The sun of Naboo shone high, bathing the royal city of Theed in soft golden light. Within the grand marble halls of the palace, the Queen of Naboo sat upon her throne as the parliament gathered around the long circular table before her. Senators, advisors, and representatives filled the chamber with quiet conversation before the meeting was called to order.
Khan Kage stood beside Senator Palpatine near the center of the room, his gaze calm but curious. It was his first time seeing politics in action like this.
A royal attendant stepped forward. "Her Majesty will now hear the reports of the council."
The chamber grew still.
One of the older councilors, a man in silver robes, stood to speak. "Your Majesty, trade with the Gungans continues to worsen, there are some concerns remaining about resource distribution along the shared waterways. There are disputes about the new export routes."
Another official, a woman from the agricultural ministry, spoke next. "And with that trade, the farmlands along the Lake Country have begun to feel the strain. Transport delays have left many of our food shipments running late. If this continues, some settlements could face shortages."
Murmurs echoed around the room. The Queen listened patiently, hands folded before her.
Then, Ruwee Naberrie rose from his seat. His expression was calm but earnest. "Your Majesty, if I may add to that."
The Queen nodded. "You may speak, Master Naberrie."
"My wife, Jobal, works closely with several volunteer relief groups," he began. "Lately she's been telling me of more families struggling in the outer settlements — not because of lack of effort, but because the supplies they were promised never arrive. Tools, grain, even medical goods… they vanish before they reach the towns. The people are growing restless, and they've begun to lose trust in the system meant to protect them."
The chamber fell quiet again. The Queen looked thoughtful. "That is troubling news indeed. Has this been investigated?"
Ruwee shook his head. "Not properly, Your Majesty. I believe the problem may lie in Theed itself — the flow of resources may not be reaching those beyond the capital."
For a moment, no one spoke. Then, Palpatine took a step forward, his tone measured and respectful.
"Your Majesty, if I may," he said, his voice carrying through the room. "Master Naberrie brings forth an important concern — one that aligns with recent findings my office has been looking into."
The Queen turned to him. "Go on, Senator."
Palpatine gave a small bow. "We have discovered records showing that funds intended for the outer settlements — relief credits, transport budgets, and trade allocations — have been diverted elsewhere. The trail leads, unfortunately, to the office of Theed's current supervisor."
He glanced down at his datapad before speaking the name. "Dorn Halven, Your Majesty."
Gasps filled the chamber. Dorn, a broad-shouldered man seated across the room, stood sharply. "That's outrageous! These accusations are baseless—"
Palpatine raised a hand slightly. "The evidence has already been sent to your council. Bank records, shipment manifests, and private correspondences. I would never bring this before Her Majesty without proof."
The Queen's voice was calm, but firm. "These are serious charges, Senator. If they are true, the supervisor of Theed has betrayed the trust of Naboo's people."
Palpatine inclined his head. "That is why I believe immediate action must be taken. The people deserve a leader who values service over personal gain."
He looked briefly toward the Naberrie family's side of the chamber, his expression softening. "Someone who has already shown great promise in public service — young Padmé Naberrie."
Padmé blinked in surprise as all eyes turned to her.
Palpatine continued smoothly, his voice carrying conviction without arrogance. "She has served under the legislature with distinction, her ideas bright and selfless. Even at her age, she commands the respect of her peers. I believe she could serve as a new Supervisor of Theed — one untainted by politics, yet driven by true compassion for the people."
A quiet murmur filled the chamber again. Some were hesitant, others impressed.
Ruwee spoke next. "If I may, Your Majesty… my daughter's heart has always been for the people of Naboo. I believe she would serve faithfully if given the chance."
The Queen regarded Padmé carefully, then turned to the assembly. "Very well. The council shall vote."
One by one, hands began to rise — slowly at first, then more confidently as the majority agreed.
"It is decided," said the Queen. "Padmé Naberrie will take the position of Supervisor of Theed."
Applause followed, gentle but sincere. Padmé rose and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do all I can to honor this trust."
As the meeting concluded and officials began to leave, Palpatine leaned slightly toward Khan and whispered, "Do you see, my young friend? True change begins with opportunity. All it takes is a careful push in the right direction."
Khan nodded, though something in his master's earlier warning echoed in his mind.
Palpatine's tone was calm, but there was something underneath — a quiet satisfaction that Khan couldn't quite place.
He looked out at Padmé, who spoke with her father and thanked the Queen. She was radiant with hope and purpose.
And Palpatine… smiled.
After the Meeting
The great doors of the council chamber opened, and the afternoon light spilled across the marble floor as the meeting came to an end. Officials began to leave, voices murmuring in discussion over the decision that had just been made.
Khan Kage walked beside Senator Palpatine down the grand corridor. The young Jedi's expression was thoughtful.
"Senator," Khan began, his tone careful but curious, "if I may ask — why did you bring forth Padmé as a candidate?"
