Padmé and Khan made their way back toward Theed's governmental district, their footsteps echoing lightly against the marble-paved walkways. The soft hum of speeders drifted from the nearby skylanes, mingling with the distant sound of fountains that lined the capital's grand avenues. The rest of their time together had passed peacefully, filled with laughter and light conversation that came as easily as the afternoon breeze.
Padmé smiled as they reached the edge of the central plaza.
"And that about covers most of Naboo," she said, her tone a mix of pride and playful satisfaction.
Khan glanced around at the gleaming architecture and lush greenery, admiration clear in his eyes.
"Thank you for showing me this beautiful planet," he replied. "I hope I get the chance to see more of it."
Padmé's eyes brightened.
"Maybe next time I can show you the countryside. My home has some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever see."
Khan smiled, his tone sincere.
"I'd love that."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence between them was comfortable, filled with the unspoken sense that this wouldn't be the last time their paths crossed.
That calm was interrupted by the approach of a uniformed Naboo guard, his polished boots clicking sharply on the stone. He stopped before them and bowed his head respectfully.
"Sir Jedi," the guard said formally, "the Senator has requested your presence. He wishes for you to accompany him to his meeting with the Queen."
Khan inclined his head.
"Of course."
He turned to Padmé, his expression apologetic but warm.
"It seems our time together ends here for now. Thank you again for your company, Lady Naberrie."
Padmé smiled softly, her hands clasped before her.
"Of course. I hope we get the chance to speak again, Khan."
"So do I," he said, returning the smile.
With their farewells exchanged, Khan followed the guard through the winding corridors of Theed's governmental complex. Sunlight streamed through tall glass windows, casting shifting patterns of gold across the floor as they passed.
Eventually, they arrived at Senator Palpatine's private chamber—a room adorned in the soft earth tones and elegant curves characteristic of Naboo's architecture. As the doors slid open, Khan found Palpatine standing near a tall mirror, adjusting the folds of his ceremonial robes.
Palpatine turned as Khan entered, his expression lighting up.
"Ah, my boy—you're here. Good, good." He stepped forward with that ever-pleasant smile that never seemed to fade. "How was your tour of Naboo?"
Khan bowed slightly in greeting.
"It was enjoyable. I had a wonderful time seeing what your world has to offer."
Palpatine gave a satisfied nod.
"I'm glad to hear it. Naboo truly is a jewel among worlds, wouldn't you agree? Peaceful, orderly, refined."
Khan smiled faintly.
"It's beautiful, Senator. You have every right to be proud."
Palpatine's tone shifted slightly, adopting a hint of businesslike purpose.
"Good, good. For now, I'll need you to accompany me to the Queen's hall. I trust that having a Jedi by my side may help... encourage a more open conversation."
Khan gave a small chuckle.
"Of course, Senator. I'm here to assist you—not just sightsee."
The two shared a brief laugh, though Palpatine's eyes lingered on him with quiet calculation before softening again into his familiar geniality.
"Ever the dutiful Padawan," he said approvingly, gesturing toward the door. "Come then. Let us hope Her Majesty is in a receptive mood."
He gave a subtle nod to his escorting guards, who moved ahead to clear the way.
[Inside the Royal Hall of Naboo]
The grand doors opened, revealing the elegant chamber of Queen Sandrassa—the elected monarch of Naboo. Draped in regal silks and surrounded by her handmaidens and guards, she regarded the new arrivals with quiet authority.
Both Senator Palpatine and Khan Kage bowed deeply in respect.
"Welcome, Senator," the Queen began, her voice calm but firm. "It has been some time since we last spoke in person."
Palpatine smiled with practiced warmth. "Indeed, Your Majesty. I believe our last meeting was shortly after I began my service as Naboo's representative in the Senate."
The Queen gave a measured nod, her expression softening briefly. "Then what brings you before me today, Senator? And with a Jedi guest, no less?"
Palpatine gestured toward Khan. "Yes, Your Majesty. I asked my Jedi friend to accompany me. His insight may prove useful in our discussion about Naboo's place in the greater Republic."
At that, the Queen's welcoming tone faded into one of caution. "Senator, you know my stance. Naboo has long thrived by keeping itself apart from the galaxy's… entanglements."
Palpatine's eyes gleamed faintly. "And yet, Your Majesty, Naboo has the potential to be more than an isolated paradise. We could be a guiding voice in galactic affairs—a beacon of stability and prosperity. Imagine what we might offer to worlds less fortunate."
