Not turning over - MY2000 base... any ideas?

[Leeper]

Saturday morning pulled into a questionable part of town to stop at the store when I came out turned the key and "nothing". The lights all came on but the starter wouldn't fire. I tried push-starting with no avail. Certain it was the ignition switch I just replaced it and still nothing. Tested and bypassed the clutch switch with no avail. No water in car to damage electronics under seat at anytime., ran fine prior... wondering if it is the immobilizer/alarm or something? At a loss here and hate taking my baby to a stealership to get raped if the "all knowing"group here can possibly provide some wisdom of things to check.

MY2000 83K miles base model in excellent condition always residing in San Diego so weathers not an issue here. No prior signs of anything, always maintained very well. When I turn the key to "start" I do here a slight clicking sounds as though it is trying triggering a switch someplace within the cabin but this does not dim the lights so I don't suspect a battery here, battery is providing 12.6volts without load... not sure when it was last changed though. I might try jumping it but I'm doubting that's it. when I opened the rear trunk to check the fuses there the first one is a 40A and it does seem to fit a bit loosely but is not broken. Checked E1 and C2 and those are fine. Any suggestions?

I've searched this site, Pedrosboard, rennlist with no help...