Two years later...
It is a time of unrest in the GALACTIC REPUBLIC. Dissatisfaction and unrest at the centralised rule from Coruscant are rising, fueled by the charming COUNT DOOKU and the Separatist movement. Still, even as some worlds debate on leaving, others petition to join the greatest organisation in the Galaxy. Meanwhile, SHEEV PALPATINE travels to the remote rimworld of Knidia to learn the secrets of chocolate making as do various others...
The TTA Intersteller Queen is one of the premier starliners in the Galaxy. Built by Kuat Galactic its size rivals that of a dreadnought. A Queen class starliner is best thought of as a luxury resort able to travel the stars and present its clientele with new and astonishing vistas. It offers berths from the rather spartan cabin to small, self-contained palaces. It is said that you have not truly seen the Galaxy until you have travelled aboard her or one of her million sister ships.
Sheev Palpatine, the Galaxy's greatest living chef sat in a reclining chair beside a pool in one of the 'modest' sections of the Queen. He occasionally sipped from a glass as he perused the Gorbartachall, an ancient epic from Typhon. He was paying particular attention to the Portents of Seremborza. The fifth portent in particular as it had just been brought to his attention by his assistant. After a moment he put down the reader.
"Why yes, a very beautiful passage promising hope for all eternity," he said mildly.
The assistant, Miss Millicent Young, leaned forwards and whispered in a misplaced attempt to not be noticed and heard. "Don't you think it perfectly describes Anakin?"
Palpatine raised his eyebrows, "What an extraordinary idea. You are aware that the Gorbartachall predates most estimations of Humanity's evolution? For it to describe a young man of our species is, why it cannot be believed."
"I know, I thought I was going mad myself. However, if you start looking it's everywhere. The Karbakar, Lay of Thetos, the Oroboroiad. The Chosen One turns up all over the place and Anakin fits most of the indicators. Also, look at this." said Millicent as she adjusted the reader to show a series of pictures of statues, mosaics, stained windows and other art. All had the same theme. "Deneia, Lagot, Antorine, Terra, Kalliban. Almost everywhere Humans have lived a while has a site like this. It seems that Anakin, or someone like him is some prophesied saviour," she continued.
"It's certainly a compelling argument. It could well be that young Anakin has a destiny. Remind me, my dear. Where does the word destiny come from?" said Palpatine.
"Oh, the main root word is desta. Old Mando'a, it means, doom. A saga with a hero that has a desta always ends in tragedy. Oh." said Millicent.
Palpatine put down his reader and looked at Millicent, "So, if someone you knew. Not a mythic hero, but a living person. If that someone turned out to have such a thing, what would you do about it?" he said mildly.
Millicent stared. She opened and shut her mouth a few times as she attempted a suitable response before settling on, "It's really true?"
Palpatine nodded, "I am afraid so my dear. First, however, sit back and pretend to be paying attention to those young men over there trying to get yours. Meanwhile, just observe. In particular, the diving platform up there."
"Come on, let's show these Core slobs what real beauty and grace looks like," said Sabe as she and Padme ascended the diving platform.
"Why are we doing this? We should be busy reading up on Knidian customs." protested Padme as she followed.
"Knidia is three weeks away, they're giant squid things who understand us as much as we understand them and we need a break," explained Sabe.
Padme had to admit, her friend had a point. The Vermicious Knids were Cephalopoda, with customs and mores very removed from mammalian sensibilities. It was part of the miracle of Galactic civilisation that they could communicate on any level. Everything she did would be as bizarre and outlandish to them as they were to her. Still.
"It is our first assignment. I want it to go perfectly." she pointed out as they reached the top.
Sae turned to face her, "And it will. Knidia will formally join the Republic. Senator Gowan will sign the treaty and we juniors will stand around marvelling at watching history in action. Nothing can go wrong and nothing will go wrong," she said as she walked up to the edge of the diving board.
"What if something does though?"
