Chapter 303
The House of Five Hundred on Republica Street rose like a gleaming monument above the ceaseless bustle of Coruscant. For some, it symbolized power and prestige. For others, it was a quiet sanctuary where one could briefly escape the Senate's endless intrigues. Among the latter was Naboo Senator Padmé Amidala — formerly Naberrie, and now secretly Skywalker.
Yet even here, politics had a way of finding her.
Padmé listened absently to Mon Mothma's quiet chatter about trade negotiations on Chandrila, but her thoughts were far away — focused on Anakin, not herself. As always, he had sent her a message at the worst possible moment, when she was already at her wits' end. The news from Christophsis had not been encouraging, yet he was fine. A few short lines — almost nothing about himself — ending with the simple note that he would be back on Coruscant soon.
The doors to her private chambers on the top floor opened. Bail Organa stepped inside.
"Hello, Bail," Mon Mothma greeted him with a dismissive wave of her hand.
C-3PO handed the guest a tray of fresh caf. "Padmé, Mon. I didn't come alone," the Alderaanian said, gesturing to his companion. The stranger pulled back his hood.
"Finis Valorum," Padmé stated softly. "We haven't seen each other… in a long time."
The man had aged visibly. Deep lines etched his face, and his eyes carried the weight of old wounds.
"Do you mean the time of my shame and downfall?" Valorum asked with a bitter smile. "Yes… The greater the height, the more painful the fall."
"Finis," Organa placed a reassuring hand on Valorum's shoulder. "I don't think you're responsible for what happened."
"You're one of the few, Bail. However, I don't blame anyone myself." The former Chancellor walked to the large window, gazing out at the glittering night skyline of Coruscant. "I was set up. Very gracefully, I dare say. I spent two years in seclusion, simply trying to process and get over it. Since then, all I've done is try to make sense of what happened — reflecting, writing an autobiography." Valorum sighed heavily. "I had no illusions about resuming my career. But I've been watching the capital's politicians very closely…"
Valorum turned sharply toward Amidala, Mothma, and Organa.
"…And I can't believe my own eyes! Are you all crazy?"
"Then we must act," Mon Mothma said decisively.
Padmé turned to face her. "What do you mean?"
Mon Mothma, Senator of the Chandrila sector, stood and walked over to where Valorum stood.
"Finis Valorum. Are you prepared to stand in Palpatine's way again, even though you recognize the danger?"
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Count Dooku left the cockpit of his personal starship and stepped out into a dimly lit hangar hidden within an industrial building on Coruscant. He immediately knelt before the hooded figure waiting for him.
"The Force is with us, Lord Sidious."
"Lord Tyranus. I have been expecting you."
The two Sith walked side by side toward the private meeting room.
"The Jedi will be able to make a treaty with the Hutts," Sidious was the first to break the silence.
"What a shame, Lord. The Jedi forces will have access to the Outer Rim. Now it will be even harder for us to fight."
"I am more interested in the circumstances of what happened. Why was Quinlan Vos on Tatooine and not you?"
The Hereditary Count of Serenno winced. The loss of Vos had wounded his pride. Moreover, he still didn't fully understand the circumstances of the incident. Quinlan had been sent to sway the Jedi — particularly this Dagon Marek and his apprentice — to the dark side. After reviewing all available materials, Dooku had concluded the outcome was highly likely. Both Vikt and his padawan had seemed ripe for temptation. Yet the result had been shocking: Vikt was alive, and Vos was dead.
Still, Dooku had taken precautions.
"A difficult situation arose on Parcelus Minor. My personal intervention was required to rectify the situation in our favor. I heard some rumors, but I never imagined that this warrior Dagon…"
Sidious chuckled, and Dooku paused mid-sentence.
"Oh, Tyranus… he is not a warrior."
"Are you interested in this Jedi?"
"This is the second Gen'Dai I believe you sent against him, and the second he managed to destroy. Over fifteen fallen Jedi or dark acolytes you sent against him are now dead. Watch him closely and decide what to do with him."
Dooku nodded in agreement, then switched to a new topic.
"Your Majesty. I've heard rumors, and after investigating them, I've learned important information. We could lose control of the Senate. Chancellor Palpatine could have a rival for the throne…"
Sidious interrupted him with a casual wave of his wand.