The Padawan and the Prince
(Part 5)
By obi's girl
Nute Gungray and Rune Haako stood before a darkened hologram of Darth Sidious. He gritted his teeth, "The Prince is on his way to you. I regret he is of no further use to us. When he gets there, destroy him."
Gungray nodded, scared to face him. "Yes, my Lord."
"Viceroy, is the planet secure?"
He nodded again, still unable to look at him. "Yes, my Lord, we have taken over the last pockets of primitive life forms. We are in complete control of the planet now."
Sidious smiled, "Good. I will see to it that in the Senate, things stay as they are. I am sending Darth Maul to join you. He will deal with the Jedi."
"Yes, my Lord." Rune concluded as Sidious faded off. He turned worriedly to Nute, a strained expression on his face unable to believe how deep things had gotten. "A Sith lord here with us?!!"
**
Anakin stood next to Ric Olie, pointing to various buttons and gauges. Still, a little boy and already he knew so much in so little time. But he was amazing, able to recognize anything and tell what they were meant to do. "...And that one?"
Ric nodded, "The forward stabilizer."
"And those control the pitch?" Ani added, pointing to another set of instruments.
Olie smiled back, amazed and impressed, "You catch on pretty quick." and Ani smiled back.
**
Eirtae and Sache stood behind the Prince as he talked with my Master and Captain Panaka while Master Binks and I stayed back. Panaka scowled as he faced his ruler, trying to convince his highness this was a bad idea. His highness wanted to return and reclaim what was rightfully theirs, which was a valid argument but I feared the outcome. I didn't want him to loose his people, my people.
Panaka nodded, "The moment we land the Federation will arrest you, and force you to sign the treaty."
"I agree...I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish by this." my Master added.
He looked down briefly, catching my gaze and regained his confidence. "I'm going to take back what's ours."
Panaka was still not convinced. Of course, he had always been the cynical one. "There are only twelve of us, Your Highness.... We have no army."
My Master's eyebrow's furrowed, nodding, "I cannot fight a war for you, Your Highness, only protect you."
"Master Jedi Binks?"
Jar Jar glanced at me and I shrugged in return, both of us puzzled. "Mesa, Your Highness?"
"Yes. I need your help."
**
As head toward the lush green planet, I noticed only one Federation battle cruiser orbiting as Captain Panaka viewed the screen. He nodded, glancing at me. "The blockade's gone...I have one battleship on my scope." He scowled, looking to me for some answer. "They've probably spotted us."
I huffed, rolling my shoulders a bit. "We haven't much time."
**
As we landed in the Gungan swamp, troops unloaded the ship as I approached my Master. He smiled hello at me as I glanced around at the lush world that was my birthplace. It really was beautiful, and now I had to help to protect it. I cleared my throat slightly, grabbing some of my Masters' attention. "Jar Jar is on his way to the Gungan City, Master." His thoughts were elsewhere, I could tell. I glanced over at the groove where the Prince, his guard and Anakin were waiting. He saw me looking at him and smiled. Qui-Gon saw my smile and nodded as I continued, "Do you think the Prince's idea will work?"
"The Gungans will not easily be swayed, and we cannot use our power to help him."
I bit my lip again, looking at Anakin. He really was special and sighed, "You were right about the boy, Master. He is special."
Qui-Gon looked at him for a long moment and smiled, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You have been a good apprentice, Padme. You are much wiser than I am. I foresee you will become a great Jedi Knight."
I smiled back at him sudennly feeling another premonition. My Master fighting against the same Sith that attacked him on Tatoonie, only I was no where to be seen. The Sith growled at him, striking his blade into Qui-Gon's chest as he fell to the floor unconscious. Tears started to sour my eyes but I forced them back, not wanting to believe the vision. Qui-Gon saw my worry and frowned but I only smiled back at him, hiding my feelings.
"Padawan?"
I nodded, glancing at the Prince. "It's nothing Master. Just the wind." I whispered back, deeply disturbed by the vision.
