Many thanks to everyone who read and left comments. Sorry about the delay in posting, but as usual, DRL is a pain. Hope you all enjoy this next installment.

Jedi Knight Anakin Solo: Thanks so much. Yes, we will see more of Cliegg and also his wife has already departed. Thanks for reading!

Piper Halliwell2: Thanks! More is here.

StandfieldSkywalker: Thanks for your insightful comments. Hope my email was insighful. As per your reference to Anakin's arrogance, I am in agreement with you. I believe, given his roots that he would have just been happy to have had the chance to make a difference. The only problem was probably those around him treated him differently because he was the Chosen One so that could have gone to his head. Still, I would have liked to have seen him more humble. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy!

Jedi Master 526: You are too kind. Thanks for your comments.

Lizziemackenze: Yes, you are quite correct about the approximate canon when Veruna mysteriously died. Since NC is AU, I took some creative license and delayed it abit. Hope it doesn't detract from the rest of the story for you. Thanks for your thoughts. I appreciate them.

Optimus Primal: Jedi Maximal: I hope I didn't come off as harsh in my last reply. Just meant that I use canon for the structure of the universe, but let the characters go where they will. Thanks again for reading.

Ghostrider: Little Ani is growing and probably soon going to ask some uncomfortable questions. Probably everybody's favorite Jedi Master might have some awkward 'talks' with the boy. The Jedi are slow, but don't count them out just yet. Thanks so much!

Sunniva: Thanks so much and welcome to the story. Work is already underway for a sequel. It is planned to occur right up to the AotC timeperiod so yes things will somewhat get incorporated. I appreciate your comments. Hope you enjoy!

Pokey: Thanks so much. More is here :).

Mizra: Yes, Cliegg and Shmi have met, where that leads to... And as for Ani, he will be pivotal as things keep moving along. Thanks for reading!

Black's Phoenix: I agree with you about Siri's interference. It is quite possible she has 'unresolved' feelings towards Obi-Wan and saw that Sabe was quickly taking him away. Hopefully those two will get over their pride and speak with one another before it's too late. Thanks so much for reading. Hope you enjoy!

NothingfeelsGood: Lots of potential relationships are buzzing about as events move into faster motion. As for Veruna, I'd say that he's in rather deep trouble. But we shall see. Stranger things have been known to happen. Glad to bring a smile to ya! Hope this one makes you grin :).

Hieiko: Looks that way :). Thanks for reading!

LetNys: Thank you so much for your kind comments. Does a muse good :). Cliegg is somewhat in the picture and we will see how things will develop between Shmi and him. Hopefully Obi-Wan and Sabe will get through their differences soon. As for Ani and Padme, they are both still young, but those seeds are definitely taking root. Thanks for reading!

Fortune Zyne: Trust me, no harm will befall Shmi...for the moment. I agree though, she is a wonderful character and was very underutilized in the movies. Would have liked to have seen and known more about her. Thanks so much for reading. Hope you enjoy!


Upon returning to Theed Palace, Anakin hurried into his room to change. The Queen had called an emergency meeting of her entire Royal Court, which now included him. Since his thirteenth life day, which occurred a few months prior and was considered a coming of age by the Naboo, he was required to fulfill his duties as the High Protector. He would attend Court when his academy schedule allowed and would act as an advisor to the Queen when needed. At first, the sandy haired, former slave was overwhelmed as he listened to the planet's leaders speak about important issues concerning their world. Thankfully, Amidala never put him on the spot and after most meetings either Eirtaé or Rabé would educate him on the debated topics or explain some of the more ceremonial procedures.

Aside from being in the company of the upper echelons of society, Anakin had yet to gain comfort when wearing his Court outfits. Indeed, he did not understand why Padmé and his mother got such pleasure from taking him to the market and making him try on dozens upon dozens of different styles of clothing. He had always preferred simple tunics and leggings, but these were colorful and made of synthsilk which made him feel that a stiff breeze would launch him skyward.

"Master Ani," called out Threepio as he arrived from the other room. "Why don't you try these on?"

