Star Wars: Episode 2—A Retelling
Attack of the Clones
By: Tellemicus Sundance
#02: Imminent Departure

Naboo

Advisor to the Queen and Representative of the planet, Padme Amidala felt strangely uneasy in her office, in the same complex as, but unattached to, the Royal Palace of Queen Jamillia. Her desk was covered in holodisks and all the other usual clutter of her station. At the front of it, a holo played through the numbers, a soldier on one scale, a flag of truce on the other, tallying the predicted votes for the meeting on Coruscant. The hologram depiction of those scales seemed almost perfectly balanced.

Padme knew that the vote would be close, with the Senate of the Galactic Republic almost evenly divided over whether the government should create a formal army. It galled her to think that so many of the Senators would be voting based on personal gain—everything from potential contracts to supply the army for their home systems to direct payoffs from some of the commerce guilds—rather than on what was best for the Republic.

In her heart, Padme remained steadfast in her belief that violence breeds violence. The Republic was built on tolerance. It was a vast network of tens of thousands of systems and even more species, each with a distinct perspective. The only element that they shared was tolerance—tolerance of one another. The creation of an army might prove unsettling, even threatening, to so many of those systems and species, beings far removed from the great city-planet of Coruscant. If she had been a member of the Senate, Padme knew which direction she'd be voting on this issue. As it was, she, Queen Jamillia, and Naboo in general were all very worried over this coming vote.

Ever since renouncing their membership of the Republic ten years ago, Naboo had been through many crises and trials that tested the limits of Padme, the people, and their newly-elected Queen. There had been plenty of times that the temptation of returning to the Republic had been great, but the people of Naboo were resilient and adaptive. Padme knew that the populace was just now starting to take pride of their independence. But they were just a mere speck in a galaxy that had quickly fallen into disarray and civil unrest following the spectacular fallout that had occurred after the Battle of Naboo.

Padme understood that the Core worlds desired security and safety, seeing the more independently-minded Rim worlds as potential threats to their economies, people, and ways of life. And there had even been rumors surfacing for the past five years of a separatist movement that was quickly growing in strength, though there was no hard proof of such claims. Nevertheless, this was why the current vote was so controversial.

Sad as it was to admit, the new Supreme Chancellor was not helping matters in the least. Orn Free Taa had been elected by a fluke during the previous elections. The two extremist parties of the Republic had most of their votes tied up between their chosen champions, and Orn Free Taa, who was more neutral on most issues, was able to slip in and take the Chancellorship as a result. As it turned out, it may have been a slight blessing in disguise. Orn Free Taa never passed up a chance to indulge himself, but he also had a good heart and knew when the right thing needed to be done. But that didn't change the fact that under Orn Free Taa's rule, the Republic had become quite increasingly corrupt.

A commotion outside drew Padme to the window, and she looked down upon the complex courtyard to see a group of men jostling and fighting as the Naboo security forces rushed in to control the situation. Two of the figures which caught her eye were dressed in royal purple armor and flowing hooded cloaks. One was a man and the other was a Gungan female.

They were a new special security and military force that had been commissioned almost seven years earlier, inspired to her by a comment Anakin had made. Only recently had they started to prove their usefulness and effectiveness, as Padme had predicted they'd eventually would. They were the new Royal Knights of Naboo, Force-sensitives that had been born or found on Naboo. They were raised and trained to become the Naboo and Gungans' Queen or King's top protectors. Anakin had played a massive role in their training, giving them tips on how to touch and use the Force, as well as lightsaber training. Jedi Knight Obi-wan Kenobi had helped them to refine the teachings and practices, as well as giving them a more Jedi-like outlook on their duties and philosophies. But one thing that set the Royal Knights apart from the Jedi was the simple fact that they didn't swear allegiance to the Republic, but to Naboo, and to maintain peace and stability on the planet. Although, there was room enough in the vows that they could spread their influence and offer their services to any of Naboo's allies, like their recent trade partners on Malastare, headed by the Dug King.

There came a sharp rap on the door to her office, and as she turned back that way, the portal slid open and Captain Panaka strode in. "Just checking, Representative," said the man who had served as her personal bodyguard during the early days of her reign as Queen. Tall and dark-skinned, he had a steely gaze and an athletic physique only accentuated by the cut of his brown leather jerkin, blue shirt, and pants, and the mere sight of Panaka filled Padme with comfort. He was in his forties now, but still looked as if he could outfight any man on Naboo.

"Shouldn't you be seeing to the security of Queen Jamillia?" Padme asked.

Panaka nodded. "She is well protected, I assure you."

"From?" Padme prompted , nodding towards the window and the continuing disturbance beyond. It seemed that even the Royal Knights were having a bit of trouble without escalating the conflict.

"Spice miners," Panaka explained. "Contract issues. Nothing to concern you, Padme. Actually, I was on my way here to speak with you about the security for your trip to Coruscant."

"This is still a week away," Padme pointed out.

Panaka looked to the window. "Which gives us more time to properly prepare."

Padme knew better than to argue with the stubborn man. Since she would be flying an official starship of the new Naboo fleet, Panaka had the right, if not the responsibility, to get involved. And in truth, his concern pleased her, although she'd never admit it to him.

