My many thanks to all of you who are reviwing or lurking. Here's another update for your reading pleasures. We are quickly approaching the end as there are only two chapters remaining. Hope you all enjoy!

Crookedpen: Thank you so very much. I appreciate that.

Lokigirl: She can be rather...unforgiving at times. Thanks for reading!

Jedi of the Republic: Glad you liked that. Hope this chapter answers your question.

Quillian: Lots of changes already happening for our hero already and more on their way. Glad too that you like the Sabewan. Thanks so much for reading!

Stanfield Skywalker: Events are definitely in full motion. What will happen...read to find out ;).

Ghostreaper181: Things don't look good for the former King, but remember, fate isn't always fair ;). As for Anakin, I agree that he handled things well. He does truly care about his mother so he was able to rope in his jealous feelings...for now at least ;).

ObiUberJedi: Your wish is my command. Hope this update answers your question. :)

NothingFeelsGood: You are extremely kind. Thank you for the vote of support. Hope that you continue to enjoy!

Author's note (5/9): Thanks to everyone who pointed this out. Apparently when Word allows you to 'bullet' corrections, if you decide to incorporate more changes after you tell it to clear the corrections, fanfic upload doesn't like that and includes both versions. My sincerest apologies as I am extremely embarrassed by this. I've gone in manually and fixed the errors so it should read considerably better now. Again, I am sorry to make you suffer through such garbage and hope you haven't given up on me.


Theed palace was filled with activity. For the past few weeks, the staff scurried about the corridors and outer plaza placing up decorations and flowers for the Queen's second coronation celebration. Anakin found himself wondering aimlessly since the Royal Court would not resume session until after the ceremony and with General Tro's abrupt departure meant there were no lessons to complete.

After spending enough time admiring the dais, where the following day Padmé would be crowned Queen once again, he wandered over to the Master shipbuilder's office to visit with Ellisé. Apart from the days they were involved with flight training; their duties afforded them little time to spend together.

Anakin chuckled to himself while he found his friend, as always, hunched over her drafting table, completely disassociated from the rest of the universe.

"Made any new discoveries?" He called out.

Ellisé nearly jumped out of her seat and clenched at her chest, giving Anakin a sour look. "I hate it when you do that."

He chuckled as he joined her. "What are you working on?"

Returning to her chair, she pressed several buttons, causing a small hologram of the NS-1 starfighter to appear. "Chief Braxt discovered a slight design flaw in the ship's main flow regulator that's causing the engines to overheat. I'm trying to figure out how to fix it without having to put the entire starfleet out of commission for over a month."

Anakin's eyes danced about the image as he contemplated the problem. "What if you add a secondary line? It should relieve some of the pressure generated by the fuel, don't you think?" Ellisé studied the schematic while Anakin entered in the equations. "There," he said, pointing at the facsimile of the ship. "The fuel flow is diverted without loss of performance and engine temperature should be much lower."

"I don't know how you do it."

"What?" He answered innocently.

"You're a genius, Anakin! You should be working down here," she said awestruck.

"If only I could," he responded, barely above a whisper. Abruptly changing the subject, he asked, "How are your designs for the NS-2 coming?"

"They're coming along fine, but…"

"What's wrong?"

Ellisé seemed to blush before scrunching her face. "Am I talking to my friend or to the Lord High Protector?"

Anakin winced at the mention of his title, especially since his closest friends rarely referred to him formally. "As always, I am your friend. What's on your mind?"

"If you ask me, I think the whole NS update project is a waste of time."

"Oh?"

She nodded. "We obviously didn't learn anything from the liberation. Our ships were too small and very underpowered. Even droid ships were picking them off with ease."

Folding his arms, Anakin asked, "What are you suggesting?"

Ellisé grinned mischievously. "I've been working on something on my own that could solve these problems." She pulled a small holocube out of her vest pocket and inserted it into the holoviewer. The small hologram of the NS-1 disappeared, replaced by the image of a large, wing shaped vessel.

"What is that?" Anakin asked, his jaw dropping down in awe.

"I call it a ship of the line," Ellisé answered proudly. "It has quad K-type sublight engines with a Kuat TF hyperdrive for faster than light travel. It is armed with twin forward and rear proton torpedo launchers with side mounted quad blaster cannons."

"Impressive," Anakin muttered while continuing to gawk.

