I CHOOSE YOU: star wars¹

thirteen

"I wasn't the youngest queen ever elected, but now that I think back on it, I'm not sure I was old enough. I'm not sure Cordalia and I were ready." Padmé spoke to Corvus.

"The people you served thought you did a good job. I heard they even tried to amend the constitution so you could stay in office." Corvus said.

"I was relieved when my two terms were up. But when the Queen asked me and Cordalia to serve as Senators, we couldn't refuse her." Padmé told him.

"I agree with her. I think the Republic needs you and Cordalia. I'm glad that you chose to serve." Corvus told her causing Padmé to smile. The four plus R2 made their way to the palace to speak with Queen Jamilla.

"If the Senate votes to create an army I'm sure it's going to push us into a civil war." Zelena said.

The Governor spoke up. "It's unthinkable. There hasn't been a full-scale war since the formation of the Republic." The Queen turned to the two Senators.

"Do you see any way through negotiations to bring the separatists back into the Republic?"

"Not if they feel threatened. My guess is they'll turn to the Trade Federations or the Commerce Guilds for help." Padmé replied.

"It's outrageous, but after four trials in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still the viceroy of the Trade Federation. I fear the senate is powerless to resolve this crisis." The Queen turned to the Senators.

"We must keep our faith in the Republic." She stood causing those in the throne room to stand. "The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it."

"Let's pray that day never comes." Zelena said.

"In the meantime, we must consider your own safety." The Queen turned to Zelena and Padmé.

"What is your suggestion, Master Jedi?" The Governor asked.

"Oh, Anakin's not a Jedi yet. He's still a Padawan learner. But I was thinking..." Anakin cut Zelena off.

"Hold on a minute."

"Excuse me." Zelena snapped. "I was thinking we would stay in the lake country. There are some places up there that are very isolated."

"Excuse me." Anakin put his hands on his hips. "I'm in charge of security here, miladies."

"Anakin." Corvus hissed.

"And this is our home. We know it very well. That is why we're here. I think it would be wise if you took advantage of our knowledge in this instance." Zelena answered.

"Sorry, miladies." Anakin apologized

"Perfect. It's settled, then." Queen Jamilla said as the group of four plus R2 strode off.
•••••

Cordalia and Obi-Wan's ships appeared outside the atmosphere of Kamino. "There it is, Cordalia, right where it should be. Our missing planet Kamino." They landed on the planet which was being rained upon harshly. Obi-Wan pulled his cloak over his head and moved to help Cordalia from her ship.

Cordalia placed her hands on his shoulders as he set her gently on the landing platform. He quickly pulled her close to him so she wouldn't get anymore wet than she already was. The door slid open to reveal a tall creature with a long neck.

"Master Jedi. Senator. The Prime Minister is expecting you."

"We're expected?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Of course. He is anxious to meet you. After all these years we were beginning to think you weren't coming. Now, please, this way." They followed the creature to a circular room where another creature of her kind was waiting for them. "May I present Lama Su, Prime Minister of Kamino. And this is Master Jedi..."

"Obi-Wan Kenobi."

"Senator Cordalia Embara."

"I trust you're going to enjoy your stay." Two seats came from the ceiling to allow them to sit down. "Please." Both sat down in their respective seats. "And now to business. You will be delighted to hear that we are on schedule. They are ready with a million more well on the way."

"That's good news." Obi-Wan looked confused.

"Please tell your Master Sifo-Dyas that his order will be met on time." The Prime Minister said.

"I'm sorry. Master..." Obi-Wan asked.

"Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas is still a leading member of theJedi Council is he not?" Lama Su asked.

"Master Sifo-Dyas was killed almost ten years ago." Obi-Wan informed him.

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that. But I'm sure he would have been proud of the army we've built for him."

"The army?" Cordalia questioned.

"Yes. A clone army, and I must say, one of the finest we've ever created." Lama Su answered.

"Tell me, Prime Minister, when my master first contacted you about the army, did...did he say who it was for?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Of course he did. This army is for the Republic. But you both must be anxious to inspect the units for yourself." Lama Su stood causing the two visitors to stand.

"That's why we're here." Obi-Wan did not hide his confusion well.
•••••

Zelena led Anakin over to a gazebo while Padmé headed inside with Corvus to unpack. "We used to come here for school retreat. We would swim to that island every day. I love the water. We used to lie out on the sand and let the sun dry us and try to guess the names of the birds singing." Zelena recalled leaning on the balcony.

"I don't like sand. It's coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere. Not like here. Here, everything is soft and smooth." Anakin led his hand to caress the soft skin of Zelena's exposed back. She turned to him and as they stared into each other's eyes, Anakin began to lean in to meet her lips.

He pressed his to hers causing Zelena to let go of all of her fears, her doubts. She then realized what she was doing and pulled away abruptly. "No." She gasped and looked down ashamed of herself. "I shouldn't have done that."

"I'm sorry." Anakin apologized as they looked out at the lake and its beauty.