The boy groaned when his protocol droid held up two costumes that he absolutely abhorred. On his eleventh life day, Padmé arranged for Threepio to be fitted for gold coverings. Anakin had never gotten around to adding them since his departure from Tatooine. Even though he knew it wasn't possible, Anakin thought he sensed a new air of pride emanating off of his creation since that moment. Although, he also seemed to be even prissier than before. At some point, he would have to fix that.

"How come you can interpret over six-million forms of communication, but you can't choose a decent outfit?"

The droid peered at his maker quizzically as he retorted, "Why, I don't know, Master Ani, but I will be sure to find out."

Anakin rolled his eyes as he continued to sift through his closet. Then a thought occurred to him. "Threepio, has Padmé ever mentioned what she likes me best in?"

The golden droid processed his request quickly before answering. "Well, I do seem to recall her mentioning to Lady Sabé how she thinks you appear much older when you wear your black tunics."

Anakin grinned as he quickly grabbed the mentioned outfit and hurriedly put it on. He then walked into the fresher and ran some water through his unruly hair before returning to his room.

"How do I look?"

Threepio glanced at him briefly before replying, "I have to say, Master Ani that her Highness seems to be mistaken."

With a cursory glance, Anakin asked, "Mistaken? About what?"

"Well, according to my sensor records, you appear no different in age since you changed."

Anakin nearly snorted as he gave a playful pat to the droid's shoulder. "Padmé didn't mean it literally, Threepio. It is just an expression."

"An expression of what?" The golden droid queried, overly cheerful.

The boy sighed while shaking his head. "Never mind. I will explain it later."

"Oh, well, very good sir. Shall I have dinner ready for your return?"

Anakin was fastening his belt as he looked up. "That would be fine." He then scrunched his face as he asked, "Has there been any word from Mom?"

Threepio shook his head rapidly. "No, sir. Mistress Shmi has not contacted me since she and Mister Naberrie departed."

"Well, if she should, be sure to inform me right away."

Before the droid could answer, Anakin had already shut the door behind him. Threepio then muttered to himself while returning to his house choir duties, "Humans, always in such a rush."

As he turned down the long corridor which lead out of the Palace residence wing into the main chambers, the young boy heard the clattering of jewelry, as well as several muffled voices from behind. He turned about to see Queen Amidala dressed in an olive colored gown while wearing a large headpiece. Surrounding her were all the handmaidens, who wore navy blue cloaks as they followed.

The entire group paused as they approached Anakin who respectfully bowed his head. "Majesty."

A slight smile grew across the Queen's white painted face as she tipped her head. "Milord." Returning her eyes towards Anakin she asked, "Care to walk with us?"

Saché and Yané moved aside, allowing Anakin to enter the group. He then proffered his right arm towards Amidala who wrapped her free hand through it. Once they continued on their way to the throne room, they engaged in idle banter. Despite being around her in her official capacity many times over the years, Anakin still found it odd how different Padmé's personality was when she wore the garments of her office. Instead of the girl that was splashing him in Varykino Lake only hours ago; there stood the impassive, but noble leader of their people. Even her signature within the Force became altered, but he never used his abilities to gain any insights. He felt to do so would be an unwelcomed intrusion.

Aside from Padmé's unusual behavior when she became Amidala, Anakin's main thoughts centered upon what was urgent enough to hasten their return to Theed. They had planned on staying at the Queen's summer retreat for another week and were supposed to be joined by Padmé's family and his mother upon their return from Tatooine. Whatever it was, he felt a shift in the Force as they approached the throne room—always a worrisome thing as that usually insinuated something huge loomed on the horizon.

While still several paces away from entering the room, Anakin said to the Queen without turning towards his head, "I have a bad feeling about this."

Amidala cocked her eyebrow curiously, and without breaking stride answered, "Has the Force given you a vision?"

The boy shook his head. "No, your Highness." He paused momentarily before mentioning, "It is just seems to be swirling about in my head. It something…elusive."

"I have to admit," the Queen said, slightly slowing her pace, "I am feeling somewhat anxious about this myself."

