Chapter two (HPIFU)

Immortality had continued to be kind to Harry. His small empire given to him by Supreme Chancellor Tol Cressa had grown to include the entire Esstran sector, the Gordian Reach, Spadja, Sertar, Chorlian, Wyl, Tynquay, Peverell (corporate sector), Aparo, Xappyh, Bosph, Illisurevimurasi, Kwymar, Nembus, Kalamith, D'Astan, Corva, Meram, Nijune, Mieru'kar, Spinward, Dalonbian, Chopani, Veragi, Morshdine, Quelii, Thesme, Thrasybule, Belsmuth, Rolion, Demetras, Weneen, Meerian, Mandalore, Ojoster, Nuiri, Belderone, Braxant, Myto, Sprizen, Corosi, and Noonian sectors. Naturally, Harry ceded it to his family once they finished expanding the Peverell Empire's territory closer to the Republic's, much to the Republic's ire. The Republic was just recovering from the Ruusan Campaign and couldn't actually do anything, which was Harry's intention. Harry had had enough of the Republic's incompetence and was focusing on protecting as many as was possible.

The New Sith had harassed him and had tried taking his worlds... Darth Ruin was assassinated and had his support base obliterated as a warning. Him adding all of that power to his own was also a great secondary motivation for Harry and more sectors flocked to him for protection. After setting the remaining Sith against each other, the Peverell Empire officially withdrew from the New Sith Wars... unofficially, they made sure that the worthless Sith kept fighting each other and left them alone. It also helped the Republic, but that was tolerable. Revan assassinated Darth Rivan, a rather stupid fanboy of his, on Almas to further damage the New Sith.

The Brotherhood of Darkness.... The single most annoying and pathetic iteration of Sith that Harry or Revan had ever dealt with and Harry was glad that he offered Revan and Bastila eternal youth to share the mind-numbingly stupid Sith with. Skere Kaan sent thousands of Sith to reclaim the 'Sith Worlds' with and had his battle meditation overwhelmed and was forced to feel and watch over 5000 Sith die. After being mocked before the entire galaxy, Kaan was released and sent back to his followers in humiliation. Kaan never troubled Harry again....

Him meeting Revan and feeling the combined power of Harry and Revan helped with that. Meeting two people with power surpassing his entire army of Force-users had that effect on the cowardly, weak, idiot.

More sectors flocked to the Peverell Empire and as the Seventh Battle of Ruusan ended, Harry ceded his personal empire to his descendants who had proven wise and a credit to their bloodline.

With his contribution to his families legacy completed, Harry decided to return to Naboo, a planet where he earned a title of Nobility nineteen-hundred years before and had a castle constructed in the Lake Country. Harry had maintained good relations with its ruling family and had even helped the King begin colonizing the moon. When Harry arrived on one of his favorite planets, he discovered that Naboo was embroiled in a war and that his regent had remained neutral and defensive, but was failing in his duties and failed to inform his Lord; Harry, of recent events.

Harry rallied his people and then personally led them against his nearest rivals, defeating them and taking hostages to ensure their compliance. After defeating four city-states, Harry formed a neutral alliance and then began sealing this alliance with marriages, which Harry would partake in and father children due to. This would reduce the death toll, but the neutral alliance was far from the strongest and Harry was forced to make an example of several enemies.

It would be two centuries before things began to change, with Harry's descendant Jafan, a non-Force-sensitive, but brilliant man who specialized in strategy, economics, and building cities. He was also an extremely gifted warrior too, but he preferred diplomacy over bloodshed even if he didn't get what he wanted.

With the backing of Harry, ten neutral city-states, and Harry's great spy network, Jafan began a conquest that would bring centuries of peace and prosperity to Naboo and would last even after the Jafan royal family died out. Naboo would have a few small wars with the Gungans, but they were minor and ended with a lot of Gungan deaths. When Naboo joined the Republic despite Harry's speaking against it, Harry would leave to build himself a more democratic government in the Arkanis sector.

