Qui-Gon had tried to stay abreast of developments in the case, but the
chief investigator who served as liaison with the Eriaduan team had only just
returned to Coruscant.
"Havac turns out to have been Eriaduan," the judicial officer continued.
"His real name was Eru Matalis, a media correspondent and holodocumentarian,
with a long-standing grudge against the Trade Federation. At some point he
became the leader of the Nebula Front's cell on Eriadu, and rose through the
ranks to a command position in the organization.
"A search of the safe house the Nebula Front maintained in Eriadu City
revealed that the Front had contacts in all quarters of government and law
enforcement, and presumably knew as much as anyone about security for the
trade summit. Evidently, Havac--Matalis--used his contacts to obtain security
badges, uniforms, and documentation for the assassins Cohl had hired, and
perhaps arranged to have weapons concealed inside the hall, prior to the
summit itself." "The operation must have been planned as soon as the trade
summit was announced," Qui-Gon said.
"Or soon after the attack on the Supreme Chancellor, here on Coruscant. I
don't suppose we'll ever know whether that attack was genuine, or designed
from the start to sidetrack us from what was being set in motion on Eriadu."
"Not unless Cohl or Havac learn to speak from beyond the grave," the judicial
said.
"What of the assassins who were captured?" "Everyone in custody upholds
that Valorum was the target- - even the two who you discovered with Havac in
the media booth. As they tell it, Havac's goal was to make it appear that the
Trade Federation's droids had killed Valorum, at the behest of the
directorate. That would have led to the dismantlement of the Federation, which
is what the Nebula Front wanted all along.
"We considered the possibility that something went wrong with the droids'
programming, and that the attack on the directorate was a mistake. But Baktoid
provided ample proof that that could not have happened." "Could Baktoid have
been involved in abetting Havac?" "They vehemently deny any involvement. In
fact, their technicians helped us analyze the battle droid--the so-called
commander--which was found to contain a mechanism that allowed it to be
controlled independently of the central control computer, but only for a brief
period. Havac's holocam prompted the commander to act, and the twelve other
droids followed the commander's lead. As soon as the central control computer
realized what was occurring in the summit hall, it shut down all of them."
Qui-Gon considered it for a moment. "Havac must have had help getting the
droid into Trade Federation hands." "Absolutely," the judicial said, nodding.
"But diplomatic privilege has prevented us from learning all that we wish to
know. For example, Eriadu Spaceport records show that the directorate arrived
with only twelve droids. So the thirteenth--the assassin- - had to have been
acquired while the delegation was on the surface.
"Gunray, the new commanding viceroy of the entire Trade Federation,
alleges--through his lawyers, at any rate--that someone on the directorate
must have accepted or introduced the droid. Senator Lott Dod claims that when
he drew Gunray's attention to the extra droid, the viceroy appeared to be
every bit as puzzled as Dod was." "What about the message that took Gunray and
Dod from the summit hall?" "Legitimate--as far as can be determined. A plasma
leak was detected in the engines of the Neimoidians' shuttle. The leak touched
off scanners at the spaceport, and someone at the spaceport contacted security
at the summit hall. The problem is, we haven't been able to learn the identity
of whoever it was that contacted security. Viceroy Gunray insists that the
comlink the page led him to was inactive when he reached it.
The page has verified this. By the time Gunray and Dod were headed back
to their seats, the violence had already broken out, and security agents
restrained them from reentering the hall." The judicial shook her head in
exasperation. "It all comes down to Havac." Qui-Gon folded his arms across his
chest and nodded, though not convincingly. "So it would appear." "It's a
pleasure to see you again, Senator Palpatine," the exquisite figure in the
holoprojector field said. "I look forward to the day when we can meet again in
person." "I do, as well, Your Majesty," Palpatine said, bowing his head in a
gesture of respect.
The figure sat in a round-backed throne, with a towering arch-topped
window at her back, and, to either side, massive columns of native stone. Her
low voice was as composed as her posture; the words emerged from her painted
lips with scant inflection.
She had a slight figure and a lovely, feminine face. She was remarkably
solemn for one so young.
It was clear that she took her responsibilities with the utmost
seriousness.
Her birth name was Padme Naberrie. But she would henceforth be known as
Queen Amidala, the newly elected ruler of Naboo.
Palpatine was receiving the communication in his apartment, high in the
craglike tower that was 500 Republica, in one of Cor - uscant's oldest and
most prestigious precincts. The walls and floor were as red as Amidala's
throne, with objects of art adorning every niche and corner.
He could imagine his own ghostly likeness hovering above the composite
holoprojector in the floor of the Advisory Council chambers in Naboo's Theed
Palace.
