[Jedi Temple – Dooku's Private Chambers]
The quiet hum of the Jedi Temple filled the hallway as Khan Kage stood before the door to his master's chambers. He knocked firmly—once.
With a soft hiss of hydraulics, the door slid open.
Inside, the lights were dim, save for the golden glow of Coruscant's skyline spilling through the tall windows. At the center of the room, seated in perfect stillness with his legs crossed and hands resting atop his knees, was Master Dooku.
Khan stepped in silently, the door closing behind him. He knew better than to speak.
Instead, he took his place across from his master, lowering himself into a meditative pose. The room was quiet, filled only with the low hum of the city and the soft whisper of breath. The Force flowed between them—steady, calm, and grounding.
After a few moments, Dooku's deep voice broke the silence.
"My young Padawan," he said, eyes still closed, "I have a mission for you."
Khan opened his eyes slightly but said nothing, knowing Dooku would continue in his own time.
"You remember Senator Palpatine of Naboo, yes?"
Khan nodded. "Of course. We just worked with him on the Thalonis affair."
Dooku's eyes opened at last, sharp and thoughtful. He studied Khan briefly before continuing.
"The Senator has requested a Jedi accompany him on his return trip to Naboo."
Khan's brow furrowed. That was… unusual.
The Jedi did not often take personal requests from senators unless there was a pressing security matter. Dooku, already anticipating the unspoken question, offered clarity.
"Ordinarily, we would not accept such a request," he said, folding his hands together. "However, given the assistance Senator Palpatine provided during our last mission, and the current political climate surrounding Naboo, I have chosen to honor it."
Khan gave a respectful nod. "I understand, Master."
Dooku's expression softened, just slightly. "There is another reason. I believe this will serve well as your first mission alone."
Khan's posture straightened, surprised but steady.
"You've proven yourself capable in both diplomacy and combat," Dooku continued. "This will be a test of judgment, restraint, and presence. And perhaps the presence of a familiar face will alleviate any nervousness you might feel."
Khan allowed himself a small smile. "I won't let you down, Master."
Dooku stood and approached him, placing a firm hand on Khan's shoulder. "You never have."
He stepped back, retrieving a small data chip from his desk and handing it to Khan.
"Your transport departs at midday. You'll rendezvous with the Senator's diplomatic cruiser at Coruscant's civilian spaceport. Everything you need is on that chip."
Khan accepted the data chip with a small bow. "I'll prepare right away."
"Good. And remember," Dooku added, his voice taking a more serious tone, "observe, listen, and trust your instincts. Even the most peaceful-seeming places can conceal deep unrest."
Khan nodded once more, understanding the weight of being entrusted with a solo mission..
[Aboard Senator Palpatine's Diplomatic Cruiser – En Route to Naboo]
The soft hum of the cruiser's engines was barely noticeable inside the sleek diplomatic vessel. Large transparisteel windows offered a breathtaking view of the stars as they streaked by in hyperspace. Khan Kage, seated opposite Senator Palpatine, took a moment to observe the quiet confidence in the man's posture.
After a few moments of travel in silence, Khan finally spoke.
"Senator… may I ask why you requested me personally to accompany you to Naboo?"
Palpatine smiled warmly, folding his hands atop his lap.
"A fair question, young Khan. I requested your company not for protection—Naboo is peaceful—but for education."
Khan raised a brow, curious.
"I believe the Jedi Order does a remarkable job raising wise and noble guardians. But..." Palpatine's expression turned thoughtful, almost regretful, "...I sometimes fear the Order distances itself too far from the political mechanisms of the Republic. It is difficult to protect what one does not fully understand."
Khan listened intently.
"You're young," Palpatine continued, "but wise beyond your years. I see in you someone who could bridge the distance between the Jedi and the Senate. Imagine a future where Jedi and politicians don't just coexist—but truly work together, with mutual understanding and vision."
There was sincerity in his voice—but beneath it, a current of something else. Khan couldn't quite place it, but he nodded respectfully.
"I'll do my best to learn from someone as experienced as you, Senator. Thank you for the opportunity."
Palpatine smiled again, pleased.
"I'm glad to hear it. Exposure to how the Republic functions—the good, the flawed, and everything in between—is essential to anyone who wishes to serve its people."
The conversation shifted into lighter topics as the journey continued. Palpatine shared anecdotes of his time in the Senate, Khan mentioned some of his training with Master Dooku, and the hours passed with a surprising ease between them.
