Things had quieted down after the attack on the village. The people who were injured were now treated, and the soldiers had begun their reconnaissance. Smoke no longer filled the air, only the faint smell of burned soil and wet grass.
Khan stood with the commander near a holo-projector, where the flickering blue forms of Senator Palpatine and Queen Sanandrassa shimmered in the air.
Khan's voice was calm but firm as he finished his report.
"...and that's what happened after I arrived. I'm not sure if these Gungans were working alone, or if they represent their whole people—but we should find out before another attack on another village can happen."
The commander nodded. "I agree with the Jedi, Your Majesty. We need to get to the bottom of this. I'll have my men prepared for anything, but we can't fight an enemy we know nothing about."
Senator Palpatine brought a hand to his chin in thought. "Perhaps I could open communications with the Gungan leaders, to learn whether they were involved in this incident."
Khan stepped forward slightly. "Senator, with all due respect, that would be dangerous. If the Gungans are all working together, you'd be putting yourself in harm's way."
Palpatine shook his head slowly. "I am a Senator of Naboo, young Jedi. It's my duty to do everything in my power to protect my planet. That includes stepping into danger if it means finding the truth."
Khan wasn't sure how to feel, but he gave a small nod. "Then I'll come with you, Senator. I can help keep you safe."
Palpatine's hologram smiled faintly. "Very well. I'll have my transport ship prepared and see if I can reach them, though contact may be... difficult."
Queen Sanandrassa finally spoke. Her tone was regal but warm. "I believe I can help you with that. While our relations with the Gungans have not been ideal, we have begun the first steps toward renewed talks. There is one among them who has acted as a bridge between our peoples. He lives on the far eastern side of Naboo, near the city of Kaadara. Seek him out. Hopefully this will be a good first step in uncovering what's truly happening."
The plan was set, and the holograms faded. The meeting ended quietly, leaving behind only the hum of the ship.
Khan walked down the ramp of the command vessel and spotted Padmé among the villagers. She was helping collect the scattered supplies that had been thrown during the raid. Without hesitation, Khan joined her side.
"How are things, Padmé?" he asked, using the Force to lift a heavy beam from the ground and set it aside.
Padmé looked up at him, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "The people are safe now," she said softly, "but their worries are still high. You can feel it in the air."
Khan nodded, glancing at the families nearby helping one another. "I wish there was more I could do for them."
Padmé smiled faintly. "You've done more than anyone could have asked, Khan. If anything… I wish I wasn't so powerless. I'll make sure I become someone who has the power to help these people—so that one day, I can even help you."
Khan looked at her for a moment, her conviction lighting a spark in his heart. "Then I look forward to seeing the kind of person you'll become, Padmé Naberrie."
She smiled, and for a brief moment they laughed together, a small bit of peace amidst the aftermath.
But then Khan's tone grew serious again. "I'll be traveling with Senator Palpatine. We're going to try and understand who or what we're up against. This could have been a one-time strike… but it's better to have information than to move blindly."
Padmé looked at him firmly. "You've already helped Naboo more than you know. If there's ever anything you need from us, I'll be there to help you. I'll be returning to Theed to assume my role as Supervisor. I'll do my part, as you do yours. Let's both succeed in our endeavors."
Khan smiled softly. "Of course, Padmé."
They stood together for a brief moment as the sun began to set, its orange glow reflecting on the waters of the valley. Both knew the peace they felt wouldn't last long—but for now, it was enough.
[Kaadara]
The sleek silver transport descended smoothly through Naboo's blue sky before touching down at the landing platform of Kaadara. As the ramp opened, Khan and Senator Palpatine stepped out, the warm coastal air brushing against their faces.
Before them stretched a breathtaking sight — a city built upon the edge of glistening waters. Marble towers and domed structures rose above the shore, their reflections rippling across the gentle waves. Bright sails drifted in the distance as fishermen guided their boats through the blue expanse.
Khan took a deep breath, his eyes wide in quiet awe. "It's even more beautiful than Theed," he said softly.
Palpatine gave a calm smile, his hands clasped neatly behind his back. "Naboo is blessed with many faces of beauty, my young friend. But let us not be distracted — we have work to do. We must find this Gungan contact the Queen spoke of."
Khan quickly straightened his posture and nodded. "Yes, Senator. According to her message, he lives a short distance outside the city. I'll secure us transport."
