Star Wars - Cloak Of Deception Read online

  announcement of a special session, the corridors were even more jammed than

  usual, but Palpatine was heartened to find that the delegates could still be

  motivated to set aside their personal affairs for matters of broader import.

  Flanked by his two aides, Doriana and Pestage, he smiled pleasantly as he

  threaded his way toward the rotunda, easing past the blue-robed Senate Guard

  stationed at the doorway and stepping down into ationaboo's balcony platform

  in the vast amphitheater.

  One of 1,024 identical balconies that lined the inner wall of the dome,

  the platform was circular and spacious enough to accommodate half a dozen or

  more humans. Each balcony was actually the apex of a wedge-shaped slice of the

  building- - stretching from the rotunda clear to the outer rim of the

  hemisphere--in which the separate delegations were quartered, and where most

  of the senate's mundane affairs and illicit business were transacted.

  Adjusting the fall of his elaborate cloak, Palpatine stepped to the

  podiumlike console at the front lip of the platform. Given Naboo's elevated

  position in the rotunda, the view to the floor was vertiginous.

  The amphitheater was purposely sealed off from natural light, as well as

  from Coruscant's dubious atmosphere, to minimize the effects of nightfall on

  the delegates; that is, to encourage everyone to remain focused on the matters

  at hand, despite the possibility that the sessions might continue late into

  the evening. But more and more citizens had come to view the rotunda's

  unnatural circumstances as symbolic of the senate's insularity - comxs

  separation from reality. The senate was thought to exist apart, debating

  issues of minor or occult concern, save for those that touched directly on the

  illegal enrichment of its membership.

  Nevertheless, Palpatine sensed renewed intensity in the recycled air.

  Gossip had alerted everyone to the topics Valorum planned to discuss, but many

  were eager to hear for themselves and hungry to respond.

  In an effort to take a measure of senatorial opinion regarding taxation

  of the outlying trade routes, Palpatine had spent the past few days meeting

  with as many senators as possible. Gently, he had attempted to persuade the

  undecided into backing Valorum, so that the Supreme Chancellor might carry the

  day without the support of Naboo and its neighboring worlds. At the same time,

  Palpatine had devised alternative plans, sufficient for dealing with a host of

  eventualities.

  His own sense of urgency took him by surprise; the buzz in the rotunda

  was that infectious. But just as he had done at the opera, Valorum delayed his

  arrival. By the time the Supreme Chancellor finally showed himself, the

  atmosphere was agitated.

  Valorum's perch was a thirty-meter-tall dais that rose from the center of

  the floor like the stalk of a flower. Conveyed to the bud of the flower by

  turbolift, Valorum stood alone, with the senate's sergeant-at-arms,

  parlimentarian, journal clerk, and official reporter seated below him in a

  round dish that cradled the bud. Echoing the predominant color scheme of the

  amphitheater, he wore a lavender brocade cloak, with voluminous sleeves and

  matching cummerbund.

  It occurred to Palpatine as he applauded that the Supreme Chancellor's

  lofty position made him as much a center of attention as target of

  opportunity.

  When the clapping and the occasional verbal accolades had gone on long

  enough, Valorum held up his hands in a gesture that begged silence.

  His first words brought a faint smile to Pal-patine's lips.

  "Delegates of the Galactic Senate, we find ourselves beset by a

  confluence of sobering challenges.

  Frayed at its far-flung borders by internecine skirmishes and hollowed at

  its very heart by corruption, the Republic is in grave danger of unraveling.

  Recent events in the Mid and Outer Rim demand that we stem the rising tide of

  strife by restoring order and balance. So dire is our plight, that even

  extreme measures should not be dismissed out of hand." Valorum paused briefly

  to allow his words to sink in.

  "The free trade zones were originally created to foster exchange between

  the Core Worlds and the outlying systems of the Mid and Outer Rims. At the

  time, it was thought that free and open trade would prove a benefit to all

  concerned. But those zones have since become a haven not only for smugglers

  and pirates, but also for shipping and trading cartels that have availed

  themselves of the liberties we ensured, by setting themselves up as entities

  of political and military leverage." Murmurs of concurrence and discord

  stirred the already impassioned air.

  "The Trade Federation comes before us with a request that we do something

  to safeguard commerce in the outlying sectors. They are within their rights to

  request this, and we are obliged by our covenant to respond. But in a very

  real sense it is the questionable practices of the Trade Federation that have

  made it a target for thieves and terrorists." Valorum raised his voice to be

  heard over hundreds of separate conversations, in as many tongues.

  "In the same way, we must accept some of the blame for this, since it was

  this body that granted the Trade Federation such latitude, and it is this body

  that has chosen to turn a deaf ear time and again to what transpires in the

  outlying systems. This practice cannot be allowed to continue. The Trade

  Federation has become a bloated creature, ingesting lesser concerns and

  refusing to do business with worlds that seek to ship with its few remaining

  competitors. It would not be overstatement to say that these trade zones are

  no longer free.

