8 mercenary 2 (2/2)

So Palpy was back to his old tricks in the senate. Business as usual. Sometimes I wonder why no one tried and succeeded in overhauling the way the Republic was run. Then the obvious answer came unbidden – the member systems liked the Republic just as it was – somewhat useful, but not too strong or effective so they could conduct their business in relative peace.

”I'm sorry. It is too late.” Ferr shook his head.

Ah, he was ready to spring the trap, wasn't he?

”Oh, you will be, Senator Ferr. Do you think that the welcoming committee is strong enough?” I spoke for the first time since landing.

”Veil! You will not threaten a Republic Senator!” Amidala snapped at me.

Damn it, the woman was oblivious. Small surprise she got into so much trouble.

”I am not. You are no longer with the Republic, are you, Ferr.?” The Rodian blanched at the menace contained in my voice.

He glared at me and returned his attention towards Amidala.

”I am sorry, dear. Nute Gunray, the leader of the Separatist promised us generous help. In the end I must do what is best for my people.” he said while looking sad. There were waves of remorse suddenly washing over me coming from the wretched being.

Huh. He actually didn't want to betray Padme, though I couldn't say the same about his feelings about the Republic. I was almost sure that he won't be losing any sleep over the latter.

Ferr proceeded to tell us how good the Neimodean's help had been so far. Certainly much more than the distant Republic could have done considering the strategic situation. In the end, Rodia was a small world which wasn't too important when there was a galaxy spanning war raging all around us. Truth to be told, in this case I could honesty say that both sides were right. From their point of view. Ferr, was doing his duty to his people. It was too bad – for him – that today his decisions made him my enemy.

”I did what I had to. For my people's sake.” The Rodian sounded apologetic and I sensed he meant it.

”It doesn't really matter. This is a mistake that you may even live to regret.” I smiled under my mask. I could hear the clanking of metal feet moving our way as well as sense the droids approaching us.

My primary problem was that we were in too open a place. If I engaged here it was likely that Amidala would be hit. It was time to improvise. I removed a personal shield mounted into an armband and placed it on Padme's right arm.

”Hey! What do you think you are doing?!” Amidala exclaimed.

I ignored her and activated the defensive screen which snapped to life and enveloped her snugly. A bit of radiation poisoning was preferable than being blasted to pieces.

Instead of grabbing her and running away, like most bodyguard would have done, I waited. The Force whispered to me that doing so would be for the best. What little I remembered from the episode of the Clone Wars that dealt with the events that were unfolding around me meant that we needed to bide our time. An opportunity awaited that way.

We were surrounded by twenty B-1's and a couple of Super Battle droids. Most of them were pointing their weapons my way. I just grinned and gathered the Force around me. I just knew that it would be any time now…

The traitorous Rodian retrieved a palm sized disc from his robes. It was a holocomm. Over it appeared a blue hologram of an ugly (as if there was any other kind) Neimoidian who was wearing garish clothes.

”Viceroy. That's unexpected.” Amidala sounded surprisingly calm, though her emotions revealed the truth – she was torn between anger, fear and feeling betrayed.

”You won't get away this time. We made a deal with your friend and you are an important part of it. Your henchman won't help you either!” Gunray announced gleefully.

”I am sorry my dear. I had no choice in the matter.” Ferr lowered his gaze.

”You are making a mistake! There is always an alternative!” Padme pleaded.

”Take her away.” Ferr ordered without daring to look at Amidala.

A pair of B-1's grabbed Padme's arms and started dragging her away.

”That was a wise decision. I will be there within the hour to bring the promised supplies and collect the senator.” sneered the Neimoidian. He looked at me. ”Kill the spare.” The overgrown toad ordered before cutting off the connection.

I laughed. I hoped that Gunray would arrive as scheduled.

”I'm sorry.” The Rodian senator muttered and looked at the droids.

”You heard the Viceroy. Kill him.” Ferr pointed at me.

”Do you really think they're up to the task?” I chuckled.

”Roger, Roger!” answered the droids and opened fire.