**
Jar Jar swam down into Bubble City, bobbing his head from side to the other. He shrugged his shoulders before entering the main square of the Bubble City. He stood, stunned, in amazement and fear. They were gone, all of them. He nervously walked about the empty plaza. "Ello! Where das everybody?" He noticed that many of the buildings were shot up as if there had been a battle of some kind. He hung his head low and started back.
**
Jar Jar exited the Swamp Lake and walked over to the Prince, Captain Panaka, Qui-Gon and I. Eirtae, Rabe, Anakin, and Artoo, four pilots, and eight guards stood in the background near the starship. He shrugged, "Dare-sa nobody dare. All gone. Some kinda fight, I tink. Sorry, no Gungas...no Gungas."
Fight? Had the droid army killed the Gungans? If they did, we were lost. The Naboo had no defenses, nothing strong enough to fight against an army. I leaned back and started to reach through the Force, but my Master stopped me as Captain Panaka spoke, "Do you think they have been taken to camps?"
"More likely they were wiped out." Some one said, sending a shudder through my body.
The Gungan nodded, "No...mesa no tink so. Gungan hiden. When in trouble, go to sacred place. Mackineeks no find them dare."
**
We followed Jar Jar as he moved through the swamp; we stopped briefly as he sniffed the air. He turned to me and smiled, "Dissen it." Jar Jar made a strange chattering noise and suddenly, out of nowhere, an old Gungan riding a kaadu and six other Gungan guards confronted us. "Heyo-dalee, Captain Tarpals."
Tarpals nodded, scowling, "Binks!! Noah gain!"
Bincks huffed, still smiling, "We comen to see da boss."
Captain Tarpals rolled his eyes. Obviously, Jar Jar wasn't well liked by his people because he left Naboo and became a Jedi Master. The Gungans were a secret people; they were believed to be monsters by the Naboo and ate children in their sleep. I used to believe the same thing when I was younger, but after knowing Jar Jar for a couple years, it was obvious to me he wasn't a killer. "Ouch time, Binks... Ouch time for all-n youse."
**
Jar Jar, the Prince, Anakin, R2, my Master, and I led the rest of our group through a clearing full of Gungans refugees. At the far end were the ruins of a grand temple with massive carved heads. Boss Noss and several other Council Members walked out on the top of a three-quarter-submerged head. "Jar Jar, yousa payen dis time. Who's da uss-en others??"
The Prince stepped forward, lightly brushing my left shoulder. Captain Panaka and the handmaidens stood behind him. "I am Prince Obi-Wan Kenobi of the Naboo...I come before you in peace."
Boss made some click sound with his tongue or cheek, eyes wide-eyed. "Naboo biggen. Yousa bringen da Mackineeks... Dya busten uss-en omm. Yousa all bombad. Yousa all die'n, mesa tink."
Captain Panaka and half a dozen guards and pilots looked around nervously, as the Gungan troops lowered their long power poles. My Master remained relaxed, though I was a bit nervous and Anakin watched everything with great interest. "We wish to form an alliance..."
Suddenly, one of the guard stepped forward, "Your Honor..." R2 whistled a quiet "uh oh."
Boss raised a suspicious eyebrow, "Whosa dis?"
He raised his chin and smiled partly, "I am Prince Obi-Wan Kenobi." He pointed to the younger man kneeling, "This is my decoy...my protection...my loyal bodyguard."
Anakin was stunned as I smiled knowingly, though I growled and mentally kicked myself. Decoy? If that was true, whom was I flirting with in the ship? Was it really Obi-Wan or the decoy?
"...I am sorry for my deception, but under the circumstances it has become necessary to protect myself. Although we do not always agree, Your Honor, our two great societies have always lived in peace...until now. The Trade Federation has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build. You are in hiding, my people are in camps. If we do not act quickly, all will be lost forever...I ask you to help us...no, I beg you to help us." He knelt down, turned slightly and winked at me. He was the Prince. Only that cockiness could make me swoon. There was a gasp from Captain Panaka, his troops and handmaidens. "We are your humble servants...our fate is in your hands."
Slowly, Captain Panaka, the handmaidens and troops bowed down before the Gungan Council. I smiled, kneeling down as my Master studied Boss Noss' face. Our actions and their leaders' action puzzled the Gungans. He started to laugh, wiggling his fingers, "Yousa no tinken yousa greater den da Gungans... Mesa like dis. Maybe wesa bein friends."
