The starcruiser glided through the smog-choked atmosphere of Coruscant, escorted by Naboo Royal Guards and two prototype escort fighters—Cassian's own designs. Sleek, elegant, and quietly armed with anti-sabotage shielding. They weren't enough.
As the ship prepared to dock at the Senate platform, Padmé stood at the window with her decoy in full regalia beside her. Her eyes traced the skyline. A strange tension clung to her chest.
A blinding flash. A thunderous crack.
The explosion tore through the ship's belly. Metal screamed. Flames burst outward in an orange wave. The decoy—Cordé—was killed instantly. The blast rocked the platform.
Padmé hit the deck hard. Stunned. Alive.
But someone had just tried to kill her.
Jedi Council Chambers, Temple Apex
The assassination attempt sent ripples through the Senate—and the Jedi. Master Mace Windu stood with arms crossed, brow furrowed, as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker entered.
"She's lucky to be alive," Windu said. "This wasn't just political intimidation. This was calculated."
Yoda nodded slowly. "Grave, this threat is. A dark hand we do not yet see."
Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed. "You suspect someone?"
Windu's gaze darkened. "We suspect everyone."
Yoda turned to the Jedi. "Investigate this you must. Protect the senator. Find the source, you will."
Cassian's Lab – Corellian Deep Yards
Cassian watched the newsfeed on a holopanel. EVA hovered beside him, silent.
"Observation: Probability of assassination traced to Trade Federation loyalists: 73%. Probability of manipulation behind the Federation's motives: 92%."
Cassian leaned back. "Sidious is moving faster than I expected. He wants her dead before she destabilizes his control of the Senate."
HK-47 entered, his glowing eyes focused. "Suggestion: Shall I neutralize the entire Trade Federation executive branch, Master? Quick, clean, satisfying."
Cassian didn't answer. He was already thinking five steps ahead.
"No. Let the Jedi unravel this. Their emotions will serve me better than assassins ever could."
Obi-Wan and Anakin Assigned to Padmé
The Jedi arrived in her Coruscant residence. Anakin—now older, confident, brash—was visibly protective. Obi-Wan tried to remain detached.
"We're here to protect you, Senator," Obi-Wan said, eyes scanning the room. "Not to indulge political drama."
Padmé offered a tight smile. "Then you're in the wrong profession, Master Jedi."
That night, another assassination attempt—this time, deadly kouhuns slipped through the window. Anakin acted swiftly, slicing them apart mid-strike. The Jedi gave chase. Zam Wesell was caught, shot with a toxic dart before she could talk.
Cassian, watching through a hidden holocam embedded in one of Padmé's diplomatic gifts, smiled faintly.
"Sidious is forcing their hand. He wants war. Good."
Obi-Wan's Investigation: Kamino and Clones
Following the trail from the dart, Obi-Wan uncovered references to Kamino, a planet erased from the Jedi archives. He traveled there and was welcomed by Prime Minister Lama Su—who greeted him with something stunning:
"Ah, Master Jedi. We've been expecting you. Your clone army is nearly ready."
Obi-Wan's shock deepened as he met Jango Fett, the template. Questions mounted. Who commissioned this army? Why had no Jedi approved it?
Obi-Wan sent a report to the Council.
Cassian, monitoring transmission relays from orbit, intercepted the entire conversation.
"The Jedi are behind schedule," he muttered. "But now... the clones enter the board."
He contacted Dooku.
"Prepare contingency Alpha-12. The Jedi are awakening. Soon, they'll move against you
Dooku's voice crackled through. "And what will you do, Cassian?"
"Build the army."
Anakin and Padmé's Departure to Naboo
Meanwhile, the Jedi Council ordered Padmé to hide. She and Anakin departed in secret to Naboo. They posed as refugees, but intimacy blossomed amid waterfalls and moonlit lakes.
Cassian received a ping from EVA.
"Two variables converging," EVA noted. "Predicted romantic bond: 89%."
Cassian watched the feed silently. "Let them have their peace. They'll need it."
Dooku's Private Laboratory – Geonosis
Deep underground, Cassian's designs were being tested. Droids shaped like gladiators and hunters. AI-enhanced droid commanders. Modified Lucrehulk warships with cloaking systems and subspace jammers. His schematics—sold to Dooku months ago were becoming real.
Cassian arrived discreetly, face hidden, and was led to a large hangar.