The holo showed the interior of a Lucrehulk. Instead of Nemoidians, the organic crew consisted mainly of humans. The image swung, focusing on a human.

"We are here aboard the Liberator, the lead ship of one woman's self styled crusade in the Chommell sector. Queen Amidala claims she is here to drive out the Hutts after fighting started several months ago. But what are her real motives?"

The camera view changed to show scenes of Naboo drilling, firing at targets with blasters and practicing an advance. It then changed to a hulking combat walker moving from a drop ship into a hanger.

"This is no longer a planetary defence force or militia. Can we trust that once Chommell is liberated that this army will stand down? Will they peacefully return to Naboo? Or will they turn their eyes inward? Are we looking at another Warlord and Satellite Power in the making? This is Mira Kol. Join me as we investigate the Liberator and the cult of personality forming out here in the Rim."

Palpatine turned the sound down and smiled at Maul.

" I do not see what there is to smile about. The entire sector is repelling my allies and the holy site is still vulnerable to the Jedi." said Maul.

"Your allies are behaving perfectly. They are excellent villains and we have our very own noble crusader to fight them. Amidala and her merry band of followers have the Senate fearfully afraid of her next move while the public loves her. " said Palpatine.

"I don't see..." began Maul.

"No I guess you don't. Ms Amidala is now Queen. She went from intern to monarch as the result of a grateful populace. Ever thought how we could use that?"

"So? We don't control her, we have no way of knowing what she will do next."

"To the contrary. Our young Queen writes often, seeking advice from an old friend and mentor. It would not do to give her bad advice, now would it? While we're one that subject, know of any Hutt staging bases?" said Palpatine smiling.

In the Liberator's main conference room there was silence.

"You are suggesting what?" said General Goduk of Jendoia.

"A raid. Here." said Padme walking over and indicating a system in the holomap. "Tolvega. It boasts several orbital shipyards and numerous mining facilities on the planet supplying them."

"That's a Zone planet." said Herkam of Moritar.

"Yes, I am well aware of it's location. We destroy those facilities and the Hutt will be in no position to threaten us in the near future. It will also give them something to consider if they ever think of attacking us again." said Padme.

"Excellent choice Queen. I know the ruler of Tolvega. He will look good crushed beneath your boot." said Vuola.

Most of the others looked unconvinced. Padme wandered over to Bail Organa.

"Tolvega's mines are operated by slaves. How would you like to participate in one of the biggest breakouts in recent history?" she said to him. To the rest she added. "That planet has everything we want. Security, liberation and glory. How about it?

"Relax. Concentrate. See the chair in your mind." said Obi-Wan calmly.

Obi-Wan and Anakin were seated in a small room. Between them was a simple metal chair. Anakin was cross-legged and had his eyes closed.

"I am sure this would be easier if I could just look at it." said Anakin.

"Using the Force is like learning to do anything. With your eyes closed you are free of distractions. Just relax. See the chair. It is like every other chair." said Obi-Wan.

"Okay, okay. I think I can see it." said Anakin after a while.

"You think? Using the Force requires clarity, both of mind and purpose. Don't think, know." said Obi-Wan.

"Okay. I got it." said Anakin after about a minute.

"Good. Now will the chair to rise. To gently float a few centimetres from the floor." said Obi-Wan.

The chair rattled a bit but stubbornly obeyed the ships gravity field. Anakin's face pinched in concentration but nothing further happened.

"No. It's too hard." he said after a while and opening his eyes.

"Relax Anakin. This is just the beginning. You are strong in the Force and once you learn how you will be capable of almost anything. But it will take time. Take heart, the chair did move." said Obi-Wan

"Yeah. Can we do something else?" groused Anakin.

"Certainly. How about the new obstacle course in Bay Thirty?"

"More exercise?" said Anakin getting up.

"More exercise." confirmed Obi-Wan.

The two departed to head for the obstacle course.

"Story." said Keira as Anakin wearily tucked her in. He wracked his mind but just couldn't think of anything.

"All I've got is the tale of the man everyone thought could be a Jedi but in reality wasn't." Anakin said.

"Really? Try the one about the silly girl who thought she could solve the Galaxy's problems by herself." said Padme as she walke flopped down on the edge of the bed. "I dropped by to hear a story. I'm so tired of 'Yes, Your Majesty, but' from everyone but Vuola."

"At least someone is agreeing with you." said Anakin.

"Great. The borderline sociopath thinks my ideas are great. That's not quite the resounding endorsement. I really want one of your innocent yet utterly inappropriate comments. Better yet, a miracle from wherever you keep them and I, wait, are you even listening to me?" said Padme.

Anakin had closed his eyes. Relax. Concentrate. See them in your mind. Now rise.

"Hey!" said Padme as she rose slightly off the bed.

Anakin opened his eyes. "Do you know the story of the Jedi and the Queen?" he said.

Padme smiled, "Does it have a happy ending?" she said.

"I think so. I only know the beginning at the moment." said Anakin.

