Padme got up and went downstairs to fix her something to eat, before she had to get ready to head off to work.
Good morning, sweetie. Would you like for me to fix you something for lunch? Jobal came into to the kitchen and saw Padme getting herself some cereal.
Morning, mom. That wont be necessary. I have a meeting with my security people to come up with plans for my move to Coruscant. I will be home for lunch. Padme looked up at her mother, who came up to her.
Ok, you will be careful. I did hear that there was a riot near the Senate Complex. Jobal bent down and gave Padme a kiss on top of her head.
Yes, Mom. I will be careful.When I get home, why dont I take you and dad out to lunch? Padme watched her mom pour herself a cup of Caf.
That sounds like a great idea. I will let your father know, when he gets up. So, when is your meeting today? Jobal asked coming over to the table and sat down across from Padme.
Ok. I will call you to let you know, when I am leaving the building. Well, I better get ready and go. Love you, mom. Padme got up and put her bowl in the washer, then went over to her mom and gave her a kiss, before going to her room and got ready for her meeting.
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Padme felt strangely uneasy in her office. Her desk was covered in holodisks and all the other unusual clutter of her station. At the front of it, a holo played through the numbers, a soldier on one scale, a flag of truce on the other, tallying the predicted votes for the meeting on Coruscant. The hologram depiction of those scales seemed almost perfectly balanced. Padme knew that the vote would be close, with the Senate almost evenly divided, over whether the Republic should create a formed army.
The creation of an army might prove unsettling, even threating to so many of those systems and species, being far removed from the great city-planet of Coruscant.
A commotion outside drew Padme to the window. She looked down upon the complex courtyard only to see a group of men jostling and fighting, as Naboo security forces rushed in to take control of the situation. There came a sharp rap on the door to her office. She turned back towards the door, the portal slid open and Captain Panaka strode in.
Just checking on you, Senator. said the man, who had served as her personal bodyguard when she was Queen.
Shouldnt you be seeing to the security of Queen Jamilia? Padme asked the older man.
She is well protected, I assure you. Panaka nodded.
From? Padme prompted nodding towards the window and the continuing disturbance beyond.
Spice miners, contract issues. Nothing to concern you, Senator. Actually, I was on my way here to speak with you about security for your return to Coruscant. Panaka explained.
That is weeks away. Padme said to the older man.
Which gives us more time to properly prepare. Panaka looked to the window.
In truth, Padme did find his concern for her comforting, although shed never admit it to him. A shout outside and renewed fighting drew her attention briefly, making her wince. Padme had to wonder if that was just the nature of people, to create some excitement, when all seemed well. Given that unsettling thought, Solas words came back to her, along with the images of Ryoo and Pooja. How she loved those two carefree little sprites.
Senator? Panaka said, drawing her out of her private contemplation.
Yes. Padme turning her attention back to the older man.
We should discuss the security procedures. the older man looked at the young Senator.
Ok, fine, but first we need to wait for my head of Security. He should be here in a couple of minutes. Padme went back to her desk and sat down.
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This is not good news. Captain Panaka remarked, after delivering the blow to Senator Amidala.
Weve suspected all along that Count Dooku and his Separatists would court the Trade Federation and the various commercial guilds. Padme replied, trying to put a good face on it all.
Panaka and Captain Typho, his nephew, with the report that the Trade Federation had thrown in, with the Separatists movement that now threatened to tear the Republic apart.
Viceroy Gunray is an opportunist. He will do anything that he believes will benefit him financially. His loyalties end at his purse. Count Dooku must be offering him favorable trade agreements, free run to produce goods, without regard to the conditions of the workers or the effect on the environment. Viceroy Gunray has left more than one planet as a barren dead ball, floating in space. Or perhaps, Count Dooku is offering the Trade Federation absolute control of lucrative markets, without competition. She continue.
Im more concerned with the implication to you, Senator. The Separatists have shown themselves not to be above violence. There have been assassination attempts across the Republic. Panaka remarked, drawing a curious stare from Padme.
Wouldnt Count Dooku and the Separatists consider Senator Amidala almost an ally, at this time? Captain Typho interjected, and both Panaka and Padme looked at the usually quiet man in surprise.
I am no friend to any, who would dissolve the Republic, Captain. her tone leaving no room for debate and of course, these would be no debating that point.
Agreed, Senator, and no offense meant. On this issue, concerning the Creation of an Army of the Republic, you have remained firmly in that court of negotiation over force. Would not the Separatists agree with your vote? Typho said with a bow.
Count Dooku has thrown in with Nute Gunray, say the reports, that mere fact demands that we tighten security about Senator Amidala. Panaka cut in, his tone flat and determined.
Please do not speak about me, as though I am not here. Padme scolded, but Panaka didnt blink.
In matters of security, Senator, you are not here. At least, your voice is not. My nephew reports to me, and his responsibilities on this matter cannot be undermined. Take all precautions. Panaka replied.
Padme looked back at Captain Typho.
We will vigilant, Senator. the young man said.
I have my duty, and that duty demands that I soon return to Coruscant. Padme said.
And I have my duty. Typho assured her, and like Panaka, he offered a bow and walked away.
Padme sat there and remembered Solas words of advice. That advice, she was finding strangely tempting, at the particular moment. The, she left her office, went home and took her parents out to lunch.
*(pages 25-26 and pages 32-34 of novel Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones by R. A. Salvatore)