Star Wars Multiverse
Universe 6, Episode 1 of 8: Duel of Fate
Ten years before the start of the Clone Wars, the TRADE FEDERATION has ordered a blockade around the planet of Naboo. Unbeknownst to the Galaxy at large, these are the machinations of the mysterious Sith, enemies of peace and freedom. The struggle to free Naboo is led by the brave Queen Amidala of the Naboo, aided by two Jedi Masters. A two pronged attack against the Trade Federation is underway, with the native Gungan army diverting most of the Federation's Droid forces away from the capital, allowing the Queen's forces to infiltrate the city and capture Viceroy Nute Gunray.
A point of divergence occurred that morning, just hours before the battle. The Theed power generator was scheduled to be inspected that day; in Universe 1, the inspection was canceled due to the occupation. But in Universe 6...
The plant's safety features were turned off so that the plant could be inspected properly. However, the Droid army was holding the Inspector at gun point, asking her questions regarding the inspection.
"I should have canceled today," the Inspector uttered under her breath. She turned around; the inspection will have to wait another day. Just as she was about to order the safety features to be put back on, that was when Queen Amidala and her forces began to attack the Droid army in the Hangar!
The Inspector's role in this story ends here. As in Universe 1, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jin dueled the Sith Lord Darth Maul, a duel that would end up being carried out in the power plant.
The laser doors that would have impeded the movement of the Jedi and the Sith during any other occasion were silent that day. Kenoby and Jin managed to corner Maul into the melting pit. Maul fought with unrivaled ferocity, but Kenobi and Jin were perfectly in sync with each other, helping to parry the Sith's blows.
With each passing moment, Maul grew desperate. As a last ditch effort, Maul would strike Qui-Gon Jin with the hilt of his double bladed lightsaber, but Obi-Wan Kenobi reacted quickly before the Sith Lord could impale the Jedi Master with the end of the former's lightsaber! With a single slash, Kenobi would cut off Maul's right hand, imbalancing the Sith Lord enough for Master and Apprentice to use their combined power to Force Push Maul down the pit!
"Well done, my Padawan," Jin smiled, sitting down on the ground. "Had you not been there..."
"Don't talk like that, Master," Kenobi said, sitting next to Jin. "He was a powerful opponent."
"Far more powerful than expected," said Jin. "Always two there are; one Master, and one Apprentice."
"Was that the Master?" Asked Kenobi.
"No," Jin said, his gaze distant. "That was most likely the Apprentice. Now you see, my Padawan, why the boy NEEDS to become a Jedi."
Kenobi nodded. He understood; it took two Jedi of exceptional talent to take down ONE Sith Apprentice, and barely.
"I am ready for the Trials, Master," said Kenobi. "Young Anaking MUST be trained, at any cost."
"My young Apprentice, this WAS your trial!" Qui-Gon said with a laugh. "And as far as I care, you've passed!"
Later that day, as the Naboo celebrated the defeat of the Trade Federation, Qui-Gon Jin spoke with Yoda via holocom.
"That your apprentice passed his trial, the Council agrees," said Grand Master Yoda. "For you to take on the young boy as your new apprentice...the Council also agrees."
"Dark times yet lay ahead, Master Yoda," Qui-Gon grimly said. "Now, more than ever, we'll need the Chosen One."
After the transmission ended, Yoda called a meeting of the Jedi Council.
"It is concerning that the Sith have returned," said Ki-Adi-Mundi. "But for them to have returned without us knowing about it... that is terrifying."
"Fall not to your fear, Master Mundi," said Yoda. "Fear is the path to the Dark Side..."
"Still, we must now double our guard," said Mace Windu. "Always two there are...I am uncertain if Master Qui-Gon killed the Master or the Apprentice, but that does not change the fact that another yet remains..."
On Naboo...
"Master Qui-Gon, and young Knight Kenobi!" Senator Palpatine smiled as he shook the hands of Naboo's heroes. "Naboo owes you a debt she can never repay! And you, young Skywalker, I've heard of your contributions to our victory! I'll personally be watching your career with GREAT interest!"
"Thank you, sir!" Said Anakin, blushing. He turned to Master Qui-Gon and said "Master, when do we start training?"
"Soon, young Anakin," Qui-Gon said, smiling.
"Now you be patient with him," Obi-Wan Kenobi said as he ruffled Anakin's hair. "He can be a little strict, but he's the best teacher anyone can hope for!"
