As they entered their fifth week "visiting" Coruscant, Queen Amidala was already becoming restless. Nothing had progressed in the Senate and the frustration was felt throughout. She was pleased her handmaidens' services were put to good use; Padawan's Shan and Crys were always grateful for the extra help with dealing with the younglings, and Jedi Maidens' Ivory and Lyn were always very appreciative for the extra help in the infirmary.

All of that changed an hour after second meal.

Captain Panaka and Master Windu entered the suite the Queen was offered when they came to Coruscant a month before. Both her and Palpatine were celebrating his victory of winning his second reelection. Apparently there was more good news.

"A garbled message was received from Naboo," the nearly excited Captain said. "A group of soldiers managed to take back the Palace."

Word had reached the people of Naboo about Obi-Wan's misfortune in the hangar bay; it was enough motivation it seemed for them to build a strong resistance and take back the Palace. The men of Naboo were known for their honor and strength, and when they learned how far a Jedi would go for their Queen they bound together and planned for the retaking of the Royal Palace.

There was a fire in Panaka's eyes that was unmistakable. For too long there hadn't been any action for him to partake in. He almost wished he stayed behind to help the resistance. Queen Amidala knew this, too. Panaka would rather be on his feet putting his skills to good use rather than sitting and waiting for something to fall in his lap.

There was also something that glistened in the Queen's eyes that told Panaka she was in deep thought.

"That's wonderful news!" Palpatine exclaimed. "A fine victory for Naboo."

"How long ago was this message received?" Amidala asked.

"Shortly after second meal," Mace replied. "The slicers at the Temple spent the rest of the hour unscrambling it."

She stared at him.

"The Palace was taken back almost three days ago," Panaka spoke. "The battle was intense, but they won with few casualties."

She nodded after a moment. "I've made up my mind. Call all my handmaidens' and tell them I wish to see them one hour before evening meal. It's important."

Panaka and Mace bowed. "It will be done." They both left, Panaka nearly in a trot as things finally started to look up.

Palpatine was quick with catching on what happened between them. "Surely Your Majesty there is no need for an emergency meeting regarding the Palace. Just a few simple words saying it is now within our grasp is enough."

"I wish it were that simple, Chancellor." She looked him straight in the eye. "Our stay here has been long enough."

From the Private Diary of Handmaiden Padmé Naberrie

I couldn't be any happier.

Obi-Wan and I are connecting in ways…oh how to describe it! These past weeks have brought me nothing but joy. The many hours we would spend together just talking. The many times we laughed together.

Our private time. Where under Coruscant's sunset we would sit out together and watch the sky turn dark until the stars appeared. So many romantic moments…

Our serious time. Where if the problems in the Senate were still not resolved, our stay here became extended. I must've talked Obi-Wan's ear off about how the ongoing elections was affecting our situation and that day by day the delegates swiftly dismiss our ongoing crisis. It's as if Naboo means nothing to them. As if their neighbors cry for help is but a small one.

The Republic is crumbling. I know it.

Whenever I feel blue like this, Obi-Wan always knows how to cheer me up. Just the other day, he balanced many empty food trays using the Force while whistling a popular Coruscant tune. The sight was hilarious, not to mention that he did it with a spoon stuck to his nose. It went well until a few fellow students caught him in the act and everything fell to the floor with a loud clatter.He grabbed my hand and we fled the hall. Oh, the looks on their faces when they were stuck cleaning the mess!

Obi-Wan is so vibrant. Not that many people know this. Once you get past his stuck-up personality, he really is a sweet and wonderful human being.

I almost don't want to leave here.

Once this issue concerning Naboo is over…I don't want to leave. I don't want to leave Obi-Wan behind.

I…I love him.

I love him.

He had made me so happy, I don't want to leave this all behind. None of it. Our best memories were created here, in the Temple.

Like our first kiss…