***
Nute, Rune and Darth Maul walked along side a hologram of Darth Sidious. Rune fidgeted, his eyes away from Sidious as Run explained the situation. "...We've sent out patrols. We've already located their starship in the swamp.... It won't be long, My Lord."
Sidious scowled, "This is an unexpected move for him. It's too aggressive.. Lord Maul, be mindful."
The Sith bowed his head in respect, "Yes, my Master."
"Be patient... Let them make the first move." Sidious glanced back at Rune and Nute. The both of them looked nervous, worried - they were weak as he always thought to be.
**
The Prince walked over to me as I talked with my Master. I smiled, laughing, "Don't even think about it, your highness." The Prince frowned and stood on my left. "So, I just have one question. The whole time on the ship, was that you I was flirting with or the guard? You say the guard, I'm going to be really angry."
"No, it was me. After you and your Master left the throne room, my decoy came out of hiding and we switched places. Sorry about the deception but it was necessary to keep myself out of danger. I mean, I trust you ---."
I waved my hand, smiling, "I get it. I'm not angry with you." As Captain Panaka, R2 and Anni joined us. Anni ran over as Boss Noss joined the group, standing on my Master's right side.
The Prince gazed up, winked at me before facing Captain Panaka. "What is the situation?"
"Almost everyone's in camps. A few hundred police and guards have formed an underground movement. I brought as many of the leaders as I could. The Federation Army's also much larger than we thought, and much stronger. Your Highness, this is a battle I do not think we can win."
Obi-Wan cleared his throat, gesturing for R2 to start up the hologram. Before us was an exact layout of the palace, well the outside anyway. "The battle is a diversion. The Gungans must draw the Droid Army away from the cities. We can enter the city using the secret passages on the waterfall side. Once we get to the main entrance, Captain Panaka will create a diversion, so that we can enter the palace and capture the Viceroy. Without the Viceroy, they will be lost and confused."
My Master and I looked on with interest. Obi-Wan looked up at my Master, "What do you think, Master Jedi?"
Qui-Gon sighed, examining the hologram, "The Viceroy will be well guarded."
Panaka nodded, "The difficulty's getting into the throne room. Once we're inside, we shouldn't have a problem."
Still, I knew he was worried. "There is a possibility with this diversion many Gungans will be killed." Mindful of the living Force, Master. I remember. Qui-Gon caught that thought and smiled at me.
Boss Nass struck his chest, his beady eyes narrowing. "Wesa ready to do are-sa part." Jar Jar smiled a very worried and sheepish grin as Anakin and Artoo watched with interest.
"We have a plan which should immobilize the Droid Army. We will send what pilots we have to knock out the Droid control ship, which is orbiting the planet. If we can get past their ray shields, we can sever communication and their droids will be helpless."
" A well-conceived plan. However, there's great risk. The weapons on your fighters may not penetrate the shields on the control ship." My Master reasoned.
I raised my chin, looking at the Prince, "And there's an even bigger danger. If the Viceroy escapes, Your Highness, he will return with another droid army."
"That is why we must not fail to get to the Viceroy. Everything depends on it." He concluded.
***
Nute, Rune, Lord Maul, OOM-9, and a hologram of Darth Sidious walked through the throne room. " ...He is more foolish than I thought."
"We are sending all available troops to meet this army of hers assembling near the swamp. It appears to be made up of primitives. We do not expect much resistance." Nute added, nodding to the droid.
"I am increasing security at all Naboo detention camps." OOM-9 reasoned.
Maul sided, halting, "I feel there is more to this, My Master. The two Jedi may be using the Prince for their own purposes."
Sidious remained silent for a moment, thinking, "The Jedi cannot become involved. They can only protect the Prince. Qui-Gon Jinn will not break that covenant.... This will work to our advantage... "
"I have your approval to proceed then, My Lord?" Nute asked, the room sudennly feeling colder than usual.
"Proceed. Wipe them put...all of them." Sidious concluded, his image fading.
