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Chapter Text

The Naboo royal starship was en-route to Coruscant, with the monarch Amidala aboard, along with two Jedi knights, an R2 unit, and a Gungan. "Activating hyperdrive to Coruscant." The pilot announced. The ship began to accelerate.

Just then, the hyperdrive engines sputtered violently. The ship lurched sideways, throwing everyone against their restraints. Qui-Gon Jinn gripped the console tightly. "What's happening?" Obi-Wan Kenobi yelled over the alarms. The pilot frantically tapped controls. "Unknown spatial disturbance, hyperdrive failure!"

Once the craft stabilized in realspace, Qui-Gon scanned the navigation display. "We're far off course," he murmured, his calm cutting through the blaring alarms. Outside the viewport, unfamiliar constellations glittered against a nebula-streaked space. Obi-Wan leaned over the co-pilot's shoulder. "Nearest habitable system?" He asked. The pilot’s fingers trembled as he input commands. "The Akéjúra system, the navigator says. Hyperdrive's out of commission, sir."

"Akéjúra system..." Qui-Gon repeated. "Not charted in the Galactic Republic. We must exercise caution. We're bordering on the Unknown Regions here. Pilot, begin descent towards the largest city signature." The ship shuddered as it pierced the atmosphere, revealing a sky of stunning twilight hues, deep violets bleeding into burnt orange above a vibrant city featuring large, half-conical shaped spires, red lights decorating the sides. A flowing river runs through the center of the metropolis, crowds visible on bridges and walkways. Qui-Gon exchanged a glance with Obi-Wan. Padmé, who had been quiet throughout the ordeal, leaned forward. "These structures... they're unlike anything I've seen on Naboo."

The landing gear groaned upon touching down in a bustling spaceport bay. "The planet appears quite developed," Padmé observed as she unbuckled her restraints, her diplomatic instincts kicking in. Obi-Wan examined the surroundings. "A university spire. An academic hub, perhaps?"

Qui-Gon activated the ramp release. A wash of frigid air filled the cabin. Padmé shivered involuntarily. "Much colder than I expected," she said, pulling her cloak tighter. Jar Jar Binks peered out timidly. "Meesa not likin' dis place," he mumbled, shuffling behind Obi-Wan. The Jedi Master stepped onto the permacrete first, boots echoing in the cavernous docking bay. "Stay alert," he murmured, his hand resting near his lightsaber hilt. "This isn't Coruscant."

The group approached towards one of the spires, the university’s entrance looming ahead. Qui-Gon paused, noting the intricate carvings on the archway, geometric patterns interwoven with unfamiliar script. "Academic hub indeed," Obi-Wan murmured, his gaze sweeping over the bustling plaza. Students in hooded coats hurried past, while vendors sold steaming cups from carts emitting a sweet fragrance. Padmé observed the orderly flow, her diplomatic mind already cataloging cultural cues. "They seem advanced," she said quietly. "But why no Republic contact?"

One student near the entrance, around the same age as Padmé herself, watched the group curiously. A young man, extremely pale, longer wavy black hair, and greenish-blue eyes, wearing a long winter coat with fur adorning the hood. "Jedi?" He said in heavily accented Galactic Basic, pointing at Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's lightsabers. His tone held curiosity, not hostility. "From Core? We haven't seen Jedi around here in generations." He gestured towards the university spire. "You look lost."

Qui-Gon inclined his head slightly, assessing the young man. "Indeed. Our ship suffered a hyperdrive malfunction. We seek assistance and information." The student nodded thoughtfully. "No one here accepts Republic credits," he said, gesturing toward the bustling plaza where traders exchanged small crystalline tokens. "I could commission a custom build for your hyperdrive. What craft?"

Padmé stepped forward. "A Naboo N-1 Starfighter. My personal craft." Her tone carried regal authority despite her simple robes. The student's eyebrows lifted slightly, a gesture of respect rather than surprise. "A royal vessel," he acknowledged. He gasped. "You're Naboo's matriarch?" Padmé nodded curtly. "Amidala. And you are?"

"Haokas Yärsk. I do have to tell you that it's going to take quite a while for them to work on unfamiliar craft," Haokas replied, gesturing toward the distant spire where faint welding sparks illuminated a cavernous hangar entrance.

"We only have so much time." Obi-Wan said to Qui-Gon, his tone low and urgent. "The Trade Federation blockade tightens around Naboo daily. Every hour stranded here puts her people at greater risk." He gestured subtly toward Padmé, whose expression remained composed but whose knuckles whitened on her cloak clasp. Qui-Gon nodded, his gaze returning to Haokas. "How long?"

"I can give them more of an incentive but... they always ask some exorbitant price, and my parents only deposit so much into my account," Haokas replied.

"And where are your parents? You know, typically, you are quite young for a university student. How old might you be?" Padmé asked Haokas, her tone softening with genuine curiosity as she studied his youthful features. The student shifted his weight, a slight flush rising on his pale cheeks. "They kind of just sent me here. They were never all too interested in me. Think throwing money my way solves everything." He shrugged, avoiding her gaze. "I'm fourteen."

Padmé gasped slightly. "I'm fourteen too," she said, her diplomatic reserve momentarily slipping into genuine astonishment. Beside her, Obi-Wan shifted subtly, his gaze sharpening as he reassessed Haokas.

"What might you be studying?" Padmé asked, stepping closer as Haokas adjusted his fur-trimmed hood against the biting wind. His eyes flickered toward the university spire's crystalline windows. "Primarily tourism and hospitality, but I have a project of my own. A rifle that can take down starships. It's for the Coalition of Sasafura." Qui-Gon's brow furrowed slightly at the mention of a weapon, but Obi-Wan leaned forward with sudden intensity. "The Coalition of Sasafura?"

"A coalition of systems that border the Unknown Regions. Only 17 systems strong, but we're fiercely independent," Haokas explained, gesturing toward the towering spire. "The Trade Federation doesn't respect neutrality, they've been harassing our supply lines. My rifle prototype uses phased energy bursts that should be able to take down small to medium-sized craft, and damage large ships."

Padmé's eyes widened with sudden understanding. "The Trade Federation blockades Naboo as well. They seized my planet illegally." Her voice held a quiet intensity that cut through the cold air. Beside her, Qui-Gon remained silent, his gaze fixed on Haokas, assessing the boy's sincerity and potential.

"It's getting quite cold. Is there anywhere we could continue this conversation?" Padmé asked, rubbing her arms beneath her cloak. Haokas nodded. "I do have enough to check us into a suite, if just for a few days." He gestured toward a nearby spire adorned with glowing red winglet patterns along its facade.

Inside the suite, Qui-Gon examined Haokas closely. "Can you tell us more about the Sasafuran Coalition? And why you're building weapons at fourteen?" His tone was neutral, but Obi-Wan noted the subtle tension in his Master's shoulders. The suite was warm, filled with low humming lights and geometric tapestries depicting unfamiliar constellations.

"The Sasafuran Coalition was formed sometime during the Old Republic. Some systems are friendlier than others. You should be lucky you landed here and not, say, Zathrükh or Zadreso. Vulsa as well. Zathrükh has a fixation on the occult and all that. Zadreso is perpetually in civil war. Vulsa is a collapsing military." Haokas prepares some of that same sweet-scented liquid from outside, this time served steaming in ceramic cups. Jar Jar sips cautiously. "Ooh, dis tastes like... like... meesa not know!" He croons. Haokas smiles. "It's called 'vaime'. It's local."

"Could you tell us which city we're in?" Obi-Wan asked, accepting a ceramic cup. The vaime's steam curled upward, carrying that pleasant aroma. "Varranyssa, the capital," Haokas replied, pointing toward the spire's apex visible through the window. "The Sasafuran Council commissioned a design for the defense against the Trade Federation and their allies."

During the conversation, a gold-plated protocol unit entered the room, "Oh, yes, new visitors." He chimed in a synthesized voice. Haokas gestured to him. "3PO model. Speaks over six million languages. Translates for the other systems." Padmé's eyes lit up. "We have an R2 unit right here with us. Kenobi's." The R2 unit beeped proudly from behind her. Haokas nodded thoughtfully.

"I hate to be so persistent, but we are on a bit of a time crunch," Padmé pressed, her gaze locked on Haokas. The steam from her vaime cup curled toward the ceiling tiles etched with star maps. "Could your parents fund the repairs? Or perhaps the Coalition itself?" Haokas shook his head, his wavy hair catching the suite's soft light. "There... is a way to get quick credits." He looks out the window, towards a glowing advertisement of the annual Sasafuran speeder race, this year taking place in Akéjúra's alps. "Mine hasn't been used much, but the payout will be able to cover the new hyperdrive and any other expenses."

Chapter Text

"That sounds quite dangerous, especially someone your age," Obi-Wan cautioned, the steam from his vaime cup momentarily clouding his sharp gaze as he watched Haokas. The boy's thin fingers traced the patterns on the windowpane, his reflection against the alpine peaks glowing with neon race markers in the distance. "It's the only way," Haokas insisted quietly. "My speeder's customized, triple-reinforced repulsors and a pulse engine I adapted from my rifle schematics. The race is for young pilots anyway. No older than sixteen. Each system has between two and six representatives," he added, turning back to them. Padmé leaned forward, calculating risks versus time. "How soon?"

"I can enter myself officially tomorrow morning," Haokas replied, his greenish-blue eyes fixed on the distant mountains where the circuit wound like a frozen serpent. "The race begins at noon solar time. Only goes for two laps, about four hundred kilometers total, but the Akéjúran Alps have ice crevasses, rock spires, and..." He hesitated, swallowing hard. "Last year, three pilots were involved in accidents. Only one survived." Padmé felt a chill deeper than the planet's cold settle in her bones. Across the suite, Obi-Wan exchanged a silent glance with Qui-Gon, both Jedi sensed the boy's pulse quickening, a flutter of fear beneath his calm façade.

Qui-Gon set down his vaime cup with deliberate softness. "You mentioned your speeder was customized," he said, his voice steady but probing. "How much testing have you done?" Haokas avoided his gaze, tracing the condensation on the windowpane. "Enough to know it handles well in atmosphere. Haven't yet tested it in alpine conditions."

Padmé exchanged a glance with Obi-Wan, her diplomatic poise tightening into resolve. "I'll accompany you to the registration," she declared, rising from her seat. "If we're relying on this, I want to understand every variable." The suite's warmth couldn't mask the sudden tension, Jar Jar shrank back at Qui-Gon's thoughtful silence, while C-3PO went on about "highly irregular protocols."

Haokas led them through Varranyssa's crystalline corridors at dawn, the chill biting deeper as neon-lit trams whisked silent crowds overhead. At the registration spire, chaos erupted: alien youths in pressurized suits argued over entry slots, holographic warnings flashed about hail storms, and a Skogroan youth was disqualified for engine tampering.

Padmé studied Haokas’s personal speeder, a sleek ocean blue craft with white accents and exposed conduits pulsing blue energy. "Triple-reinforced repulsors?" she asked, running her fingers along the cold alloy frame while Jar Jar peered nervously at the phased pulse engine humming beneath the chassis. Haokas nodded, gesturing to the flag of Akéjúra painted on the nose. A blue banner with a wide white stripe featuring a black circle (knowledge and the vast expanse of space) between two stars. "The flag indicates the vehicle is cleared for alpine racing," he explained.

Obi-Wan scanned the crowded hangar, his senses prickling as a pair of Zadreso pilots brushed past, their scarred faces and military-grade flight suits radiating hostility. "Keep your distance from them," Haokas said, his voice tight. A competitor from the Xeskyae system approached, a red reptilian with spines rising along his back, and slammed his fist onto the vehicle's canopy. "Bringing Core filth into your system?" he hissed in Sasafuran dialect. "Doesn't matter. I'll make sure you'll never see the finish line. You'll be seeing the ice wall."

Haokas clenched his fist. "You again, Guhushk? Harassing the vendors not enough for your ego?" He shot back in fluent Sasafuran, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands. "I'll be seeing you on the track." The reptilian snarled, revealing needle-sharp teeth. "Core sympathizers deserve nothing but an icy grave." He added, before trotting off to his orange speeder.

"Who was that? What was he saying?" Padmé asked, her voice low as she watched Guhushk vanish into the crowd. Haokas' grip tightened on the speeder's canopy edge. "Guhushk. From Xeskyae. He's like that with everyone," he replied, his tone deliberately casual, but Obi-Wan noted the slight tremor in his fingers.

The group approached the registration booth, its counter slick with condensation from the frigid air. "Name, age, and system of origin," droned a bored official through a translator mask. "Haokas Yärsk. 14. Akéjúra system." Haokas slid his crystalline token across the counter, its facets catching the hangar's harsh lights. The official barely glanced at him, stamping the entry approval with a pneumatic hiss. Padmé noted the official's dismissive stare, lingering too long on her Naboo robes.

Outside the hangar, wind screamed around the mountain peaks, carrying the ozone tang of charged repulsors. Participants fired up engines in staggered roars, a deafening chorus of high-pitched whines and guttural thrums that vibrated throughout. Haokas climbed into his ocean blue speeder, its canopy closing with a pressurized sigh. The hour-long wait during registration was over. The flagbearers were leaving the starting grid. The opening announcements were given by the commentators. "Our annual Youth's Sasafuran Speeder Race!" One commentator yelled. "This year held in beautiful Akéjúra. We've got a sold-out crowd and an excellent collection of competitors on this cold day." The other commentator continued. "This year, we've got racers from all seventeen systems! I see Vero Branzeiros from the Vulsa system! And Rogal from Eska! Two-time winner Sovester Minprath from Skao Shinan. Our reigning champion, Guhushk from the Xeskyae system, of course. Not to mention our newest entry, our local Haokas Yärsk!"

Padmé watched through the viewing bay, eyes fixated on Haokas in his speeder, waiting patiently for the red lights to turn green. The starting grid hummed with anticipation, engines reverberating under their feet. Guhushk's orange craft sat two rows ahead, its jagged exhaust vents glowing ominously.

As the final light blinked green, the field took off, Haokas's engine stalling momentarily before kicking in with a violent lurch that sent him careening sideways. Padmé gasped, pressing closer to the viewport as he narrowly avoided slamming into Rogal's crimson Eska craft. Obi-Wan leaned forward, his knuckles whitening on the railing. "He's compensating for throttle imbalance," he murmured to Qui-Gon, who stood motionless beside him, eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding below.

The pack surged upward into the glacial pass, engines echoing off sheer ice walls like thunder. Haokas wove through scrabbling Zadreso speeders, his craft darting between two Vulsa pilots locked in a reckless duel. The group watched from screens relaying live feeds, Padmé's breath catching as the field made their way towards ice spires. Jar Jar covered his eyes. "This gonna be messy! Me no look!"

Guhushk's orange monstrosity came into close contact with a light green speeder from Triax Thana, Guhushk making obscene gestures at the pilot as he effortlessly pushed him into one of the ice spires. Padmé gasped as the vehicle rolled violently, shedding pieces of armor plating before vanishing into a crevasse. Meanwhile, Haokas accelerated past geysers erupting superheated steam, their scalding moisture fogging his canopy, and navigated a narrow chasm where rock formations loomed like jagged teeth. Obi-Wan tracked the Akéjúran speeder's trajectory, noting its unusual stability despite turbulent crosswinds. "The build is working in his favor," he murmured to Qui-Gon, "but that pulse engine, it's fluctuating." Qui-Gon nodded silently, his gaze fixed on the screen where Haokas banked sharply to avoid Vero Branzeiros' reckless dive, while Sovester Minprath went off-circuit, not returning to the track. Possibly a brake failure.

