Inside Queen Amidala's chamber—within the Naboo section of the Senate Rotunda—the air was still tense, even behind closed doors.
Padmé sat at the curved edge of her seat, arms crossed. Beside her sat Morgan le Fay, legs elegantly folded, eyes flickering lazily toward the holofeed. Sabe stood posted near the wall, silent but alert. Captain Panaka stood near the door, arms behind his back, watching everything with a soldier's sharpness.
The Republic News Network flickered into projection—blue and white static stabilizing into the image of a Twi'lek newswoman with frayed head-tails and a strained smile.
"Umm… before we continue," the reporter said, clearly rattled, "thanks to the stars that we're all still alive. An unknown pressure struck Coruscant less than an hour ago—city-wide. It caused numerous vehicle crashes, and Panicked citizen across entire sectors. The source remains unidentified, but it's suspected to have originated from within the Senate Rotunda. The Senate… is refusing to comment."
The screen flickered to another image—an overlay of glowing names in Aurebesh.
"Now, back to our main story—the Supreme Chancellor's successor. The candidate list has exploded overnight. From Outer Rim to Core World —dozens of senators are scrambling to claim the seat. But one thing may eclipse the election entirely—"
The screen shifted again. A banner scrolled underneath:
NABOO DECLARES INDEPENDENCE.
BREAKING: Is this the beginning of the Republic's collapse?
Padmé let out a breath. "They're hiding what happened,The Senate's burying it."
Morgan smiled faintly beside her, eyes still on the flickering holos.
"What do you expect?" she murmured. "They're not going to admit a god walked into their Rotunda, nearly crushed the capital with his presence alone… and declared he'd obliterate the Trade Federation.."
Suddenly, Panaka's wrist comlink buzzed with a short encrypted pulse. He tapped it once, eyes scanning the transmission that scrolled across its miniature display. His brow lifted slightly.
"Your Majesty," Panaka said, lowering his arm, "it seems fortune favors Naboo. Senator Palpatine has just been officially nominated as a successor to Chancellor Valorum."
Padmé's expression didn't change. Her voice, calm and cool. "Where is Senator Palpatine now?"
Panaka moved to the room's small control terminal, switching the holofeed to a private camera view just outside their chamber's secure entrance. The image sharpened: Palpatine stood beyond the threshold, hands clasped calmly before him, his face unreadable behind that ever-present serenity.
"He's outside, Your Majesty," Panaka confirmed. "Right at the chamber's entrance."
Panaka hesitated, then added in a quieter tone, "Though the public doesn't know what happened… most of the Senate does. And they're afraid. of Jin-Woo. They see him as the strongest being alive. And someone who… acts on impulse."
Padmé's eyes narrowed at that word. "Impulse?"
Panaka gave a measured nod. "That's what they're whispering in the halls. That Jin-Woo is dangerous , They think he'll destabilize everything."
"But if I may speak freely, Your Majesty… I think Naboo needs someone like that. We can't afford to be bullied anymore. Not by anyone."
Padmé's expression didn't shift, but her thoughts stirred beneath the surface. Just like you say, Jin-Woo… somehow Palpatine still has strings on everything.
She spoke aloud. "Anything I should know, Captain? Since the Naboo delegation was the first to leave the chamber?"
Panaka gave a sharp nod. "There is, Your Majesty. Due to the chaos in the Senate, and Valorum's resignation… they've decided to install two Chancellors instead of one. It's a temporary measure, but one meant to balance power more effectively during this crisis."
Padmé smiled faintly to herself.. Jin-woo really did make it harder for Palpatine to move.
Morgan leaned in from her seat beside Padmé, her voice a quiet whisper. "Panaka doesn't know this… but I think you need to. Right now, you're at the center of the galaxy's attention. All eyes are on you. If someone manages to convince you—or Jin-Woo—to stand down, or better yet, to rejoin the Republic… that person will be elected sole Chancellor. Immediately."
Padmé whispered back under her breath. "But we don't want that, do we? . After everything Jin-Woo and I pulled… the Republic lost its face. I'm still angry. Because if this is democracy… it's already failing. And if it fails now… then maybe it deserves to."
Padmé kept her voice low. "Tell Senator Palpatine to enter."
Panaka gave a small nod, stepping to the side. He tapped his holocomm. "You may enter, Senator."
The chamber doors opened. Senator Palpatine stepped in with practiced poise, his expression polished into calm dignity. But his eyes moved quickly, scanning the room—searching. And when he didn't see Jin-Woo, his shoulders lowered just slightly in the subtlest exhale of relief. He masked it quickly.
"A surprise to be sure," Palpatine said, smiling warmly. "But a welcome one."
His eyes slid toward Morgan, then to Padmé. "I had hoped to speak with Jin-Woo. I may… have a proposal for him."
Morgan's stare was dry. Bullshit, she thought. Your hand's trembling, old man. You're praying he doesn't show up behind you with a Sword made of screaming shadows.
Morgan smiled sweetly. "Oh, he's not here. Probably somewhere prepping Yavin 4… you know—adjusting the trajectory. Bit of a hobby of his these days. Might drop it directly onto Coruscant." She tilted her head, voice mock-sweet. "Only takes a little push from him. Boom. Instant real estate reset."
Palpatine's smile tightened. The color in his face didn't change, but something in his posture stiffened. Carefully . He shifted the subject smoothly, turning his gaze toward Padmé.
"Your Majesty," palpatine said, voice calm, almost paternal, "I have been elected. And I promise—I will bring democracy back to the Republic. There is no need to pursue Jin-Woo's… more extreme suggestions. A full-scale war with the Trade Federation would only deepen the instability."
