Star Wars - Cloak Of Deception Read online

  Qui-Gon had tried to stay abreast of developments in the case, but the

  chief investigator who served as liaison with the Eriaduan team had only just

  returned to Coruscant.

  "Havac turns out to have been Eriaduan," the judicial officer continued.

  "His real name was Eru Matalis, a media correspondent and holodocumentarian,

  with a long-standing grudge against the Trade Federation. At some point he

  became the leader of the Nebula Front's cell on Eriadu, and rose through the

  ranks to a command position in the organization.

  "A search of the safe house the Nebula Front maintained in Eriadu City

  revealed that the Front had contacts in all quarters of government and law

  enforcement, and presumably knew as much as anyone about security for the

  trade summit. Evidently, Havac--Matalis--used his contacts to obtain security

  badges, uniforms, and documentation for the assassins Cohl had hired, and

  perhaps arranged to have weapons concealed inside the hall, prior to the

  summit itself." "The operation must have been planned as soon as the trade

  summit was announced," Qui-Gon said.

  "Or soon after the attack on the Supreme Chancellor, here on Coruscant. I

  don't suppose we'll ever know whether that attack was genuine, or designed

  from the start to sidetrack us from what was being set in motion on Eriadu."

  "Not unless Cohl or Havac learn to speak from beyond the grave," the judicial

  said.

  "What of the assassins who were captured?" "Everyone in custody upholds

  that Valorum was the target- - even the two who you discovered with Havac in

  the media booth. As they tell it, Havac's goal was to make it appear that the

  Trade Federation's droids had killed Valorum, at the behest of the

  directorate. That would have led to the dismantlement of the Federation, which

  is what the Nebula Front wanted all along.

  "We considered the possibility that something went wrong with the droids'

  programming, and that the attack on the directorate was a mistake. But Baktoid

  provided ample proof that that could not have happened." "Could Baktoid have

  been involved in abetting Havac?" "They vehemently deny any involvement. In

  fact, their technicians helped us analyze the battle droid--the so-called

  commander--which was found to contain a mechanism that allowed it to be

  controlled independently of the central control computer, but only for a brief

  period. Havac's holocam prompted the commander to act, and the twelve other

  droids followed the commander's lead. As soon as the central control computer

  realized what was occurring in the summit hall, it shut down all of them."

  Qui-Gon considered it for a moment. "Havac must have had help getting the

  droid into Trade Federation hands." "Absolutely," the judicial said, nodding.

  "But diplomatic privilege has prevented us from learning all that we wish to

  know. For example, Eriadu Spaceport records show that the directorate arrived

  with only twelve droids. So the thirteenth--the assassin- - had to have been

  acquired while the delegation was on the surface.

  "Gunray, the new commanding viceroy of the entire Trade Federation,

  alleges--through his lawyers, at any rate--that someone on the directorate

  must have accepted or introduced the droid. Senator Lott Dod claims that when

  he drew Gunray's attention to the extra droid, the viceroy appeared to be

  every bit as puzzled as Dod was." "What about the message that took Gunray and

  Dod from the summit hall?" "Legitimate--as far as can be determined. A plasma

  leak was detected in the engines of the Neimoidians' shuttle. The leak touched

  off scanners at the spaceport, and someone at the spaceport contacted security

  at the summit hall. The problem is, we haven't been able to learn the identity

  of whoever it was that contacted security. Viceroy Gunray insists that the

  comlink the page led him to was inactive when he reached it.

  The page has verified this. By the time Gunray and Dod were headed back

  to their seats, the violence had already broken out, and security agents

  restrained them from reentering the hall." The judicial shook her head in

  exasperation. "It all comes down to Havac." Qui-Gon folded his arms across his

  chest and nodded, though not convincingly. "So it would appear." "It's a

  pleasure to see you again, Senator Palpatine," the exquisite figure in the

  holoprojector field said. "I look forward to the day when we can meet again in

  person." "I do, as well, Your Majesty," Palpatine said, bowing his head in a

  gesture of respect.

  The figure sat in a round-backed throne, with a towering arch-topped

  window at her back, and, to either side, massive columns of native stone. Her

  low voice was as composed as her posture; the words emerged from her painted

  lips with scant inflection.

  She had a slight figure and a lovely, feminine face. She was remarkably

  solemn for one so young.

  It was clear that she took her responsibilities with the utmost

  seriousness.

  Her birth name was Padme Naberrie. But she would henceforth be known as

  Queen Amidala, the newly elected ruler of Naboo.

  Palpatine was receiving the communication in his apartment, high in the

  craglike tower that was 500 Republica, in one of Cor - uscant's oldest and

  most prestigious precincts. The walls and floor were as red as Amidala's

  throne, with objects of art adorning every niche and corner.

  He could imagine his own ghostly likeness hovering above the composite

  holoprojector in the floor of the Advisory Council chambers in Naboo's Theed

  Palace.