The mountain cave approached, its gaping maw swallowing the pack whole. Inside, absolute darkness reigned except for the strobing glow of engines and headlights slicing through subterranean gloom. Ice-coated stalactites dripped frigid water onto Haokas’s canopy as he navigated treacherous bends. Padmé watched the feed, her hand pressed to her lips, as a competitor from the Sotunus system, Quaston Lackle, drove head first into a stalactite, fuel erupting into a fireball that Haokas just barely escaped from by diving downward sharply. He emerged from the cave’s exit into bright alpine sunlight.

Obi-Wan’s eyes narrowed at the monitor. “He’s pushing too hard through the descent.” The mountain pass plunged sharply now, a thousand-meter drop looming on Haokas’s right flank. Guhushk’s orange craft appeared suddenly, riding the slipstream. The Xeskyae pilot rammed Haokas’s rear stabilizer. Metal shrieked. Padmé cried out as Haokas spun wildly toward the cliff edge, repulsors screaming against gravity. In a skipped heartbeat, he regained control, skimming so close to the abyss that ice sprayed from his undercarriage.

The second lap soon began, a competitor from Yoscaria stopping at the pit lane, retiring after taking terminal damage from debris. Haokas shot up the alpine pass once more, his pulse engine humming erratically as he navigated between treacherous crevasses and jagged rock spires. Obi-Wan leaned closer to the monitor, his brow furrowed. "The rear stabilizer's compromised, see how it shudders on sharp banks?" Qui-Gon remained silent, but his stillness spoke volumes. Padmé watched Haokas racing closely behind Guhushk into the narrow corridor, barely the width of two speeders. Guhushk began pushing his speeder to the left, forcing Haokas toward a blocked-off service tunnel. Haokas pulled sharply to the right toward the cliff edge, sending him high into the air. He frantically adjusted his power settings, allowing him to settle closer to the ground, before reactivating his throttle, putting him ahead of Guhushk. The Akéjúran crowd cheered in approval.

Haokas's engine began to emit smoke, slowing him down considerably as Guhushk closed in on him. The smoke clouded Guhushk's vision momentarily, causing him to drop back before pushing ahead once again. Haokas frantically pulled a lever to close one of the hatches, putting less stress on the engine and allowing the vehicle to stabilize a bit more. The end of the second lap was approaching. Haokas was barely maintaining third place. The gears wouldn't shift correctly, causing a delay before returning to full power, Haokas charging ahead at full speed, careening past ice spires and crevasses, Guhushk closed ahead as he approached the final stretch.

Guhushk attempted to push him off-course, unintentionally hooking a piece of his speeder onto the side. "The two front-runners are side-by-side!" The commentator announced. "Haokas' speeder is damaged! Guhushk is closing!" Haokas frantically pulled a lever to disengage the connection, sparks showering the icy track as his speeder lurched sideways, while Guhushk's brakes were destroyed and his engine overheated, parts flying off and leaving him on the side of the course.

Haokas surged forward alone, the finish line a holographic ribbon of light across the alpine pass. His engine sputtered, but didn't cease, the speeder surviving through sheer willpower as he pushed to the finish. The Akéjúran crowd shouted in glee, arms raised in celebration. Behind Haokas, Guhushk’s orange wreckage smoked beside the track, the reptilian pilot slamming his fists against his fractured canopy in fury.

"The local, Haokas Yärsk, wins! Just listen to those cheers!" The commentator announced to the excitement of the crowd. A group of Haokas' academic peers waved flags and banners, jumping up and down. Haokas' speeder coasted towards them, engine sputtering and smoking, before abruptly shutting down. He pushed the canopy open, strumbling out, his legs shaky from adrenaline, and collapsed onto the snow-covered ground. Padmé rushed towards him, her Naboo robes billowing in the wind. "You did it!" she exclaimed, kneeling beside him. Haokas managed a weak smile, his face pale but triumphant. "The credits... will be added... within the hour," he gasped, his voice strained from exhaustion. Obi-Wan approached, his expression unreadable but eyes scanning the damaged speeder critically. "That quick-thinking saved your life, I must admit. Most impressive."

Qui-Gon whispered something to Obi-Wan. "A blood test on him?" Obi-Wan replied quietly. Qui-Gon nodded. "Perhaps." Padmé helped Haokas sit up, brushing snow from his thermal suit. "Rest. You've earned it."

The celebration was brief. Haokas' peers wrapped him in thick furs as a Coalition official approached, a holographic collection of credits glowing in her palm. "Your winnings, Haokas Yärsk," she announced, her voice crisp over the wind. "Added to your account." Haokas accepted it with trembling hands, pressing it into Padmé's palm. "For the hyperdrive." Padmé offered a quick hug. "You've helped significantly."

Qui-Gon approached, his shadow falling across Haokas as Padmé secured the credit chip. "You've shown remarkable courage today," the Jedi Master said, his voice low but carrying through the wind's howl. He knelt. "Just a quick blood test. I have to verify something." Qui-Gon tapped the boy's finger with a concealed lancet, collecting a droplet onto a portable analyzer. "Above average but not enough for consideration," Qui-Gon murmured to Obi-Wan as Haokas blinked, confused.

"Consideration for what?" Haokas asked, pulling his finger away and rubbing the tiny puncture. Qui-Gon tucked the analyzer away, his expression unreadable. "For the Jedi Order. Your reflexes during the race... they were extraordinary. However, your midichlorian count is below Jedi level. You see, midichlorians are in all of us, and—" Obi-Wan cut in gently, sensing the boy’s confusion. "It merely means your talents lie elsewhere." Padmé helped Haokas stand. "Actually, I was thinking... if you're interested and once you're of age, of course, I could find a position for you on Naboo. You'd be paid a full salary." Haokas glanced at the smoking wreck of his speeder. "What about my studies?"

"Honestly, with your abilities, I'd say you're all accounted for." Obi-Wan noted. "I'll speak to your university coordinators about your early graduation." Haokas stared at Obi-Wan. "You can do that?" Qui-Gon nodded. "Jedi Knights have diplomatic privileges." Padmé patted Haokas' back. "Then consider it settled. You'll like Naboo. I promise.”

Chapter Text

As the group were making their way back towards the ship, an extraordinarily tall, pale, white-haired woman with indigo lips and eyes walked by Haokas, waving and congratulating him on his winnings. "Who's she? She looks important." Padmé asked kindly. Haokas responded with a smile. "Szidonia Kýnszi. She's the Matriarch of Kantaja, our neighboring system. She's part of the Varras, from Suldusk, Ospana, Iress, and Eythis. They live for over a thousand years." Qui-Gon noted her distinct appearance, nodding respectfully as she passed by. Obi-Wan eyed her warily, sensing something ancient and powerful beneath her tranquil demeanor.

"The mechanics arranged all the parts we need," Padmé announced, studying her datapad as the group approached the Naboo starship. "With these credits, you could buy your own starcraft," she added, glancing at Haokas. He shook his head, snowflakes catching in his wavy hair. "It's enough. I'd rather see your people safe."

Inside the hangar bay, Qui-Gon watched R2-D2 interface with the hyperdrive replacement unit, its blue sparks casting long shadows across the ice-coated floor. Jar Jar shivered violently near a heating vent, muttering about "icky cold places," while C-3PO fretted over protocol deviations, also wishing Haokas well on his journey to Naboo. "Master Kenobi, regulations clearly state-" Obi-Wan silenced him with a raised hand, his focus fixed on Haokas as the boy traced a finger over the ship's scorched hull plating. "You've altered your rifle design, haven't you?" Obi-Wan asked quietly. Haokas nodded, pulling schematics from his tablet. "Trying to decrease the delay in firing."

Qui-Gon looked upwards, noticing a small speeder quickly approaching. A figure in a black cloak. "Haokas! Get to the ship immediately and tell them to prepare for launch," Qui-Gon commanded sharply, his hand instinctively moving toward his lightsaber hilt. The figure dismounted, revealing himself to be a Zabrak with a red-and-black face and distinctive yellow eyes. He activated his red lightsaber. Qui-Gon ignited his green blade as Haokas ran to the Naboo royal starfighter.

"Qui-Gon's in trouble!" The pilot worried, Obi-Wan ordering him to take off anyway as the Jedi knight engaged the Sith, Darth Maul, an unlikely sight at the edge of known space. The Zabrak's red blade clashed violently against Qui-Gon's green saber, casting flickering shadows across the ice-soaked hangar floor. "Fly low," Obi-Wan ordered the pilot calmly, despite the urgency. Haokas scrambled into the Naboo starfighter's rear seat, heart pounding as the engines started.

Qui-Gon lept into the air as the ship took flight, right after Maul had flipped over his head. Qui-Gon landed on the entrance platform, leaving Maul behind in the hangar. Maul concealed his lightsaber, looking the escaping ship in defeat. He boarded his own speeder and took off quickly. The Naboo starship soared upwards through Akéjúra's icy stratosphere, its hull groaning under atmospheric pressure. Inside, Haokas rushed towards Qui-Gon. "Who was that?" he gasped, pressing a hand against the cold viewport to glimpse the city below. Obi-Wan knelt next to his fellow Jedi. "Someone Sith-adjacent," he said, his gaze locked on Qui-Gon who had landed harshly inside. "But what would bring him to this remote corner of the galaxy?" Qui-Gon sat up. "He came for us. And he'll pursue. We shall be patient. Not worth pursuing him at this moment. Anyway, Haokas, I'm sorry we never introduced ourselves. I am Qui-Gon Jinn. This is Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Padmé emerged in robes the color of sunshine, noticing Haokas looking overwhelmed. "Who's that girl with the feathered headress?" Haokas asked her. She took a deep sigh and leaned in to whisper. "Let me explain. I'm pretending to be one of my handmaidens. The one in the headdress is my decoy. Her name's Sabé. You're the only one who knows." Haokas nodded slowly, watching Sabé settle gracefully in her seat. "So Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon didn't hear me... I mean I just assumed... you don't mind that I know?"

Padmé smiled gently. "I don't mind. It's for my safety on Naboo. It was an agreement between me and Sabé." Her eyes softened as she watched Haokas process this revelation. "But once we get to Naboo, you must refer to Sabé as the Matriarch. Not me." Haokas nodded slowly, his gaze shifting to Sabé's poised silhouette. "I understand."

Padmé settled beside him. "Your eyes... They remind me of the oceans of Naboo," she said in a near-whisper as the ship ascended. Haokas blushed deeply, his cheeks scarlet. "You meant all that? A position on Naboo?" Padmé smiled warmly. "Housing. Meals. Training. All covered. Naboo's different from your home planet, I know. Warm, lots of sun." Haokas glanced out the viewport at Akéjúra’s crystalline peaks shrinking below. "I'll miss Varranyssa. But... I'd like to see your oceans."

The Naboo royal starship began to make a descent towards Coruscant, a planet with skyscrapers far as the eye can see and the busiest traffic of any core world. "The entire planet is one big city." The pilot told Haokas. "Chancellor Velorum and Senator Palpatine are waiting for us on that platform over there.

Padmé gestured towards Haokas. "You'll come with Sabé and myself. Sabé knows the rules." Sabé nodded curtly, her feathered headdress swaying as she smoothed her robes. Haokas followed silently, his thermal suit replaced with his usual coat with the fur-lined hood. "It is a great gift to see you alive, Your Majesty." Palpatine said to Sabé, bowing deeply as Padmé stood slightly behind her, adopting the humble posture of a handmaiden.

"With the lack of communication, there was a growing concern. May I refer you to Chancellor Velorum?" Senator Palpatine inquired, his eyes flickering briefly toward Padmé before settling back on Sabé. Haokas shifted uneasily. Velorum stepped forward. "I have approved a special senate hearing of your position."

"I appreciate your concern, Chancellor." Sabé replied with practiced grace, her voice carrying the regal lilt Padmé had perfected. Qui-Gon stood behind. "I must speak with the Jedi council immediately." He told a representative. Haokas overheard, curious. Padmé called out to him to follow, Qui-Gon assuring him the matter is nothing to worry about.

The group, minus Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, boarded an air-taxi to the Galactic Senate Building. Haokas was overwhelmed by the noise and bustle of Coruscant, making Varranyssa seem quiet by comparison. As they flew past towering skyscrapers and neon signs, Padmé noticed Haokas' tight grip on his seat. "First time off-world?" she asked gently. He nodded, eyes wide at the chaotic amount of speeders weaving around them.

Inside the building, Haokas waited outside while the others discussed politics. "The senate... greed and endless squabbling with no resolution." Palpatine told Sabé. "And in all honesty, there is next to no chance the senate will act on the invasion of Naboo."

"Velorum says otherwise." Sabé lifted her chin, eyes cool. "He assured me the Senate would vote." Palpatine shook his head. "Chancellor Velorum… he means good, but his power is ultimately limited. It's the bureaucracy."

"What options remain?" Sabé asked, maintaining her regal composure. Palpatine paced the room. "Our best choice will be to appoint a new Chancellor with a stronger sense of directive. If enough call for a vote of lack of confidence in Chancellor Velorum..."

"He's our highest supporter. I'm afraid that can't be done." Sábe retorted, tone growing more insistent.

"The other option is to send a plea to the courts." Palpatine suggested with a sense of finality to his words.

"The courts take even longer than the senate." Sabé grew more and more frustrated. Palpatine turned, placing his hands together. "Your Majesty, I predict the Federation are not to back down for the time being. The skirmishes will not cease unless the treaty is signed."

"That is something I cannot do." Sabé said firmly, putting an end to the meeting. Palpatine nodded as the group left the room. Padmé, still playing her role, quietly guided Haokas away from the senate chambers. "How did they respond?" Haokas whispered, noting the look on Padmé's face. "No compromise," Padmé whispered back. "They're stalling. We're out of options to end this situation peacefully."

Chapter Text

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn stood in the Jedi council rotunda. Attending the meeting were Yoda, Mace Windu, Plo Koon, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Saesee Tinn, Even Piell, Yarael Poof, Adi Gallia, Oppo Rancisis, Depa Billaba, Eeth Koth, and Yaddle. "The figure I encountered on Akéjúra was professionally trained. I can conclude that he is indeed a Sith lord." Qui-Gon announced to the room. Ki-Adi-Mundi leaned forward. "Impossible. The Sith have been extinct for a millennium."

"I find it doubtful the Sith returned without us noticing." Mace Windu's voice cut through the chamber's silence, his fingers steepled as he studied Qui-Gon with intense focus. "Hard to see, the dark side often is." Yoda added, his ears drooping slightly. "We will uncover the identity of your attacker. Can you give a physical description?" Mace Windu requested calmly.

Qui-Gon straightened, his gaze distant as he recalled the Zabrak's yellow eyes and horned crown. "Red and black facial tattoos, horned, in a black cloak. Yellow eyes that held... unnatural focus."

"Noted. May the Force be with you." Mace Windu dismissed them with a curt nod, but before the two Jedi could leave, Yoda called out. "Master Qui-Gon... more to say, have you?" Qui-Gon paused near the turbolift, exchanging a brief glance with Obi-Wan. "With your permission, I wish to speak about the one from Zathrükh. Extremely high midiclorian count yet... from a questionable background." Yoda’s ears twitched. "Concerned, are you?"

"He would require intensive care. I do not believe in discriminating on one's planet of origin, of course," Qui-Gon continued, clasping his hands behind his back as he paced slowly before the Council. "What interests me most is that there's no record of birth. Granted, our archives for systems bordering on the Unknown Regions are flimsy at best. Yet it appears the planet just... spat him out."

