Standing by the window, Abano Hollinger gazed into the predawn mist. Soon, the first rays of sunlight would reach the Government Tower — as the palace where Randon's politics took shape was called. Hollinger was the president of the government, which in truth consisted not of democratically elected representatives, but of the boards of directors of the planet's most powerful corporations.
However, the populace — unburdened by excessive taxes and enjoying solid profits from trade and entrepreneurship — was quite content with this arrangement.
Except for a small handful of beggars, of course, but who ever listened to them?
Randon was a trading hub and financial center that drew entrepreneurs from the southern quadrant of the Cut: Lantillians, Hutt servants, Wookiees, Lanniks, Bothans, and Bimms — all could often be seen in the planet's bustling markets and gleaming corporate towers.
The Randoni, the native inhabitants, had earned a reputation as shrewd merchants and skillful politicians — qualities that helped them survive in this turbulent region.
Randon couldn't boast as ancient a history as Lantilles, but its position along a route leading deep into Hutt territory — controlling numerous trade lanes — gave the planet every reason to be proud.
Now, after the war had begun, a representative of the Separatists had arrived, offering favorable terms. Concerned, the Galactic Senate had dispatched a delegation. The Randoni government now faced a difficult choice.
Yesterday, during a meeting of the political department heads, a heated discussion broke out — attended by a representative of the Confederacy sent by Count Dooku.
"The Republic is far away. The Republic is weak. The Republic is rotten! It cannot protect us. But joining the Confederacy will let us seize control of the food supply route into Hutt Space — and that will bring us immense profit."
"Yes, the CIS promises to place military and shipbuilding contracts with our companies…"
"So, gentlemen, it's settled. But what do we do with the senators?"
"Capturing them would be fitting. We could pressure the Republic for concessions — or demand a hefty ransom. And someone would pay handsomely for the head of that upstart Amidala."
"Do you think two battalions of guards will be enough?"
"More than enough."
"But… what about the Jedi?"
"Count Dooku promised to send someone capable of handling him. He should arrive on Randon today. In the meantime, we'll seize the senators."
***
The daughter of Ruwee and Jobal Naberrie — Padme Amidala — sat in one of the seats aboard a Corellian star shuttle, which was carrying her and a group of senators to Lantilles. From there, they were to continue to the planet Randon for important peace negotiations.
Amidala was the head of the delegation.
Padme had entered politics early and swiftly, she started doing it as early as eleven years old — that's when she first met Silya Shessaun, her mentor. Serving at the court of Naboo, and in keeping with tradition, Princess Padme adopted a regnal name: Amidala. In times of danger, however, she reverted to her true name, Padme Naberrie.
The crisis ten years prior — when the Trade Federation blockaded Naboo — had made her famous across the galaxy. Her reign as queen had since ended, and she had intended to retire and start a family, as her sister Sola had done. But her successor, Queen Jamillia, persuaded her to accept the position of senator. Padmé agreed — politics had long been her calling.
She became Naboo's representative in the Galactic Senate — Senator Amidala.
Owing to her immense popularity on Naboo, Amidala retained privileges usually reserved for monarchs, including the distinctive chrome finish on all her star cruisers.
Although she preferred to remain on Naboo, during her time on Coruscant she lived in a modest penthouse apartment within the Senate Complex. While smaller and simpler than most senatorial suites, its veranda boasted a private landing pad and a wealth of exquisite Naboo art pieces.
Senator Amidala was deeply troubled by the rise of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Count Dooku of Serenno and his followers, pursuing their policy of secession, openly accused the Republic of corruption. Though Padme understood some of their grievances, she refused to abandon a system of governance that had endured for thousands of generations.
Throughout her senatorial career, Amidala had met many intelligent and like-minded colleagues. Her most trusted allies were Bail Organa and Mon Mothma. Together, they proposed legislation and initiatives to strengthen democracy and uphold justice.
She soon became one of the leaders of the faction opposing the creation of a Republic army to suppress the growing Separatist movement. She believed violence could only beget more violence.
Padme Amidala was also appointed by the Supreme Chancellor to the Loyalist Committee— a small group of senators assisting the Chancellor during the Separatist Crisis. She was also on the team of Republic diplomats who attempted to negotiate peace with the Separatists.
When war broke out, her calls for diplomacy and restraint were drowned out by the thunder of blasters and cannons — yet she never abandoned hope for peace.
Now she was flying to a negotiation that could save thousands of lives and help reduce the heat of the war.
Of course, Amidala would have preferred Anakin Skywalker to accompany her on this mission. Perhaps then, they could have stolen a few quiet moments alone…
Anakin…
He had long confessed his feelings for her, though she had once dismissed them as youthful affection. But Geonosis had changed everything.
In the arena, before their execution, the young Jedi had bared his heart to her — and she could not turn him away. She had longed for a modicum of happiness and love, but politics had taken everything from her. But now....
After the Battle of Geonosis, Anakin had accompanied Padme back to Naboo. In Varykino, the place where their love had first blossomed, they were secretly married in a ceremony witnessed only by a minister of the Brotherhood of Knowledge.
From that moment on, her true — and hidden — name became Padme Amidala Naberrie Skywalker.
Amidala shook her head. It was time to focus on the mission.
Bail Organa approached and informed:
"We've just dropped out of hyperspace. Our escort is already in position. Unfortunately, we'll have to transfer to another ship — the Jedi overseeing our security insists we use a more heavily shielded vessel. The route passes through a combat zone."
"Let's leave security matters to those responsible for them," Amidala replied with a polite nod.
Ten minutes later, their shuttle touched down at one of the planet's spaceports. Amidala rose and headed toward the exit, followed by the rest of the delegation.
It was early morning on the surface. The rising sun stretched long shadows across the landing pad. Opposite their shuttle stood a corvette — the Consul — its ramp lowered. Two figures in Jedi robes awaited them below.
"That must be our escort," Amidala said, striding forward confidently.
The Jedi, a rather young man, bowed slightly in greeting.
"Senator Amidala, I am Jedi Knight Mikore Vikt. The Jedi Council has assigned me to accompany you on your journey. I am responsible for your safety during the flight."
He nodded to his companion. "This is Ahsoka Tano, my Padawan."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Knight Vikt. Allow me to introduce my colleagues: Senator Bail Organa, Senator Wu-Fei Chapa-Pau, Delegate Lauren Gal Fable, Senator Mora Vol Dergar, Senator Jorus Kal-Delmont, Senator Varan Quadrix Lavidean, and Senator Riyo Chuchi," Amidala said. "When can we depart?"
"As soon as you're aboard, Senator. The Isaribi is ready for takeoff. The flight will take approximately four hours."
"Excellent. Our mission cannot afford delay." Amidala nodded in satisfaction and ascended the ramp toward the corvette, the senators following close behind.
Some of them had been appointed by the Senate as observers, a condition Amidala had accepted with polite restraint. However, there was nothing to stop her from pulling them to her side.
(End of Chapter)
Bonus chapter for 900 Power Stones. Thank you for your support!