STAR WARS: RETROSPECTION- Learner

Shiny. I'm betting Rianna hasn't met the Chancellor before...

Chancellor Valorum seeks the opinion of the Jedi Order in many matters, but it is not often that he invites Jedi Knights into his political meetings. Myraline has met him many times, but as her Padawan, you have not.

After a short shuttle ride and a stroll through the Senatorial building, you arrive at the Chancellor's office. Unlike the crimson red that will later dominate every aspect of these rooms, Valorum's quarters are brandeis blue with miniature statues of past chancellors and other galactic heroes standing on small pedastals. The Chancellor himself sits behind his desk, a wisened old man, his back to the panoramic window that looks out over the Coruscant horizon.

"Welcome, Master Jedi," Valorum greets, speaking a professional tone. "Master Windu, Master Kiros..." He falters when he realizes he does not know your name.

"My Padawan, Rianna," Myraline briefly introduces.

"Rianna," Valorum says, with a friendly smile. "You're just in time. Please, be seated. Senator Palpatine will be here at any moment."

Rianna will take a seat, basically deciding that she will happily leave all of the talking to Myraline, and not really thinking it likely that she will be asked anything anyway.

After a brief wait, another politician joins you. This time, he is a kindly looking middle-aged man with red-brown hair that is going gray. He dons elegant Senatorial robes from his homeworld, robes in shades of emerald green, made of a silk-like material that is woven with beautiful symbols and patterns. He smiles generously and gives an awkward bow toward all present.

"Greetings, everyone!" Palpatine says. "I am so glad you could make it. I asked Valorum to personally invite a Jedi with great talent for politic matters. I assure you that this requires the utmost concentration and unbiased deliberation that I cannot possibly give alone. Oh, Master Windu! It has been too long."

"Senator Palpatine," Windu says, with a brief nod.

"Please be seated, Senator," Chancellor Valorum says. "We were just about to begin things."

The Senator seats himself next to you, Rianna.

Rianna glances over at Senator Palpatine before looking back ahead, already feeling that this mission is going to be incredibly boring for her.

Palpatine smiles warmly when you glance at him, but says nothing.

"Let us begin," Valorum says. "I am sure you all know of Beseedra. It is a technologically sophisticated world, notable for its advances in the fields of communications and robotics. Yearly they produce millions of droid models with an endless range of uses. But recently the Ministrate of Beseedra has increased government spending toward military projects. Senator Palpatine feels that it is possible that they are preparing for war."

"Why does this concern the Senator of Naboo?" Myraline asks.

"Naboo is of close proximity to Beseedra, Master Jedi," Palpatine says. "If the Beseedrans are preparing for conflict, I feel it is within my rights to determine whether or not my world will be threatened."

This may not be as dull as you thought, Rianna. Still dull, of course.

Hmmm, yes...Rianna's mostly curious about why Beseedra would even be preparing for war at all, but she's not sure if she wants to ask right now; she can always ask Myraline later.

Master Windu seems to share your interest.

"Why would Beseedra prepare for war?" Mace asks. "They are economically and financially stable, they should have no reason for expansion."

"Unless perhaps they are being threatened," Myraline conjectures.

"I hadn't thought of that," Palpatine says. "But who would be threatening Beseedra? There are no worlds in that sector that could bring arms against them. Not with this stockpile that they are developing."

"In addition to aiding Senator Palpatine in negotiating restrictions upon their military developments, I have sought the help of the Jedi Order for other reasons as well," Valorum states. "Myraline, I understand that you are also a sharp investigator."

"I can be," Myraline replies.

"You will be tasked with discovering just what exactly is going on at Beseedra. Their reasons for building battle droids and new weapons should be uncovered, so that the Republic might stop them or aid them, depending on their motive or their plight."

"Yes, Chancellor."

"Furthermore, should it be proven that Beseedra has become a hostile environment, the Sentor will need protection. Rianna, I have heard that you are a remarkable swordsman despite your young age. Is this true?"

All eyes are on you.

"I do spend a lot of time practicing my swordplay, yes..." Rianna replies, not entirely sure if she likes being the center of attention.

"She is an avid swordsman and martial artist, Chancellor," Myraline adds.

"Then she will be tasked with the protection of the Senator, with your assistance, Master Kiros."

Myraline looks slightly worried at the prospect of a young girl being charged with protecting the life of an important Senator, but she nods in acknowledgement.

"I will do my best." Rianna says, nodding.

This just got much more interesting... she thinks to herself.

The Chancellor and his audience spend the rest of the meeting hammering out the details of the mission. Senator Palpatine refuses the security of Senatorial guards, expressing that they may present a hostile or even cowardly appearance to what should be an amiable mission of concern.

"I am confident that my Jedi companions will provide all the protection I require," Palpatine states, smiling at Myraline and yourself.

"Then it is settled," Chancellor Valorum states. "The Beseedran envoy will proceed tomorrow."

Rianna will remain seated until Myraline gets up to leave, then. She's sure that she's going to get lectured on how important this is and everything once Myraline gets a chance, too...

Palpatine actually wishes to speak with you, as Myraline is talking in private with Master Windu and Chancellor Valorum.

Ahh. Rianna will go and speak with Palpatine, then.

"Yes, Senator?"

Palpatine grins.

"So, you have been tasked as my protector, young Jedi. I trust that you will do well in this capacity and that you are as talented as your Master has said. Do you feel up to it?"

"It is certainly a larger task than I've ever had before..." Rianna says. "But I think I will be able to do well, Senator."

"Most excellent news! Then I have no need to fear for my life, and I will share your confidence. But tell me, what other interests do you have? Presuming that my life will not be threatened, I do so enjoy talking with my protectors..."

"Unfortunately my training takes most of my time right now, so I don't really have any time for any other interests...and I'm not the best conversationalist anyway." Rianna replies. "My Master is forever trying to get me more interested in politics, though..."

"A valuable interest to have, I assure you," Palpatine says. "Perhaps we can help each other, then. Save my life once or twice and I will share my knowledge with you of anything you like. Hopefully we will keep this interesting for each other, yes?"