"Senator, I wanted to advise you about something, which has only now been
revealed to me. King Veruna is dead." "Dead, Your Majesty?" Palpatine frowned
in apparent disquiet. "Of course, I was aware that he had gone into hiding
following his abdication. But I understood that he was in good health." "He
was in good health, Senator," Amidala said in a low monotone. "His death has
been ruled "accidental," but much mystery surrounds it." Even at fourteen
years of age, she was not the youngest monarch ever elected to the throne, but
she was certainly one of the most conventional, in dress and bearing.
She was sheathed head to foot in a wide-shouldered red gown, whose ample
cuffs were trimmed with potolli fur. The gown's narrow bib was embroidered in
priceless thread. Painted white, her face sat in the notch of a deep collar
that not only bracketed her fine features, but also became part of an
elaborate jeweled headpiece that flared behind her head. Her thumbnails were
accented with white polish, and each cheekbone with a red, stylized beauty
mark. A traditional "scar of remembrance" bisected her lower lip, which,
unlike its red mate, was also painted white. Five handmaidens stood behind
her, dressed in hooded burgundy gowns.
"I wish you to meet our new chief of security, Senator," Amidala said,
gesturing to someone out of view. "Captain Panaka." A clean-shaven man with
light-brown skin moved into the holofield. Humorless-looking, he was dressed
in a leather jerkin and matching command cap.
Panaka may have been recently appointed, but he was not new to the court,
since Panaka had served for
a time under his predecessor, Captain Magneta.
"Because King Veruna died under suspicious circumstances," Amidala said,
"Captain Panaka feels that additional security is required for all of us,
including you, Senator." Palpatine looked surprised, even entertained by the
notion. "I hardly think that's necessary on Coruscant, Your Majesty. The only
danger here comes from having to fraternize with other senators, and somehow
remain immune to the greed that plagues the Galactic Senate." The queen
returned to the holofield. "What about the recent troubles between the Trade
Federation and the Nebula Front terrorists, Senator?" Palpatine shook his head
in disapproval. "That sorry incident only pointed out how ineffectual the
Republic has become at mediating such conflicts. Too many in the Senate place
their own needs above the needs of the Republic." "What will become of
Chancellor Valorum's proposal to tax the free trade zones?" "I feel certain
that the Supreme Chancellor will pursue the matter." "How will you vote,
Senator, should the matter reach a vote?" "How would you have me vote, Your
Majesty?" Amidala thought before replying. "My responsibility is to the people
of Naboo. I would very much like to establish good relations with Chancellor
Valorum, but Naboo can scarcely afford to become embroiled in a dispute that
pits the Republic against the Trade Federation. I will abide by your decision
on the matter, Senator." Palpatine inclined his head. "Then I will weigh the
matter carefully, and vote according to what is ultimately best for Naboo and
the Republic." Valorum stood at the tall windows, gazing out on the cityscape.
"The last time we met here, it was to discuss the Trade Federation's
request for protection from terrorists," he said, "and in the months since,
the situation has only intensified. When I reflect on the sequence of events
that have brought us to this dark place, I find myself at a loss. If someone
had tried to tell me months ago that we were headed here, I wouldn't have
heeded the warning, because I wouldn't have considered it possible." Senator
Palpatine said nothing. He waited for Valorum to turn from the view.
"Out of respect for what occurred at the summit, I have deferred bringing
the motion for taxation before the senate. But I am under pressure to resolve
the matter once and for all--from those who support it, as well as those who
oppose it." Valorum pivoted to face Palpatine. "You, perhaps more than anyone,
know the climate of the senate.
Did the assassinations create sympathy for the Trade Federation, to the
point where we won't be able to gather sufficient support for taxation?" "On
the contrary," Palpatine said. "What happened on Eriadu only reinforced
everyone's fears that we are entering violent times, and that the conflict
between the Trade Federation and the Nebula Front could be a sign of greater
tragedies to come.
"What's more, with the profit-driven Neimoidians now helming the Trade
Federation, tension is likely to increase in the outlying systems. Your plan
to redirect revenue to the Outer Rim is praiseworthy, and is something that
should be put into effect. Many worlds and struggling concerns stand to profit
from such a move. Market competition will eventually temper the reach of the
Trade Federation, without need for the Republic to intervene, beyond taxation.
" Valorum nodded. "And what of the Trade Federation's request for additional
defenses? Even with the Nebula Front eliminated as a threat, the Neimoidians
will want permission to augment their army." "That's true," Palpatine said
slowly. "As an accommodation, if nothing else, we should at least consider
allowing the Trade Federation to take whatever steps are necessary to
safeguard their vessels.
