A/N: Naboo's history is kind of scattered. So my interpretation is that Captain Panaka is the head of the Royal Naboo Security Forces on Naboo. Captain Typho takes care of the Naboo Senator and is outranked by the home security forces even though they hold the same title. It doesn't make sense to me why the head of the security forces is protecting a senator over the Queen so this is how I rectify it in my head. I don't know where Captain Tonra plays in Naboo history. Please enjoy!
Chapter 2
Theed, Capital city of Naboo
Theed Royal Palace was a grand marvel of architecture with its peach sandstone towers and rotundas capped off with sea foam green copulas. Having withstood for centuries, its ancient walls had seen the peaceful times and weathered the hardships its people faced. Set upon a cliff, the crystal clear waters cascaded down the waterfalls added to the allure of the Palace as the nearby birds sang songs of the Palace's beauty. It was a sight for sore eyes for a weary traveler returning home to Naboo. A reminder of what made Naboo so precious to its inhabitants.
Anakin Skywalker had a commanding presence. He was tall, towering over most humanoids, and athletic built, with his muscular shoulders broaden further by the contours of his Jedi tunic. If you were tall enough to meet his eyes, you would find them a deep, piercing blue with such intensity that whispered the abilities he possessed and would wield if provoked. One would be only so foolish attempt anything in his presence.
On his arm, his beautiful, resilient, and capable wife Padmé Amidala. She was a force to be reckoned with. Although a petite frame, by no means was it a reflection of her inner strength and determination. There are very few out there a better shot with a blaster than her and can match her sharp tongue.
The spirited couple walked hand in hand, to the Royal palace, after dropping off Dormé and the children at Padmé's parents place. Sola's children, Ryoo and Pooja were delighted for a chance to play with their younger cousins. Anakin and Padmé decided to take the scenic route to the Palace, this was a rare chance they could spend time alone and be a young couple still madly in love after all these years. It was still odd for either one of them to exhibit public displays of affection but they were working on it. The guards open the expansive double doors to the Royal palace allowing Anakin and Padmé to pass. Security was well aware of the high profile couple visiting the Queen today. No one was surprised to see them and maybe even happy to have such a widely renowned pair call Naboo their home.
Just inside the doorway stood Captain Panaka, he finished the conversation he had with one of the guards and turned to the lovely couple.
"My lady Amidala and Master Skywalker." He bowed respectfully.
Anakin put his hand up in protest, "Please Captain, Anakin is fine."
Padmé chimed in, "We talked about this already Captain Panaka. Call me Padmé. We've known each other for far too long to have such formalities!"
Captain Panaka just chuckled, "As you wish. The Queen is very excited to meet with you, Padmé. I hope this time off has been good to you both?"
Padmé still had her arm hooked in Anakin's bent elbow. She leaned in closer, looking into Anakin's charming blue eyes and he returned the loving look. Anakin joyfully responded for the two of them. "Like a dream come true."
The three of them continued down the long corridor, occasionally returning a polite bow to the public officials who happily greeted them. Never mind what's been going on in the rest of the galaxy there were no disgruntled looks thrown at the Jedi. The tension had been building on Coruscant before they left. The people were angry and hurt from the side effects of the war and it grew into this giant balloon of frustration, with the Jedi written all over it, ready to explode. But here on Naboo, Anakin was safe from the accusations of the Jedi's new nickname, warmonger.
They stopped right at the entrance to the Throne room. Captain Panaka blocked the doorway as he addressed them. "My apologies, Anakin, but the Queen has requested to speak with Padmé alone."
The couple exchange brief confused glances before Anakin smiled and kisses Padmé hand as he releases her from his arm, encouraging her to go, "I'll be here with Captain Panaka when you return." He gave her a reassuring smile.
As Anakin watched Padmé walk through the double doors, they share one more glance before she disappears. Both of them couldn't shake the feeling like their lives were about to change.
Captain Panaka turned his attention to Anakin, "There's something I wish to speak to you about as well."
"Me?" Anakin asked startled. His first reaction was that he was in trouble for something. An unfortunately side effect of being in the Jedi Order for so long.
"Yes, I need your advice about something." Captain Panaka reassured him.
Confused, Anakin replied, "I'm not sure what advice I can give you, but I'll help in any way I can."
Captain Panaka gave him a warm, fatherly smile, "Come. Walk with me."
Captain Panaka kept his eyes straight ahead as they walked down another corridor. "We are lucky here on Naboo to have experienced peace that many of the planets in the galaxy do not have."
Anakin kept pace alongside him with his hands clasped behind his back. "You and your security force are a huge factor of that." Anakin complimented.