  "And yet the Trade Federation comes before us to solicit our help in

  putting an end to the disorder it has fashioned.

  "The Federation asks for protection--as if this body can blithely deploy

  a military force against the pirates and terrorists who prey on the

  Federation's freighters. As if this body could provide starfighters and

  Dreadnaughts and, in so doing, turn the free trade zones inffcctested space--a

  battleground.

  "There is, however, a solution to all this. If the Trade Federation wants

  us to ensure that the outlying systems be made safe for commerce--a task that

  will require action from this body, as well as from the many systems that lie

  within the free trade zones- - then those planetary systems must be brought

  into the Republic as member worlds. Those worlds that the Trade Federation

  currently represents in the senate must abjure their affiliation with the

  Federation and bring their individual voices to this hall, to be heard as

  autonomous systems once more." Valorum allowed the grumbling to go on for

  several moments before he gestured again for silence.

  "We urge that the worlds of the free trade zones move quickly and

  decisively. Terrorist groups like the Nebula Front are merely the tip of a

  more deep-seated discontent. By working in accordance, the volunteer

  militaries and space corps of the affected systems can quell local

  insurrections before they swell to widespread revolution.

  "The direct consequence of
this will be the abolition of the free trade

  zones. The trade routes to those outlying systems that join the Republic would

  henceforth be subject to the same taxation that applies to routes in the Core,

  the Colonies, and the Inner Rim. I urge you to consider that such action is

  long overdue.

  For free trade is no longer that when all trade is controlled by one

  cartel." Clamorous cheers and boos punctuated the air, but reaction was not as

  mixed as Palpatine had feared it might be. Still, he was disappointed. Valorum

  had made a case for taxation without addressing any of the consequences or the

  possible compromises that might be made.

  Before such a motion could be enacted as legislation, special interest

  groups--on the payroll of the Trade Federation or similar concerns--would

  register their protests. Then the motion would move to committee, where it

  would be further weakened. After that, it would be burdened with ancillary

  legislation, aimed at appeasing the special interest groups and lobbyists.

  Finally, it would be endlessly debated, in the hope of continued

  deferral.

  But there were ways to cut through the bureaucratic tangle. Exasperated,

  Palpatine glanced around the amphitheater, wondering who would make the first

  move - comfiguratively and literally.

  It was the Neimoidians who acted, loosing their balcony from the inner

  wall and directing it to the center of the rotunda. Detached, the platforms

  resembled sleeker versions of the repulsorlift air taxis that filled

  Coruscant's skies. Word had it that some of the platforms moved more rapidly

  than others--even on autopilot--which was crucial, since delegates frequently

  raced to be recognized by the Supreme Chancellor.

  "We recognize Delegate Lott Dod," Valorum said, "representing the Trade

  Federation." Lott Dod wore rich robes and a tall, black miter. A saucer -

  shaped hovercam with a single antenna rushed in to broadcast his flat-faced

  likeness to the screens built into the display consoles of the balconies.

  "We submit that the senate does not have the right or the authority to

  enact taxation of the outlying trade zones.

  This is nothing more than a ploy to break up our consortium.

  "It was the Trade Federation who opened the hyperlanes to the outlying

  systems, who risked the lives of its space-faring captains to bring formerly

  primitive worlds into the Republic, and new resources into the Core.

  "Now we learn that we are expected to defend ourselves against the

  mercenaries and pirates who masquerade as freedom fighters, merely to enrich

  themselves at our expense. We come before you asking for aid, and instead

  become the victim of an indirect attack." From delegations representing the

  Commerce Guild and the Techno Union came loud shouts of encouragement.

  "If the senate does not wish to intercede with the Nebula Front--or,

  indeed, if it is incapable of doing so," Dod continued, "then it must at least

  grant us what we need to defend ourselves. As it is, we are defenseless in the

  face of far superior fighters." Where some cheered and some booed, Valorum

  merely nodded. "Commissions can be appointed to determine if additional

  defense capabilities are warranted at this time," he said sternly.

  Another balcony dropped from the curved wall.

  "We recognize Ainlee Teem, delegate of Malastare," Valorum said.

  A Gran, Teem had a trio of eyestalks that were thick and closely set.

  "Since the Trade Federation is willing to defend itself, at its own

  expense, there is no justification for taxing the trade routes." Teem's voice

  was deep and abrasive. "We have precedent in the Corporate Alliance.

  Otherwise, it appears that the Republic is interested in nothing more than

  skimming profits from those who endangered themselves to blaze the hyperspace

  routes now used by one and all." Half the amphitheater applauded. But even in

  the midst of it, a third platform was floating to the center.

  "We recognize Bail Antilles of Alderaan." "Supreme Chancellor," the human

  said with great emotion, "under no circumstances should the senate allow the

  Trade Federation to augment its droid defenses.