Eventually, the navicomputer beeped softly—Naboo was within range.
Palpatine stood and gestured for Khan to follow him to the window.
The lush green orb of Naboo grew larger with each second.
"Beautiful, isn't she?" Palpatine said, voice carrying a quiet pride. "And yet... she remains distant from the Republic."
Khan tilted his head slightly. "Distant?"
"Yes," the Senator replied. "Queen Sanandrassa, our current elected monarch, has adopted a policy of quiet isolationism. She favors neutrality and inward focus. Admirable in some ways, but limiting."
He looked at Khan, his tone shifting toward persuasion.
"Naboo has the potential to be a leading voice in the Senate—its culture, its innovations, its people. We could help shape a better Republic, one where peace and prosperity reach every system, not just the Core Worlds."
Khan nodded slowly. "And you hope to convince the Queen to reconsider?"
"Precisely. I intend to plead my case... and perhaps having a Jedi by my side will remind her that we do not come with selfish intent, but with hope for unity."
As the ship descended into Naboo's atmosphere, Khan looked out over the rolling fields and pristine lakes below.
He wasn't sure what this mission would truly bring—but he intended to see it through, eyes open and senses sharp.
[Naboo – The Capital Plaza of Theed]
The grand landing platform was bathed in the soft golden light of the morning sun, casting elegant shadows from the tall marble pillars that framed the space. The polished stone glistened from a recent cleaning, and the nearby fountains filled the air with the soothing sound of trickling water.
Senator Palpatine, dressed in regal dark blue robes embroidered with Naboo's royal crest, descended the boarding ramp of his diplomatic cruiser. Padawan Khan Kage followed closely behind, his brown Jedi robes catching in the gentle breeze.
A small group awaited them at the end of the ramp—local dignitaries, officials, and allies of Palpatine's political circle. Each of them stepped forward in turn to greet the Senator warmly.
"Senator Palpatine, welcome home," said one silver-haired advisor with a courteous bow.
"And is that a Jedi accompanying you?" another asked, raising an intrigued brow.
Palpatine gestured gracefully to Khan.
"This is Khan Kage, Padawan to Jedi Master Dooku. He'll be accompanying me during this visit."
The group offered respectful nods and smiles. One voice, however, stood out from the others—youthful but composed.
"Welcome to Naboo, Jedi Khan."
Standing slightly apart from the others was a girl, around thirteen years of age, with a bearing far beyond her years. She wore a simple yet elegant burgundy gown, and her long brown hair was tied into neat braids that hung over her shoulders. Her eyes, sharp and observant, regarded Khan with quiet curiosity.
Palpatine smiled as he stepped beside her.
"Ah, allow me to introduce one of Naboo's brightest young minds. This is Padmé Naberrie, junior legislator in Theed's youth assembly—and a current candidate in the upcoming royal election."
Padmé gave a graceful bow.
"It's an honor to meet a Jedi, Padawan Khan."
Khan returned the gesture, placing a hand to his chest briefly in greeting.
"The honor is mine, Lady Padmé."
Palpatine's expression warmed as he looked between the two youths.
"Padmé, if it's not too much trouble, would you be so kind as to give my Jedi friend a brief tour of Theed—and perhaps share a bit about our political situation here on Naboo?"
Padmé blinked in mild surprise at the request, but quickly composed herself.
"Of course, Senator. I'd be happy to. I've... never met a Jedi before."
Her voice held just the faintest trace of wonder.
Khan gave a small smile.
"And I've never had a tour from a future queen. Looks like we'll both learn something today."
The older politicians chuckled, and Palpatine gave an approving nod.
"Excellent. I have matters to prepare before my audience with Queen Sanandrassa. I'll rejoin you both later."
With that, Palpatine and his advisors moved along the path toward the palace, their guards falling in line behind them.
Left behind in the quiet that followed, Padmé turned toward Khan, her eyes still bright with curiosity.
"So... Jedi. You've seen battle? Used the Force? Wielded a lightsaber?"
Khan gave a sheepish chuckle.
"Yes to all three, though not in that order."
Padmé smiled.
"Come on then, Jedi Khan. I'll show you the capital. And maybe, if you're lucky, you'll see why Naboo prefers peace over politics."
They began walking side-by-side through the bustling streets of Theed, the white stone of the city gleaming under the sun. From here, their journey through Naboo—and each other's worlds—was only just beginning.