A shout outside and renewed fighting drew her attention briefly, making her wince. She only caught a glimpse of what happened this time before the two Knights finally had enough and used their powers to forcefully separate the parties involved and keep them away from each other, igniting their pink lightsabers to create a literal barrier between the groups. Another problem, there was always a problem somewhere. Padme had to wonder if that was just the nature of people, to create some excitement when all seemed well. Given that unsettling thought, Sola's words from an earlier conversation they'd had came back to her, along with images of Ryoo and Pooja. How she loved those two carefree little sprites!

"Madam," Panaka said, drawing her out of her private contemplations.

"Yes?"

"We should discuss the security procedures."

It pained Padme to let go of the images of her nieces at that moment, but she nodded and forced herself back into her responsible mode. Captain Panaka had said that they had to discuss security, and so Padme Amidala had to discuss security.

Four days later

The home of George Lukkan was a quaint little two-story building on the edge of a lake, surrounded by large, leafy trees. Normally, there was a homely air of welcoming and slight mischievousness that was largely due to George himself. But now it was quiet and sad, the lone person inside, Korin Lukkan, it sat upon a recliner that she had sat many times before with her dear George. But never again would she feel his warm, strong body next to hers.

They had been married only a few short months. Their meeting had occurred after George had come to Theed to be trained as a Royal Knight when it was discovered that he was Force-sensitive, but far too old to join the Jedi Order. And while their initial meeting had been anything but glamorous, their time together had been nothing short of magical to her. And while it was always hard for a non-Force-user to judge the potential of one, it was fairly clear to her that George had had a bright future lined up for him as a Royal Knight. The salary of just one month was more than enough to pay for their little lake-side home and still have enough to buy furniture and groceries!

Though the details of his death were still sketchy, Korin had managed to learn that when the pirate attack on the plasma station had happened, George had rushed forward to repel them. The first few minutes of the firefight had actually gone quite well in the defenders' favor, until the pirate captain had made his appearance. He had singled out and attacked George. For not only was George a Royal Knight and an army unto himself, but he was also leading the defenders and coordinating their efforts to repel the pirates. The specifics of the fight that occurred had not been revealed to her, only the important facts: the pirate had slain George after a short but savage fight. To make matters worse, the pirate had escaped the station after his horde had raided the place and took everything of value that they could before the Naboo fleet could arrive.

A quiet knocking sound on the door drew Korin's attention. Standing up, she moved over to the door and peered out the viewscreen to see who her visitor was. It took a moment, but she was eventually able to recognize the young man outside. Hitting the unlock button, she opened the door and turned to greet him.

"Hey, Korin," Anakin Skywalker said, nodding in greeting to her. "Mind if I come in?"

Rather than verbally reply, Korin just moved to the side and allowed the Skywalker entry. There really wasn't much choice in this regard. After not only his involvement with Queen Amidala's escape from the Trade Federation, the Battle of Naboo, and all that he'd done for Naboo in the following years, Anakin Skywalker had become something of a folk hero among the people of Naboo, right along with Padme Amidala, little Ahsoka Tano, and Obi-wan Kenobi. He was the unofficial 'First Knight' and cofounder of the Royal Knights, owner and lead designer of Sunrunner StarDrive, and a very skilled bounty hunter in his own right. Who was she to deny a Hero of Naboo entry into her home?

Moving to the living room, Korin returned to her seat, watching as the young man looked out the large window at the lake beyond. "This is a beautiful area," he said quietly. "I can see why George decided to live here."

"What do you want, Skywalker?" Korin finally asked. She really wasn't in the mood for company, no matter just who that company was.

Turning back to face her, Anakin looked down upon her with a serious expression. "George Lukkan was a very dear friend of mine, and I know what you're going through right now."

"No, you don't," Korin said slowly, glaring slightly at Anakin. How dare he claim to know what she was going through! She'd just lost her husband, the man she'd given her heart to! How could he possibly know what she was going through?!

Anakin studied her expression, no doubt sensing her turbulent emotions in the Force. After a moment of silence, in which she'd managed to regain her composure slightly, he finally said, "I tracked down those pirates, destroyed their ships, recovered what they stole, and personally killed that pirate that took George." Reaching to his waist, he unclipped one of the lightsabers he had worn there and held it out to her. After only a short glance, Korin was able to recognize the saber as George's. "I know it's not much of a comfort, but George was avenged."

"What does it matter?"Korin asked, taking her husband's weapon from him, holding it in two hands as she turned it every which way to study it. "He isn't here anymore. He's gone. I'll never see him again, be with him again. He left me alone."

As she said this, Anakin's gaze changed. "No, he didn't, not entirely."

"What are you talking about?" Korin asked, looking up at the boy questioningly.

He smiled ever so faintly as he slowly reached out a hand towards her. "He left you a little 'gift' before he died. I can feel it, in the Force." As he said this, he gently brushed his fingers against her abdomen, causing Korin to freeze in surprise and faint but growing hope. Seeing the flickering hope dancing in her eyes, Anakin let a small but reassuring smile cross his face. Then he closed his eyes, concentrating deeply in the Force as he laid his hand upon her stomach. "This one is going to be a strong one; willful, stubborn, and slightly overbearing, but a loyal and great friend. It will bring great honor and pride upon you, George, and your whole family."