"Then the Jedi will sort it out. Duh," said Sabe before leaping, somersaulting and landing in the water with a tiny splash.
Yes. Of course. There were Jedi along. Just in case anything did happen. Which it wouldn't. Padme breathed, relaxed and stepped onto the board. She scanned the pool to check Sabe was clear and noticed the two Jedi wandering into the area, their plain robes standing out amongst beings in swimwear or high fashion. A master and an apprentice, as was customary. She noticed that the apprentice looked familiar.
"Anakin?" she said and took a step to make sure she looked presentable. A mistake. She lost her footing and fell.
"Now this, you should find interesting," said Master Qui-Gon as they entered the pool room.
Anakin surveyed the riot of Galactics milling about the pools. Most were wearing only the barest concessions to modesty and some had dispensed with attire completely it seemed.
"I ah, would have preferred another tour of the engine room Master," said Anakin as he wondered where he could safely look. As they walked beings got out of their way, several bowing respectfully to the Republic's Guardians of Peace and Justice.
"Yes, I imagine you would. However, engines have engineers to care for them, while these beings have need of us. And to help them we must walk among them, calmly." said Qui-Gon.
Anakin was about to say something when a practically naked Togruta ran up to them. Still dripping water, she bowed. "Jedi, I went on this cruise to find love, but have been unsuccessful and only have three days left. Please give your blessing to my search," she requested.
"Why, of course," said Qui-Gon, who then smiled, "Anakin, will you do the honours?"
Anakin gulped and stepped forwards, the girl smiling at him. Where to look? He settled on up, as if looking to the stars before performing the benediction. His gaze noticed someone familiar.
"Padme?" he said, as she slipped and fell. Anakin's hand shot out as he summoned the force and caught her with telekinesis.
"Well done Padawan. However this young woman also needs your attention," said Qui-Gon.
"Oh yes, of course Master," said Anakin. He placed his other hand on the Togruta's head and murmured, "The Force is with you. Always.". The woman beamed and ran off. Anakin returned his attention to Padme and lowered her to the ground.
Once she had her footing on the ground again, Padme ran over to the Jedi, "It seems you have saved me yet again. Thank you Master Qui Gon and Anakin. I could have really hurt, wait, why are you ignoring me!" she said as she noticed Anakin was deliberately not looking at her.
"No, I um," floundered Anakin.
"Then look at me. Unless you think I'm ugly or disgusting or..."
"I, uh, that is..." fumbled Anakin as he kept his gaze averted.
"Perhaps, I could assist," interrupted Palpatine as he walked up smiling. "Anakin comes from a dry, dusty world where it is necessary to be covered at all times. Our own world has climate control, so we can wear as we please. Or not, as the case can be."
Padme's face flushed as realisation dawned, "Oh, goddess. I am, so sorry Anakin." she said before running off to wrap herself in a sarong. After setting it to opaque she returned, "I am really sorry, I should have realised. Some diplomat I am going to be."
'Nah, it's my fault. Master Qui-Gon says I should be more mindful of Galactic norms. I am no longer on Tatooine. Also, you're not ugly Padme, you're, you're quite nice." Anakin said.
Both older men grimaced at the last words.
"Nice? Nice? Nice! Well Anakin Skywalker-Katarn, you are the most singular revolting boor in the whole Galaxy!" declared Padme before turning and walking off.
Anakin's face scrunched up as he went over the recent conversation, "What did I say?" he said.
Millicent, who by now had arrived, took Anakin's hand and led him away, "Here, I'll try to explain..." she began.
Qui-Gon looked over at Palpatine, "Well, that was unexpected." he mused.
"Was it? That the Son of The Suns cannot speak clearly to The Queen of Love and Beauty?" said Palpatine.
It was not often that Qui-Gon was surprised, "What! How, where did you learn of the Prophecy!"
Palpatine looked at Qui-Gon and smiled, "Not, from the Jedi." he said.