"And," she continued, "instead of the light shields that we use on the NS-1, the shield generators on this ship would siphon power from the hyperdrive while operating on sublight engines, which would enable her to take several direct hits by turbolasers before being destroyed."

Glancing through the numerous blueprints, Anakin paused when he reached the engine schematics. "What is this port for?"

Ellisé's grin widened. "That is for the cloaking device."

"You mean….you were able to replicate it?"

"Partially," she admitted, her smile droopping. "But that's where you come in."

"Me?"

"Not only do I need your help with that, but I also want to install an interior astromech compartment. Plus, this is not the final design. According to my calculations, I still need to make several improvements in order for the ship to be more maneuverable than the NS-1s, otherwise…"

"This is all for naught…"

"Exactly."

Anakin remained silent as he admired her designs. His friend was quite correct about the current NS-2 project. It was only a superficial fix to a greater problem. However, since the other ships that had been proposed were either too costly or would take years to develop, the NS-2 project had been approved by the Royal Court. "How long would it take to mass produce these 'ships of the line'?"

"That is the beauty," she responded with a proud smile. "With the new droid factories that are going up, if even one could be was dedicated solely for the construction of these ships, we could have the first squadron out within twenty-six months."

"That's if everything is set by the time the factories are complete," Anakin interjected.

"But it could be done."

Anakin bobbed his head up and down, continuing to ponder. "If we can replicate the cloaking shields and show that the ship can dramatically outperform the NS-1's, I think we could persuade the Royal Court to consider your proposal." He paused to give her his lopsided grin. "But before you do, we need to get these designs finalized so you can present it to them."

"Me?"

"Of course," Anakin responded. "It's your project so you are the obvious choice."

"But Anakin. I…"

Before she could finish, his comlink chimed loudly. "Skywalker here."

"Ani?"

"Something wrong, Padmé?"

"Are you forgetting something?"

He snapped his fingers. "I forgot. Your family was arriving this morning. I'm heading to the residence now."

From the other end, he heard her amused giggle. "Don't dawdle. We have some very hungry people waiting."

"On my way."

Turning to Ellisé, he said with a grin, "…to be continued…"


Padmé cooed in delight as she held her sleeping infant niece Pooja snugly in her arms. Unlike the dark haired three year old Ryoo, who looked every inch a Naberrie, the new addition to their family greatly resembled Sola's husband Darred. Staring at Pooja, Padmé wondered about what it would be like to have a child of her own. Although she was only eighteen years old, a few of her former classmates were already married off and starting families. But she felt too young for such a thing. Sola had been in her mid-twenties when she had Ryoo, so there was plenty of time. Besides, there were other, more important things to concern herself with as the weight of their world remained firmly on her shoulders.

"I think she looks good holding a baby. Don't you think so too, Mom?" Sola observed with a grin filled with mischief.

"Mother!" Padmé softly called out in protest.

Jobal shook her head and chuckled. Sola added, "I wasn't implying anything. I didn't even ask if Padmé has a boyfriend…although she should, girl of her age."

Padmé rolled her eyes as her father intervened. "That's enough, my dear. You know that your sister has a hard enough time dealing with all these politicians without having to worry about the whims of a boy."

"That's her problem," Sola irreverently retorted. "She works too hard. She needs to have more fun."

"I do have fun," Padmé defended herself. "I get to meet people from throughout the galaxy, as well as learn many new things and see distant worlds."

"Oh please, baby sister." Sola snapped back. "You should be talking about dreamy eyes and large muscles."

Sensing her youngest daughter's growing distress, Jobal raised her hand. "Alright Sola, that's enough. Padmé does important work and she needs all of our support."

Behind her mother's back, at that same moment, Padmé stuck her tongue out at her sister and whispered, "Shaak face."

Sola snorted. "Goober fish."

Their exchange made Ryoo, who had been sitting next to her aunt, clap as she cackled in delight. Sola simply sighed and took her seat. Before she could say anything more, Anakin appeared in the doorway, apparently out of breath from running.

"Ah, look what the Nexu dragged in," Sola joked.

Ryoo turned around and yelled, "Ani!" and instantly jumped out of her chair and ran towards him. He scooped down to pick her up and spun her around in the air. "And how is my favorite girl?"

"I thought I was your favorite?" Padmé declared while flashing him a playful grin.