Harry was inclined to say that he succeeded, nine sectors joined his Alliance of Free Systems within sixty-seven years and twenty-eight more sectors joined after another century. The people of them wanted a stronger government that would more actively combat crime and look after their interests and the much smaller alliance had less people to focus on.... Harry was all to happy to make life difficult for Hutts. Any and all slaves, illegal items, and stolen items would be confiscated with slaves being freed and items being returned or destroyed, and Harry was ready to happily decimate Hutt Space in a war. Harry's alliance grew to 56 sectors before the Republic began working harder to keep them, but the Republic still kept making mistakes like creating the Trade Federation and allowing companies to become functional constituencies.

Twenty-one sectors joined the alliance because of it and the Varada sector wanted too, but were owned by SoroSuub Corporation. Fortunately, Harry began making life more difficult for them by restricting hyperlanes and was preparing to fund a rebellion against them. Harry still couldn't lure Naboo away from Republic and it only became harder once Jafan's dynasty died out... he still tried though.

Harry was currently serving as an advisor to the Queen of Naboo; a young girl named Padmé Amidala, who Harry was quite impressed with. They met during the relocation of the population of Shadda-Bi-Boran and Harry liked to think that he made a good impression on her with the whole shielding a fleet from a supernova after achieving brief Oneness with the Force. Harry was glad that some good came out of him exhausting himself and bleeding out of every orifice.

After meeting with Naberrie and deciding that she was what was best for Naboo, Harry gave her his full backing and she was soon elected Queen and quickly proved herself, but the Trade Federation recently began blockading Naboo, trapping Harry on it and endangering Nabooan lives.

"Again you come before me, Your highness. The Federation is pleased." Nute Gunray said.

"You will not be pleased when you hear what I have to say, Viceroy.... Your trade boycott of our planet has ended." Amidala said strongly, but only caused Gunray to smirk.

"I was not aware of such a failure," Nute replied.

"I have word that the Senate is finally voting on this blockade of yours." Amidala said.

"I take it you know the outcome. I wonder why they bother to vote."

"Enough of this pretense, Viceroy! I'm aware the Chancellor's ambassadors are with you now, and that you have been commanded to reach a settlement."

"I know nothing about any ambassadors...you must be mistaken." Gunray replied, surprising Amidala who studied him carefully.

"Beware, Viceroy....the Federation is going too far this time."

"Your Highness, we would never do anything without the approval of the Senate. You assume too much." Gunray replied.

"We will see." Amidala replied before ending the transmission.

"Gunray may have killed the ambassadors and destroyed all evidence of their presence so that he could deny them ever having arrived...." Harry suggested. "He also seems oddly confident in his position, which implies he's being backed by another group or groups that could counter, defeat, or delay the Republic. You might want to contact Senator Palpatine for an update, they will likely jam your communications soon and invade." Amidala nodded, but was unconvinced about an invasion or communications jam.

Lord Peverell was right, Amidala admitted grudgingly minutes later. Amidala was surprised once more when Lord Peverell summoned a sheathed sword and handed it to her.

"Is that the blade of King Jafan?!" Sio Bibble asked in awe.

"Yes," Harry replied. "It must remain in the hands of Naboo's people. It serves as a weapon and a symbol of hope, and can only be drawn by a certain kind of ruler."

"I fail to see how a weapon can be a symbol of hope, Lord Peverell," Amidala said, disapproving.

"Jafan requested it be forged and he used it in all of his battles, and with it he ended a period of suffering, selfishness, and warfare. It's a symbol of Nabooan authority was used to end the enemies who refused to negotiate, refused to accept peace, or refused to accept anything less than their own bloodlines as ruler of Naboo. As we are being invaded, it might be required soon." Harry said, before concealing the sword to any enemies. "I understand you're not a combative person, but that weapon can't end up in enemy hands."

Amidala nodded, but still disliked the idea and couldn't even draw the sword.

"The good news is that I sense Jedi on Naboo and they are on their way here... try to look defeated and somewhat hopeless though. It wouldn't do for our enemies to set a trap." Harry said, and everyone nodded. Harry was just glad that he only had one red lightsaber now.

"Can't you just defeat them all?" Panaka asked. "You're suppose to be invincible and extremely powerful."

"The collateral damage alone would kill millions and possibly damage Naboo worse than an occupation and liberation. I'd have to rip their ships from space and pull them down onto Naboo's surface and would have to use specialized Force techniques that would severely damage populated areas. I admittedly know very little about Trade Federation weaponry too and would be fighting blind in that regard." Harry replied.

