Chapter 3
Damien awoke to the sound of his cell door opening. He looked up to see Panaka entering. "Come with me," Panaka said briskly, guiding Damien from his cell.
He was led to the Queen's audience chamber once more. Padme Amidala regarded him suspiciously. "Your warning about the blockade proved true."
Damien turned to Sio Bibble and said with a smirk, "I told you so." He turned to face the throne once more. "The Trade Federation has made their move, then?"
A dismayed expression passed across the Queen's face. "Yes," she confirmed. "They have blockaded Naboo as a protest of the Senate's new taxes."
"Always for money, isn't it?" Damien remarked casually. Without waiting for an answer, he asked, "Have Jedi negotiators been sent to talk to the leader of the Trade Federation's blockade?"
Amidala regarded him critically. "We were not aware that Jedi representatives had been contacted."
Just then, Panaka's comlink beeped. He listened for a moment, then quickly spoke to the Queen. "Your Majesty, we have just received word that the Chancellor has dispatched two Jedi to intercede on our behalf."
Amidala turned to look at Damien. "You will remain near our person until this crisis has ended," she ordered him. Damien raised an eyebrow, but bowed in acquiescence. Next, Amidala turned to Panaka. "We shall open communications with the Trade Federation flagship."
Herded along by droids, Damien's gaze wandered to the overhead walkway, where he caught sight of three familiar figures. He made eye contact with the Padawan, who recoiled in surprise. Damien nodded slightly to show he expected them, and then averted his gaze.
The two Jedi leapt down in front of the party, as Damien had known they would. They quickly dispatched the droids, and the Gungan joined them on the ground level. Introductions were swiftly made, and the party split up. Damien continued with the Queen's party to the hangar.
He smirked, knowing that their flight to Coruscant would be interrupted by a short detour to Tatooine.