Before Anakin could respond, the large doors leading into the throne room opened and they were greeted by all the members of the Royal Court, including Senator Mar who had just arrived from Coruscant. The sandy haired boy took a deep breath as his heart began to race. Being in this place and with these people was beyond anything he had ever dared to dream. He then automatically guided the Queen to her throne and offered a small half bow before taking his seat which was placed only two seats down from the throne.

Sio Bibble gave Anakin a friendly, but brief smile as he made his way to his chair. He then waited until Amidala sat and motioned for everyone else to do the same. Sabé then announced, "The Royal Court of her Highness, Queen Amidala is now called into official session."

"Thank you, Sabé," the young monarch said in an even tone. She then turned her attention towards the entire Court. "My appreciation to you all for gathering on such sort notice. Governor Bibble has some important news to share with the members of this body."

On cue, Sio withdrew his datapad from within his long light blue cloak while he stood. "Yes, your Majesty." He then turned to face the other members in the room. "Approximately eighteen hours ago, our chief mineralogical survey team that was running standard tests on our farthest moon made a significant discovery." The seasoned politician took a deep breath before continuing. "After one of their routine analysis of a sample from the moon's core, they have found a small pocket of kelvacyte."

A low murmur echoed throughout the entire throne room at the revelation. Anakin, who was quite familiar with the significance of the mineral, reclined into his seat while shifting his gaze towards the Queen. On the outside, she remained as stoic as ever, except for the nervous clenching of the snippet of japor that still hung around her neck. Through the Force however, the boy could sense her unease.

"Order please!" Sabé called out to silence the room.

Amidala tilted her head slightly as she addressed the Governor. "Have the tests been independently verified?"

Bibble nodded. "Yes, your Majesty. The team leader upon making the discovery sent a blind sample to the University of Theed's geological department. Their tests confirmed the mineralogical survey's findings."

The Queen slightly clenched the armrests on her throne as she asked, "How large is the deposit?"

"Their initial data suggests that the mineral is not abundant enough for us to formally request membership into the Republic's guild. Yet, if news of this is released, we may be required to seek assistance from the Chancellor and the Jedi."

Both Anakin and Amidala winced at mention of the Republic's guardians. However, the Queen maintained her composure as she pondered the situation. A tense silence quickly befell the room, which was broken by Senator Mar's declaration. "The choice is clear, your Highness. You must support the creation of a standing army lest we wish to be invaded again."

Echoes of both dissent and support for his suggestion filled the room; meanwhile, the Queen simply sighed to herself. The pressure to create a strong military since the end of the occupation had steadily rose from amongst the people. Amidala had always been a staunch pacifist which had been a major platform during her election bid. However, the majority of the traditionalists that had once been her solid core of support were slowly swaying their ideology towards a stronger military presence on Naboo. They contended that to not bolster the planet's defenses after the galaxy was made aware of their weakness would only invite more opportunists such as the Trade Federation to repeat their transgression.

What further confounded the issue was Amidala's own actions during the liberation. She herself chose to bypass diplomacy and through the use of force, regain control of Naboo's sovereignty. More and more often, she was being accused of blatant hypocrisy to the point that the rival party was raising funds to back another candidate in the upcoming elections. In her heart, Padmé feared that building an army would signal to other worlds that they were escalating the tension that remained between the Naboo and some of the remaining Trade Federation's partners, such as the Commerce Guilds and the Banking Clans. The Queen would not choose a path that could led her people into war; but, could she live with herself if she did nothing and conflict came anyway?

Governor Bibble angrily retorted, "That is not for you to suggest, Joaquin."

"But we are all thinking it," Mar retorted.

Trandin Devlin, a tall, burly man from the western continent, who replaced Senator Mar as Chief Parliamentarian, rose from his seat. "You are out of order, sir!"

While the three men argued and Sabé tried desperately to get the session back into order, Amidala cast a worried glance towards the High Protector's direction. Despite his lack of political experience, Anakin knew all too well how fear could drive people to act rashly. It was one of the constants of life back on Tatooine. And here, in spite of their sophisticated upbringings and vast educations, these supposedly wise rulers also acted blindly when faced with fear of the unknown.

