In a distant palace, far from the bustling heart of Coruscant, Count Dooku walked with purpose through the shadowed halls, his dark cloak sweeping behind him like a storm cloud. His footsteps were measured, deliberate, each one echoing in the cold, stark space. The tall, imposing figure of his master awaited him, the dim light casting elongated shadows across the chamber.

Dooku lowered his head in a respectful bow, the elegant folds of his cape settling around him. "My Lord," he said, his voice smooth but filled with the weight of his title.

A dark figure rose from the shadows before him, the chilling presence unmistakable, radiating power. "Ah, Lord Tyranus. Tardy, aren't you?" the figure remarked in a voice that sounded like the grating of metal on stone, his tone both amused and menacing.

Dooku raised his head slightly, his brow furrowed as he absorbed his master's words. "Apologies, my Lord," he replied evenly, his voice carrying the calm confidence of someone accustomed to being in control. "I was delayed. What news requires my immediate attention?"

The dark figure, his presence overwhelming, stepped closer, his glowing yellow eyes gleaming beneath his hood. "The Queen of Isla Nublar has just arrived at Coruscant, Dooku," he said, his voice dripping with a sense of dark intrigue. "She is... strong, perhaps stronger than we expected."

Dooku's expression shifted, his features hardening with an almost imperceptible frown. "That's fast," he murmured, his mind working quickly. "I thought she had no need for assistance. No disturbances in the Force as far as I can sense."

His master gave a quiet, almost dismissive laugh. "No, you are not as strong as I am, Lord Tyranus. I had a meeting with her. She's... intriguing. Stronger than she seems." The figure's gaze sharpened, his voice dropping lower, laced with dark promise. "And if we can manipulate her into using her monster form, we could become more powerful than we've ever been in this fight against the Jedi."

Dooku's lips curled slightly, his mind racing. The idea of controlling someone like the Queen of Isla Nublar, with the kind of power she held, was both tempting and dangerous. If she could truly transform into a more monstrous form, as his master suggested, she could be a key to tipping the balance of power.

"You're suggesting we manipulate her into revealing that power?" Dooku asked, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity and caution. "Is she even aware of how dangerous that power could be for her—let alone the galaxy?"

The dark figure's eyes gleamed with cold malice. "She is already aware. The question is whether she can control it. If we can sway her, convince her that our cause aligns with her own, then we can use that power to crush the Jedi, to reshape the galaxy in our image."

Dooku's gaze narrowed as he considered the implications. "She is no fool, my Lord. She will not be easily swayed."

The figure's grin was wicked and all-knowing. "No, she will not. But power, Lord Tyranus, has a way of persuading even the most resistant. And when we are finished with her, she will be our ally—one way or another."

Dooku remained silent for a moment, his mind working through the possibilities. Aligning himself with the Queen could offer immense potential, but it was a dangerous game to play. "Very well, my Lord," he finally said, his voice cool and calculating. "We shall proceed carefully. If we can make her see the value of our cause... and perhaps even push her to unleash that hidden power, then the Jedi will stand no chance."

The dark figure nodded slowly, his voice low and filled with dark promise. "Exactly, Lord Tyranus. Let the game begin."

Dooku turned, his cloak swirling around him as he left the dark chamber, his thoughts already shifting toward his next move. The Queen of Isla Nublar was a new player in the game, one with untapped potential. And if he played his cards right, she would be the key to their victory.

SCENEBREAK

Liora stood by her suite's garden, the soft sound of birds chirping filling the air as she carefully tended to the vibrant flowers. She moved with an almost otherworldly grace, her hands gently caressing the plants as she watered them, the gentle spray from the can glistening in the warm sunlight. It was a quiet moment, but one she cherished in the midst of the swirling political tensions around her.

The sound of footsteps approaching broke the serenity, and Liora looked up, her warm smile immediately lighting up her face as she saw Obi-Wan Kenobi step into view. "Ah, Master Kenobi, how nice of you to join me," she said with a hint of amusement in her voice, setting the watering can down on a nearby bench.

Obi-Wan returned her smile, though there was a subtle seriousness in his gaze. "Yes, my lady," he replied, his tone respectful but with the weight of his duties evident. "I am here. I must ask if you would witness the Jedi Council's decision."