The Queen's gaze sharpened. "And what of our own people? My duty is to protect Naboo, not to stretch our resources thin for the sake of the galaxy. We already fulfill our obligation to the Republic."
The two continued to trade words—Palpatine pressing for expansion and influence, the Queen standing firm on her duty to preserve Naboo's sovereignty.
At last, Khan stepped forward. "Forgive me, Your Majesty… Senator. But may I offer a thought?"
Both turned their attention to him. The Queen gestured for him to speak. "Of course. Perhaps the wisdom of a Jedi might bring balance to this debate."
Khan bowed slightly. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I understand and admire your devotion to your people—it is the mark of a true leader. Yet, I also see the Senator's point. Naboo's isolation may protect it, yes, but it may also limit it. Perhaps there is a middle ground—opening certain trade routes to allow for controlled commerce. Let your people share their craftsmanship with the wider galaxy, and in return, receive resources that could strengthen Naboo's future."
The Queen regarded him quietly, her expression unreadable. "Tell me, young Jedi… your Order serves to keep the peace, does it not?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Then you must understand. My peace is not measured by the state of the galaxy, but by the wellbeing of Naboo's citizens. The Jedi serve all worlds—but I serve only one. If opening our borders risks that peace, I cannot call it progress."
Khan hesitated, hearing in her words the echo of something Dooku had once told him—Politics often serves the comfort of the few, not the good of the many.
He realized that perhaps the Queen's peace came with unseen costs. But it was not his place to question further.
"You have my apologies if I've spoken out of turn, Your Majesty," Khan said with a respectful bow. "I only wished to offer perspective."
The Queen's tone softened. "No offense taken, young Jedi. You are still learning—about the galaxy, and about people. In time, you will understand more."
Palpatine, though smiling, concealed his disappointment well. He had hoped Khan might sway the Queen toward his ambitions.
The conversation dragged on for some time, neither side yielding. When it ended, no decisions had been made—only quiet tension lingering in the air as they departed the hall
.
[The Senator's Chamber, Evening]
The soft glow of Naboo's twin moons filtered through the tall windows of Senator Palpatine's private chambers. The ornate room, filled with golden accents and fine art, carried an air of quiet luxury. Palpatine stood near the balcony, hands folded behind his back, gazing out toward the shimmering waters of Theed.
Khan entered quietly, his posture respectful but weighed down by disappointment.
"I apologize, Senator," he said finally, breaking the silence. "I wish I could have been of more help to you in there. I… failed to move the Queen toward your vision."
Palpatine turned, his expression calm and compassionate. "My dear boy," he said with a warm chuckle, "you've nothing to apologize for. You spoke from the heart, as a Jedi should. I didn't bring you here to use you, Khan. I wanted you to see how politics truly works—to learn the balance between idealism and reality."
He stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on the young Jedi's shoulder. "Take this experience as a lesson, not a failure."
Khan straightened slightly, comforted by the senator's words. "Thank you, Senator. I'll remember that." He gave a polite bow of gratitude.
Palpatine smiled faintly, then turned away again, his tone soft but calculated. "Still… if the Queen insists on clinging to her ideals—refusing even the smallest step toward progress—then perhaps it is time Naboo finds a leader more willing to act for the greater good."
Khan's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"The elections for Naboo's next Queen are approaching," Palpatine said, his voice measured, his eyes on the horizon. "If Her Majesty will not embrace the future, then I will support a candidate who will—someone young, capable, and open to seeing Naboo play its rightful part in the galaxy's growth."
Khan tilted his head slightly, curious. "And who do you believe would make such a leader, Senator?"
Palpatine turned his gaze back toward him, the faintest glint in his eyes—ambition hidden beneath kindness.
"I have someone in mind," he said simply, his tone unreadable. "A bright young woman… one who already shows a deep love for her people. With the right guidance, I believe she could change Naboo—and perhaps even the Republic itself."
Khan nodded slowly, unaware that this conversation marked the quiet beginning of a plan that would one day reshape the galaxy.
In the heart of Theed's affluent district stood a stately domed home surrounded by soft gardens and glowing water fountains—a home belonging to one of Naboo's most respected families: the Naberries.
Inside, the dining room was warm and filled with the soft hum of conversation and laughter. Seated at the table were Ruwee Naberrie, his wife Jobal, and their daughters Sola and Padmé. A simple but elegant meal was spread before them, the scent of roasted vegetables mingling with the cool evening air drifting in from the open windows.
