Before long, the Senate was called into session. Several floating platforms circled around a central podium where Chancellor Valorum stood with his two aides on either side of him.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Valorum addressed. "I call this emergency session to order! The purpose of this session is to address a new development in the growing Separatist crisis. For the details, I defer to the Senator from the sovereign system of Naboo."

Sitting in a floating platform with Padme and 3PO, Palpatinepressed a button on his console, allowing the platform to float toward the center of the chamber.

"Thank you, Chancellor," Palpatine spoke before addressing the entire Senate. "Fellow delicates, a tragedy has occurred, which started right here, with the blatant corruption and corporate greed that has engulfed this governing body, and prompted the creation of the Separatist Alliance. Now, these radicalists have made their voice heard by taking our entire system hostage, including our beloved Queen Jobal Amidala."

Palpatine's words caused a massive stir amongst the other senators.

"This is an outrage!" one senator with an enlarged head declared. "We did not create these Separatist rebels! They are traitors!"

"The Chair does not recognize Aks Moe of Malstare at this time," Valorum shot down.

Aks Moe backed down, allowing Palpatine to continue to speak.

"To state our allegations in full, I present Princess Padme Amidala of the Royal House of Naboo, who speaks on our behalf."

Padme took a breath before standing up, allowing Palpatine to take his seat as she made her way to the front of the podium.

"Honorable representatives of the Republic," she spoke. "I come to you under the gravest of circumstances. Naboo has been invaded by the Separatists. They seek more and more systems to join their cause, and now they are seeking it by force. My people are in need of aide. And it is for that reason, I come before you now."

"We cannot allow this act of aggression to go unpunished!" Aks declared. "We must strike back!"

"The Republic is not equipped for all out war," Bail Organa, ruler of Alderaan, spoke up. "Now more than ever is time for negotiations. To bring these wayward systems back into the fold of the Republic."

This caused an outcry from several Senators, each one making their arguments for both peace and war.

"Order!" Mas Amedea,Vice Chair of the Senate, demanded. "We will have order!"

As the Senate began to die down, Chancellor Valorum noted a flashing light on his console.

"A moment," he spoke up. "I am receiving an urgent message… from Count Dooku."

The Senate came into an uproar again, made only worse with the giant holographic image of Count Dooku appeared before them. There were several shouts and boos that resulted from this. Some even yelled "traitor" in response to seeing his face.

"Count Dooku," Valorum spoke. "You dare much contacting us in such a matter. Explain yourself."

"It is not I that dares much, Chancellor, but you. You and this den of corruption and deception you dare call a Senate."

More roars of disapproval rang out in response to the insults Dooku had thrown their way.

"My allies and myself came to Naboo in hopes of peaceful relations between Naboo and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Those relations were challenged when the head of this very institution, Supreme Chancellor Valorum, sent his Jedi attack dogs to force a settlement.

As he spoke, the holographic image shifted to footage of Qui Gon and Obi-Wan fighting against Battle Droids onboard the Trade Federation ship. This came as a large surprise to the members of the Senate present.

"The result was a battle both pointless and costly. One that resulted in the loss of many lives. Including the life of your beloved Queen Amidala."

Padme gasped in horror at the realization. 3PO turned to her in sympathy while Palpatine lowered his head.

"Due to this tragic loss, and the princess being absconded by the Jedi, I have placed the entire planet of Naboo under Separatist protection. This is a warning. Any move against us will be seen as a declaration of war, and we will respond in kind."

Dooku's hologram cut out, prompting the Senate to go rampant with concern and questions. Several Senators wondering if what Dooku said was true, or if the Chancellor had sent the Jedi to strongarm a settlement with the Separatists. Padme was overwhelmed by what she had learned, but knew that getting upset now would not help her people.

"Delegates!" Padme cried out. "Delegates, please!"

"This is certainly an uproar," 3PO commented.

"Unfortunately, there are those who feel the Jedi shouldn't be involved in political affairs," Palpatine explained. "It is a delicate situation. One that certain individuals would take advantage of."

"This is incredible!" Nix Card, the large headed Muun who represented the Banking Clan, chimed in. "The Banking Clan recommend that an investigation into the Jedi Orders involvement be undertaken to find out the truth!"

"I concur!" Orn Free Taa, the Tw'ilek Senator of Ryloth, concurred. "The Jedi's intentions must be known!"

"There was no plot!" Chancellor Valorum shot down. "They were sent as emissaries, nothing more!"

"We can't know that!" Nix Card insisted. "We demand answers!"

"The point-"

"Chancellor," Mas Amedda, the blue Champla that served as the vice chair of the Senate, interrupted before pulling him aside.

"Enter the Bureaucrats," Palpatine remarked. "The true rulers of the Republic."

"Do you really think they'll ignore our plight?" Padme wondered.