"Thank you. We have our skirmishes here and there but overall there's not much that happens here. We're lucky to have elected several Queens in a row that emphasizes our wishes to remain a peaceful planet. Your wife included," the Captain noted.
Anakin nodded back politely.
"I've served many Queens in my time and yet, I think that my time here is coming to an end." He smiled at Anakin before continuing, "I've been thinking about my retirement. I have grandchildren and great grandchildren that I would love to spend more time with. My reflexes are not what they are used to. My back…." he laughs and stops to do a little backstretch to make his point, "is not what it use to be."
He continues walking, "I think it's time for some new blood to step in. Someone with a fresh approach and a keen mind."
Anakin frowned as they walked, "who do you have in mind?"
Captain Panaka stops and turns to face Anakin, "Why, you of course."
Anakin's eyes went wide, "I'm sorry. Can you say that again?"
"I plan to retire and I would like you to take over my role as head of Royal Naboo Security Force." Captain Panaka reiterated.
Anakin was honored for sure but didn't feel qualified, "You do realize I left the Jedi Order right?"
The Captain explained. "I'm not asking you as a Jedi to accept the role. You have a vast amount of experience from serving in the Clone Wars. You led many successful campaigns and won the admiration of your troops."
Captain Panaka stopped and leaned in closer. "Anakin, you are a hero to our people! Don't forget the part you played during the Trade Federation Blockade when you destroyed the Droid Control Ship….and you were only 9 years old! Our people have a long memory."
Sensing that Anakin was still skeptical, he let out a heavy sigh before continuing. "Look…I'm asking you as Anakin Skywalker to accept the role."
Anakin stared out the window behind Captain Panaka with his past still haunting him. Even after over a year later, the wounds of betrayal he felt from Chancellor Palpatine and the Jedi Order still stung.
"I've…already done the whole errand boy for the Republic Senate. I'm not really keen on entering that role again."
The Captain gave him a sympathetic look. "I understand your apprehension. I'm not asking you to deliver justice to an entire system. Just keep Naboo safe."
Anakin grimaced not entirely sold on the idea.
Captain Panaka continued, "I understand the sacrifices you made for the Republic and Naboo doesn't hold ill will towards the Jedi, unlike the other planets. We can handle whatever issues the Republic may have with a former Jedi as head of Security but I assure you…I highly doubt there'll be any issues. You'll spend most of your time on Naboo and would only leave if you needed to accompany the Queen or her advisors off world." Anakin listened as Captain Panaka explained. "It'll give you a stable income and a chance to stay in one place so you can raise your family and personally know that they are safe here on Naboo."
Anakin was coming around to the idea and he would love to have his children grow up on Naboo and, as Anakin has seen himself, Naboo was a peaceful planet. Maybe this whole head of security thing wasn't such a bad idea. What could possibly happen? And…he did feel the need to pull his weight around in the family. Even though he told Padmé he was okay with her wearing the metaphoric pants in the relationship, he felt, as a man, he should help provide for his family and especially protect them. This might be the opportunity he needed.
"And what if problems arise with the Gungans? Or with the people on the Moons of Naboo?" Anakin probed further.
"That's not your problem. Leave that to the Queen and her advisors to negotiate conflicts as they arise. If and only if things become hostile, would you need to step in and speaking from my experience, that rarely happens."
"I don't know about this. I have to discuss this with Padmé first." Anakin crossed his arms, still wary of making any commitments.
"Please, take as much time as you need. I just ask that you seriously consider my offer. There's no one I rather have to replace me and I would be deeply honored." Captain Panaka bowed respectfully to Anakin who reciprocated.
The Throne room of the Palace was stunning with its high vaulted chamber and impossibly tall windows that gave it such a grandiose flare. It left anyone entering it with a feeling of being diminutive in its presence. Its walls whispered the secrets of previous monarchies' aspirations and even its misconducts.
Padmé reflected on her time when she sat on the throne. A time long ago. She was so naive back then, her headstrong attitude not yet tempered by wisdom. Padmé was always brave and didn't think twice about fighting the Trade Federation during the Blockade. What she wasn't prepared for was the political trap she fell into. Still feeling guilty for the role she played, helping Sheev Palpatine become the Supreme Chancellor. Her vote of no confidence set into motions the gears of war and bloodshed that, ironically, she was so against. Indirectly, she was responsible for the Clone Wars and that was something that weighed heavily on her heart.
Padmé walked along the familiar ornate tiles that lined the floor of the Grand Queen's throne room and stopped when she noticed something. That's strange. She found Queen Apailana sitting on the throne but none of the other advisors were there. Even when Padmé was Queen, did she rarely conducted affairs without her advisors or guards present. She curtsied before the Queen. "You wish to speak to me, your highness?"