Padmé tilted her head, her tone airy, but her eyes sharp. "Is Alderaan nominated as well?"
Panaka stepped in, replying crisply, "Yes, Your Majesty. Senator Bail Antilles of Alderaan is among the candidates. As are several others—including Ranulph Tarkin, backed by the stronger Republican factions."
Padmé nodded slowly, then let her expression soften into the polished innocence of her queenly mask. "Your future looks very bright, Senator. I hope Bail Antilles becomes your co-chancellor."
Palpatine's lips twitched—almost a smile, but not quite. "Your Majesty," he continued, tone measured, "this conflict must end. All-out war with the Trade Federation is… a terrible choice. Even if Jin-Woo has won Naboo's battle singlehandedly, war would shatter the Republic's structure. The Trade Federation—problematic though they may be—are still vital to our economy. To peace. My suggestion is simple: let Naboo rejoin the Republic. Let us put an end to this madness… together."
Padmé watched Palpatine closely. He wore the mask well—diplomatic, calm, even charming—but she saw it now, clearer than ever. His mind was made up. The chancellor's seat was his throne, and she… she was just another piece on the board to be maneuvered.
So be it, she thought. He's chosen his path. I'll choose mine. I will not be anyone's puppet. Not anymore.
Padme let her expression remain neutral, carefully composed. "I wish you luck, Senator,"
she said with a regal nod. "I hope the Republic will be better under your command."
Then Padme turned, addressing Panaka. "Captain. Ready Jin-Woo's ship."
Panaka gave a firm nod. "Ric Olié is always standing by in the cockpit, Your Majesty."
They moved as one—Padmé, Morgan, Panaka, and Sabe heading for the exit. But before they could reach it, Sabe stiffened. Her voice was tense. "Bad news, Your Majesty."
She gestured toward the nearby holopanel. It displayed a live feed just outside the Queen's suite—dozens of senators had gathered at the doors. Among them: Lott Dod, Aks Moe, and Ranulph Tarkin. All speaking at once. All demanding to be heard.
Palpatine's eyes flicked toward the screen, and for the briefest moment, a hint of amusement curled at the edge of his mouth. His voice was warm when he spoke again. "I recommend you don't open that door, Your Majesty," he said. "They won't leave until they've extracted what they want. Questions. Pledges. Leverage."
He clasped his hands behind his back. "For your mind, your health… and your dignity, it's best you stay here, where it's safe."
Padmé said nothing. But her thoughts were louder than ever. The path to freedom… is harder than anyone ever says.
And then, like a whisper cutting through the noise, a voice echoed in her mind. Calm. Unmistakable.
Ready to go home, little princess?
Padmé blinked once, lips curling ever so slightly. Jin-Woo, she teased silently. If you manage to surprise me one last time… I might just reconsider becoming your third wife. And—who knows—I'll even give you a kiss. On the lips.
There was no immediate reply. Just a pulse of amusement—. Then open the entrance door, came his voice,. See it for yourself.
Padmé's eyes glinted. She turned toward Panaka. "Captain," she said calmly, "open the entrance door."
Panaka stiffened. "Your Majesty, that's not wise," he warned. "Just like Senator Palpatine said—the senators won't let you leave. They'll bombard you with questions, demands—"
Padmé lifted her hand. "I've run enough times, And too many times, I doubted what was right. Not anymore. It's time I face them all… head-on."
Panaka stared at her a moment, then gave a silent nod and turned toward the panel. The door locks hissed. Mechanisms clicked. The massive entrance door slid open.
Lott Dod and three senators surged forward instantly.
"Queen Amidala!" Lott Dod snapped, voice loud and shrill. "The Trade Federation formally protests—"
But he never finished. A wave of pressure rolled in from beyond the corridor—thick, dark, suffocating. Like the deep weight of the ocean pressing on fragile lungs.
From the far end of the corridor, standing silently near the hangar pad, was Jin-Woo. His eyes glowed purple. Pissed. He said only two words. "Stand. Aside."
The senators felt it instantly . They parted. Instinctively. As if gravity itself bent to him. To the left and right, the senators split—one by one, stepping away, faces pale, hearts trembling. They didn't speak. The corridor became a path. Empty in the center. Waiting only for her.
Padmé stepped forward slowly. Chin high. That same smile playing on her lips—
Behind her, Morgan chuckled darkly, arms folded as they approached the Defender-class corvette idling on the hangar pad. The engines thrummed, already prepped. Jin-Woo stood at the base of the ramp, arms relaxed at his sides.
Padmé glanced at him sideways, smirking. "Only that, Jin-Woo? I expected more. You know… like what you did in the Senate chamber."
Jin-Woo didn't answer with words. He just turned slightly—raising one hand to point at the sky above. A ship was descending.
Jin-Woo spoke without looking at her. "There are… guests. And it looks like our little journey will have company."
His tone was unreadable, but a glint of amusement touched the corner of his eye. "Two of your Jedi. Maybe more."
The corvette's sensors tracked the transport as it landed with a smooth hiss of vented air. The ramp lowered with a quiet thud.
From the misted landing ramp emerged five figures.
First came Yoda—silent, leaning on his gimer stick, eyes narrowed as he looked toward Jin-Woo.
Beside him, Mace Windu's face was tight with calculation, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of his saber.
Behind them, Obi-Wan Kenobi walked in a smooth stride—stern, but watchful.
Then came Qui-Gon Jinn. Calm. Steady. And beside him… Anakin Skywalker.
The boy looked directly at Jin-Woo, curiosity and defiance flickering in equal measure.
Jin-Woo's smile remained—calm, unreadable.