To this question, the system responded with a simple notification:
[In such a scenario, this system—under directive 577939985-XTY from the general board—will seek and provide the owner with a catalog consistent with previous purchases, whether originating from reality or fiction.]
This wasn't the answer I expected, but that didn't make it any less pleasing. It meant there were no limits when it came to purchases, and so I figured it was time to once again upgrade my forces' arsenal, as well as the material sold abroad.
"System, purchase technologies from 1980–2000."
[Confirmed. The cost for this purchase will be 15,000,000 credits. Do you wish to confirm the payment?
Y/N]
Without thinking much about it, I pressed the "Yes" button. After that, I was now able to summon equipment from before World War I up to the year 2000. Without hesitation, I summoned a total of 32 Glock-17 pistols, each with two spare magazines in addition to the one already installed. Then, to further reinforce security, I also summoned tear gas, gas masks, 10 MP5 submachine guns with their magazines, and a couple of crates filled with shotgun shells.
Once the summoning was complete, Max had his secretary call the guards in by shifts to collect their new equipment—without ever stopping the perimeter watch around the property. Of course, the guards weren't alarmed by the sudden appearance of new gear. They had been with him since that first battle against Black Sun on Tatooine, and were among the most reliable groups, along with the two special forces units, Viper and --------. Naturally, they didn't hesitate to upgrade their weapons. Getting used to a different pistol design was mostly about adjusting to weight and materials; the Glock-17 was much lighter than their previous sidearms. Of course, the discarded weapons weren't thrown away—they were safely stored in the villa's armory alongside the tear gas canisters, masks, and shotgun shells.
Two days later, Maximus once again stood before the Queen of Naboo, though this time, the current head of the Royal Guard—the Silver Lilies—and the Minister of Defense, Tolar Venn, were also present. Tolar was a former pilot and member of the old Royal Guard. After the introductions, the queen began to speak.
"We have decided to acquire the equipment detailed in this list, as well as 3,000 horses and 500 trained dogs. We also wish to hire experienced officers to train our police forces. Payment will be made as before, in installments."
"Of course, Your Highness. I assure you there will be no issue in providing the requested equipment. And regarding the payment—as long as there are no delays, there won't be any problems. You know how we operate."
Indeed, unlike many corporations, our syndicate and chamber of commerce accepted payment in parts. And to ensure those payments were honored, we delivered proportionally to what had been paid.
"Do not worry about that. Furthermore, I would like to request your services, if I may. Recently, former Queen Padmé Amidala survived an assassination attempt during a diplomatic mission. Though she was saved at the last moment by Master Kenobi and his Padawan, her security has become a growing concern over time."
After the queen spoke, the captain of the Silver Lilies continued the conversation.
"As Her Majesty said, Senator Amidala's safety is now a major concern at court. Of course, we could assign some Silver Lilies to her escort, but a couple of guards are of little use in the face of repeated assassination attempts, despite our investigations. That's not to say we won't send a larger escort—but doing so might compromise the Queen's own safety. So, we've decided to send members of the new security force for the task. While they were volunteers with no prior training, they've become disciplined soldiers. True, they lack experience—but that doesn't make them any less brave when duty calls."
This clarification shed more light on what they really wanted: to have their volunteers learn from professionals and bring that knowledge back at no cost. Max never doubted the truth behind the assassination attempts—Padmé had often been captured by Separatists or targeted by bounty hunters like Aurra Sing or Jango Fett. But what they were really aiming for was experience for their troops.
"From our side, there'll be no issue providing bodyguards—but the number and quality will depend on the payment offered for such work."
"Then it's a deal. Have the contract prepared immediately. If you don't mind, would you accompany me while the formalities are being finalized?"
"Of course not. Walking alongside the Queen is a great privilege."
While Tolar and Maximus's secretary finalized the paperwork, he enjoyed the company of the ruler of an entire planet. Maximus had to admit—this queen was far more mature and people-focused than Padmé had been with her ideals. And he didn't just think that because this queen was 27 years old, but because she consistently placed her people above her own beliefs.
The afternoon flew by. At one moment during their walk, the two of them found themselves alone, and the queen turned to Maximus with a closeness that caught him completely off guard, especially given her previously cold demeanor.
"I'm sorry about earlier, but as you know, we both have responsibilities and people to care for. Each passing day, I fear more for Padmé's life," she said, stepping closer, showing a fragility that would've been unimaginable just moments earlier.
"Just for Padmé? I fear I've lost your favor in these months. But if that's how it must be, then I'll accept it."
Moving intimately close again, she whispered:
"It's impossible for you to lose my favor—whether now or a thousand years from now. You know my feelings will never change, no matter how it hurts me to see you with others when I'm gone."
"You know that between us, it's always been purely physical—no feelings. But with you… little by little, you've carved a space in my thoughts. And that, while not unpleasant, worries me. Relationships and emotions are weaknesses people like us can't afford. And you know that, even if you don't want to admit it."
"So what? In a few years, I likely won't be queen anymore, and my bonds will finally be broken. Then we can be together."
After saying this, she gave him a passionate kiss that left them both breathless.
"You know my heart holds space for only you. Please don't turn away from this plea—wait for me, will you?"
"Alright—but only this once."
Upon hearing his reply, a wide smile bloomed across the queen's face. As she walked away cheerfully, he watched her silver hair, mesmerized like a teenager with his first love. And yes—although such hair color was rare on Naboo, she had been born with silver hair and turquoise eyes. A look as fantastical as it was irresistible to him, who had never seen such beauty before.
Finally, with a sigh, he followed after her to ensure she remained safe—though his concerns were unfounded. They were in the royal garden, surrounded by Silver Lilies and his own bodyguards. There was no way anyone could get close without being seen.