Liora's smile softened, her eyes glinting with understanding. "Ah, I see," she said, raising a hand and motioning with a graceful flick of her fingers. "But before that, let's have some fruit first. No talking on empty stomachs, my dear."

She waved her hand, and within moments, one of her handmaidens appeared, carrying a bowl of fresh fruit. Liora took it from the servant with a gracious nod, her gaze never leaving Obi-Wan. She offered him a piece of fruit, then led him over to a beautiful bench situated in the middle of the garden, where the colors of blooming flowers surrounded them. The bench was carved with intricate designs, offering a sense of peace and tranquility.

Sitting down beside him, Liora handed Obi-Wan a piece of fruit with a smile, the gesture light and friendly, but there was a glint of something deeper in her eyes. "Now," she said, her voice soft and warm, "tell me, what did the council want?"

Obi-Wan's expression tightened slightly as he took the fruit, his fingers briefly brushing hers. "They're sending you away from Coruscant," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. "They don't trust the people here. Greedy they are, thinking only of their own gain and power."

Liora's brow furrowed, her smile fading slightly as she processed his words. The Jedi Council had always been cautious, but this... This was different. "So, they don't trust me?" she asked, her voice low, her eyes narrowing with a sharpness that betrayed her calm exterior. "Or is it that they simply fear what I might represent to their fragile power structure?"

Obi-Wan hesitated, his eyes flicking to her. "They fear the unknown," he admitted, his tone softer now, as though trying to offer reassurance. "And your abilities are unlike anything they've ever encountered. They cannot control what they cannot understand."

Liora leaned back slightly on the bench, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of the bowl as she pondered his words. "It seems the Jedi are not so different from the rest of the galaxy," she murmured. "Afraid of what they don't know, unwilling to trust what they cannot control."

There was a quiet moment between them, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Obi-Wan looked at her, his expression softening as he met her gaze. "They only seek to protect you," he said, his voice almost apologetic. "But I can see that you do not need protection. You are strong, Liora. Stronger than any of them understand."

Liora met his gaze fully, her eyes filled with a mixture of warmth and something else—a quiet, powerful certainty. "Thank you, Obi-Wan," she said, her voice steady. "But I will not be controlled. Not by them, not by anyone. My path is mine alone to walk."

Obi-Wan nodded, his expression thoughtful, as if he understood far more than he had let on. The two sat together in the garden for a while longer, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air, but also the comfort of shared understanding.

Obi-Wan's hand, almost instinctively, reached out and took Liora's, his fingers gently closing around hers. The touch was warm, grounding, and for a moment, it seemed as though the entire world around them fell away. He held her gaze with a seriousness that only deepened the connection between them.

"Let me come with you, Liora," he said, his voice calm but full of intent. "Anakin and I can both work on identifying the risks outside the galaxy, away from Coruscant. I can work with you, stay by your side... you'll be safe."

His words carried a sense of urgency—perhaps a deeper need to protect her, but also a genuine desire to ensure her safety and well-being. The Jedi Knight had seen enough in his time to know how easily power could be manipulated, how easily the tides of fate could turn. He had come to respect her strength, her power, but even he could not ignore the risks she faced.

Liora's breath caught slightly at the suddenness of his offer, his hand holding hers with such sincerity that it almost took her off guard. She hadn't expected this—hadn't expected him to reach out in this way, not after everything that had happened. The quiet understanding between them, the shared moments, had created a bond, but this... this was something more. She could feel his desire to protect her, to be her ally in more ways than one.

For a moment, she said nothing. Her mind raced, her heart pondering the offer. Her gaze softened, a warmth blooming in her chest that she quickly stifled, focusing instead on the practical side of his words.

"You would come with me?" she asked, her voice steady but carrying a hint of curiosity. "Even with everything going on back here on Coruscant? The council would surely not approve."

Obi-Wan's eyes remained steady, the sincerity never leaving his expression. "The council's approval is not what matters here," he said simply. "Your safety, your journey—that is what matters most to me. I have seen the shadows lurking around the galaxy, and I cannot, in good conscience, let you face it alone. Anakin and I can investigate the threats from afar while you focus on the greater issues. Together, we can protect you—and the galaxy."

