Star Wars: From the Clone Wars to Starfaring Heroes

Chapter 138-139 - Undercurrents
Padmé was nestled among the clouds, a steady current flowing in from the open colonnade behind the empty throne, causing the hanging silk curtains and national flags to flutter.

I had thought the temple on the mountaintop would be chilly.

However, due to some peculiar architectural layout or unknown Ondron technology, the interior of the hall felt completely cool.

In the huge stone brazier, flames leaped merrily, crackling softly and emitting warm smoke with a unique charcoal aroma.

The smoke seemed to be lifted by an invisible force, gathering above their heads to form a warm, cozy dome.

However, this open-air design also means that the occasional waft of incense scent is always fleeting and cannot linger.

Although Padmé had heard many exaggerated descriptions of the Ondron people as savage and primitive, what she saw at this moment was their unique elegance displayed in their ancient ways.

As a former queen of another monarchical planet, she held the court culture here in high regard.

However, this court culture... inevitably permeated with the martial spirit that permeated the entire Ondron society.

Exquisite Ongdrun specialties are served on gleaming silver platters and passed among the guests.

The sounds of conversation rose and fell, interspersed with the crisp clinking of glasses filled with deep red local wine.

A gentle string melody drifted from the upper floors; Padmé couldn't name the instruments, but they were accompanying a woman's deep, beautiful contralto voice.

This magnificent hall, a symbol of the Ondron court, is marked only by the high throne and colorful tapestries depicting the emblem of the Lords' Council.

Even so, the flags of the Republic and the Confederation were still flown in very prominent positions.

To her surprise, there wasn't a single combat robot in the entire hall.

Only the solemn paladins of Ondron, clad in gleaming bronze armor, and the guards of the Republican Senate, wearing striking blue cloaks and with wary eyes, patrolled in the shadows of the building.

They not only cautiously scanned the potential uninvited guests, but also secretly guarded against each other.

Fortunately, this atmosphere of confrontation was confined to the upper levels.

In the main hall on the ground floor, representatives of the Republic and the Separatists were exchanging ideas without any barriers, and Padmé felt as if he had been transported back to the old days before the war had torn the galaxy apart.

After all, many of the separatist members of parliament were once colleagues of the Republic, and familiar faces were everywhere. It was not uncommon for those rekindled feelings to be close to friendship.

The Republic’s diplomatic mission had clearly chosen the most moderate and sociable members of parliament as its representatives, and she had no doubt that the separatists had adopted the same strategy.

No one would question Senator Aoun-Fri Taa's loyalty to the Republic, but he, along with many other well-intentioned senators, sometimes appeared overly enthusiastic.

Considering the profound suffering that the Tirek homeworld had endured before Master Mays Windu liberated Raelos, Padme could not bring herself to criticize him.

"Padmé!"

"Mina!"

Seeing that iconic purple gown gracefully walk through the crowd, Padmé couldn't help but smile genuinely.

No matter where she is, Mina Bontri always wears the colors that represent her family.

Purple and turquoise.

The same color also appeared on the rafters high up in the hall, where flags embroidered with the Bontley family crest hung.

The older senator was a full head taller than her, and Padmé had to look up again to adjust to her old friend's impressive height.

Representative Amidala's political career began with that pivotal speech that ultimately led to the downfall of the Valoren government.

But Padmé knew that after that brief period of influence faded, her career would likely have stalled if it weren't for the timely intervention of the experienced MP Bontri.

Perhaps it was because Mina's tall stature was enough to look down on most men, or perhaps it was because her clear and powerful speech, with its unique Ondron accent, could make even the most unruly Senator Weequi listen quietly.

In any case, if MP Bontri had not decided to promote Padme back then, this young MP from Naboo would never have achieved his current status.

“It’s so good to see you again!” Mina gave her a strong hug, almost lifting her off the ground. “Let me tell you, Padmé, watching you give that speech that silenced the entire Senate of the Republic? I’ve never felt so proud. I would even say that for a moment, I regretted resigning too soon.”

“You flatter me, Mina,” Padmé steadied herself and chuckled softly. “I simply did what people expected of me. I admit that the speech was given with all my might, but it is my duty to do my best for the people of the Republic.”

“You have accomplished what many of us only dare to dream of!” Mina said excitedly in a low voice. “You have proven that the hope for peace still exists! From the day you first stepped into the Senate Hall as the proud Queen of Naboo, you have always been making historic moments.”

“This is the only effort I can make,” Padmé said, managing to keep a blush from creeping onto his face thanks to his years of political experience. “After that disastrous battle… if there’s anything we’ve learned, it’s that war is no better than a solution to our differences. Let’s prove right here at the negotiating table that the peace we both long for is no longer just a distant dream.”

