The fight had ended, and dawn crept slowly over the marshlands. The night operation had taken its toll on everyone. Even though the mission had gone as planned, fatigue weighed heavy on the troops. Their strategy had spared many lives, but the cost of battle was still felt in the air. Few citizens of Naboo would ever know what had happened that night—the battle would remain buried in silence, for the sake of order and peace.
Khan sat quietly in the central command post, watching troopers move among the wounded and the captured. The smell of smoke and wet soil lingered. Last night had been the most grueling test he'd ever faced—an operation where the lives of thousands had depended on his judgment.
As his thoughts began to settle, one name suddenly rose to the front of his mind. Seek.
Khan stood abruptly, the realization hitting him. In the chaos of victory and exhaustion, he had completely forgotten to ask about Commander Seek. He hurried toward the command tent, hoping for good news.
"General," Khan began, catching the man's attention. "I'm sorry to interrupt while you're coordinating the cleanup, but—has there been any word on Commander Seek? We split up during the mission, and I haven't seen him return."
The General's face darkened. He hesitated before speaking. "I'm sorry, Padawan. Commander Seek was killed in action."
The words struck Khan like a blaster bolt. It had barely been a day since they had spoken—since they had fought side by side. For the first time, the cost of battle truly sank in. The silence between them said more than words ever could.
Finally, Khan managed to speak, his voice quiet. "I see…"
The General studied the boy in front of him. Even though Khan wore the robes of a Jedi, he was still just a child. Placing a firm hand on the young man's shoulder, he said gently, "In all my years, one thing never becomes easier—watching those you know fall in battle. It's a burden every soldier must carry. I've let myself forget that you're still so young. The fact that we needed a child to help win this battle doesn't sit right with me… but your courage saved countless lives. Seek would be proud to know his sacrifice wasn't in vain. Keep your head held high, young Jedi. There will be many more out there who will need your help."
Khan bowed deeply, taking the words to heart. The General was right—though lives had been lost, many more had been spared. It was a hard truth, but one every Jedi would have to face.
"Thank you, General," Khan said softly. "I'll go get some rest now."
The General watched as the young Jedi departed, a quiet sigh escaping him. He knew this was only the beginning of Khan Kage's story.
Outside, as Khan made his way through the camp toward a place to rest, he nearly collided with Senator Palpatine.
"Oh my, are you alright, my friend?" Palpatine asked, his tone lined with concern.
Khan blinked, startled but composed. "Yes, Senator. I just need some rest—it's been a long night."
Palpatine's smile was soft, his voice soothing. "Of course, of course. You must be exhausted after such a mission. Please, come with me. You can rest aboard my ship."
Khan shook his head politely. "No, Senator, I couldn't impose on you."
"Nonsense," Palpatine insisted with a warm chuckle. "You are a hero today, Khan. The least we can do is offer you a comfortable place to recover."
Khan hesitated, too tired to argue further. "…Very well, Senator. I thank you."
"Think nothing of it," Palpatine said, gesturing for him to follow. "Now, come."
Palpatine led Khan to his personal transport, where attendants quickly prepared a private cabin. As soon as Khan's body hit the bed, exhaustion overcame him. Within seconds, he was fast asleep.
Palpatine lingered in the doorway, watching the young Jedi's calm, sleeping face.
"So much potential…" he murmured to himself. The faintest smile tugged at his lips.
He turned away, his eyes narrowing with quiet satisfaction.
Not yet, he thought. In time.
For now, the tool already in motion would serve his purpose well enough.
Khan drifted deep into slumber. His body rested, but his mind was anything but still.
In the darkness of his dream, faint whispers echoed—voices layered atop one another, some familiar, some lost to time. The Force flowed around him, heavy and turbulent, like a storm in the distance.
Then, the visions came.
He saw flashes—blurred, fragmented scenes rushing past his eyes like shards of glass. A Jedi, face obscured by smoke, struck down by a crimson blade that burned through the shadows. Another figure, cloaked and proud, walked away from the light of the Temple, his lightsaber extinguished but his conviction unbroken. His master? Khan couldn't tell.
The images shifted again. Worlds burning. Fleets tearing across the stars. The cries of the innocent blending with the clash of war. In the heart of it all—towers crumbling, the banners of the Republic falling, and the Jedi Order itself consumed in fire and betrayal.
Through the haze, Khan reached out, desperate to grasp even a single clear thread. But the vision slipped through his fingers like sand. Only the echo of the Force remained—a whisper, ancient and sorrowful.
Then all went silent.
Khan gasped awake. His body jolted upright, sweat dampening his forehead. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the ceiling above him, breath uneven. The dream's images faded fast, leaving only fragments—red, smoke, fire, and loss.