Yet, Anakin did not concern himself with these matters. The only thing at that moment that was important to him was Padmé's well being as he felt a very atypical surge of despair rising from within her. Quickly, he offered her his lopsided grin and focused all the thoughts of warmth and reassurance he could muster into the Force to send to her. As if being shocked with electricity, Amidala felt a renewed sense of vigor surge through her body, causing her to stand. At that instant, all in the room fell silent.

"While I am aware that the defense of Naboo is of major concern to this body, for the moment that is not the issue." She hesitated briefly to observe all eyes in the room were focused upon her. "My first act is to immediately classify the knowledge of the kelvacyte deposit to only the members of the Royal Court. Second, I will send word to Boss Nass of the Gungans and request aid in guarding the find until our own defense forces can replace them."

The room remained silent after Amidala's decree. She then returned to her throne and gazed upon the faces of all present. "The safety and security of all the Naboo is of primary concern to us. We can ill afford another occupation, but I do not wish to see our peaceful traditions destroyed because of paranoia." She took in a breath of air and then released it slowly prior to continuing. "Therefore, I ask that both parties within Parliament draft a reasonable act that would outline the bolstering of our defenses and submit them to me with due haste."

The Chief Parliamentarian rose from his seat. "Are you now committing to signing one of these acts into law, your Majesty?"

Amidala shook her head. "Not at this point. Though, I do wish to know the true wishes of the people's representatives over this matter."

Devlin slightly smiled slightly as he bowed and returned to his seat. As the other members look towards one another, Amidala gave a subtle nod to Sabé.

"If there is nothing further, this meeting is adjourned and her Highness bids you all good day."

The representatives of the Royal Court rose and began filing out of the room. Anakin, in turn, followed the group and was approaching the doors when the Queen called out. "Lord Skywalker, could you stay a moment?'

Anakin nodded as he turned to walk towards the center of the room, which was a few meters from the throne. He and the Queen exchanged stares until the others members left and Saché closed the doors. Anakin could sense the anxiety of the Queen, as well as the handmaidens. They were all afraid of where this course of action could lead.

"You were silent throughout the proceedings, High Protector," Amidala observed.

Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, Anakin replied, "I didn't feel as if my opinions were warranted given my lack of experience with such matters."

"I'm asking you now," the Queen said abruptly. "How do you feel about all of this?"

Anakin closed his eyes as he opened his mind to the Force. It whispered to him briefly before his eyelids rose up. "The two times in my life I came into contact with kelvacyte were bad." The former slave nervously shifted his eyes downward as he sensed the Queen waiting for his answer. "In both instances, people died over it." He tilted his head up to look directly into Amidala's deep brown eyes. "Many people use it to illegally enhance their ships and personal blasters to the point where anything hit with that energy bolt will disintegrate on contact."

"I see," Amidala responded softly. "And who would do such a thing?"

Anakin shrugged. "Pirates mostly and probably slavers and smugglers. Basically anybody who didn't want to leave behind any witnesses if they were to get into a fight."

"Do you sense danger?"

The High Protector tried to reach further into the Force for an answer to the Queen's question; but, he was only greeted with more questions to his queries. Indeed, the Force itself was being vague about what lay ahead. "It's impossible to tell, your Majesty."

"And your thoughts on building an army?"

Anakin squared his shoulders as he pondered his response briefly. "Coming from where I did, if one wasn't ready for a fight, they usually were killed in their sleep."

The Queen remained stone faced while forming a steeple with her fingers. "You believe that this is our only course of action?"

"I can't speak to that end, your Highness," Anakin replied. "But what I do know of secrets is that no matter how well you try to keep them, eventually they get out. And if our kelvacyte deposit is ever discovered, and we don't have the means to protect ourselves, I think that we will be looking at some very dark times."

Amidala nodded slightly before saying, "We thank you for your candor, Lord Skywalker. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts."

"I am always willing to serve, your Majesty," Anakin answered while bowing respectfully. "With your permission, I will take my leave."

"By all means."

As the young teenager neared the door, the Queen called out, "And Ani?"