When he felt something wet hit his outstretched hand, Anakin opened his eyes to find Korin crying. But her tears belied the happiness she was feeling, as evident by the small smile that was crossing her face. If nothing else, Anakin found himself relieved and content that he had managed to restore his friend's widow with some much needed hope. He made a silent vow to himself that he'd check up on Korin and her child later on to see what would become of them.

"This is not good news," Captain Panaka remarked, after delivering the blow to Amidala.

"We've suspected all along that Count Dooku, Senator Palpatine, and their separatists would court the Trade Federation and the various commercial guilds," Padme replied, trying to put a good face on it all. Panaka had just come in with Captain Typho, his nephew, with the report that the Trade Federation had thrown in with the separatist movement that now threatened to tear the Republic apart.

"Viceroy Gunray is an opportunist," she continued. "He will do anything that he believes will benefit him financially. His loyalties end at his purse. Count Dooku must be offering him favorable trade agreements, free run to produce goods without regard to the conditions of the workers or the effect on the environment. Viceroy Gunray has left more than one planet as a barren dead ball, floating in space. Or perhaps Count Dooku is offering the Trade Federation absolute control of lucrative markets, without competition."

"I'm more concerned with the implications to you, Advisor," Panaka remarked, drawing a curious stare from Padme. "The separatists have shown themselves to not be above violence. There have been assassination attempts across the Republic."

"But would Count Dooku and the separatists consider Representative Amidala almost an ally at this time?" Captain Typho interjected, and both Panaka and Padme looked at this usually quiet man in surprise. "Senator Palpatine may only be their spokesman, but he still must have some ties here to Naboo. I can't see him allowing them to bring any harm upon the Advisor over some political dispute."

Padme's look quickly turned into a stare. There was an angry edge to her fair features. "I am no friend to any who would dissolve a democratic government out of greed, Captain." Her tone left no room for debate—and of course, there would be no debating that point. In the few years she had been made an Advisor of the Queen and a Representative of Naboo, Amidala had shown herself to be among the most loyal and powerful supporters of Naboo's independence. She had become a legislator determined to improve Naboo's situation with the rest of the galaxy and the Republic, but to do so from within the framework of the Republic's constitution. Representative Amidala fervently believed that the beauty of the governing system was its built-in abilities, even demands, for self-improvement.

"Agreed, Representative," Typho said with a bow. He was shorter than his uncle but powerfully built, muscles filling the blue sleeves of his uniform, his chest solid under the brown leather tunic. He wore a black leather patch over his left eye, which he had lost in the battle with that same Trade Federation a decade before. Typho had been just a teenager then, but had shown himself well, and made his uncle Panaka proud. "And no offense meant. But on this issue concerning the creation of an army of the Republic, you have remained firmly in court of negotiation over force. Would not the separatists agree with your point of view?"

When Padme put her initial outrage aside and considered the point, she had to agree.

"Count Dooku has thrown in with Nute Gunray, say the reports," Panaka cut in, his tone flat and determined. "That mere fact demands that we tighten security about Representative Amidala."

"Please do not speak of me as though I am not here," she scolded, but Panaka didn't blink.

"In matters of security, Representative, you are not here," he replied. "At least, your voice is not. My nephew reports to me, and his responsibilities on this matter cannot be undermined, Take all precautions."

With that, he bowed curtly and walked away, and Padme suppressed immediate desire to rebuke him. He was right, and she was better off because he dared to point it out. She looked back at Captain Typho.

"We will be vigilant, Representative," Typho said. "I will also be requesting that two Knights accompany us."

"I have my duty, and that duty demands that I soon leave for Coruscant," she said firmly.

"And I have my duty," Typho assured her, and like Panaka, he offered a bow and walked away.

Padme watched him go, then gave a great sigh, remembering Sola's words to her and wondering honestly if she would ever find the opportunity to follow her sister's advice. Advice that she was finding strangely tempting at that particular moment. She realized then that she hadn't seen Sola, the kids, or her parents in nearly two weeks, not since that afternoon in the backyard with Ryoo and Pooja.

Time did seem to be slipping past her.

(Author's Note) Before anyone asks, yes, I was inspired by the Imperial Knights of the Star Wars Legacy comics for the Royal Knights of Naboo. Just some quick info on them before I continue on: They are still relatively few in number, less than a hundred; they accept both humans and Gungans (all native to Naboo); they are nearly fully trained Force sensitives on par with Jedi but focus more on lightsaber and combat training than esoteric Force powers; and Anakin and Ahsoka aren't technically members of them because they're too independent to be tied down by such an organization (but they does regularly help train them)

I hope this chapter offers some small insight into the workings of the galaxy and Republic between the two episodes. I'll try to expand on it further in coming chapters.

PS: If you're interested, go check out my DeviantART page for a few symbols that'll be playing minor roles in the story.