Padme found she could move and remain supported. She reached down and picked up Keira. She adopted a sitting position and placed the child in her lap.

"Do you want to hear this story?" she said.

"Yes." said Keira.

"Uh, okay. A long time ago on a planet far away from here..." he began.

It was the next day. Anakin had excitedly demonstrated his ability at telekinesis to Obi-Wan. The Jedi had then asked how the knowledge had come to him and Anakin had explained.

"I never thought I would ever have to say this, but Jedi use the Force for knowledge and defence, not to pick up girls." said Obi-Wan affecting a grave tone while grinning.

"Hey! She just needed cheering up." said Anakin

"And it's good that you did. Consciously using the Force to unambiguously help someone is always regarded as a good sign." said Obi-Wan.

"It is? Nice to see I am doing something right." said Anakin.

"You are. Using the Force isn't just telepathy and telekinesis. It is communicating your desires to the universe and getting a reply back. Using that to help someone so clearly is amazing. Anyway it's time for training." said Obi-Wan beginning warm up exercises.

Anakin groaned."I sense a two circuit run in my future." he said.

"See, your predictive powers are improving as we speak, come on." said Obi-Wan.

It was another day in the Senate. Palpatine could taste the fever. Heads had rolled, scores settled and a new resolve to deal with his Queen had come over them all. Amazing what a little fear could do and how delicious it was. He listened as Senator Goophal whipped the body into a frenzy.

"If I may interject. I believe the Representative of Heran to be mistaken. Further investigation is required. This pointless scaremongering should not be of this body. Senators, let us look at the facts." began Taran Organa of Alderaan.

Palpatine watched as the Alderaani took up the defence of the Crusaders. He started receiving notes of support from them and their allies.

Blast it! Of all the times to come to their senses. Why now thought Palpatine. Why the hell now?

Some days later the Liberator was again in orbit over Naboo. Around it clustered various light combat ships attracted to the growing Crusade. A shuttle rose from the planet to the ship and docked. In the Vulture Bay Anakin saw to some of the large combat droids while Keira played nearby.

"Ow. Ow. Ow." said the Vulture droid as Anakin worked on the droid's leg.

"Serves you right for kicking a Molitar. Why did you do that anyway?" said Anakin.

The droid shook itself as it attempted to shrug.

"Don't know." it said.

"Well, maybe next time just stick to your..." Anakin stopped as he heard Keira cry out.

"No!"

Anakin turned to see Keira running towards him. Behind her were two woman They were young, dressed sharply and wore ID tags. He read the tags as they approached. Child Services. Moira and Kara. Keira hid behind Anakin.

"What do you want." Anakin said.

"We've come to help Keira find her family." said Moira.

Anakin looked down at Keira who shook her head. "Looks like she doesn't want to go." he said.

Kara looked like she was about to say something but then both women backed up. Anakin was aware of several Vultures behind him.

"Is there a problem?" said a Vulture looming over the humans,

"They want to take Keira away." said Anakin.

"No." said the droid. There was an ominous hum as it's blaster capacitors charged. The women backed away further. The droid followed menacingly. "Request permission to fire." it said.

"No!" said Anakin

"Permission to kick." said the droid raising a leg.

"No! Stand down." said Anakin. The women fled.

The droid turned round and crouched slightly. Anakin walked over and patted the droid on the leg. The other vultures clustered round protectively.

"Hey, you did good." he said.

Several visits by officials of increasing importance resulted in Padme being forced to intervene. She walked calmly into the hanger as the Vultures shuffled out of her way. She reached Keira and held out her arms. The girl ran into them and Padme picked her up.

"We have to go now." she said softly. Keira struggled in her arms but Padme held on to her. "Come and say goodbye to Anakin." she said as she turned to face him.

"Why are you doing this?" said Anakin.

"Because this is a warship. It's no place, for a child. She needs a, family, my people will find, her relatives or place her, in a new family." said Padme trying her best to keep her voice level.

"We're her family." said Anakin placing a hand on Padme's arm.

"No. We, are not. She has to go Anakin. It's the law."

"Then change it. You're the Queen."

"It. It doesn't work that way. I'm sorry Anakin. I really am. But she needs to go now. Perhaps you could walk with us to the shuttle."

"Alright."

Silently they walked through the ship to the shuttle bay. As they reached the shuttle Padme turned to Anakin.

"Keira, honey. You have to go with these people." said Padme.

"No." the girl struggled even harder.

"Here." said Anakin holding out his arms. Keira clambered over. He carried her into the shuttle, placed her in a seat and buckled he in.

"I'm sorry, but you have to be brave. I will come back for you. I promise." said Anakin, choking.

"Stay."

"I can't. Goodbye." said Anakin.

He walked slowly out of the shuttle as Keira screamed and cried. Head bowed he started out of the hanger.

"Anakin." said Padme as he passed her.

"Don't you have a war to run?" he said glaring.

"Please, I'm so sorry." she said.

"No you're not. You don't care at all." said Anakin and turned and marched out of the hanger.

Padme managed to maintain her composure until she reached her quarters.