He turned around to see Padmé, not Amidala speaking. "Highness?"

"Would you care to join me this evening after last meal for a stroll along the Virdugo Plunge?"

Anakin smiled happily as he was now glancing at his closest friend again. "I look forward to it, your Majesty."

"Until this evening then."

The High Protector dipped his head as he responded. "Until then."


Shmi breathed a sigh of relief as the bulky freighter she and Ruwee used to transport supplies to the Outer Rim touched down in the open field near the Naberrie's family home. While she was becoming used to their missions of mercy coming under more fire recently, the latest journey had truly frightened her. If it wasn't for Cliegg Lars' timely intervention, she and Ruwee could have ended up as slaves in Jabba's Palace. And this time, no race or mountain of credits would save them.

As always, after each mission, Jobal Naberrie stood nearby, anxiously awaiting her husband's return. However this time, she was accompanied by her oldest daughter Sola who was holding three year old Ryoo snugly in her arms. Ruwee grinned widely as his entire family wrapped him in a longing embrace; meanwhile, Shmi stood back to allow them their private moment.

"It is good to have you home and safe, love," Jobal said after kissing her husband.

"Good to be home," he replied as he gave a kiss on the cheek to both his daughter and granddaughter. "And how's my little girl been behaving?"

Little Ryoo smiled brightly as she exclaimed; "I've been a good girl for momma and nana."

"How was the trip to Tatooine, Father?"

Ruwee noticeably winced as he tried to hide his worry from his family. 'What is it?" Jobal asked nervously.

"Nothing," he muttered.

She then turned to Shmi who had ventured slightly closer to them. After warmly embracing her friend she asked, "Did something happen this time?"

"We ran into a spot of trouble, but the gods were with us," Shmi said reluctantly.

"This time?" Sola pointed out. "I told you, Father that you both need more help."

Ruwee turned towards Shmi who shrugged in resignation. "Perhaps you are right, anera (Naboovian for beloved), but we can worry about that later."

The worry creasing Jobal's face lifted as she offered a smile to the others. "Absolutely. Besides, I have prepared a large dinner and it won't get any warmer the longer we stand out here."

As the group turned to head indoors, Shmi lagged behind as she noticed that something was off about the way Sola was moving. She moved along side of her and asked, "Are you alright?"

The younger woman nodded as she answered, "I'm fine, just a little tired. No matter how much I sleep lately, I can't seem to get enough rest."

"Have been by to see the healer?"

Sola shook her head. "Probably just a little bug. I'll be fine."

Shmi smiled as she said, "Well then let's head in so your mother's hard work doesn't go to waste."

The oldest Naberrie daughter grimaced as she hesitating to continue walking. "Haven't been able to hold much down either. Guess this bug has really got a hold of me."

Shmi gave her a large, knowing smile as she patted her on the shoulder. "Well if it's all the same, go by the healer's just to make sure. You never know if it is something more serious."

Becoming worried, Sola asked, "Do you think it is something bad?"

"Hardly. Still, never hurts to be prudent."

Padmé's sister lightly chortled. "Perhaps you're right. Besides, with Ryoo at that 'getting into everything' stage, I can ill afford to be sick for long."

Shmi laughed as she answered, "I completely understand. Ani was a handful when he was three.

As they continued to walk, Sola was pensive for several moments before turning back towards Shmi. "Not to be forward, but how did you handle raising Anakin on your own? Because I honestly don't think I could deal with Ryoo without Darred's help."

Shmi gave the young woman a sad smile as she considered her question. "Well, since I didn't know what it was like to raise a child with a husband, I really didn't have a point of comparison. But, it was a difficult thing to be both parents to a very curious boy who wants to know who his father was. And then to explain how he was different from his other friends in that he had no father."

"I cannot even begin to imagine that," she muttered.

Shmi chuckled as she stated, "No one was more surprised than me when I started to show. I thought what was really morning sickness was just a bad stomach virus I picked up from one of my trips." She flashed a grin at Sola before she added,"Then a few months later, I was larger than a bantha."