TBC
(Part 5)
By obi's girl
Nute Gungray and Rune Haako stood before a darkened hologram of Darth Sidious. He gritted his teeth, "The Prince is on his way to you. I regret he is of no further use to us. When he gets there, destroy him."
Gungray nodded, scared to face him. "Yes, my Lord."
"Viceroy, is the planet secure?"
He nodded again, still unable to look at him. "Yes, my Lord, we have taken over the last pockets of primitive life forms. We are in complete control of the planet now."
Sidious smiled, "Good. I will see to it that in the Senate, things stay as they are. I am sending Darth Maul to join you. He will deal with the Jedi."
"Yes, my Lord." Rune concluded as Sidious faded off. He turned worriedly to Nute, a strained expression on his face unable to believe how deep things had gotten. "A Sith lord here with us?!!"
**
Anakin stood next to Ric Olie, pointing to various buttons and gauges. Still, a little boy and already he knew so much in so little time. But he was amazing, able to recognize anything and tell what they were meant to do. "...And that one?"
Ric nodded, "The forward stabilizer."
"And those control the pitch?" Ani added, pointing to another set of instruments.
Olie smiled back, amazed and impressed, "You catch on pretty quick." and Ani smiled back.
**
Eirtae and Sache stood behind the Prince as he talked with my Master and Captain Panaka while Master Binks and I stayed back. Panaka scowled as he faced his ruler, trying to convince his highness this was a bad idea. His highness wanted to return and reclaim what was rightfully theirs, which was a valid argument but I feared the outcome. I didn't want him to loose his people, my people.
Panaka nodded, "The moment we land the Federation will arrest you, and force you to sign the treaty."
"I agree...I'm not sure what you hope to accomplish by this." my Master added.
He looked down briefly, catching my gaze and regained his confidence. "I'm going to take back what's ours."
Panaka was still not convinced. Of course, he had always been the cynical one. "There are only twelve of us, Your Highness.... We have no army."
My Master's eyebrow's furrowed, nodding, "I cannot fight a war for you, Your Highness, only protect you."
"Master Jedi Binks?"
Jar Jar glanced at me and I shrugged in return, both of us puzzled. "Mesa, Your Highness?"
"Yes. I need your help."
**
As head toward the lush green planet, I noticed only one Federation battle cruiser orbiting as Captain Panaka viewed the screen. He nodded, glancing at me. "The blockade's gone...I have one battleship on my scope." He scowled, looking to me for some answer. "They've probably spotted us."
I huffed, rolling my shoulders a bit. "We haven't much time."
**
As we landed in the Gungan swamp, troops unloaded the ship as I approached my Master. He smiled hello at me as I glanced around at the lush world that was my birthplace. It really was beautiful, and now I had to help to protect it. I cleared my throat slightly, grabbing some of my Masters' attention. "Jar Jar is on his way to the Gungan City, Master." His thoughts were elsewhere, I could tell. I glanced over at the groove where the Prince, his guard and Anakin were waiting. He saw me looking at him and smiled. Qui-Gon saw my smile and nodded as I continued, "Do you think the Prince's idea will work?"
"The Gungans will not easily be swayed, and we cannot use our power to help him."
I bit my lip again, looking at Anakin. He really was special and sighed, "You were right about the boy, Master. He is special."
Qui-Gon looked at him for a long moment and smiled, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You have been a good apprentice, Padme. You are much wiser than I am. I foresee you will become a great Jedi Knight."
I smiled back at him sudennly feeling another premonition. My Master fighting against the same Sith that attacked him on Tatoonie, only I was no where to be seen. The Sith growled at him, striking his blade into Qui-Gon's chest as he fell to the floor unconscious. Tears started to sour my eyes but I forced them back, not wanting to believe the vision. Qui-Gon saw my worry and frowned but I only smiled back at him, hiding my feelings.
"Padawan?"
I nodded, glancing at the Prince. "It's nothing Master. Just the wind." I whispered back, deeply disturbed by the vision.
