controlled the Jedi Council that must mean that his and Anakins request had been approved by the Jedi Council. Anakin was now on the Council and represented it in the Senate. I wondered how Obi-Wan had reacted to this.

"When did this happen?" Fang Zar, one of the Senators, asked with worry.

"That decree was posted this morning," Bail answered.

"Do you think he will dissolve the Senate?" I asked anxiously.

Mon Mothma shrugged.

"Why bother? As a practical matter the Senate no longer exist, "she said.

I sighed, because I realized how true it was.

"The Constitution is in shreds, amendment after amendment", Giddean Danu, another Senator, said.

Bail raised his hand, seemingly trying to gather attention for a proposal.

"We cannot let a thousand years of democracy disappear – without a fight."

The atmosphere became tense and I knew how everyone interpreted this pronunciation.

"What are you suggesting?"

Bail realized his mistake.

"Suggesting? I apologize, I did not mean to sound like a Separatist! ", he assured.

Mon Mothma hurried to help him.

"We are not separatists trying to leave the Republic," she said and continued: "We are loyalists who are trying to preserve democracy in the Republic."

"I can't believe it has come to this," I sighed. "Chancellor Palpatine is my oldest advisor! He served as my ambassador when I was a queen!"

"Senator," interrupted Giddean. "I fear you underestimate the amount of corruption that has taken hold of the Senate."

I didn't. But I chose not to object. During my years as a politician my sole purpose had been to fight for democracy in every way possible, and everyone - including Giddean - knew that. What he didn't know was that even though I worked everyday to ensure a dictatorship would never take place I had lately often found myself feeling like I was already living in one. All debates and votes were really just charades. With all the powers that Palpatine had now he always had the last word, though most Senators did not see it. What I said was not a statement of disbelief, but rather something similar to defeat.

"The Chancellor has played well against the Senators," added Mon Mothma. "They know now where power lies and will do anything to share it."

"And we can't continue debating about this any longer!" Bail exclaimed and stood up.

I followed him with my eyes as he took a few steps away and then turned back at us with new energy. You could see that he was close to reaching his point and as he did, I reminded myself that defeat was not an option. I was not alone in this, every stone was not unturned and every battle not yet fought. We could still make a change.

"We have decided to do what we can to stop it. Senator Mon Mothma and I are putting together this organization ... "

I understood where he was going and quickly interrupted him.

"Say no more Senator, I understand. At this point some things are better left unsaid."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Agree," said Bail. "So we will not discuss this with anyone without everyone in this group agreed."

Everyone nodded.

"That includes those who are closest to you", Mon Mothma clarified. "Even family. No one can be told. "

I looked down. I wanted to protest, because I knew that this was something Anakin needed to know - and I wanted to be honest with him. We always found ourselves on different sides politically, however, we respected each other enough to talk openly about our views on things. But I also realized that it could be a big risk, especially because of the influence Palpatine seemed to have on him and the position he now held at the Chancellor's office. For the first time ever our duties prevented me from discussing work with him.

I straightened up and nodded. "Agreed," I said.