In the quiet of the night, Dahlia watched the senator's recorded message for the queen, as Padme had asked her to. "The death toll is catastrophic. We must bow to their wishes. You must contact me." The message ended, and Dahlia stared down, worry clouding her expression as she considered the troubling news. She looked over to see Anakin shivering in the corner.

"Are you all right?" she asked gently.

"It's very cold," the boy replied quietly.

Dahlia gave him a soft smile and picked up a nearby blanket. She walked over, wrapping it around him. "You come from a warm planet, Ani. Too warm for my taste. Space is... cold," she said, tucking the blanket around his shoulders.

Anakin studied her face. "You seem sad."

Her smile faded as she sighed. "The queen is worried. Her people are suffering, dying. She must convince the Senate to help, or... I don't know what might happen."

Anakin hummed thoughtfully, then reached into his pocket and held something out to her. "I made this for you," he said, handing her a small carved piece.

Dahlia took it, turning it over in her hand. "So you'd remember me. It's carved from a japor snippet. It'll bring you good fortune," Anakin explained, his eyes earnest.

"It's beautiful," Dahlia murmured, touched. "But I don't need this to remember you by. I'll never forget the young boy who helped us when no one else would."

She paused, looking down before meeting his gaze again. "Many things will change when we reach the capital, Ani, but my caring for you won't."

"I care for you, too. Only... I..." He hesitated, looking away.

"You miss your mother. I understand," she said softly, rubbing his arm. "I lost my mother when I was very young, but I believe you'll see yours again."

Anakin looked up at her, and her reassuring smile made him relax, a little comforted.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Rosaline stood on the ramp as it lowered, watching the figures of Senator Palpatine and Supreme Chancellor Valorum come into view. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon descended first, followed by Rosaline, with Jar Jar and Anakin close at her side. Palpatine's gaze lingered briefly on Rosaline before he turned his attention to Queen Amidala, who stepped off the ship with her handmaidens in tow.

"It is a great gift to see you alive, Your Majesty. With the communications breakdown, we've become very concerned," Palpatine said, his voice smooth and measured. "May I present Supreme Chancellor Valorum."

The Chancellor stepped forward, his demeanor formal yet warm. "Welcome, Your Highness. It's an honor to finally meet you in person."

"Thank you, Supreme Chancellor," the Queen replied softly, her expression controlled and unreadable.

Valorum clasped his hands behind his back, addressing her with a tone of genuine concern. "I must convey how distressed everyone is over the current situation. I've called for a special session of the Senate to hear your position."

Queen Amidala inclined her head slightly, her voice steady. "I am grateful for your concern, Chancellor."

As Palpatine gestured for the Queen and her entourage to follow him toward an awaiting air taxi, Rosaline kept a vigilant eye on the scene. Jar Jar and Anakin trailed close to her, with the boy looking around the bustling surroundings in awe. Rosaline subtly positioned herself to the rear of the group, ready to ensure their safety as they moved off the platform.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Dahlia stood quietly at the end of the couch, cloaked in shadows as she listened to Senator Palpatine's words.

"There is no civility, only politics," Palpatine began, "The Republic is not what it once was. The Senate is filled with greedy, squabbling delegates, each more interested in personal gain than the common good." He paced slowly, letting his words sink in before continuing. "I must be frank, Your Majesty. There is little chance the Senate will act on this invasion."

Queen Amidala's face remained composed. "Chancellor Valorum believes there is still hope."

Palpatine sighed, his tone almost pitying. "If I may, Your Majesty, the Chancellor holds little real power. He's entangled in accusations of corruption, and now the bureaucrats hold the reins."

The Queen's expression remained unreadable. "What options do we have?"

"Our best option," Palpatine replied, "would be to push for the election of a stronger Supreme Chancellor, someone who can control the bureaucrats and bring justice. You could call for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum."

"But he has been our strongest supporter," Queen Amidala protested, her voice carrying a hint of reluctance.

"Then, our only alternative would be to submit a plea to the courts," Palpatine suggested.

The Queen's brow creased. "The courts are even slower to act than the Senate. Our people are dying, Senator. We need immediate action against the Federation."

Palpatine's gaze was steady. "To be realistic, Your Majesty, I fear we may have to accept Federation control—at least for now."

A long silence fell over the room before Queen Amidala finally spoke, her voice firm. "That is something I cannot do."

