Clairvoyance

Chapter 18

A/N: Triple update so you can have some content haha!! As always, let me know what you think!

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Naboo was just as beautiful as Lexa remembered—with its glistening and breathtaking city, the warm air of the planet—it always just seemed like a good place to be. Still, there was an underlying sadness that rested on the planet.

A testament to Qui-Gon's last act of devotion as a Jedi.

Walking up the stairs of the Palace with Padme, Lexa listened to her friend. "I wasn't the youngest queen ever elected. But now that I think back on it, I'm not sure I was old enough. I'm not sure I was ready."

Anakin looked confused by the revelation. "The people you served thought you did a good job."

"Your genuine care for your people is unmatched." Lexa added in a pointed tone. "They did, after all, try to amend the Constitution."

"I was relieved when my two terms were up. But when the Queen asked me to serve as Senator, I couldn't refuse her." Padme said, gaze falling on the courtyard where she had once walked as Queen.

Lexa knew the toll that it had taken on her—asking others to sacrifice their identities and their lives in order to better the planet. For a cause that was just and noble, it was a weight that only Padme would know.

"Well I for one agree with her. The Republic needs you." Anakin praised.

"Besides, what would Mon and Bail do without you?" Lexa questioned.

Padme let out a sigh. "They'd find their way. Now I have the task of relating these things to the Queen."

A short time later, the group sat in the Throne Room of the Palace. It was a strange thing—being back here. Lexa remembered vividly placing her sabers at the neck of Nute Gunray. Ahh, pleasantries at their finest.

"If the senate votes to create an army, it's sure to push us into a civil war," Padme explained.

Sio Bibble just scowled. "There hasn't been a full-scale war since the formation of the Republic."

Queen Jamiliia had a face of concern as she looked to Padme. "Do you see any way to bring the Separatists back into the Republic?"

"Not if they feel threatened. My guess is that they'll turn to the Trade Federations or the Commerce Guilds for help." Padme said thoughtfully.

"It's outrageous that after four hearings in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still the viceroy of the Trade Federation." Sio Bibble shook his head. Now that, Lexa agreed with on a spiritual level. "I fear that the senate is powerless to resolve this crisis."

"We must keep our faith in the Republic." Jamilia insisted. She rose to her feet and crossed over to Padme, who was flanked on either side by Lexa and Anakin. "The day that we stop believing democracy can work is the day that we lose it."

"Let's pray that day never comes." Padme murmured.

Lexa wished she could have the faith that they did—but the simple fact of the matter was that she had seen things, things that were coming and she had no idea what the outcome would be.

The darkness was coming and she wasn't sure if there was a way to stop it. "In the meantime," Jamilia spoke up. "We must consider your own safety."

Sio Bibble's eyes landed on Lexicla—already familiar with her. "What is your suggestion, Master Jedi?"

Anakin almost spoke up—neither she or he was a Master Jedi yet. Lexa just gave a stiff smile. "Senator Amidala and I have spoken at length and we believe that staying in the lake country would be a wise decision."