I sit in the Senate Rotunda, watching along with the rest of the Senate as a giant hologram of former-senator Armond Organa speaks. On the right side of my central podium sits Carice Malori, posing as my Chief Of Staff. On my left is a Tob Dokkins, my Vice Chair. Given the Neimoidian tendency towards currupt business, it is ironic that Tob is completely out of the loop regarding my true nature.
Outside, I can hear the muffled sounds of bombs hitting the shields over the Senate District. I didn’t care if I had to siphon all the power from across the planet. I refused to let that shield fall.
My hologram addresses the senate. “My friends and former colleagues in the Senate. Word has reach us that the Mandalorian armada has launched a full scale assault against Coruscant, hoping to claim it as their own. We on Alderaan sympathize with you trapped on the planet, and we especially feel for the common people who have lost homes, property, and loved ones. Queen Katei prays that everyone is able to find safe shelter until this crisis has ended.
“Several months ago, Alderaan cut all ties with the Republic, and I was forced to abandon my place in the Senate... but that does not mean we have turned out backs upon you. Though we are unhappy with the current leadership of the union, we will never turn turn a blind eye to people who are in need of help. That is why Alderaan is preparing to send aid ships, carrying medical supplies, food, and temporary shelter equipment for all those displaced by the fighting. Though our military force is meager compared to the Mandalorians, we also plan to add whatever we can to the Republic defensive fleet, and help drive the invaders off for good.
“Have hope, people. Alderaan has not forgotten you. For we know that we’re we in the same situation, you would not hesitate to show us the same kindness. Armand Organa out.” The hologram disappears, and immediately the rotunda bursts into chaos as everyone begins to talk at once.
I hide a look of disgust. That Organa lord is clever, but if he hopes to turn the Republic against me...
I motion for Dokkins, and he calls for order in the Senate through his microphone. Once the room as settled, I begin to speak. “Good people, I know this offer sounds promising, but allow me to remind you that it was House Organa that once harbored the Revolution leader, Salazar Greshh. These people can not be trusted.”
“He offers aid to my planet! We must accept!”
“Alderaan is famous for conducting peaceful negotiations, Chancellor! Their involvement with the Revolution was clearly an attempt to end the fighting! Do not think we have forgotten how you responded!”
“If you refer to the bombardment of Organa Castle, allow me to remind you ALL that those orders were given Marek Folee during his brief tenure as my replacement, while I was still in recovery from the attempt on my life carried out by the Revolution.”
“What does it matter? Alderaan is willing to forget the past! You clearly are not! My people are dying outside the shielded zones! We need that aid!”
“As I understand it, Senator, your people are beginning to side with our invaders! I’ve seen the graffiti on the walls, and heard the chanting in the streets! They see the Mandalorians as liberators!”
“After seeing how far this administration has fallen, perhaps they would prefer Mandalorians.” His words cause a hush to fall over the rotunda, everyone glaring at each other, unsure of how to reply.
“I’ve heard enough. This session is over. I will not stand for this type of treasonous talk any further!” I press the button to lower my pod, and again the Senate bursts into outrage. I was losing their confidence, I knew, but I didn’t care. They talk about me in secret meetings, plotting how best to remove me from office... but that doesn’t matter. My webs were already spread too far to be untangled. Any motion they purposed against me would be shot down in an instant by one of the hundreds of senators I still had in my pocket. And besides, anyone who gave me any real trouble could easily end up as another casualty of the Mandalorians.
My plans were almost complete. I only needed one more piece to the puzzle... and my victory was assured.
END OF SCENE
