What's next?

In front of the senate

Padme looked out over the pods containing species from all over the galaxy. No longer hiding her face behind the white make up of queen, she could let her natural beauty shine through, although her mouth was set in a tight line and her brown eyes were severe. She was dressed in a flowing blue gown, and her hair tied up in an elaborate silver headpiece, as was traditional among her people.

Across the hall from her, a group of Niemoidians were pleading innocence of the blockade of Naboo, claiming it was a simple misunderstanding when twenty of their battleships all ran out of fuel at the same moment while passing by.

"You shouldn't be here." one of Padme's handmaidens whispered to her, "I don't think it's safe, my lady."

"I must be here." Padme whispered back, "They must see we have nothing to hide."

"This council recognises the senator from Naboo." Chancellor Palpatine announced from the central platform, "Senator Amidala, do you have a response?"

"Indeed I do." Padme spoke carefully into her pod's microphone, while trying not to look at the flying camera just above and to the side of her, broadcasting the senatorial proceedings galaxy-wide. "I have to respond by saying that this story is a complete fabrication..."

One of the federation representatives was fiddling with a device, and Padme's eyes grew wide. She barely had a second to wonder what he was going to do...

An explosion rocked the air and her pod bounced in place, throwing Padme to the floor. She groaned as she hit the cold metal, but was surprised at how quickly the smoke cleared, as well as the strange blue tinge it had.

As Padme got to her feet again, she cleared her throat and was about to accuse the Neimoidians of attacking her, when she saw all around her confused faces. Confused, angry and all blatantly staring at her.

"My lady!" Padme heard a handmaiden gasp from behind her, and she realised the girl was looking down at her body. Padme followed her gaze.

"Where did my clothes go?!" Padme shrieked.