Yaddle shifted in her seat, her large eyes narrowing. "A delicate matter, this is. Examine this boy ourselves, we must." Mace Windu leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "Are you certain we'll should take a risk on someone from a potentially unfriendly system? I haven't heard much in the way of good about the Zathrükh system. From what I understand, they're occultists."

Qui-Gon met Mace's gaze unflinchingly. "His potential surpasses any concerns. It is possible that he may have been... conceived by some sort of supernatural event."

Eeth Koth and Depa Billaba exchange glances as Yoda taps his gimer stick thoughtfully against the floor. "A supernatural conception?" Plo Koon's voice breaks the silence through his respirator. "Such theories tread dangerously close to Sith alchemy." Qui-Gon nods grimly. "Precisely why he requires the Jedi's protection and guidance. Left unchecked, such raw power could attract darker forces." He turns his attention to Yoda. "I request that he be brought to the temple as soon as possible.

The group of Jedi masters ponder the weighted moment. Ki-Adi-Mundi shakes his head slightly, his brow ridges furrowing as he considers Qui-Gon’s words. Mace Windu rests his chin on clasped hands before letting out a sigh. "Bring him before us, then. But he remains under constant supervision until we've assessed him ourselves." Across the chamber, Depa Billaba leans toward Plo Koon, whispering about the implications of an untrained Force-sensitive emerging from such uncharted space.

Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi bow respectfully before leaving the council rotunda, both Yoda and Windu noting the seriousness of the situation. Perhaps the most difficult appraisal in Jedi history.

Haokas waited outside Padmé's quarters, speaking to the guard stationed outside. "The boy from Akéjúra is here to see Padmé." The guard announced into a commlink. The door opened, one of Padmé's handmaidens, Rabé, there to greet young Haokas. "I'm sorry, Yärsk, but Padmé's not here right now." She said in a thick accent.

"Who is it?" Padmé, in her headress and regal facepaint, asked, already knowing the answer as Rabé gestured Haokas inside. "Haokas. The boy from Akéjúra." Rabé announced softly. Padmé turned, her expression softening beneath the ceremonial makeup. "Rabé, leave us," she commanded gently. She gestured for the others to exit the room. As the handmaidens filed out, Padmé looked to Haokas expectantly. "You wanted to speak?" Haokas hesitated, feeling guilty for interrupting.

"Padmé... I mean, Your Majesty," he stammered, catching himself as he met her gaze. The elaborate headdress and facepaint couldn't disguise the warmth in her eyes. "What was it that Qui-Gon needed to speak to the temple about? That man... with the red lightsaber?" Padmé sighed, gesturing toward a seating area where soft cushions lay neatly. "That's Jedi business, not ours. He knows what he's doing. Besides, no one has any reason to hurt you." Haokas shivered slightly, unable to shake the image of the harrowing duel between the yellow-eyed Zabrak and the Jedi knight.

Later on that day, the senate meeting for the political situation of Naboo began. The senate building held what had to be thousands of small, hovering platforms, each carrying the attending senators and diplomats. "Supreme Chancellor, delegates of the senate, Naboo is in a tragic state of affairs, beginning with the taxation of our trade routes by the corruption imposed by the Trade Federation." Palpatine announced.

"This is outrageous!" Shouted Senator Lott Dod from his pod, his Neimoidian robes trembling with feigned indignation. "I do not recognize the senator's statement and-!"

"The chair does not recognize the representative from the Trade Federation at this time." Chancellor Velorum stated firmly, his voice amplified across the vast Senate chamber. Lott Dod's pod retreated, his hissed protests drowned by the murmuring crowd. "To state our positions, Madam Amidala, recently elected Matriarch of Naboo, shall speak on our behalf."

Padmé Amidala rose gracefully in her pod, the headdress catching the senate building's lights. "Honorable delegates, the Trade Federation blockade has escalated into a full-scale invasion of our sovereign world. Our people suffer under occupation while our requests for aid go unanswered." Her voice echoed sharply through the chamber, met with scattered applause and uneasy silence.

"I object! There is no proof! A commission must be sent to Naboo to verify these claims!" Senator Lott Dod’s pod surged forward again. "The congress of Malastare concurs with the Trade Federation. A commission must be sey in motion!" Senator Ask Aak agreed.

"The point is conceded." Velorum announced, much to Palpatine's annoyance, the senator muttering about bureaucracy. "Will you allow a commission to examine your claims?" Padmé didn't back down. "I will not defer. I will not stand for any more delays in action. I was not elected to watch my people be killed!" Her voice echoed, sharp and clear. "Current leadership has proven incapable of resolving this crisis. I suggest a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Velorum’s leadership." Gasps rippled through the chamber as Velorum’s pod trembled slightly. Palpatine hid a smile behind clasped hands.

A massive commotion broke out in the senate, shouting and chanting "Vote now!" and "No confidence!" drowning out Chancellor Velorum's attempts to restore order. "Order! Order!" Mas Amedda, Chagrian Vice Chair, slammed his staff repeatedly, yet the clamoring and chants continued.

Chapter Text

"I question if the Zathrükhian is even considered eligible, Master. He's too old. Younglings are brought in at around 3-5. He's 9. Nearly into his preteen years." Obi-Wan Kenobi voiced his concerns to Qui-Gon Jinn as they navigated the Temple's lower archives. "Kadvallo will become a Jedi, I assure you." Qui-Gon countered.

"The council has their doubts," Obi-Wan pressed as the two exited outside onto a walkway overlooking Coruscant's neon-drenched lights. "I'll do whatever I must to ensure he remains protected," Qui-Gon stated firmly. "I will personally train him if I have to."

"You wish to join the council but you go against the code?" Obi-Wan sighed. "They cannot always follow your requests." Qui-Gon paused at the railing, watching speeders streak past. "You misunderstand attachment. This isn't about emotion, it's about recognizing potential."

The evaluation began in the Jedi council rotunda, Kadvallo Teiothe looking every part the orphaned refugee in oversized borrowed robes that swallowed his slight frame. Mace Windu presented holographic images and instructed him to describe what is shown. "A ship... a cup... another ship... no, a speeder..." Kadvallo mumbled, brow furrowed in concentration. Windu looked to Yoda for confirmation. "How feel you?" Yoda asked gently. Kadvallo's large eyes darted nervously to Qui-Gon then back. "Cold," he whispered. "And...alone." Yoda nodded slowly, exchanging a glance with Depa Billaba and Plo Koon.

A piece of cloth covers a scar that extends from the corner of Kadvallo's mouth, and two more covering his palms. "Afraid, are you?" Yoda asked softly, leaning forward in his floating chair as Kadvallo's gaze flickered over the Jedi Masters encircling him. The boy's fingers trembled against the coarse fabric of his borrowed robes. "None here will harm you, young one," Depa Billaba reassured, her voice calm but firm.

"You will have to control your emotions." Mace Windu stated. "I'm noticing you have thoughts about your homeland. Strong connections to it." Ki-Adi-Mundi added. Kadvallo stepped back slightly, feeling intimidated. "Just... I have to go back there... sometime." He admitted.

"Afraid of never returning, hmmm?" Yoda's ears drooped sympathetically, sensing the tremor in Kadvallo's Force signature like ripples across a dark pond. Kadvallo's breath hitched. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Extremely important, that is. You have so much fear. Anxiousness. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering." Yoda tapped his gimer stick against the floor, the sound echoing sharply in the sudden silence. Kadvallo flinched as if struck. The boy's hand instinctively flew to the cloth covering his palm scar, a subconscious gesture revealing more than words ever could. He stared at the floor, shoulders trembling with suppressed emotion. Mace Windu placed his hand on his chin, in deep thought. Yoda closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I sense much fear in you."

The sun set over Coruscant. Padmé, Haokas, and Jar Jar stood by the window. "Yousa thinkin yousa people gonna die?" Jar Jar asked nervously, his eyes wide. Padmé watched the sunset silently. Haokas looked out at the city lights. "It's... louder than Varranyssa. Quieter too." Padmé turned. "What do you mean?" He traced the glass. "On Varranyssa, storms drown everything. Here... it's all shouting. But underneath?" He shrugged. "Silence."

"Wesa gungans got a grand army. Wesa no goin down without a fight!" Jar Jar proclaimed, slapping his chest with confidence Haokas doubted. Padmé’s gaze remained distant, fixed on the senate’s shimmering spires. "Your highness?" Captain Panaka and Palpatine entered the room. "Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as Chancellor." Palpatine bowed. "Not expected, but I welcome the surprise. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I'll make a promise to end this corruption and endless bureaucracy."

"Who else has been nominated?" Padmé asked sharply, turning to face Palpatine fully. Captain Panaka answered. "Bail Antilles of Alderaan, and Ainlee Teem of Malastare." Palpatine nodded. "A strong campaigner, Antilles. But Teem?" He chuckled softly. "His affiliation with the Trade Federation lobbyists makes him... unfavorable."

"My worries are that by the time you get the bureaucrats in order, Theed will be beyond repair." Padmé’s voice remained steady, but Haokas could feel her briefly look over to him for comfort. "Therefore I decided that there are no outside methods to resolve the conflict. I am returning to Naboo." Haokas’ posture immediately straightened as Palpatine’s eyes widened. "Your Highness, I advise not to. The Federation will demand of you to sign the treaty."

"No such treaty will be signed by me or anyone else. Captain, ready the royal starship." She ordered Captain Panaka. "And Haokas, come with me." Haokas fell into step beside her instantly, the fur lining of his hood brushing against his jawline as he matched her stride. Palpatine's composed facade fractured briefly, shaking his head. "Majesty, stay on Coruscant where there's no such skirmishes." Padmé paused at the doorway. "The Republic has failed my planet. I do hope that you bring compassion and promptness back to the senate." She stated, gesturing Haokas to follow close as they departed, the young Akéjúran wishing that his first sight of Naboo, his future home, wouldn't be a Naboo at war.

The evaluation for Kadvallo Teiothe continued in the Jedi council. "There is no doubt in my mind that he's strong in the force." Mace Windu stated as Kadvallo stood before him. "He is to be trained, then?" Qui-Gon Jinn asked confidently. "He will not be trained." Windu answered. "He surpasses the age bracket to enter as a youngling. He's simply too old."

"He has extraordinary talent, you must see it, Master Windu." Qui-Gon prompted. Yoda looked down, closing his eyes momentarily. "Clouded by fear, he is. Uncertain, his future remains."

"I will train him myself, then," Qui-Gon stated, stepping forward with uncharacteristic defiance. Kadvallo's eyes widened, darting between the stern faces of the Council and Qui-Gon’s resolute stance. "An apprentice you have. Obi-Wan Kenobi. Take on a second, you cannot."

Obi-Wan stepped forward. "I will take on the trials if necessary, Masters." His voice held steady conviction. Qui-Gon agreed. "There is little more Obi-Wan needs to learn from me." Kadvallo shrank back, terrified thoughts emerging him about being sent back to Zathrükh, a planet whose name alone raised the Council's eyebrows. Yoda stood firm in his position. "Whether Kadvallo is kept on Coruscant will be decided later."

"Now is not the time for this decision. The senate's election is underway, and Amidala is leaving Coruscant." Mace Windu declared sharply. "This could draw out the attacker you encountered." Ki-Adi-Mundi added. "You must head to Naboo and find whoever this Sith-adjacent individual is." Qui-Gon bowed. "Certainly. And Kadvallo?" Yoda tapped his gimer stick. "Remain under our supervision, he will. Until the situation in Naboo has come to a conclusion. May the Force be with you." He waved to both of the Jedi knights. Kadvallo wished to say a few words to the two Jedi, thanking them, but the words just wouldn't surface.

Chapter Text

"I don't mean to be disrespectful, Master, but the truth can't be denied." Obi-Wan spoke as he and Qui-Gon traversed to an exit out of Coruscant. "He's dangerous and from an unfriendly system. The council can see it, why can't you?"

"Kadvallo's evaluation is uncertain. I don't see him as dangerous, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon replied, his sight lingering on the Temple's arched entrance where Kadvallo had stood moments earlier. They descended toward the landing platform. "He's a child displaced by systems he isn't familiar with, much like Haokas."

"Haokas chose service to Naboo freely. Kadvallo was hidden from Jedi archives entirely," Obi-Wan pressed. Qui-Gon didn't relent. "It's up to the council. Not you. Now get on board."

All the while, Haokas was interacting with R2D2, trying to make sense of the astromech's various sounds before boarding Padmé's royal Naboo starship. Qui-Gon spoke to him for a brief moment. "Stay close to Padmé and you'll be safe. It's our task to deal with the Sith."

"What's all this about this person you picked up? The name makes it sound like he's from Zathrükh." He asked quietly. Qui-Gon leaned against the boarding ramp, his cloak stirring in the platform's artificial breeze. "He's… complicated. The Council fears his abilities aren't natural." Haokas recalled the haunting Zabrak flashbacks. "And the horned attacker? Is he-?" Qui-Gon cut him off. "Our responsibility. Focus on Padmé. Her safety matters more." He turned his attention to the Matriarch of Naboo. "Your Majesty, it is our pleasure to continue to serve and protect you." Padmé smiled briefly. "I much appreciate your help. The senator fears that the Trade Federation mean to raze Theed."

The starship took off away from Coruscant and back towards Naboo, all after an unexpected visit to Akéjúra and failed negotiations in Coruscant. The Trade Federation had set a military presents in the forests, threatening the local Gungan population. While traveling, Haokas talked to the pilot, a man named Ric Olié, a veteran pilot and captain of the Naboo Royal Space Fighter Corps. He explained all the functions of the panels. "So this dial here controls the hyperdrive coolant flow, and this one..." Ric pointed toward an indicator. "That's the proximity alert indicator. Means if there's debris field ahead. These levers here control throttle." Haokas nodded intently, his fingers hovering over the controls but not daring to touch.

Panaka spoke with Padmé. "As soon as we land, the Trade Federation will intercept and will offer no option than to sign the treaty." He stated bluntly. Qui-Gon agreed. "I'm not sure what you wish to accomplish."

"I will reclaim Naboo from the hands of the occupation," Padmé declared. Captain Panaka frowned. "There are far too few of us, Your Highness. We have no army. Our security forces aren't nearly enough."

"And we can only protect you. We can't fight a war for you." Qui-Gon added, his eyes noting Padmé's determined expression. She drew herself taller. "Jar Jar Binks?" She referred to the Gungan aboard the royal starship. "Mesa?" He replied nervously. Padmé gestured toward him. "I need your help. And Haokas? Your rifle is in that safe, correct?" Haokas nodded, recalling the Varranyssan hunting rifle Qui-Gon had helped him retrieve, a weapon he knew intimately from alpine hunts. Padmé's gaze swept across the cabin. "We're landing outside Theed, in Gungan territory."

"I've spotted a control ship nearby. The Federation's." The co-pilot announced as the Naboo starship breached atmosphere, clouds swirling below. The ship landed beneath a canopy of trees. "Do you think the Gungans will be cooperative?" Obi-Wan questioned Qui-Gon as they stepped onto a mossy clearing. The air is thick with humidity, foreign aromas of damp earth an overwhelming Haokas' senses. "Wasn't kidding when she said it's warmer here." He said quietly, wiping sweat from his forehead. "I'm afraid the Gungans won't be easily swayed. We've seen how steadfast their leader was. And it is against Jedi code to influence anyone into joining a war."

Obi-Wan looked down. "I apologize for my comments about the recent recruit. It is the Council's judgment. And I am grateful you think I'm ready to take the trials, Master." Qui-Gon gave a slight nod. "You have been an exemplary apprentice and wise much beyond your years. I have no doubts that you will be appointed Jedi knight in due course."

