What was she thinking in this still moment from our beloved galaxy?

As the teenage queen, Amidala, watched the Trade Federation troops land on her beautiful world of Naboo and begin taking over the streets, what was going through her mind?

Was she truly prepared to handle such an invasion and test of her strength as a ruler at this juncture?

Had she handled relations with the Neimoidians as she should have?

Should she plea to the Galactic Senate for assistance in the matter and, if so, go to Coruscant in person?

What was to become of her world, its people and the well-being of the economic structure that her home had built for itself?

These could easily have been some of the questions infecting her mind during this crisis that was plaguing her planet. These were most certainly times of immense difficulty for any ruler, let alone a young 14-year old queen.

I can not imagine attempting to make such decisions and relations at so young an age. This would test Amidala's mettle more than any situation she had previously faced as queen. Her people were depending upon her to keep them and their way of living secure in the face of adversity. What a daunting task to be laid on one so young.

Look at the lighting used to capture her thoughts and pain. Perfect.

Amidala, however, was no normal teenager. She had been preparing for conflicts such as this for most of her short life. She knew what needed to be done and how to accomplish it.

She knew, above all, that she could not back down in her stance with the Federation. She must command respect and place thoughts of uncertainty in her enemy. She had already begun doing so by the strength she displayed in her holographic communications with the Neimoidians earlier.

Had she foreseen that the droid army would begin descending upon Naboo so quickly after the brief discussion with the Federation leaders in which she declared so fiercely that she would not back down? Would she be able to convince the Senate to act quickly enough to avoid the war that she was so against?

She knew that she must hide any doubts that she had within the mask that she wore; a mask of strength and wisdom. One that would carry her through the difficult times she faced. She was the Queen of Naboo. She would prevail against adversity and ensure peace and triumph for her people and planet.

I think this was an important moment for Amidala. Here the teenage queen has the weight of the world (literally!) on her shoulders and all of her people are depending on her. It's so poignant seeing her standing her so quietly and incredibly calm as events unfold beyond her direct control. It's an amazingly touching moment to me.

I believe her thoughts concerned the well-being of her people over most other matters. She was a ruler with great heart and caring. She knew that to handle matters most effectively, she must make the journey to seek audience with the Senate personally. No envoy could be sent for this task. Her plea for assistance must be made by her and her alone.

And so it was...

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