The two shared a light hearted laugh before the former slave added, "But yes, there were many times when I thought that I couldn't handle it. After feeling sorry for myself, I realized, without me, Ani had nobody so I braved the hardships as best I could."

Sola released a bright smile as she observed, "Anakin is lucky to have a mother like you."

"And I'm fortunate to have a son such as him."

Before Sola could speak, they had entered her family's home. Although her mother's cooking was always wonderful, the different aromas floating about made her stomach to turn, causing her to hover in the doorway.

"Something wrong?" Shmi asked concerned.

Smirking, Sola answered, "I don't think I can handle all the smells. Please tell my Mom that I am going for a walk and I'll be back shortly."

Shmi smiled while tilting her head forward in acknowledgement. As she was left alone, Sola, despite feeling queasy, could not help but smile as she gently rubbed her stomach.


Forty-eight standard hours was quite enough time to wait, or so thought former King Veruna as he nervously paced outside his communications relay. He was confounded that Palpatine had not taken his threats more seriously and now he would be forced to reveal his information which would further implicate himself in many illegal activities that lead to the Trade Federations' occupation. Still, to be able to take down the exalted Supreme Chancellor of the Republic would at least make his inevitable execution all the more worth it.

Turning to one of his nearby attendants, a young man named Landis Gentree, Veruna barked, "Open a channel to Theed Palace. I need to speak with Queen Amidala immediately."

"Right away, your Highness," the boy muttered as he hurried inside to activate the holoviewer.


Even though she was a mere child, Renaltus knew from her days of service as Princess of Theed that Lady Amidala was fair and that she would do everything in her power to help him if he handed her the proper information. The main problem would be to get her to talk to him. Part of the arrangements of his exile prohibited him from making any attempt to return or make communications with any level of government official. To do so could cause the courts to reverse their decision and potentially issue a sentence of life imprisonment. At this point however, Veruna felt he had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Perhaps for once in his life he would try to do the right thing.

It was after the eleventh evening bell in Theed while Padmé and Anakin were walking along the Palace's private portion of the Virdugo Plunge—Naboo's greatest waterfall. Over the years, they had come to either escape their lives for a moment or talk about whatever vexed them. After sharing last meal together, the two youths walked in an uncharacteristic silence. The Queen was still turning over the events of that day's Court session in her mind. Meanwhile, Anakin was finding it difficult to concentrate on anything but the way Padmé looked in the moonlight. He could sense the rising torrent of emotions from her, but his mind kept wandering to how wonderful she looked in her simple light purple dress.

However, the reverie of his closest friend's shapely figure came to an abrupt halt when he realized that she had been speaking. "Haven't you heard anything I've been telling you, Ani?"

"I'm sorry, Padmé," he said, while shifting his feet, "I guess my mind drifted off. What was it that you were saying?"

The Queen stared at him for a second before mischievously grinning. "I was only teasing. I just asked if you were ready for your next term at the academy."

Anakin smiled nervously as he was ever thankful to the Force that she didn't truly realize what he was pondering. "I think so. It is going to be a difficult one, but I am looking forward to my mechanics course."

"I'm sure you are," Padmé observed. She then walked away from him, over to the embankment where the water was the calmest. Anakin noticed that her shoulders seemed to slump as she continued to look at seemingly nothing.

"Is what happened in Court today still troubling you?"

The young monarch turned towards the boy briefly before casting her gaze downwards again. She then spoke, "You are perceptive as always."

"I try, your Highness," Anakin teasingly replied. The both shared a mirthful grin before Padmé's expression once again became somber. "I do admit that the kelvacyte find is a bit disturbing, but think of what it will mean to Naboo. If you choose to sell it the treasury will never be fuller. There would be monies available to spread throughout the entire Chommell sector, especially those smaller worlds that need aid."

The young Queen offered her friend a slight smile. "And you are quite correct. We could do a lot of good with it. But I worry that this will give all the pro-military supporters the impetus to push their agendas on Parliament when the discovery becomes public knowledge."

Anakin walked from his place over Padmé's side and stood silent for several moments. "What is it about building an army that frightens you so much?"