He sat there in silence for a moment, trying to make sense of what he'd seen. Was it merely exhaustion? A nightmare brought on by the battle? Or was it… something else?
An attendant nearby noticed his movement and approached. "Sir Jedi, you're awake. Is there anything I can get for you?"
Khan blinked, collecting himself. "If it's not too much trouble, could I have some water?"
"Of course, sir. I'll be right back," she said with a polite bow before hurrying off.
Left alone again, Khan ran a hand through his hair and exhaled. The vision replayed faintly in his mind—his master leaving, the death of a Jedi, the galaxy in flames. What was the Force trying to show me? he wondered. He had been trained to sense the difference between dreams and visions, but this… this was beyond anything he'd ever known.
Perhaps when Master Dooku arrived, he could seek guidance. For now, he needed to focus on the present.
The attendant returned shortly, holding a small glass. "Here you are, sir Jedi."
Khan offered a small smile. "Thank you." He took a sip, the cool water grounding him back to reality. "Where is the Senator?"
"Senator Palpatine is currently in a meeting with the Queen," the attendant replied.
Khan raised a brow. "The Queen? Are we back in Theed?"
"Yes, sir. We arrived this morning."
He blinked in mild disbelief. He hadn't even felt the ship take off, much less land. "What time is it?"
"It's afternoon, sir," she said politely.
Khan sighed softly, realizing he'd slept far longer than intended. "Thank you," he said, setting the glass aside. He adjusted his robes and made his way toward the exit.
The halls of the Royal Palace gleamed in the Naboo sun as he entered—serene, elegant, untouched by the violence that had unfolded the night before. After asking directions and navigating several corridors, Khan finally reached the chamber where Senator Palpatine and Queen Sanandrassa were meeting.
The guards recognized him instantly and stepped aside to allow entry.
As Khan entered, Palpatine rose from his chair with his usual calm, cordial smile. "Ah, my young friend. Feeling better, I hope?"
"Yes, Senator," Khan replied, bowing respectfully. "Thank you again for the accommodations."
"Think nothing of it," Palpatine said smoothly, gesturing toward a nearby seat. "Please, sit. Her Majesty wished to speak with you as well."
The Queen's voice carried the calm authority of someone accustomed to command. "I would like to thank you once more for the help you have given to Naboo and its people, Padawan Kage."
Khan bowed his head respectfully. "Please, Your Majesty. I only did what any Jedi would have done."
Queen Sanandrassa gave a gentle nod. "Even so, you have my gratitude. Your actions have spared many lives. But now, let us speak on the events that transpired. We have Wuk Kiwn in custody. He will be imprisoned—never again a threat to the people of Naboo."
Palpatine's smooth voice followed. "I still believe he is too dangerous to be left alive," he said mildly, though there was an edge beneath his words. "But the Queen believes enough blood has already been spilled."
Khan glanced between them before speaking. "I understand your concern, Senator. But I agree with Her Majesty. Enough life has been taken. If Wuk Kiwn remains alive, perhaps his capture will reach Zef Fun and his followers. It could serve as an example—an opportunity to open dialogue between the Naboo and the Gungan people."
The Queen sighed softly. "About that… our council has met. We've agreed that it is best to keep what happened last night secret. Only those who took part in the operation will know the truth."
Khan's expression shifted. "You mean to conceal these events from the people?"
"Yes," Queen Sanandrassa said firmly. "I will not risk panic or renewed hostility. Even with Wuk Kiwn captured, fear of the Gungan tribes could spread. By keeping these matters contained, we preserve the fragile peace that exists."
Khan frowned. "But why not use this moment to bridge the gap between your peoples? Wouldn't understanding bring true peace?"
The Queen looked at him with weary eyes. "You would not understand, young Jedi. Naboo and the Gungans once fought a brutal war. That wound still runs deep. There are many who still harbor resentment on both sides. One day, perhaps, our worlds will stand together again—but today is not that day. For now, silence will protect what peace remains."
Khan bowed his head slightly. "I understand. It's not my place to question your decision, Your Majesty. Forgive me."
The Queen's expression softened. "There is nothing to forgive. I only wished for you to understand our reasoning. I cannot throw a great celebration for you, but know this—those who know the truth will always be grateful. Naboo will forever welcome you, Jedi Padawan Khan Kage."
A small smile crossed Khan's face. "Thank you, Your Majesty. If Naboo is ever in danger again, you need only call. I'll come."
Palpatine stepped forward with a measured smile. "Ah, my friend, that reminds me—your master, Dooku, contacted me earlier. He will be arriving shortly. Perhaps we should go and greet him."
Khan's eyes brightened slightly. "Of course." He turned to the Queen and bowed once more. "If there is nothing else, Your Majesty, I shall take my leave."
Queen Sanandrassa smiled warmly. "Go on, Padawan. I'm sure you're eager to see your master again—after such an adventure."