Palpatine smiled faintly, folding his hands behind his back as they walked. "Ah, a fair question, my young friend. You see, I believe she is more than capable of aiding Theed. But beyond that—" he paused, glancing toward the distant garden balconies, "—her ideals align with where I wish for Naboo to go. Simply put, she was a far better option than anyone else in that chamber."
"I… understand," Khan replied slowly, "but why did you not bring up your proposal about Naboo becoming more open to the Republic, as you mentioned yesterday?"
Palpatine's smile remained, though his tone shifted to something more measured. "That was a private matter between myself and the Queen. She made her stance clear. Right now, I lack the influence to challenge her position openly. But," he said, his voice softening, "with time and a broader vision, the right pieces will fall into place. Patience, my boy — the galaxy rewards patience."
Before Khan could respond, a familiar voice called from behind them.
"Senator Palpatine!"
Palpatine turned, his expression brightening. "Ah, Master Naberrie."
Ruwee Naberrie approached with his daughter Padmé by his side. Both offered polite bows.
"It's been some time since we last spoke," Ruwee said warmly.
"Indeed it has," Palpatine replied. "Allow me to introduce my guest — Jedi Khan Kage."
Khan stepped forward and gave a respectful bow. "It is an honor to meet you both."
Ruwee smiled knowingly. "Ah, so you're the Jedi my daughter met yesterday."
"Yes," Khan replied with a small nod. "Your daughter was most generous with her time. She showed me much of Naboo's beauty."
Padmé smiled, her eyes bright with recognition. "And how has your stay been so far, Khan?"
"It has been most enlightening," he said. "I've learned much about your world — not only its landscapes, but its politics as well."
Ruwee chuckled softly. "Then you've had quite the education already." He turned to Palpatine. "Senator, if I may, could I speak with you privately? There are some matters I would like to discuss."
Palpatine inclined his head graciously. "Of course. Why don't we continue this conversation in my chambers?"
Then, glancing toward Khan and Padmé, he added, "Perhaps the two of you might take a walk while Master Naberrie and I speak."
Khan looked to Padmé. "If that's all right with you."
Padmé gave a warm smile. "Of course. There's still much more of Theed I can show you."
"Excellent," Palpatine said, pleased. "Then it's settled."
With that, Ruwee and the senator made their way down the corridor, their voices fading as they turned a corner.
Left behind, Khan and Padmé exchanged a small smile before beginning their walk toward the palace gardens, the soft light of Naboo's sun filtering through the glass arches above them.
The gardens of Theed were alive with color. The soft hum of the city could be heard in the distance as fountains trickled and sunlight glimmered through the trees. Khan and Padmé walked side by side along the stone paths, their pace slow and calm.
Khan glanced toward her with a gentle smile. "So, you're going to be the new Supervisor of Theed. How are you feeling?"
Padmé folded her hands behind her back as she walked, her voice calm but honest. "In all honesty… I'm a little nervous. But also excited. I've always wanted to be in a position where I could truly help people." She smiled softly. "My mother's always been someone who believes in helping the community. She does a lot of public service work — I think I picked up more of her habits than I realized."
Khan smiled warmly at her words. "I'm glad someone like you will be leading Theed. The people will be lucky to have you. And maybe, one day, you'll make a change that reaches even beyond Naboo — to the greater galaxy. A heart like yours could do a lot of good."
Padmé felt her cheeks grow warm, looking away slightly. "Thank you," she said quietly. After a moment, she changed the subject. "So how long are you staying here on Naboo?"
Khan let out a small breath. "Not long, I'm afraid. Maybe three more days at most."
Padmé's expression fell slightly. "Such a short time? I was hoping I could show you the countryside."
Khan thought for a moment, then smiled. "Then how about this — before you begin your official duties as Supervisor, we go out there together. You mentioned your mother's work — perhaps I can help you with your public service?"
Padmé's eyes lit up. "Oh! That's perfect. Tomorrow I'm scheduled to visit the outer settlements to deliver supplies. You can come with me — we can distribute them together."
"I would love to," Khan replied with a genuine smile.
The two continued walking through the gardens, their conversation flowing easily. They spoke about many things — their hobbies, their dreams, and the way they both wished to give others a better life. Padmé talked about the people of Naboo, while Khan shared stories of the worlds he had visited as a Padawan.
Eventually, as the sun began to lower behind the palace spires, a familiar voice called out to them. Ruwee Naberrie approached with a gentle smile.
"Padmé, it's time to head home," he said kindly.
Padmé turned to Khan, smiling. "I suppose this is goodbye for now."
"For now," Khan said, offering a small bow. "I'll see you tomorrow, Supervisor."
Padmé laughed lightly at the title. "You'd better. We have work to do."
With that, Ruwee and Padmé departed down the path, leaving Khan standing beneath the soft golden light of Naboo's sunset, a faint smile on his face as he watched them disappear into the glow.