  "Senator, I wanted to advise you about something, which has only now been

  revealed to me. King Veruna is dead." "Dead, Your Majesty?" Palpatine frowned

  in apparent disquiet. "Of course, I was aware that he had gone into hiding

  following his abdication. But I understood that he was in good health." "He

  was in good health, Senator," Amidala said in a low monotone. "His death has

  been ruled "accidental," but much mystery surrounds it." Even at fourteen

  years of age, she was not the youngest monarch ever elected to the throne, but

  she was certainly one of the most conventional, in dress and bearing.

  She was sheathed head to foot in a wide-shouldered red gown, whose ample

  cuffs were trimmed with potolli fur. The gown's narrow bib was embroidered in

  priceless thread. Painted white, her face sat in the notch of a deep collar

  that not only bracketed her fine features, but also became part of an

  elaborate jeweled headpiece that flared behind her head. Her thumbnails were

  accented with white polish, and each cheekbone with a red, stylized beauty

  mark. A traditional "scar of remembrance" bisected her lower lip, which,

  unlike its red mate, was also painted white. Five handmaidens stood behind

  her, dressed in hooded burgundy gowns.

  "I wish you to meet our new chief of security, Senator," Amidala said,

  gesturing to someone out of view. "Captain Panaka." A clean-shaven man with

  light-brown skin moved into the holofield. Humorless-looking, he was dressed

  in a leather jerkin and matching command cap.

  Panaka may have been recently appointed, but he was not new to the court,

  since Panaka had served for
a time under his predecessor, Captain Magneta.

  "Because King Veruna died under suspicious circumstances," Amidala said,

  "Captain Panaka feels that additional security is required for all of us,

  including you, Senator." Palpatine looked surprised, even entertained by the

  notion. "I hardly think that's necessary on Coruscant, Your Majesty. The only

  danger here comes from having to fraternize with other senators, and somehow

  remain immune to the greed that plagues the Galactic Senate." The queen

  returned to the holofield. "What about the recent troubles between the Trade

  Federation and the Nebula Front terrorists, Senator?" Palpatine shook his head

  in disapproval. "That sorry incident only pointed out how ineffectual the

  Republic has become at mediating such conflicts. Too many in the Senate place

  their own needs above the needs of the Republic." "What will become of

  Chancellor Valorum's proposal to tax the free trade zones?" "I feel certain

  that the Supreme Chancellor will pursue the matter." "How will you vote,

  Senator, should the matter reach a vote?" "How would you have me vote, Your

  Majesty?" Amidala thought before replying. "My responsibility is to the people

  of Naboo. I would very much like to establish good relations with Chancellor

  Valorum, but Naboo can scarcely afford to become embroiled in a dispute that

  pits the Republic against the Trade Federation. I will abide by your decision

  on the matter, Senator." Palpatine inclined his head. "Then I will weigh the

  matter carefully, and vote according to what is ultimately best for Naboo and

  the Republic." Valorum stood at the tall windows, gazing out on the cityscape.

  "The last time we met here, it was to discuss the Trade Federation's

  request for protection from terrorists," he said, "and in the months since,

  the situation has only intensified. When I reflect on the sequence of events

  that have brought us to this dark place, I find myself at a loss. If someone

  had tried to tell me months ago that we were headed here, I wouldn't have

  heeded the warning, because I wouldn't have considered it possible." Senator

  Palpatine said nothing. He waited for Valorum to turn from the view.

  "Out of respect for what occurred at the summit, I have deferred bringing

  the motion for taxation before the senate. But I am under pressure to resolve

  the matter once and for all--from those who support it, as well as those who

  oppose it." Valorum pivoted to face Palpatine. "You, perhaps more than anyone,

  know the climate of the senate.

  Did the assassinations create sympathy for the Trade Federation, to the

  point where we won't be able to gather sufficient support for taxation?" "On

  the contrary," Palpatine said. "What happened on Eriadu only reinforced

  everyone's fears that we are entering violent times, and that the conflict

  between the Trade Federation and the Nebula Front could be a sign of greater

  tragedies to come.

  "What's more, with the profit-driven Neimoidians now helming the Trade

  Federation, tension is likely to increase in the outlying systems. Your plan

  to redirect revenue to the Outer Rim is praiseworthy, and is something that

  should be put into effect. Many worlds and struggling concerns stand to profit

  from such a move. Market competition will eventually temper the reach of the

  Trade Federation, without need for the Republic to intervene, beyond taxation.

  " Valorum nodded. "And what of the Trade Federation's request for additional

  defenses? Even with the Nebula Front eliminated as a threat, the Neimoidians

  will want permission to augment their army." "That's true," Palpatine said

  slowly. "As an accommodation, if nothing else, we should at least consider

  allowing the Trade Federation to take whatever steps are necessary to

  safeguard their vessels.

