Disclaimer: In no way at all do I own any of the original character, locations, ships, or anything else mentioned in Star Wars. They are all owned by George Lucas. I only own my OC. Any similarities between this story and another are purely accidental.
A/N: Another filler chapter.The next one will be longer.
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The next day, the Nubian ship entered the atmosphere of Coruscant. The spacecraft flew over the endless cityscape, heading for one of the many landing platforms scattered throughout the city-planet.
The sleek ship landed smoothly on the platform. Waiting for them were the Supreme Chancellor, Senator Palpatine, and several guards. The ramp lowered, and Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Lyra, Anakin, and Jar Jar descended first and bowed before the Chancellor.
They were followed by Captain Panaka, two guards, Queen Amidala, and her handmaidens. The Nubian monarch stood in front of Palpatine, who bowed to her.
It is a great gift to see you alive, Your Majesty," he said. He then turned to the gray-haired regal-looking man behind him. "May I present Supreme Chancellor Valorum."
"Welcome, Your Highness," greeted Valorum. "It is an honor to finally meet you in person. I must relay to you how distressed everyone is over the current situation. I've called for a special session of the Senate to hear your position."
"I am grateful for your concern, Chancellor," said Amidala, her voice void of emotion.
Palpatine starts to lead Queen Amidala and her retinue off the platform toward a waiting air taxi. "There is a question of procedure," said Palpatine, "but I feel confident we can overcome it."
Jar Jar and Anakin started to follow, then stopped, noticing that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were staying with the Supreme Chancellor. Lyra approached them, accompanying them into the air taxi as the Queen waved at them to join her.
When the air taxi arrived at the Senatorial apartments, the group was taken to the main room of Palpatine's chambers. Anakin, Jar Jar, and Lyra, waited in an adjoining room. From there, they could see the Queen, but could not hear anything.
"Dissen all pitty odd to me," said Jar, looking around the room curiously.
"Don't look at me," said Anakin. "I don't know what's going on."
"Palpatine and Amidala are debating on what to do about the invasion of Naboo," said Lyra quietly, having been informed of all the goings-on by Obi-Wan. "The Queen wishes to appeal to the Senate, but Palpatine is trying to convince her that the Senate is corrupt." She sighed. "He seems to think accepting Federation control is their best option. As of now, at least."
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Later that night, Lyra was helping Anakin get ready for bed. While he was changing, the two were discussing Anakin's meeting with the Council tomorrow.
"Are you nervous?" asked Lyra, helping Anakin into the bed. "Facing the Jedi Council is not one of the most fun things to do in this galaxy, I assure you."
Anakin propped up his chin on his hand, looking at Lyra. "Tell me about one time you faced the Council," he insisted.
Lyra laughed, seating herself on the edge of the bed. "Well, there was one time that Obi-Wan and I pulled a prank on one of our teachers, back when we were children. This particular Jedi hated to get dirty and often spent whole hours in a refresher. We weren't that fond of him, considering he gave us severe punishments for every little offense we did."
"What did you do?" asked Anakin excitedly.
"We rigged the shower in his refresher to a vat of blue dye," she said, grinning. "When he came back out, he was blue from head to toe."
Anakin burst out laughing. "Did he figure out that it was you?"
Lyra nodded. "We were taken to the Council, and it was one of the scariest moments of my childhood life." A grin broke out on her face. "Although the fear was slightly alleviated by the fact that Yoda winked at Obi-Wan and I as we left the Council Room."
Anakin smiled, looking slightly more relaxed. "That makes me feel better," he said, his eyes growing droopy with sleepiness. "Good night, Lyra."
Lyra smiled, pulling the blankets over Anakin. She bent over and kissed his forehead as he drifted off to sleep. "Good night Ani. Sweet dreams."
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Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were discussing Anakin's future with the Jedi Order. While Qui-Gon truly believed that the boy was the Chosen One, Obi-Wan begged to differ.
"The boy will not pass the Council's tests, Master, and you know it," he declared stubbornly. "He is far too old."
"Anakin will become a Jedi," said Qui-Gon. "I promise you."
Obi-Wan groaned. "Do not defy the Council, Master. Not again."
"I will do what I must," was Qui-Gon's only reply.
"Master, you could be sitting on the Council by now if you would just follow the Code," Obi-Wan protested. "They will not go along with you this time."
Qui-Gon merely smiled. "You still have much to learn, my young apprentice."
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Lyra leaned on the balcony of the small room she shared with Anakin, letting the wind brush her face and toss her hair. Although she missed Shm and Tatooine very much, there was no denying she was glad to be back on Coruscant.
I am home, Lyra thought as she supported her chin on her hand. It looks as grand as ever.
She sighed deeply, letting the feeling of security wash over her. She knew that, compared to planets like Naboo and Alderaan, Coruscant was a very ugly planet. But having grown up here, she had developed an appreciation for the unsleeping city-planet.
Suddenly, a speeder whizzed by the balcony. The driver, a bug-headed alien, screamed a litany of cursewords in a foreign language. Lyra grinned, and shouted back words that made the driver pale.
Lyra sighed. Ah, good old Coruscant…