“All right,” the Colonel said slowly, rubbing at the healing leg. Anakin recalled those muscle pains up his arm as he got used to using the prosthetic. “Could we start with these two questions? One, who might desire to pit Naboo and the Republic against each other? And two—-is there anyone in the Republic who stands to gain from these hostilities?”
Anakin rose and extended a hand to Veers who accepted his help in hauling him to his feet.
“Excellent questions, Veers. And ones we will need to be very discreet about as we search for answers. Because I suspect that someone might have even infiltrated the Chancellor’s security given how thoroughly I was stonewalled.”
The Colonel looked grim, but he inclined his head in agreement.
“Then let us get to it, sir. Or I confess I might have to go AWOL to get my friend.”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that, Colonel,” Anakin told him, grinning a little as they walked out of the gym. “But I’ll be right beside you if you do.”