Jar Jar, who had been sent out in search of the Gungan's underwater city, returned. "Desa nobody dere!" he reported anxiously. "Were they taken to the camps?" Obi-Wan asked. "More likely they were killed." Panaka answered grimly, without hesitation. Jar Jar shook his head. "When in trouble, Gungans goes tosa sacred place. Mesa show you!" He gestured for them to follow down a narrow path twisting toward the planet's core. Padmé and Haokas exchanged a quick glance before silently following behind.

"Your honor, Matriarch Amidala of da Naboo." Captain Tarpals announced to the leader of the Gungans, Boss Nass. The amphibian sat upon a stone throne in the moss-covered ruins, bubbles rising from murky waters. "Jar Jar Binks... how mesa remembers yousa." Boss Nass growled, his jowls trembling as he glared at Jar Jar. "And yousa bring outside to our sacred place?!"

"I am Matriarch Amidala of the Naboo." Announced Sabé disguised as Padmé Amidala, stepping forward with serene authority, she had rehearsed royal cadences relentlessly. Boss Nass squinted, amphibious eyes darting suspiciously. "We arrive in piece. We wish to form an alliance-".

Padmé stepped forward. "Your honor, I am Matriarch Amidala." She announced, loud enough for all to hear, Haokas being the only one previously aware. "This is my decoy, Sabé. I found it necessary to protect myself." She gestured toward Sabé who bowed her head respectfully. Boss Nass squinted, bewildered.

"Although we do not always agree, your honor, our two societies have always lived in peace with one another." Padmé stepped forward some more, her voice resonant in the echoing forest as she shed the handmaiden guise. "The Trade Federations threatens to destroy our way of life. I ask you to help usmé continued, "The Trade Federation has attacked us both. They occupy Theed and hunt your people through these jungles. Alone, neither of us can survive. We are all humble and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure your freedom." She took a bow, followed by everyone in the group, out of respect for Boss Nass and the Gungan people.

Amongst the tall trees and vines, Haokas watched the astonishment ripple through the Gungan warriors as Boss Nass pondered his decision. "Mmm..." he sighed deeply before letting out a pleased chuckle of relief. "Yousa respect da bravery of da Gungans. Mesa like dis! Wesa bein' friends." He announced proudly, the group cheering and preparing to gather their forces to assist Matriarch Amidala. "We'll gather our army and prepare for battle." Boss Nass assured Padmé, who stood relieved.

A gungan watched atop a statue head for the speeders that will take the group to Theed. "Deysa that way!" He said to Haokas, who nodded and told their arrival to Padmé. Boss Nass reunited with Jar Jar. "Wesa proud of yousa, Jar Jar. Wesa make you bombad general!" Jar Jar blinked, fainting.

Captain Tanaka approached Padmé. "What's the situation?" Padmé asked him. "Almost everyone's confined to camps. There's a few hundred police and guards that have formed an underground movement against the federation. I brought as many leaders as I could. I will have to admit the Federation's automated army is much larger than we anticipated."

Padmé held her ground. "The battle is nothing more than a diversion. The Gungans will draw them away from the city." She turned to attention to the astromech. "R2?" R2D2 displayed a holographic 3D map of Theed. "We'll enter the city discreetly, by the waterfall. Captain Panaka will create a diversion. Once we enter the main place, we'll capture the viceroy. Opinions, Master Jedi?" She asked Qui Gon.

"The viceroy is likely well-guarded." He stated. "The difficult part is getting through to the throne room. Once we're inside, there'll be little pushback." Panaka offered. "There is as well as possibility that with this diversion, many Gungans will be killed."

Boss Nass put his hand over his heart. "Wesa ready to do our-san part." He said with solemn dignity as Gungan warriors began assembling plasma shields and energy spears. Jar Jar Binks scrambled to his feet.

"We have a plan to disable the battle droids. We will send whichever pilots we have to damage the control center that's in orbit." Padmé stated calmly, ignoring the sharp inhale from Captain Panaka.

"There is a chance the weapons on your starfighters aren't strong enough to break the shields. Should the viceroy escape, he will return with another army." Qui-Gon stated in concern. "That is why the viceroy must not leave Naboo." Padmé emphasized, fierce resolve in her eyes. Her hand brushed the concealed blaster beneath her ornate belt, a gesture Haokas noticed, recalling the Varranyssan rifles hidden aboard.

The Gungans began to move through the foggy marshes and into the vast valleys. "Halt! Enable da shield!" Captain Tarpals ordered as the Trade Federation's AATs (Armored Assault Tank) and MMTs (Multi-Troop Transport) closed in. Jar Jar stumbled into formation behind Boss Nass, tripping over his own feet as plasma energy bolts slammed against the massive blue dome.

Haokas, rifle on his back, hid closely behind a pillar with Padmé shining a light to distract the battle droids. Qui-Gon knelt down. "Once we get inside, you find a safe place to hide and stay there until we return."

Naboo guards utilized an armed speeder to destroy an AAT by redirecting its cannon fire. The explosion allowed Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to carve a path through bewildered B1 droids. Haokas gripped his rifle, pointing directly towards an AAT which was already emitting smoke. He fires quickly, flames high into the air as the blast tears through the armor. The recoil is enough to send Haokas towards the ground, Padmé catching him. "Towards the hanger!" Panaka shouts. Padmé nods, pulling Haokas to his feet.

Inside the hangar, blaster fire crowded every corner. Streaks of red and green everywhere. Haokas was sure he saw a few guards collapse from blaster fire. "Pilots, to your ships!" Padmé ordered, pointing toward the sleek yellow fighters. Haokas' ears rang from the chaos. He noticed R2D2 enter onto one of the starfighters to stay out of harm's way. "Everywhere else is off limits." He said to himself as he took to the steps, settling into the seat to hide as several starfighters took flight, one catching fire to it's engine and crashing near a lake below, killing the pilot instantly.

Padmé, her group of Naboo guardsmen, and the Jedi fought their way through waves of battle droids, Padmé proving quite adept with her blaster pistol. The Naboo starships exited the atmosphere and exchanged fire with the Federation fighters as they made their way to the Trade Federation control center. The tanks began pummeling the Gungans shield, the armored carriers launching legions of B-1 battle droids who entered through the forcefield. The Gungan catapults hurled plasma energy balls towards the battle droids to stop as many as possible.

"My guess is the viceroy's hiding like a coward in the throne room." Padmé told Panaka as the hanger was declared clear. Captain Panaka ordered the guardsmen to follow, while Haokas looked around nervously, still sitting in one of the Naboo starfighters. The large blast doors opened, revealing none other than Darth Maul, who had been patiently waiting for a second encounter with the Jedi.

Chapter Text

The group stopped in their tracks. "We'll handle this." Qui-Gon assured the others, lightsaber drawn. "We'll take the long way." Padmé said quickly, diverting with Panaka, her guardsmen, and her handmaidens. The zabrak Sith lord let down his hood, revealing his distinctive Dathomirian horns while Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon let down their cloaks. Destroyer droids move in, activating their shields. Haokas peeked out of the starfighter, now knowing he can't stay here long.

Darth Maul ignited his double-bladed lightsaber dramatically, signaling the start of a duel. Obi-Wan lept into the air to try and flank behind whilst Qui-Gon attacked from the front, Darth Maul effortlessly blocking and dodging, all the while Padmé and her guards fire at the destroyer droids. Haokas desperately searched the control panel. "Where's the trigger, where's the trigger, where's the trigger?!" He said in a hushed and frantic tone. In his hustle, he activated the autopilot takeoff sequence. He then pulled the lever to close the windshield as he sat in the seat, the ship beginning to hover off of the ground. He gripped the controls tightly as the ship started moving towards the entrance. Haokas realized he was pointed directly at the destroyer droids and gripped the trigger. He pressed down, firing the laser cannons and blasting the destroyers apart. Padmé looked on in both relief, confusion, concern, and astonishment. "We're clear!" She shouted to her guards. "To the throne room!" She commanded, charging forward with the guards and handmaidens.

R2D2 beeped methodically, inputting commands into the console. Autopilot was on until the ship exited the atmosphere. In the hangar, Darth Maul avoided strikes with expert footwork, combating two Jedi at once, using the Force to lift the blast doors that led to the power generator complex, delivering a kick to Obi-Wan's chest, sending him backwards. He led the Jedi into the generator complex, giving both a disdainful look before flipping backwards onto a higher platform. Both Jedi lept ahead, their sabers colliding with Maul's near-simultaneously.

Padmé and her guards approached ever closer to the throne room, taking cover as the battle droids awaited. "We don't have time, Captain." Padmé said urgently. Nute Gunray had been alerted to their presence. The viceroy, along with Rune Haako, had sent the droids to bide time for themselves.

The autopilot centered on the coordinates of the Trade Federation's control center. Ric Olié spoke through the comm: "We have a newcomer approaching the control ship. Please standby." Haokas pressed the communication button. "This is Haokas Yärsk. I'm in a fighter but I can't control it!" Ric replied. "Can you manually override the system?" Haokas scrambled to find the switch as R2D2 beeped instructions through the console. He flipped an override lever, finally gaining control just as a swarm of Vulture Droids descended upon his position. Sweat coated his palms as he dove toward a debris field, narrowly avoiding collision with an asteroid fragment. "Haokas! Follow us, and remember to keep calm and avoid making hasty decisions. I'll send some fighters in as cover."

The droid army moved in on the Gungans, overwhelming them quickly. Haokas noticed two fighters to his sides, those being the pilots sent to cover him. "Dodge left!" Ric commanded. "The cannons are active! The shield is proving stronger than we thought!"

The two pilots to Haokas' side, Gavyn and Dinée, banked sharply towards the deflector, Haokas carefully steering towards their direction. One pilot, Kirsch, was killed by cannon fire, his ship exploding into debris that Haokas narrowly avoided, making him gasp. "Never would have thought I'd be doing this..." Haokas muttered to himself, recalling Ric Olié's instructions on throttle control. He gripped the controls tighter, pushing forward as trails of laser fire streaked past his canopy. "Haokas, you're in sight of the vulture droids! Follow Dallows and see if you can shake them off."

R2D2 beeped urgently behind him, projecting a schematic on the console. Haokas glanced down—an energy conduit access port, vulnerable during shield activation cycles. Dallows performed a spin, Haokas doing his best to follow, dangerously close to colliding with the walls of the control ship. "I'm trying to be as calm as I can, R2!"

Padmé and her crew moved towards the windowpane, dodging droidfire and using grappling devices to reach the higher floors of the palace, as the stairs were swarming with battle droids. Padmé blasted the window to create an opening towards the throne floor.

Darth Maul and the two Jedi fought between the gigantic plasma power conduits of the generator complex, platforms situated above a floor far, far below. A high kick from Maul sent Obi-Wan to the lower playforms, just barely catching himself on the edge. A firm backhanded strike from Qui-Gon caused Maul to land on his back on the lower walkway as Obi-Wan pulled himself up to regroup with Qui-Gon as he and Darth Maul moved towards the shields before the smelting hole, leaping onto the walkway. The shields opened and closed sporadically, eventually separating Qui-Gon, Maul, and Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon knelt and waited patiently, taking the brief respite to meditate.

The AATs destroyed the Gungan's shield, Tarpals ordering his men to retreat as droids poured through. Jar Jar scrambled backwards, finding himself on a chariot full of plasma energy projectiles, accidentally letting them loose. The AATs ran into them, causing significant damage. Jar Jar ran worriedly, a tank blast sending him onto one of the AAT's muzzles. "Jar Jar! Usea da boomba! Taken dis one!" Tarpals gave him a plasma projectile which short circuited a droid. "Jar Jar! Jumpa!" Tarpals called. Jar Jar landed safely, but the droid army was surrounding.

Padmé's group was cornered in the halls by a group of B-1 battle droids and destroyer droids. "Lower your weapons." She ordered her guards, who reluctantly complied. "Let them win this one round." She said, her guards raising their hands and dropping their weapons to the floor.

Fire from vulture droids grazed one of Haokas' N-1 starfighter's wings, jolting the entire chassis violently as R2-D2 shrieked alarms behind him. The ship momentarily lost control before restabilizing. Haokas inhaled sharply. "We're going into the ship's interior!" He shouted into the comms, recalling R2's projector schematic. "There's no way of slowing down!" The starfighter slid against the floor, drifting sideways before reaching a stop. "It won't start back up! It's overheated!" He worried.

The shields leading to the melting hole opened again, allowing Qui-Gon and Maul to continue, and Obi-Wan to charge forward before being stopped by the final shield. Qui-Gon was noticeably struggling to deflect Maul's twin sabers, Maul eventually getting the upper hand as Qui-Gon raised his arms, elbowing him in the chin before stabbing his red blade through his abdomen. Obi-Wan shouted in anguish as Qui-Gon collapsed, the saber having punctured his vital organs.

The Gungan army surrendered, the battle droids too numerous to overcome. The remaining Gungans were led at gunpoint. Sabé allowed the battle droids to escort her and her group to the throne room, where Nute Gunray and Rune Haako were waiting. They were eager for her to sign the treaty.

"This insurrection ends now, Your Highness. Your only option now is to sign the treaty and conclude this pointless conflict in the senate." Rune Haako hissed. "Viceroy! Your occupation here is what has come to an end!" Sabé entered the room, shooting the battle droids. "After her! This one's a decoy!" Nute Gunray shouted angrily. Padmé opened a secret compartment and gave Captain Panaka a blaster pistol to take down the rest of the battle droids remaining in the throne room. Padmé and the guards cleared the room of battle droids before Panaka ordered the doors to be jammed. "Now, Viceroy, we will discuss a new treaty." Padmé declared, the guards' weapons on the two separatists.

Maul stared menacingly before the shield opened. Obi-Wan ran forward, delivering fast and efficient strikes, disabling one of Maul's blades. They clashed near the melting pit, Maul using his Force push ability, Obi-Wan clinging onto a protruding pipe above the chasm. Maul kicked Obi-Wan's saber into the depths.

R2D2 ran some diagnostics on the N1 starfighter, restoring power just as Haokas was able to activate the shields and delivering blasts to the power reactor. "I hit the reactor! We have to leave! The control center is going to combust any time now!" Haokas urged the others, flying out of the command center at maximum speed, avoiding the collapsing infrastructure and flying through the wreckage. Ric Olié was stunned. "I can't believe it! We're taking the fighters home! Everyone, back to Naboo!" The Trade Federation control ship split into pieces, the Naboo pilots celebrating over the comms. Haokas couldn't stop smiling as he soared through space.

The droid army before the Gungans suddenly deactivated, powering down and collapsing on the grass-covered plains. Jar Jar blinked, bewildered. "Was'n they doing?" He asked. "The control ship has been destroyed! Look!" Tarpals pointed towards the sky where debris burned through the atmosphere, drawing gasps and relieved cries from the Gungans.

Darth Maul slashed the edge, taunting Obi-Wan while the Jedi focused on Qui-Gon's lightsaber, using the Force to leap up and pull the weapon towards him, grasping it within mere seconds. Maul turned in surprise just as Obi-Wan drew the weapon across his midsection, bissecting him at the waist. His body fell down the melting hole, cut in two, a splatter of blood along the edge. Obi-Wan rushed to Qui-Gon. "It's too late." The wounded Jedi whispered. "Promise me... that Kadvallo sees training." He said as his final words, dying in Obi-Wan's arms.

Padmé, the guards, and the handmaidens all gathered outside, a large ship arriving for the viceroy to depart. "You're going back to the senate and explaining all of this." Padmé said firmly. "Your trade franchise is going nowhere." Panaka added as Nute Gunray turned his back to leave.