Ruwee, a man of calm confidence and gentle authority, set down his utensil and smiled. "So," he began, "how was everyone's day?"
Jobal, ever warm and caring, replied first. "Busy as ever. The volunteer group has been working non-stop lately. So many in the outer settlements need help—more than usual, it seems."
Ruwee frowned slightly, thoughtful. "I'll mention that in the next parliamentary meeting. If our people are struggling, the government should do more to support them."
Jobal smiled affectionately. "That's why I married you," she teased softly. "Always ready to fix the world."
Ruwee chuckled, then turned his attention to their eldest. "And you, Sola? How was your day?"
Sola, poised yet playful, brushed a strand of brown hair from her face. "I spent most of it at the library, researching the biosciences of Naboo's ecosystem. It's fascinating—did you know that many of our wetlands filter toxins naturally through underground algae networks?"
Padmé's eyes lit up. "That's incredible! If we studied that system, maybe we could use it to purify water faster in the agricultural sectors."
Sola smirked. "Always thinking like a politician already."
The family laughed softly before Ruwee looked to his youngest. "And how about you, Padmé? What adventures did you find today?"
Padmé set down her fork, a bright spark in her eyes. "Well… I visited Senator Palpatine as he landed today. He came to speak with the Queen, but he brought a Jedi with him—a Padawan named Khan Kage. I was asked to show him around Theed, and—" she smiled, the memory still vivid— "he's… really kind. And curious about everything. He listened to what I had to say about Naboo, about our people."
Jobal smiled knowingly. "That sounds lovely, dear."
Padmé continued, "He said Naboo was one of the most beautiful worlds he's ever seen. I told him maybe next time I'd show him the countryside—our villa especially."
Her mother's eyes softened, and Ruwee grinned. "It seems you've made a good friend, Padmé."
Before Padmé could respond, Sola leaned forward with a mischievous grin. "Or maybe more than a friend?"
Padmé turned red instantly. "What? No! I just met him!"
Sola laughed, waving her hand dismissively. "Oh, I'm just saying… you didn't deny that maybe, once you get to know him better—"
"Sola!" Padmé exclaimed, face flustered, which only made everyone laugh harder.
The warm sound of family laughter filled the home as the suns of Naboo set beyond the horizon, casting a gentle glow through the open windows. In this peaceful moment, none of them could have known how the young girl at the table would one day change the fate of their world—and the galaxy itself.
The night air over Naboo was calm and cool, the distant hum of city lights flickering against the dark sky. Inside his guest quarters, Khan Kage sat cross-legged at a small holotable, the faint blue light illuminating his face.
With a tap of a button, the holographic projector came to life. After a few moments, the tall and composed figure of Master Dooku appeared, his tone as steady and composed as ever.
"Khan," Dooku's voice carried through the static hum, rich and authoritative. "I see that you are safe. How are things on Naboo? I trust the senator hasn't demanded too much of you?"
Khan straightened his posture. "I'm quite alright, Master. Naboo has been… welcoming. Peaceful, even. And as for Senator Palpatine, he's been kind and understanding."
Dooku nodded slightly, eyes narrowing with a trace of thought.
"Good. I hope you are taking this mission as a learning opportunity. The senator may have much to teach about the political world… but remember, my Padawan—" his voice deepened, carrying that signature weight of wisdom— "do not allow his words to shape your convictions. He may speak kindly now, but he is still a politician. Their motives are rarely as noble as they claim."
Khan bowed his head slightly. "I will take your words to heart, Master."
"Excellent." Dooku folded his hands within his robe. "Send me a full report on your progress when time permits. I want to understand what lessons you've drawn from this experience."
"I will, Master," Khan replied with earnest resolve.
"Good. Then rest well. You'll need a clear mind for what lies ahead. The galaxy is full of challenges, my Padawan—best to meet them well-rested."
Khan smiled faintly. "Good night, Master."
Dooku offered the faintest smile in return before his hologram flickered and faded from view, leaving the chamber quiet once more.
Khan sat for a moment in the dim blue afterglow, letting his master's words sink in. Don't let his words shape your convictions…
After a long breath, he powered down the holodevice, lay back on the soft Naboo bedding, and let the serenity of the planet's night lull him to sleep.
Outside, the moonlight washed over Theed's elegant rooftops—its stillness hiding the quiet undercurrents of change that would soon engulf them all.