Anakin's face flushed a deep red as he placed Ryoo back down on the ground. This prompted Sola to remark, "I didn't know that the beloved hero our people could turn such a deep shade of red."

"Oh leave the boy alone, Sola." Ruwee said as he stood up to shake hands with Anakin. "How have you been, son?

"Well, sir." Anakin replied. "My apologies for being late," he announced as he greeted the others.

Padmé smiled happily. "Well then, we can finally begin our feast."

After many filling courses of food and topics of discussion, Padmé stood up at her place, tapping on her glass goblet. "I wanted to take a moment and thank you all again for coming to the coronation celebration. It means so much to me to have my family present for such an important event." She paused to cast a happy smile at Anakin. "For my first coronation, my father escorted me toup to the dais where I received my crown. After much thought, I would like for you to be the one to accompany me this time."

"Me?" Anakin unconsciously replied, unconsciously pointing at his chest. Casting a quick glance over at Ruwee he added, "I don't want to take away such an important moment from your father."

"You wouldn't be at all, Anakin." Ruwee replied. "Mé and I discussed it and I don't believe she will take no for an answer."

"He's absolutely right," Padmé responded with a playful smile. "Besides, who better than my closest friend to help me usher in the beginning of my last term?"

Standing up nervously, Anakin inclined his head forward. "Your Majesty…I don't know what to say."

"Say yes," she said as her smile widened.

"Of course I will," Anakin said. "I would be honored."

"You realize what this means, don't you?" Padmé said, sharing a conspiratorial glance with her sister.

"What?" Anakin timidly asked.

"My mother, Sola and I will decide upon what you will wear."

All the adults in attendance tried, but failed to sequester their laughter at the utter look of horror that completely consumed Anakin's face.


High in orbit around Alzoc III, a small waystation floated within the shadows of the planet's two moons. After docking their transport Obi-Wan and Siri, dressed in nondescript clothing, walked about the promenade deck where the pilots and crews from the other docked ships spent their time before departing.

"Do you sense anything?" Obi-Wan quietly asked.

Siri released a frustrated groan. "No, nothing at all." She paused when they passed a view port of the planet. "And this is the right place…I'm sure of it."

"Perhaps we are too late," he lamented.

"Even so," Siri responded earnestly, "there may still be someone here that might know something."

Obi-Wan gazed at her sadly. As far as he was concerned, their search had hit a dead end. Since their departure from Coruscant, Siri had ceased having any dreams or feelings about the lost girl. At first they had attributed it getting closer to the truth, but now he suspected that perhaps something had happened to the child. Siri, though, would not even consider that possibility.

For hours, they had searched, but to no avail. The numerous shopkeepers and station managers they had encountered all had repeated the same thing—there were too many people that passed through to remember a small human child. Dejected, the two Jedi wandered into a nearby cantina to collect themselves. An uneasy silence filled the air between Obi-Wan and Siri as they sipped on their drinks. He could feel the torrent of emotions turning over from within his friend, but knowing her as well as he did, he refrained from commenting until she became more centered.

"Perhaps we should consider returning to the Temple?"

Siri shot him an icy glare. We haven't completed our task."

"I am well aware of that," he responded calmly. "But we must consider that she is no longer here."

"I will not give up on her!" Siri retorted. "I will go on by myself if I have to, but I will not abandon Dahlia."

Obi-Wan placed his hand upon hers, giving her an awkward smile. "I know that and I am not telling you to give up. What I was saying is since you received the strongest impression while you were meditating back at the Temple, you may receive more if we returned."

Siri's body shrugged in resignation. Taking a gulp from her glass, she was about to speak when she suddenly turned her head towards the cantina's front entrance. Obi-Wan looked over in the same direction and saw two human pilots, dressed in red flightsuits making their way towards the bartender. Glancing back over at his friend, he saw clenching her hands at the table's edge.

"Do you know them?"

Siri leaned forward slightly, tightening her jaw. "They both worked for Krayn." A split second later, she had dashed out of her seat to grab the taller of the two men. With the sapphire blade of her lightsaber pointed perilously across his throat, she spat, "You slaver scum! Where are the people from the last shipment?"

"I don't know what you are talking about," the frightened man screamed.

Noticing that his partner was reaching for his blaster, Obi-Wan summoned the Force, sending the man hurtling into the nearby wall and effectively knocking his weapon to the floor. "Don't!" he cautioned, as he ignited his lightsaber.