Obi-Wan Kenobi bowed as the newly elected Chancellor Palpatine approached. "We are indebted to your bravery, Master Kenobi," Palpatine said solemnly before walking over to Padmé, smiling jovially. "Congratulations on your election, Chancellor." Padmé replied politely. "None needed. It's your actions that deserve to be congratulated. It's days like these that will bring peace and prosperity to the Republic."

A private meeting was held between Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi in one of the towers. "Promote you to the level of Jedi knight, the council does, but prepared to mentor the boy from Zathrükh, they decided you are not," Yoda said, pacing the marble floors with his walking stick. "Gifted the boy may be, nevertheless, severe care, his training needs. Fear no one will be up go the task, I do."

"Master Yoda, I gave Qui-Gon my word that the boy will seek training, if not by myself than by someone capable," Obi-Wan responded firmly, the weight of Qui-Gon's lightsaber heavy at his belt. "Qui-Gon's defiance, you have inherited. However, agree that the boy be trained, the council does. Being considered, the older masters are."

That night brought Qui-Gon's funeral, a variety of officials and Jedi representatives attending, including, apart from Obi-Wan, Depa Billaba, Adi Gallia, Plo Koon. Eeth Koth, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Even Piell, Saesee Tinn, Mace Windu, and Yoda. It was an immensely heavy moment for even the most stoic of them. None of them thought this day would ever come. It had been countless years since a Jedi was murdered by a Sith lord, and now this tragedy befell. Qui-Gon's body was laid upon a bed of tinder and leaves before the pyre ignited. Padmé Amidala stood beside Haokas, her hand gently holding his as a tear escaped his eye. Obi-Wan stood silently, Qui-Gon's lightsaber resting in his palm, his eyes reflecting flickering flames that consumed the man who taught him for as long as he could remember. A mournful chant echoed through the circular room as the flames grew higher, illuminating faces etched with sorrow and disbelief. Depa Billaba gently tapped Obi-Wan's shoulder to gain his attention. "The Jedi High Council has come to a decision on Kadvallo Teiothe. He is to be trained by Master Shaak Ti." Obi-Wan nodded in understanding. "Master Shaak Ti is compassionate and kind. She has the most patience and gentleness out of any master on the council. She's more than capable."

"There's no doubt the cloaked warrior was a Sith." Mace Windu conceded solemnly to Master Yoda. "Mmmh, always two there are. No more, no less. A master and an apprentice." Yoda responded quietly. "But the question is which one was brought down. The master or the apprentice?" Windu inquired, to which Yoda had no answer.

The following day, a parade was held in celebration of Naboo's liberation, contrasting with the solemn funeral of Qui-Gon Jinn. The Gungans played drums and horns as N-1 starfighters flew overhead. Padmé had personally brought a ceremonial outfit for Haokas to wear, awarding him for his integral part in taking down the Trade Federation's command ship. Haokas watched the cheering crowd as Padmé publicly honored him: "This pilot, from the farthest reaches you've never heard of, showed courage when our world needed it most." She lifted up his arm gently. "He’s now one of Naboo’s own."

The young Akéjúran smiled widely as nearly all of Theed cheered for him, Padmé placing a medal over his shoulders. He even noticed Ric Olié giving a thumbs up from the crowd. The governor of Theed handed Padmé a purple orb, glass encasing a sphere of plasma, Padmé then handing it to Boss Nass, who raised it high above his head. "Peace!" He shouted in celebration, the crowd cheering even louder. Padmé smiles warmly at Haokas, wrapping her arms around his shoulders in a tight hug. A promise for a new home here on Naboo and for a, hopefully, brighter future for them both.

Chapter Text

**TEN YEARS LATER**

One of the silver Naboo starships was escorted by the N-1 starfighters. "Senator, we're approaching into Coruscant." One of the guardsmen announced to Cordé, Padmé's decoy, Haokas standing right beside her, now 24, a full decade having passed since he first arrived on Naboo. "Pleased to hear, Lieutenant." Cordé nodded politely. Haokas walked beside her, looking out at the vast expanse of clouds and skyscrapers. Varranyssa had a share of towers, but none this grandiose. The silver starship wove through clouds towards the landing platform. R2-D2 exited one of the N-1 starfighters, the one with Padmé piloting, just before a massive blast was heard, explosive and resonant. A sudden bombing. Padmé immediately jumped to the side, arms around Haokas' waist, shielding him with her body. The explosion came from the front of the ship, smoke seeping through the cracks. "We're hit!" One of the guards shouted. The captain, Gregar Typho, the man with an eyepatch, lifted both Padmé and Haokas up.

Padmé gasped as she rushed over to the decoy and handmaiden, Cordé, mortally wounded by the explosion. Blood was trailing down her mouth and a deep gash was present on her forehead. "Stay with us, Cordé," Padmé whispered urgently, pressing her hand to the wound. "My lady... I'm so sorry... I failed you..." Cordé gasped out, her breaths shallow and ragged. Haokas looked around, breathing deeply, taking count of six dead bodies, one of whom being Versé, another one of the handmaidens and who he spent years working with. "Padmé, they killed Versé too." Haokas solemnly uttered as Padmé closed Cordé's eyes, her lip quivering. Cordé had served her faithfully for years and was like a sister to her. She loved all of her handmaidens as family. Padmé gently kissed Cordé's forehead. "No one failed me." Padmé whispered softly, holding back tears. "Amidala, Yärsk, you're still in danger here." Captain Typho spoke firmly. "We must evacuate immediately."

A tear streaked down Padmé's cheek as Haokas offered her a hand in comfort. "I shouldn't have come back," she shook her head. "This vote is important." Captain Typho emphasized. "Cordé knew the risks." Padmé nodded silently, still breathing heavily from the shock of the incident. Haokas looked toward the site of the explosion. "Someone rigged the platform. Someone knew we'd be here." He said worriedly. "And that someone is still at large."

Chancellor Palpatine spoke to the Jedi in his office, discussing the matter of the separatist systems. Yoda, Mace Windu, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Kit Fisto, Plo Koon, Luminara Unduli and her padawan, Barriss Offee all being present. "I simply cannot wait on this vote for much longer, my friends." Palpatine admitted as he gestured outside. "The separatists are gaining momentum. They've gained thousands of star systems already, and more and more are joining by the day."

"But if they do break away-" Mace Windu, inquired, Palpatine quickly answering. "I will not let this Republic that has stood for a thousand years be cut in half. My negotiations will not fail." Palpatine sighed softly, hands clasped his hands on his desk. "But if they do... you must realize there aren't enough Jedi to protect the Republic. We are keepers of the peace, not soldiers." Mace Windu replied firmly. "Should the separatists declare war, which they certainly will, we'd be outmatched considerably."

"Master Yoda?" Chancellor Palpatine got the Jedi master's attention. "You predict a war between the Republic and the seperatists?" Palpatine asked cautiously. Yoda looked down with a heavy sigh. "The dark side clouds everything. Impossible to predict, this conflict is." He answered before a hologram appeared on the desk. "The Loyalist Committee has arrived." A representative announced. "That's good. Send them in." Palpatine ordered. Palpatine turned towards the Jedi. "We will talk more of these matters." He said as Padmé and other senators and dignitaries entered the room, Haokas waiting outside, shoulder still aching.

"Senator Amidala, heard of the tragedy at the landing platform, I have. Terrible, that was." Master Yoda leaned forward, his ears drooping slightly as Padmé entered Palpatine's office with Bail Organa and Mon Mothma, along with other dignitaries. "Do you have any idea who was behind the attack?" Padmé asked hopefully. "Intelligence points to rogue spice miners on one of the moons of Naboo." Mace Windu answered, much to Padmé's doubt. "I personally think Count Dooku was involved," she countered. "Given his rhetoric with the Republic."

"He is a political idealist. Not a murderer." Ki-Adi-Mundi offered a calm rebuttal. Mace Windu recalled that Dooku was a Jedi who had left the order about a decade prior. "I wouldn't consider this level of violence to be in his character." He added, his tone tinged with skepticism nonetheless. "Nevertheless, serious, this situation is." Yoda looked to Padmé, his expression grave. "Protection, you require. Master Kenobi, assigned to you, he has been. As Chancellor Palpatine requested, it is."

"You find that a wise decision? Senator Amidala *has* security. Surely Master Kenobi has other matters to worry about." Bail Organa gestured toward Haokas standing guard outside the office door. "Haokas has served Naboo faithfully for ten years." She spoke with quiet pride. Chancellor Palpatine tapped his fingers together thoughtfully. "Ah, Haokas Yärsk. The one who took down the Trade Federation's command center. Let us be honest, against assassins who slip through Senate security? Against unseen enemies? Only a Jedi will suffice." His voice remained calm. "Besides, he is available. He just returned from a border dispute on Ansion." Mace Windu added. "I will have him report to you immediately. I will also make sure he has communication with your personal security, Haokas Yärsk included. I will have to tell you that you, Kenobi, and Haokas cannot leave Coruscant until further notice." Padmé reluctantly nodded her agreement. "I will inform Haokas of the necessity."

Chapter Text

Later on, Haokas waited patiently for Obi-Wan to arrive at the outdoor glass elevator connecting Padmé's penthouse apartment to the ground floor. The Jedi arrived in his tunic and cloak, in his mid-30s by this point, with a calm expression and a lightsaber clipped to his belt. "It's been quite a while, hasn't it?" Obi-Wan greeted Haokas with a nod. "Ten years." Haokas acknowledged, recalling the last time he saw Obi-Wan at Qui-Gon's funeral. "I hear you were caught up in the bombing of the senator's ship. Were you injured?" Obi-Wan inquired, his eyes scanning Haokas' posture for signs of strain. "Just bruised shoulder. Nothing serious." Haokas admitted, the strap to his rifle on the other shoulder. "I was aboard for technical purposes. In case the hyperdrive needed repair. So what have you been doing in these ten years?" Haokas asked curiously.

"Mostly assignments throughout the Middle Rim." Obi-Wan answered. "Border disputes, mediating conflicts, tracking smugglers. The usual." He added. "Though I thought it might interest you to know that we've taken in someone from the Sasafura sector. Kadvallo Teiothe, from the Zathrükh system. He's been trained by Master Shaak Ti. He's nineteen now. A Padawan for ten years. Shaak Ti says he struggles with... anger. Qui-Gon would have been proud, though." He paused. "She reports he shows remarkable skill with a lightsaber. Perhaps even prodigious. Shouldn't concern you too much, though. How have things been on Naboo?"

"A myriad. Sometimes I make meals for the pilots, sometimes I fix hyperdrives. Vehicle maintenance. Sometimes I check in on the Gungans." Haokas' accent was noticeably thinner. In fact, he had more of a Naboo one now after ten years. "I've been training with Captain Typho and the guardsmen too. Blasters, hand-to-hand. I learned bladed combat as well." He explained. "Her handmaidens have become like a family to me. They're so much more than just coworkers."

Obi-Wan nodded thoughtfully as the elevator ascended, the cityscape more and more visible. "It's good you've found purpose. Though I suspect protecting Senator Amidala is the most vital role of all." He paused, a faint frown creasing his brow. The doors opened, Jar Jar, now a representative of the Gungans, greeting them. "Obi? Obi! Mesa so happy seein' yousa!" Jar Jar exclaimed loudly, his long arms flailing in excitement before he caught himself, adjusting his senatorial robes awkwardly. "Senator Padmé! Obi-Wan and Haokas here! Lookie!"

Obi-Wan bowed respectfully as she approached. "It's a great pleasure to see you again, Senator, though I wish it were under less distressing circumstances." Padmé's eyes held a weariness that hadn't been there a decade ago, her grief over Cordé still raw beneath her composed exterior. Haokas instinctively moved to her side, his shoulder brushing hers in silent reassurance as Jar Jar chattered about "big bombad scary times."

"I have to say. I'm still quite getting used to seeing Haokas grown-up." Obi-Wan offered Padmé a small smile as Jar Jar fussed with his collar, trying to appear more senatorial. "Last time I saw him properly, he was barely taller than that R2 unit." Padmé glanced at Haokas beside her, her expression softening. "He's been incredible. I thought the new climate and city life would overwhelm him, but he learned everything very quickly."

Captain Typho gently shook the Jedi's hand. "Captain Typho of Her Majesty's Security Service. Jamilla has been informed of your presence here on Coruscant. I am grateful you are here, Master Kenobi." Obi-Wan noted the tightness in Typho's voice, the kind that came from too many sleepless nights.

"What I need are answers. I need to know who was behind the attempt." Padmé pressed, her voice urgent as she gestured toward the panoramic window overlooking Coruscant's endless cityscape. "I'm afraid I'm not here for an investigation, Senator Amidala. I don't believe Yärsk to be qualified for such a task, either."

"The culprit will be found." Haokas assured her. "There will be consequences to what they did, I'm certain." He added, his voice louder as he recalled Cordé’s final gasp. Padmé placed a hand on his arm. "Whoever this person or group may be, they're incredibly dangerous. You are not in the position to go after them."

"Padmé is right, Haokas. You are not to leave the premises until we know more," Obi-Wan cautioned, his tone brooking no argument. Haokas deeply sighed. "The attacker has eluded local police forces for hours already, and they've found nothing." He countered. "If they can't find them, then perhaps I could." Padmé shook her head firmly. "Obi-Wan made his statement clear. You are not to leave." She turned to the Jedi. "Where will you be staying, Master Kenobi?" Obi-Wan considered this for a moment. "I promise I will not be burdensome."

"I appreciate that, Master Kenobi," Padmé replied. "The mystery will reveal itself eventually, I know that much. Now if you excuse me, I'd like to rest for the night." She gestured toward the hallway leading to her private chambers. "Haokas will show you to the guest quarters."

"I know I'll feel better having you here. I have an officer stationed on every floor and I'll be in the control station downstairs." Typho declared to Obi-Wan as Haokas led the Jedi through the apartment's expansive living area toward the guest wing. "I'm not quite tired, Haokas." Obi-Wan admitted. "Me neither, can't sleep since the bombing at the landing platform." Haokas replied, a hint of sadness in his voice as he paused near the kitchen. "Shall we check the security feeds? Might be something the investigators missed." Obi-Wan suggested, noticing Haokas' restless energy.

Approaching the late night, the two did another round of security checks. "Captain Typho has more than enough guardsmen downstairs to patrol the premises," Obi-Wan reasoned calmly. "Any activity up here?" He asked Haokas. "None. As quiet as the caves back in Akéjúra," Haokas answered, though still with a hint of worry. A small sound was heard outside the window. "You hear that?" Haokas asked. Obi-Wan shook his head. "Some sort of mechanical sound." Haokas thought aloud, rubbing his bruised shoulder. "Perhaps a passing speeder?" Obi-Wan suggested, but Haokas frowned. "Sounded too close." He spotted a blur of black pass by the window before immediately flinging the strap of his rifle off his shoulder and rushing to the bedroom where Padmé was asleep. Obi-Wan followed without hesitation.

Haokas flung the door open, footsteps quick against the floor. R2D2 beeped frantically as a robotic device hovered outside the window. Haokas rammed the glass with the stock of his rifle repeatedly, aiming directly towards the center of the floating device. Padmé awoke abruptly at the sudden commotion. Haokas' rifle made a loud humming sound before firing a powerful blast that blew apart the floating droid. The device exploded into a shower of sparks and shrapnel outside the building, falling towards the ground level.

The guardsmen and handmaidens rushed in as Padmé scrambled from her bed, clutching her gown. "Is everything okay?" Dormé asked urgently, eyes darting to the shattered windowpane. Padmé shivered beside her. "What was that?" She asked Haokas. Haokas peered through the jagged opening, scanning Coruscant's neon-lit buildings. "An assassin probe droid. They're known to carry highly venomous kouhuns." Obi-Wan spotted a vacant air cruiser down below. "We should check if there's any more." He advised. "That I agree with." Haokas responded.