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

"I'm sorry, Ani, but Dahlia's not here right now," one of the handmaidens told the young boy, her tone apologetic.

"Who is it?" The Queen asked, stepping out from behind a curtain, one of her handmaidens following closely behind her.

"Anakin Skywalker to see Dahlia, Your Highness," the handmaiden replied.

"I've sent Dahlia on an errand," the Queen explained, her gaze softening for a moment. She then paused, studying the boy's eager expression.

"I'm on my way to the Jedi Temple to begin my training, I hope. I may never see her again, so I came to say goodbye," Anakin said, his voice quiet but steady, though the sadness in his eyes was unmistakable.

The Queen's face softened with understanding. "We will tell her for you. We are sure her heart goes with you," she said gently, giving him a reassuring smile.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Anakin said, bowing respectfully before turning to leave.

As the boy left, Queen Amidala turned back into the room, her eyes meeting Dahlia's for a brief, knowing moment. The look exchanged between them was heavy with unsaid words, but Dahlia simply nodded.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Padmé gazed out at the city, the weight of her conversation with the Senate hanging heavily in the air. Dahlia stood close by, her presence a quiet support as her friend processed everything that had transpired.

"Yousa tinking yousa people ganna die?" Jar Jar asked, his voice uncertain as he approached them, his ears drooping slightly.

"I don't know," Padmé replied softly, her voice thick with worry.

"Gungans get pasted too, eh?" Jar Jar added, a trace of fear in his words.

"I hope not," Padmé said, her voice a mix of determination and sorrow.

"Gungans no dyin' without a fight. Wesa warriors. Wesa got a grand army. Dat's why you no liken us, mesa tinks," Jar Jar said with a hint of pride, trying to reassure her.

"Your Highness?" Captain Panaka's voice interrupted the quiet moment. He entered with Senator Palpatine behind him, his expression serious.

"Your Highness," Panaka continued. "Senator Palpatine has been nominated to succeed Valorum as Supreme Chancellor."

"A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one," Palpatine added, his tone confident. "Your Majesty, if I am elected, I promise to put an end to corruption."

Padmé studied him for a moment before asking, "Who else has been nominated?"

"Bail Antilles of Alderaan and Ainlee Teem of Malastare," Panaka replied.

Palpatine's voice grew more assured. "I feel confident that the current situation will create a strong sympathy vote for us. I will be Chancellor."

The Queen turned to him, her voice cold but firm. "I fear that by the time you have control of the bureaucrats, Senator, there'll be nothing left of our people. Our way of life will be lost."

"I understand your concern, Your Majesty," Palpatine said, his gaze steady. "Unfortunately, the Federation has possession of our planet."

The Queen's eyes hardened as she turned to face the room. "Senator, this is your arena. I feel I must return to mine." She paused, her decision final. "I've decided to go back to Naboo."

"Go back?" Palpatine said, his voice rising in alarm. "But Your Majesty, be realistic. They'll force you to sign the treaty."

"I will sign no treaty, Senator," Padmé declared with quiet resolve. "My fate will be no different than that of our people."

"Captain," the Queen called, turning to Panaka.

"Your Highness?"

"Ready my ship," Padmé ordered, her voice leaving no room for argument. She turned and began to walk toward the exit, the handmaidens following closely behind her.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Dahlia stood quietly by, her gaze shifting between the Queen and the others as the tension in the room thickened.

"As soon as we land, the Federation will arrest you and force you to sign the treaty," Captain Panaka said, his voice heavy with concern.

"I agree," Qui-Gon added, his tone calm but firm. "I'm not sure what you wish to accomplish by this."

The Queen's expression remained unwavering. "I will take back what's ours," she said resolutely, the fire of her determination burning brightly in her eyes.

"There are too few of us, Your Highness. We have no army," Panaka said, his frustration evident as he looked at the Queen.

"And I can only protect you. I can't fight a war for you," Qui-Gon added, his voice steady, though tinged with concern.

The Queen remained silent for a moment, her gaze lingering on the floor as she thought. Then, her voice cut through the room with surprising clarity. "Jar Jar Binks."

"Mesa, Your Highness?" Jar Jar asked, his expression one of confusion as he looked at her.

"Yes," the Queen replied, her gaze locking with his. "I need your help."