Without removing her stare from the passing water, she answered, "It will be another way in which I could bring harm to more people." The young ruler turned her head slowly towards her friend and with tears building in her eyes she declared, "After the liberation, I promised myself that I would do my utmost to keep any citizen of Naboo from suffering like those who lost loved ones in the battle. I never wanted young men and women to die because of my orders again."

The boy reached for her hand and held it snugly within his own. He clutched it gently and with a smile of reassurance said, "You did not cause their deaths, Padmé, the Neimoidians did and what you did was braver than any of those Senators back on Coruscant could ever hope to do. And just because we have an army, doesn't mean we will be involved in any conflicts. Look at both Alderaan and Corellia. They have armies, but both worlds have maintained the peace within their systems for centuries." Anakin paused and again squeezed her hand carefully, "You are a good person, Padmé and a wonderful leader. I know you will do the right thing for our home, angel."

Anakin noticeably flinched as he realized that he had slipped, calling Padmé an angel again. Yet, she curiously tilted her head, while looking at him with a slight grin. "You haven't called me that in some time. I didn't think you thought of me like that anymore."

The boy was about to respond when their attention was drawn immediately behind them as Rabé called out to them.

"My apologies for interrupting, your Highness," the handmaiden then quickly turned to Anakin as she added, "my Lord." Her gaze then shot back to the Queen. "There is an emergency message for you."

Amidala fired a quick look of concern towards Anakin before returning her stare at Rabé. "Who is it from?"

"That is what's strange, your Highness. There is no identification, but it is coming through on the alert channel."

Frowning, the Queen asked, "Have you traced it?"

"Yes, it appears to be originating from the Highlands castle of Florenza." She paused briefly before adding, "I thought it was abandoned?"

Padmé noticeably stiffened, triggering Anakin to ask, "What's wrong?"

She released a deep sigh. "More trouble." The Queen then excused herself from the High Protector as she quickly made way to the palace to speak with her predecessor.

After over a standard hour of waiting for the transmission to be accepted, Renaltus Veruna stood anxiously before his holoviewer as he prepared to speak with his successor. He remained uncertain as to how he would be received by Amidala, given that he treated her rather poorly during her tenure as Princess of Theed. Hopefully she would look past those transgressions and listen.

"King Veruna," she said coldly, "this is an unexpected…surprise."

The former monarch nearly jumped the full height of his room as he turned his attention towards the life size hologram of Queen Amidala. "I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with me."

"Why have you contacted me on the alert frequency? You are aware that this is forbidden."

Veruna nodded quickly as he retorted, "I know this all too well, your Highness; but, what I have to tell you is of the utmost importance, not only to Naboo, but the entire Republic."

Amidala's eyebrows noticeably rose in interest. "And what is this information?"

The former King looked to his sides in apparent paranoia before he responded. "I would rather not say over comlink transmission."

"But this is a secure channel, sir."

"No!" He said more forcefully than he intended. He then looked apologetically at the Queen as he continued, "I would prefer to discuss what I know in person, your Majesty. I promise that it will be worth your while."

Amidala looked at him blankly for several moments before turning to her right to speak to someone who was apparently standing out of view. "I can make the journey up to Florenza in three days. But I warn you Veruna, if this is some trick to put yourself back into office, I will not hesitate to order your arrest."

"I am well aware of your powers, your Majesty," the former ruler said bitterly. "I swear that what I know is for the good of all Naboo."

"We shall see," she uttered in seeming disbelief as her image disappeared from view. Renaltus then sat himself down as the full realization of what he was about to do dawned upon him. However, it was too late to change his mind now. While he was becoming lost in his aspirations, Landis entered the room, unnoticed.

"Your Majesty?"

Veruna shuddered again as he realized that he was no longer alone. "What is it, boy?"

"You have a visitor."

"A visitor?" Veruna queried. "I am not expecting anyone."

Landis stiffened as she answered, "He said that you were and that he needed to speak with you immediately."

"He?"

"Yes, your Majesty," Landis said. "Supreme Chancellor Palpatine is waiting in your study."