Theme: Alternate Universe
Challenge: What if Padme Amidala switched roles with Obi-Wan Kenobi; Obi-Wan royalty and Padme as a Padawan with Qui-Gon Jinn as her master.
The Padawan & the Prince - Part 2
By obi's girl
My Master, Captain Panaka and I watched over Ric Olie's shoulder. Tatoonie. Literally a dust ball, lying on the out rim, hardly noticeable by anyone. It was perfect. I glanced at Olie. He was checking his scopes.
"That's it. Tatooine." I mused, staring at the planet. Of course, if we were discovered amongst pirates and slave traders, we would be in a lot of trouble. And the Hutts. If they knew Royalty was with us, well, I don't even want to think about what would happen. My Master glanced at me and placed a soothing hand on my shoulder. I smiled I was all right and he nodded to Olie.
"There's a settlement...a spaceport, looks like. " Ric stated.
My Master nodded, "Land near the outskirts. We don't want to attract any attention."
**
I hoisted the Hyperdrive out off a floor panel, as my Master appeared to debrief me on the situation. He stared back at me with his piercing eyes, though it didn't intimidate me. Over the years, I've learned not to be afraid of him...even if he was taller than I was. "Master, the Hyperdrive generator is gone. We will need a new one."
My Master moved closer to me and spoke quietly, "That'll complicate matters." He mused, then gazed at me, "Don't let them send any transmissions. Be wary...I sense a disturbance in the Force."
I nodded, obediently, "I felt it also, Master."
He smiled at me but as he turned to leave, I piped, "May the Force be with you." He turned back, smiled the same and disappeared.
"So, it looks like you're stuck here." A voice mused.
I snickered, facing the Prince and shrugged, "My Master trusts me. He knows I can take care of myself and.... you."
He smiled, leaning on the door frame, "Well, I'll try not to be an annoyance for you, Padawan."
I laughed, running a scanner over the Hyperdrive to correctly asses how broken it was. After a minute or something, I put down the scanner and looked at the Prince, "Why did you ask me about my age?"
The Prince shrugged, "You just seemed so mature for your age, wise and knowledgeable."
I blushed, staring back at him with a huge smile on my face but the feeling swept away when Captain Panaka entered with a stern look on his face. He glanced at the Prince, then nodded to me. "Your highness, we should stick close to the throne room in case Governor Bibble or someone else calls from home."
He sighed, gave me a small smile and vanished down the hallway. Panaka stayed a bit, glaring at me then followed.
**
"Your Highness, I must caution you. You shouldn't get involved with these Jedi. They're reckless and unconventional." Panaka warned the Prince as they walked down the hall way towards the Throne room.
The Prince nodded defiantly, turning abruptly to him. "I know you mean well, Captain, but keep in mind, I can take care of myself. I maybe a recently elected ruler, but I won't allow that to get in the way of my emotions." He smiled proudly, "Besides, she likes me." And entered the throne room.
**
Unfortunately, it wasn't very long until we were hit with a distress call from Naboo. The Prince summoned me to the throne room. I nodded to him, then settled down as Captain played the last half of the message. I would have questioned about the first half but forgot about it once I heard, no, saw the terror.
"...cut off all food supplies until you return...the death toll is catastrophic...we must bow to their wishes, Your Highness...Please tell us what to do! If you can hear us, Your Highness, you must contact me..." Governor Bibble looked desperate and pressed.
It could have been that the Federation forced him to make the transmission. If a reply were sent, it would sign the Prince's death warrant and every one else's. No. I can't let that happen.
I glanced at the Prince. He looked upset...almost nervous. I stared at him some more. He trusted my judgment and actions and knew whatever I decided was the best choice. I just hoped my choice was the best...whatever that was. I stood up abruptly, waving my hand,
"It's a trick. Send no reply... Send no transmission of any kind." The words fumbled so quickly out of my mouth, I couldn't even comprehend what I said. I glanced at the Prince again. He nodded all right, but even that didn't assure me. I needed to contact my Master.
**
"The Prince is upset...but absolutely no reply was sent."
My Master paused a moment before replying, "It sounds like bait to establish a connection trace."
I bit my lip, trying to force back the feeling. I knew there were two possibilities. One, it was a trick and two, the worst, people were suffering and if we didn't act, their suffering would continue. I shuddered at that feeling. "What if it is true and the people are dying?" My voice trembled slightly but I didn't think my Master noticed.
"Either way, we're running out of time." my Master concluded.
I sighed, placing the COM link back on my belt. I stopped when I noticed the Prince standing in the doorway. I hung my head, drooping my shoulders. He heard everything...of course probably not everything but the part about my suspicion. He smiled at me, walking over and to my surprise, hugged me. My head fell on his shoulder and I felt peace.
"Don't worry. Whatever the situation comes to, I'm sure we can work things out." He mused.
I nodded my head, struggling to keep tears from flowing, "I hope so." I let go, staring back at him, "I know I'm just a Padawan, but I promise, no harm will come to you or your people. I won't allow that to happen."
He smiled, kissing my cheek, "I know." And I let him go.
**
"Tatooine is sparsely populated. If the trace was correct, I will find them quickly, Master." Sith Lord, Darth Maul mused, walking along the balcony, over looking night Coruscant.
After years of being hidden, planning, the Sith would arise again and take back what was rightfully theirs. Nothing was going to stop them...not even the Jedi.
A man draped in black robes smiled his acknowledgment - Darth Sidious, the last Sith Lord, but the first of anew would usher in a new age of darkness, order and justice. The way things should have always been...for the Sith anyway. "Move against the Jedi first...you will then have no difficulty taking the Prince back to Naboo, where he will sign the treaty."
"At last we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi. At last we will have revenge."
Sidious grunted, staring at the night, "You have been well trained, my young apprentice, they will be no match for you. It is too late for them to stop us now. Everything is going as planned. The Republic will soon be in my command."
**
This has been one of the few times I've disagreed with my Masters' tactics. He's entered a small slave boy in a pod race to take place on Boonta Eve - tomorrow. He has lots of faith in the boy; he even believes there's something special about him. More strays I say. Extra baggage to drag us down. I know he believes this boy is important, but his actions are reckless. He's even placed the ship as the boy's entry fee and if he loses, we're stuck here forever.
Many times in the past I've told him not to be too reckless, but he's always turned his head the other way, trusting his instincts. I've always trusted my instincts as well, but there's something about this boy that scares me...and the Prince. How do I tell him we can't go to Coruscant to plead on behalf of Naboo, because a junk dealer has possessed the ship? I promised him I wouldn't allow any harm to his people but what if my master fails in his task? I'll fail; I'll fail him and his people. All his trust in me will be lost. How can I deal with that?
TBC