Giving him a nod of thanks, Siri returned her focus to the pilot. "You were saying?"

Briefly glancing down at his nearly unconscious associate, the man answered, "Krayn had ordered us to make a change in our plans when he realized that you were a Jedi."

"And?"

He swallowed. "And…the shipment was brought here, and then sold off to some Outer Rim guy who left several hours ago."

"Where were they going?" Siri growled, pressing her blade closer to the man's face.

"Duro," he nervously stuttered. "He was taking them to Duro."

Smiling in satisfaction, Siri extinguished her lightsaber. "The both of you…get out of here before I decide to turn you in to the Republic."

The two pilots immediately left the bar, leaving the two Jedi amongst the midst of stares and whispers of the other patrons. Obi-Wan looked around then whispered to Siri, "I think it would be best to go now."

"I whole heartedly agree."


Anakin stood restlessly behind the Queen while she and all her handmaidens waited for the Supreme Chancellor's shuttle to land. While he found the idle lip service of greeting dignitaries disconcerting enough, something about Palpatine had always bothered him. When they previously had spoken, Anakin had felt as if the Chancellor could see straight through him. It reminded him of the probing challenges he had received when he faced the Jedi Council on Coruscant, except this one made him uneasy. And yet, Palpatine had never been anything but kind and had appeared interested in what he had to say.

Perhaps he was overreacting? Still, why would the most powerful man in the galaxy care what a former slave thought? Lost in his ruminations, Anakin didn't notice Amidala looking over her shoulder, quizzically staring at him.

"Is something wrong?" She asked softly.

"Not at all, my Queen," he responded quickly. Noticing her look of complete disbelief, Anakin guiltily shrugged his shoulders. "I was just thinking about the Chancellor."

"What about him?"

"I probably shouldn't say," he muttered.

"Tell me," the Queen calmly requested, but her look made Anakin realize that it was closer to an order.

Taking a deep breath, he said, "There's something about him….I don't know what, but it bothers me."

"How so?"

"Just a feeling...hard to explain."

Amidala's eyebrows rose in interest as she seemed to be considering his statement. "Well, I've known the Chancellor for many years and we are very fortunate to have him leading the Republic."

"I know he's a good man and has done much for the Republic," Anakin admitted. "Still…there's something…"

"Could it be that you are intimidated by him? After all, he is a very influential person."

"Maybe," Anakin whispered under his breath, unconvinced.

Amidala offered an amused smile before returning her attention to the docking bay. Palpatine's shuttle had glided inside and his personal guards were the first to exit. The entire party bowed in unison as the elegantly dressed Chancellor reached the bottom of the gangplank. A large smile filled his features eclipsed his face as he returned the gesture to the Queen.

"Your Majesty, it is such a delight to see you again," Palpatine declared.

"Welcome home, Chancellor." The Queen greeted. "I trust your flight home was pleasant?"

"Luxurious," he boasted with a wink. "One of the many perks of being the Chancellor."

As she nodded, Palpatine turned his stare over at Anakin. "Lord Skywalker, I trust you are well."

"Quite well, thank you, Your Excellency."

"I wonder if we might have a word?" Palpatine queried, returning his attention back at Amidala. "That is, if it is alright with you, Your Majesty?"

The Queen nodded. "We shall begin last meal at your convenience, Your Excellency."

"I promise, I won't keep young Anakin long."

Anakin, who did not wish to be left alone, was quickly subdued by Amidala's expressionless stare—in simpler language, he had no choice. While the Queen and her handmaidens departed the hangar, he asked, "How can I be of service, Your Excellency?"

Palpatine motioned at his attendants who immediately hurriedly retreated back into the shuttle. "Would you mind escorting me to my quarters? I'm afraid in my time away from the Palace, I've forgotten my way around."

"Of course, sir."

They walked quietly for several moments before Palpatine commented, "I understand you've been studying military strategy and tactics from with General Tro."

"Do you know her, Your Excellency?"

Palpatine smirked. "Only by reputation.…butreputation…but I think you are in good hands. You will learn much from her."

"I already have," Anakin boasted. "She is an excellent teacher."

"Perhaps in time your skills could be of service to me?"

"Excellency?" He looked at the Chancellor, bewildered.