As they watched helplessly from a window in the palace, a transport carrying Nute and Rune landed in Theed Plaza. Both exited the transport.

"Ah, victory!" Nute said arrogantly, causing Harry to roll his eyes from a distance.

After Amidala rejected Gunray's demands to sign a treaty, they were taken to be processed in a prison camp, and Harry was calmly waiting for the Jedi and an ideal opportunity to free the group. If only he could just decimate the Trade Federation himself, but he would need to get close to the Droid Control Ship and destroy it... Gunray had such a weak mind that allowed Harry to learn much, including Sith involvement in the invasion.

The Jedi were positioned on the walkway and about to drop down, and Harry was ready to bring out his two lightsabers and do some damage. The Jedi dropped down, Harry activated his lightsabers and cut down the droids to the left of the formation while the two Jedi defeated the others.

"Your Highness, we are the ambassadors, for the Supreme Chancellor." Qui-Gon said, also noticing the legendary Hadrian Peverell.

"Your negotiations seem to have failed, ambassador." Bibble replied.

"The negotiations never took place. Your Highness, we must make contact with the republic." Qui-Gon said.

"They've knocked out all our communications." Panaka informed the Jedi.

"Do you have transports?"

"My personal ship is on the way," Harry interjected, flashing a Datapad that he was remotely controlling it from. "It has the weapons and shields necessary to get us off Naboo and defend ourselves. I keep it on-world in case I'm required to reinforce nearby systems controlled by the Alliance. The Hangar does need to be taken to free the Security Forces for our eventual liberation, however."

Qui-Gon nodded, trusting in Peverell's superior experience and they quickly freed the pilots as the massive *Eternal,* based on a Sith design called the Ascendant Spear, arrived near the Hangar and was boarded.

"How did you hide such a large ship?" Qui-Gon had to asked.

"A hangar concealed with the Force," Harry replied as he gave orders. "Prepare the megalaser, we might need to create a hole in the blockade to escape and be prepared to jump to hyperspace to Tatooine and Coruscant afterward." Harry received questioning looks from Amidala, Panaka, and the Jedi. "We might require an army and navy to liberate Naboo, but lets keep this between us. There is something off about this situation. The blockade makes absolutely no sense and neither does Gunray's sudden confidence."

"I feel much the same way," Qui-Gon agreed.

"My Lord, we are nearing the blockade," the captain said.

"Fire the megalaser and then power to shields and go through the wreckage... after that make the jump." Harry ordered.

"Yes, my Lord."

They were soon away from Naboo, leaving an endangered planet and destroyed ships in their wake.

"Connect me with Revan or Bastilla," Harry said, to Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's shock. They were legends who defeated Sith and saved the Jedi Order.

"Hello, Hadrian," Revan said minutes later.

"Hello, Revan," Harry returned. "I need to call on you and your considerable gifts in warfare to liberate Naboo without any real collateral damage. I'm on the way to Tatooine to gather an army in case the Senate fails to do their duty and then we'll be headed to Coruscant."

"I might tag along, the Jedi High Council might annoy you and get beaten into submission. Somebody has to calm you down when they start on the veiled threats." Revan said, to the Jedi and Queen and handmaidens concern. "Yes, Hadrian annihilated the entire Jedi High Council with a single attack and then stunned hundreds more... it was hilarious, amazing, and absolutely necessary."

"Why was it necessary?" Qui-Gon asked.

"So that new leadership could step forward and guide the Order to a new era. The Jedi Order needed a clean slate and it allowed the Jedi to return to stability and prosperity. The Jedi Order would have brought about its own demise had he not done that... we both foresaw it. That was why Hadrian provoked hundreds of Jedi and defeated them as a warning.... To prevent a war between us that would only end in more Jedi deaths." Revan said.

"I'll play nice if the Jedi do, but don't get your hopes up," Harry said indifferently. "Can you have Mars, Kallig, Veradun, and Teneb Kel ready to join us for the ground battle?"

"Yes, I'll have them ready," Revan replied, before they said their goodbyes and ended the communication.

They had just arrived at one of Tatooine's Shield Gates for its planetary shield and Harry entered his master passcode to allow the ship entry. They began descending towards Harry's Tatooine Palace, which had docks that could accomodate truly massive ships.

"Your alliances capital is heavily fortified," Amidala said in surprise.

