Chapter One

The Party of Prisoners

A young padawan and his master swept the streets of Naboo followed hurriedly by a bewildered, and often bewildering, Gungan. The master had been injured during "negotiations" earlier that day but could not allow that to falter him now as the Force was leading him swiftly to the Queen with the gravest urgency.

Not a pace ahead of him his padawan slowed as they came to bridge where the procession of hostages could be spied in the distance

The Jedi instinctively ducked down out of view, the Gungan dragged with them.

"Aargh-" the master groaned, his fresh wound tearing at his change in stance. "Be mindful of your feelings," the Master reinforced upon the young Jedi whose only response was a curt nod, his concern apparent.

Attention upon the elder Jedi was short lived as the younger caught the bumbling Gungan blatantly leaning over the bridge for a finer view of his foreign surroundings. Once again he was dragged down and into hiding with a barely audible yelp as the padawn covered his mouth, forcibly holding him down until sure he would quieten.

"Mesa confused. Why sa no rescuing the Queens?"

"Patience," the young Jedi stated. "They shall come to us, there is no need to expose ourselves yet. That could compromise the security of the Queen, and our mission, even further."

He was correct but his eyes still sought out his masters for approval, which he received with the slightest of nods and a small quirk in the Jedi's lips. This was enough for the young padawan who tried to suppress his boyish grin, but the smile soon fell from his face.

Looking at his master who was already preparing himself the padawan followed suit for the Force was giving them fair warning. The party of prisoners was drawing near.

A nod from his master.

A nod to the confused Gungan.

It was time.

* * *

Queen Amidala was soon to be captured by the Trade Federation, she had no doubt of that.

She stood at her balcony to observe the chaos as only a politician can, a cold and distant stare unmasked by her layers of make-up. They had conquered her skies and now they were conquering her land. Soon they would conquer her people. Then her.

Her composure was one thing they could not dominate. She would not allow it.

That at least was still in her control, even if it was the only thing.

She was stirred from her surveillance by an abrupt crash inside her chambers. It was them. How had they reached her so quickly? How long had she been standing there? She had awaited their arrival patiently, pondering the dichotomy of her emotional state, amongst other things.

The Queen had loathed standing at her balcony watching a view she had once loved disintegrate under the attack before her, powerless to put an end to it.

Yet she longed for more time before she had to face those responsible, those who caused this suffering, only serving to remind her she had lost all authority.

Sighing she turned, fully composed, to face them with all the strength the people of Naboo deserved to be represented by.

"Captain?" She was shocked to discover Captain Panaka was the one to crash into her room followed by the Queen of Naboo.

Well not the real Queen of Naboo, but an outstanding double of herself.

"Your highness, we haven't much time," panted the Captain who had clearly been under attack not moments before. "We must-"

"You must protect the people from our invaders. I will not stand for your disobedience on this matter Panaka," the Queen had no intention of leaving her people to be slaughtered. "You are to direct the people to safety and defend them where you can."

She turned to her decoy and friend, "Do not exacerbate the situation Sabé. These invaders will not be above killing a Queen."

"Which is why I must protect you milady."

"I will not have your life on my conscience. You are too dear to me."

"It is my duty."

"Nor will I abandon my people in this time of crisis. Their leader shall not hide behind a disguise-"

"They can not kill you yet, your highness," interjected Panaka. "They need you to sign a treaty making this invasion legal."

"I will sign no such treaty."

"Which is why we need you to hide! If they can not locate the Queen they can not force her to sign anything. You must hide for your people. Try and survive as long as possible, signalling our distress to the Republic. It is our only hope. Let Sabé not sign the treaty. Let Sabé be captured by the Federation."

"Let Sabé face the danger," the Queen was sadly conceding to their plan.

No sooner than the last of her make-up removed and the final layer of handmaiden robes slipped on was the Viceroy upon them.

The rest of her faithful handmaids had assembled in identical attire, camouflaging the royalty in their bosom.

Escorted along side the Queen, amongst other dignitaries of the Naboo, they were lead out of the palace and through the streets towards what was referred to as a camp.

She heard Sabé's refusals to sign this "treaty" from ahead and the growing mechanical footsteps ululating all around. She felt physically sick when she was temporarily blinded by the flashes of green and blue light falling from just above her head.

A/N Just setting the scene. Hope you enjoyed it, and don't be a stranger ;)