Palpatine stopped walking and gave Anakin a solemn glance. "Of course, I mean the Republic."

"But sir, the Republic does not have an army."

The Chancellor chortled, continuing to walk. "Times are changing, my friend, and if we are not prepared, the consequences will be…well….disastrous. One day, We will need strong young leaders such as you to help us pave the way for a new era"

"I don't understand," Anakin quietly admitted. "How could I help with such a thing?"

Palpatine dismissively waved his hand. "Pay it no mind…just the ramblings of an old politician worryed about the fate of the universe he's been entrusted with safeguarding." Flashing Anakin a sly grin, he added, "One of the perks of this job."

They chuckled briefly as they reached the room. "You will be staying here, Your Excellency."

"Many thanks to you, Lord Skywalker. As always I found our talk to be…informative. I hope we will have another chance to speak before my return to Coruscant."

Anakin smiled nervously. "I shall look forward to it, sir." He bowed and turned to depart, trying with all his might not to run away. His unease concerning the man was now greater than ever. He would need to speak to Obi-Wan about this next time they trained.


Renaltus Veruna and his band of conspirators stood solemnly around the hologram of the Palace complex. They had spent several hours discussing their plans and contingencies should the worst happen. Having virtually no experience with the military, the former King had to rely solely on the expertise of his faithful assistant. Indeed, if were not for Landis' mind for strategy and Janthar's blind daring, this venture would in no doubt cost him his life. However, now there was more than a chance for success.

And yet he still worried.

The others, particularly Pané, Dorva and Dal, were not up to this task. Veruna knew that they would most certainly die, but why should he care, if it brought about the results he sought? They meant nothing to him. Still, he was not completely heartless. Perhaps when he returned to the throne he would find some mundane way to honor their sacrifice, for even he knew that ingratitude was a cardinal offense to the spirits. Returning from his ruminations, he said, "If there are no further questions, then we shall adjourn for the evening."

The others quietly departed, leaving Veruna alone to think. He strolled onto the veranda that overlooked the night lights of Theed. Leaning over against the railing, he released a deep breath as he tried to steady his racing heart.

"Beautiful night," a voice from the corner called out. Veruna swiveled about to see Chancellor Palpatine, wearing a black robe, standing in the shadows behind him. "Is everything in order?"

"The final plans are set. We are ready."

"Excellent," Palpatine acknowledged. For a time, neither spoke until he continued, "There is something else that you should be made aware of concerning tomorrow's event."

"What is it?" Veruna asked, his heart feeling as if it had jumped into his throat.

"The High Protector will be escorting Queen Amidala to the ceremonial dais. Under no circumstances is he to be severely harmed. I have…plans for him."

"That does…complicate matters," Veruna admitted. "Security is tight enough and with Skywalker's skills, that will make our task that much more difficult."

"Do not worry yourself about the boy," Palpatine ordered. "I shall keep him…distracted. Your only concern is the Queen. She must not survive."

"I shall do my best," Veruna answered. Turning away, he suddenly felt all the air in his lungs expelled as a tight grip wrapped around his throat. Palpatine approached Veruna, menacingly.

"You will succeed or you will die!"

Gasping for air, Renaltus cried out, "I shall do your bidding, Milord!"

"That's better," Palpatine said as he released his hold on the former King. Veruna immediately fell to his knees, gasping for air. While Veruna labored to regain his breath, the Chancellor added, "Tomorrow, my friend, all will be right with the galaxy once more."

Veruna dared to look up and knew at that moment that he had indeed sold his soul to this demon—whatever the outcome, he would always be under Palpatine's charge. There would be no escape from this deal unless he somehow found a way alter the terms in his favor. Peering out towards at the night's sky, the first time since his childhood, Renaltus found himself praying to the spirits for guidance. .


Unable to sleep due to his recurring nightmare, Anakin gave up trying and decided instead to prepare himself for the day's events. After the coronation ceremony, a formal state dinner would take place in the main dining hall. Although he would have to endure the idle chatter of the visiting dignitaries during the meal, he looked forward to the coronation ball where he would be dancing with Padmé for the majority of the evening. As he passed by the mirror he smiled as he looked over his outfit. Most traditional Naboovian formal wear was typically bright with multiple colors, most of which Anakin detested and avoided at all costs. Apparently, the Naberrie women were well aware of this and took pity by selecting a dark blue formal outfit.

