Lena nodded. "In the meantime I'd like to freshen up and change my clothes." She gestured to her dirty travel clothing. "I fear this is not appropriate for a special session of the Galactic Senate."
Obi-Wan smiled. Even under extreme pressure, Lena attended to details. He would miss her when their mission was over, he realized. And it would be over very soon.
"We have readied some chambers in the Fregan consulate for you," Mace said. "We believe that Senator Crote will be out of the building until the hearing. But if we run into him we must all behave as though we have not linked him to the Cobral in any way."
"I understand," Lena said. "But I hope you are right when you say he is out of the building."
Mace led the way to Lena's temporary quarters and the Jedi waited while she quickly freshened up and changed her clothes.
Obi-Wan was amazed when she reemerged a few minutes later. Her hair had been tied into an elaborate twist, and a pair of sparkling gem earrings dangled from her earlobes. A simple light blue gown hung just to her ankles. She looked lovely and not at all like she had been through a long, harrowing night.
The group left the consulate and went directly to the Senate.
Lena gasped when she entered the Senate chamber. "I had no idea the galaxy was so big!" she whispered to Obi-Wan nervously.
Obi-Wan gave her a reassuring smile. "You'll be fine," he whispered back. "Remember, you are doing what is right."
Lena squared her shoulders and nodded as the group took their place on the large floating platform. She took her seat as the platform smoothly glided toward the front of the giant chamber. The session was just beginning, and Senators from all over the galaxy were craning their heads to see who would be speaking at this special meeting.
After a few minutes the murmur echoing throughout the room began to die down. Chancellor Valorum signaled to Lena that it was time for her to speak.
Steadying herself on her chair, she got to her feet. For a moment she was silent as she looked out at the thousands of faces staring back at her.
Obi-Wan could only guess at what was running through her mind. She had been through so much, come so far. Now her fate was in the hands of strangers.
Would they believe her? Would they care?
Lena's voice did not wobble as she spoke out about the Cobral. When she linked the crime family to Senator Crote there was a murmur in the chamber followed by respectful silence. Obi-Wan could tell Lena had the attention of every being in the room as she spoke of crimes, abused power, and the evil Cobral hold on Frego. Then she told her own story, including the death of her husband and cousin. And finally Senator Crate's attempt to have them all killed.
There was an uproar in the chamber as a stunned Senator Crote leaped to his feet. "You are lying!" he shouted. "I have done nothing but good for your planet!"
But Obi-Wan could tell by the look on the senator's face that the man knew the tide was against him as Lena presented the proof — not only his link to the thug who had attacked her, but transmissions that linked him definitively with the destruction of the Degarian II. His political career — and in fact his life as a free man was over.
It did not take long to tally the vote. Senator Crote was removed from office, and the Cobral were immediately ordered under arrest, to be tried for their crimes. Once a new government was in place, a new senator of Frego would be elected.
Obi-Wan beamed. He was so proud of Lena, of all that she had accomplished for her planet and her people.
Because of her, Frego would finally get its new beginning, its chance at a new life.
Chapter 19
Back at the Fregan consulate, a small party was going on in Lena's chambers. There was much talk of the success of the testimony and the new road ahead. A few senators were so impressed by Lena's testimony that they suggested she run for the Fregan senatorial position.
"I have no interest in such a position," she replied flatly. "I will return to Frego to help put the transition government in place. But afterward it will be time for me to start a new life on a new planet."
She winked at Obi-Wan, and he had a feeling that politics were definitely in Lena's future. Perhaps she would get a position as an aide of some sort on Coruscant. If she did, he realized, he might get to see her from time to time….
After the small group had shared a celebratory meal together, Lena announced that she wanted to get some rest. "So much has happened, and I'd like a little time to digest it all. Soon enough I'll be heading back to Frego. I'm afraid I won't be getting much rest there."
Qui-Gon nodded. He knew how much work it was to change governments.
"I certainly think a rest is in order," he said. "Jedi Master Mace Windu and I have Temple business to attend to, but I will be back shortly. Obi- Wan can stay with you, if you like."
"That's very kind, but I'd really like some time alone," Lena replied graciously.
Obi-Wan tried to hide his disappointment as he nodded. "Of course,"
he said.
While Mace and Qui-Gon left for the Temple, Obi-Wan lingered outside Lena's door. He wanted to respect her wishes, but also wanted to stay close by in case she changed her mind. The door to the adjacent chamber was open and the room was empty. Obi-Wan entered and sat down in a comfortable chair. From here he could hear what was going on in Lena's room.
Obi-Wan had just closed his eyes when he heard a familiar voice. It was not Lena's, and it was not friendly.
"Surprised to see me, Lena dear?" it said. "I suppose you would be.
But then I thought you loved surprises."
There was a muffled sound, as if the intruder was fiddling with some clothing. Then Obi-Wan heard Lena gasp.
Obi-Wan was out in the hallway in less than a second. With his hand on his lightsaber, he pressed the door controls. But nothing happened. The door was jammed.
Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber. He'd have to cut through the door.
But as his blade touched the entrance, something told him not to cut.
Concentrating, he closed his eyes. He heard a very slight scraping right in front of him. Lena was just centimeters away — on the other side of the door. There was no way for him to cut through without putting her at risk.