Asajj Ventress activated the shuttle's communications system.
"Yes, Master?"
A small hologram of Count Dooku appeared before her.
"I have a new assignment for you, apprentice. Go to Boz Pity. There, you will take a new ship, prepared especially for this mission…"
***
Padme, along with the others, proceeded to Chancellor Palpatine's office to discuss the matter before the meeting began. An hour earlier, they had learned what topic would be raised at the session. A group of senators had introduced a proposal that would significantly affect the current situation.
According to the proposal, planets that were part of the Republic yet remained neutral in the war would be forced to choose: either join the conflict—as their duty demanded—or be declared enemies of the Republic.
However, there were other issues that required discussion as well.
"I hope they won't keep us waiting too long," Mon Mothma said with a sigh.
Padme nodded.
"I hope so as well. Bail, I think it would be better if you led the conversation."
"Are you feeling unwell?"
"To be honest, I'm a little exhausted after the recent negotiations with the Onderonians."
"Very well," Organa said, nodding.
Contrary to their concerns, the senators were admitted almost immediately. Besides the Chancellor and the Speaker, the office was occupied by Jedi Masters Ki-Adi-Mundi and Mace Windu.
"Senators, what brings you here?" Palpatine rose from his chair, smiling warmly.
After brief formal greetings were exchanged, the Alderaanian stepped forward.
"Chancellor, we have come to discuss several pressing matters."
"I assume this concerns Senator Banny Zarrik's recent proposal?"
"Exactly."
"I must admit, that I myself find the proposal rather impulsive. Decisions of this magnitude can be harmful if made hastily."
"Yes," Organa nodded in agreement. "Not only will we refuse to support it, we intend to speak out strongly against it. In my view, this proposal undermines the fundamental freedoms upon which the Republic was founded."
"Of course," Palpatine replied smoothly. "You must act according to your conscience."
Mon Mothma stepped forward.
"However, there is another issue. We have learned that the Republic is violating the neutrality of certain planets—Christophsis, in particular. Republic warships are using the surrounding space at will. As a result, the CIS has imposed a trade blockade, preventing food shipments from reaching the planet. Christophsis is heavily dependent on such supplies. We express our strong protest against such actions."
"In that case, I can only express my sympathy…"
"That is not enough," Mon Mothma insisted. "We have to do something!"
"Perhaps we should send a guarded convoy? And assign Jedi and starships to drive off the enemy squadron that is blockading Christophsis?"
"A reasonable solution," Windu confirmed. "We can dispatch Kenobi and Skywalker, along with their troops. This route is critical—it connects us to the Fourteenth Sector Army. However, someone must oversee the formation and departure of the convoy, as well as conduct negotiations with Christophsis's government."
Palpatine regarded those present thoughtfully.
"I believe Senator Organa can take on this mission?"
"Undoubtedly, Chancellor."
"Excellent, then," Palpatine said at last, summing up the discussion.
***
The meeting chamber was dimly lit.
"I am beginning to lose trust in the Chancellor. His actions appear to benefit the Republic, but… for men like him, power is too great a temptation. Moreover, I dislike the influence he has over Skywalker…" Windu sighed heavily.
"A Padawan Skywalker needs," Yoda said at last, breaking his silence.
"A Padawan? For Skywalker?" Windu frowned. "With all due respect, I doubt he possesses the qualities of a teacher—a good teacher—and that he can properly raise a padawan. Moreover, Skywalker takes far too many risks, and though fortune favors him, will that fortune extend to his padawan—a mere youngling of yesterday? In another time, perhaps. But now—there is war!"
"At times, it is not the padawan who needs the Master, but the Master who needs the Padawan," explained the small yet great Jedi.
"And whom do you intend to assign as Skywalker's Padawan?"
"Someone I have in mind, yes—yet not a youngling of yesterday. With Master Shaad'Dai, speak I must."
"In that case," Windu said, bowing slightly, "I trust your wisdom, Grand Master."
***
Palpatine opened his arms warmly.
"Anakin! I am pleased to see you safe and sound. It is unfortunate that our meetings are always so brief…"
"We were on a Council assignment and have just returned to Coruscant," Anakin replied, smiling.
"I know. You performed magnificently, Anakin. You saved the Rendilian fleet for us. I scarcely dared hope for such success! Although the Senate and the Jedi Order have decreed that all planetary forces and fleets now fall under the command of the Grand Army of the Republic, not everyone agreed with this decision.Yet centralization is precisely what we need right now!"
"Thank you, Chancellor. But…" Anakin hesitated. "I have doubts about the combat effectiveness of those Dreadnaughts."
"Unfortunately, you are correct. But," Palpatine said, gesturing for Skywalker to follow him, "we have something better."
Stepping onto the balcony, Anakin saw several dozen warships—vessels of a design unfamiliar to him.
"These are the new Star Destroyers, the Venators. Magnificent warships: powerful armaments, numerous fighter and bomber complements... Soon, thousands of them will reinforce the Republic fleet. As for the Dreadnaughts—while old, they are reliable and heavily armored, built using Mandalorian technology. I am considering modernizing them a bit. They could guard worlds… or transport captured Dark Jedi, like the ones you and Obi-Wan encountered on Rendili. Or even Count Dooku himself—if we are fortunate enough to capture him."
Anakin frowned.
"You are too generous, Chancellor. This war is their doing. They should be executed immediately!"
"I understand your passion, your anger," Palpatine said softly. "At times, I myself feel something similar. You possess the spirit of a true warrior, Anakin."
He rested his hands on the balcony railing.
"I wonder whether the Jedi will ever see what is so clear to me. You have become a great Jedi, Anakin. Were you in command—if you had the power to make decisions—this dreadful war would have ended long ago."
Anakin grew uneasy.
"Thank you, Chancellor. You… you are too kind to me. I am honored by your trust."
Palpatine turned, stepped closer, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Come now, there is no need to thank me. What matters, Anakin, is that you understand… whatever happens, you can always rely on me. In any case, I am your friend. More than that… you are almost like a son to me."