As he continued to adjust his suit, Threepio and Artoo entered his room, arguing as usual.

"No I will not be quiet you tiny little rust bucket…General Panaka was most displeased with your little repair of his speeder."

"Is something wrong, Threepio?" Anakin asked, looking at them curiously.

Artoo beeped before Threepio interjected. "Not all, Master Anakin. I was trying to relay to Artoo the importance of obeying orders."

Anakin rolled his eyes and turned back to the mirror. He tugged on his tunic tightly in effort to further straighten it. "So how do I look?"

Artoo whistled merrily in response. Threepio took a moment to render his judgment. "I have to say, Sir, that Madam Naberrie and Ms. Sola did an excellent job in selecting your apparel for today."

"You spoke with them?"

The golden droid nodded. "Of course, Master Anakin. The three of us picked out what you are currently wearing"

Anakin chortled as he called his lightsaber into his hand, then clipped it to his belt. "What time is it?"

"It is just past the tenth morning bell, sir."

"Blast!" Anakin snapped. "I'm late for first meal with Padmé." Grabbing his cloak, he ran out of his room. "See you at the ceremony!"

Hurrying down the corridor and then upstairs into the Queen's private residence, Anakin found Padmé sitting at the table quietly drinking her herbal tea, reading the morning's news on her datapad. She was dressed in an emerald green gown that was bordered in white. Her royal symbol, the Naboo waterlily, was embroidered in gold about her entire gown. Her curly hair was braided on top of her head and her face was painted white with two red dots on her cheeks and the scar of remembrance on her bottom lip. Amidala was also wearing the japor snippet necklace. He cocked his head to one side as he continued to admire her beauty.

"What?" She asked ungracefully as she looked up at him.

"Why are you wearing that old thing?" Anakin asked, pointing at the pendent. "I'm sure you have other beautiful jewelry that is more appropriate."

A soft smile occupied her features as she motioned for him to sit down. "I wear it because it is precious to me. It was given to me to by someone who saw me for who I truly am, and not my position."

Anakin grinned mischievously. "I didn't know that you were a Queen when I gave it to you."

"Would that have mattered?"

"Of course not," he replied, shaking his head. "You are still an angel in my eyes."

Padmé chuckled nervously before taking another sip of her tea. "You flatter me."

"It is the truth."

Before she could say more, Sabé and Cordé entered the room and joined them at the table. Sabé reached over to pluck a roll from the nearest basket while giving Padmé a happy grin. "I love it when they make these. You should order the chief cook to make them more often."

"I will put it at the top of my list of things to accomplish for my second term."

Sabé stuck her tongue out as the others laughed. After their laughter died down, Cordé asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Nervous," Padmé admitted. "You'd think since I went through this once already that I would be calmer."

"It's not as though you really have to do anything," Sabé interjected with a wry grin. "All you need to do is to stand up there and accept being our ruler for the next four years."

"True," Padmé answered. "I think, though, that I'm more worried about falling down than about anything else!"

"You'll do fine, Mé." Cordé gave a feigned look of warning at Sabé. "Besides, by tonight you will be dancing with some very gorgeous sons of dignitaries at the gala."

Anakin glared at her before returning to his meal. Before he could take another bite of his fruit, Dormé joined them.

"Excuse me, Your Highness."

"Yes?"

"It's time."

Padmé smiled as she rose. Turning to Anakin, she extended her hand and said, "Shall we?"

His mood immediately lightened as he stood to take her hand. He carefully wrapped it around his upper arm and was leading her out when Cordé called out, "Hold on just a minute."

"What's wrong?" Padmé asked.

Reaching within her cloak, Cordé produced a small, silver blaster. "Since none of the handmaidens will be as close to you as normal, I would feel better if you carried this."

"Oh really, Cordé. I don't think…"

"I'm afraid I have to insist, Your Majesty." Cordé's expression features hardened.

"As do I," Sabé added in. "If nothing else, humor us."

Padmé and Anakin exchanged a quick glance, in which he also expressed his support. Sighing loudly, Padmé took the weapon and Cordé helped secure it under her sleeve. "Are you satisfied?"

"Quite, Your Majesty." Cordé said with a wide grin.

Looking over to Anakin, Padmé said, "Then let's get going."