**
Jar Jar swam down into Bubble City, bobbing his head from side to the other. He shrugged his shoulders before entering the main square of the Bubble City. He stood, stunned, in amazement and fear. They were gone, all of them. He nervously walked about the empty plaza. "Ello! Where das everybody?" He noticed that many of the buildings were shot up as if there had been a battle of some kind. He hung his head low and started back.
**
Jar Jar exited the Swamp Lake and walked over to the Prince, Captain Panaka, Qui-Gon and I. Eirtae, Rabe, Anakin, and Artoo, four pilots, and eight guards stood in the background near the starship. He shrugged, "Dare-sa nobody dare. All gone. Some kinda fight, I tink. Sorry, no Gungas...no Gungas."
Fight? Had the droid army killed the Gungans? If they did, we were lost. The Naboo had no defenses, nothing strong enough to fight against an army. I leaned back and started to reach through the Force, but my Master stopped me as Captain Panaka spoke, "Do you think they have been taken to camps?"
"More likely they were wiped out." Some one said, sending a shudder through my body.
The Gungan nodded, "No...mesa no tink so. Gungan hiden. When in trouble, go to sacred place. Mackineeks no find them dare."
**
We followed Jar Jar as he moved through the swamp; we stopped briefly as he sniffed the air. He turned to me and smiled, "Dissen it." Jar Jar made a strange chattering noise and suddenly, out of nowhere, an old Gungan riding a kaadu and six other Gungan guards confronted us. "Heyo-dalee, Captain Tarpals."
Tarpals nodded, scowling, "Binks!! Noah gain!"
Bincks huffed, still smiling, "We comen to see da boss."
Captain Tarpals rolled his eyes. Obviously, Jar Jar wasn't well liked by his people because he left Naboo and became a Jedi Master. The Gungans were a secret people; they were believed to be monsters by the Naboo and ate children in their sleep. I used to believe the same thing when I was younger, but after knowing Jar Jar for a couple years, it was obvious to me he wasn't a killer. "Ouch time, Binks... Ouch time for all-n youse."
**
Jar Jar, the Prince, Anakin, R2, my Master, and I led the rest of our group through a clearing full of Gungans refugees. At the far end were the ruins of a grand temple with massive carved heads. Boss Noss and several other Council Members walked out on the top of a three-quarter-submerged head. "Jar Jar, yousa payen dis time. Who's da uss-en others??"
The Prince stepped forward, lightly brushing my left shoulder. Captain Panaka and the handmaidens stood behind him. "I am Prince Obi-Wan Kenobi of the Naboo...I come before you in peace."
Boss made some click sound with his tongue or cheek, eyes wide-eyed. "Naboo biggen. Yousa bringen da Mackineeks... Dya busten uss-en omm. Yousa all bombad. Yousa all die'n, mesa tink."
Captain Panaka and half a dozen guards and pilots looked around nervously, as the Gungan troops lowered their long power poles. My Master remained relaxed, though I was a bit nervous and Anakin watched everything with great interest. "We wish to form an alliance..."
Suddenly, one of the guard stepped forward, "Your Honor..." R2 whistled a quiet "uh oh."
Boss raised a suspicious eyebrow, "Whosa dis?"
He raised his chin and smiled partly, "I am Prince Obi-Wan Kenobi." He pointed to the younger man kneeling, "This is my decoy...my protection...my loyal bodyguard."
Anakin was stunned as I smiled knowingly, though I growled and mentally kicked myself. Decoy? If that was true, whom was I flirting with in the ship? Was it really Obi-Wan or the decoy?
"...I am sorry for my deception, but under the circumstances it has become necessary to protect myself. Although we do not always agree, Your Honor, our two great societies have always lived in peace...until now. The Trade Federation has destroyed all that we have worked so hard to build. You are in hiding, my people are in camps. If we do not act quickly, all will be lost forever...I ask you to help us...no, I beg you to help us." He knelt down, turned slightly and winked at me. He was the Prince. Only that cockiness could make me swoon. There was a gasp from Captain Panaka, his troops and handmaidens. "We are your humble servants...our fate is in your hands."
Slowly, Captain Panaka, the handmaidens and troops bowed down before the Gungan Council. I smiled, kneeling down as my Master studied Boss Noss' face. Our actions and their leaders' action puzzled the Gungans. He started to laugh, wiggling his fingers, "Yousa no tinken yousa greater den da Gungans... Mesa like dis. Maybe wesa bein friends."
