"So you will do nothing?" asked Senator Estheral of Lantralia.

The Senate was in session. Today, the main topic was the so called Chommell Independent Ships. It had already been three hours of various tirades against Naboo and Palpatine in general and Ms Amidala, in particular.

"I am still unclear on what you feel I should do. For years the Rim has bled and this body did nothing. Populations are ravaged and this body did nothing. An entire sector invaded and this body did nothing. Ms Amidala, a lone citizen, acting on her own, at great personal expense has finally done what many would call heroic." said Palpatine. He paused and took some time to read a flimsy. "I stand corrected. As of last night you will refer to my former assistant as Queen Amidala, sovereign ruler of Naboo. Also, with regard to what should be done, I believe the phrase is 'You, and what army?'. He Majesty has one. Where, is yours?"

Palpatine turned up the sound baffles to drown out the uproar.

Anakin Skywalker sat on a park bench eating a pie and idly wondering about his future. He was unemployed on a strange, alien world. He felt he could live with that. Naboo was idyllic and pleasant despite the bizarre weather. He wasn't too sure about being dismissed from the Militia. Captain Panaka had sworn he would never fly again and seemed to be making good on that promise locally.

"Hey handsome. Care to rescue a damsel from thirst?" it was Mesmeree.

"For you? Sure." said Anakin, he wandered over to a kiosk, chatted with the cashier and returned with two glasses of sparkling blue liquid.

"Did you pay for that?" said Mesmeree smiling. Anakin just shrugged and handed her a glass.

"Thank you."

"Your welcome." Anakin said. He offered his hand and Mesmeree took it. Together, they began walking through the park.

"Have you thought about my offer? Personal pilot? Fly me round the Galaxy to various shows?" said Mesmeree. She stopped, put her arms around him and leaned in "Have I mentioned the benefits package?" she said, kissing him. After the kiss she looked into his eyes. "You're still going to say no."

"I'm sorry Mesmeree. I can't. Any other time. I would, believe me," Anakin said, puliing back slightly.

"You want to join the Liberation Fleet." Mesmeree said quietly. Anakin nodded.

"It's something I have to do. The Hutts are terrible. There are people suffering out there. I can help." said Anakin

"And you get a rush from saving people. Admit it." said Mesmeree.

"Well, yeah. It feels, good." said Anakin.

Mesmeree reached up and whispered in Anakin's ear, "Then save me from one night of being alone."

The next morning saw Anakin waiting in line, pad in hand, having filled out the application to join the Liberation Fleet.

"Form." said the spindly security droid at the recruitment stall. Anakin handed the completed form over. The droid entered the details, looked at the results and then up at him.

"Your application is rejected. Unsuitable for fleet duties. Next!"

"What?" said Anakin.

"You are not suitable. I am sorry, not every applicant can be taken. Next!" said the droid.

"Can you tell me why?" said Anakin.

"No. Next! Please move along citizen." said the droid.

Anakin walked away confused. Had Panaka's influence extended to here? Hmm, was it just his name that was a problem? Anakin grabbed a new pad and was a little more, creative with his application. He then got back in line. Droids were not smart.

"Next. Hey! Don't I know you?" said the droid.

"I've just got that kind of face." said Anakin handing over the pad. The droid entered the details, looked at the results and then up to Anakin. "Your application is successful. Welcome Mr Star. Move on. Next!"

Padme rose and smiled at the sight of the visitor to the Liberator's command centre.

"Jedi Kenobi. How may I help you." she said.

Obi-Wan bowed briefly. "I was about to ask you the same question, Your Majesty." he walked about the bridge. "For one, the presence of a Jedi may reassure many that your motives are indeed as pure as they are,"

Padme crossed her arms. "What, are they saying?"

"How does 'Amidala the Conqueror' sound?"

Padme made a face. "Really? That's all? I was hoping for, I don't know, comparisons to, say Revan the Mad? She put her hand in front of her face. "I will conquer the Galaxy, join me, foolish Jedi."imitating a rasping voice.

"I can see you're taking this with the seriousness this deserves." said Obi-Wan.

"Well, what do those fools know? The Hutts attacked because they thought us weak. I intend to show them otherwise." said Padme.

"Certainly, something should be done about the Hutts, but don't discount the value of allies or those sympathetic to your cause. There may be more than you think. As a united front you would also ease fears." said Obi-Wan.

"So I should cancel the order of dark robes and face masks?" said Padme smiling.

"Hey, what you wear in your quarters is up to you. I would stick to more formal attire where the news droids are about though." said Obi-Wan as he turned, sat down at a terminal and pulled up a list.

Padme walked over to look over his shoulder. "What are you doing?"

"Being prompted by the Force. These are the newest recruits?" At Padme's nod Obi-Wan continued. "May I suggest greeting them in person, especially..." he tapped an entry revealing a familiar smiling face, "...a Mr Bron Star?"

"...so the H57s are the new deal?" said Anakin as they disembarked from the shuttle onto the Liberator. He was chatting with Karan and Mira, two young volunteers with similar interests in fast vehicles and how they worked.

"Totally the...Oh Gods!" said Karan.

Noticing their leader and monarch was personally there to welcome them forced the arrivals into some semblance of attention. Anakin stood straight and grinned at the front of the crowd.

"She's here. Why is that?"

"Shh."

Anakin had a pretty good idea.

'Mr Star' had been requested to wait after everyone else had been thanked for volunteering and guided to their new quarters. Padme waited until she could no longer hear the chatting of the new recruits down the hallway. She closed the door.

"What. Are you doing here?" Padme said levelly.

"I want to liberate Chommell and make sure the Hutt never threatens the Galaxy again." said Anakin still grinning.

What Padme wanted to do right then was space the insolent lout.

"Your Majesty." she said calmly.

"Pardon?" said Anakin.

"You will address me as Your Majesty." said Padme.

"Why? I didn't vote for you. I'm not one of your subjects. Perhaps I'm an object then?" said Anakin.

"Because it is considered the polite thing to do." said Obi-Wan right beside Anakin in a calm voice.

Anakin spun and jumped. "Where did you come from? You, you weren't there before!" he said.

"I have been here the whole time. I just chose not to be noticed till now." said Obi-Wan

"You have? How do you..." Anakin began.

"Queen." interrupted Obi-Wan pointing at Padme.

Right. Point. Anakin relaxed, turned and smiled at Padme. "Your Majesty." he said.

Crazed anarchists have managed more respect. While throwing explosives.

"Thank you. How do think you can serve me, the Liberation Fleet I mean." said Padme.

"Well, Your Majesty..." began Anakin.

"I believe it would be in everyone's best interests if Anakin were my assistant." said Obi-Wan before Anakin said something that did get him spaced.

"What?" said the other two at once.

"Anakin demonstrates far too much ability with the Force to be left to his own devices. He needs some training to properly harness that power." said Obi-Wan. "If Your Majesty approves, of course."

"I thought that woman said I wasn't Jedi material." said Anakin.

"Kayri is wise, but has not had her understanding illuminated by being in constant close proximity to you." said Obi Wan.

"Do I get a choice in this?" said Anakin.

"At the moment it's this or scrubbing every deck, if not the airlock." said Obi-wan quietly.

"Okay, then." said Anakin.

"Well, that's settled." Obi-wan said bring his hands together at the fingertips. "With Your Majesty's leave I shall begin training my new apprentice at once."

Padme nodded. "That is, acceptable."

"Very well Your Majesty. Come on apprentice, we have much to discuss." said Obi-Wan as he left with Anakin.