"Yes and so are several worlds in need of it. I protect those who need it and I actively work to prevent new criminals and threats from rising. We generally have sector fleets in most sectors plagued by slavers, criminals, and instability. If the Chommell sector were a member of the Alliance then the Trade Federation would never have troubled you. Food for thought, Your Highness."

"We've arrived Lord Peverell," the Captain said.

Everyone retrieved their things, most only having what they carried, and they departed the Eternal. Once outside, they were greeted by Revan, who's strength in the Force shocked the two Jedi. They had felt Harry's, of course, but to meet two people with such power was shocking... both surpassed the combined might of the Jedi High Council and Harry's power was actually far greater than Revan's.

"Welcome to Tatooine. If you hate heat, sun light, and sand, then console yourself that this is a brief stop." Revan said, smirking at peoples reactions to the heat. Revan escorted them inside before continuing. "I have the Eclipse, Executor, World-breaker, and Wrath being prepared for mobilization. Will we need more than 270,000 troops?"

"Unlikely, but we'll need the starfighters for the space battle," Harry replied. "Nute Gunray already considers himself the victor and should prove easily outwitted... we are keeping our possible military intervention quiet though. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and I both agree that things don't add up."

"An ambitious group aiming to turn the Trade Federation into its own Republic, Empire, or Alliance level power?" Revan asked.

"Possibly, but it's too early to determine." Harry replied.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but the Force is leading me somewhere on Tatooine. Can I borrow a transport?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Yes, Master Jedi," Revan replied. "Mars will accompany you in case you require assistance." Harry's great grandson, Mars Peverell, perked up from his seat.

"Sure, I'll baby sit the Jedi," Mars said, smirking. "Hows life, grandfather?" Mars asked Harry.

"Naboo has a bug problem that you get to help with," Harry replied, ignoring Mars attempt at mockery. "Also, if you ever become able to talk to females without blushing, then you might be a grandfather someday too."

Mars just sighed, annoyed at his failure at annoy the old man, and led the Jedi away.

"A bit disrespectful isn't he?" Obi-Wan asked, and the Queen and her handmaidens certainly agreed.

"He's not very imaginative. He's highly skilled, but has trouble innovating and that includes insults. Curse of being a former child prodigy." Harry replied, before addressing the Nabooan's. "I apologize for ignoring you all, but if you'd like to freshen up or have servants acquire you needed supplies, then we can depart once ready."

"We are ready to leave once your back-up plans are ready," Padmé said, still not liking the idea of battles on Naboo but understanding the wisdom in preparing for them anyway. "I would like answers as to why I can't draw King Jafan's blade." That truly perplexed her.

"Because Jafan wanted a blade that could only be used by someone who was willing to fight, kill, and even die if necessary for Naboo, but it was the first two that were key. Jafan united Naboo through war and he personally killed thousands in battle, Jafan was kind, merciful, wise beyond his years, a master strategist, and brutal, merciless when needed killer, who knew when it was needed...." Padmé and her handmaidens looked shocked. "Jafan knew that sometimes freedom, peace, prosperity had to be paid for in blood and had the will to achieve it and was willing to pay his part of the cost. Centuries of peace occurred due to Jafan's actions... some swore to continue the war if they survived and some families tried and were utterly wiped out to stop them."

"The price for peace and safety is sometimes high and leaders have to pay that price... and sometimes the cost is too great for them to bear. Jafan's father tried bringing peace to Naboo and defeated several rivals before taking his own life due to the horrors he inflicted on his enemies. Jafan witnessed that at age five... and vowed to succeed where his father failed and to live with the weight of his crimes."

"If you can kill, even if its truly people who need or must die then you can draw the blade. If you can't, then the sword will still serve as a symbol of hope to others." Harry finished.

"It's infused with the Force," Obi-Wan said, leaving the question unasked.

"Yes, a masterpiece in terms of Force artifacts, infused with the power of Jafan and most Force-sensitives related to House Peverell alive at that time. It's a weapon of the Light Side, the greatest I've ever created and it perfectly embodied Jafan's desire to burn away those who were enemies of peace with purifying light."

"It sounds amazing, I'd like to see it," Obi-Wan admitted, before realizing that he was being insensitive.

"Even if I could draw it, I couldn't use it. I'm not trained in using swords!" Padmé said.

