**Chapter 391: Whispers of the Heart**
**Scene 1 – Senate Corridors, Coruscant**
Senator Riyo Chuchi walked slowly beside Senator Lorian Maverick through one of the quieter corridors of the Senate Building. The afternoon session had just ended, and the usual bustle had died down to a murmur. Soft lighting reflected off the polished marble floors, and the distant hum of speeders could be heard through the tall windows.
Lorian, an older human woman with sharp eyes and a kind smile, had been a quiet mentor to Riyo since she first arrived on Coruscant. Today, however, Riyo's mind was clearly elsewhere.
"You've been distracted all day, my dear," Lorian said gently. "And I know even in the boring Loyalist talks you still pay attention. So tell me — what are you thinking about?"
Riyo hesitated, her blue skin flushing slightly. "I am having trouble with certain emotions…"
"Marriage problems with Cal already?" Lorian raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her voice. "I am not surprised. My own former engagement didn't even last a year."
"You were engaged?" Riyo asked, genuinely shocked.
"Ah, it was five years ago. Some third son to a Colonies agriculture world. He is now a fleet admiral under Dagon."
Riyo's step faltered for a moment at the mention of that name. "Yes… Dagon. That is my problem."
Lorian stopped walking and turned to face her fully, curiosity and understanding mixing in her expression. "Hmm, I don't understand. Explain it to me."
Riyo took a deep breath. "Well, ever since I met him on the failed mission to Randon, where he promised aid to my planet at the very beginning of the war… then his advice which led me to align with you and so many others on the Chancellor's block for the war… that, and sending additional forces to protect Pantora… and even when I contacted him about my engagement, he was glad and said he supported me. I partially agreed to Cal — apart from being my childhood friend — I think only because my mother suspected I might have feelings for Dagon, which I didn't."
She stopped when Lorian raised a hand.
"So let me guess," Lorian said. "Man, former absent and quiet, became a war hero only when war is going on. Felt that if there is no war he would seek it out. Went with a noble son who had true affections but due to hierarchy in Pantoran politics was overlooked. Not that Dagon is becoming a bit of a legend, helping everyone — you feel like you should be with him."
"What? No, never," Riyo protested quickly, though her voice lacked conviction. "It's just… he doesn't contact me anymore. Why would he? At least after he nearly died so many times. Heck, the Clash of Immortals on Tatooine… I mean, what? And now healing Naboo… it's so frustrating."
Lorian studied her for a long moment, then smiled softly. "Ah, young love. At least visit him. It will help your need for closure."
"You sure? My mother…"
"Riyo, you are young. At least let him know how you feel. Life is too short — especially in wartime — to leave things unsaid."
Riyo looked down at her hands, fingers twisting together. "I don't even know what I would say. 'Hello, I've been thinking about you since Randon'? That sounds ridiculous."
"Not ridiculous," Lorian replied kindly. "Honest. And from what I've heard of General Marek, he values honesty more than most. Besides, you're a senator. You have every right to visit an injured hero of the Republic. Especially one who just saved your friend Padmé's homeworld."
Riyo was quiet for a while, then nodded slowly. "Maybe you're right. I'll try to see him."
Lorian patted her arm. "Good. And if you need someone to talk to afterward, my door is always open."
**Scene 2 – Chancellor's Office, Senate Building, Coruscant**
Riyo Chuchi stood nervously outside the Chancellor's office, smoothing her elegant Pantoran robes one last time. She had requested this meeting on short notice, and to her surprise, Palpatine had agreed immediately.
The doors slid open. She stepped inside and offered a respectful bow.
"Ah, Senator Chuchi, my dear," Palpatine said warmly, rising from behind his desk with that grandfatherly smile he wore so well. "What can I do for you?"
"Um, Chancellor… this may seem like an odd request, but is there any way you can grant me permission to visit the Jedi Temple to see General Dagon?"
Palpatine's eyebrows rose slightly, but his expression remained kind. "Ah, the hero of Naboo. A most unusual request… mainly because senators are not forbidden from going to the Temple to see injured Jedi. Many senators go — such as Amidala, Organa, even myself at times — to observe their gardens."
"Oh… okay. It's just that—"
"Ah, don't worry, my dear. It's a common feeling — being shy surrounded by Jedi. But nevertheless, you will grow accustomed."
"Thank you, Chancellor."
Palpatine waved a hand dismissively. "Think nothing of it. General Marek has done a great service to the Republic — and to your friend Padmé's homeworld. It is only natural that you would wish to express your gratitude. I will have my office send word to the Temple that you are expected."
Riyo bowed again, relief washing over her. "You have my deepest thanks."
As she turned to leave, Palpatine's voice stopped her. "One more thing, Senator. If you happen to speak with the General… please give him my regards. And tell him the Republic is proud of what he has done."
"I will, Chancellor."
The moment the doors closed behind her, Palpatine's warm smile faded. Ysanne Isard stepped out from the shadows near the side entrance.
"My lord," she said quietly, "should we contact Dooku with the plans?"
"No," Palpatine replied, eyes gleaming with calculation. "It is still too early. I need Dagon to first understand that Senator Chuchi has feelings for him. That way, if he falls, it is guaranteed."
He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled.
"Also, he is too big right now. Any overt actions and it would collapse on us."
"Yes, my lord."
**Scene 3 – Jedi Temple, Coruscant**
Riyo Chuchi walked through the grand halls of the Jedi Temple, feeling strangely small. The architecture was beautiful — soaring arches, serene fountains, and quiet gardens — but the atmosphere felt heavy with history and discipline. She had visited before on official business, but never like this. Never to see someone she… cared about.
A young Jedi Knight escorted her to the medical wing. "General Marek is still recovering, but he is awake and stable. His Padawans are with him."
Riyo nodded, heart beating faster than she would have liked.
When the door opened, she saw Dagon sitting up in the bed, looking tired but alert. Zule was beside him, holding his hand. Ahsoka stood near the window, arms crossed. The two younger girls — Zule's sisters — were sleeping in a nearby cot, watched over by a medical droid.
Dagon looked up and smiled faintly. "Senator Chuchi. This is… unexpected."
Riyo stepped inside, suddenly unsure what to say. "General… I wanted to thank you. For Naboo. For everything you've done. Pantora owes you a great debt as well."
Dagon inclined his head. "I did what needed to be done. I'm glad Naboo is safe."