C218 Theed Falls…

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In the grand halls of Naboo's royal palace, chaos reigned. Alarms blared from every corridor, and the walls trembled faintly as battle droids unleashed volleys of blaster fire on the palace guard. Staff members ran in every direction, faces pale with terror, as they scrambled to organize an evacuation.

Queen Padmé Amidala hurried through the hallways alongside Captain Panaka, her normally calm features clouded with worry. The datapad in her hand felt like her last link to the outside world—her last hope of reaching him. She tapped the screen again and again, desperation mounting with each failed attempt.

"Come on… please connect…" she muttered, frustration flickering across her face as the signal failed once more.

Panaka glanced over, noting her growing frustration. His tone was as calm as ever, but there was a hint of exasperation beneath it. "Your Majesty, what are you trying to do?"

She hesitated, then admitted, "I'm trying to reach Star-Lord."

Panaka's expression darkened. He didn't exactly like Star-Lord, but in this moment, any ally could mean the difference between life and death. "I understand, Your Majesty, but communications are jammed. Whoever planned this invasion did so with precision; they've blocked all channels. I can't even reach the Senate."

Padmé's heart sank, realization dawning on her. They were truly isolated, cut off from the Republic and the galaxy beyond. Star-Lord wouldn't be able to help her this time; they were on their own.

Setting her jaw, she nodded, pushing aside her disappointment. "Then we'll have to act quickly."

They pressed on, navigating through the palace's maze of hidden passages. The walls were lined with tapestries and symbols of Naboo's long history, now tinged with an eerie silence as they moved stealthily, trying to avoid the clanking patrols of battle droids.

Padmé slowed, glancing back at the palace with a look of longing. "I don't want to leave my people behind," she murmured, watching the droids swarm into the palace through broken walls and shattered windows.

Panaka paused, understanding her pain but firm in his response. "Your Majesty, we must keep you safe. If the Queen is captured, the Trade Federation will have won before the Republic even has a chance to intervene. Our priority is to get you off-planet and contact the Republic." He paused, glancing at her. "And Star-Lord, if you insist."

She sighed, her reluctance clear. "Then let's go."

They moved cautiously through the hidden tunnels, the sounds of blaster fire growing louder with each step. From hidden alcoves and side hallways, Padmé caught glimpses of droids cutting through the palace guard with ruthless precision. The air was thick with the acrid scent of blaster residue, the echoes of battle echoing in the once-quiet corridors of her home.

As they rounded a corner, a lone battle droid emerged from a side door, moving silently. Its red optics locked onto Panaka, and it raised its blaster.

"Captain!" Padmé's instincts kicked in. Before Panaka could react, she had already reached for his blaster, pulling it from his holster in a swift motion. She fired, the shot hitting the droid squarely in the chest, sending it clattering to the floor before it could raise the alarm.

Panaka turned, surprised by her quick action. She handed the blaster back to him, her gaze steady. "We don't have time to waste."

Panaka took the blaster from her, his expression a mixture of pride and concern. "Good shot, Your Majesty."

They moved on, pausing whenever they heard the approaching clank of droid patrols. Each time, they ducked into side rooms and hidden alcoves, barely avoiding detection. But with every step, the grim reality of the situation weighed heavier on them both.

Outside, the battle was in full swing; Naboo was under siege, her people suffering as the Trade Federation closed its grip around the city.

Padmé's heart ached as she watched the droids moving with mechanical efficiency, overwhelming her people. "I can't just stand by and let this happen," she whispered, pain evident in her voice. "This invasion isn't just about control—it's about crushing our spirit, about making us surrender without even trying to fight."

Panaka's gaze was steady but hard. He knew the battle was already lost if they stayed. "I understand, Your Majesty. But there's no victory to be had here, not yet. If we're captured or killed, we lose everything." He looked her in the eyes, his expression filled with fury for the Trade Federation. "But make no mistake, there will be a time to fight, but that time isn't now. Right now, we need to survive—and get you to safety. Your people need you alive more than they need you here."

Padmé clenched her fists, frustration simmering beneath the surface. But she knew Panaka was right. With a reluctant nod, she allowed him to lead her through the last of the passageways and toward their escape route.

Together, they slipped through a hidden exit beyond the palace walls, disappearing into the night as the city of Theed burned around them.

…

The faint light of dawn barely broke through the dark sky as Padmé and Captain Panaka moved stealthily through the city.

They'd made their way undetected to a private hangar on the outskirts of the Theed, each step feeling like a fragile promise of escape. Panaka motioned for silence, and they slipped behind a set of stacked crates, peering into the hangar, only to find their hopes crushed.

Rows of battle droids stood like silent sentinels, guarding every transport ship in the hangar. The droids moved with eerie precision, patrolling and blocking every possible path to the ships that could carry them off-world.

Padmé's heart sank, but she held onto a single hope. She gripped her datapad, hands shaking slightly, and tried once more to connect with Star-Lord.