Dar, Tam and Dorva were in their elevated positions over the Plaza complex. They had an open shot at the stage, as well as a clear view of the others in case any changes were signaled. Janthar and Pené had taken positions close to the dais so that they could easily approach the Queen. Veruna and Landis, both wearing hoods over their faces, found a place in the crowd where they could watch the others. They had learned that the handmaidens, as well as the members of palace security would not be on the dais, which would give them an unobstructed path at the Queen. This also worked to their advantage because after their assault, the chaos that would ensure, would enable them to flee during the confusion.

Veruna looked up to the stage and saw Palpatine sitting calmly, as if he was totally completly unaware of what was to come. If all went according to plan, he, Veruna, would be receiving the crown within the next few days. Although scared, exhilaration overcame any lingering doubts he harbored. While the death of Amidala would be regrettable, he valued his own life above any other. Catching the glimpses of the others, he gave the nod that instructed them that everything was a go.

Now all they had to do was to wait for the right moment.


The walkway to the dais was elaborately decorated. A red carpet stretched the length of the road and the citizens of Naboo lined each side to catch a glimpse of their re-elected Queen. The platform where she would receive the crown was covered with rose petals and an archway covering the entire stage was filled with extravagant flowering vines.

As Anakin and Amidala approached the entryway, brilliant brilliantly crisp horns echoed throughout the plaza while several stringed instruments joined them in unison. While they started to move onto the walkway, Anakin slowed their pace so that the Queen could wave to the crowd, and to also let them honor her by throwing flowers at her feet. Several children were allowed to approach, each of which offered a small bouquet of flowers. Padmé beamed as gave them her thanks before Anakin and she continued their march.

The pathway was covered with flower petals and confetti thrown by the cheering spectators. An honor guard made up of pilots and infantrymen stood along the pathway and they decoratively pulled out their sheathed silver vibroswords as they passed. The handmaidens, dressed in formal gowns, walked in single columns next to Padmé and Anakin as they walked slowly along the path and up to the dais. Anakin turned to see Padmé's face brightly lit as she took in the celebration. At that moment, he realized the tremendous honor she had bestowed on him by allowing asking him to escort her. Indeed, it was something that would stay with him forever. Cheers in numerous languages dialects could be heard from all around the plaza, praising Amidala, who had become more than just their ruler. Anakin could feel all the warmth and love the Naboo had for their young Queen.

As Anakin basked in Padmé's glow, a sudden blackness overcame him. He closed his eyes briefly to pick up several presences whose energy was building up in anticipation of something dark. With thousands of people lining the streets and buildings, Anakin futilely darted his eyes about, trying to find them. As he returned his attention forward, they had neared the stage where Governor Bibble, along with the new Princess of Theed, Jamillia, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, the Chief Parliamentarian and High Priest Uyl, who held the crown on a pillow.

Suddenly Anakin recognized the crown. It was the one that he had seen covered in blood, which was different from the one Padmé had previously worn. . That was why he hadn't recognized it. He suddenly knew what was going to happen, and that it was happening right then. Without paying attention to Governor Bibble's greetings, he unclipped his lightsaber, keeping it hidden under his cloak so as to not alert the attackers. A loud cheer was heard as the Governor motioned for the High Priest to bring over the crown.

In Naboovian, Uyl declared as he raised the crown over Padmé's head, "With the power vested unto me by the people who are the Naboo, I again crown Amidala, Queen of our world..."

Before he could complete his declaration, Anakin sensed five different blasters being pointed at Amidala's body. Without thought, he activated his emerald green bladed lightsaber as a flurry of blaster bolts pierced the air towards her. Using the Force, Anakin positioned himself in the line of fire, effectively deflecting the bolts. Screams of terror filled the plaza as all the spectators dashed furiously to get to safety. Meanwhile, each of the handmaidens withdrew their concealed blaster, but they all had to duck for cover as several blasts were aimed at their direction.

Sensing that the attackers' attention was diverted, Anakin focused his thoughts around Padmé and immediately a blue swirl of energy surrounded her. Turning around and reaching into the Force, Anakin contorted his face in frustration as the blasts from now six different blasters were aimed at him. Unlike his previous confrontations, first with the Neimoidian, then with the bounty hunter, time did not seem to slow; rather the opposite. With each passing moment, the blaster blots descending upon him faster than the previous. In a matter of seconds, he would no longer be able to block them.

