Three days later, as they were preparing to leave, Governor Kote finally brought Anakin, Zeta, and Bo-Katan to go out and visit Naboo.
Honkar's squad was responsible for protecting Anakin and the others. When Governor Kote entered the Naboo Royal Palace, they were to take the children out to explore and see the differences between Naboo and Mandalore.
They traveled to Naboo aboard a kuat-class light freighter, wary of anyone attempting to rob or ambush them. Two other kuat-class fighters provided escort throughout the journey. Fortunately, despite having offended half of the Outer Rim, their travel was relatively discreet. It was a good thing Almec had been captured beforehand; otherwise, the information might have been leaked directly to Gunray.
The three kuat-class ships safely arrived on Naboo and docked at the spaceport in Theed. Palpatine, accompanied by King Ars and his guards, was waiting for them.
As Governor Kote and the children disembarked, he was stunned by the large reception. He had expected only a couple of guards, but Palpatine himself was there, and the person next to him must be the King of Naboo.
"Good day, Your Highness, good day, Senator Palpatine," Governor Kote nodded slightly, and the other children followed suit, as Governor Kote had instructed them beforehand not to be too mischievous.
"Welcome, Governor Kote, from your long journey. I welcome you on behalf of the people of Naboo! I hope you enjoy your stay here!" King Ars also nodded slightly.
Afterward, the group walked through the streets of Theed City, passed through the Triumphal Arch, and finally arrived in front of the Naboo Royal Palace. Throughout the journey, Senator Palpatine introduced the various buildings and history of Theed City.
Regardless, the current Palpatine appeared to be just an ordinary senator who loved Naboo. Governor Kote couldn't even sense The Force within him; he seemed like a regular person. If Governor Kote hadn't already known that Palpatine was Darth Sidious, he might have been deceived.
Finally, the group arrived at the palace. King Ars, feeling unwell, went to rest, leaving only the children, Governor Kote, and Honkar present.
Governor Kote first asked Honkar to take the children to explore Theed City, to experience a culture completely different from Mandalore, to learn about their culture and history. Eventually, only Governor Kote and Senator Palpatine remained.
"Senator, can we begin signing the cooperation agreement now?" Governor Kote asked as the two walked into the council chamber and sat facing each other.
"Of course, Governor Kote. You may first review the terms of the contract before signing this agreement on behalf of Mandalore," Palpatine said with a smile.
Governor Kote began to examine the various clauses. In summary, it was an exchange of Naboo's plasma crystals for a group of Mandalorian instructors to train a Naboo starfighter corps. This was an entirely unequal transaction, at least from Naboo's perspective, as plasma crystals are one of the rarer minerals in the entire Galaxy, and Naboo has a very high concentration of them, which even attracted the Trade Federation's covetous gaze.
"Hmm, the contract itself is certainly fine, but it's still quite unequal for Naboo, isn't it? As Naboo's senator, Senator Palpatine should be fighting for Naboo's interests, not selling off his planet's precious crystals," Governor Kote wanted to ask Palpatine what he was truly thinking or planning. Could it be that he really intended to make Governor Kote one of his secret apprentices?
"No, no, Governor Kote, you've misunderstood. This contract has been approved by His Majesty the King. It is meant to be a good diplomatic beginning with the new Mandalorian government, to bring the Mandalorians into the larger community of the Republic, and to make them our friends here on Naboo," Palpatine said with great earnestness.
"And personally, I also very much wish to be friends with a young talent like Governor Kote. A young hero who led Mandalore out of civil war—such a person is a rare talent in the entire history of the Galaxy. Who wouldn't want to know him!" Palpatine said happily, looking at the young Governor Kote.
Governor Kote instantly shivered. This was it, he had truly caught Palpatine's attention. It felt like the future big boss was very fond of him and wanted him to be like a son.
Meanwhile, Honkar and the children were wandering through the streets of Theed. The streets were bustling with people, but the four had no idea where to go.
Anakin's eyes suddenly lit up when he saw a girl, like an angel, walking down the street, holding books as if she were going to class somewhere. The brown-haired girl walking attracted Anakin's heart, as if he had been born to like her.
"Uncle Honkar, look, look!" Anakin patted Honkar's arm, pointing at the brown-haired girl.
"I told you to call me 'older brother'; I'm only five years older than the Commander," Honkar said, then looked in the direction Anakin was pointing. "What is it?" Honkar didn't understand what was so interesting about a little girl.
Zeta and Bo-Katan also looked over, finding nothing special except for a good-looking girl. Could it be!
"Let's ask for directions!" Anakin said, running over first.
Honkar was bewildered. The child was only two years old and already like this? It couldn't be. His own Commander hadn't had such thoughts even now. Although Zeta's appearance was very peculiar, and she looked very similar, the Commander said she was a clone, so she was a clone. You couldn't possibly let an eleven-year-old child have a child!
At this moment, Anakin had already approached her. "Hello, my name is Anakin Skywalker. What's your name?" Anakin, being naturally friendly and enthusiastic, even forgot about asking for directions.
Padmé was startled by Anakin, who had suddenly rushed out, but then realized he was a cute child. She ruffled his hair. "I'm Padmé Naberrie. Where are your family, Anakin? Why are you here alone?" Little Padmé didn't understand why Anakin was there.
At this point, Bo-Katan, as the eldest, directly gave Anakin a rap on the head. "You little rascal, I told you not to run off! I'm sorry, Young Miss."
Zeta also chimed in, echoing, "Exactly, exactly, Anakin doesn't listen."
"It's alright, I like him very much," Padmé said, looking at Anakin, who was being disciplined by Bo-Katan.
"You're like an angel, Sister Padmé," Anakin, taking advantage of his young age, said something that most people wouldn't dare to say. Bo-Katan wondered what Governor Kote was teaching them every day.
"Young Miss, do you know where Syd University is?" Bo-Katan, as a proper royal descendant, maintained a very dignified demeanor in front of outsiders, somewhat resembling Satine.
Padmé heard this and said, "I'm actually going there to audit a class. You can come with me."
Then, Honkar, the adult, finally arrived, albeit late. He also expressed his gratitude to Padmé and mentioned that he had bought each of them a local Naboo ice cream and, incidentally, bought one for Padmé as well.
Along the way, Anakin talked with Padmé the entire time, telling her where they were from, where they were going, and what they were doing there. Bo-Katan slapped her forehead; this boy was like this so young, what would he be like when he grew up?
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