"The Banking Clans are quite persuasive. Just watch. This is where the Chancellor's strength will disappear."

Padme grimaced, her prospects looking bleak before as Valorum finally broke away.

"The point is conceded," Valorum admitted, shocking Padme. "Your highness, will you defer your motion so that an investigation into the Jedi can be conducted?"

Padme was floored at the flippancy of the Senate's attitude toward her situation. She closed her eyes, lowering her head in sorrow and anger. Her grip on the railing tightening, she looked up at the Chancellor's podium with a irritated look on her face.

"I will not defer," she declared.

"With all due respect, Princess-" Chancellor Valorum tried to explain.

"It isQueen,Chancellor. If my mother is truly dead, then the burden of the throne falls to me. Whether Count Dooku's claims toward the Jedi are true or not, the threat on our planet's sovereignty is clear and present. And I will not stand back and let my people suffer and die while you discuss the technicals of this invasion in a committee!"

This caused a stir amongst the Senators, who were taken by the surprise at the young monarch's intense demeanor.

"If this body is not capable of action… then I suggest new leadership is needed," she paused for a moment, then found her resolve. "I call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership!"

Valorum was taken aback by this, not expecting such a blatant attack as the senators all cried out in response.

"Order!" Mas Amedda called out. "We will have order!"

"Alderaan seconds the motion!" Bail Organa cried out.

"I concur!" Aks Moe added.

More and more cries for a recall rang out throughout the Senate Chamber. Palpatine smiled at the prospect as Padme took her seat.

"It would appear the tide has turned in our favor," he mused to her. "Now they will elect a new Chancellor. A stronger Chancellor. One who will prevent any further tragedies for our people."

Padme didn't seem to register what Palpatine was saying. All her thoughts were on the loss she had endured. She wanted to burst into tears, but couldn't appear weak toward the Senate. All she could muster was a single tear running down her cheek.

-X-

Back at the Jedi Temple, Obi-Wan was outside the Council Chambers speaking with Jar Jar over comms.

"The Queen dead?" Obi-Wan asked. "Are you sure?"

"That's what I heard,"Jar Jar reported."Everyone's going crazy about it. They think the Jedi are responsible. And they wanna boot out Valorum. It's all nuts here."

"I can tell… for now, just stay close with Padme and the others. I sense that things aren't going to quiet down anytime soon."

"Right. Say, how's Anakin?"

"He's meeting with the Council now. With any luck, the tests are going well…"

-X-

Inside the Council Chamber, Anakin appeared before the Jedi Council. Anakin stood in the center of the circle of Jedi Masters, his eyes closed as he breathed in and out.

"Focus," Yaael Poof, a long necked Quemian instructed. "Clear your mind of distractions. Focus only on the living Force."

Anakin continued breathing, trying to focus as Master Poof had instructed. As he continued to do so, Master Windu held up a vid screen.

"Reach out through the Force," he instructed. "Picture the images in your mind. What do you see?"

Anakin took a breath, trying to focus on the images before him.

"I see…. A ship… a cap… another ship… a… a speeder."

Windu looked up, impressed that he got every image right.

"Well done, young Skywalker," Yoda congratulated. "How feel you?"

Anakin paused for a moment. "Cold…"

"Afraid, are you?"

"...No."

Yoda however, was able to sense otherwise. "See through you, we can."

"Be mindful of your feelings," Windu instructed.

"Your thoughts dwell on your mother," Plo Koon noted.

"I miss her," Anakin answered.

"Afraid to lose her, I feel," Yoda suggested.

Anakin got slightly irritated at that. "So? What's that have to do with anything?!"

"Everything. Fear can be a dangerous feeling. Left unchecked, fear opens one to other dangers. Anger, hate, aggression, the Dark Side of the Force are they."

Anakin was taken aback by that, allowing Yoda to take a breath.

"A Jedi must have the deepest commitment. The most serious mind… and I sense much fear in you."

Anakin tried to calm down, letting out a breath before speaking again. "I can be brave. I'm not afraid."

Yoda pondered for a moment. "Then continue, we will."

-X-

Back on Naboo, Dooku was walking through the halls of the palace with Nute Gunray and Lott Dod on either side of him.

"It was bad enough you killed the Queen without speaking to us first," Lott chastised. "But informing the Senate of it-"

"The Queen would have never agreed to our demands, no matter how hard we pressed her people," Dooku countered. "As for the Senate, shifting blame of the Queens death toward the Jedi will keep the Senate bogged down in debate for the foreseeable future. Allowing us to solidify Naboo's transition to Separatist control."

"The entire system is nearly under our control," Gunray reassured. "Our troops are currently searching for these rumored 'underwater villages'."

"Then by all means, continue your search," Dooku encouraged. "When you find them… wipe them out."

