Star Wars - Destiny of the Jedi

Return to Naboo

(Theed, Naboo)

Jendirian Valley had just arrived in Naboo. Once the ship landed in the port city that was under the hill the capital city was over, Anakin, Padmé and R2 departed the ship and were now walking through the grand courtyard of the palace. Anakin was once again carrying two luggages while Padmé was carrying one, and R2 was trundling behind them.

"If i grew up here, i don't think i'd ever leave." Anakin said.

Padmé laughed at this. "I doubt that." She lastly said.

"No, really. When i started my training, I was very homesick and very lonely. Because of our separate places in the temple, Jaden and i didn't have much time to hang out. This city, Jaden and our Mom were the only pleasent things i had to think about... the problem was, the more i thought about our Mom, the worse i felt. But i would feel better if i thought about the palace - the way it shimmers in the sunlight - the way the air always smells of flowers--"

"-- and the soft sound of the distant waterfalls. The first time i saw the capital, i was very young. I'd never seen a waterfall before. I thought they were so beautiful. I never dreamed one day i'd live in the palace."

"Well, tell me, did you dream of power and politics when you were a little girl?"

Padmé laughed at this. "No. That was the last thing i thought of. My dream was to help in the 'Refugee Relief Momevent.' I never thought of running for elected office. But the more history i studied, the more i realized how much good politicians could do. So when i was eight, i joined the 'Apprentice Legislators,' then later on became a Senatorial Advisor, with such a passion that, before i knew it, i was elected queen. Partly because i scored so high on my education certificate, but for the most part it was my conviction that reform was possible."

Anakin, Padmé and R2 were now walking over the steps of a small bridge that was going over the small pond in the courtyard.

"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."

"The people you served thought you did a good job. I heard they tried to amend the Constitution so you could stay in office."

"Popular rule is not democracy, Ani. It gives people what they want, not what they need."

Moments later, the trio was walking down a small hall in the palace on the outside.

"And, truthfully, i was relieved when my two terms were up. So were my parents. They were very worried about me during the blockade and couldn't wait for it all to be over. Actually, i'd hoped to have a family of my own by now. My sister has the most amazing, wonderful kids... but when the queen asked me to serve as senator, i couldn't refuse her."

"I agree with her." Anakin looked at Padmé. "I think the Republic needs you. I'm glad that you chose to serve. I feel things are going to happen in our generation that will change the Galaxy profound ways."

"I think so too."

Anakin and Padmé continued to walk through the outside hall, with R2 still following behind them.

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(Throne room, Naboo Palace)

Later, Anakin and Padmé had arrived in the throne room. As R2 stood in the back, Padmé was seated in a chair with Anakin standing next to him. With them were Queen Jamillia who was sitting in the throne, with two of her Handmaidens sitting on each side behind her, and they were also joined by 2 members of the Advisory Council and the Governor Sio Bibble, who were all sitting down as well.