Senator and Soldier

Hidden Plans

Coruscant: 19 BBY
Senate Building
Commander Fox

    He didn't struggle as the Chancellor shackled his wrists together and moved his blasters out of sight. Fox hadn't said anything since they left the office. Chancellor Palpatine remained silent as well. Fox glanced around the dark room. He had no idea where he was, other than it was somewhere in the Senate Building.

    A door opened, then hissed shut once more. A familiar Kaminoan appeared. Nala Se held a syringe in her long fingers. Fox refused to show any sign of fear. He forced himself to remain as calm as possible.

    "You are very lucky that Chancellor Palpatine has need of you," Nala Se whispered. She knelt down beside him and jabbed the needle into his arm. Fox grimaced.

    "What is he going to do?" He asked.

    "Nothing harmful. We can't risk anyone poking around where they shouldn't." Nala Se's lips curled into a smile. "Not to worry. By morning, you won't remember any of this."

    Fox stiffened ever so slightly. Nala Se pushed him back onto a table and pulled a device out above him. He narrowed his eyes, recognizing it. They used it on prisoners from time to time, usually on the ones that somehow escaped and got their hands on information.

    Chancellor Palpatine joined Nala Se. "When can we begin?"

    "Soon. Give the drugs a few more minutes to take effect." Fox swallowed and tried to move. It was nearly impossible. His limbs were leaden. His vision began to blur next. "Now we can begin."

    Nala Se switched the device on. Several lights blinked on and began to rotate above his eyes. Fox found himself growing increasingly dizzy. The lights flashed periodically. Everything began to grow dim and he knew no more.

Coruscant: 19 BBY
Senate Building
Riyo Chuchi

    Che Amanwe walked at her side and Delaney trailed a short distance behind them. "Thank you for coming so quickly," Riyo said.

    "Of course. Father had me leave as soon as you finished speaking with him." Che Amanwe smiled, then frowned. "I'm sorry about my brother's behavior. Lately, he's been acting different. I think the war is taking a toll on him, especially since the fighting has come so close to Pantora."

    "Is Pantora in danger?" Riyo raised her eyebrows.

    Che Amanwe shook her head. "The Republic has sent a fleet to defend us. Pantora will be all right."

    Riyo nodded and turned into her Senate seat. She sat down and waited for the session to begin. Che Amanwe sat down beside her. A day had passed since the incident with Ion. He had been sent home immediately following Riyo's transmission to Chairman Papanoida. Mairin had left soon after.

    Riyo furrowed her brows. She hadn't seen Fox at all since he left her apartment. It wasn't unusual; sometimes he couldn't get away. Still, he always had Clay tell her what was going on if he couldn't himself. Clay hadn't known anything about Fox's whereabouts when she'd asked him.

    "Is Senator Amidala all right?" Che Amanwe asked.

    Riyo followed her gaze towards the Naboo seat. Padmé wore an uncomfortable expression. Representative Binks leaned over and whispered something to her. She nodded and he left the seat.

    "I don't know," Riyo replied. "We can go speak with her after the session."

    A few minutes passed before the Chancellor's seat rose into the center of the chamber. Mas Amedda raised his hands and called the session to order. "The Chair now recognizes the Senators from Naboo, Pantora, Alderaan, and Chandrila," he announced.