Liora studied him carefully, her fingers lightly tracing the back of his hand, considering his words. She could sense the depth of his commitment, the quiet strength in him that made his offer feel genuine, not just as a Jedi, but as someone who truly cared.

After a moment, she nodded, the faintest smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Very well, Obi-Wan," she said, her voice soft but resolute. "But if you come with me, it will not be just for protection. I will not be treated like a fragile flower, no matter what anyone thinks." Her eyes met his with a quiet intensity, the power within her undeniable. "I can handle whatever comes, but I appreciate the gesture. You and Anakin are always welcome by my side."

Obi-Wan's smile softened, the slightest flicker of admiration in his eyes. "I would never underestimate you, Liora," he said, his voice filled with both respect and affection. "But sometimes, even the strongest need allies. And you'll always have mine."

The moment hung between them, charged with unspoken understanding, before the reality of the situation settled in. The journey ahead would not be easy, but with both Obi-Wan and Anakin at her side, Liora knew she would be ready for whatever came next.

SCENEBREAK

Padmé was in the midst of organizing some documents in her suite when the doorbell rang. A slight frown crossed her face, wondering who could be visiting at this hour. Setting the papers aside, she moved to answer the door. When she opened it, her eyes widened in pleasant surprise—there stood Anakin, his usual grin brightening his face, and beside him was Obi-Wan, calm and composed as always.

"Anakin, Obi-Wan, I'm glad you could come," Padmé said smoothly, stepping back to allow them inside. Her tone was warm, welcoming, and the genuine affection she felt for the two Jedi was clear in her voice.

Before either could respond, a familiar voice echoed from across the room. "What are my friends doing here?" Jar Jar blurted out excitedly from the window where he'd been peering outside, eager for any kind of interaction. His large eyes shone with curiosity and enthusiasm as he bounded over to the door.

Padmé laughed softly, shaking her head in amusement at the Gungan's excitement. "Come in, both of you," she said, opening the door wider and gesturing for them to enter.

The trio stepped inside, and Padmé closed the door behind them. As they moved into the cozy sitting area, she noticed a new face—one she hadn't seen before. A woman, regal in appearance, with an air of confidence and strength that immediately caught Padmé's attention. Her dark hair and striking features were complemented by a calm and steady presence, one that immediately suggested she was no ordinary visitor.

Padmé raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, her gaze sweeping over the woman. "Well now, who is this? Your new Padawan, Obi-Wan?" she asked, her voice light with a hint of teasing.

Liora chuckled softly, a warm, melodic sound that made Padmé's curiosity deepen. "I'm a bit too old for that, ma'am," she replied with a hint of playful amusement. "No, I am Liora."

Padmé blinked in surprise, taking in the woman's words and her regal bearing. A smile slowly spread across her face as she took a step forward. "Queen Liora," she exclaimed with genuine recognition. "Well, look at that. I never thought you would come. The Senate has been talking about you for weeks now."

Liora's smile deepened, her eyes sparkling with a mix of warmth and confidence. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Senator," she said, her voice carrying a note of quiet power. "I've heard much about you as well."

Padmé's eyes softened with interest. She'd heard the murmurs in the Senate halls about the Queen of Isla Nublar—about her power, her kingdom, and her mysterious presence. But to meet her in person was another thing entirely. The woman before her was not just a queen, but someone who carried herself with a strength that was hard to ignore.

Jar Jar, ever the curious one, stepped closer, his oversized eyes widening with wonder. "Whoa, you's a queen?!" he blurted out, his voice full of awe. "Like, a real queen?"

Liora smiled, a hint of amusement in her expression as she glanced down at Jar Jar. "Yes, I suppose I am," she said, her tone light but filled with an air of dignity. "And it seems I'm not the only one with an interesting title around here."

Padmé chuckled at the exchange, clearly enjoying the dynamic that was unfolding. "Please, make yourselves comfortable," she said, gesturing toward the seating area. "I've arranged for refreshments. It's not every day I get to host such esteemed guests."

As they all moved to the sitting area, Padmé's gaze lingered on Liora for a moment longer, her mind racing with questions about the mysterious queen and what she had to offer. She could already sense that there was far more to this woman than met the eye—and Padmé was eager to learn what role she would play in the unfolding events on Coruscant.