23 Need of Defense (2/2)
”And who do you propose pay for these Defenses? We do not hav–” Sio Bibble waas cut off as Valad raised his hand lightly, waving partially to show he was the one paying for the defenses.
”I shall create Naboo's Hidden Self-Defense Force,” Hearing the name they all stared at him. He was going to make a secretive defense force with his own funds? A city shield to defend against bombardment. Planetary defense cannons to return fire against invaders. He was capable of getting all of this? He was just a noble from an extinct house, just how was he going to do this?
Drawing his saber from his sleeve, some of the advisors took a step back seeing a Jedi's weapon in the hand of the Queens Guardian.
Igniting the blade, they saw an ice blue semi-solid glowing blade which gave off a freezing aura. the Security Officer and his Apprentice who were closest to him, almost shivered by the immediate drop in temperature around him.
He held the weapon by his abdomen, pointed in the air and only inches from his face. His other hand closed behind his back.
”Your Highness,” his voice sounded a bit deeper, the tone similar to Qui Gon Jin's, ”You must trust my Judgement. For there are forces that wish to destroy you.” He held a disciplined expression that appeared almost enlightened.
The lightsaber was a tool of intimidation, but it was also a tool to help others. In this case, he was showing that he was willing to put himself on the line to protect the Queen. If this were a metal blade, it would have reflected both their faces upon its shiny surface.
The Queen, Padmé Amidala simply stared at him in contemplation. Many of her advisors were stumped. They were clearly impressed by the display, but the militant posture he was using didn't sit well with some of them.
In Panaka's eyes reflected the icy cold blade, yet he remained silent. He was one to agree with Valad with the planetary defense. While his queen didn't want an army, he would be satisfied with more planetary defenses, even if they were to be hidden. The question was however, why was Valad so interested in creating a defense now of all times?
One of the problems that came along with this was Sio Bibble. While he was torn, he was one to stand against any form of Violence. Having more weapons at the Naboo's disposal stood against what he faithfully and loathingly stood against.
This was noted as he watched Sio Bibble lean over and whisper into the Queens ear. He was intelligent, outgoing. He was a man of words, but not a man of action.
That's when Padmé spoke up, Valad already knew what she was going to say. ”This Self Defense Platform must be controlled by the Naboo Royal Security Forces, otherwise I will not pass this decree.”
Sio Bibble believed that should Valad have control over the weapons, he'd be able to pull a Coup against the Queen. Even though he could easily pair himself with the Queen of Naboo, it was unlikely that he would try to pull a Coup. He already had a fair amount of influence over the people and the Advisory board itself. Was it because of that, that they feared him?
Valad's face darkened slightly, ”As you wish, your Highness.” He disengaged his saber and slipped it back up his sleeve. He then turned to Panaka and bowed his head slightly. ”Then it shall be in your hands, Quarsh Panaka.”
Valad's tone had sounded respectful and his actions polite, however he doubted that the self-defense forces would work efficiently in the hands of the Security Forces.
Would they use their trump card during the beginning of the Blockade? Or would they wait until they returned with the Jedi after escaping the first time?