| ACT III
Several weeks have passed since the creation of the 501st Legion and Shocktroopers. While the Battle of Oner will be waged on a far away planet, tensions still run high on Coruscant, despite the high level of security.
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Padme Amidala: Thank you, R2. That will be all.
R2D2: (beep whistle beep)
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Bail Organa: With the Galactic Security now in place, the Chancellor’s approval rating is the highest it has ever been during the War. He will have no problem passing any of his new legislation.
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Meena Tillis: But even you must admit, Senator Organa, the Chancellor has brought back a feeling of peace and security to Coruscant. The economy is flourishing with just the mere presence of the 501st.
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Meena Tillis: What do you think, Senator Amidala? Has the Chancellor not succeeded in providing a new level of security for the Republic?
Padme Amidala: He has done that, I have to admit.
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Padme Amidala: But at what expense? The Separatists’ leaders will never agree to a peace summit if they feel threatened by the 501st. I feel their existence will only prolong the War. And as long as there is a War, the Jedi will never return home…
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Bail Organa: Senator Amidala is right. Just the other day I heard the 501st raided Dexter’s Diner. They believed it was a secret meeting place for local terrorists.
Meena Tillis: Those are just rumors. The HoloNet reported the explosion was caused by a gas leak.
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Bail Organa: Oh, really? Then let me tell you what I saw with my own eyes today, Senator……
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Bail Organa: When I arrived today from Alderaan, I was “greeted” by the 501st. At first, I was relieved to see the high-level of security around the spaceport.
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Bail Organa: I was asked to show my identification, including my Senate photocard. In the past, customs agents were familiar with all Senators.
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Bail Organa: The Clone Trooper began asking me various questions, such as my reason for coming to Coruscant, and if I had a residence here. There was no room for pleasantries with this trooper.
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Bail Organa: However, after an extended amount of time and several more questions, I was cleared and allowed entry.
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Padme Amidala: I don’t understand. What is so strange about that?
Bail Organa: Oh, nothing really. It was what happened after I was cleared, as they questioned the next traveler……a Rodian supposedly from the Outer Rim.
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Bail Organa:: I could not here their initial conversation, but it quickly become apparent that the Trooper did not like what the traveler had to say.
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Bail Organa: The 501st quickly ordered the traveler to place his hands behind his head and to get down on his knees. The Rodian didn’t seem to understand what was going on.
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Bail Organa: That is when I saw Commander Appo approach the traveler…
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Bail Organa: …and strike him.
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Padme Amidala: No! But how could they just hit him without proper cause?
Bail Organa: I soon found out…
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Bail Organa: Commander Appo then approached me. He said the traveler was a dangerous terrorist with ties to the Separatist movement. He asked me to leave, for my own safety, of course..
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Bail Organa: What else could I do……
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Meena Tillis: But what happened to the traveler?
Bail Organa: They proceeded with their ’interrogation’.
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Bail Organa: I fear that the 501st and the Chancellor have already begun to abuse their powers. And now there are rumors of a secret cloning facility right here on Coruscant.
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Mena Tillis: While I agree the treatment of the foreign traveler was a bit harsh, we must understand we live in dangerous times. Change is never easy. But those who have nothing to hide should not fear the 501st, like us.
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Bail Organa: Nevertheless, if a Jedi were involved with Commander Appo, I seriously doubt this incident would have occured.
Padme Amidala: We must make it a priority that a Jedi be assigned to oversee the 501st. Even if it means forcing the Chancellor to appoint one himself.
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Meena Tillis: Very well. I will call for a vote at the next Senate session.
Bail Organa: Let me speak to the Chancellor privately first. Perhaps there is more to the situation than we know. Until then, let’s call it a night. It is getting late.
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Bail Organa: Good night, M’Lady……Senator Tillis.
Meena Tillis: Until tomorrow, Senators.
Padme Amidala: Good evening to you both.
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Padme Amidala: (deep sigh)
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R2D2: (curious whistle)
Padme Amidala: I’m fine, R2. I’m just a little tired, that’s all. Tell 3PO that I am retiring for the night.
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R2D2: (woooooooooo)
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