❀ ❀ ❀

APOLLA WAS STANDING Next to Master Yoda as Palpatine called them into a council meeting.

"I don't know how much longer I can hold off the vote, my friends. More and more star systems are joining the separatists." Chancellor Palpatine told them.

"If they do break away-" Master Windu started but was cut off by the Chancellor.

"I will not let this republic that has stood for a thousand years be split in two. My negotiations will not fail." Apolla cleared her throat as Master Yoda placed his small hand on hers.

"If they do, you must realize there aren't enough Jedi to protect the republic. We're keepers of the peace, not soldiers." Master Windu explained.

"Master Yoda. Do you think it would really come to war?" Chancellor Palpatine asked him.

Apolla looked down at Master Yoda as he spoke up "Hmm, the dark side clouds everything. Impossible to see the future is."

They then saw a hologram of an associate of Chancellor Palpatine.

"Good." Palpatine replied as the associate spoke with him.

Apolla sighed deeply as she knew a little of what he was saying.

"Send them in." Chancellor Palpatine said.

Master Yoda patted her hand as he stood up. She turned around and sighed as the Chancellor told us we'd discuss the matter later. Padmé and Apolla hugged as soon as she was through the door. Apolla had her arm wrapped around her side as they still were holding hands.

Padmé kissed the side of her head and asked, softly "You doing okay?"

"Just worried about you, Milady." She whispered.

Padmé rubbed her thumb over Apolla's hand, sighing.

Master Yoda walked over to them saying "Senator Amidala, your tragedy on the landing platform, terrible. Seeing you alive brings warm feelings to my heart."

"Do you have any idea who was behind this attack?" Padmé asked, aggressively.

"Our intelligence points to disgruntled spice miners on the moons of Naboo." Master Windu said as he walked over to her.

Padmé looked at him "I think  that Count Dooku was behind it."

Master Ki-Adi-Mundi spoke up "Count Dooku is a politic idealist, not a murderer."

"You know, milady, Count Dooku was once a Jedi. He couldn't assassinate anyone. It's not in his character." Master Windu told her.

Apolla looked at Padmé. She sighed and kept quiet.

"But for certain, Senator, in grave danger you are." Master Yoda told her.

They both looked at him.

"Master Jedi, may I suggest the senator be placed under the protection of your graces." Palpatine turned to the Jedi and Padmé.

Senator Bail Organa stepped forward "Do you really think that's a wise decision under these stressful times?"

"Chancellor, if we may comment, we do not believe.." Padmé and Apolla said in unison as we were cut off by Palpatine.

"The situation is that serious? No, but I do, Senator and Master Jedi." Palpatine said as he walked closer to them.

Apolla stood up straight as she bit her lip "As her former handmaiden, Chancellor, I really believe that Padmé can handle herself..."

The chancellor held up his hand in a way to get her to stop "Let me speak my peace, Master Jinn. I realize all too well that additional security might be disruptive for you, but perhaps someone you're familiar with. An old friend like, Master Kenobi and Master Jinn may be of company as well."

"That's possible, he just returned from a border dispute on Ansion." Master Windu told him.

Chancellor Palpatine walked closer to the Jedi and looked at Senator Amidala "Do it for me, milady. Please? The thought of losing you...is unebearable."

Master Windu walked over to Padmé "I will Obi-Wan report to you immediately, milady. Apolla, keep her safe."

Apolla nodded "Yes, my master."

"Thank you, Master Windu." Padmé said.

They both left to the lounge.