The breakup of the Nebula Front does not preclude the possibility of
further acts of terrorism, launched by whatever groups rise up next." Valorum
regarded Palpatine. "Will we have Naboo's vote?" Palpatine sighed with
purpose. "Unfortunately, Queen Amidala is not prepared to support taxation, as
Naboo still relies on the Trade Federation for many essential imports. She is
young and inexperienced in such matters, but eager to learn." He fixed his
gaze on Valorum. "However, I will continue to do all in my power to work
behind the scenes.
I feel certain that we will be able to rally the votes needed." Valorum
smiled in gratitude. "For all the support you have shown me, my friend, I
trust that you will take on faith that, should need ever arise, I would do all
within my power to render aid to Naboo." "Thank you, Supreme Chancellor. As
you say, I will take you at your word." T he public corridors of the Galactic
Senate overflowed with Holoationet correspondents, well-wishers, and the more
civic-minded of Coruscant's citizens.
Flanked by Senate Guards, a rejuvenated Valorum moved slowly through the
principal corridor, trading dignified nods with senators and ignoring
questions hurled by the media reporters.
"Supreme Chancellor, did you ever for a moment doubt that the taxation
proposal would be ratified?" a Twi'lek correspondent asked.
Sei Taria answered for him.
"The issue has been controversial from the start. But everyone involved
remained confident that the proposal would pass, once all parties had an
opportunity to be heard." An attractive human fema le shouldered her way to the
front of the crowd. "Considering what happened at the trade summit, do you
still feel that all parties were heard?" Again Sei Taria intervened.
"While tragedy compelled us to abbreviate the summit, much was
given ample time to voice their opinions here, when the discussions continued.
" "Discussions or debates, Supreme Chancellor?" Valorum waved his hand in
dismissal.
"Do you feel that taxation strikes a blow for the rights of the outlying
systems?" "The outlying systems will surely benefit," Taria replied. "But all
worlds stand to gain as a result of this historic action. Contrary to the
claims of many a would-be political pundit, the passage of this bill
demonstrates clearly that the senate has not grown too unwieldy or apathetic
to act for the common good." Another human correspondent shoved his way
forward. "Would you consider this to be the high point of your administration?
" Taria held up her hands. "Later today, the office of the Supreme Chancellor
will issue a statement.
Until that time, there will be no further questions." The correspondents
grumbled, but ultimately fell silent and stepped aside, as Valorum's
contingent of advisers and guards steered him toward the turbolift that
accessed his private chambers.
Once there, he removed his outer cloak, sat heavily into his chair, and
loosed a prolonged exhale.
"Thank you for running interference," he told Taria when the two of them
were alone in the office.
She smiled and took a seat opposite him. "We should issue a statement as
quickly as possible. Do you want to compose something now?" Valorum frowned,
then got to his feet and walked to the
center of the room, his hands clasped
behind his back.
Taria activated the record function of her wrist comlink.
"For too long a time the senate has been bogged down by policies and
procedures," Valorum began after a moment. "But today we managed to sidestep
that bureaucratic morass. We have succeeded in overcoming our inertia, by
setting aside petty squabbles and self-interest, and by banding together to
strike a blow for the Republic itself. In this, we have reaffirmed our
mandate, and refound our way.
"While we are honored to have introduced this historic proposal, victory
would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of several good and
proper delegates. We shall refrain from going into the matter of how the vote
was carried. But we do want to say that we owe much gratitude to delegates
like--was Valorum cut short his remarks when a tone issued from the office
door. When Sei Taria opened the door, two Senate Guards conducted Alderaanian
Senator Bail Antilles into the room. In his right hand, the chair of the
Internal Activities Committee held a legal-looking piece of durasheet.
"Supreme Chancellor, I'm sorry to have to be the bearer of raw tidings on
a day that should be devoted to celebration," Antilles said, extending the
durasheet to Valorum. "But this document constitutes official notification
that you are hereby requested to appear before the Supreme Court to answer
allegations of corruption and illegal enrichment." Valorum blinked in
stupefaction. He couldn't make sense of what he had just heard. This had to be
a mistake, or a joke in very poor taste. His heart thudded against his
breastbone, and he grew short of breath. He stared at the durasheet he had
accepted, then glared at Antilles.
"I demand to know the meaning of this." Antilles compressed his lips.
"Again, I apologize, Supreme Chancellor. But that is all I am permitted to say
about the matter at this time." V alorum was surrounded not by Senate Guards
but by lawyers when he finally appeared before the Supreme Court almost two
weeks later. During that time his legal team had managed to discover that the
basis for the allegations was an investment made in Valorum Shipping, on
Eriadu.
Beyond that, Valorum was in the dark.
The Supreme Court convened in closed session in the Galactic Courts of