Mentioning "that battle," a shadow of gloom instantly crossed Mina's expression. "Yes... well said, Padmé, well said, that war... has already devoured too many lives."

“Given your family’s deep involvement in the war, this is a rather thought-provoking position,” a steady voice came from the crowd behind them.

Obi-Wan Kenobi's presence here seemed somewhat out of place.

His simple Jedi robes stood out like a breath of fresh air amidst the colorful and extravagant attire around him, bringing a sense of calm to weary eyes.

And right beside him... Anakin remained silent!

When Padmé realized she was about to hear him speak, after such a long separation, she could finally... finally... hear his voice again, she involuntarily held her breath.

She waited quietly, trying her best to control her surging emotions, but the anticipation felt like an invisible hand gripping her throat. She could clearly feel her heart pounding, and she wondered if he could hear it too.

“Congressman Bontri, Congressman Amidala,” Obi-Wan bowed slightly, “I hope we haven’t interrupted your reunion.”

Then, time seemed to freeze.

Anakin's gaze met Padmé's, and he straightened his posture.

His handsome face radiated an indescribable glow as he said, "Padmé, you look very well."

This is not a question, but a statement.

This is also true.

she's fine.

This was the best moment she had felt in a very, very long time.

I can't remember the last time I felt this way.

Now that she has this moment, why should she dwell on the past?
Padmé lowered his head slightly, concealing the turmoil in his heart. "The Jedi Master did not disturb you at all."

Let's stay a little longer, Ani.

She could see that familiar warmth in his clear blue eyes, and she wondered if he could understand her feelings at that moment.

“My family, Jedi Masters?” Mina gracefully picked up a glass of deep red wine from a passing waiter’s tray, her demeanor composed. “My family, like countless others in the galaxy, was caught up in the war. Yes, we too lost loved ones.” “Lost…?” Padmé repeated the word, the warmth in her heart replaced by a chilling, ever-present feeling. “Your husband… I remember he was a soldier, wasn’t he?”

husband.

soldier.

The two words burned like a branding iron on her tongue and in her heart.

“Thank you for remembering, Padmé,” Mina’s smile carried a hint of distant sadness. “Yes, he was a soldier, and he fought very bravely, but that’s what everyone says about the fallen. However, I want to believe it’s true, because… a Jedi ended his life, and a Jedi lightsaber…”

She paused, her tone carrying a barely perceptible heaviness, "It won't be drawn without a reason."

Even Obi-Wan Kenobi couldn't completely hide the surprise in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. "Please forgive me, Senator Mina, my question was indeed a bit presumptuous. Could you... tell me where your husband was killed?"

“The Confederacy’s cradle should have been a safe rear,” Mina explained, forcing a smile that couldn’t completely hide the sadness in her eyes. “Interestingly, this war keeps overturning my understanding… The one who took his life was a Jedi named Ashalad Hutt. That’s all I know.”

Almost reflexively, Anakin let out a low, disgusted growl, “A Tusken.”

There are Tusken Raiders in the Jedi Order?
Although Padmé deeply loved Anakin, she was not unaware of his temperament, especially his painful past with the Sandmen.

“Perhaps you should consider what Ryan Bontry once said, Anakin,” Obi-Wan immediately reminded him, his voice gentle yet carrying undeniable weight, “so as not to do anything…unwise.”

Sometimes, Padmé would sense Obi-Wan watching her closely, and she was always worried that he would discover her secret relationship with Anakin.

This concern is more about protecting Anakin.

At the same time, Mina Bontri's lips parted slightly, she let out a silent "ah," and a knowing glint flashed in her eyes. "So this is why I've piqued your interest, you two Jedi Masters. I've been accused of hypocrisy quite a bit, and I don't think this time will be any different."

“Mina?” Padmé asked, both out of curiosity and gratitude for the change in topic.

“The mastermind behind the Battle of Kolumex, Padmé,” Anakin said slowly, his voice low, “is Renn Bontry, the nephew of Senator Bontry. He’s the officer with the saber in the Starport…”

If Anakin hadn't paused in time, Padmeh guessed he might have added something like "and the executioners who caused the deaths of millions."

“War itself is a terrible creation,” Mina sighed heavily. “If he hadn’t been in that position, that so-called ‘infamy’ would have fallen on someone else, whether a separatist or a republican, frankly, the Jedi Master…”

She looked directly at Obi-Wan and said, "If a separatist fleet were to come to the gates of Anax, wouldn't you fight back and defend your homeland?"

“I agree with you, Congressman,” Obi-Wan readily agreed. “We’re here simply to get some basic information about your nephew.”