Queen Apailana was dressed in the same regal, heavy gown, that Padmé once wore, which masked the Queen's true frame and the bulky headset that was customary to Naboo royalty. Her face painted in the familiar white makeup that hid her actual skin tone. She smiled through thickly painted lips and stated cheerfully in the royal intonation all Queens of Naboo take on when crowned. "Padmé! I'm so glad you could make it. How is your family?" She motioned for Padmé to sit down.
Padmé decided on one of the advisor chairs in front of the Queen's throne. "They are well. Thank you for asking. Anakin and I are deeply grateful for the time you have given us."
"Oh, of course! Family is very important isn't it?" The Queen stated cryptically more as a comment than a question.
Padmé was growing suspicious and lifted a brow, "Yes, I suppose it is."
"How have you enjoyed your time here back on Naboo. It's been a while since you have been here for such an extended amount of time, no?" The Queen continued not missing a beat.
Padmé hasn't really spent much time on Naboo since she was Queen. It's funny. She dedicated her life to representing Naboo but really hasn't enjoyed being back on the one planet she loves so dearly. "I've had time to reacquaint myself. Yes. But, I'm also ready and eager to return to my role as Senator."
Queen Apailana raised an eyebrow, "Are you so ready to leave the planet you call home?"
Padmé quickly added. "No, it's just that I want to be of service to you again, my Queen. I feel that I have allotted a significant amount of time to my personal life and that it's my duty to return to public service."
"What if I don't need you in the role of a Senator." Queen Apailana added mysteriously.
Padmé's heart skipped a beat. "Queen Apailana. Are you firing me? Has my service to your throne not been satisfactory?"
The Queen gave a hearty laugh. "Oh, the contrary. You have great wisdom and tenacity. I would love to be able to seek your counsel on a more regular basis."
Padmé frowned, "I don't understand…"
Queen Apailana gave her a warm, reassuring smile. "I would like you to be on my council of ministers."
Padmé gasped! She would be the youngest ever to be on the Naboo Royal Advisory Council. Rarely did people leave once they had been promoted to the Queen's council. Their tenure continued long after a Queen has left. In fact, in most cases, the only time a seat became available was when someone was retiring. "I'm truly honored but I don't understand how this is possible?"
The Queen smiled knowingly, "We have been in need of an Internal Affairs advisor for some time. Governor Sio Bibble has suggested you personally, especially since you were the one to bring peace talks with the Gungans, and honestly, I couldn't think of a more qualified person!"
Padmé jaw was still ajar, forgetting her manners completely. "I…don't know what to say. What about my role as Senator?"
"Interim Senator Jamillia tells me that you have been very helpful with her adjustment to her role. She seems to be quite proficient in your footsteps. She gives all the credit to you, of course. I would be most pleased if you continued to mentor her."
Padmé was stunned and just sat there lost in thought. She couldn't believe it! So much of her life has been dedicated to the title of Senator Amidala. Part of her couldn't see herself without that identity, but in her heart of hearts, this past year was beyond wonderful for her. She was able to enjoy her home planet with her beloved husband. They cherished every second this past year has given them, not taking for granted that it could change at any moment. After so much time apart during the Clone wars, it was an incredible gift for Padmé and Anakin to see each other every day. Even more of a blessing that they were able to raise and watch their children grow up…together.
Significant time had passed since Padmé had said anything. Queen Apailana couldn't read Padmé's expression, "If you prefer to remain a Senator the option is there for you surely."
"Oh, yes, your highness. I mean..I don't know…" Padmé replied perplexed.
The Queen frowned surprised by her reaction. "Your personal situation has changed now that you are a mother. I would think you would be thrilled to be able to stay here on Naboo? You have done great things for Naboo as Senator and I would be more than happy if you wish to remain in that position. You are a remarkable person and a valuable asset to Naboo in whatever position you would like." The Queen continued sternly, "However, not everyone gets this opportunity, Padmé."
Padmé caught on to the Queen's tone. "Oh, forgive me. I didn't mean any disrespect. I just…need to discuss this with my husband first. If that's ok, your highness?" She added quickly.
Queen Apailana demeanor softened with a slightly smirk on her face. Padmé couldn't place it. It's like the Queen knew something she didn't know.
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you." The Queen was satisfied by her response.
She rose from her seat and Padmé rose along with her giving the Queen a respectful curtsy before exiting. Padmé had much to discuss with her husband.
A/N: I know you want to know what happens next but first can I tempt you…shall we see what Obi Wan's been up to?