She tapped the screen, willing the call to go through. And then—against all odds—a blurry image flickered to life. Her heart raced as Star-Lord's masked face appeared, his voice crackling through the static.

"Padmé? Are you there? I don't have any picture. Is the connection bad for some reason?"

Relief flooded through her, and she leaned in, frantically whispering into the screen. "Finally! The Trade Federation—they're invading Naboo. I need your help!"

But his reply, though clear, was the last thing she wanted to hear. "Padmé? Are you there? I can't hear you."

"No!" she whispered in desperation, her voice breaking as she tried to speak louder, to make him hear. "Please, just listen! We're trapped!"

But the connection crackled and faded, Star-Lord's image freezing just before the screen went dark. The call ended, and Padmé's shoulders slumped. The one person she believed could help was lost to her, unreachable.

She clutched the datapad, staring down at the blank screen, her face contorted in frustration and despair. Panaka placed a gentle hand on her arm, grounding her in the moment. "We're on our own for now," he said softly, the solemnity in his tone urging her to stay strong.

Before she could reply, a metallic clank echoed through the hangar. They ducked behind the crates as a squad of battle droids rounded the corner, their sensors locking onto Padmé and Panaka.

"Unidentified intruders detected. Surrender or be neutralized."

Panaka's face hardened, and he drew his blaster, whispering, "Get ready to move."

Blaster fire erupted as the two of them ducked and weaved between the crates, Panaka firing back with precise, calculated shots that took down droids one by one. The droids' numbers were overwhelming, but Panaka's skill kept them at bay for the crucial seconds Padmé needed to retreat.

He turned to her, urgency in his voice. "Keep moving! I'll cover you!"

Padmé hesitated, unwilling to leave him, but a second squad of droids began flanking them. She sprinted back into the city, Panaka at her side, his blaster never ceasing its deadly rhythm.

As they reached ran, a squad of droids awaited them, blasters raised. Panaka didn't hesitate, firing immediately, taking down two droids, but there were too many. The droids returned fire, surrounding them in a barrage of red blaster bolts.

Panaka shielded Padmé, taking down several droids even as they encircled him, his stance protective as he held his ground. "Keep behind me, Your Majesty."

But the droids closed in, their weapons primed and their orders clear. "Drop your weapons and surrender."

Panaka's gaze flicked toward Padmé, his expression torn. Slowly, reluctantly, he lowered his blaster, dropping it to the floor and raising his hands.

Padmé followed suit, her head held high despite the situation. They had no other choice; they were outnumbered and outgunned.

The droids approached, metal limbs clanking as they secured binders around Padmé and Panaka's wrists, effectively taking them into custody. Two droids grabbed them by the shoulders, shoving them forward and marching them back into the palace.

As they reentered the palace, Padmé's heart broke at the sight before her. The bodies of Naboo guards littered the floors, drenched in blood. "No…"

The echoes of the past haunted her—another invasion, another violation of her home. She remembered Stakar Ogord's brutal attack on the palace, the bloodshed and horror. The memories boiled inside her, igniting her rage.

Eyes blazing, she turned to the figure awaiting them: a tall Neimoidian dressed in elaborate robes, with long, spindly limbs and an air of self-satisfaction. His face was sharp, his skin an ashen green, and his lips twisted into a smug grin as he watched the prisoners approach.

[Insert picture of Viceroy Nute Gunray]

Viceroy Nute Gunray, a senior executive of the Trade Federation conglomerate, studied them with disdain.

The Viceroy's sharp gaze settled on Padmé, and a slow, mocking smile spread across his face as he took in her restrained form. "So, Your Majesty," he sneered, voice dripping with contempt. "It seems Naboo has finally fallen."

Padmé lifted her chin defiantly, her voice steady and fierce. "You'll regret this," she said, her tone laced with venom. "Your actions here will bring nothing but shame to your name and ruin to your empire."

Gunray laughed—a hollow, cruel sound. "Such bold words, Your Majesty. But unfortunately for you, bold words mean little in chains." He gestured to the droids. "Confine them. We wouldn't want our esteemed guests to wander, would we?"

Padmé's eyes flicked to the fallen guards scattered across the floor. The sight was too much, the memories too fresh. Anger flared in her chest, and she whirled on Gunray, fury in her gaze. "You and your Federation will pay for this," she hissed. "Mark my words, Viceroy—you've awakened a wrath you can't contain. You are nothing more than a coward, hiding behind droids!"

Gunray smirked, thoroughly unbothered by her insults. "Spare me your righteous indignation, Your Majesty." He waved a hand dismissively, barely sparing her a second glance.

The droids led Padmé and Panaka away, pushing them deeper into the palace as the sounds of blaster fire died down, and the Trade Federation's forces solidified their hold on Theed.

And soon enough, the entire planet of Naboo as well…

A/N: 1900 words :)

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