[Third Person]
In the silent hangar of the mining station, Kaelen's plan unfolded. It was no longer a guerrilla strategy, of hiding in the shadows. It was a bold plan, a return.
"Palpatine thinks we're hidden and scared," Kaelen explained, his calm now that of a deep ocean. "And Commander Rick thinks I'm alone. We're going to prove both of them wrong. We're going back to Naboo."
"Naboo!" Padmé exclaimed, surprised. "But isn't that the first place they'd look?"
"Exactly," Kaelen said. "It's so obvious it's the perfect hiding place. We'll turn it into our fortress. An entire planet, loyal to you, with ICAN technology and now... with some Rick upgrades."
"I like it!" Rick said. "We can install plasma cannons in the waterfalls! And a planetary shield powered by Jerry's anxiety! It'll be impregnable!"
"But first," Kaelen continued, "we need to coordinate with our man on the inside. We need Anakin."
"Making a secure call to a Jedi General in the middle of a war zone is almost impossible," Padmé warned. "His communications are monitored."
"Almost impossible for you," Rick said with a twisted grin. "For me, it's a chance to be dramatic."
Bridge of the Resolute, Republic Star Destroyer, in orbit over the planet Ryloth.
General Anakin Skywalker was bent over a holographic table, discussing strategy with Admiral Yularen and a Rodian Jedi Master. The battle for Ryloth was fierce, and they were losing ground.
"If we don't break the blockade here, the Twi'leks won't hold out another week," Yularen said gravely.
Suddenly, all the screens on the bridge went black. Tactical maps, status reports—everything was replaced by a screech of static and then... by Rick Sanchez's face, wearing star-shaped sunglasses and drinking something from a coconut. Party music played in the background.
"Greetings, Republic!" Rick shouted with a burp. "We interrupt this boring war for a public service announcement for General 'Popsicle-face' Skywalker!"
Anakin froze. Admiral Yularen and the Jedi Master stared at him in utter bewilderment. Every clone on the bridge turned to look.
"Hey, Skywalker!" Rick continued, speaking as if into a stadium loudspeaker. "Yeah, you, the one with the permanent scowl and the sand issues! Your... uh... interdimensional-genius-superior-brother-in-law, the guy who's better than you at everything, says to get your lightsaber-swinging ass to Naboo! Now! We've got an empire to overthrow, and he needs someone who looks good posing while he does all the smart work!"
He made a "call me" gesture with his hand. "Don't be late! Oh! And tell Obi-Wan he still owes me twenty credits! Rick, out!"
The screens returned to normal, leaving a thunderous silence on the bridge. Anakin Skywalker, the Hero With No Fear, was pale as a ghost. His secret, chaotic connection had just been announced to his entire command fleet. The Rodian Jedi Master looked at him with an inscrutable expression. Admiral Yularen merely adjusted his mustache, unsure what to say. Anakin was mortified. And absolutely terrified. He knew he had to obey.
Theed Royal Palace, Naboo.
Queen Jamillia and Sio Bibble were in the middle of a cabinet meeting when the air in the center of the throne room tore open. With a clean hum, a green portal opened.
The Royal Guards instantly raised their rifles, forming a perimeter. But no threat emerged from the portal. Instead, out stepped Padmé Amidala, followed closely by her husband, Kaelen Ror. Behind them came an old man in a lab coat and a teenager who looked like he was about to faint.
"Padmé..." Sio Bibble whispered, disbelieving.
The moment Padmé stepped onto the marble floor of her home, a murmur swept through the room. It wasn't just because of her unexpected return. It was because of her appearance. She wore a simple but elegant traveling dress, but not even the finest fabric could conceal the soft, new curve of her belly. It wasn't pronounced, but it was unmistakable.
One of her former handmaidens brought her hands to her mouth, her eyes filled with tears of joy. The guards lowered their weapons, their expressions of surprise turning into smiles. The murmur turned into a wave of silent celebration.
Padmé, feeling all eyes on her, paused for an instant. Her first instinct was to cover herself, to protect her secret. But then, she felt Kaelen's hand in hers. She looked at her husband, and he gave her a smile filled with love and confidence.
With new resolve, Padmé lifted her chin. Slowly, she placed her other hand over her belly, a silent, real gesture of confirmation.
She was no longer just Padmé Amidala, the Senator, the former Queen returning home. She was a symbol.
In a galaxy torn by a war between an army of sterile clones and an army of lifeless droids, the news would spread like wildfire. On Naboo, the planet of life and beauty, an heir was on the way. A symbol not of war, but of the future. Of hope.
In that moment, Palpatine's war had a new opponent. Not an army, not a Jedi, but the simple, powerful promise of a new life.