'While tragedy compelled us to abbreviate the summit, much was accomplished on Eriadu. Those who were denied an opportunity to speak were given ample time to voice their opinions here, when the discussions continued.
' 'Discussions or debates, Supreme Chancellor?' Valorum waved his hand in dismissal.
'Do you feel that taxation strikes a blow for the rights of the outlying systems?' 'The outlying systems will surely benefit,' Taria replied. 'But all worlds stand to gain as a result of this historic action. Contrary to the claims of many a would-be political pundit, the passage of this bill demonstrates clearly that the senate has not grown too unwieldy or apathetic to act for the common good.' Another human correspondent shoved his way forward. 'Would you consider this to be the high point of your administration?
' Taria held up her hands. 'Later today, the office of the Supreme Chancellor will issue a statement.
Until that time, there will be no further questions.' The correspondents grumbled, but ultimately fell silent and stepped aside, as Valorum's contingent of advisers and guards steered him toward the turbolift that accessed his private chambers.
Once there, he removed his outer cloak, sat heavily into his chair, and loosed a prolonged exhale.
'Thank you for running interference,' he told Taria when the two of them were alone in the office.
She smiled and took a seat opposite him. 'We should issue a statement as quickly as possible. Do you want to compose something now?' Valorum frowned, then got to his feet and walked to the center of the room, his hands clasped behind his back.
Taria activated the record function of her wrist comlink.
'For too long a time the senate has been bogged down by policies and procedures,' Valorum began after a moment. 'But today we managed to sidestep that bureaucratic morass. We have succeeded in overcoming our inertia, by setting aside petty squabbles and self-interest, and by banding together to strike a blow for the Republic itself. In this, we have reaffirmed our mandate, and refound our way.
'While we are honored to have introduced this historic proposal, victory would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of several good and proper delegates. We shall refrain from going into the matter of how the vote was carried. But we do want to say that we owe much gratitude to delegates like-was Valorum cut short his remarks when a tone issued from the office door. When Sei Taria opened the door, two Senate Guards conducted Alderaanian Senator Bail Antilles into the room. In his right hand, the chair of the Internal Activities Committee held a legal-looking piece of durasheet.
'Supreme Chancellor, I'm sorry to have to be the bearer of raw tidings on a day that should be devoted to celebration,' Antilles said, extending the durasheet to Valorum. 'But this document constitutes official notification that you are hereby requested to appear before the Supreme Court to answer allegations of corruption and illegal enrichment.' Valorum blinked in stupefaction. He couldn't make sense of what he had just heard. This had to be a mistake, or a joke in very poor taste. His heart thudded against his breastbone, and he grew short of breath. He stared at the durasheet he had accepted, then glared at Antilles.
'I demand to know the meaning of this.' Antilles compressed his lips.
'Again, I apologize, Supreme Chancellor. But that is all I am permitted to say about the matter at this time.' V alorum was surrounded not by Senate Guards but by lawyers when he finally appeared before the Supreme Court almost two weeks later. During that time his legal team had managed to discover that the basis for the allegations was an investment made in Valorum Shipping, on Eriadu.
Beyond that, Valorum was in the dark.
The Supreme Court convened in closed session in the Galactic Courts of Justice Building, an enormous edifice of pointed arches, tall decorative spires, and elaborate statuary, located in the so-called Plains of Coruscant, not far from the Jedi Temple.
Valorum and his lawyers were seated at a long table opposite the twelve robed figures who comprised the judiciary council. Bail Antilles and the members of the Internal Activities Committee sat perpendicular to the bench.
The chief justice spoke, addressing Valorum.
'Supreme Chancellor, we appreciate that you elected to appear before us, without being subpoenaed by writ.' 'We are given to understand that this is an informal inquest,' one of the lawyers said in Valorum's stead.
'Your presumption is correct.' The judge looked to Antilles, who stood and spoke from his place at the committee's table.
'Your Honors, Supreme Chancellor Valorum,' he began. 'Just two weeks ago the senate met in special session to vote on a motion introduced by Supreme Chancellor Valorum, calling for a tax to be levied on all shipping and other mercantile activities in what were formerly known as the free trade zones of the outlying systems.
'An amendment to the original proposal directed that a percentage of all revenues collected by the Republic would be redistributed among the outlying systems, for purposes of social welfare and technological advancement. Many business concerns located in those systems have already begun to reap the benefits of the amendment, in the form of venture capital bestowed by investors, here in the Core. One of those concerns is Valorum Shipping and Transport, of Eriadu, which has received an enormous sum, for a company that has shown only marginal profits over the past several standard years.'
Valorum's lawyer interrupted.
'With all due respect, Senator Antilles, Supreme Chancellor Valorum was not made aware of the investment in Valorum Shipping until last week.
Regardless, while it's true that the company bears the Valorum name, and that the Supreme Chancellor is a member of the board of directors, he does not participate in company operations, or involve himself with each and every commonplace business transaction.
'More important, Your Honors, since when does it violate Republic law for a company to profit, based on merit alone? In the case of Valorum Shipping, it strikes me as good business sense for investors to be drawn to concerns owned by prominent public figures. It's not as if the Supreme Chancellor actively solicited investments. Furthermore, the Supreme Chancellor, as required by law, has made full disclosure of all his holdings, and his record, with regard to earnings and taxes, is spotless.' The twelve judges looked at Antilles, who was still frowning