  If the Nebula Front has succeeded in making certain sectors dangerous,

  then the Federation should avoid those trouble spots until such time as the

  involved sectors find a way to counter terrorism. By sanctioning increases to

  the Trade Federation's defenses, we imperil the balance of power throughout

  the Outer Rim." "And what becomes of the worlds in those contested sec tors?"

  Senator Orn Free Taa of Ryloth asked, his blue head-tails draped over the

  bodice of an exorbitant cloak. "How do we trade with the Core? With whom do we

  ship?" Rejoinders flew fast and furious from all sides of the chamber- - from

  the Wookiee delegation, the Sullustans, the Bimms, and Bothans.

  Valorum attempted to quote the rules, but many of the senators had had

  enough of the rules, and shouted him down.

  "The Trade Federation will seek to offset the taxes by charging more for

  their services," the Bothan delegate argued. "The outlying systems will, in

  turn, be forced to assume the burden of taxation." Palpatine saw what was

  coming and quickly dispatched black-cloaked Sate Pestage to deliver a

  handwritten note to the sergeant-at-arms, who relayed the note to the Supreme

  Chancellor.

  Valorum received the message a moment after the Bothan delegate had

  demanded to know how the credits garnered from taxation would be allocated.

  Lifting his eyes from the note, Valorum glanced at the Na - boo balcony

  before responding. "I propose that a percentage of the revenues garnered

  through taxation be allocated for relief and development of the outlying

  systems." Cheers roared from most of the upper-tier balconies, and many of the

  senators in the platforms there came to their feet to applaud. Closer to the

  floor, encouragement came from Wookiee Senator Yarua, Tendau Bendon of Ithor,

  and Horox Ryyder, who represented thousands of worlds in the Raioballo sector.

  Palpatine made a mental note of the naysayers, including Toonbuck Toora,

  Po Nudo, Wat Tambor, and other delegates. Then he detached the platform and

  dropped for the center of the rotunda, chased by two hovercams.

  "We recognize the senator from the sovereign system of Na - boo," Valorum

  said.

  "Supreme Chancellor," Palpatine said, "may I suggest that, while many

  important points have been made, these issues are far from resolved, and

  should perhaps be explored in greater depth in a different forum, after

  everyone has had an opportunity to reflect on what has been said." Valorum

  appeared confused for a moment. "What sort of forum, Senator Palpatine?"

  "Before the motion goes to committee, I propose that a summit be held, where

  delegates from the Trade Federation and its signatory members can meet openly

  to offer their solutions to these... "sobering challenges," as you say." The

  same senators who had cheered Valorum, now applauded Palpatine.

  Uncertainty and perhaps vague misgiving drained some of the color from

  Valorum's face. "Do you have some specific location in mind, Senator?" he

  asked.

  Palpatine consi
dered it. "May I suggest...

  Eriadu?" A platform joined Palpatine's at the center of the rotunda. The

  delegation's dark-complexioned human members wore loose - fitting garments and

  cloth turbans.

  "Supreme Chancellor," their spokesman said, "Eriadu would be honored to

  host such a summit." Senator Toora seconded the motion and moved to enact a

  moratorium on the taxation proposal.

  Valorum had no choice but to comply.

  "I will confer with all relevant parties and set a date for the summit,"

  he said when the furor had abated. "With regard to taxation of the outlying

  trade routes, there will be a moratorium on the voting process until the

  summit concludes and all view points have been expressed. Furthermore, as a

  sign of the senate's commitment to foster peace and stability, I shall attend

  the summit personally." Many in the rotunda rose and applauded.

  Valorum's gaze found Palpatine and lingered on him for a moment.

  Palpatine smiled and nodded conspiratorially.

  s porting jagged wounds it hadn't had when it had first appeared over

  Dorvalla, or later, when it had settled down to retrieve Cohl and what was

  left of his team, the Hawk-Bat floated in space, gravitationally anchored to a

  buff-colored world of arid mountain ranges and ice-blue seas. Five CloakShape

  starfighters surrounded her, with a sixth nuzzled up to the gunship's

  starboard airlock. Far beyond the ships spread a band of space mines, made to

  resemble asteroids.

  On the Hawk-Bat's side of the airlock, Cohl waited vigilantly for his

  visitors to board. His bare arms were lacerated from the razor ferns he had

  been forced to forge through on Dorvalla, and his dark face, with its eye mask

  of diamond-shaped tattoos, was bruised black and blue beneath his beard.

  Adding severity to features many thought ferocious to begin with, his coiled

  hair framed his countenance like the hood of a serpent.

  The airlock's indicator light flashed.

  "Do you want me to disappear?" Rella asked from behind him.

  She was in even worse shape than Cohl. Her left eye was con cealed by a

  bacta patch and her left forearm wore a plascast. Boiny remained in a bacta

  tank.

  Cohl shook his head without taking his gaze from the airlock. "Stick

  around. Keep your blaster handy." Rella drew the weapon from the holster on