Anakin channeled his strength in the Force, allowing him to spot Janthar and Pané at their stage side positions. With the Force greatly enhancing his speed, he confronted Janthar and in one motion slashed his blade across his chest. He then spun around to impale the desperately attacking woman in the heart. Returning his focus to Padmé, he noticed the protective energy field was wearing down from the repeated shots. Anakin darted in front of her to deflect the downpour of blaster fire. In his mind's eye he saw Dorva pause to reload her blaster. With a single thought he reached out to pull her down from her perched position, causing her to plummet to her death.

Searching through the Force for the other assassins, Anakin's focus wavered when Padmé screamed out his name. When he turned, a blaster bolt struck him in the arm knocking him to the ground. Although in immense pain, Anakin managed to maintain the shield around the Queen, struggling against unconsciousness. Realizing that the assault had abated, he looked up to see Landis cautiously approaching with his blaster pointed at his head. Blocking out the pain, Anakin's eyes snapped open when he heard the man cry out. Cordé and Sabé had been able to sneak behind him and attacked. The trio was brutally engaged in hand-to-hand combat.

Trying to regain his senses, Anakin suddenly realized that Dar and Tam had left their elevated positions and were quickly advancing. Sensing their impending attack, Anakin focused his remaining strength from the Force and projected it towards the assassins. No longer able to trust his sight, he thought he saw a wave of energy leave his body, which crashed into the two would-be assassins.

They exploded on impact.

Dazed, Anakin managed to crawl back to Padmé, who was huddling down at the far end of the stage. Relieved that she appeared physically unharmed, he asked, "Are you alright?"

She was trembling with fear. "I think so."

"Let's get out of here," he muttered as they helped one another rise to their feet.

Anakin was about to turn about when Padmé screamed, "Behind you!"

A sharp pain pulsated through his chest. He fell to his knees. When he looked down, he saw the pointed end of a dagger sticking out of his torso with blood soaking his hands. Strangely, he laughed as he dropped to the ground.

"I honestly don't know what was so special about you, Skywalker." Renaltus barked.

"What have you done, Veruna!" Padmé screamed.

An evil sneer filled the former King's features. He turned on her. "I am reclaiming what is rightfully mine, Your Highness." Veruna was reaching down to pull the jagged dagger out of Anakin's back when Padmé pulled out her concealed blaster and pointed at his head. "Don't you dare touch him!"

"Or what, Your Highness? You will shoot me? I thought you were a pacifist," Veruna smirked as he straightened up to look about the plaza. "Look around, Your Majesty. This is just a taste of things to come if he has his way."

Taking her by surprise, Renaltus swung at her, knocking the weapon out of her hands. Pulling his arm back, he slapped Padmé across the face, knocking her to the ground next to the motionless Anakin. Streams of tears started to roll down her face as she saw the distant stare on his face… but as she was about to resign herself to fate, a spike of hope suddenly filled her when she saw him wink. Trying not to react, Padmé allowed Veruna to yank her to her feet.

"Your reign as at an end, Your Highness," he spat as he withdrew another dagger from his side and placed it across her throat.

At that same moment, Anakin concentrated his awareness upon his idle lightsaber which trembled when he wrapped the Force around it. Once he had a firm hold, he cried out, "Padmé!" The weapon instantly flew up into her hand, and in one motion she ignited the blade and plunged it into the unsuspecting Veruna's heart. He released a single small cry before dropping his dagger and falling dead to the ground.

Extinguishing the lightsaber, Padmé ran over to Anakin's side. "Ani!"

He slowly turned his head towards her. "Padmé…Are you alright? Is it safe?"

"Yes, Anakin," she muttered. "I'm going to get some help…you just have to hold on. Don't you give up."

He exhaled loudly, attempting to laugh. "I'm afraid it's not up to me…"

"There's still so much for you to do …" she pleaded.

As she carefully leaned him onto his side, he reached up to touch the side of her disheveled face. Wiping away a stream of tears, he smiled sadly. "Don't cry, my angel Queen… I love you so… I had to save you."

"And I love you," Padmé muttered through her tears. "Please don't leave."

"I am already there," he sighed and closed his eyes.

"Ani?" She called out, but he remained still. "Anakin!" she cried out as she cradled him in her arms. "Somebody please help me!"

TBC-Thoughts, reviews and comments are most welcomed!