"It was imbued with the skills of several weapon masters at Jafan's urging, his children lacked Force-sensitivity, and it would endow you with the skills to use it. Took me weeks to figure out, but I was proud of the end result. You can simply be willing to kill one enemy to save one of your people. Kill one who would harm another, to save an innocent Nabooan. You're young and your revulsion to the idea of killing to save people is understandable." Harry said.

"How old were you when you first killed?" Padmé asked.

"Eleven, the guy was going to use an artifact to aid in his masters restoration to physical form. He was possessed by him and he even willingly consented, but I willingly killed him to stop him.... I was young and ignorant and not aware of how to properly use and control my abilities, and I accidentally burned him... at first. I soon chose to burn him alive to stop him, not knowing another way, and I reduced him to ashes." Everyone but Revan looked shocked by that.

The Alliance Army and Navy was now fully prepared to liberate Naboo if required. The ships were stocked, strategies were made, everything was ready for a war, battle, or even a lengthy siege. Padmé and Panaka were deeply involved in the planning, and Harry had grown even more fond of Padmé for her becoming a little more ruthless and pragmatic about things. Harry was concerned for his improper feelings for Padmé though, but he also knew that he didn't want to bed a girl and that the feelings were romantic, yet platonic, and could wait until she was legal to be acted on. It was still a very odd experience for him.

"Lord Peverell," a servant said nervously, getting the rooms attention. "A Sith Assassin has sneaked onto Tatooine and was captured while trying to attack Jedi Master Jinn and Lord Mars. The Jedi also freed a slave that slipped under the radar." Harry briefly searched for the slaves mind and looked through it, finding the boy unfit for recruitment to his powerbase due to his unstable upbringing.

"I'll see to the Sith personally," Harry said, rising from his seat and departing his office.

As Harry neared the prison cell, he was stopped by Qui-Gon Jinn. "I'd like the Sith turned over to the Jedi's custody." Jinn requested politely.

"No, the Jedi are useless and this is too great an opportunity to waste. I intend to use his capture to damage the Sith greatly... far better than the Jedi ever would." With that parting remark, Harry entered the prison cell where Revan and Mars were standing guard. Jinn entered just behind Harry, testing the limits of his hosts tolerance in the process.

"Anything?"

"An expendable Sith Assassin, he doesn't even know his masters true identity, but the Sith are behind the Trade Federations invasion of Naboo and the Sith Master is a Senator," Revan replied to Jinn's concern. "I'll admit that Darth Maul, as he is called, is more skilled and powerful than most current Jedi Masters, but he was no match for Mars and wouldn't be a match for any of our elites. He's Banite Sith, too. They believe that by limiting themselves to two Sith they are concentrating the power of the Dark Side on themselves... pure stupidity." All felt Maul's anger at the insult.

"You can't hold me forever," Maul warned angrily.

"Nor do we intend too, but we could... if we wanted too. Mars, please escort Jinn outside. Revan and I will require our full focus for this." Mars happily obliged and drug Jinn outside before he could object. "We only need your bond to your Master, little Sith wannabe, and your connection to the Dark Side of the Force." Harry said, smirking at the confused brute. Harry gave himself and Revan an imprint of Maul's skills and then nodded to Revan.

Harry and Revan quickly located the bond and then used it to link the Sith even deeper before blasting Maul with Force Light, damaging both Master and Apprentice, and weakening the Dark Side while making the Force more Grey by weakening part of its darkness. Unfortunately for Revan and Harry, Darth Sidious was alone and would manage to conceal his reaction and weakness due to their rituals effects.

After destroying Maul's body, he and Revan left the cell.

"You shifted the balance of the Force," Qui-Gon said in shock.

"Yup!" Harry replied cheerfully, before walking right past him.

"How?"

"Telling you won't do any good, it takes colossal amounts of power to do it. More than the Jedi Order as a whole has. Did Mars have you sign the proper forms for a custody transferal?"

"He did, but he made it dependent on Anakin being accepted into the Jedi Order to completely seal the transfer." Qui-Gon replied.

"Good. Mars, have planetary security and the Knights find out how Maul got onto Tatooine and then tell them to improve security there to eliminate the weakness in it. Step up patrols by the Anti-Slavery task-force and have Internal Affairs investigate the local branch for corruption and deport all Hutts and retainers of them by claiming they lack proper credentials... any slaves or indentured servants are to be freed and any crimes are to be punished."