Mina raised a hand, making a gentle gesture of dissuasion. “Jedi Master, I’m afraid my knowledge is also limited and won’t be of much help to your investigation. We all have our own secrets, and I shouldn’t pry too much into the privacy of a young man I know almost nothing about… Jedi also have the concept of privacy, right? You all live in that magnificent Great Temple. Don’t you feel…oppressed after a while? To be honest, I really can’t imagine that kind of life.”

“I understand…” Obi-Wan stroked his neatly trimmed beard thoughtfully. “In that case, we won’t take up any more of your precious time.”

“I think so too,” Mina agreed, her Ondron accent slightly betraying her relaxed demeanor. “It’s these kinds of conversations that make people feel like we can never truly put the war behind us… The food here is plentiful, so Jedi Master, relax and enjoy yourself… There’s no safer place in Ondron right now.”

“You seem so confident in the security here, yet I haven’t seen a single combat droid,” Anakin commented, a hint of probing in his voice.

“I haven’t seen a single Republic clone soldier either,” the female senator, Ondron, replied curtly, her gaze sweeping across the hall. “Like I said before, let’s all leave our instruments of war outside. I hope you have a good time here.”

“We certainly will, Senator,” Obi-Wan said, finally taking an elegant sip of his red wine. “Come on, Anakin, the crowd is eager to speak with us. Excuse me, Senator Amidala.”

Master Kenobi turned around, his flowing robes like a silent banner, announcing the end of the private conversation between Senator Bontri and Senator Amidala.

Padmé noticed the crowd gradually gathering around him, waiting to strike up a conversation, and decided to take the initiative.

She walked quickly toward the first familiar face in her field of vision.

“Selly!” she called out enthusiastically, “You’re here too! Mina, you must remember Selly and Belle, right?”

Upon hearing this, the waiting crowd could only retreat cautiously back into their respective conversations with a hint of regret.

The Organa couple then gracefully stepped forward.

“Of course I remember,” Mina said, a polite smile returning to her face. “It’s been a long time.”

“I’m afraid I’m here on official business,” Sally Organa shook her head and got straight to the point. “Mina, I hope you can push for the inclusion of some clauses in the negotiations to ensure that the ‘Refugee Relief Movement’ can intervene unimpeded in those war-torn planets, especially in the area near the Peremia trade route.”

Padmé nodded wisely.

Sally was referring to those planets; the tragedy of Atlaken was widely reported throughout the Republic, and the atrocities committed by all the warring parties there were exposed.

Even the Jedi Knights were not spared, and a media storm erupted, with severe condemnation of a Jedi Master involved.

If Padmé remembers correctly, the Order of Knights was eventually forced to bring Master Pom Krell to a military court, where he was convicted of war crimes.

“The Confederation is very grateful for the outstanding efforts and humanitarian aid provided by the Refugee Relief Movement in Atlantis,” Mina said clearly and affirmatively. “We welcome your operations in our galaxy.”

Sally Organa blinked in surprise. "Really? I didn't expect to get such a direct response..."

“We are not a republic, so our way of doing things is naturally different,” Mina explained. “Our new supreme commander has made it clear that the Confederate armed forces will fully cooperate with the refugee relief organizations…”

As for planets near the Peremia region, they can directly invite refugee aid organizations without the approval of the Confederate central government; you only need to make a request.

"Given the current dire situation, I'm sure you'll find that our member planets are more than willing to offer assistance. Our council only intervenes in matters clearly deemed a threat to the Confederation as a whole," she paused, a hint of good-natured sarcasm in her voice, "and I assure you, we do not consider your noble humanitarian work a threat whatsoever."

Although Mina's last sentence was spoken in a lighthearted tone, the information it contained surprised the Organa couple and Padmé.

Although Padmé knew that the Separatist Alliance operated under a decentralization system, the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by its member planets was still impressive.

“Does a high degree of autonomy sometimes bring some challenges?” Bell Organa said thoughtfully.

“Of course,” Mina said, taking an elegant sip of her drink, “but our legal and institutional framework is designed to address these challenges. Even now, our supreme commander is dealing with some… more complex internal forces… But enough about us, how about you tell us in detail about the refugee relief movement’s next plans? I believe this will be very helpful for the formal negotiations that are about to begin…”

This discussion, along with hundreds of other conversations taking place simultaneously in the hall, continued until dusk, under the watchful patrols of the guards and the silent protection of the Jedi Masters.

These conversations may seem like casual social interactions, but there is no doubt that every word exchanged and every informal consensus reached today will profoundly influence the formal negotiation process in the coming days.

The satellite known as the "Devil's Moon" of Ondron rose, its eerie green light traversing the star-studded night sky.

The monster's enormous shadow swept across the land.

Ondron's aerial riders will spend a sleepless night on high alert against potential saboteurs and assassins.

The gaze of the "Demon Moon" slowly moved across the sky.

Nothing happened.

(End of this chapter)