Why did he get the feeling that behind his back they were delighted to thwart him?
He could see why the Emperor decided to send an Imperial battalion here despite the objections of Queen Apailana. They hadn’t interfered in the planet’s governance, but their presence was a necessary reminder of who was actually in charge. They had completely taken over one of the gracious domed government buildings in Theed, right next to the vast hangar. It was a smart choice. They could monitor all official comings and goings, and also use the hangar to store explosive devices should the people rebel. Strictly against Senate rules, of course, but who would ever know?
Malorum thought that the citizens of Theed would have learned something from the Trade Federation blockade years ago. They’d discovered just how vulnerable they were. The fact that they had won that particular skirmish had been mere luck. If the Emperor had been in control they would have been cowed and defeated.
Naboo was completely reliant on the rest of the galaxy for its industrial materials. They had no factories to speak of. If Malorum had been in charge, Naboo would have attacked surrounding worlds that were rich in minerals and industry. But no - they just kept on making their clay pots and their paintings and their clothes and stupidly left themselves vulnerable.
Malorum walked by the Imperial garrison, hoping the sight of it would give him fresh energy. He had visited the place where Senator Amidala’s body was prepared for burial. He received no new information … except a crash course he didn’t need in the funeral rites of the Naboo. Apparently the grandmothers were designated as the ones who dressed the body and prepared it for the “last journey.”
The fact of Padme’s death was recorded … but that was all. There was no hint of how she’d died, nothing for him to go on. Naboo customs precluded any questions about the possible father of her child; the family was given privacy. There was no doctor’s report.
Malorum’s steps slowed. How stupid. Of course, if the records did not show him what he wanted, he must go to the source. Padme Amidala’s grandmothers.
One problem was that the Naboo did not have a world directory. Citizens did not have to register with the government, something he knew that the Emperor would change as soon as he got around to it. Privacy was prized here. In addition, everybody seemed to know everybody else, through a network of clans and families. If you had to ask for an address, it was proof that you didn’t know the person well enough to contact them.
A small problem. Not an insurmountable one.
Malorum crossed to the building that housed the Naboo Essentials Provider, a typically gentle name for the office that controlled the power grid. He paused just inside the door to examine a large holo-map on the wall, a graphic image of the main power generator. He noted the corridors lined with electron gates, the catwalks, the bridges to dozens of levels, the deep central core. Impressive. The Naboo did have some technical expertise after all. This would be an excellent world to exploit.
He strode into the main office and demanded to see the manager. In the usual display of polite evasion he was told that the office was about to close, but if he’d come back tomorrow…
“I am a personal representative of Emperor Palpatine. Get him for me now,” Malorum snapped. He couldn’t wait to squeeze the information out of these maddening people like pulp from a muja fruit.
The clerk rushed into an inner office, ornate robes flowing. Malorum had been waiting, hoping for this. He strode after him. He pushed through the door, almost knocking the man to the floor.
The manager stood up from his desk, his mouth gaping. He was older, his graying hair standing out in tufts over his ears. He had a kind face and gentle eyes. Malorum despised him immediately.
“I am looking for the addresses of the grandmothers of the former Senator Padme Amidala.”
“Senator Amidala, alas and sadly, is deceased.”
“I am of course aware of that.” Malorum slammed his hand down. “This desk is aware of that! I am the eyes and ears of the Emperor himself. Tell me the names of her grandmothers. I know you know them so don’t waste my time with denials.”
The man swallowed. He quickly consulted a handcrafted ledger. “Winama Naberrie. Ryoo Thule.”
“Give me their addresses.”
“Winama Naberrie, alas and sadly, died before the Battle of Naboo.”
“Then the other one!” Malorum roared at the man. He didn’t like to lose his temper - he felt a loss of control was always a mistake, but he’d been provoked by hours of evasions. And it could be effective.
To his surprise, the man stood his ground. “Ah, well, I don’t have that information per se, you see. This is the office of the Essentials Provider -“