"Will do, but keep an eye on Master Jinn. He's old and can barely fight... he might get someone killed." Mars said, before walking away to give those orders, leaving behind an offended Jedi Master.

"Aging Ataru practictioner?" Harry asked knowingly.

"Yes...."

"You need to compensate by improving your skills with less demanding forms like Soresu. Ataru is a young persons form or best suited for the eternally youthful and fit... I can use Ataru at peak level for five hours." Harry decided to drop the subject due to Qui-Gon Jinn's annoyance. "Anyway, we'll be leaving for Coruscant in a few minutes. All preparations have been made for our back-up plans."

"I plan on tagging along in case the Jedi annoy you. Bastila agreed to take command here while I do." Revan said, to Harry's silent annoyance. Harry could restrain himself from giving the Jedi High Council the worst beat down of the millennium. Harry found Revan's lack of faith disturbing.

**The Eternal, the Lord's Room.**
Harry was meditating, as he so often did in troubled times, and was intrigued by what he saw.... Anakin Skywalker could speed up the process of bringing balance to the Force by destroying both the Jedi and the Sith. Harry could take advantage and ensure that both Orders never returned and then preserve the balance with a Grey Order. The Force had revealed much to him and not only could Harry end the eternal cycle of conflict between the Light and Dark Sides, but he could also make the galaxy better than ever. Harry would just have to secretly improve Skywalker's potential to compensate for his late start.

It may cause arrogance on the boys part, but the Jedi would brainwash that out of him.

To that end, Harry snuck into Skywalker's room, summoned the shade of Darth Maul and gave the boy an imprint of Maul's skills before giving Anakin an imprint of Kenobi and Jinn's skills and some moderate skill imprints in regards to using Force lightning and Tutaminis. This would hopefully allow him to avoid requiring cybernetics and therefore reduce his potential with them. With the skills of two well-controlled Jedi, it should allow Skywalker to return to the Light or possibly become Grey and join Harry once he's far more mature.

After achieving his goal, he returned to his room, only to find Padmé waiting outside his door.

"Having trouble sleeping?" Harry asked.

"I can't even go to sleep long enough to benefit from the Alderaanian relaxa-bed. I'm just worried about my people and their suffering and what the Trade Federation might do to them." Padmé said sadly. "I heard your door open and thought you might be having trouble sleeping too... I thought we could talk." Padmé had a huge crush on him too, but she wasn't here to act on that and had no intention of ever doing so.

"Sure, come in," Harry said in understanding. Padmé followed Harry inside and was surprised by how spartan his chambers were. "What did you want to talk about?"

"You," Padmé replied. "No one knows much about you.... You're a mystery to most and no one even knows exactly how old you are."

"4368 years old, but I don't celebrate my birthdays anymore," Harry replied in amusement. His age was the big question?

"I've heard Obi-Wan claim that you are untrustworthy due to using the Dark Side...." Padmé didn't believe that, of course, but she was interested in his response.

"I use all facets of the Force, but Obi-Wan is merely brainwashed and ignorant like most Jedi. I spent a century on my home planet as a scholar, learning about the Force, sciences, and skills... I left my world by reverse-engineering outdated hyperdrive technology and I was led by the Force on an odyssey for power and knowledge. I mastered the Dark Side by learning from Marka Ragnos, Tulak Hord, Darth Andeddu, Karness Muur, Naga Sadow, and Ludo Kressh; all beings of immense Dark Side power who I eventually destroyed as a final test. I mastered the Light Side and was eventually able to master my powers to the point where I could use both sides at once... I evolved beyond the meaningless dogma of the Jedi and Sith and could do things with the Force that most would deem impossible. I consider both Jedi and Sith equally untrustworthy, both are extremists and use brainwashing and create people of questionable sanity. The Jedi suppressing emotion risks the creation of sociopaths and the Sith are violent psychopaths." Padmé nodded in agreement, having watched some of the holos Harry owned while on his ship.

The two of them ended up spending hours talking and bonding before Harry walked Padmé back to her room... once she was inside she realized, to her surprise, that her crush had gotten even worse despite what she now knew of Harry's past.

*Why am I so attracted to him?* Padmé asked herself, blushing.