"Very well," Palpatine replied, reaching into his robes. He handed Khan several small credit chips. "Use this to cover the cost. I'll gather my datapads and contact records while you do."
Khan bowed slightly and left the platform, walking through the bustling streets of Kaadara. The air was filled with the scent of saltwater and the sound of merchants calling out from open stalls. He passed through markets lined with woven fabrics and shining trinkets, stopping at a modest hover-vehicle rental station run by an older man in work clothes.
"Excuse me," Khan began politely. "I'm looking to rent a hover transport for the day. I'm also wondering—have there been any reports of violent Gungans in the area?"
The man looked up from his datapad, scratching his chin. "Gungans, huh? Can't say I've heard of any troublemakers 'round here. They tend to keep to themselves. Folks in Kaadara don't see much of 'em these days."
Khan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I see… thank you for your help, citizen."
"Of course," the man said, handing over a small key fob. "Hoverpod's fueled and ready. Just bring it back in one piece."
Khan smiled faintly, paid for the rental, and guided the hover vehicle toward the landing platform.
When he arrived, Palpatine was already waiting with one of his royal guards. The senator looked up from his datapad as Khan approached.
"All set, my young friend?" Palpatine asked.
"Yes, Senator," Khan replied. "Our route will take us through the eastern forest and across a small ridge. The hut should be beyond that."
"Excellent," said Palpatine, stepping aboard the hover vehicle with quiet grace. "Then let us see what wisdom our amphibious friend has to offer."
The vehicle lifted gently off the ground, gliding forward across the open road as Kaadara faded into the distance — its white spires gleaming beneath the afternoon sun, unaware that two travelers were heading toward a meeting that would soon reveal more about the unrest stirring across Naboo.
[JEDI TEMPLE ON CORUSCANT]
The peaceful serenity of the Jedi Temple filled the air as Master Dooku walked the grand marble halls, the faint hum of meditation and training echoing from distant chambers. The midday sun poured through the high windows, bathing the temple in soft gold.
At his side walked his former pupil, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. The two moved at a calm, steady pace, their robes swaying lightly as they spoke.
"How has the training of your Padawan been, my former pupil?" Dooku asked, his deep voice smooth yet carrying quiet authority.
Qui-Gon smiled faintly. "Obi-Wan is not the strongest, but he's creative, disciplined, and thoughtful. He questions things, but with reason. I believe he'll become a fine Jedi one day." He glanced at his old master. "And how about you, Master? I've heard you've taken on a new Padawan."
Dooku's expression softened with a trace of pride. "Ah, yes. Khan. He is… exceptional. His connection to the Force is unlike any I've seen. His midi-chlorian count is said to be higher even than Master Yoda's. Some among the Council whisper that he might be the Chosen One of prophecy."
Qui-Gon slowed slightly, his eyes widening. "The Chosen One? Are you certain, Master?"
"One can never be too certain of such things," Dooku replied, his tone contemplative. "Which is why I have not told him of it."
Qui-Gon blinked in disbelief. "You mean the boy doesn't even know? He's unaware of his own potential?"
Dooku stopped walking for a moment, folding his hands behind his back. "If we are wrong, Qui-Gon, and he is not the Chosen One, then burdening him with that belief could destroy him. Expectations of destiny can lead even the brightest to arrogance… or despair. I refuse to do that to him. Khan is bright, cheerful, and untainted by ambition. I want to preserve that."
He began walking again, his gaze distant. "If he truly is the Chosen One, the Force will guide him to his path. If not… then I have no doubt he will still bring light to the galaxy in his own way."
Qui-Gon listened quietly, admiration growing in his eyes. "You've always had wisdom beyond most, Master. I hope to live long enough to see the change Khan brings to the galaxy."
Dooku chuckled softly, the sound rare but genuine. "You'll live, Qui-Gon. If anything, I should be worried I'll die of old age before seeing it."
Both men laughed, their voices echoing faintly down the ancient corridor. As they continued walking, their conversation drifted to old missions, fond memories, and quiet hopes for the Jedi Order's future.
Beyond the temple walls, the great city of Coruscant shimmered with endless light—unaware that somewhere, far across the stars, a boy named Khan Kage was already taking his first steps toward a destiny neither master could fully foresee.