"Padmé, stay here." Obi-Wan said before jumping out the window and into the yellow air cruiser before pulling up towards the window. "Get in!" He called out to Haokas, who lept carefully into the cruiser with his rifle on his back, Padmé breathing heavily as Dormé tried to comfort her. "Please be safe." She said as Haokas nodded toward her before Obi-Wan pushed the cruiser forward, in pursuit of this mysterious attacker.

Chapter Text

The aircruiser weaved through traffic at high speeds, Haokas' black hair flying wildly. "If I knew I were doing this, I'd have worn a headband!" He shouted over the engine, gripping the rifle tighter. "Don't be pointing that rifle at random! You could get us arrested!" Obi-Wan warned. "Lower it until we have a target!"

"Your driving is more dangerous than my rifle!" Haokas countered, lucky he had the shoulder strap, otherwise he would have dropped the rifle entirely as Obi-Wan sharply banked around a towering spire. All the while, Zam Wesell, a Clawdite bounty hunter from Zolan, used her thermal imaging to detect the vehicle before lining up her shot. She fired, though Obi-Wan's weaving trajectory made the shot miss. Instead, it hit a passing moving billboard. She immediately boarded her personal speeder right after.

"Kenobi. Someone shot at us. We're being followed." Haokas warned as Obi-Wan pressed the accelerator, sending the cruiser surging forward. "I forgot how much I hate flying like this." Kenobi winced, sending the ship to a sharp descent. "I swear if the blast from that rifle tips this speeder over!" He shouted, to which Haokas snickered. "It shouldn't! At least... I don't think it will!" He lurched forward as Obi-Wan abruptly pulled up. "Good thing I didn't eat anything earlier."

"We're heading into the factory district! Watch your arms for fire!" Kenobi banked sharply, weaving around large smokestacks and cargo lifts. Haokas braced against the cruiser's side as Zam fired her pistol to activate the factory's electrical shield generator. "Blast the power couplings!" Obi-Wan shouted urgently. Haokas lined up his rifle and squeezed the trigger, destroying one of the pillars and disabling the electrical outlet.

Zam entered into a tunnel entrance below, Obi-Wan diving sharply after her as Haokas cursed under his breath, gripping his rifle tighter. "Towards the entertainment district!" Kenobi shouted, forcing the cruiser into a near-vertical descent that pressed Haokas against the seat. Below, neon signs blurred into streaks of color as Zam banked left toward the busiest part of Coruscant nightlife.

"The speeder's flying low! I can't get a good shot from here! We'll have to get closer!" Haokas yelled, struggling to stabilize his rifle amid the chaotic descent. "See that bar and lounge over there?" He pointed toward the Outlander Club, a busy nightlife establishment ahead. Obi-Wan pushed the throttle as far as it could go. "Remember, Haokas, we need this one alive!" He reminded. "I'll turn down the power on the rifle. Just enough to disable the engine." Haokas aimed at the green and yellow speeder. His finger remained behind the trigger until he noticed Zam slowing down considerably. He fired a shot that clipped the right side of her speeder's engines. "Got it!" Haokas yelled, Zam's speeder emitting smoke as she made a sudden landing inside the bar and lounge, patrons gasping and moving asid as the speeder violently crashes into a staircase.

Zam escaped from the canopy as flames erupted from her damaged speeder, sending patrons scattering amidst glass and debris. Obi-Wan landed the cruiser roughly at the entrance, leaping out along with Haokas, who quickly slung the rifle strap onto his shoulder. "The attacker is on foot!" Obi-Wan yelled, spotting Zam weaving through screaming crowds. Haokas ran forward, his fitness classes paying off as Zam ran deeper into the lounge. Obi-Wan gave chase, shouting "Jedi business!" to clear their path as Haokas hurdled overturned tables. Obi-Wan stopped at the crowded bar, sighing. "Haokas can find her on his own." Obi-Wan thought to himself as he looked around the lounge area. Haokas put his foot onto a table, retrieving a concealed bladed weapon hidden on his ankle, just as Zam Wesell approached the bar with her pistol drawn. He sliced into her arm and pushed her to the floor, the crowd dispersing and gasping as Haokas held the blade just above her neck. "Go back to your drinks. None of this concerns you." Obi-Wan told the crowd, lifting the wounded Zam Wesell and carrying her outside. "I hope you know that Haokas here has the jurisdiction to arrest you and have you sentenced on Naboo." Obi-Wan warned Zam. She muttered something unintelligible. "Who hired you?" Obi-Wan pressed further. Zam Wesell looked toward Haokas, her eyes filled with fear. "It was a bounty hunter named-" a poisoned dart flew into her neck from afar. Zam collapsed dead, now in her Clawdite form, before Haokas could react. Someone took off behind them, far too quick for Haokas to get a decent shot. Obi-Wan picked up the sharp object. "I'll have to have this examined."

Chapter Text

"And what about me?" Haokas asked, his fingers flexing around the dagger's hilt still slick with Zam's blood. Obi-Wan studied the dart's distinct shape. "You will not pursue this matter any further. There's multiple factors at play here. You have risked your life enough recently. You will remain with Padmé." Obi-Wan ordered urgently. "I recommend you go soon. Before any undue attention arrives."

Haokas left the Outlander Lounge, panting exhaustedly, heart pounding, boarding the yellow speeder before Obi-Wan ignited the engines and lifted off towards Padmé's penthouse apartment. Haokas wiped Zam's drying blood off the dagger with a cloth from his pocket. "That person... who lifted off. Those jetpacks aren't found just anywhere." Obi-Wan's grip tightened on the controls. "Indeed. Whoever they are, they've clearly spent credits on specialized equipment. Not a common assassin's arsenal."

Haokas was left off at Padmé's penthouse, Dormé waiting there to greet him. "Dormé, you're still awake?" Haokas asked, his breath ragged from exertion. "Padmé told me to wait for you," she replied, eyeing the dried blood on his sleeve. "Did you fight?"

"She had her pistol drawn on Obi-Wan," Haokas admitted, rubbing his temple as Dormé ushered him inside. "I tackled her but she was killed by this dart. Obi-Wan's on his way to the Jedi Council to look into the matter more deeply. All I know about this other person is that they're extremely well-armed. Far beyond a common assassin."

Dormé guided him to the kitchen, offering him a cold drink to soothe his exhaustion. "Padmé's asleep again," she said softly. "She was upset earlier, though. She said she never should have put you on that ship with Cordé." Haokas held the glass to his forehead. "I chose to be there. She should never blame herself. Can I go see her? Just to check?" Dormé hesitated. "She'll be displeased if I wake her again," she admitted, "but go if you must."

Haokas stepped into Padmé's bedroom with quiet footsteps . She lay curled beneath silk sheets, her eyes fluttering open as she noticed him against the dimmed lights. "You're back," she whispered, pushing herself upright. "Padmé... Obi-Wan decided I'd be safer if I stay with you," Haokas said in a near-whisper, though his tone carried an unspoken apology for disturbing her. "I think so too," she murmured, shifting slightly, making room beside her. As he settled onto the mattress, her fingers found his hand, cold from the night air, and held it there.

The next day, across Coruscant, Obi-Wan stood before the Jedi Council rotunda. Yoda, Mace Windu, Plo Koon, Saesee Tiin, Even Piell, Oppo Racisis, Adi Gallia, Eeth Koth, Coleman Trebor, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and Shaak Ti all waited in silence. "I have discovered that there is more than one bounty hunter involved," Obi-Wan stated firmly.

"Mmm... track down this bounty hunter you must." Yoda confirmed with certainty. "And most importantly, find out who he's working for." Mace Windu added, his fingers steepled as he leaned forward. "What about Senator Amidala's protection?" Obi-Wan inquired. "Haokas' position, that will be." Yoda answered. "I had previously requested Kadvallo, but on second thoughts, I find he's not quite ready for such a task." Shaak Ti admitted reluctantly, her melodic voice echoing in the quiet room. "He is... unpredictable."

"You are to make contact with Haokas Yärsk and tell him to escort the senator back to her home planet of Naboo. And make it clear that he is not to use registered transport." Mace Windu ordered, leaving no room for disagreements.

"He is the most likely to convince her to leave the capital." Obi-Wan admitted. "Though he will have to have a meeting with the senate about this matter. He and Padmé will have to travel as refugees." Obi-Wan rubbed his temple, already anticipating the conversations. "She's not one to leave easily." He muttered. "Until the bounty hunter is caught, our judgment she must trust." Yoda said, firm in his words. Obi-Wan nodded and left the room, concluding the meeting. He immediately entered into his commlink, contacting Haokas.

Over in the apartment, Haokas stood upright as soon as his commlink started lighting up. "A message from Obi-Wan," he told Padmé, pressing the button to play the audio recording. "Haokas, you are to escort Padmé back to Naboo. It is important that you do *not* use any registered transport. Speak to the senate if you must."

"You *have* to be kidding me." Haokas scoffed. "This means we can't participate in the vote." Padmé said, pacing angrily, her bare feet pressing into the plush carpet. "If I am to be honest, I'd much rather not speak to the Chancellor face-to-face. I don't know why but... he makes me uneasy." Haokas admitted. Padmé stopped pacing and looked at Haokas. "You get that feeling as well? I thought I was imagining it. I can send in a request for refugee status through Senator Organa's office, discreetly. I'll tell Captain Typho, Dormé, and the others."

All the while, Shaak Ti walked with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mace Windu through the halls of the Jedi temple, Yoda on his floating device. "I am concerned for my padawan." Shaak Ti admitted. "He is being considered for field missions in the near future. He is not in control of his emotions. He's prone to bouts of shouting and erraticism."

"Confident in its decision, the council is, Shaak Ti." Yoda's ears twitched slightly as he considered her words. "Involve him in Naboo, we will not. Too sure of himself, he is. Take particular precaution with him, you must."

Chapter Text

"I am taking a leave of absence. It will be your responsibility to represent Naboo in the Senate." Padmé told Jar Jar firmly as she adjusted her dress. "Mesa accept this with muy humility," Jar Jar stammered, bowing his head. Haokas stood quietly beside Dormé, the handmaiden turning her head to him. "Do take care of her," she whispered. "She's like a sister to me." Haokas nodded solemnly. "I will face every threat in this galaxy if it means nothing happens to her."

Jar Jar bowed once more respectfully, allowing Padmé and Haokas a moment of privacy. Padmé's footsteps were silent on the carpeted floor. "I'd much rather not go into hiding like this." She stated, smoothing her dress once more. "It won't be too long until Obi-Wan finds the bounty hunter." Haokas assured her. Padmé sighed deeply, packing outfits into her case. "I haven't been working for a year to denounce the Military Creation Act to not see the outcome of the vote." She snapped the case shut with finality. "Padmé, there isn't much I can do. Akéjúra has no say in the senate, nor are most of them even aware of the Sasafura sector." Haokas answered.

"One day we'll have to see if you can get through to your sector. It's possible for you to represent them." Padmé brought up, but Haokas didn't agree with the idea. "Those system don't want anything to do with the senate. They haven't needed them before, they won't be needing them now." He replied with a tone of mild bitterness. "No one can ever end Zadreso's civil wars either. We've tried everything and nothing works. Only half our planets have security forces. I know how these militaries are like. They're either unstable, like Zathrükh's. Crippled, like Vulsa's. Or way too small."

Padmé didn't press further. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up. It's just... someone as intelligent as you could do good in this galaxy," she said softly, finishing up packing for the flight back to Naboo. "Padmé... I'm not a senator," Haokas sighed, looking once more at the bustling Coruscant sky. "Besides, Naboo is my home just as much as Akéjúra is. I've lived there for ten years. Honestly, Coruscant's a little much for me."

Padmé stood for a moment, thinking about all the times Haokas had already fought alongside her, how his instincts had saved her life more than once. "I won't ever make you do anything you don't want to," she said finally. "You should know that I don't just look at you as security." Haokas turned to face her, noticing the warmth in her voice. "You, the handmaidens, everyone else... you've treated me better than my parents ever have." Haokas admitted quietly. Padmé reached out without thinking, her fingertips brushing his wrist, an acknowledgment, an unspoken promise. "The silver lining is that I'll get to show you more of Naboo. The most beautiful places."

The group boarded a tram to the ship back to Naboo. "Be safe, Miss Amidala." Captain Typho told her. "Thank you, Captain. Take care of Dormé." She answered quietly. "Oh, Typho will be safe with me." Dormé replied with a smile, although a tear still rolled down her cheek. "I still think of Cordé and Versé." She whispered. Padmé hugged her tightly. "So do I. Every day."

"It's not just me and the others. I worry about you. What if they realize you've left the capital?" Dormé asked worriedly. "Then Haokas here will take care of the issue," Padmé answered with a smile, glancing at him, his ocean-colored eyes catching the Coruscant light. "And Haokas." Obi-Wan spoke. "Remember, you are not to pursue the matter of the bounty hunter any further."

"I understand. Padmé is what's important to me now. Not vengeance," Haokas replied. He knew it was far beyond his abilities to hunt whoever had killed Zam Wesell. "And Padmé, you have my word that I will find the enemy quickly. I will be on the case immediately. You'll hear from me soon, I promise."

"I am grateful for your punctuality, Obi-Wan Kenobi," Padmé said hopefully. Dormé tapped Haokas twice on his shoulder, signaling that the ship to Naboo had arrived. They stepped off the tram, luggage in hand. "It does worry me, being away during this... integral time." Padmé admitted. "I'll have to be honest. I never thought I'd be returning to Naboo this way. Just me and you." Haokas replied with a pleasant smile. "And R2, of course. He's always been here." The astromech beeped enthusiastically. Padmé laughed. Obi-Wan and Captain Typho looked out at the two. "I hope he doesn't dwell on the bounty hunter. I'd hate to see him in over his head." Obi-Wan expressed. "I feel Padmé is more likely to take action." Captain Typho said with certainty. They watched the large ship take off towards Naboo.

Chapter Text

Obi-Wan took an air taxi to Dex's Diner, an establishment in the Collective Commerce District, also known as CoCo Town. The warm scent of sizzling nerf steak and toasted muja fruit bread greeted him as he entered. Dexter Jettser, a Besalisk cook with four arms and a booming laugh, spotted him immediately once the robotic waitress called out to him. "Obi-Wan Kenobi! Been too long!" Dex waved him over with one hand while flipping burgers with another. "Have a seat, I'll be with you in a moment!"

"Want a cup of jawa juice?" The robotic waitress asked Obi-Wan, zooming past on a singular wheel. "Oh, yes. Thank you." Obi-Wan replied politely, having forgotten how long it had been since he enjoyed a cup of the cold beverage. He gazed around the diner, taking note of the patrons; workers on break and travelers. "Hey, old buddy!" Dexter greeted cheerfully, approaching Obi-Wan's booth with all four of his arms wide open for a hug.

Obi-Wan obliged with a quick clap on the back before sliding into the booth. Dex struggled a bit, his immense size barely fitting into the booth. "So, my friend. What can I do for ya?" Dex asked, leaning forward with interest as the robotic waitress arrived with Obi-Wan's jawa juice. The Jedi took a slow sip before setting the glass down. "I have something... unique," Obi-Wan said quietly, producing the poisoned dart from his robe. Dex's eyes narrowed instantly, one hand snatching it up while another adjusted his stained apron. "Hmm. Whattaya know," he muttered, turning it over. "Ain't seen one of these since I was prospectin' on Subterrel. It belongs to them cloners. A Kamino saberdart. It's these cuts on the side that give it away. Analysis only focus on the symbols they carve into the dart."