  The breakup of the Nebula Front does not preclude the possibility of

  further acts of terrorism, launched by whatever groups rise up next." Valorum

  regarded Palpatine. "Will we have Naboo's vote?" Palpatine sighed with

  purpose. "Unfortunately, Queen Amidala is not prepared to support taxation, as

  Naboo still relies on the Trade Federation for many essential imports. She is

  young and inexperienced in such matters, but eager to learn." He fixed his

  gaze on Valorum. "However, I will continue to do all in my power to work

  behind the scenes.

  I feel certain that we will be able to rally the votes needed." Valorum

  smiled in gratitude. "For all the support you have shown me, my friend, I

  trust that you will take on faith that, should need ever arise, I would do all

  within my power to render aid to Naboo." "Thank you, Supreme Chancellor. As

  you say, I will take you at your word." T he public corridors of the Galactic

  Senate overflowed with Holoationet correspondents, well-wishers, and the more

  civic-minded of Coruscant's citizens.

  Flanked by Senate Guards, a rejuvenated Valorum moved slowly through the

  principal corridor, trading dignified nods with senators and ignoring

  questions hurled by the media reporters.

  "Supreme Chancellor, did you ever for a moment doubt that the taxation

  proposal would be ratified?" a Twi'lek correspondent asked.

  Sei Taria answered for him.

  "The issue has been controversial from the start. But everyone involved

  remained confident that the proposal would pass, once all parties had an

  opportunity to be heard." An attractive human fema le shouldered her way to the

  front of the crowd. "Considering what happened at the trade summit, do you

  still feel that all parties were heard?" Again Sei Taria intervened.

  "While tragedy compelled us to abbreviate the summit, much was

  accomplished on Eriadu. Those who were denied an opportunity to speak were

  given ample time to voice their opinions here, when the discussions continued.

  " "Discussions or debates, Supreme Chancellor?" Valorum waved his hand in

  dismissal.

  "Do you feel that taxation strikes a blow for the rights of the outlying

  systems?" "The outlying systems will surely benefit," Taria replied. "But all

  worlds stand to gain as a result of this historic action. Contrary to the

  claims of many a would-be political pundit, the passage of this bill

  demonstrates clearly that the senate has not grown too unwieldy or apathetic

  to act for the common good." Another human correspondent shoved his way

  forward. "Would you consider this to be the high point of your administration?

  " Taria held up her hands. "Later today, the office of the Supreme Chancellor

  will issue a statement.

  Until that time, there will be no further questions." The correspondents

  grumbled, but ultimately fell silent and stepped aside, as Valorum's

  contingent of advisers and guards steered him toward the turbolift that

  accessed his private chambers.

  Once there, he removed his outer cloak, sat heavily into his chair, and

  loosed a prolonged exhale.

  "Thank you for running interference," he told Taria when the two of them

  were alone in the office.

  She smiled and took a seat opposite him. "We should issue a statement as

  quickly as possible. Do you want to compose something now?" Valorum frowned,

  then got to his feet and walked to the
center of the room, his hands clasped

  behind his back.

  Taria activated the record function of her wrist comlink.

  "For too long a time the senate has been bogged down by policies and

  procedures," Valorum began after a moment. "But today we managed to sidestep

  that bureaucratic morass. We have succeeded in overcoming our inertia, by

  setting aside petty squabbles and self-interest, and by banding together to

  strike a blow for the Republic itself. In this, we have reaffirmed our

  mandate, and refound our way.

  "While we are honored to have introduced this historic proposal, victory

  would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of several good and

  proper delegates. We shall refrain from going into the matter of how the vote

  was carried. But we do want to say that we owe much gratitude to delegates

  like--was Valorum cut short his remarks when a tone issued from the office

  door. When Sei Taria opened the door, two Senate Guards conducted Alderaanian

  Senator Bail Antilles into the room. In his right hand, the chair of the

  Internal Activities Committee held a legal-looking piece of durasheet.

  "Supreme Chancellor, I'm sorry to have to be the bearer of raw tidings on

  a day that should be devoted to celebration," Antilles said, extending the

  durasheet to Valorum. "But this document constitutes official notification

  that you are hereby requested to appear before the Supreme Court to answer

  allegations of corruption and illegal enrichment." Valorum blinked in

  stupefaction. He couldn't make sense of what he had just heard. This had to be

  a mistake, or a joke in very poor taste. His heart thudded against his

  breastbone, and he grew short of breath. He stared at the durasheet he had

  accepted, then glared at Antilles.

  "I demand to know the meaning of this." Antilles compressed his lips.

  "Again, I apologize, Supreme Chancellor. But that is all I am permitted to say

  about the matter at this time." V alorum was surrounded not by Senate Guards

  but by lawyers when he finally appeared before the Supreme Court almost two

  weeks later. During that time his legal team had managed to discover that the

  basis for the allegations was an investment made in Valorum Shipping, on

  Eriadu.

  Beyond that, Valorum was in the dark.

  The Supreme Court convened in closed session in the Galactic Courts of