***
Nute, Rune and Darth Maul walked along side a hologram of Darth Sidious. Rune fidgeted, his eyes away from Sidious as Run explained the situation. "...We've sent out patrols. We've already located their starship in the swamp.... It won't be long, My Lord."
Sidious scowled, "This is an unexpected move for him. It's too aggressive.. Lord Maul, be mindful."
The Sith bowed his head in respect, "Yes, my Master."
"Be patient... Let them make the first move." Sidious glanced back at Rune and Nute. The both of them looked nervous, worried - they were weak as he always thought to be.
**
The Prince walked over to me as I talked with my Master. I smiled, laughing, "Don't even think about it, your highness." The Prince frowned and stood on my left. "So, I just have one question. The whole time on the ship, was that you I was flirting with or the guard? You say the guard, I'm going to be really angry."
"No, it was me. After you and your Master left the throne room, my decoy came out of hiding and we switched places. Sorry about the deception but it was necessary to keep myself out of danger. I mean, I trust you ---."
I waved my hand, smiling, "I get it. I'm not angry with you." As Captain Panaka, R2 and Anni joined us. Anni ran over as Boss Noss joined the group, standing on my Master's right side.
The Prince gazed up, winked at me before facing Captain Panaka. "What is the situation?"
"Almost everyone's in camps. A few hundred police and guards have formed an underground movement. I brought as many of the leaders as I could. The Federation Army's also much larger than we thought, and much stronger. Your Highness, this is a battle I do not think we can win."
Obi-Wan cleared his throat, gesturing for R2 to start up the hologram. Before us was an exact layout of the palace, well the outside anyway. "The battle is a diversion. The Gungans must draw the Droid Army away from the cities. We can enter the city using the secret passages on the waterfall side. Once we get to the main entrance, Captain Panaka will create a diversion, so that we can enter the palace and capture the Viceroy. Without the Viceroy, they will be lost and confused."
My Master and I looked on with interest. Obi-Wan looked up at my Master, "What do you think, Master Jedi?"
Qui-Gon sighed, examining the hologram, "The Viceroy will be well guarded."
Panaka nodded, "The difficulty's getting into the throne room. Once we're inside, we shouldn't have a problem."
Still, I knew he was worried. "There is a possibility with this diversion many Gungans will be killed." Mindful of the living Force, Master. I remember. Qui-Gon caught that thought and smiled at me.
Boss Nass struck his chest, his beady eyes narrowing. "Wesa ready to do are-sa part." Jar Jar smiled a very worried and sheepish grin as Anakin and Artoo watched with interest.
"We have a plan which should immobilize the Droid Army. We will send what pilots we have to knock out the Droid control ship, which is orbiting the planet. If we can get past their ray shields, we can sever communication and their droids will be helpless."
" A well-conceived plan. However, there's great risk. The weapons on your fighters may not penetrate the shields on the control ship." My Master reasoned.
I raised my chin, looking at the Prince, "And there's an even bigger danger. If the Viceroy escapes, Your Highness, he will return with another droid army."
"That is why we must not fail to get to the Viceroy. Everything depends on it." He concluded.
***
Nute, Rune, Lord Maul, OOM-9, and a hologram of Darth Sidious walked through the throne room. " ...He is more foolish than I thought."
"We are sending all available troops to meet this army of hers assembling near the swamp. It appears to be made up of primitives. We do not expect much resistance." Nute added, nodding to the droid.
"I am increasing security at all Naboo detention camps." OOM-9 reasoned.
Maul sided, halting, "I feel there is more to this, My Master. The two Jedi may be using the Prince for their own purposes."
Sidious remained silent for a moment, thinking, "The Jedi cannot become involved. They can only protect the Prince. Qui-Gon Jinn will not break that covenant.... This will work to our advantage... "
"I have your approval to proceed then, My Lord?" Nute asked, the room sudennly feeling colder than usual.
"Proceed. Wipe them put...all of them." Sidious concluded, his image fading.
TBC