"Kamino... I'm not familiar with it. Is it in the Republic?" Obi-Wan asked. "Oh, Kamino's not. It's all the way out in wildspace, beyond the outer realm. I'd say about... 12 parsecs outside the Rishi Maze." Dex rubbed his chin, brows furrowed. "Good luck finding it—ain't on any charts unless you got specific coordinates. It stands out quite a bit, you can't miss it. I will tell you this... the Kaminoans keep to themselves. They aren't all that used to outsiders."

"Are they friendly?" Obi-Wan pressed further, his fingers drumming lightly against the diner's worn tabletop. Dex let out a gruff chuckle, polishing the dart with his apron absentmindedly. "Depends. Gotta have some good manners and well uh... a pocketbook to do business." He laughed, getting up from the table. "I'll leave you to it. Gotta finish up on the grub." Dex hurried off, leaving Obi-Wan staring at the dart.

In the Jedi Temple, Obi-Wan scowered the library but could not find so much as one mention of the planet. He requested for Jocasta Nu, the elderly archives' librarian to assist. "Is there a problem, Master Kenobi?" She asked. "Yes," Obi-Wan answered. "I've been looking for a planetary system. Kamino. It doesn't show up on any of our charts." Jocasta Nu frowned. "Kamino? Can't say I've ever heard of it. Are you sure you have the right coordinates?" She asked skeptically. "According to the information I've gathered, it should be in this quadrant here, just south of the Rishi Maze." Obi-Wan answered patiently, pointing to the terminal map. "I regret to say it but... it appears the system you are searching for simply doesn't exist."

"Impossible. Perhaps the archives are incomplete," Obi-Wan muttered, frustration in his voice as he stared at the empty star map projection. Jocasta Nu shook her head, insulting the archives was akin to insulting her life's work. "If a planet does not appear in our records, then it *does not exist.*" Her tone left no room for argument as Obi-Wan lowered his head into his hand, deep in thought.

The large ship approached Naboo. R2D2 stood close by Padmé and Haokas, who were collecting their luggage. "It couldn't have been easy. Growing up with absent parents. You didn't have any family vacations or dinners?..." Padmé trailed off, looking at Haokas with concerned eyes. He shrugged. "I survived." He answered flatly, keeping his attention on the baggage. Padmé gently reached out, resting a hand on his side. "Haokas..." He stopped and turned to her with an unexpectedly vulnerable expression. "I'm alright. Though... sometimes I'd compare myself to the other kids. All the parents doting on their children. Meanwhile mine think they could just throw money at me as long as it keeps me away from them. They could've given me a billion in credits but I still wouldn't have felt loved. Padmé, you've given me what they never would have. Your attention... your hospitality... your care..." He stopped abruptly, as if realizing he'd said too much.

"Haokas, I could not be more proud of you," Padmé said sincerely. "You've done so much for Naboo in these ten years, more than most citizens do in a lifetime. That's what's important to me." Haokas exhaled sharply, staring at the docking bay floor. "I just... never thought I'd belong somewhere like this." R2-D2 beeped softly, as if reminding him he was already home. Padmé squeezed his arm. "You most definitely do now."

Obi-Wan approached Yoda, who was currently training the younglings. He questioned if he should wait, not to interrupt the young students, but Yoda didn't seem bothered. "Ah, yes, children. A visitor we have."

"Hello, Master Obi-Wan." The children said in unison. "Apologies for interrupting your lesson. I'm looking for a planetary system described to me by an old friend. He's very knowledgeable, but the system doesn't show in our archive star charts," Obi-Wan explained. Yoda's ears twitched as he studied Obi-Wan's face for a moment before turning to the younglings. "Mmm... confused, Obi-Wan is. Lost a planet, he has. Embarrassing, it is." Yoda said, making the children giggle. "Liam, the shades." He said to one student, who dimmed the room by shuttering the shades. "Gather round the map reader, we will."

"Kamino should be about," Obi-Wan examined the holographic galaxy. "here, but it isn't. The gravitation pull of the planet is pulling all the surrounding stars to where the planet is supposed to be. But there's nothing there."

"Mmm... a planet missing from the hologram, there is. How is this? Any answers?" Yoda asked the children. "Because someone erased it from the archive memory." One of the children offered. Yoda smiled, his ears turning upward. "Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is." Obi-Wan frowned, the implications were serious. "But Master Yoda, who could have erased planetary records from our archives? And why?"

Chapter Text

The spacecraft landed in Naboo's capital with a soft thud, its engines humming down as the boarding ramp descended. Haokas took a deep breath, the air here was always fresher than Coruscant's recycled atmosphere. It felt like home. Welcoming, as opposed to Coruscant's constant underlying tension. "So Padmé... does Naboo always elect those very young as monarchs?" He asked curiously, carrying luggage up a small flight of stairs. "Not always, but fairly commonly." Padmé answered. "I wasn't the youngest, but now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not sure if I was old enough to make all those decisions." She confessed, glancing to the side. "Sabé and the others said you were nothing short of brilliant." Haokas reassured, walking along the sunny courtyard. "I was quite relieved when my two terms were up." Padmé sighed, entering into the hallway.

"It was when Jamilla asked me to serve as senator that I realized I couldn’t say no," Padmé admitted, running her fingers along the familiar carvings on the hallway’s stone archway. "Not after everything."

"I trust Jamilla's word. She knows Naboo needs someone like you," Haokas said quietly, looking out to the peaceful Naboo skies, decorated with the most perfect clouds. He didn't know how a cloud could be perfect but it just was. "We have to go speak to her and the governor." Padmé informed Haokas of where she was heading. "Of course," Haokas replied with a nod.

The two entered into a meeting room, Matriarch Jamilla and Governor Sio Bibble waiting patiently in upholstered chairs. "Your Majesty." Haokas bowed respectfully to Jamilla, who smiled warmly before rising to embrace Padmé. "Should this military creation act be passed, I'm certain there will be a galactic civil war." Padmé spoke her concerns. Sio Bibble shook his head slightly. "Unthinkable. There hasn't been a civil war since the formation of the Republic."

"Do you see any way through negotiation to calm the seperatists and ensure peace?" Jamilla asked, her hands resting on her knees. "They feel threatened by the creation of this army. They'll ask the Trade Federation and the Commerce Guild for military aid, and they'll get it," Padmé countered.

"Outrageously, even after being tried four times in the Supreme Court, Nute Gunray is still viceroy of the Trade Federation." Sio Bibble's fingers tapped impatiently against the table's polished surface. "A diplomatic solution seems impossible, they're already arming themselves." Haokas leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "If anything, it feels like they're encouraging it," he said, recalling the Chancellor's unnerving insistence on military intervention. "They went about it far too quickly for there to be any question of whether or not there will be militaristic action."

"We must believe in the Republic." Jamilla said before standing. "The day we believe democracy won't work, is the day we hand the galaxy to totalitarians." She approached Padmé. "Though at the moment, we must consider your own safety, Padmé Amidala."

"What is your suggestion, Haokas Yärsk?" Sio Bibble asked suddenly. "Actually... I believe Padmé already has one," Haokas replied. "That is true. I was thinking I would stay in the lake country. Haokas has yet to visit there, and both of us would prefer somewhere quiet." Padmé explained. "Ah, the Villa Varykino!" Jamilla smiled, nodding approvingly. "Perfect. It's settled then." She shook both Padmé's and Haokas' hands.

In the midst of wildspace, Obi-Wan Kenobi left from the hyperspace travel ring, his astromech, R4-P17, accompanying him in his Jedi starship as he approached the planet of Kamino, entering into an atmosphere of perpetual rainstorms, the windows rattling from the wind impact. He instinctually turned on the headlights, finding a platform to land on. He pulled his hood over his head as he exited the ship, stepping onto the sleek platform. Glass doors opened for him, revealing a sterile cloning facility, a Kaminoan named Taun We waiting there. She's extraordinarily tall, with long, slender limbs and an even longer neck. "The prime minister is expecting you." She said, to Obi-Wan's surprise. "Please, this way." She gestured toward a well-lit corridor to the meeting room.

Prime Minister Lama Su stood gracefully behind a translucent desk, his elongated fingers steepled in contemplation. "Lama Su, this is Master Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi," Taun We introduced. The Prime Minister's large eyes regarded Obi-Wan with polite curiosity. "I trust you needn't be unsettled. Please, have a seat."

Obi-Wan took a seat on the white chair suspended from the ceiling. "And now to business. You will be delighted to hear that our schedule has gone perfectly. 200,000 units are ready, with a million more on the way."

Obi-Wan looked at the Kaminoan in confusion, not having been informed before of any of this. "That's... good news." He said carefully. "Please tell Master Sifo Dyas that we anticipate his further orders when the next set of clones are complete." Lama Su continued smoothly. Obi Wan did recognize that name. "Master Sifo Dyas was killed almost ten years ago," Obi-Wan told the Prime Minister, whose expression changed to condolence. "I'm sure he would have been proud of our work."

"An army? And did Sifo Dyas ever say who the army was for?" Obi-Wan inquired. Lama Su nodded. "Yes. A clone army, and I must say... the greatest one ever produced. As for Sifo Dyas, of course he did. This army is for the Republic." He explained, Obi-Wan raising his eyebrows. "You must be anxious to see the units for yourself. Allow me to show you."

Chapter Text

Haokas and Padmé took a canoe to the Villa Varykino, gliding silently across the mirrored surface of the lake as the sun began to rise ahead. The calm waters carried them to the pier, where an attendant helped them both out of the small boat. Padmé was in a beautiful gown, the color of the sunrise. She ascended up the steps to the patio overlooking the calm lake surrounded by the picturesque hills, Haokas beside her. "We used to come here as part of our school trips." Padmé told him, nostalgia in her voice. Haokas stopped at the top of the steps, realizing he'd never seen anything so peaceful in his life. "I've never seen a lake more beautiful than this." He said under his breath, as if speaking too loudly would disturb the tranquility, walking with Padmé past the flowers.

"I remember feeling so weightless. Like floating in air, every time we took the boats out on the water, looking at all the birds and trying to guess their names. Did you feel it as well?" Padmé asked Haokas. "It's enough to bring me to tears." Haokas said in a near-whisper. "The lakes in Akéjúra were always so cold. There'd be snow every time of year." He said quietly, hands resting on the railing of the patio. "I didn't think places like this existed, outside of those travel brochures."

Padmé noticed a lone tear flowing down Haokas' cheek. She caressed his face, her fingers trailing down softly to the corner of his lips. "You truly do have the most beautiful eyes. They're just like the waters in the ocean caves," she whispered. Haokas' face went scarlet, at first conflicted with the urge to lean into her touch, but then he did, pressing his forehead against hers.

"Haokas... I always saw you as wise and intelligent beyond your years," Padmé held him close. "When I was so young and uncertain, you were the one who reminded me to trust my instincts. Then I watched you mature into someone capable of extraordinary kindness. You weren't afraid to be vulnerable, to be forward with your emotions. Sabé, Dormé, Rabé, all of them saw it too. Haokas... you have been so caring, so compassionate, and... I just wish I had told you sooner. I want to be with you."

Haokas rested his head on Padmé's shoulder, her hair lightly tickling his cheek, tears flowing more freely. "Padmé, I always had a feeling, but I thought it was too good to be true." His voice was deeply emotional, more than she had ever heard from him before. She put one hand on his cheek and the other on the small of his back. Her lips met his, her heartbeat hammering in her chest, but not from fear. Only certainty. Passion. A deep-seated respect that can only come from years of growing together, side by side. As soon as she opened her eyes, Haokas embraced her tightly, burying his face in her neck, his fingertips pressing just slightly into the silk of her dress. He didn't need to say a word. Padmé knew everything just from the way he embraced her.

On Kamino, Lama Su directed Obi-Wan into the elaborate facility. Lab-grown infants in glass pods lined the corridors, nutrient fluids being added to the tanks. "Most impressive." Obi-Wan looked on at the vast array of chambers holding the lab-born humans. "They are sentient and sapient, immensely superior to a robotic military. They are capable of independent thought if given the opportunity." Lama Su spoke with pride. "They participate in combat education and military training once they're at the right age. We genetically engineered them to have accelerated growth as well. This group here," he gestured to a large group of clones viewing training programs on small screens. "Was created five years ago." Obi-Wan walked toward them, watching as they trained in flawless synchronization. "Of course, the genetic code isn't always 100%, so some of them have a level of variation."

"Who was the genetic template?" Obi-Wan asked curiously, watching younger clones eat standardized meals. Lama Su tilted his head slightly. "A bounty hunter named Jango Fett." He answered. Obi-Wan's raised an eyebrow. "And where is he now?" He inquired further. "We keep him here. Apart from his considerable pay, he only had one other condition. He wanted one clone of himself without the accelerated aging effect, curiously enough." Lama Su explained as he lead Obi-Wan past a group of clones putting on battle armor and helmets. "I would like to meet this Jango Fett." Obi-Wan said, to which Taun We said she would arrange a meeting. Obi-Wan looked over a barrier, witnessing fully-grown clones, now cleared for the field, marching onto a battleship. "Magnificent, aren't they?" Taun We said.

Padmé took Haokas out to the meadows to watch the waterfalls, their hands brushing against each other as they walked, accidental at first, then deliberate. The feeling of his palm against hers had a way of calming her, and she caught herself stealing glances at his profile. Long hair truly does suit him, she thought. Such beautiful waves. The sun brings out the vibrant color of his eyes.

Dormé had arranged a small picnic for them at Padmé's request, fruits, cheeses, breads, all meticulously arranged on the soft grass of the meadow. Haokas' fingers traced the embroidery on the picnic blanket. "You didn't have to do all this," he said, but Padmé only smiled, plucking a berry from the tray and pressing it gently to his lips. He accepted it, surprised by the very sweet flavor. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but did you ever have a girlfriend back on Akéjúra?" Padmé asked, not unkindly. Haokas smiled and shook his head. "Nothing serious. Dates here and there. None of them really went anywhere. Besides, you're the only one I've ever felt this way with." He admitted, gently kissing Padmé's hand.

"It's nice. Not to think about politics for once," Padmé told him, brushing a stray curl behind Haokas' ear as he layed his head on her lap, gazing at the distant waterfalls. "I wish it wasn't a concern for us. I don't like how quickly they decided on forming a military. As I talked about before, there was no question of whether or not they would." Haokas let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of unease pressing down again.

Padmé leaned down, pressing her lips to his forehead in reassurance. "You're not alone. Trust me. I don't believe in that sort of unjust conflict either. I don't appreciate how they just let Nute Gunray back in office despite his war crimes," she whispered fiercely. Haokas closed his eyes briefly before sitting up and wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. "Come on, let's go run through the meadows," Padmé suggested suddenly, pulling him up with her as she stood, laughing as the wind caught her hair. Haokas ran beside her. It felt like the kind of childhood joy he missed out on. Green grass, all the animals grazing peacefully, a beautiful sky overhead. Padmé's laughter, the sweetest music. Each other's company was everything both of them wanted.

Chapter Text

A large winged creature flew overhead of the Kamino facility as Taun We led Obi-Wan to the Fett's living quarters. Jango's son, actually a clone without the accelerated growth, answered the door. "Boba, is your father with you? May we see him?" Taun We asked politely. The boy nodded and disappeared into the apartment, returning shortly with Jango Fett himself, looking as though he just got out of bed. "Jango, welcome back. Was your business trip productive?" Taun We inquired. Jango shrugged noncommittally, glancing at Obi-Wan before answering. "Fine enough."