And so, Khan and Senator Palpatine departed the chamber together, walking through the elegant halls of the palace toward the royal hangar.
The hangar of Theed shimmered in the morning light, its polished marble floors reflecting the gold and ivory of Naboo's signature architecture. Khan and Senator Palpatine stood side by side, waiting as the silver silhouette of a Republic transport descended through the open doors.
Khan broke the silence.
"Senator, I wanted to thank you for giving me this opportunity to learn and grow. You helped me more than you realize on my first mission without my master. I was... worried at first, but having you here really helped me. So—thank you."
Palpatine, caught off guard by the sincerity, inclined his head slightly.
"Well, my friend, it's quite all right. I merely did what anyone ought to do. But your gratitude is appreciated."
The ship landed softly, repulsorlifts humming. The ramp lowered, and from within stepped Count Dooku—elegant as ever, posture regal, his presence commanding the attention of all around. His cape swept lightly as he descended.
"Khan, my Padawan," Dooku greeted, his refined voice cutting through the hangar's hum. "It pleases me greatly to see you alive and well."
Khan ran forward, smiling brightly. "Master! You wouldn't believe the mission I've had!"
Dooku's lips curved faintly. "I'm certain it's quite the tale. But come, we shall walk. There is something I wish to speak to you about."
Turning to Palpatine, he added with a courteous nod, "Senator, I thank you for watching over my Padawan."
Palpatine returned a slight chuckle. "Not at all, Master Jedi. I only helped a friend, that's all."
"Then if you'll excuse us," Dooku said. "There are matters that require privacy."
"Of course," Palpatine replied smoothly. "You have much to catch up on. I shall take my leave."
He paused briefly, his eyes flicking to Khan. "Until next time, my young friend."
Dooku inclined his head once more. "I will call upon you later, Senator."
With that, Palpatine departed, leaving Dooku and Khan to their walk through the radiant city.
[The Walk Through Theed]
Theed was in full bloom. Elegant bridges spanned clear rivers, and white towers gleamed beneath the blue sky. Khan, having explored the city days prior, now found himself guiding his master, pointing out landmarks and recounting what he'd learned.
Eventually, the two entered a quiet café overlooking the palace gardens. They sat in a private booth, ordered simple dishes, and spoke lightly at first—until the conversation turned to the mission itself.
Khan detailed everything: how he met a kind young woman named Padmé, how he attended a political meeting, and how a humanitarian mission spiraled into a desperate battle in the swamps. He spoke with humility, but also pride. When he finished, Dooku folded his hands thoughtfully.
"You have done well, my Padawan," Dooku said. "You acted as a Jedi should—guided by compassion, not pride. Never let anyone convince you otherwise."
Khan hesitated, then asked, "Master, when we last spoke, you didn't say whether the Council would send help. Since you came alone... they didn't agree to intervene, did they?"
Dooku's expression hardened. "No. The Council has grown hesitant—blinded by politics and procedure. They claim it is not our place to involve ourselves in the affairs of a single planet."
Khan frowned. "But if last night's operation had failed, many would have died. Did the Council not even investigate?"
"The Jedi Council," Dooku said quietly, "has lost its way. Sometimes... I wonder if the Order itself is still the path of truth."
Khan froze. Those words echoed the vision he had seen days earlier—the red lightsaber, the burning temple, Dooku turning away from the Jedi. He swallowed, then spoke carefully.
"Master, I—I saw something. A dream, or maybe a vision. I saw a Jedi fall to a red blade. I saw you leaving the Order. I saw the Temple in flames. It felt... real. I didn't tell anyone, but when you said what you just did—it reminded me of it."
Dooku's gaze softened. "The Force reveals possibilities, not certainties. The future is never fixed. Perhaps what you saw may come to pass—but perhaps it will not. Do not let fear control you, my Padawan. I will not abandon you."
Khan exhaled, reassured. "So what happens now, Master?"
Dooku leaned back, folding his arms. "The Council forbade interference here. If they learn of your involvement, it could raise... unnecessary complications. In your report, you will state that Naboo resolved its conflict on its own."
Khan blinked. "You mean... we're going to deceive the Council?"
Dooku smirked faintly, a spark of something unreadable in his eyes.
"So we are."
A/N: Hello everyone first I would like to thank those who have picked up this story. Special thanks to EETANAM_WOC, Arian_Roque_9804, F1ameGhost, Hungry_Daoist, BlackFury95, Eric_Lam, and everyone who added this story to their collection. This chapter pretty much puts an end to the Naboo Arc. Khan's story is yet to begin, so I hope I can continue to write a story you guys can enjoy. Feel free to leave any feedback or suggestion. You never know maybe you might influence the story. Anyway that's enough yapping from me may the force be with all of you, stay safe!