Cato Neimoidia was a world unlike any other. A planet shrouded in perpetual mist, with all its bridge cities suspended high above the acidic ocean below. Massive stone arches supported lush forests and grasslands that stretched between the urban centers.
The Naboo vessel descended toward a specific city and landed before the estate of Lott Dod, a Neimoidian who had business dealings with Clovis today.
As the boarding ramp lowered, Clovis, Padmé, and C-3PO stepped down, only to be greeted by Lott Dod himself, flanked by a pair of golden protocol droids.
"Ah, Senator Clovis... and Senator Amidala, what an unexpected surprise."
"Senator Dod," Padmé greeted formally. "Please forgive the unannounced visit."
"Oh, not at all. It's a pleasure to meet you, my dear. I hope we can engage in productive dialogue."
"I came here with the same hope," the Naboo Senator replied, glancing briefly at Clovis. "I believe this could be a valuable opportunity."
"Indeed, Senator. Indeed."
Natasha hung back, her eyes tracking Hope's miniaturized form as she flew past them into the building.
Once inside, Natasha and Hope observed numerous Neimoidians and service droids moving throughout the halls, the former discussing business matters while Padmé's group was escorted down a corridor to their temporary quarters.
"This place looks like an expensive brothel," Hope commented, flying through the corridors of the facility they were now staying in.
"Anything noteworthy?" Natasha asked quietly as she followed Padmé and 3PO.
"Just that there are way too many female droids here. They look like Neimoidian pleasure bots," Hope observed. "This whole place feels sleazy."
"Completely agree," Natasha said. "At least seeing some battle droids around here would make me feel better."
Though Padmé didn't voice it, she also felt somewhat "uncomfortable," as the two Avengers had put it. These droids surrounding her were more like...
Hope zipped around, flying between the legs of various residents, then circled back just in time to see Dod and Clovis walking away in rather hushed conversation.
"Team, I've got eyes on Clovis and the Senator," Hope reported.
"I'll handle it," Padmé interjected.
"Padmé, are you sure?" Natasha asked, surprised by the sudden decision.
"Something's not right about this place," Padmé said. "I think it would be best for Hope to spend time scouting the entire complex. Leave Clovis to me. After all, he is an old friend."
"If you're certain."
"Might as well follow the Senator's lead," Natasha said as she began sweeping the room for surveillance devices. "I don't know what's going on here, but their offices might be a good place to start."
Hope continued her reconnaissance when she spotted a mysterious figure moving between rooms.
Hope's eyes narrowed as she followed the individual, who began descending to the building's lower levels.
The person continued down another flight of stairs and entered a room with a holocommunicator in the center.
Approaching the device and activating its controls, the figure waited. Hope flew closer and positioned herself behind a support pillar, observing the person of interest.
After several moments, a holographic transmission activated, revealing what appeared to be an elderly gentleman. The figure's mask retracted, revealing a young Mirialan woman with yellow-green skin and golden eyes, with distinctive red tattoos running from the inner corners of both eyes down her face.
"Master Dooku," the Mirialan spoke calmly, dropping to one knee and bowing her head.
"Asajj Ventress," Dooku replied in an equally measured tone. "My apprentice, what is the purpose of this communication?"
"The Scipio senator has arrived as planned," Asajj said, looking up at her master. "He and Dod are currently discussing the construction of the droid factory."
"Excellent," Dooku said approvingly. "But that's not the primary reason for your call, is it?"
"There's someone of particular interest to you who accompanied Senator Clovis," Asajj said directly. "The individual you mentioned previously. The Naboo Senator, Padmé Amidala."
"Senator Amidala is on Cato Neimoidia?" Dooku asked with sharp interest.
"Yes, she accompanied Senator Clovis to this world," Asajj confirmed. "Master Dooku, what are your orders regarding her?"
"Monitor her closely, but take no drastic action," Dooku instructed. "The last thing we need is Republic intelligence investigating here, but if circumstances become... complicated..."
The implication of Dooku's unfinished statement was clear enough to bring a sinister smile to Asajj's face, her golden eyes gleaming with understanding.
"Of course, Master Dooku," Asajj said with a malevolent grin.
Having heard enough, Hope quickly launched herself from her hiding spot behind the pillar and flew out to reconnect with Natasha.
"Natasha, we have a serious problem."
Meanwhile, Padmé moved as quietly and carefully as possible. It took considerable effort to properly track Senator Clovis and Lott Dod. She eventually located them in a secluded section of the estate, with something displayed on a holo-table.
"—This investment from the Banking Clan will generate unprecedented war profits," Rush was explaining to the Neimoidians gathered around him, "the largest droid manufacturing facility ever constructed."
Padmé's hopes for her former lover were rapidly crumbling. It appeared that the man she had once cared for deeply had now joined the enemy's ranks.
"As long as the Republic remains unaware," Dod muttered. "You shouldn't have brought Senate members here."
The Naboo Senator then heard a series of excited clicking sounds in the room, making her strain to hear more.
"I concur, Master Poggle. We're assuming all the risk, so we should receive a larger share of the profits."
"Master Poggle?" Padmé thought to herself. "The Archduke of Geonosis?"
Rush became visibly agitated. "Are you suggesting we modify the terms of our agreement?" He shook his head, looking between Dod and Poggle. "A deal is a deal. I despise it when partners renege on their commitments."
The Neimoidian scoffed. "I remind you, Clovis, you are on my world now. It would be unwise to make threats."
"This isn't your world anymore, not since you mortgaged your holdings to the Banking Clan in exchange for shares in this new droid factory."
Padmé's eyes narrowed, realizing she needed to obtain whatever data was displayed on that holo-table, regardless of the risk.
Carefully and silently, the Naboo Senator retreated back toward her assigned quarters.
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