"This is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. He has come to discuss the clone army," Taun We explained before excusing herself. Jango's posture stiffened almost imperceptibly as he sized up Obi-Wan. "Odd time for an inspection," he remarked, his voice carefully neutral. Boba hovered behind his father, nervously. "Your clones are most impressive. You must be proud," Obi-Wan said, keeping his tone conversational while studying the bounty hunter's reaction. "It's just a job for me. I just took the opportunity. It's what us bounty hunters do."

"You ever made your way as far as to Coruscant? Recently?" Obi-Wan asked casually, noting the faint flicker in Jango's dark eyes at the mention of the Republic's capital. "Possibly. Once or twice," Jango admitted, shifting his weight subtly. Obi-Wan put the pieces together quickly. "You must know of Master Sifo-Dyas, then."

Jango turned and walked over to his child, saying something in Concordian, a dialect of the Mandalorian language. Boba nodded and left the room, leaving Obi-Wan alone. "I have never once heard of any 'Master Sifo-Dyas'," Jango stated. Obi-Wan didn't believe him for a second. "Is he not the one who hired you as a genetic template for the clones?"

Jango clenched his jaw—just slightly—but Obi-Wan caught it. The bounty hunter was a professional, but the Jedi had trained for decades in reading micro-expressions. "I was hired by a man named Tyranus on one of the moons of Bogden," Jango countered. "Do you like your Republic army?" He changed the subject. "I look forward to seeing them on the battlefield." Obi-Wan answered. "They'll do their job well. I can guarantee that." Jango answered in a serious tone.

"Thank you for your time, Jango." Obi-Wan bowed slightly. As soon as he turned to leave, and as soon as he walked out the door, Jango looked to his child with a noticeable expression. "Pack your belongings. We're leaving." Boba knew better than to question his father's urgency, rushing to the room and throwing everything in sight into a large duffel bag.

The sun was setting on Naboo, and Padmé and Haokas were seated for dinner on the veranda of Villa Varykino. The sunlight shined through the curtains, offering an elegant view of the lake. "So tell me more about what happened with that bounty hunter on Coruscant. How did you corner them?" Padmé asked, sipping from her glass and eating a spoonful of royal garden risotto. "She spotted us first. Shot at us. Missed, obviously. Then she started pursuing us until we were able to move around. May have had to shoot down some electrical barriers. Eventually we got to the entertainment district where she was slow enough for me to take a shot. Got one of the wings and she crash-landed at this bar and lounge. She got up and started sprinting. Once we got to the bar area, I didn't even notice her until she had her pistol drawn. Used my dagger, got her to drop the pistol. She was killed before I could make any arrest." Haokas explained before biting into some of the fresh bread and lathering some butter onto his gourmet Nuna steak, noticing Padmé rub her foot up and down his leg. "Padmé!" He blushed suddenly.

She smiled mischievously, putting her foot back on the floor. "Sorry," she giggled, not sounding sorry at all. Before Haokas could respond, Dormé interrupted with dessert. Theed blossom drizzled with shuura fruit syrup. Padmé dragged her fork through the delicate layers, bringing the fork to Haokas' lips. "Taste." She whispered, her voice taking on a sultry tone. He obeyed, closing his eyes as the delectable flavors burst across his tongue. "Why don't you relax in the living room while I get into something more... exciting?" Padmé suggested.

Haokas waited by the fireplace, the warmth pulling him into a quiet reverie until the door opening brought him back into the present. Padmé emerged in a flowing, tight-fitting nightgown with a low neckline. Her bare feet padded silently across the woven rug as she approached him, swaying her hips just enough to quicken his heartbeat. She slid into his lap, draping her arms over his shoulders. "You like?" She whispered, her voice still in that sultry, suggestive tone. Haokas' face went redder than it ever had, and nodded, his hands settling on her waist.

"Padmé, aren't we going a little fast?" Haokas whispered, Padmé's fingers caressing his cheekbones. "Like I said, Haokas, I won't make you do anything you don't want to." Padmé assured, kissing his forehead, cheeks, nose. He gasped as she finally brushed her lips against his, deepening the kiss slowly, cupping his face in her hands. Haokas melted into her touch, arms wrapping tighter around her waist as she straddled him, fingers tangling in his dark waves. "Haokas, you are genuinely so beautiful," Padmé brushed his hair as he laid his head on her inviting cleavage. "Of course, we don't have to take it *there*, just yet," she promised. "Just know that you can always spend the night with me. Clothed or otherwise."

Chapter Text

"Tell your council that your first battalions are ready." Taun We told Obi-Wan as she guided him back to his Jedi starfighter, the Kaminoan's voice eerily serene against the pounding rain. "And remember, it will take time to produce more in case you need reinforcements."

"I will not forget to inform them," Obi-Wan replied, pulling up his hood before he stepped out into the pouring rain, hands tucked inside his cloak. "R4! Scramble code five to Coruscant, priority encryption," he ordered his astromech to prevent anyone except Master Yoda and Mace Windu to receive and listen to the holographic message. "I have successfully made contact and communicated with the prime minister of Kamino!" He announced, speaking loudly to be heard over the storm. "A bounty hunter named Jango Fett was hired by them to create a clone army. I am certain this bounty hunter is involved with the assassination attempts."

Mace Windu took in the information. "Is it possible that these clones are involved in further assassination attempts?" He asked. Obi-Wan shook his head. "There appears to be no motive. They are fully conditioned soldiers rather than assassins. The bounty hunter however fled shortly after my questioning."

"Make assumptions, you must not." Yoda told him, ears lowering slightly as he contemplated. "Layers, there is to this. Someone above Jango Fett, there is." Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, Master Yoda. I was told that Master Sifo Dyas commissioned the clones, at the request of the senate, not long before his death. Have you, Windu, or anyone else authorize this?" Obi-Wan asked.

Mace Windu answered immediately. "We did not. Whoever contacted the Kaminoans did so without our knowledge." He held no signs of dishonesty. "Capture Jango Fett, you must. Question him, we will." Yoda added, leaning forward on his gimer stick, before turning his attention to Mace Windu. "How this got past us, I am unsure of." Yoda admitted, his voice weighed down by concern. "Should we inform the senate that this action was done under no authorization?" Mace Windu hesitantly asked. "Without a clue, we would look. Cost us much politically, it would." Yoda cautioned.

Haokas slept peacefully in Padmé's arms, his breathing slow and deep. She pulled the blanket up around his bare shoulders, hugging him tighter, savoring the feeling of cuddling with him. It was the most beautiful sleep she'd had in what felt like forever. The same for Haokas as well. Oftentimes he'd toss and turn, but not then. Not with Padmé there with him. With Padmé's arms around him, he was perfectly still and content. Padmé kissed his temple as he curled up beside her. She wished that every night could be like this. That every day could be like the one she just had.

Countless light years away, someone awoke feeling much disturbed. That someone being Kadvallo Teiothe, horrid nightmares of Zathrükh wracking his mind. His hands trembled uncontrollably as he sat up in his sleeping pod. Shaak Ti immediately rushed to him as he started to mumble in his sleep. "Kadvallo, this isn't the first time you've had episodes like this." Shaak Ti spoke in worry, her voice slightly shaky. She never wanted to cry in front of him, but seeing him like this broke her heart. Kadvallo panted, gripping his knees as he sat curled up. "That horrible place... the things they do to people who don't deserve it." He whimpered. Shaak Ti took him outside to stand in the morning light.

"These nightmares... what happens in them?" Shaak Ti asked kindly, guiding Kadvallo to sit by the tranquil reflection pool in the Jedi Temple gardens. His fingers dug into the soft moss beneath them, grounding himself in the present as his breath steadied. "The same vision every time, faceless figures dragging prisoners into the depths of Zathrükh's obsidian citadel, their screams muffled by the walls... and a voice whispering my family's name from the walls. They torture them. In every way you could possible imagine. It makes me sick just thinking about it. Jedi don't have these sorts of dreams. They aren't supposed to."

"Suffering is an unfortunate thing. Believe me, if I had the power within myself to relieve all the world of suffering, I would," Shaak Ti said to soothe him, gently placing her palm on his shivering back. "The Force sometimes warns us through visions, but never assume they are certainties. They are possible futures, paths we may yet avoid."

"There's so much pain back home. And I can *feel* it now. It hurts, Master Shaak Ti. It physically hurts." Kadvallo shivered even more violently. "I have to go to Zathrükh." He stated, lip quivering. Shaak Ti considered everything for a moment. "I never wish to see you in pain, and I can not let you go there by yourself." She assured him calmly. "But if the Jedi Council decides that this action is inappropriate, you will have to see through the consequences."

Later on into the morning, Haokas joined Padmé at an outdoor table for breakfast, a hot beverage made from Naboo beans and other natural ingredients warming his hands. The steam curled up in front of his face, obscuring the slight blush on his face. "Padmé, did I ever tell you how beautiful your natural curls are?" He complimented her, watching the morning breeze grace her hair, let free for once, no elaborate style.

"And I just got out of the shower, too." Padmé laughed, putting a damp curl behind her ear, she caught Haokas staring at the droplet of water trailing down her neckline before he quickly looked away, doing that adorable thing where he'd show the profile of his face, framed by those flowers situated right behind him. Padmé idly ran her bare foot up his leg again. "Padmé!" He blushed deeply, exasperated but smiling. "You're always doing that."

Padmé picked up a piece of bread with cheese in the center and brought it to Haokas' lips, watching him take a bite. The way he'd always chew with his eyes closed was unfairly attractive, she'd never noticed these small details before. He opened his eyes to see her staring at him with unapologetic affection. "What?" He asked shyly. "Nothing. Just enjoying the view," Padmé replied.

She bit her lip slightly. "It's not like you weren't staring last night," she gave him those expressive eyes again. "I'm allowed to look at those eyes any time I like. They're like oceans." She cupped his face in her hands. "Didn't say you couldn't," Haokas whispered back. Dormé sat down for breakfast as well, pretending not to notice. She had always imagined Haokas with Yané or maybe Eirtaé, but Padmé? The more she thought about it, the more the two made sense. It was the first time she'd seen either of them so happy.

Chapter Text

Obi-Wan rushed to the landing platform where Jango Fett's ship, a heavily customized Firespray 31 patrol vessel, prepared for flight. Boba spotted him and called out to his father, now fully clad in his Mandalorian armor, duel pistols wielded. Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber to deflect the sudden barrage of blaster fire, sparks showering the rainy platform, before performing a roll to dodge them as Jango activated his jetpack, rising above the platform and continuing to fire. All the while Boba entered into the controls, facing upward as he lowered the ship's cannons.

Jango Fett fired an explosive projectile at Obi-Wan, the impact of which sent him to the edge of the platform, the lightsabber dropping from his hand. Boba fired the cannons in an attempt to finish him off. Jango lept onto the platform, Obi-Wan jumping high into the air and kicking him in the stomach, utilizing his skill in martial arts. Jango rolled backwards, pressing a button on his gauntlet just as his jetpack reactivated, launching him towards Obi-Wan at full speed, activating a cable wire that latched itself around Obi-Wan's wrists.

Obi-Wan twisted and rolled as he slid across the rain-soaked platform, wrapping the cable around a pillar, throwing off Jango's flight and causing him to crash into the edge, his jetpack destroyed as it slammed into one of the structures to the side of the landing platform. Obi-Wan kicked him once more as he raised his pistol, forgetting that the cable was still attached. Both of them slid down toward the cold and raging waters, Jango using a feature in his suit. Retractable sharp metal blades from the forearms, able to slow his descent and allow him to climb back up, Obi-Wan holding on to the cable before Jango pressed a button to cut it loose.

Obi-Wan quickly formed a grappling hook and threw it around one of the pillars, using momentum to jump back onto the walkways and using the Force to open the glass door, but by the time he made it back to the landing area, Jango's ship was already taking off. He threw a tracking device onto the bottom of the ship before it ascended into the stormy skies.

Padmé and Haokas planned for the day ahead at Villa Varykino, discussing ways to pass the time. "Still not a word from Obi-Wan." Haokas sighed, "Something tells the situation is more complicated than we thought." He gazed at the lake. Padmé rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. "Whatever happens, we'll be ready." She assured him.

"I have to agree with Haokas." Dormé chimed in. "I feel like there would have been an update on the situation by now." She took a seat with them, pouring herself a drink as she spoke. "Not to mention, Obi-Wan never leaves anyone in the dark unless he has to." Padmé nodded, her hand gracing Haokas' back. "But I trust Obi-Wan, he's not one to just disappear. He'll contact us when he can."

"Padmé... you mentioned once that you wanted to know more about Sasafura? There is someone I know who'd be helpful. Her name's Komi Erzya. She's from the Sozuno system. Very technological. I know her from my university days. She was one of the few real friends I had back then. From what I remember, she was top of her class. I've been absent from Sasafura for a decade at this point, so if anyone would have a way of getting through to the rest of the coalition, she'd be the one." Haokas said with uncertainty. "If there is a war, she could be a pilot. We wouldn't want to risk another one of your royal starships being destroyed."

Padmé thought about what Haokas said for a moment. "You're certain the Republic is going to war, aren't you?" She asked seriously, seeing his frown. "I don't see any other outcome at this point. I wish I could say otherwise." Haokas sighed deeply, wrapping an arm around Padmé's waist. "And I know you aren't one for theories, but the chancellor is encouraging it. Much of the senate is. A lot of them *want* this war. It wouldn't hurt to have a few friends from a non-Republic sector. They can help without all the political duress."

"Haokas, some of those systems don't seem sympathetic to the Republic," Padmé cautioned, her fingers tightening around his forearm. "Komi's my friend. Plus she specializes in the technological center. I doubt she'd want the Seperatists and their robotics getting anywhere close to Sozuno," Haokas replied, leaning in to whisper against her ear. "I just want us to be prepared. I don't want you to be scared or worried about anything." He held Padmé tight. Padmé nodded slightly. "I understand. Anything we can do to keep us safe."

Kadvallo and Shaak Ti arrived on Zathrükh in the capital city of Sharrûnath, dark and like stepping thousands of years into the past. The city had changed very little since the days of the Old Republic, ruins of temples and palaces lining the streets, their crumbling facades whispering of forgotten dynasties. Kadvallo clutched his stomach as a wave of nausea hit him, painful echoes of suffering reverberated through the Force here, ancient and fresh all at once. Shaak Ti placed a steadying hand on his shoulder, her brow furrowed in concern as she scanned the crowded marketplace, noting how the locals averted their eyes.

A small chariot waited for the two of them, pulled by a droid that had to have been constructed during the days where Sith were vast in number. "I know someone we can talk to. Part of a local syndicate," Kadvallo whispered, Shaak Ti noticing his elevated breathing patterns. "Only violent if you owe money."

There stood Zerrezko, a high ranker in organized crime with the wounds to prove it, who took one look at Kadvallo and recognized him instantly, despite him only being a young child the last time he saw him. Kadvallo spoke fluent Zathrükhian to him, a very guttural language, explaining his situation. Zerrezko put down his bottle and crossed his arms. "Kadvallo Teiothe? You were as tiny as a little sapling the last time I saw you," he said, obviously drunk. "And a Jedi, too? You think you know someone... you come here to arrest me? Just kidding... I know you wouldn't. Some kids won't pay protection money, you could go and-"

"I'm not interested in your criminal activites." Kadvallo interrupted, raising his voice. "Do you happen to know where my family is?" He stared him down. "Zharra's the only one, right? She's not in Sharrûnath. She's somewhere in the countryside. Was sold as a bride to someone named Narkreth." Zerrezko revealed before drinking some more. "I can show you his address in my records."