-X-

In the underwater depths, countless Battle Droids marched across the ocean floor, unbothered by the underwater depths. As they climbed up a ridge, their target finally came into view, the Gungan City. With their destination located, the Battle Droids marched forward, prepared to carry out their masters bidding.

-X-

Inside the city, a Gungan soldier that was keeping watch caught sight of the approaching armies, causing him to retreat into the city, hoping to find Captain Tarpals.

"Captain! Captain Tarpals!"

In the city, Captain Tarples was riding his Kaadu through the city when he perked up, hearing the soldier call out his name. He turned back and saw the soldier running up, curious as to what this soldier wanted.

"What is it, soldier?"

"We've got something coming!" the soldier reported. "A lot of metal somethings! Marching this way!"

"The Droid Army the Jedi warned about…" Tarples realized. "Sound the alarm! Get our troops to the city borders and prepare for invasion!"

-X-

As the Battle Droids approached the city, several Gungan soldiers swam out to confront the invading force, energy shields and spears in hand. Tarples swam out in front of them, prepared to lead the attack.

"Charge!" he called out, rushing forward toward the droids.

The Gungans followed after him, each prepared to give their all for their way of life. As they did, the Battle Droids opened fire, intent on ending the fight quick.

-X-

Meanwhile on Coruscant, Padme looked out the window of Palpatine's office, looking out at the city dwelling on her sorrows. Corde walked over, sympathy on her face.

"Is there anything I can get you, milady?" she asked.

"... no thank you, Corde."

Corde nodded as she walked away. At the same time, Jar Jar entered the room, seeing the dower looks on Padme and Corde's faces as he walked over to R2 and 3PO.

"How is she?" Jar Jar asked.

"Not very well, I'm afraid," 3PO lamented. "She's been silent ever since we returned from the Senate."

"You must give her some time," Corde told them. "She just lost her mother, and our people are still in danger."

"Do you think… your people are gonna die?" Jar Jar fretted.

Corde lowered her head in sorrow. "I genuinely don't know."

Jar Jar looked at her and felt great sympathy. "I hope not."

"Jar Jar," 3PO spoke. "Your people are at risk as well. Does this not bother you?"

"Sure it does. But Gungans don't go down without a fight. We're warriors. We got a grand army," he turned toward Padme. "That's why the Naboo don't like us, isn't it?"

Corde remained silent, seemingly confirming Jar Jar's words.

"I'm sorry," 3PO spoke up. "I'm not sure I fully understand. Is your people's disagreement out of fear of military action?"

"There are those who view the Gungans as… barbarians," Corde admitted.

"And Gungans who hate the Naboo for viewing themselves as so superior," Jar Jar added.

"I see," 3PO recognized. "Though if I may say so, with our present situation, I don't think those differences matter anymore."

Padme, having been listening from afar, subtly perked up upon hearing this. Something went off in her head, giving her a desperate but possible idea.

"Your Highness!" Panaka called out.

Everyone looked up to see Panaka and Palpatine entering into the office. Both of them had big smiles on their faces, giving them a semblance of hope.

"We have good news," Panaka told Padme as she approached.

"What is it?" Padme asked.

"The motion to impeach Chancellor Valorum has gone through. And Senator Palpatine has been nominated."

Padme was surprised by this. "Really?"

"A surprise to be sure," Palpatine admitted. "But a welcome one. I promise, Your Majesty, if elected, I will restore democracy to the Republic and bring an end to this Separatist crisis. Our people will no longer be political pawns in Dooku's game."

"Who else has been nominated?"

"Bail Organa of Alderaan, and Anilee Teem of Malistare," Panaka answered.

"I'm sure that our 'situation' will create a strong sympathy vote for us…" Palpatine reassured. "I will be Chancellor. I promise you that."

Padme remained silent for a moment before finally speaking up.

"Then I'll leave you to it. Captain, prepare my shuttle. We're going home."

Everyone was taken aback by this.

"Milady, are you sure this is wise?" Panaka asked.

"I fear if we wait any longer, our people, our home, our way of life… it will all be gone," Padme looked up in dedication. "We've already lost too much to this conflict."

"Your Majesty," Palpatine pleaded as Padme started to leave. "If you return, you could be captured. Forced under Separatist control."

Padme paused before turning back. "That will not happen. No matter how this conflict ends, my fate will be the same as our people. For better or for worse."

Mulling it over, Panaka stepped forward past Palpatine. "Then I am at your service, milady. As I was for your mother."

"Thank you, Captain."

Panaka then took off to prepare the ship, Jar Jar, R2, 3PO, and Corde following after.

"Then there is… nothing I can say to convince you to stay?" Palpatine asked.

"... No. With the Republic as it is, we are on our own. I trust you will find a way to restore compassion back to the Senate, but until then, this is your battleground. And I must return to mine."

With that, Padme turned to leave, leaving a surprised and bewildered Palpatine in her wake.