The magnificent palace of Theed, capital of Naboo, had descended into chaos. Many of its beautiful structures lay damaged or destroyed, and the sounds of battle echoed clearly through windows and doorways.
In the grand hall, a group of people huddled together under the protection of Naboo Security Forces and Clone Troopers. Anti-aircraft batteries were deployed strategically throughout the palace grounds, complementing the protective shields that had been installed shortly after the war began.
While the shields provided some defense against stray blaster fire, Separatist starfighters could still penetrate them with concentrated attacks. The defenders had to rely on their anti-aircraft guns to keep the fighters at bay.
Clone troopers and security personnel were stationed at every entrance and exit, holding their ground against wave after wave of droid assaults. The palace guards fought with fierce determination—allowing even an inch of the palace to fall to the Separatists would be an unforgivable failure of duty.
At the center of the protected group stood an elegant woman with a commanding presence—Senator Padmé Amidala, the Republic representative mentioned by Sergeant Buck. With her were several companions: her friend Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan; her protégé and new Senate representative, Riyo Chuchi; her brother-in-law, Darred Naberri; and his young daughter, Pooja Naberri.
Like Darred, Padmé was in disbelief at the Confederacy of Independent Systems' brazen attack on Naboo, especially now that her sister Sora and niece Ryoo were missing.
Padmé gripped her blaster, her expression composed but determined. Despite her outward calm, she was devastated and furious that her homeworld had once again fallen victim to a Separatist invasion.
From the patterns of the Separatist attack, Padmé could hazard a guess as to who had orchestrated this brutal assault on her homeland.
She yearned to join the battle directly, but knew her presence was more valuable here, helping the Queen coordinate security within the palace.
"This isn't quite the 'diplomatic mission' I anticipated," Riyo Chuchi remarked with a nervous smile.
"Well, this isn't my first encounter with the Separatists," Padmé replied dryly. "This marks their second attempt to invade Naboo."
"The first was ten years ago, wasn't it?" Riyo asked.
Padmé nodded.
"They must have been nursing a grudge since their failed invasion a decade ago. This attack bears all the hallmarks of long-term planning," Padmé observed, painful memories of the Trade Federation's oppression of her people resurfacing.
"Republic reinforcements will arrive soon," Bail Organa interjected, his expression grave. "But many lives will be lost before they get here."
"We'll survive this," Padmé assured him firmly, placing a hand on Bail's shoulder to comfort her friend.
The hall contained only a small gathering—some Naboo nobles, several Gungan representatives, and members of the royal household.
"Padmé," Riyo said with concern, "on our way to the hall, I overheard a guard mentioning an intruder in the palace."
"What?" Padmé asked sharply, alarmed by this news.
"Captain Panaka might know more," Chuchi suggested.
Padmé approached the head of Naboo Security, Captain Panaka, with urgent steps. "Captain, Riyo just informed me that an intruder has breached the palace. Is this true?"
Panaka frowned but nodded. "Yes, there was a mysterious individual who infiltrated the palace, but we were unable to identify them. They seemingly vanished before our eyes when the attack began."
"Vanished?" Bail Organa questioned. "As in, turned invisible?"
"I'm not sure how to describe it," Panaka admitted, his brow furrowed. "It was more like—"
"Is anyone receiving? Please respond, Captain Panaka." A voice suddenly crackled through the communicator, interrupting their conversation.
Panaka immediately recognized the caller. "Gregar?!" he exclaimed with relief. "Thank the Force you're alright. What's your position? What's the status in the city?"
"Captain Panaka, it's absolute chaos out there, but we're holding our ground," Gregar replied. "I'm currently en route to the palace with my squad, a group of clone troopers, and numerous civilians—including Senator Amidala's sister and niece."
Hearing this, Padmé released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Panaka continued, "Gregar, what's your ETA to the palace?"
"Not far now, just a few more—"
Suddenly, the sound of blaster fire erupted through the communicator.
"Gregar!" Panaka shouted anxiously.
"Artillery incoming!" Gregar's voice returned, followed by another, unfamiliar voice taking command.
"You three, stay with Gregar and protect the civilians. We'll handle this," the voice ordered with calm authority.
"Gregar? Gregar! What's happening? Are you alright?" Panaka tried desperately to reconnect with his nephew.
"I'm still here, Uncle. Don't worry," Gregar finally responded.
"Who's with you?" Padmé couldn't help asking.
"Senator Amidala?" Gregar asked, surprised, then continued respectfully, "It's good to hear your voice. That was Captain Rogers just now. He and his comrade, Lieutenant Wilson, have been helping us escort civilians and your family to the palace. They've saved our group multiple times—these two men are as formidable as Jedi Knights, Senator."
"I'll thank them personally when you arrive," Padmé promised. "Gregar, bring everyone here safely. The palace is secure for now."
"Mission acknowledged, Senator. We'll complete it without fail!"
As the communication ended, Padmé clenched her fists tightly.
"We should find a way to help them," she insisted.
"If we abandon the palace and it falls to the enemy, the situation will only worsen," Panaka countered. "Please don't act rashly, Senator. Our best strategy is to hold our position and wait for Republic reinforcements."
To strengthen his argument, Panaka added, "I believe Senator Organa shares this assessment."
Padmé remained silent, her face revealing nothing. Deep down, she knew Panaka was right—if the palace fell, nowhere on Naboo would be safe.
"He does have a point," Organa admitted with a shrug.
"Senator Organa, when did you become so diplomatic?" Padmé asked with a mock glare.
Their brief exchange of humor lightened the tense atmosphere momentarily, but the respite was short-lived. Without warning, the protective shields at the palace entrances flickered and failed as waves of battle droids began pouring through the breaches.